Protein prescription and delivery practices in critically ill adults: A survey of Australian and New Zealand intensive care dietitians.

BACKGROUND: Protein provision is thought to be integral to attenuating muscle wasting in critical illness, yet patients receive half of that prescribed. As international guidelines lack definitive evidence to support recommendations, understanding clinicians' views relating to protein practices is of importance. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe Australia and New Zealand intensive care unit (ICU) dietitians' protein prescription and perceived delivery practices in critically ill adults, including common barriers and associations between ICU clinical experience and protein prescriptions for different clinical conditions. METHODS: A 42-item descriptive quantitative survey of Australian and New Zealand intensive care dietitians was disseminated through nutrition and ICU society e-mailing lists. Data were collected on respondent demographics and reported protein practices including questions related to a multitrauma case study. Data were analysed using descriptive and content analysis and reported as n (%). Fisher's exact tests were used to compare experience and protein prescriptions. RESULTS: Of the 67 responses received (one excluded due to >50% missing data), more than 80% of respondents stated they would prescribe 1.2-1.5 g protein/kg bodyweight/day for most critically ill patients, most commonly using European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guidelines to support prescriptions (n = 61/66, 92%). Most respondents (n = 49/66, 74%) thought their practice achieved 61-80% of protein prescriptions, with frequently reported barriers including fasting periods (n = 59/66, 89%), avoiding energy overfeeding (n = 50/66, 76%), and gastrointestinal intolerance (n = 47/66, 71%). No associations between years of ICU experience and protein prescriptions for 14 of the 15 predefined clinical conditions were present. CONCLUSIONS: Australian and New Zealand ICU dietitians use international guidelines to inform protein prescriptions of 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day for most clinical conditions, and protein prescriptions do not appear to be influenced by years of ICU experience. Key perceived barriers to protein delivery including avoidance of energy overfeeding and gastrointestinal intolerance could be explored to improve protein adequacy.

Estimation of genomic breed composition of individual animals in composite beef cattle.

Three statistical models (an admixture model, linear regression, and ridge-regression BLUP) and two strategies for selecting SNP panels (uniformly spaced vs. maximum Euclidean distance of SNP allele frequencies between ancestral breeds) were compared for estimating genomic-estimated breed composition (GBC) in Brangus and Santa Gertrudis cattle, respectively. Animals were genotyped with a GeneSeek Genomic Profiler bovine low-density version 4 SNP chip. The estimated GBC was consistent among the uniformly spaced SNP panels, and values were similar between the three models. However, estimated GBC varied considerably between the three methods when using fewer than 10 000 SNPs that maximized the Euclidean distance of allele frequencies between the ancestral breeds. The admixture model performed most consistently across various SNP panel sizes. For the other two models, stabilized estimates were obtained with an SNP panel size of 20 000 SNPs or more. Based on the uniformly spaced 20K SNP panel, the estimated GBC was 69.8-70.5% Angus and 29.5-30.2% Brahman for Brangus, and 63.9-65.3% Shorthorn and 34.7-36.1% Brahman in Santa Gertrudis. The estimated GBC of ancestries for Santa Gertrudis roughly agreed with the pedigree-expected values. However, the estimated GBC in Brangus showed a considerably larger Angus composition than the pedigree-expected value (62.5%). The elevated Angus composition in the Brangus could be due to the mixture of some 1/2 Ultrablack animals (Brangus × Angus). Another reason could be the consequences of selection in Brangus cattle for phenotypes where the Angus breed has advantages.

A unified local objective function for optimally selecting SNPs on arrays for agricultural genomics applications.

Over the years, ad-hoc procedures were used for designing SNP arrays, but the procedures and strategies varied considerably case by case. Recently, a multiple-objective, local optimization (MOLO) algorithm was proposed to select SNPs for SNP arrays, which maximizes the adjusted SNP information (E score) under multiple constraints, e.g. on MAF, uniformness of SNP locations (U score), the inclusion of obligatory SNPs and the number and size of gaps. In the MOLO, each chromosome is split into equally spaced segments and local optima are selected as the SNPs having the highest adjusted E score within each segment, conditional on the presence of obligatory SNPs. The computation of the adjusted E score, however, is empirical, and it does not scale well between the uniformness of SNP locations and SNP informativeness. In addition, the MOLO objective function does not accommodate the selection of uniformly distributed SNPs. In the present study, we proposed a unified local function for optimally selecting SNPs, as an amendment to the MOLO algorithm. This new local function takes scalable weights between the uniformness and informativeness of SNPs, which allows the selection of SNPs under varied scenarios. The results showed that the weighting between the U and the E scores led to a higher imputation concordance rate than the U score or E score alone. The results from the evaluation of six commercial bovine SNP chips further confirmed this conclusion.

[Epi-Bowman Keratectomy: Clinical Evaluation of a New Method of Surface Ablation]. / Epi-Bowman-Keratektomie: klinische Beurteilung einer neuen Variante der Surface Ablation.

PURPOSE: A new device for epithelial abrasion before excimer laser surface ablation or corneal cross-linking (CXL) has recently been introduced (Epi-Clear™, Orca Surgical, Kiryat-Shmona, Israel). We have reviewed the literature on the clinical results, potential benefits and drawbacks of this instrument, compared to other methods of epithelial removal. METHOD: Literature search for "Epi-Bowman Keratectomy", "Epi-clear", and "Epikeratome" yielded 1 peer-review publication, 1 non-peer-review publication, 18 posters and presentations at international conferences (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons [ESCRS] and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery [ASCRS]) on the use of the Epi-Clear™ device before surface ablation, 2 posters on the use of Epi-Clear before corneal crosslinking and 1 presentation on the experimental use of Epi-Clear for removal of a pterygium. RESULTS: Comparison of laser ablation after epithelial removal with the Epi-Clear device (Epi-Bowman Keratectomy™, EBK™) to other established methods of surface ablation, i.e. alcohol-assisted PRK or PRK with a metallic scraper, EBK, suggests that the results are generally similar. Pain perception, haze formation, and epithelial healing are reported to be better than with conventional surface ablation methods. Studies evaluating the use of the Epi-Clear device before CXL report that the healing time is significantly reduced and that less pain is perceived. CONCLUSION: The Epi-Clear device seems to be a promising new option for epithelial removal before refractive laser ablation, although a convincing explanation for its potential superiority is still missing. In contrast, when the Epi-Clear device is used before CXL, then the Bowman's layer remains intact; this may provide an adequate explanation for the reported benefits of this application. However, currently available studies are of low level of evidence, so that more prospective randomised trials are needed for a robust evaluation of this treatment.

[New Developments in Cataract Surgery]. / Interessantes aus der Kataraktchirurgie.

Recent technological innovations in cataract surgery have made the procedure even more precise and safe and the odds of having a highly satisfied patient even higher. These innovations include visualisation systems - such as intraoperative aberrometry - which are particularly helpful when it comes to implanting toric IOLs, where even a slight rotation or misalignment can significantly reduce the postoperative visual quality. Another way to ensure the exact positioning of a toric IOL is to create a mark by making an intrastromal incision using the femtosecond laser. The latter technology has increased the precision of capsulotomy and other steps of the operation and has been successfully employed in patients with a challenging clinical profile, including paediatric and hypermature cataracts. The femtosecond laser, however, induces an increase in intraocular prostaglandins, which can lead to miosis. Applying topical NSAIDs before starting surgery has proved to be effective in coping with the consequences of the increase in prostaglandins. Good vision without using glasses for near, intermediate and far distances remains a goal for many patients. IOLs with extended depths of focus (EDOF) technology can provide this comfort - to some but not all patients. An intraocular sensor, Eyemate, that is implanted during cataract surgery, enables the glaucoma patient to check his or her IOP at any time and improves the management of glaucoma and its main risk factor, elevated IOP. Several methods - drugs or nutritive agents - are said to prevent cataractogenesis. These studies have probably to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

[Technique-based game for daycare visitors with and without dementia : Effects, heuristics and correlates]. / Technikbasiertes Spiel von Tagespflegebesuchern mit und ohne Demenz : Effekte, Heuristiken und Korrelate.

BACKGROUND: Playing of old people with or without dementia have not yet been substantially investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study deals with the acceptance and impact of a tablet-based memory game, which was played on a weekly or semiweekly basis by visitors in two daycare units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of focus groups the technical system was adapted for elderly users. The video-assisted data at the level of the game and the dynamics were investigated with respect to interaction and communication. RESULTS: The analysis of psychological observation forms and game protocols, which were conducted over a period of 3 months, indicated different effects of the game on psychosocial and cognitive activation. The individual memory cards in particular served as an intensification of communication and a stimulation of episodic memory. Finally, with video analysis during the whole game setting three theoretical relationship patterns of the spheres playing and speech could be depicted. CONCLUSION: Coherence, separation and incoherence of playing and speech are different forms of interaction in which individual and collaborative competences of people with and without dementia can be visualized. Furthermore, the study provides evidence for the cultural theory of playing by Huizinga.

A strategy for structuring and reporting a read-across prediction of toxicity.

Category formation, grouping and read across methods are broadly applicable in toxicological assessments and may be used to fill data gaps for chemical safety assessment and regulatory decisions. In order to facilitate a transparent and systematic approach to aid regulatory acceptance, a strategy to evaluate chemical category membership, to support the use of read-across predictions that may be used to fill data gaps for regulatory decisions is proposed. There are two major aspects of any read-across exercise, namely assessing similarity and uncertainty. While there can be an over-arching rationale for grouping organic substances based on molecular structure and chemical properties, these similarities alone are generally not sufficient to justify a read-across prediction. Further scientific justification is normally required to justify the chemical grouping, typically including considerations of bioavailability, metabolism and biological/mechanistic plausibility. Sources of uncertainty include a variety of elements which are typically divided into two main issues: the uncertainty associated firstly with the similarity justification and secondly the completeness of the read-across argument. This article focuses on chronic toxicity, whilst acknowledging the approaches are applicable to all endpoints. Templates, developed from work to prepare for the application of new toxicological data to read-across assessment, are presented. These templates act as proposals to assist in assessing similarity in the context of chemistry, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics as well as to guide the systematic characterisation of uncertainty both in the context of the similarity rationale, the read across data and overall approach and conclusion. Lastly, a workflow for reporting a read-across prediction is suggested.

Juggling revisited - a voxel-based morphometry study with expert jugglers.

Juggling is a highly interesting tool to investigate neuroplasticity associated with motor-learning. Several brain-imaging studies have reported changes in regional brain morphology in visual association cortices in individuals learning how to juggle a three-ball cascade. However, to our knowledge there are no studies that investigated expert jugglers, looking for specific features in regional brain morphology related to this highly specialized skill. Using T1-weighted images and voxel-based morphometry we investigated in a cross-sectional study design 16 expert jugglers, able to juggle at least five balls and an age- and gender-matched group of non-jugglers. We hypothesized that expert jugglers would show higher gray matter density in regions involved in visual motion perception and eye-hand coordination. Images were pre-processed and analyzed using SPM8. Age was included in the analyses as covariate of no interest. As compared to controls jugglers displayed several clusters of higher, regional gray matter density in the occipital and parietal lobes including the secondary visual cortex, the hMT+/V5 area bilaterally and the intraparietal sulcus bilaterally. Within the jugglers group we also found a correlation between performance and regional gray matter density in the right hMT+/V5 area. Our study provides evidence that expert jugglers show increased gray matter density in brain regions involved in visual motion perception and eye-hand coordination, i.e. brain areas that have previously been shown to undergo dynamic changes in terms of gray matter increases in subjects learning a basic three-ball cascade. The extent to which transient increases in beginners and the differences in experts and non-experts are based on the same neurobiological correlates remains to be fully elucidated.

Mixture toxicity of SN2-reactive soft electrophiles: 3. Evaluation of ethyl α-halogenated acetates with α-halogenated acetonitriles.

Mixture toxicity for each of four ethyl α-halogenated acetates with each of three α-halogenated acetonitriles (xANs) was assessed. Inhibition of bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri was measured after 15, 30, and 45 min of exposure. Concentration-response curves were developed for each chemical at each exposure duration and used to develop predicted concentration-response curves for the dose-addition and independence models of combined effect. Concentration-response curves for each mixture and each exposure duration were then evaluated against the predicted curves using three metrics per model: (1) EC50-based additivity quotient (AQ) or independence quotient (IQ) values; (2) mean AQ (mAQ) or mean IQ (mIQ) values, which were calculated by averaging the EC25, EC50, and EC75 AQ or IQ values; and (3) deviation values from additivity (DV-A) or independence (DV-I). Mixture toxicity for ethyl iodoacetate was dose-additive with each of the xANs at all exposure durations and was also often consistent with independence. The same was true for mixture toxicity of ethyl bromoacetate with each xAN. However, for the two more slowly reactive chemicals, ethyl chloroacetate (ECAC) and ethyl fluoroacetate (EFAC), mixture toxicity with each xAN only became consistent with dose-addition on increasing exposure duration. Consistency with independence for both ECAC and EFAC with the xANs was essentially limited to the EC50-IQ metric, thereby showing the utility of calculating the mean quotient (mAQ, mIQ) and deviation value (DV-A, DV-I) metrics. On review of these findings with those from the first two studies in the series, the results suggest that instances in which mixture toxicity was not consistent with dose-addition relate (1) to differences in the capability of the chemicals to form strong H-bonds with water; and (2) to differences in relative reactivity and time-dependent toxicity levels of the chemicals.

Update to RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-, CAS registry number 58461-27-1.

4-Hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, photoirritation/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- is not genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from read-across analog 3-methylbut-3-en-1-ol (CAS # 763-32-6) show that there are no safety concerns for 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The photoirritation/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra; 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- is not expected to be photoirritating/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; 4-hexen-1-ol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)- was found not to be Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) as per the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use (VoU) in Europe and North America (i.e., Predicted Environmental Concentration/Predicted No Effect Concentration [PEC/PNEC]), are <1.

The economic consequences of reproductive health and family planning.

We consider the evidence for the effect of access to reproductive health services on the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 1, 2, and 3, which aim to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, and promote gender equality and empower women. At the household level, controlled trials in Matlab, Bangladesh, and Navrongo, Ghana, have shown that increasing access to family planning services reduces fertility and improves birth spacing. In the Matlab study, findings from long-term follow-up showed that women's earnings, assets, and body-mass indexes, and children's schooling and body-mass indexes, substantially improved in areas with improved access to family planning services compared with outcomes in control areas. At the macroeconomic level, reductions in fertility enhance economic growth as a result of reduced youth dependency and an increased number of women participating in paid labour.

Nest architecture, fungus gardens, queen, males and larvae of the fungus-growing ant Mycetagroicus inflatus Brandão & Mayhé-Nunes.

All known fungus-growing ants (tribe Attini) are obligately symbiotic with their cultivated fungi. The fungal cultivars of "lower" attine ants are facultative symbionts, capable of living apart from ants, whereas the fungal cultivars of "higher" attine ants, including leaf-cutting genera Atta and Acromyrmex, are highly specialized, obligate symbionts. Since higher attine ants and fungi are derived from lower attine ants and fungi, understanding the evolutionary transition from lower to higher attine agriculture requires understanding the historical sequence of change in both ants and fungi. The biology of the poorly known ant genus Mycetagroicus is of special interest in this regard because it occupies a phylogenetic position intermediate between lower and higher ant agriculture. Here, based on the excavations of four nests in Pará, Brazil, we report the first biological data for the recently described species Mycetagroicus inflatus, including the first descriptions of Mycetagroicus males and larvae. Like M. cerradensis, the only other species in the genus for which nesting biology is known, the garden chambers of M.inflatus are unusually deep and the garden is most likely relocated vertically in rainy and dry seasons. Due to the proximity of nests to the Araguaia River, it is likely that even the uppermost chambers and nest entrances of M. inflatus are submerged during the rainy season. Most remarkably, all three examined colonies of M. inflatus cultivate the same fungal species as their congener, M. cerradensis, over 1,000 km away, raising the possibility of long-term symbiont fidelity spanning speciation events within the genus.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)-, CAS Registry Number 499-44-5.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. This material has not been fully evaluated for photoallergenic potential. 2,4,6-Cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, photoirritation/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- is not genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). The skin sensitization endpoint was completed using the Dermal Sensitization Threshold (DST) for reactive materials (64 µg/cm2); exposure is below the DST. Based on data, 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- is a photoirritant but is not a concern under the current declared use levels. 2,4,6-Cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- was not evaluated for photoallergenicity. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; for the hazard assessment based on the screening data, 2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1-one, 2-hydroxy-4-(1-methylethyl)- was found not to be Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) as per the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use (VoU) in Europe and North America (i.e., Predicted Environmental Concentration/Predicted No Effect Concentration [PEC/PNEC]), are <1.

Preference of Formosan subterranean termites for blue-stained southern yellow pine sapwood.

Little research has been conducted to investigate interactions between the invasive Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and pine bark beetles native to the southeastern United States. Facilitative interactions between these organisms could alter stand dynamics and impact wood utilization strategies. American Wood Protection Association Standard E1-09 choice tests were carried out to determine the feeding preference of Formosan subterranean termites for blue-stained versus unstained southern yellow pine sapwood. Three separate colonies of Formosan subterranean termites consumed on average twice as much air-dried blue-stained southern yellow pine sapwood over unstained air-dried controls. Additionally, Formosan subterranean termites consumed over five-times more kiln-dried blue-stained sapwood than unstained kiln-dried control wafers. The implications of these results are particularly relevant to pine forest ecology, nutrient cycling, and the utilization of blue-stained southern pine building products in the southeastern United States, where Formosan subterranean termites have become established.

Contributions of Stereotactic EEG Electrodes in Grey and White Matter to Speech Activity Detection.

Recent studies have shown it is possible to decode and synthesize speech directly using brain activity recorded from implanted electrodes. While this activity has been extensively examined using electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings from cortical surface grey matter, stereotactic electroen-cephalography (sEEG) provides comparatively broader coverage and access to deeper brain structures including both grey and white matter. The present study examines the relative and joint contributions of grey and white matter electrodes for speech activity detection in a brain-computer interface.

Update to RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2,4-dimethylbenzyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 62346-96-7.

The MOE is greater than 100. Without adjustment for specific uncertainty factors related to inter-species and intra-species variation, the material exposure by inhalation at 0.0040 mg/day is deemed to be safe under the most conservative consumer exposure scenario.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 3-phenylpropyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 122-72-5.

Therefore, the phenethyl formate MOE for the fertility endpoint can be calculated by dividing the phenethyl alcohol NOAEL in mg/kg/day by the total systemic exposure to phenethyl formate, 1000/0.00062 or 1612903.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene, CAS Registry Number 4221-98-1.

Therefore, the (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene MOE for the repeated dose toxicity endpoint can be calculated by dividing the (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene NOAEL in mg/kg/day by the total systemic exposure to (-)-(R)-α-phellandrene, 8.33/0.00040, or 20825.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 5-hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone, CAS Registry Number 25524-95-2.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. 5-Hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across material tetrahydro-6-(3-pentenyl)-2H-pyran-2-one (CAS # 32764-98-0) show that 5-hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone is not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to 5-hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data show that there are no safety concerns for 5-hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra; 5-hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; 5-Hydroxy-7-decenoic acid δ-lactone was found not to be Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) as per the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., Predicted Environmental Concentration/Predicted No Effect Concentration [PEC/PNEC]), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, octyl isobutyrate, CAS Registry Number 109-15-9.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Octyl isobutyrate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog hexyl isobutyrate (CAS # 2349-07-7) show that octyl isobutyrate is not expected to be genotoxic. Data on analog propyl (2S)-2-(1,1-dimethylpropoxy)-propanoate (CAS # 319002-92-1) provide a calculated Margin of Exposure (MOE) > 100 for the repeated dose and reproductive toxicity endpoints. Data from analog hexyl 2-methylbutyrate (CAS # 10032-15-2) provided octyl isobutyrate a No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) of 7000 µg/cm2 for the skin sensitization endpoint. Octyl isobutyrate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic based on ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for a Cramer Class I material; exposure to is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day). The environmental endpoints were evaluated; octyl isobutyrate was found not to be Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) as per the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., Predicted Environmental Concentration/Predicted No Effect Concentration [PEC/PNEC]), are <1.