Determination of Eight Typical Lipophilic Algae Toxins in Particles Suspended in Seawater by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

The particles suspended in seawater have great influence on pollutant migration and transformation in marine environment, while the lipophilic algae toxins enriched by the particles suspended in seawater will lead more serious toxicity to marine filter feeders. In this study, a new method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eight lipophilic algae toxins in suspended particles by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS/MS ) . After extracted with methanol by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, the sample was separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (50 mm×2. 1 mm, 1. 7 μm) using gradient elution of acetonitrile and water containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate as eluent modifiers. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out by electrospray ionization ( ESI) tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring ( MRM) mode. Under the optimal conditions, satisfactory precision (relative standard deviations (RSD≤14. 1%), recoveries (83. 8%-110. 4%) and detection limits (2. 9-103 pg/g) of the method were achieved. Good linearity (R2≥0. 99) was also obtained for all studied analytes. Then, the method was applied to determine the amounts of the eight lipophilic marine toxins in authentic suspended particle samples collected from Qingdao near-shore area. Pectenotoxin 2 ( PTX2 ) was detected in the samples from Shilaoren beach and No. 3 bathing beach with concentration ranges of 717 and 790 pg/g, respectively.

Chemical composition modulates the adverse effects of particles on the mucociliary epithelium

OBJECTIVE:We compared the adverse effects of two types of real ambient particles; i.e., total suspended particles from an electrostatic precipitator of a steel mill and fine air particles from an urban ambient particulate matter of 2.5 µm, on mucociliary clearance.METHOD:Mucociliary function was quantified by mucociliary transport, ciliary beating frequency and the amount of acid and neutral mucous in epithelial cells through morphometry of frog palate preparations. The palates were immersed in one of the following solutions: total suspended particles (0.1 mg/mL), particulate matter 2.5 µm 0.1 mg/mL (PM0.1) or 3.0 mg/mL (PM3.0) and amphibian Ringer’s solution (control). Particle chemical compositions were determined by X-ray fluorescence and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.RESULTS:Exposure to total suspended particles and PM3.0 decreased mucociliary transport. Ciliary beating frequency was diminished by total suspended particles at all times during exposure, while particulate matter of 2.5 µm did not elicit changes. Particulate matter of 2.5 µm reduced epithelial mucous and epithelium thickness, while total suspended particles behaved similarly to the control group. Total suspended particles exhibited a predominance of Fe and no organic compounds, while the particulate matter 2.5 µm contained predominant amounts of S, Fe, Si and, to a lesser extent, Cu, Ni, V, Zn and organic compounds.CONCLUSION:Our results showed that different compositions of particles induced different airway epithelial responses, emphasizing that knowledge of their individual characteristics may help to establish policies aimed at controlling air pollution.

Informing effective smokefree policies in Argentina: air quality monitoring study in 15 cities (2007-2009) / Políticas efectivas de ambientes libres de humo de tabaco en Argentina: estudio de monitoreo de calidad del aire en 15 ciudades (2007-2009)

Objective. To evaluate indoor air pollution in hospitality venues in Argentina. Material and Methods. PM2.5 levels were measured in a convenience sample of venues in 15 cities with different legislative contexts following a protocol developed by Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Results. 554 samples were collected. Across all 5 smokefree cities the mean PM2.5 level was lower during daytime vs. evening hours, 24 vs. 98 PM2.5 respectively (p=.012). In the three cities evaluated before and after legislation, PM2.5 levels decreased dramatically (p<0.001 each). Overall, PM2.5 levels were 5 times higher in cities with no legislation vs. smokefree cities (p<0.001). In cities with designated smoking areas, PM2.5 levels were not statistically different between smoking and non-smoking areas (p=0.272). Non-smoking areas had significantly higher PM2.5 levels compared to 100 percent smokefree venues in the same city (twofold higher) (p=0.017). Conclusions. Most of the participating cities in this study had significantly lower PM2.5 levels after the implementation of 100 percent smokefree legislation. Hence, it represents a useful tool to promote 100 percent smokefree policies in Argentina.

Objetivo. Evaluar la polución ambiental del sector gastronómico en Argentina. Material y métodos. Se midieron los niveles de partículas respirables (PM2.5) en una muestra por conveniencia de establecimientos de 15 ciudades con diferente legislación, siguiendo un protocolo del Instituto de Cáncer Roswell Park. Resultados. Se recolectaron 554 muestras. En cinco ciudades libres de humo (CLH) la media de PM2.5 durante el día fue baja y menor a la observada durante la noche, 24 vs. 98 PM2.5 respectivamente (p=.012). En las tres ciudades evaluadas antes y después de la legislación, las PM2.5 disminuyeron drásticamente (p<0.001 cada una). Las PM2.5 fueron cinco veces mayores en ciudades sin legislación comparadas con CLH (p<0.001). En ciudades con restricción parcial, no hubo diferencia significativa entre las PM2.5 en el sector fumador y no fumador (p=0.272). Los sectores no fumadores tuvieron niveles PM2.5 significativamente más altos comparados con los lugares 100 por ciento libres de humo de la misma ciudad (p= 0.017). Conclusiones. La mayoría de las ciudades participantes en este estudio tuvieron niveles PM2.5 significativamente más bajos tras la implementación de leyes pro ambientes 100 por ciento libres de humo de tabaco, por lo que representa una herramienta útil para promover legislación 100 por ciento libre de humo en Argentina.

Efectos de la contaminación atmosférica sobre la salud de adultos que laboran en diferentes niveles de exposición / Air pollution and its effects in adults working at different levels of exposure

Objetivo: evaluar las diferencias en las condiciones de salud entre grupos de trabajadores expuestos, no expuestos y menos expuestos a contaminación ambiental en el área metropolitana del valle de Aburrá. Métodos: se realizó una cuidadosa revisión de las mediciones de contaminantes ambientales, precipitación, temperatura y variables demográficas y sociales de los municipios del área metropolitana del Valle del Aburrá y del oriente del departamento de Antioquia (Colombia). Se realizó un estudio transversal de corte. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente una población de 3.500 habitantes. A los individuos seleccionados se les aplicó una encuesta previamente estandarizada y se les estudiaron las pruebas funcionales respiratorias mediante espirometría. Resultados: se realizaron 400 espirometrías. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos en cuanto a edad, sexo, consumo de cigarrillo y estrato socioeconómico. Las partículas suspendidas totales (PST) están frecuentemente por encima de 100 µg/m³. Igual sucede con material particulado inferior a 10 micras (PM10). Los no expuestos tienen una mejor relación volumen expiratorio forzado en el primer segundo sobre capacidad vital forzada (VEF1/CVF), en 3,1%. Se evidenció un exceso de riesgo de sufrir afecciones obstructivas pulmonares entre los expuestos frente a los no expuestos de 68% RR 1,68 IC (1,19-2,36). Conclusiones: la calidad del aire del área metropolitana del Valle del Aburrá no es buena. Hay un exceso de riesgo en los expuestos a contaminación de sufrir afecciones obstructivas pulmonares.

Objective: to test the differences in health conditions between groups of exposed and non exposed workers to environmental pollution in the metropolitan area of Aburrá Valley. Methods: a careful revision of the measurements of environmental pollution agents, precipitation, temperature and sociodemographic variables of the municipalities of the metropolitan area of Aburrá Valley and the eastern region of the department of Antioquia (Colombia) was accomplished. A cross-sectional study was made. A random selection of a population of 3.500 inhabitants was done. A previously standardized survey was applied to selected individuals and respiratory functional tests were also administered to them by means of spirometry. Results: four hundred spirometries were made. Non significant differences between the two groups were found according to age, sex, smoking habit, consumption and socioeconomic level. Total suspended particles are over 100 µg/m³ and the same applies to the PM10. The workers not exposed have a better relation VEF1/VCF (3.1%). A high risk excess to suffer lung obstructive affections between non exposed workers vs. exposed workers: 68%, RR 1,68 IC (1,19-2,36). Conclusion: air quality in the metropolitan area of Aburrá Valley is not good. There is a risk excess in people exposed to pollution of suffering lung obstructive affections.

Contaminación del aire interior en un proyecto de viviendas con climatización centralizada / Indoor air pollution in a housing project fitted with central air-conditioning

La contaminación del aire interior de las viviendas ejerce una importante influencia sobre la salud de la población y grupos de riesgo, a pesar de lo cual resultan escasos los estudios realizados en Cuba. Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo en un apartamento de un prototipo de edificio típico de viviendas con climatización centralizada. Durante cinco días consecutivos se determinaron las concentraciones sincrónicas horarias de dióxido de nitrógeno (NO2 ) en la cocina y la sala de la vivienda y en el exterior de esta, con la cocina de gas apagada y posteriormente encendida, así como las medias diarias de dióxido de azufre (SO2 ) y partículas en suspensión totales (PST) en la sala y en el exterior. La climatización se mantuvo en la mínima capacidad de enfriamiento y las ventanas cerradas. Las concentraciones medias diarias de SO2 en el interior de la vivienda resultaron superiores a las registradas de forma sincrónica en el exterior, en tanto que para las PST ocurrió lo inverso. En ambos casos los valores observados fueron inferiores a las concentraciones máximas admisibles. Con el encendido de la cocina de gas se produjo un incremento de las concentraciones horarias de NO2 en el interior de la vivienda, las que superaron la concentración máxima admisible. La acumulación de NO2 demostró la insuficiente tasa de renovación del aire interior contaminado por parte del sistema de climatización, el escaso aprovechamiento de la ventilación natural y la dudosa sostenibilidad ambiental del diseño. Se formularon recomendaciones.

Indoor air pollution in dwellings heavily influences the population´s and the risk groups´ health. Despite this, few studies have been conducted on this topic in Cuba. A descriptive study was carried out in an apartment located in a typical building prototype fitted with central air-conditoning. For five days, synchronic hourly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations were measured in the kitchen and the living room as well as outdoors, with the gas stove out and later ignited whereas daily sulphur dioxide means (SO2) and total suspended particles were determined the living room and outdoors. Air-conditioning was kept at the minimun cooling rating and the windows remained closed. Daily mean concentrations of S02 inside the house exceeded those recorded outdoor whereas it was the opposite in TSP. The estimated values in both cases were lower than the allowable maximum concentrations. The ignition of the gas stove brought about higher hourly N02 concentrations inside the house, which were over the allowable maximum concentrations. Accumulated N02 confirmed the inadequate rate of polluted indoor air exchange by the air-conditioned system, the underutilization of natural ventilation and the unclear environmental sustainability of the design. Finally, recommendations were made.

Air Total Suspended Particle and Cerebral-Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Urban Residents in Fushun City / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To assess the relationship between the concentration of total suspended particle (TSP) and cerebral-cardiovascular disease mortality of urban residents in Fushun city, China. Methods The data of cerebral-cardiovascular disease mortality and TSP concentration from 1999 to 2003 in Fushun city were collected. The association between TSP concentrations and the mortality of cerebral-cardiovascular diseases was analyzed using Poisson regression model adjusted for seasons, long-term patterns and meteorological variations using an ecological parametric method. Results As the concentration of TSP increased by 50 ?g/m3, OR of cerebral-cardiovascular disease mortality increase was 1.015 42 (95%CI=1.000 18-1.030 89) in the male group and 1.022 40 (95%CI=1.004 87-1.040 23) in the aged male group respectively, as 4-days lag TSP concentration increased by 50 ?g/m3, OR of cerebral-cardiovascular disease mortality increase was 1.008 26 (95%CI=1.000 57-1.016 02) in the whole people, 1.016 27 (95%CI=1.006 71-1.025 93) in the male group and 1.016 65 (95%CI=1.005 25-1.028 19) in the aged male group respectively. Conclusion Air pollution by TSP is considered as a risk factor for the increase of cerebral-cardiovascular disease mortality in Fushun city, China.