Biological and environmental monitoring of hospital personnel exposed to antineoplastic agents: a review of analytical methods

In order to assess occupational exposure of hospital personnel involved in the preparation and administration of antineoplastic drugs, biological and environmental monitoring are essential to identify the main exposure routes and to quantify potential health risks. If workplace contamination cannot be completely avoided, it is of utmost importance to reduce exposure to the lowest possible levels. To this aim, not only do education and training of the exposed subjects play an important role, but accurate standardized sampling techniques and analytical methods are also required. A critical overview of the most significant methods available in the literature is presented and their value is discussed, especially with respect to their sensitivity and specificity. In addition, attention is given to validation procedures and, consequently, to their reliability. The results from the most important surveys carried out at hospital departments are also discussed, with a view to improving both monitoring strategies and moreover working conditions.     

Biological monitoring of exposure to pesticide residues among Belgian florists

Abstract

Many pesticides applied in cut flowers can be readily absorbed through the skin of florists during preparing bouquets and handling contaminated flowers. A study was conducted among volunteer Belgian florists in order to assess their total exposure by measuring concentrations of pesticides (parent compounds and metabolites) in their urines. A total of 42 urine samples (24-h urines) were collected from florists during their professional activities, on the three most important commercial periods. The concentrations of pesticide residues and metabolites in urine samples were analyzed with a multiresidue liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method, after an ethyl acetate extraction. The results are compared with those of a control group of 42 subjects not occupationally exposed to pesticides, collected in the same periods. A total of 70 residues (56 pesticides and 14 metabolites) were identified, with an average of about eight pesticide residues and metabolites per florist’s urine sample and an average total concentration per sample of 4.3 µg/g creatinine, ranging from 0.2 to 67 µg/g creatinine. Significantly higher urinary excretion of metabolites (t-test) was found in florists than in control group. These results demonstrate that Belgian florists are exposed daily to pesticide residues with a potential effect on their health.     

Analytical methods for biological monitoring of exposure to pesticides: a review

Synthetic pesticides have been used since in the early to mid twentieth century. In the US alone, over 800 pesticide active ingredients are formulated in about 21,000 different commercial products. Although many public health benefits have been realized by the use of pesticides, their potential impact on the environment and public health is substantial. For risk assessment studies, exposure assessment is an integral component, which has unfortunately, often been weak or missing. In the past several decades, researchers have proposed to fill these missing data gaps using biological monitoring of specific markers related to exposures. In this paper, we present a review of existing analytical methodology for the biological monitoring of exposure to pesticides. We also present a critical assessment of the existing methodology and explore areas in which more research is needed.     

Biological monitoring of human exposure to metals

Biological monitoring of exposure to metals and metalloids involves not only determination of these elements in selected body fluids and tissues but, in some cases, also determination of a certain biochemical indicator which signalises the presence of the monitored element in the organism. Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to metals has a long tradition whereas biological monitoring of exposure in general environment has developed more intensively only in the past two decades. New information about the toxic effect of some metals and metalloids and about their kinetics of absorption, distribution and excretion in experimental animals, and particularly in man, is necessary for elaborating suitable biological exposure tests. Of current interest is also the movement of persistent noxae in the environment, seen from the ecologic view point. This report outlines the present state of the problem in Czechoslovakia.     

Biological monitoring of n-hexane exposure in shoe workers

To analyse working conditions and to provide information about the degree to which shoe workers are exposed to n-hexane, the urinary excretion of total 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) was determined in 81 employees in 12 shoe factories. Twenty-five individuals who had experienced no exposure to solvents were used as controls. 2,5-HD was measured in spot urine samples collected from workers at the end of shift. In the urine of shoe workers, the 2,5-HD presented a mean value of 2.33 mg g^-1 creatinine, a median of 1.96 mg g^-1 creatinine. The mean 2,5-HD concentration in the urine samples from non-exposed subjects was 0.28 mg g^-1 creatinine, the median value was 0.18 mg g^-1 creatinine. The mean time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of n-hexane in 12 shoe workshops was 126.1 ppm, ranging from 23 to 215 ppm. We found a significant, but low, correlation (r = 0.40; p < 0.001) between TWA intensity of environmental exposure to n-hexane and the concentration of 2,5-HD in urine. The probable effect of toluene on the concentration of 2,5-HD was also discussed in the present study.     

DNA-based methods for monitoring invasive species: a review and prospectus

The recent explosion of interest in DNA-based tools for species identification has prompted widespread speculation on the future availability of inexpensive, rapid, and accurate means of identifying specimens and assessing biodiversity. One applied field that may benefit dramatically from the development of such technologies is the detection, identification, and monitoring of invasive species. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of DNA-based tools for such important tasks as confirmation of specimen identity and targeted screening for known or anticipated invaders. However, significant technological hurdles must be overcome before more ambitious applications, including estimation of propagule pressure and comprehensive surveys of complex environmental samples, are to be realized. Here we review existing methods, examine the technical difficulties associated with development of more sophisticated tools, and consider the potential utility of these DNA-based technologies for various applications relevant to invasive species monitoring.     

Hevea brasiliensis latex proteomics: a review of analytical methods and the way forward

Journal of Plant Research - Natural rubber or latex from the Hevea brasiliensis is an important commodity in various economic sectors in today’s modern society. Proteins have been detected in...     

Cytogenetic monitoring of a group of Italian floriculturists: no evidence of DNA damage related to pesticide exposure

The induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), structural chromosome aberrations (CA) or micronuclei (MN) was investigated in peripheral lymphocytes of a group of Italian floriculturists exposed to a mixture of pesticides. No statistically significant difference in the frequencies of cytogenetic damage was detected between exposed and control subjects. Assessment of the effect of confounding factors indicated that smoking affected both SCE and CA frequencies. Multiple regression analysis showed that in heavy smokers (≥ 20 cigarettes/day), SCE and CA levels increased significantly by 17% and 54%, respectively, as compared to non-smokers.     

Continuous nondestructive monitoring of microbial biofilms: A review of analytical techniques

A fundamental requirement for the understanding and control of biofilms is the continuous nondestructive monitoring of biofilm processes. This paper reviews research analytical techniques that monitor biofilm processes in a continuous nondestructive manner and that could also be modified for industrial applications. To be considered continuous and nondestructive for the purpose of this review a technique must: (a) function in an aqueous system; (b) not require sample removal; (c) minimize signal from organisms or contaminants in the bulk phase; and (d) provide real-time data. Various microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical, and piezoelectrical analysis methods fulfill these criteria. These techniques monitor the formation of biofilms, the physiology of the microorganisms within biofilms, and/or the interaction of the biofilms with their environment. It is hoped that this review will stimulate development and use of biofilm monitoring techniques in industrial and environmental settings.     

Correction to: Hevea brasiliensis latex proteomics: a review of analytical methods and the way forward

Journal of Plant Research -     

Biological and chemical monitoring of occupational exposure to ethylene oxide

Studies were carried out on two populations occupationally exposed to ethylene oxide (EtO) using different physical and biological parameters. Blood samples were collected from 9 hospital workers (EI) and 15 factory workers (EII) engaged in sterilization of medical equipment with EtO and from matched controls (CI and CII). Average exposure levels during 4 months (the lifespan of erythrocytes) prior to blood sampling were estimated from levels of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine adducts in hemoglobin. They were significantly enhanced in EI and EII and corresponded to a 40-h time-weighted average of 0.025 ppm in EI and 5 ppm in EII. Exposures were usually received in bursts with EtO concentrations in air ranging from 22 to 72 ppm in EI and 14 to 400 ppm in EII. All samples were analyzed for HPRT mutants (MFs), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), micronuclei (MN) and SCEs. MFs were significantly enhanced by 60% in EII but not in EI. These results are the first demonstration of mutation induction in man by ethylene oxide. CAs were significantly enhanced in EI and EII by 130% and 260% respectively. MN were not enhanced in EI but significantly in EII(217%). The mean frequency of SCEs was significantly elevated by 20% in EI and by almost 100% in EII. SCE was the only parameter that allowed distinction between daily and occasionally exposed workers in EII. An interesting finding in exposed workers was the large increase of the percentage of cells with high frequencies of SCE (3–4 times in EI and 17-fold in EII).

The relative sensitivity of endpoints for detection of EtO exposure in the present investigation was in the following order: HOEtVal adducts > SCEs > chromosomal aberrations > micronuclei > HPRT mutants.     

Comparison of sampling and analytical methods for monitoring of cyanobacteria-dominated surface waters

Different sampling methods can often produce different results when cyanobacterial blooms are intense and there are surface scums. Accordingly, five commonly used sampling methods and four sampling times were compared for monitoring of Oscillatoria and Microcystis populations. The different methods and times led to significantly different results for cyanobacterial biomass and its variance. Sampling methods that tended to be more specific to surface scums resulted in much higher and more variable measurements. Although sampling later in the day greatly reduced variances, the measured biomass was much lower than at earlier times of day, which was attributed to cyanobacterial downward migration in the afternoon. These trends were common for Oscillatoria and Microcystis. In order to overcome such problems, the median and median absolute deviation (MAD) were proposed, instead of the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD), for presenting a central tendency of measured values. Although the mean ± SD has been widely used to express a central tendency, it is too sensitive to outlying values that are very common during cyanobacterial blooms. The large differences in the mean values between the sampling methods and times were reduced by using the median values. Furthermore, the median ± MAD revealed the real data distribution more effectively. Handling editor: D. Hamilton     

Biological detoxification of mycotoxins: a review

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites and are reported to be carcinogenic, genotoxic, teratogenic, dermato-, nephro- and hepatotoxic. Several studies have shown that economic losses due to mycotoxins occur at all levels of food and feed production, including crop and animal production, processing and distribution. Therefore, there is a great demand for a novel approach to prevent both the formation of mycotoxins in food and feed and the impact of existing mycotoxin contamination. Recently, investigators have reported that many microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, moulds, actinomycetes and algae are able to remove or degrade mycotoxins in food and feed. We have reviewed various strategies for the detoxification of mycotoxins using microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi.     

Rethinking tropical phenology: insights from long‐term monitoring and novel analytical methods

Here, we introduce the Special Section (SS) on long‐term monitoring and new analytical methods in tropical phenology. The SS puts together nine original papers plus a synthesis, bringing significant advances and new insights into our understanding of tropical phenology across Africa and tropical America. The papers address environmental cues, methodological shortcomings, and provide innovative analytical approaches, opening new pathways, perspective and applications of tropical phenology for forest management and environmental monitoring. The SS is a substantial step toward a more comprehensive overview of trends in tropical phenology, as seven of nine studies evaluate >10‐yr data sets applying new methods of analysis such as hierarchical Bayesian models, generalized additive models, and Fourier analysis. We argue that it is essential to maintain ongoing monitoring programs and build a tropical phenology network at least for long‐term (>10 yr) study sites, providing the means for national and international financial support. Cross‐continental comparisons are now a primary goal, as we work toward a global vision of trends and shifts in tropical phenology in the Anthropocene.     

Biological monitoring of environmental pollution and human exposure to some trace elements

The extent of environmental pollution and resulting human exposure to hazardous toxic chemicals in the environment is often difficult to assess. One of the possible alternative approaches to this problem is the use of the biological indicators to demonstrate environmental pollution. This approach appears to be particularly suitable for demonstrating exposure to potentially toxic trace elements. In addition to analyses of plant and animal specimens the element content of human hair as an indicator of exposures to arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead, antimony, manganese, nickel and cobalt has been repeatedly confirmed as reliable, provided the analyses were carried out and evaluated on group diagnostic basis and were done in groups of individuals occupationally not exposed to these metals. Preferably groups of 10-year-old children are to be used when only environmental pollution is to be taken into account. Hair samples are incomparably easier to collect, transport and store than the alternative biological material such as blood and urine used commonly to demonstrate exposure to various toxic agents. Biological monitoring of environmental pollution cannot replace the standard procedures of measuring air, water and soil pollution; however, the technique appears to have the potential of being an effective tool search for the extent of environmental pollution and for delimitation of territorial boundaries of areas affected most by hazardous emissions containing potentially toxic trace elements.     

Pseudoisokinetic analytical ultracentrifugation: monitoring of bands at a fixed region in the analytical ultracentrifuge.

With the use of a Model E analytical ultracentrifuge equipped with a photoelectric scanner, a technique for obtaining isokinetic patterns of moving zones has been developed by monitoring a fixed area of the analytical cell as a function of time. Small amounts of material spread over a very wide range of sedimentation coefficients can be used in a single experiment. Since the resultant tracing is effectively isokinetic, sedimentation coefficients can be calculated by simple ratio if the S value of any component is known.