Pesticide residues in drinking water treatment plants and human health risk assessment: a case study from Northern Iran

These days, the presence of pesticide residues in drinking water sources is a serious concern. In drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), various methods have been proposed to remove pesticide residues. This study was designed with the objectives of monitoring the occurrence and seasonal variations of pesticides in the output of drinking water treatment plants in two Northern provinces of Iran, Gilan and Golestan, and identifying their human health risks. Seventeen pesticide residues from different chemical structures were determined by using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that only Alachlor, Diazinon, Fenitrothion, Malathion, and Chlorpyrifos were detected. The pesticide concentrations ranged from ND to 405.3 ng/L and were higher in the first half-year period. The total non-carcinogenic human health risks was in safe range for infants, children, and adults (HI < 1). The carcinogenic human health risks of Alachlor for infants, children, and adults were in the range of 4.3 × 10-7 to 1.3 × 10-6, 2.0 × 10-7 to 9.6 × 10-7, and 1.1 × 10-7 to 5.5 × 10-7, respectively. These values do not pose health risks for adults and children, but may present a possible cancer risk for infants in two DWTPs of Golestan. In conclusion, considering the possibility of exposure to these pesticides through other routes, simultaneously, it is suggested to carry out a study that examines the level of risk by considering all exposure routes. We also propose stricter regulations for the sale and use of pesticides in Iran.

The therapeutic effect of larval saliva and hemolymph of Lucilia sericata on the treatment of Leishmania major lesion in BALB/c mice946

BACKGROUND

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a major challenge for the public health and medical community. It has been claimed that natural compounds derived from fly larvae have anti-leishmania properties against some species of Leishmania. The present study aimed at assessing the in vitro effects of larval products of Lucilia sericata against the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of Leishmania major. Also, the therapeutic effect of larval products on lesions induced by L. major infection was evaluated in BALB/c mice models.

METHODS

Parasite specimens and macrophage cells were exposed to varying concentrations of larval products for 24-120 h. Lesion progression and parasite load were investigated in the models to assess the therapeutic effects of the products.

RESULTS

The larval products displayed more potent cytotoxicity against L. major promastigotes. The IC₅₀ values for larval saliva and hemolymph were 100.6 and 37.96 ug/ml, respectively. The IC₅₀ of glucantime was 9.480 ug/ml. Also, the saliva and hemolymph of L. sericata exhibited higher cytotoxicity against the promastigotes of L. major but were less toxic to the macrophage cells. Treatment with leishmanicidal agents derived from larvae of L. sericata decreased the infection rate and the number of amastigotes per infected host cell at all concentrations. Lesion size was significantly (F _{(7, 38)} = 8.54, P < 0.0001) smaller in the treated mice compared with the untreated control group. The average parasite burden in the treated mice groups (1.81 ± 0.74, 1.03 ± 0.45 and 3.37 ± 0.41) was similar to the group treated with a daily injection of glucantime (1.77 ± 0.99) and significantly lower (F _{(7, 16)} = 66.39, P < 0.0001) than in the untreated control group (6.72 ± 2.37).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the larval products of L. sericata were effective against L. major parasites both in vivo and in vitro. However, more clinical trial studies are recommended to evaluate the effects of these larval products on human subjects.

Evaluation of Susceptibility Status of Phlebotomus papatasi, the Main Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, to Different WHO Recommended Insecticides in an Endemic Focus, Central Iran

Background

Among neglected zoonotic diseases, leishmaniases caused by Leishmania parasite through infected female sand fly bite, are a group of diseases found in 98 countries and territories representing a critical burden of disease worldwide. Vector management plays a crucial role in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases by WHO's global plan. The objective of the current study was to assess the susceptibility status of wild phlebotomine sand flies from Esfahan Province, central Iran, to the recommended insecticides by WHO.

Methods

Sand flies were collected by mouth aspirator in Matin Abad desert Eco-resort and were tested using WHO adult mosquito test kit against Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) 4%, Deltamethrin 0.05%, Malathion 5% and Propoxur 0.1%. The number of knockdown sand flies were recorded during exposure time in ten minutes interval for DDT and Deltamethrin and they were allowed to recover for 24 hours. Knockdown Time₅₀ (KD₅₀) and KD₉₀ were generated for them using Probit software. They were mounted and identified by valid keys.

Results

Among the tested insecticides against female Phlebotomus papatasi, DDT, Deltamethrin, and Malathion recorded the highest mortality rate of 100%, followed by Propoxur with 92.2% mortality for a one-hour exposure. For DDT, KD₅₀ and KD₉₀ were calculated 21.87 and 42.93 and for Deltamethrin, they were 23.74 and 56.50 minutes respectively. Total sand flies exposed with DDT and Deltamethrin shed their leg(s).

Conclusion

It is concluded that Ph. papatasi from central Iran is susceptible to DDT, Deltamethrin, Malathion, and Propoxur.

Synthesis and characterization of tetraethylene pentamine functionalized MIL-101(Cr) for removal of metals from water

PURPOSE

Metal contamination in water is a worldwide persistent problem. We developed a nano-adsorbent, TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) that exhibits effective removal of heavy metals from real water samples.

METHODS

MIL-101(Cr) was synthesized under solvo-thermal condition. Then MIL-101(Cr) was dehydrated and degassed at high temperature under vacuum to generate the coordinately unsaturated sites which are used for tetraethylene pentamine (TEPA) grafting. The structures, morphologies, and compositions of the sorbents have been characterized. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied for describing the adsorption process onto TEPA-MIL-101(Cr).

RESULTS

The successful grafting of TEPA on MIL-101(Cr) was verified by Fourier transform infrared. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and CHN analysis show that the structure of TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) retains the original structure of MIL-101(Cr). Thermogravimetric analysis indicates thermo-stability of the adsorbent up to 300 °C. Optimal conditions for adsorption were determined as pH = 6.5 and contact time = 1 h. The adsorption capacities of TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) for Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Co(II) from aqueous samples were 227.5, 217.7, 221.4, and 215.6 mg/g respectively, which is on average more than 8 times that of MIL-101(Cr). Analysis of Langmuir and Freundlich models for describing the adsorption isotherms of TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) reveals that the metal ions were absorbed onto TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) by a favorable physical absorption process.

CONCLUSIONS

TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) was synthesized successfully by a simple, and cost-effective method. The removal efficiency of TEPA-MIL-101(Cr) for the metal ions achieved more than 95 % in real water samples, which in addition to its thermal stability character make it a promising candidate for water treatment purposes.

Hemoglobin adducts as an important marker of chronic exposure to low concentration of 1, 3-butadiene

BACKGROUND

1, 3-Butadiene is a famous industrial compound which occurs in gasoline and diesel exhaust and in cigarette smoke. Based on little evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory animals and humans, it was classified as a probable carcinogen. The potential of exposure to gasoline and diesel exhaust containing these chemical compounds is very considerable in urban areas. According to studies, in estimation of workers' chronic exposure with biological samples, analysis of the concentration of related hemoglobin adducts seems to give the most valid estimation of exposure.

METHODS

This study designed to determine the level of chronic exposure in gas station workers and traffic policemen during routine work shift, by an appropriate biological marker. In this regards, 25 gas station workers, 25 policemen engaged in traffic control, and 25 occupationally non-exposed persons were studied. Blood samples were obtained after the work shift from each person. The level of selected hemoglobin adduct, 1- and 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl valine (MHBVal) was determined by using GC-MS after a modified Edman degradation and a further acetylation.

RESULTS

There were significant differences among the mean concentrations of MHBVal in blood samples of gas station workers, policemen and occupationally non-exposed persons. The mean airborne levels of 1, 3-Butadiene over 60 days, differed significantly among different studied groups (ANOVA: p < 0.05 and Kruskal-Wallis test: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant difference in MHBVal concentrations between job categories (p < 0.05 by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test), and gas station workers and policemen were found to be probably the most exposed groups in this research.

Impact of smoking on oxidant/antioxidant status and oxidative stress index levels in serum of the university students

BACKGROUND

Despite frequent warnings of irreversible side effects of smoking in public media, the consumption of cigarette is increasing dramatically in both developed and developing countries. Cigarette smoke contains different kinds of chemicals, which all capable of inducing free radical production. There are studies supporting the idea that these free radicals have adverse effects in body and causing oxidative stress. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is considered as the total effect of all antioxidants and total oxidant status (TOS) shows the total effect of all oxidants existing in body fluids. Therefore, this research focused on the measurement and comparison of these markers in the serum of university students.

METHODS

This study designed to determine the total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels in the serum of active smokers, passive smokers and non-smokers in university students. A total of 150 participants were included in the study. The study population consisted of 50 smokers, 50 passive smokers and 50 nonsmokers. In serum samples, the levels of TAC and TOS were measured by spectrophotometric method using Rel Assay Diagnostics kit. Oxidative stress index was calculated through the TOS/TAC formula in three groups.

RESULTS

The mean value TAC levels in serum samples of the three groups of smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers were 1.096, 1.220 and 1.844 mmol Trolox equivalent/L, respectively, which were significantly greater in nonsmokers than smokers and passive smokers. The mean value TOS levels in serum samples of the three groups of smokers, passive smokers and nonsmokers were 13.747, 11.099 and 7.6510 µmol H2O2 equivalent/L, respectively, which were significantly lower in nonsmokers than two other groups. OSI values in smokers and passive smokers were significantly higher than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, the antioxidant capacity in all smokers (active and inactive) was less than the control group (non-smokers). The results of this study showed that smoking reduces the activity of the antioxidant defense system and activates the oxidative stress system in the body. Based on these findings, it can be clearly concluded that the decrease in antioxidant capacity in smokers is associated with increased production of oxidants and free radicals.

The leishmanicidal effect of Lucilia sericata larval saliva and hemolymph on in vitro Leishmania tropica

Background

Leishmaniasis is a major parasitic disease worldwide, except in Australia and Antarctica, and it poses a significant public health problem. Due to the absence of safe and effective vaccines and drugs, researchers have begun an extensive search for new drugs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the in vitro leishmanicidal activity of larval saliva and hemolymph of Lucilia sericata on Leishmania tropica.

Methods

The effects of different concentrations of larval products on promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of L. tropica were investigated using the mouse cell line J774A.1 and peritoneal macrophages as host cells. The 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and direct observation and counting method were used to assess the inhibitory effects and cell cytotoxicity of the larval products. The effects of larval products on the amastigote form of L. tropica were quantitatively estimated by calculating the rate of macrophage infection, number of amastigotes per infected macrophage cell, parasite load and survival index.

Results

The 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC₅₀) value of both larval saliva and hemolymph was 750 µg/ml, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values were 134 µg/ml and 60 µg/ml for larval saliva and larval hemolymph, respectively. The IC₅₀ for Glucantime, used a positive control, was (11.65 µg/ml). Statistically significant differences in viability percentages of promastigotes were observed for different doses of both larval saliva and hemolymph when compared with the negative control (p ≤ 0.0001). Microscopic evaluation of the amastigote forms revealed that treatment with 150 µg/ml larval hemolymph and 450 µg/ml larval saliva significantly decreased the rate of macrophage infection and the number of amastigotes per infected macrophage cell.

Conclusion

Larval saliva and hemolymph of L. sericata have acceptable leishmanicidal properties against L. tropica.

Graphical Abstract

Application of biological monitoring for exposure assessment of 1.3 Butadiene

BACKGROUND

1, 3-Butadiene is an important industrial compound. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in laboratory animals and humans, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 1999, classified 1, 3-Butadiene as a probable carcinogen to humans (group 2A). The potential for exposure to vehicle exhaust containing these chemical compounds is very noticeable in urban locations. Exposure to incomplete combustion of gasoline has been a long time concern in many occupational fields, including policemen, service stations, and the petroleum industry but in Iran has rarely been studied.

METHODS

This study designed to determine the exposure levels for traffic policemen and gas station workers during routine work shift, by biological monitoring. With this aim, 25 policemen engaged in traffic control, 25 gas station workers and 25 occupationally non-exposed persons were investigated. Spot urine samples were obtained prior to and at the end of the work shift from each subject. The urinary levels of selected urinary metabolites (MHBMA and DHBMA) were determined by using LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

There were significant differences among the mean urinary concentrations of DHBMA in pre-shift samples of policemen, gas station workers and occupationally non-exposed persons. The mean urinary concentrations of DHBMA differed significantly among post-shift samples of policemen and gas station (ANOVA: p < 0.05 and Kruskal-Wallis test: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant difference in DHBMA concentrations between job categories (p < 0.05 by ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test), and policemen and gas station workers were found to be probably the most exposed groups in this study.

Erythrocytes polyunsaturated fatty acids mediate relationship between dietary patterns and depression

Abstract. Background: This study aimed to examine the association between depression and dietary patterns via the intermediary role of erythrocytes polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Methods: In this individually matched case-control study, the dietary patterns were extracted for 330 individuals using factor analysis. Furthermore, erythrocyte PUFAs including n-3 and n-6 were assessed using a GC–Mass spectrometry analytical method for 84 people. Depression was diagnosed using the criteria mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The dietary patterns were also extracted using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The findings showed that healthy dietary patterns were related to the risk of depression (P = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.68) by the increase of ratio n-3 /n-6 PUFA (p ≤ 0.03) and decrease of ratio n-6 /n-3 PUFA (p ≤ 0.005). Moreover, the unhealthy dietary patterns were associated with the risk of depression (P = 0.02, OR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.25-5.9) by the decrease of ratio n-3/n-6 PUFA (p ≤ 0.03) and increase of ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results, the type of dietary pattern is related to the risk of depression considering the changes in n-3 and n-6 PUFA as well as the ratio of n-3 to n-6 as the mediator variables. Of course, further studies are required in this area.

Selective Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Fluoxetine in Plasma

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of fluoxetine (FLU) in plasma. FLU was isolated from plasma by liquid–liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was performed on an analytical 250 × 3.9 mm id Novapak C18 column (4 μm particle size) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer–acetonitrile–methanol–triethylamine (58 + 30 + 10 + 2, v/v) adjusted to pH 7. Using UV detection at 226 nm, the detection limit for FLU in plasma was 3 ng/mL. No interferences were found with tricyclic antidepressant drugs, which allows this method to be used in clinical studies. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 10–200 ng/mL. The average recovery was about 80% for plasma. The inter- and intraday assay coefficients of variation were &lt;8%.

Selective Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Fluoxetine in Plasma

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of fluoxetine (FLU) in plasma. FLU was isolated from plasma by liquid–liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was performed on an analytical 250 × 3.9 mm id Novapak C18 column (4 μm particle size) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer–acetonitrile–methanol–triethylamine (58 + 30 + 10 + 2, v/v) adjusted to pH 7. Using UV detection at 226 nm, the detection limit for FLU in plasma was 3 ng/mL. No interferences were found with tricyclic antidepressant drugs, which allows this method to be used in clinical studies. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 10–200 ng/mL. The average recovery was about 80% for plasma. The inter- and intraday assay coefficients of variation were &lt;8%.

Selective Liquid Chromatographic Method for Determination of Fluoxetine in Plasma

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of fluoxetine (FLU) in plasma. FLU was isolated from plasma by liquid–liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was performed on an analytical 250 × 3.9 mm id Novapak C18 column (4 μm particle size) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of phosphate buffer–acetonitrile–methanol–triethylamine (58 + 30 + 10 + 2, v/v) adjusted to pH 7. Using UV detection at 226 nm, the detection limit for FLU in plasma was 3 ng/mL. No interferences were found with tricyclic antidepressant drugs, which allows this method to be used in clinical studies. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 10–200 ng/mL. The average recovery was about 80% for plasma. The inter- and intraday assay coefficients of variation were &lt;8%.

Effect of sunlight exposure on phthalates migration from plastic containers to packaged juices

BACKGROUND

Acidic juices such as lemon juice, vinegar and Verjuice are popular beverages regularly consumed by both children and adults. Various brands of different acidic juices in Iran markets are packaged in disposable plastic bottles. Some evidence suggests that phthalates may immigrate from plastic bottles.

METHODS

In this research the influence of sunlight, type of container and storage time on the leaching of phthalates from packaging materials into selected juices was investigated, by analyzing the samples kept in different conditions, before and throughout 2, 4 and 6 months storage time.

RESULTS

The mean phthalate concentrations of the examined samples were determined to be between <LOD and 0.521 μg/L in verjuice, <LOD and 0.261 μg/L in lemon juice, <LOD and 0.599 μg/L in vinegar. DEP and DEHP showed the highest level of migration into acidic juices packed in plastic bottles.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of analyses before and after storage show that some storage conditions can increase the concentrations of DBP, DEHP and DEP in acidic juices. The results of this study indicate the possible leaching of phthalates from packages made of plastic materials into the contents.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) residues in commercial pasteurized cows' milk in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND

To date, despite the facts that pasteurized milk is the most consumed dairy product in Iran and its consumption has increased almost two fold during the last 10 years, no data are available concerning the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in commercial cow milk in Iran market.

METHODS

This study designed to determine the levels of PCBs in these products and to assess population exposure to PCBs by estimating the daily intakes. Pasteurized cows' milk samples (10 brands) were collected from local markets at two different seasons and analyzed using sensitive and reliable methods.

RESULTS

Based on the results all the indicator PCBs were detected and quantified in all of the samples, the mean ± SD concentration for the sum of the six congeners was 18.92 ± 14.36 ng g^-1 fat. None of the samples surpassed the provisional value established by the EU of 40 ng g^-1 fat. The sum of dioxin-like congeners, expressed as WHO-TEQ was 0.492 pg/g of fat which was considerably lower than the defined limit 3 pg/g fat, set for cow's milk. Furthermore, a similar DL-PCBs profile as other studies was found for analyzed samples. The results indicated that concentrations of DL-PCBs were very low, and all of milk samples were compliant with EC legislation. In addition, seasonal variations were not observed for DL- and NDL-PCBs levels (p values >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated dietary intake for target population was 0.06 pg TEQ/kg of body weight/day, much smaller than the amounts declared by the World Health Organization as tolerable daily intake.

Identification of suspected hazardous chemical contaminants in recycled pastry packaging

BACKGROUND

The safe use of recycled paper and cardboard material for food packaging applications is     an important area of investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine which hazardous chemi- cal pollutants were found in paper and cardboard samples used for pastry packaging, and to measure the migration of pollutants over time into the pastries.

METHODS

In this study, the presence of some organic pollutants in common confectionery packaging, and the effects of storage time and type of pastry on pollutant migration, were investigated.

RESULTS

The results of the study indicate that harmful compounds such as benzophenone, pentachlorophenol, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are present at high concentrations in most recycled boxes used for pastry packaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the migration of some of the hazardous compounds from the packaging materials into the pastries under normal conditions was indicated, it is recommended that the procedure for preparing pastry packaging materials should be reconsidered and improved.

The Effect of Storage Time, Temperature and Type of Packaging on the Release of Phthalate Esters into Packed Acidic Liquids

Acidic liquids such as verjuice, lemon juice and vinegar are frequently consumed in Iran. Different kinds of acidic liquids are packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. There is evidence indicating that phthalates can leach from PET and HDPE bottles into their contents. In this work the effect of storage time, temperature and bottle type on the migration of phthalates from packaging materials into acidic liquids is studied by analyzing the samples stored under different conditions, before storage and after 2, 4 and 6 months of storage. The determined mean phthalate concentrations in µg/L were: <0.04 to 0.501 in verjuice, <0.04 to 0.231 in lemon juice and <0.04 to 0.586 in vinegar. The highest concentrations of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) were found in PET and HDPE bottles, respectively. Results of analyses before and after storage indicate that under some storage conditions, the concentrations of DEP, DEHP and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) increased in acidic liquids. The possible migration of phthalic acid esters from plastic packaging materials into the contents was indicated by the results of the present study.

Biomonitoring of tobacco smoke exposure and self-reported smoking status among general population of Tehran, Iran

The present study aimed to find a correlation between the self-reported smoking status of the residents of Tehran, Iran, and the urine cotinine as a biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke. The self-reported data was collected from 222 participants who were living in the urban area of Tehran. The urine samples of participants were collected for cotinine analysis. Urine cotinine was measured by an enzymatic immunoassay technique. Tobacco smoking was reported by 76 (34.23 %) participants as the self-reported data, and the number of males in this report was higher than of females (p < 0.001). By adding the number of the self-reported non-smokers with cotinine levels above the cutoff value of >100 ng/ml to self-reported smokers, the smoking prevalence increased from 34.23 % (95 % CI 28.01-40.88 %) to 36.48 % (95 % CI 30.14-43.19 %). Using the cutoff value, sensitivity and specificity of the self-reported smoking status were respectively 90.12 % (95 % CI 81.46-95.64 %) and 98 % (95 % CI 93.91-99.55 %). The levels of agreement between self-reported tobacco smoking and urinary cotinine concentrations was 95.1 % (k = 0.89, p < 0.001, 95 % CI = 0.81-0.95). Based on the results, self-reported smoking can be a valid marker for assessing the tobacco exposure, and it can be of use in large epidemiological studies.

The association between bisphenol A exposure and type-2 diabetes: a world systematic review

The present study was conducted to systematically review, analyze, and interpret all the relevant evidence in the literature on the possible link between exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and the risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We developed a comprehensive search strategy and used it to search Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to March 31, 2016, producing 3108 hits, of which 13 original papers were included. Findings of these studies were quite controversial; few studies indicated a significant positive association between BPA exposure and T2DM, while some other failed to detect such a relationship. Overall, it can be suggested that chance is unlikely the plausible explanation for the observed association between BPA exposure and T2DM. This was mainly because even in the negative studies some clues could be found in favor of a statistically significant relationship between BPA and T2DM. Additionally, some of the studies had shortcomings in defining the exposure and outcome measures, which, if present, might have led to underestimating the relationship between BPA exposure and T2DM. The theoretical plausibility of such a relationship found earlier in animal studies also supports this point. However, more definitive answer requires the conduct of future longitudinal studies, in which the possible association between BPA exposure and T2DM is assessed over much longer periods of time with more temporally robust BPA measurements. In addition, it would be quite beneficial if future studies be conducted in areas where data is still lacking (e.g., South America, Australia/Oceania, and Europe). Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Endocrine disruptor phthalates in bottled water: daily exposure and health risk assessment in pregnant and lactating women

Over the last decade, the consumption of water bottled in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has considerably increased, raising concerns over water quality and packaged materials. This study aims to investigate the levels of the anti-androgenic phthalates including bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), in bottled water and its corresponding health risks in pregnant and lactating women. The phthalate levels were measured in six different brands of bottled water exposed to temperatures ranging between -18 and 40 °C and sunlight for 45 days. The phthalate was quantified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, the non-carcinogenic effects were assessed using hazard quotient (HQ) approach, and cumulative health risk assessment was performed on the basis of hazard index (HI) calculation. In order to assess the carcinogenic risk due to the possible carcinogen DEHP (group 2B), the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was used. DEHP and DBP contaminants were detected at different storage conditions in all of the bottled water samples during the storage time. BBP was only detected at high temperature (≥25 °C) and outdoor conditions. The maximum concentrations of all phthalates were observed when water samples were kept at 40 °C. In contrast, storage at freezing conditions had no significant effect on the concentration level of all phthalates. The estimated intake by women was between 0.0021 μg/kg/day for BBP and 0.07 μg/kg/day for DEHP. The highest HQ for phthalate intake via bottled water consumption was much lower than 1 (HQ < 0.004), which implies that adverse effects are very unlikely to occur. The execution of a cumulative risk assessment for combined phthalate exposure demonstrated that the HIs for anti-androgenic effect were lower than 1 in all of the conditions. Furthermore, ELCR for DEHP based on the highest detected level was found to be less than 10(-6), which is considered acceptable. Our results prove that the levels of phthalates in bottled water are not a health concern for pregnant and lactating women. Consequently, PET-bottled water is not a major contributor to phthalate intake for most individuals.

A Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for the Determination of Fingolimod in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

Fingolimod is an immunosuppressive agent which is used for the prophylaxis of organ transplantation rejection or multiple sclerosis treatment. In this study, systematic forced degradation studies on fingolimod bulk powder were performed to develop a stability-indicating HPLC method. Separation of fingolimod and its degradation products was achieved on a Nova-Pak C8 column. The mobile phase was a mixture of potassium dihydrogenphosphate 50 mM (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile (45:55, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The proposed method was linear in the range of 0.125-20 μg mL(-1). The within-day and between-day coefficients of variation were in the range of 0.6-1.2%. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of the fingolimod amount in pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Characterization and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban atmospheric Particulate of Tehran, Iran

In this study, atmospheric concentrations of particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Tehran megacity were determined to investigate the concentration, distribution, and sources of PAHs in PM10. The health risk from exposure to airborne BaPeq through inhalation pathway was also assessed. Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) approach was used for quantitative risk estimate, and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was calculated. PM10 samples were collected at ten sampling locations during the summer 2013 and winter 2014 by using two independent methods of field sampling. The PM10 concentration in winter (89.55 ± 15.56 μg m(-3)) was 1.19 times higher than that in summer (75.42 ± 14.93 μg m(-3)). Sixteen PAHs were measured with the total average concentrations of PAHs ranged from 56.98 ± 15.91 to 110.35 ± 57.31 ng m(-3) in summer and from 125.87 ± 79.02 to 171.25 ± 73.94 ng m(-3) in winter which were much higher than concentrations measured in most similar studies conducted around the world. Molecular diagnostic ratios were used to identify PAH emission sources. The results indicated that gasoline-driven vehicles are the major sources of PAHs in the study area. Risk analysis showed that the mean and 90 % probability estimated inhalation ILCRs were 7.85 × 10(-6) and 16.78 × 10(-6), respectively. Results of a sensitivity analysis indicated that BaP concentration and cancer slope factor (CSF) contributed most to effect on ILCR mean.

A margin of exposure approach to assessment of non-cancerous risk of diethyl phthalate based on human exposure from bottled water consumption

Phthalates may be present in food due to their widespread presence as environmental contaminants or due to migration from food contact materials. Exposure to phthalates is considered to be potentially harmful to human health as well. Therefore, determining the main source of exposure is an important issue. So, the purpose of this study was (1) to measure the release of diethyl phthalate (DEP) in bottled water consumed in common storage conditions specially low temperature and freezing conditions; (2) to evaluate the intake of DEP from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottled water and health risk assessment; and (3) to assess the contribution of the bottled water to the DEP intake against the tolerable daily intake (TDI) values. DEP migration was investigated in six brands of PET-bottled water under different storage conditions room temperature, refrigerator temperature, freezing conditions (40 °C ,0 °C and -18 °C) and outdoor] at various time intervals by magnetic solid extraction (MSPE) using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Eventually, a health risk assessment was conducted and the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated. The results indicate that contact time with packaging and storage temperatures caused DEP to be released into water from PET bottles. But, when comprising the DEP concentration with initial level, the results demonstrated that the release of phthalates were not substantial in all storage conditions especially at low temperatures (<25 °C) and freezing conditions. The daily intake of DEP from bottled water was much lower than the reference value. However, the lowest MOE was estimated for high water consumers (preschooler > children > lactating women > teenagers > adults > pregnant women), but in all target groups, the MOE was much higher than 1000, thus, low risk is implied. Consequently, PET-bottled water is not a major source of human exposure to DEP and from this perspective is safe for consumption.

Distribution of estrogenic steroids in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Tehran, Iran

Background

Estrogenic steroids such as estrone (E1), 17β–estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17α–ethinylestradiol (EE2) are among the most potent endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Compared with North America, Europe and Japan there is no reliable information on the concentration of steroid hormones in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) influents and effluents in Iran. The aim of the present study was to determine the amounts of E1, E2, E3, and EE2 influents and effluents of 7 municipal WWTPs across Tehran, the capital city of Iran, in two seasons, summer and autumn, through solid-phase extraction (SPE) gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

The results showed that the concentrations of E1, E2, and EE2 in influents ranged from 6.54–18.76 ng/L, 1.02–8 ng/L and 4.18–11.76 ng/L, respectively. Also, the concentrations of E1, E2, and EE2 in effluents ranged from 1.04–4.99 ng/L, 0.5–2.20 ng/L and 0.5–2.58 ng/L, respectively. The levels of E3 were below the detection limit (0.5 ng/L). The percentage removal rate of E1, E2 and EE2 ranged between 61.76–87.25%, 50.98–82.63%, and 66.3–90.25%, respectively. Results indicated no significant correlation between hormone concentrations and seasons.

Conclusions

The study showed that WWTP number 7 had significant differences in influent hormone concentrations compared with others. Results only showed a significant relationship between hormones and TSS removal rate, but there was no significant relationship between hormones and COD removal rate. The removal rate of hormone in WWTP number 4 and 7 were significantly different from the others. There was no significant correlation between hormone concentrations and seasons.

A stability indicating HPLC method for the determination of clobazam and its basic degradation product characterization

Background

Clobazam is used for the treatment of different types of seizure and epilepsy. The present research is undertaken to study the systematic forced degradation of clobazam and to identify its main degradation product under basic conditions.

Methods

The degradation of clobazam was studied under different conditions. Clobazam and its degradation products were separated using a Nova-Pak C18 column and a mixture of KH₂PO₄ 50 mM (pH 8.5) and acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) as the mobile phase with UV detection at 230 nm.

Results

The within-day and between-day precision values in the calibration range of 0.1-20 μg/ml were within 0.5-1.5%. Clobazam was relatively stable in solid from under exposure to visible and UV light and also heat. The clobazam aqueous solution of clobazam was more labile under exposure to visible and UV light. The bulk drug was significantly degraded under exposure to 2 M HCl, 0.1 M NaOH or 3% H₂O₂. Using the tablet powder, higher degradation rates were observed under different stress conditions. The main degradation product of clobazam under basic condition was subsequently characterized.

Conclusion

The developed method could be used for the determination of clobazam in the presence of its degradation products with acceptable precision and accuracy. The applicability of the proposed method was evaluated in commercial dosage forms analysis.

Association of urinary bisphenol a concentration with type-2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A as an endocrine-disrupting chemical is widely used chemical in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin and has become ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Human exposure to Bisphenol A is widespread and recent studies have been shown to be associated with a higher risk for self-reported adverse health outcomes that may lead to insulin resistance and the development of type-2 diabetes mellitus. In this context, we sought to confirm the association between Bisphenol A and diabetes in a community-based analysis of Bisphenol A urinary concentrations investigation in adult population of Iran.

METHODS

Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, Body Mass Index, serum triglyceride level and serum cholesterol level and serum creatinine concentration. Main outcomes were reported diagnoses of diabetes that defined according the latest American Diabetes Association guidelines.

RESULTS

The median age of the 239 participants was 51.65 years and 119 people had type-2 diabetes mellitus. Urinary Bisphenol A was categorized into two groups based on the median for Bisphenol A (≤0. 85 to >0.85 μg/L). The results of statistical analysis revealed a clear association between hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.05). The multi variable-adjusted odds ratio for type-2 diabetes mellitus associated with the group 1 (referent), of urinary Bisphenol A was 57.6 (95% confidence interval: 21.10-157.05; P-value < 0.001). A positive correlation between HbA1c and urinary BPA concentration was observed (r = 0.63, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary Bisphenol A levels are found to be associated with diabetes independent of traditional diabetes risk factors. Higher Bisphenol A exposure, reflected in higher urinary concentrations of Bisphenol A, is consistently associated with diabetes in the general adult population of the Iran. Studies to clarify the mechanisms of these associations are urgently needed.

Effect of frozen storage on the anthocyanins and phenolic components of pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice's valuable nutritional components may be reduced during its processing or storage. This work examined the effect of frozen storage at -25 °C on some chemical characteristics of pomegranate juice. Total anthocyanin content of pomegranate juice, which was measured using the pH differential method, decreased by 11% after 20 days of frozen storage. Phenolic components, measured using a Folin and Ciocalteu assay by means of a UV-vis spectrophotometer, decreased by 29% after 20 days of frozen storage. Antioxidant activity, measured based on the radical scavenging properties of the juice using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method, decreased by 50% after 20 days of frozen storage. Pomegranate juice has 5 major anthocyanins, including Cyanidin 3-glucoside, Cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, Delphinidin 3-glucoside, Pelargonidin 3-glucoside and Pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside are 5 major anthocyanins of pomegranate juice. They were measured using the LC-MS method and results showed that Pelargonidin 3,5- diglucoside had the greatest decrease. Also, the LC-MS method showed that ellagic acid decreased by 15%.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in drinking water of Tehran, Iran

Distribution and seasonal variation of sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the drinking water of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Detected single and total PAHs concentrations were in the range of 2.01-38.96 and 32.45-733.10 ng/L, respectively, which were quite high compared to the values recorded in other areas of the world. The average occurrence of PAHs with high molecular weights was 79.55%; for example, chrysene occurred in 60.6% of the samples, with a maximum concentration of 438.96 ng/L. In addition, mean carcinogen to non-carcinogen PAHs ratio was 63.84. Although the concentration of benzo[a]pyrene, as an indicator of water pollution to PAHs, was lower than the guideline value proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) as well as that of Iranian National Drinking Water Standards for all of the samples, the obtained results indicated that carcinogen PAHs present in the drinking water of Tehran can cause threats to human health.

Levels of organophosphorus pesticides in medicinal plants commonly consumed in Iran

The frequent occurrence of pesticide residues in herbal materials was indicated by previous studies. In this study, the concentration of some of the organophosphorus pesticides including parathion, malathion, diazinon and pirimiphos methyl in different kinds of medicinal plants were determined. The samples were collected randomly from ten local markets of different areas of Iran. At the detection limit of 0.5 ng g^-1, parathion and pirimiphos methyl were not detected in any of the samples_. Some amounts of malathion and diazinon were found in Zataria, Matricaria chamomile, Spearmint and Cumin Seed samples while, the concentrations of target organophosphorus pesticides in Borage samples were below the detection limits of the methods which could be a result of intensive transformation of organophosphorus pesticides by Borage. In addition the organophosphorus pesticides were detected in all of the samples below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) proposed by the international organizations.

Structural characterization and surface activities of biogenic rhamnolipid surfactants from Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate MN1 and synergistic effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of present work was to study chemical structures and biological activities of rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MN1 isolated from oil-contaminated soil. The results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that total rhamnolipids (RLs) contained 16 rhamnolipid homologues. Di-lipid RLs containing C(10)-C(10) moieties were by far the most predominant congeners among mono-rhamnose (53.29 %) and di-rhamnose (23.52 %) homologues. Mono-rhamnolipids form 68.35 % of the total congeners in the RLs. Two major fractions were revealed in the thin layer chromatogram of produced RLs which were then purified by column chromatography. The retardation factors (R (f)) of the two rhamnolipid purple spots were 0.71 for RL1 and 0.46 for RL2. LC-MS/MS analysis proved that RL1 was composed of mono-RLs and RL2 consisted of di-RLs. RL1 was more surface-active with the critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of 15 mg/L and the surface tension of 25 mN/m at CMC. The results of biological assay showed that RL1 is a more potent antibacterial agent than RL2. All methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains were inhibited by RLs that were independent of their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. RLs remarkably enhanced the activity of oxacillin against MRSA strains and lowered the minimum inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin to the range of 3.12-6.25 μg/mL.

Simultaneous determination of parathion, malathion, diazinon, and pirimiphos methyl in dried medicinal plants using solid-phase microextraction fibre coated with single-walled carbon nanotubes

A reliable and sensitive headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of different organophosphorus pesticides in dried medicinal plant samples is described. The analytes were extracted by single-walled carbon nanotubes as a new solid-phase microextraction adsorbent. The developed method showed good performance. For diazinon and pirimiphos methyl calibration, curves were linear (r² ≥ 0.993) over the concentration ranges from 1.5 to 300 ng g⁻¹, and the limit of detection at signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was 0.3 ng g⁻¹. For parathion and malathion, the linear range and limit of detection were 2.5–300 (r² ≥ 0.991) and 0.5 ng g⁻¹, respectively. In addition, a comparative study between the single-walled carbon nanotubes and a commercial polydimethylsiloxane fibre for the determination of target analytes was carried out. Single-walled carbon nanotubes fibre showed higher extraction capacity, better thermal stability (over 350°C), and longer lifespan (over 250 times) than the commercial polydimethylsiloxane fibre. The developed method was successfully applied to determine target organophosphorus pesticides in real samples.

Butyltin compounds in fish commonly sold in north of Iran

Levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products, mono (MBT) and dibutyltin (DBT), were monitored in fish commonly consumed in Iran. Samples were purchased from fish markets at seasonal intervals in 2010 along the North coast of Iran. Concentration of MBT, DBT and TBT in the muscle of these fish were in the range of n.d. -1.01 ± 0.84, n.d. -0.33 ± 0.26 and n.d. -4.31 ± 0.95 ngg(-1) (wet weight), respectively. Residue levels of butyltins were found lower than the tolerable average residue level of 100 ngg(-1) (wet weight).

A rapid, simple, liquid chromatographic-electrospray ionization, ion trap mass spectrometry method for the determination of finasteride in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study

A fast, accurate, sensitive, selective and reliable method using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the determination of finasteride in human plasma. After protein precipitation with perchloric acid, satisfactory separation was achieved on a Zorbax Eclipse(®) C8 analytical column using a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile, 2 mM ammonium formate buffer (58:42, pH adjusted at 2.5 using formic acid); the flow rate was 0.25 mLmin(-1) and the column oven was set to 50°C. Tamoxifen citrate was used as internal standard. This method involved the use of [M +H](+) ions of finasteride and IS at m/z 373 and 372 respectively with the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.1-60 ng mL(-1). The limit of quantification for finasteride in plasma was 0.1 ng mL(-1). The intra-day and inter-day repeatability (precision) were 2.68-13.87% and 2.14-14.69% respectively. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy were 98-101.57% and 99.7-110%. The assay method has been successfully used to estimate the pharmacokinetics of finasteride after oral administration of a 5 mg tablet of finasteride in 12 healthy volunteers.

Assessment of endogenous androgen levels in meat, liver and testis of Iranian native cross-breed male sheep and bull by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Androgenic steroids always exist in different animal tissues at trace level, with significant numbers of interfering compounds, which makes their determination difficult. To solve some of the problems in quantification of the natural steroids in those tissues, a new GC-MS method was developed in this study. By using a surrogate analyte approach, which was developed in the authors' previous studies, and extensive sample preparation procedure, which successfully eliminates many of the interfering compounds and resulting in a cleaner extract, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and selectivity of the method for the determination of steroids in complex matrices such as meat, liver and testis were improved. By aid of this method, the levels of androgens in different tissues of Iranian native cross-breed bulls and male sheep were determined. According to the results obtained in the present study, although the androgenic profile (contents and ratios of precursors and metabolites to the main hormones) is similar between the same tissues of both animals, the total androgenic content of each tissue is higher in the bull than the same tissue in male sheep. In addition, in both animals higher amount of androgens were found in liver in comparison with meat and testis.

Prodigiosin, the red pigment of Serratia marcescens, shows cytotoxic effects and apoptosis induction in HT-29 and T47D cancer cell lines

In this study, a red pigment of Serratia marcescens PTCC 1111 was purified and identified for antiproliferative activities in HT-29 and T47D cancer cell lines. (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and LC/MS analysis confirmed prodigiosin structure. The antiproliferative effects of prodigiosin were determined by employing the MTT assay. The changes in cell cycle pattern were studied with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) reagent using flow cytometry assay, and Annexin V-PI method was used for apoptotic analysis. Results of MTT assay showed that HT-29 cells were more sensitive to prodigiosin than T47D cells. Prodigiosin-treated HT-29 cells showed increase in S phase and decrease in G2/M, but treated T47D cells showed cell cycle pattern relatively similar to Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI). Apoptotic effect of prodigiosin was higher than doxorubicin in HT-29 cells. The data reported here indicate that prodigiosin is a promising antineoplastic agent that triggers apoptosis in different cancer cell lines.

Exposure assessment to trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene for workers in the dry cleaning industry

Perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene are two particular organochloro compounds, are often used for dry-cleaning. In the present study the excretion of urinary Perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene were evaluated as biomarkers of exposure to these compounds. The mean value of Perchloroethylene in breathing zone and the total Perchloroethylene uptake during the work shift of the three groups of dry-cleaning workers according to the capacity of the dry-cleaning machine (8, 12 and 18 kg) were 31.04, 50.87 and 120.99 mg m(-3) and 11.46, 22.6 and 41.6 μg L(-1), respectively, which were significantly greater than the occupationally nonexposed groups. A good correlation (r = 0.907) between the mean values of Perchloroethylene in breathing zone and the urinary concentrations was observed.