Determination of 10 carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mainstream cigarette smoke

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one class of chemical compounds that (1) are present at low to trace levels in unburned cigarette filler, and (2) are predominantly generated during combustion. According to a recent report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, 10 carcinogenic PAHs together with 53 other known carcinogens are present in cigarette smoke. Accurate quantification of these chemicals helps assess public health risk to both smokers and nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke. We have developed and validated a specific and sensitive method for measuring these 10 carcinogenic PAHs in the particulate phase of mainstream tobacco smoke. Cigarette smoke particulate, produced using standard machine smoking protocols, was collected on glass fiber Cambridge filter pads. The particulate matter was solvent extracted, purified by solid-phase extraction, and analyzed by liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry using isotopically labeled analogues as internal standards. Our method's limits of detection ranged from 11 to 166 pg and achieved sufficient reproducibility and accuracy to provide useful information on a range of cigarettes having dramatically different machine-smoked tar and nicotine deliveries. The identity of each PAH analyte was established from chromatographic retention time, analyte-specific fragmentation patterns, and relative peak area ratios of the product/precursor ion pairs. This new method provides higher sensitivity, specificity, and throughput than did earlier methods. We found relatively consistent PAH levels among a selection of domestic full-flavor cigarettes. The PAH levels in smoke from highly ventilated light and ultralight cigarettes were low when smoked using ISO (International Organization for Standardization) conditions. However, if highly ventilated cigarettes were smoked under more intense conditions (e.g., larger or more frequent puffs, vents blocked), their PAH levels equaled or exceeded their full-flavor counterparts under ISO conditions.     

Serum Biomarkers of Clinical and Cytologic Response in Dogs with Idiopathic Immune‐Mediated Polyarthropathy

Background

Immune‐mediated polyarthopathy (IMPA) is common in dogs, and is monitored by serial arthrocenteses.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and CXCL8 (interleukin‐8) would serve as noninvasive markers of joint inflammation in IMPA.

Animals

Nine client‐owned dogs with idiopathic IMPA; 6 healthy controls.

Methods

Prospective study. Plasma CRP, IL‐6, and CXCL8 were measured by ELISA at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks during treatment with prednisone at 50 mg/m²/day. Arthrocenteses, the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI), and accelerometry collars were used to assess joint inflammation, lameness, and mobility at all 3 time points.

Results

C‐reactive protein concentrations were higher in IMPA dogs (median 91.1 μg/mL, range 76.7–195.0) compared with controls (median <6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–13.7; P = .0035), and were significantly lower at week 2 (10.6 μg/mL, <6.3–48.8) and week 4 (<6.3 μg/mL, <6.3–24.4; P < .001).C‐reactive protein was correlated with median CBPI scores (r = 0.68; P = .0004), joint cellularity (r = 0.49, P = .011), and mobility by accelerometry (r = −0.42, P = .048). Plasma IL‐6 concentrations were also higher in IMPA dogs (median 45.9 pg/mL), compared with controls (median <15.7 pg/mL; P = .0008). IL‐6 was lower in IMPA dogs by week 4 (<15.7 pg/mL; P = .0099), and was modestly correlated with CBPI scores (r = 0.47, P = .023). CXCL8 did not differ significantly between IMPA and healthy dogs.

Conclusions

Plasma CRP and IL‐6 might be useful surrogate markers of synovial inflammation and disease activity in dogs with IMPA.     

Artificial Reefs, the Attraction-production Issue, and Density Dependence in Marine Ornamental Fishes

Artificial reefs may provide a useful tool to enhance production of marine ornamentals and to divert detrimental harvesting activities from sensitive natural habitat. The efficacy of this strategy depends, in part, on the extent to which artificial reefs contribute to new production (vs. attract fishes from natural habitat) and therefore benefit harvested populations on a local and regional basis. Here the attraction and production hypotheses and their application to marine ornamentals are presented. Specifically, it is discussed how the strength and timing of density dependence can affect the response of fish population dynamics to artificial reefs. In addition to this discussion, examples of density dependence in marine ornamentals and related reef fishes are provided. Based on this information, a simple conceptual model is presented to clarify the role of density dependence, and this is followed by a discussion on the use of artificial reefs in the management and production of marine ornamentals. Finally, unresolved scientific issues that remain to be addressed are provided.     

Processed piggery waste as a feed material for Cyprinus carpio

Anaerobically digested piggery waste was used as a substitute protein source at 10% and 20% levels on an isonitrogenous and (as far as possible) isocalorific basis, and compared to a control diet of soyabean meal and fish meal for fingerling mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish fed on the substitute diets showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) specific growth rates, but the fish on the 20% diet had significantly lower (P < 0.05) fat contents, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) ash contents compared to both the control and the 10% diet, at the end of the experiment. Raw animal wastes do not perform well when substituted for conventional protein sources in fish diets. With processing, the performance is improved. Anaerobic digestion seems to be an appropriate processing technique for the upgrading of piggery wastes. A substitution level of 20% of the processed waste for conventional materials may be obtained without adversely affecting growth performance.     

Development and Variation of the Lateral Vertebral Foramen of the Atlas in Dogs

Postnatal development and variation of the bony cranial border of the lateral vertebral foramen (LVF) of the atlas was studied in 96 dogs. Developmental ossification was investigated in 8 known-aged Miniature Schnauzer pups, after each atlas was prepared either as an alizarin-red stained clearing or as a dried cleaned bone. Variation was investigated in 63 atlases from mature dogs and by study of radiographs from 25 mature dogs of various breeds. The soft tissue structures passing through the LVF and attaching to its cranial border were dissected in an additional 2 embalmed and 2 fresh cadavers. In 2-week-old pups, the LVF was represented by a notch in the cranial margin of the bony arch of the atlas, with a cartilage bar completing the foramen cranially. Between 6 and 16 weeks the bar forming the cranial bony border of the LVF ossified in its preexisting cartilage anlage. In mature dogs, the LVF was present in the craniolateral aspect of the arch of the atlas and was recognized on lateral radiographs. The vertebral artery and vein, and first cervical nerve passed through the LVF and the atlantooccipital joint capsule and dorsal membrane attached to the cranial border of the LVF. In one dog the cranial border of the LVF of the atlas was incompletely ossified bilaterally. This developmental variant was compared with variations in man and other mammals, and with proatlas neural arch derivatives.     

Feline Precursor. porphyria, characterized by persistent delta. Aminolevulinic aciduria

A female domestic shorthaired cat had frequent seizures and vague gastrointestinal signs. Lead poisoning was suspected because of increased urinary delta aminolevulinic acid concentration. However, abnormalities continued despite repeated chelation therapy and blood lead concentration was normal. Delta aminolevulinic aciduria persisted, but concentrations of porphobilinogen in urine and of porphyrins in blood, urine and faeces were normal. An inherited porphyric disorder was suspected, involving deficiency of aminolevulinic acid dehydrase, an enzyme active in haem biosynthesis. Accumulation of aminolevulinic acid in vivo could explain the observed signs.     

Vitamin K-dependent multifactor coagulopathy in Devon Rex cats

A coagulopathy attributable to a deficiency of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) was diagnosed in 3 Devon Rex cats. There was no evidence for exposure to vitamin-antagonist-related rodenticides. The cats did not have evidence of hepatic disease, gastrointestinal disease, or fat malassimilation. Oral treatment with vitamin K1 resulted in normalization of clotting factor concentrations. However, when treatment was discontinued in 2 cats, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin values became prolonged again, although the cats did not have clinical signs of a bleeding disorder.