Serum Level of Zinc and Copper in Sudanese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The paper’s objective was to estimate weekly Hg intake from fish meals based on intervention research. Total Hg (THg) concentrations in blood and hair samples collected from men (n = 67) from an intervention study as well as muscular tissues of fresh and after heat-treating fish were determined using the thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry method (TDA-AAS) using direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). The mean of the estimated weekly intake (EWI) was estimated at 0.62 μg/kg bw/week in the range 0.36–0.96 μg/kg body weight (bw) /week through the consumption of 4 edible marine fish species every day (for 10 days) by the participants from the intervention research in Lodz, Poland. The Hg intake in the volunteers in our intervention study accounted for 38.6% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) (1.6 μg/kg bw, weekly) value. The average Hg concentration in the analyzed fish ranged from 0.018 ± 0.006 mg/kg wet weight (Gadus chalcogrammus) to 0.105 ± 0.015 mg/kg wet weight (Macruronus magellanicus). The results for the average consumers were within PTWI of methylmercury (MeHg). Moreover, the average concentration of Hg in the selected fish after heat treatment did not exceed the maximum permitted concentrations for MeHg (MPCs = 0.5 mg/kg wet weight) in food set by the European Commission Regulation (EC/1881/2006). Hence, the risk of adverse effects of MeHg for the participants is substantially low.     

New Millennium,New Anthrozoös

Abstract

Published eyewitness accounts and stories from Aboriginal Australians are used to provide an overview of the geographical extent and characteristics of cooperative fishing between Aboriginal Australians and dolphins in eastern Australia. These sources indicate that cooperative fishing was geographically widespread in eastern Australia, involved both bottlenose dolphins and orcas, and had a significance (emotional and spiritual) to Aboriginal people beyond the acquisition of food. These fishing interactions represent both context and precedent for the economic and emotional objectives of contemporary human–dolphin interactions such as dolphin provisioning.     

Human Exposure to Mercury Through Fish Consumption: Risk Assessment of Riverside Inhabitants of the Urrá Reservoir,Colombia

This study evaluated the risk to human health from mercury exposure through fish consumption in three riverside populations: Children (CH, 2–15 years old), women of childbearing age (WCHA, 16–49 years old), and the rest of the population (RP) from the Urrá reservoir area, Colombia. Questionnaire-based surveys were used to collect data and information about the weekly amount of fish consumed (WAFC) and the relative importance of each fish species in the diet of the study participants. There were no significant differences in WAFC between population groups. CH recorded the highest weekly intake of total Hg (WIT-Hg) (0.6–55.4 μg/kg bodyweight/week), with significant differences (p < .05) from WCHA (0.2–26.7 μg/kg bw/w) and RP (0.1–23.6 μg/kg bw/w). A high percentage (90%) of estimated WIT-Hg values exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) established in order to protect the embryo and fetus. Results suggested that sensitive subgroups, such as pregnant women or those who may become pregnant and young children should limit or avoid consumption of certain fish of higher trophic levels due to their high total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations (up to 2.73 μg/g). In sum, the high values of WIT-Hg in children and women of childbearing age revealed a worrying situation, which should be reviewed carefully in order to prevent a potential public health crisis.     

Native ecosystem engineer facilitates recruitment of invasive crab and native invertebrates

Native ecosystem engineers that add physical structure to ecosystems can facilitate invasive species. In this study we determined the effects of the native tube-forming serpulid worm, Galeolaria caespitose on the recruitment of the invasive New Zealand porcelain crab, Petrolisthes elongatus, and whether invasive crab recruitment was related to the recruitment of native species. P. elongatus is abundant beneath intertidal rocks around Tasmania, southern Australia, and the underside of these rocks is usually covered with a calcareous matrix formed by the serpulid. We used an experimental approach to investigate whether rocks, serpulids on the underside of rocks and adult P. elongatus influenced the recruitment P. elongatus and native communities. P. elongatus and native invertebrates only recruited in the presence of rocks indicating the importance of rock as primary recruitment habitat. Moreover, the presence of serpulids on the underside of rocks significantly increased the recruitment of P. elongatus and native invertebrates compared to rocks without serpulids. Rocks with higher densities of adult P. elongatus at the end of the experiment also had higher densities of P. elongatus recruits. The density of P. elongatus recruits did not influence native species richness and abundance although there was some evidence that high P. elongatus recruitment was correlated with shifts in native community structure. We have shown that a native ecosystem engineer facilitates recruitment of an invasive crab but this does not appear to influence the recruitment of native species.     

Mercury in Scalp Hair Near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) in Relation to High Fish Consumption

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk of mercury contamination near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge relating total mercury (THg) concentrations in the human scalp hair (n?=?110) and high fish consumption levels. THg was quantified in human scalp hair, and volunteers were questioned about age, gender, and smoking habits being subsequently grouped in categories based on the individual average intake of fish meals per week. THg concentrations ([THg]) in hair samples ranged from 0.05 to 2.24 μg g^?1, and significant differences were found according to age (p?<?0.05) and also among volunteers presenting different fish consumption rates (p?<?0.001) being the highest [THg] observed on the adult population and also on volunteers that indicated consuming five or more meals of fish per week. Results indicate a pattern of increased mercury accumulation with increasing fish consumption. Despite mercury availability and a potential mercury intake of up to seven times, the WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake of mercury value, in consequence of high fish consumption, mercury concentrations in scalp hair are comparatively low regarding recommended levels by WHO.     

Concentrations of Lead,Cadmium, and Mercury in Halfbeaks (Hyporhampus affinis) from the East Java Coast,Indonesia and Human Health Hazard

The objectives of this study were to measure the levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in the muscle tissues of halfbeaks (Hyporhampus affinis) captured at five stations along the East Java coast, Indonesia. This fish is one of the important species and consumed by local people as a cheap source of protein. We evaluated the hazard level posed by the metals in relation to the maximum residual limit for human consumption and to estimate the weekly intake and compare it with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations in fish at all stations ranged from 0.006 to 0.023 mg/kg, 0.007 to 0.024 mg/kg, and 0.047 to 0.055 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. All samples of halfbeaks collected from this area appear to be safe for human consumption because their metals’ levels are below the permissible limit for human consumption and the maximum weekly intakes are below the recommended values of PTWI.     

Cultural,food, medicinal uses and potential applications ofMyoporum species (Myoporaceae)

The traditional, current and potential uses ofMyoporum species are documented. Historically, this genus was valued by the Australian Aboriginal people for cultural purposes and as a food plant of minor importance. Medicinal remedies were also acquired from this shrub.Myoporum species were utilised by Aboriginal people in both coastal and Central Australia and throughout the Pacific region. These hardy shrubs are characterised by their drought, fire, frost and grazing tolerances. They have horticultural potential and are good sources of selected phytochemicals.     

Health risk assessment of Chinese consumers to lead via diet

This paper investigated the concentrations of Pb in foods and the potential health risk from Pb exposure via surveys and a literature review. It was shown that the mean Pb concentration in different food groups was in the following decreasing order: marine products > meat > egg > vegetable > cereal > bean> dairy > fruit. More precisely, on average the weekly Pb intake (mg kg^?1 bw week^?1) for men, women, 2–3-year-old children, and 4–17-year-old children was 0.0055, 0.0059, 0.0145, and 0.0091, respectively. We used both deterministic and probabilistic methods to estimate the target hazard quotients (THQs) by comparing the dietary Pb intake estimation with respect to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The result showed that THQ values were lower than 1 in most cases, except the 97.5th percentile THQ values for 2–3-year-old children, and the probability of greater dietary Pb exposure than the tolerant weekly intake (THQ > 1) were 0.2%, 0.6%, 3.7%, and 1.2% for adult men, women, 2–3-year-old children, and 4–17-year-old children, respectively, indicating a low health risk for Chinese consumers. Among all groups, children, especially 2–3-year-old children were the most sensitive sub-population with regard to Pb exposure. Finally, it still appeared necessary to continue undertaking efforts to reduce exposure to Pb.     

Preparation and use of plant medicines for farmers' health in Southwest Nigeria: socio-cultural,magico-religious and economic aspects

Background

Little is known about the use of bush medicine and traditional healing among Aboriginal Australians for their treatment of cancer and the meanings attached to it. A qualitative study that explored Aboriginal Australians' perspectives and experiences of cancer and cancer services in Western Australia provided an opportunity to analyse the contemporary meanings attached and use of bush medicine by Aboriginal people with cancer in Western Australia

Methods

Data collection occurred in Perth, both rural and remote areas and included individual in-depth interviews, observations and field notes. Of the thirty-seven interviews with Aboriginal cancer patients, family members of people who died from cancer and some Aboriginal health care providers, 11 participants whose responses included substantial mention on the issue of bush medicine and traditional healing were selected for the analysis for this paper.

Results

The study findings have shown that as part of their healing some Aboriginal Australians use traditional medicine for treating their cancer. Such healing processes and medicines were preferred by some because it helped reconnect them with their heritage, land, culture and the spirits of their ancestors, bringing peace of mind during their illness. Spiritual beliefs and holistic health approaches and practices play an important role in the treatment choices for some patients.

Conclusions

Service providers need to acknowledge and understand the existence of Aboriginal knowledge (epistemology) and accept that traditional healing can be an important addition to an Aboriginal person's healing complementing Western medical treatment regimes. Allowing and supporting traditional approaches to treatment reflects a commitment by modern medical services to adopting an Aboriginal-friendly approach that is not only culturally appropriate but assists with the cultural security of the service.     

Mercury Concentration in Breast Milk and Infant Exposure Assessment During the First 90 Days of Lactation in a Midwestern Region of Brazil

Breast milk samples collected from 18 nursing mothers between the 15th and 90th day of lactation were digested in nitric acid in a microwave, and total mercury (THg) levels were quantified by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Participants responded to a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire on the 74th and 76th day of lactation and to a Food Frequency Questionnaire querying the frequency of fish intake over the last 90 days. Usual intake was estimated using the PC-SIDE software package. A meal of fish was offered on the 75th day of lactation. Mothers’ individual mean THg levels ranged from <0.76 to 22.7 ng/mL during the period, and the mean level for all samples (n?=?142) was 6.47?±6.04 ng/mL. The multilevel mixed linear model used showed high heterogeneity of the mercury levels among the mothers, and THg levels did not change significantly over the period under study. However, a significant increase in THg levels was observed after the intervention with the fish meal. Exposure increased for most infants on the 90th day of lactation, with intakes exceeding the THg provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) at least once during the period for 77.8 % of samples. Mothers consumed mostly food from the fat and grain groups, and a significant correlation was detected between consumption of food of these groups and breast milk THg levels (p?=?0.006 and 0.007). A significant correlation was also found between vegetable consumption and carbohydrate intake and THg levels in the samples (p?=?0.015 and 0.045, respectively). No correlation was found between mothers’ daily fish consumption frequency and THg levels. Although this study showed that mercury intake by infants during lactation may exceed the toxicologically safe exposure level (PTWI), we nevertheless believe that the benefits of lactation for both the mother and the infant outweigh the eventual risks that this exposure may represent.     

A new species and a new subspecies of the stargazer genusGnathagnus from Northwestern Australia

Heretofore the genusGnathagnus (Uranoscopidae) has been composed of three species:G. elongatus (Temminck et Schlegel) from northern Australia to Japan,G. innotabilis (Waite) from Australasia, andG. egregius (Jordan et Thompson) from the western Atlantic Ocean. In this paper, a new species and a new subspecies from northwestern Australia are described and a key to the known species and subspecies of the genus is presented.     

New Genetic and Linguistic Analyses Show Ancient Human Influence on Baobab Evolution and Distribution in Australia

This study investigates the role of human agency in the gene flow and geographical distribution of the Australian baobab, Adansonia gregorii. The genus Adansonia is a charismatic tree endemic to Africa, Madagascar, and northwest Australia that has long been valued by humans for its multiple uses. The distribution of genetic variation in baobabs in Africa has been partially attributed to human-mediated dispersal over millennia, but this relationship has never been investigated for the Australian species. We combined genetic and linguistic data to analyse geographic patterns of gene flow and movement of word-forms for A. gregorii in the Aboriginal languages of northwest Australia. Comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity showed weak geographic structure and high gene flow. Of potential dispersal vectors, humans were identified as most likely to have enabled gene flow across biogeographic barriers in northwest Australia. Genetic-linguistic analysis demonstrated congruence of gene flow patterns and directional movement of Aboriginal loanwords for A. gregorii. These findings, along with previous archaeobotanical evidence from the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, suggest that ancient humans significantly influenced the geographic distribution of Adansonia in northwest Australia.     

Ranking buffel: Comparative risk and mitigation costs of key environmental and socio‐cultural threats in central Australia

Changed fire regimes and the introduction of rabbits, cats, foxes, and large exotic herbivores have driven widespread ecological catastrophe in Australian arid and semi‐arid zones, which encompass over two‐thirds of the continent. These threats have caused the highest global mammal extinction rates in the last 200 years, as well as significantly undermining social, economic, and cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples of this region. However, a new and potentially more serious threat is emerging. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is a globally significant invader now widespread across central Australia, but the threat this ecological transformer species poses to biodiversity, ecosystem function, and culture has received relatively little attention. Our analyses suggest threats from buffel grass in arid and semi‐arid areas of Australia are at least equivalent in magnitude to those posed by invasive animals and possibly higher, because unlike these more recognized threats, buffel has yet to occupy its potential distribution. Buffel infestation also increases the intensity and frequency of wildfires that affect biodiversity, cultural pursuits, and productivity. We compare the logistical and financial challenges of creating and maintaining areas free of buffel for the protection of biodiversity and cultural values, with the creation and maintenance of refuges from introduced mammals or from large‐scale fire in natural habitats. The scale and expense of projected buffel management costs highlight the urgent policy, research, and financing initiatives essential to safeguard threatened species, ecosystems, and cultural values of Aboriginal people in central Australia.     

Cadmium and lead in rice grains and wheat breads in Isfahan (Iran) and human health risk assessment

This study was conducted to survey the levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the main foods of Isfahan province (central Iran). The rice grains and wheat breads were collected from Isfahan city and villages around the Isfahan and Mobarakeh Steel companies. The food samples were wet-ashed by heating in the presence of concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The concentrations of Cd and Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The potential exposure risks were then estimated. Levels of Cd in the rice grains and Pb in the investigated foods (except Sangak beard) were above the maximum levels as set by the Codex Alimentarius and National standards of Iran. The wheat bread samples in Isfahan city and Mobarakeh Steel regions presented higher estimated weekly intake (EWI) of Pb (40.93 and 35.35 µg kg^–1 body weight, respectively) compared to other foods. The EWI for Cd and Pb in most samples was considerably above than the provisional tolerable weekly intake. In most cases, the target hazard quotients values were above one and consequently the consumption of foods in the investigated regions was a potentially serious health risk caused by exposure to the crops contaminated with Cd and Pb.     

Remarks on “ Two new species of Tornidae (Caenogastropoda,Rissooidea) from Espírito Santo,Brazil,” by Luiz Ricardo Simone ( ZooKeys 238: 77–85, 2012) and a plea for improvement in ZooKeys editorial policy

The monotreme genus Zaglossus, the largest egg-laying mammal, comprises several endangered taxa today known only from New Guinea. Zaglossus is considered to be extinct in Australia, where its apparent occurrence (in addition to the large echidna genus Megalibgwilia) is recorded by Pleistocene fossil remains, as well as from convincing representations in Aboriginal rock art from Arnhem Land (Northern Territory). Here we report on the existence and history of a well documented but previously overlooked museum specimen (skin and skull) of the Western Long-Beaked Echidna (Zaglossus bruijnii) collected by John T. Tunney at Mount Anderson in the West Kimberley region of northern Western Australia in 1901, now deposited in the Natural History Museum, London. Possible accounts from living memory of Zaglossus are provided by Aboriginal inhabitants from Kununurra in the East Kimberley. We conclude that, like Tachyglossus, Zaglossus is part of the modern fauna of the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where it apparently survived as a rare element into the twentieth century, and may still survive.     

The allelopathic effects of Festuca paniculata depend on competition in subalpine grasslands

Allelopathy is recognized as an important process in plant–plant interactions, but how it affects plant communities growing in competitive conditions has not been assessed. This article investigates whether the allelopathic effect of Festuca paniculata is modified by competition between target plants in subalpine grasslands. We hypothesized that plants growing in mixed stands will be more affected by allelochemicals than the same species in monoculture. At Lautaret pass (Northern French Alps), a pot experiment was designed. We used leachates from donor pots (Treatments: 1. Bare soil, 2. F. paniculata clipped, and 3. F. paniculata unclipped) to water target pots (Treatments: 1. Control (soil only), 2. Dactylis glomerata, 3. Agrostis capillaris, and 4. D. glomerata and A. capillaris). Target plants were cultivated during one growing season. The effects of leachates from donor pots and interspecific competition in target pots were evaluated by measuring the final biomass of plants. Soil fertility was controlled in all target pots by measuring NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺, N, and C % of the soil. Effect of target treatment under bare soil : Both D. glomerata and A. capillaris grew better in monocultures than in mixture. Effect of donor treatment on monocultures : Under bare soil, D. glomerata grew better than under F. paniculata leachates. By contrast, A. capillaris did not respond to donor pot treatment. Effect of donor treatment on mixtures: However, when both species were cultivated together under F. paniculata leachates, the biomass of D. glomerata was similar to that in monoculture under bare soil. Differences in sensitivity to allelopathy reversed the impact of interspecific competition: A. capillaris facilitated D. glomerata under allelopathy, which made allelopathy of F. paniculata on D. glomerata inefficient. The complexity of overlapping mechanisms of plant–plant interactions are highlighted by this semi-natural experiment. In subalpine grasslands, allelopathy not only limits the growth of neighboring plants, but it may also modify community assembly by affecting other plant–plant interactions such as competition. This study contributes to explore the way allelopathy interacts with other plant–plant interactions in natural systems.     

The occurrence and clinical importance of infectious stage of Echinocephalus (Nematoda: Gnathostomidae) larvae in selected Australian edible fish

Cases of gnathostomiasis, an infection caused by consuming infected seafood, have been reported in Australia. However, doubt exists over the validity of these diagnoses as there are no reports of Gnathostoma spp. in Australian teleost fish. Also, the diagnoses in human cases were based on a serological test developed in Thailand. The specificity and sensitivity of this test in non-endemic areas are uncertain. Interestingly, parasites belonging to the genus Echinocephalus, which morphologically are very similar to Gnathostomum, are commonly found in Australian fish and shellfish and can potentially infect humans. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of these zoonotic nematodes within commercial fish and to characterise nematode larvae in order to provide insights into the specific identity of the potential causative agents of gnathostomiasis in Australia. Six edible fish species (n = 163) were examined. Gnathostomid-type larvae were found only in Acanthopagrus australis and Rhabdosargus sarba. Detailed examination and sequence data suggested parasite larvae belonged to the genus Echinocephalus. Further investigation of the occurrence of zoonotic nematodes within marine environments and observation of their spatial and temporal patterns will help raise awareness of the significance of this food safety issue within global fishing industries and health sectors. The accurate identification of zoonotic nematodes is a key component of disease surveillance and control. This information can also be used to develop specific and sensitive diagnostic test.     

Human Health Risks Derived from Dietary Exposure to Toxic Metals in Catalonia,Spain: Temporal Trend

The present study was aimed at estimating the current (2012) dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) by the population of Catalonia, Spain. The temporal trends with respect to previous surveys, performed in 2000, 2005, and 2008, were also determined. For that purpose, metal concentrations were analyzed in a number of widely consumed foodstuffs. A speciation study was also conducted by experimentally determining the levels of inorganic As (InAs) and methylmercury (MeHg) in the same food items. Furthermore, the dietary intake of those metals and species was calculated both deterministically and probabilistically by considering two food consumption surveys: ENCAT and ENIDE, representative of the Catalan and Spanish populations, respectively. An important temporal decrease of the dietary intake was noted for most elements, irrespective of the age-gender population group. Considering data for a male adult, the current dietary intake of As, InAs, Cd, Hg, MeHg, and Pb was estimated in 216, 2.6, 8.7, 10, 7.3, and 8.4 μg/day, respectively, being these values lower than the respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) or benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDLs). Moreover, new calculations by means of ENIDE survey indicated similar results to those previously obtained by ENCAT, with the exception of MeHg, whose intake exceeded the maximum recommended values for some part of the population. Although our data are similar to those frequently found in other European countries, the important intake of MeHg, which is linked to the high consumption of fish and shellfish, deserves further investigation.     

Biogeographic comparisons of the traits and abundance of an invasive crab throughout its native and invasive ranges

High abundances of non-native species in the invaded range may be linked to changes in fitness related traits. However, few studies have compared differences in both life-history traits and abundances of introduced species between their native and invaded ranges. We determined differences in 12 morphological traits, an important fitness related trait (body size), and the abundance of the porcelain crab, Petrolisthes elongatus, in its native (New Zealand) and invasive (Tasmania, Australia) ranges. P. elongatus was more abundant in the introduced range; however, changes in abundance depended on tidal height, with higher abundances only at mid and low tidal zones. The biomass of male crabs was higher in the invaded range compared to the native range, but there was no difference in female biomass between ranges. Despite increases in male biomass, sex ratios between native and invasive populations did not differ. In addition, principal components analysis showed no differences in overall morphology between Tasmania and New Zealand. Our study indicates that increased abundance in the invaded range of P. elongatus may be linked to high values of an important trait (greater biomass) in the invaded range. Importantly, changes in biomass and abundance may be due to P. elongatus being able to utilise mid/low zones more in the invaded range. Furthermore, our findings indicate that understanding how sex specific changes in biomass interact with the recipient environment (biotic and abiotic) in the introduced range will be important for determining the mechanisms underpinning the establishment and spread of P. elongatus.