Assessment of the Risk of Exposure of Côte D’ivoire Kola Nuts (Cola nitida Schott & Endl. to Pyrethrinoids and Oragnophosphorus Pesticides

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of exposure to pyrethrinoids and oragnophosphorus pesticides found in Côte d’Ivoire kola nuts. Study Design: Kola nuts samples were collected from farmers, collectors and urban stores in 3 regions (western, southwestern and eastern) and 2 big storage centers of Côte d’Ivoire. Place and Duration of Study: Health Department of Hydrology Health and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, running 2017-2020. Methodology: Pyrethrinoids and organophosphorus residues were qualitatively and quantitatively determined using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem mass spectrometry Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC (LC-MS/MS) and their potential health risks assessed in kola nuts samples from selected regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Health risk estimates were analyzed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI) and Hazard Index (HI) with risk categorized for non-carcinogenic health effects. Results: A total of 12 pyrethrinoids and 3 organophosphorus were identified and their residues were detected in all the kola nuts samples analyzed. The results showed that the mean concentration of organphosphorus in all kola nuts was 5±1 µg/kg FW. This level is the same observed for acrinathrin, delatmethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvelerate, flucythrinate, tau-fluvalinate, cyfluthrin et tefluthrin. As for the other pyrethrinoids, the values obtained are 17.2±6.2 µg/kg FW, 25±14.6 µg/kg FW, 30±11.3 µg/kg FW and 39.4±21.2 µg/kg FW, respectively for bifenthrin, cypermethrin, permethrin and cyhalothrin. The average contents determined for each active molecule are all lower than the MRLs fixed for these residues in the kola nuts. As a result, all the Estimate Average Daily Intake (EADIs) determined in adult Ivorians are lower than the corresponding Toxicological References Values (TRVs). Thus, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) calculated for each substance is less than 1. Conclusion: The risk of adverse effects from consuming kola nuts contaminated with residues of pyrethrinoids or organophosphorus is very unlikely.

Copper levels in three commonly edible fruits: Are consumers at risk?

This study aimed to investigate levels of copper in three commonly edible fruits, namely, Lycopersicon esculenta (tomato), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) traded in Dar es Salaam city. Also, the study scrutinized risk associated with heavy metal intake in the fruits. The fruits were collected from Buguruni Market, one of the biggest markets in the city, and thereafter, were processed, and analyzed to determine copper levels. The average daily intake and human health risk indices were calculated based on the obtained copper levels. The findings revealed that the mean levels and average daily intake in L. esculenta (0.3267 mg kg-1, 0.0279 mg kg-1 person-1) and C. lanatus (0.2523 mg kg-1, 0.0216 mg kg-1 person-1) did not differ considerably (p = 0.05) from each other while the two fruits had significantly higher values than C. sativus (0.1610 mg kg-1, 0.0137 mg kg-1 person-1). The copper levels and average daily intake values were below WHO/FAO and Tanzania Bureau of Standards permissible limits. The human health index (HRI) was in the order: L. esculenta > C. lanatus > C. sativus and all the values were less than unit, suggesting that there is no health risk from consuming the fruits. Concerning copper levels, the study concludes that the fruits are safe for human consumption.

Heavy metal concentration in commonly sold stem vegetables in Dhaka city market and probable health risk

The present study was carried out to assess the concentration of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in four stem vegetables such as Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Garlic (Allium sativumL.) and Onion (Allium cepa L.) by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were also estimated to assess the human health risks posed by heavy metals from the consumption of the studied vegetables. The studied stem vegetable samples were collected in four phases from Kawran Bazar fresh vegetable market of Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Mean concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in the studied stem vegetables ranged between 0.88 to 2.35, 0.08 to 0.15, 0 to 2.25, 0 to 3.30, 5.70 to 9.85, 18.83 to 40.67, 50.60 to 456.38 and 9.23 to 852.35 mg/kg of dry weight, respectively. Mean concentration of maximum permissible limit (MPL) exceed in onion for Cr, in potato and onion for Pb and in ginger for Fe, Ni and Mn. Average daily intake was found to be lower than the maximum permitted tolerable daily intake in most cases except for Mn (26.475 mg/person/day) for consumption Ginger. Hazard quotient of Mn for dietary intake of Ginger (3.152) and hazard indices of Ginger (4.626), Garlic (1.183) and Onion (1.069) exceeded unity, signifying potential health risks from the dietary intake of these vegetables. This study suggests regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables to avoid the potential health hazards on human. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 221-232, 2021 (July)

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The aim of the study is to assess the non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals (Cd, Cu) through fish consumption by the population of Yerevan. The method of K-means cluster analyses has been applied. The amount of the average daily intake of cadmium and copper detected in the fish samples of Sevan Trout, Sterlet and Sazan didn᾿t exceed the standards of International Health Regulation (IHR). Non-carcinogenic risks related to their effect haven’t been recorded. The results of cluster analyses can serve as a base for conducting general dietary investigations.

Reduction in the Choking Phenomenon in Elite Diving Athletes Through Changes in Gut Microbiota Induced by Yogurt Containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12: A Quasi Experimental Study

Objective: The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to understand the relationship between gut microbiota and the choking phenomenon in diving athletes, and (2) to regulate the gut microbiota in diving athletes by drinking yogurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and observe changes in the choking phenomenon in diving athletes. Methods: Experiment 1: A total of 20 diving athletes were tested in low- and high-pressure situations. Gut microbiota (n = 18) composition was then determined and differences in the gut microbiota composition among diving athletes who presented choking vs. no choking were identified. Experiment 2: A total of 16 divers who presented choking were divided into a high yogurt group (n = 6) and a low yogurt group (n = 10) for 15 days. Results: (1) The content of Veillonellaceae in divers who presented choking was significantly higher when compared to divers who did not present choking (p < 0.05). Bifidobacteriaceae (r = −0.52, p < 0.05) and Lactobacillaceae (r = −0.66, p < 0.05) were negatively correlated with the choking index. (2) During experiment 2, the average daily intake of the high yogurt group was 611.78 ± 94.94 mL and the average daily intake of the low yogurt group was 338 ± 71.45 mL and the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly higher in the high yogurt group than in the low yogurt group. After the experiment, the choking index in the high yogurt group became significantly lower than that of the low yogurt group (z = −3.26, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The intake of yogurt containing B. animalis subsp. lactis can increase the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae in elite diving athletes and their performance under high pressure. Hence, gut microbiota may affect the choking phenomenon in elite diving athletes.

Heavy metal content of herbal health supplement products in Dubai – UAE: a cross-sectional study

Background Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic intoxication have been associated with the use of health supplement (HS) products. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in HS products that are on sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, premises and to compare estimated daily metal intake with regulatory standards. Methods Dubai-area premises selling HS products were identified by searching the Dubai Municipality database to identify all pharmacies, para-pharmacies and nutrition and healthcare shops. A total of 859 premises were identified in the Deira and Bur-Dubai areas. Data collection was performed between September 1 and December 12, 2016. During that period, all premises that had been identified within Dubai were visited and samples for laboratory testing were collected. Results A total of 200 HS products were tested for lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic. High proportion of samples were found to contain metals less than the limits of the detection (LOD) of the method. It was found that 93% of products contained Arsenic (As) < LOD, 94.5% of lead (Pb) < LOD, 100% of Cadmium (Cd) < LOD, 99% of Mercury (Hg) < LOD and 23.5% of Chromium (Cr) < LOD. Using the single imputation method to account for LOD, estimates for the average daily intake of lead was 0.88 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 20 μg, daily intake of mercury was 0.09 μg (TDI = 20 μg), daily intake of cadmium was 0.83 μg (TDI = 6 μg) while for arsenic it was 0.92 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake of 10 μg. The average daily intake of chromium was 7.57 μg with no internationally established TDI. Assuming users followed the manufacturers’ instructions, daily intake of arsenic, lead and mercury would not exceed TDI for any of the 200 products. However, the daily intake of cadmium exceeded or approximated the TDI for three products. Conclusions In this study we found low levels of metals in the products that were available for sale in Dubai. With few exceptions, if the products were used according to the suppliers’ instructions, average daily intake of heavy metals will be well below the recommended tolerable daily intakes.

Predictors for Blood Pressure Reduction in American Latinos: Secondary Analysis of the Adelgaza Program Data

Little is known about factors that predict blood pressure (BP) reduction in overweight American Latinos. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore predictors of changes in mean systolic and diastolic BPs over an 8-week weight loss intervention period in a sample of 54 overweight American Latinos using data collected during the Adelgaza trial. Baseline BP, exercise energy use (in units of metabolic equivalent of task), weight change, average daily intake of calories from beverages, average daily intake of calories from fat, age, and gender were considered as potential predictors of reductions in BP, as measured at baseline, 3, and 8 weeks. Baseline characteristics were as follows: mean age 45.3 ( SD = 10.8) years, 31.5% male, 61.1% born in the United States. Mean baseline systolic and diastolic BPs were 122.1 ( SD = 14.4) mmHg and 76.6 ( SD = 9.8) mmHg, respectively. Both baseline systolic and diastolic BPs predicted reductions in systolic BP after adjusting for other factors ( p < .001). None of the nine variables predicted reductions in diastolic BP ( p > .05). This finding suggests that overweight American Latinos with higher baseline systolic or diastolic BP should be identified and provided with early intervention education to achieve better hypertension management or prevention.

Influence of coffee consumption on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history

Introduction: Complex etiology of osteoporosis include genetic, hormonal, environmental and nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to examine influence of coffee consumption on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history.Methods: This prospective study included 100 postmenopausal women, aged 50-65 years living in Sarajevo area, with estrogen deficiency in their menstrual history. The controlled clinical trials were conducted. Two groups were formed (based on bone mineral density values). The examination group included 50 women who had osteoporosis, while the control group included 50 women without osteoporosis (osteopenia, normal bone mineral density). The lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density was measured by Dual–Energy X–ray Absorptiometry using Hologic QDR-4000 scanner. Coffee drinking habits were assessed for each subject.Results: The average daily intake of coffee in women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history was at 267.6 ml in the examination group and in the control group 111.6 ml. The difference in the average daily intake of coffee between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was registered significant correlation between intake of coffee and bone mineral density in examination (p < 0.01) and in control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This study indicates that coffee consumption is a risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, aged 50-65 years living in Sarajevo area, with estrogen deficiency in their menstrual history. It was shown that the effects of coffee on bone mineral density are dose-dependent.