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.

The RIFM approach to evaluating Natural Complex Substances (NCS).

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) has evaluated safety data for fragrance materials for 55 years. The safety assessment of Natural Complex Substances (NCS) is similar to that of discrete fragrance materials; all of the same endpoints are evaluated. A series of decision trees, reflecting advances in risk assessment approaches of mixtures and toxicological methodologies, follows a tiered approach for each endpoint using a 4-step process with testing only as a last resort: 1) evaluate available data on NCS; 2) verify whether the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) can be applied; 3) verify whether the NCS risk assessment can be achieved on a component basis; and 4) determine whether data must be generated. Using in silico tools, RIFM examined NCS similarities based on the plant part, processing, and composition of materials across 81 plant families to address data gaps. Data generated from the Creme RIFM Aggregate Exposure Model for over 900 fragrance NCS demonstrate that dermal exposure is the primary route of human exposure for NCS fragrance uses. Over a third of materials are below the most conservative TTC limits. This process aims to provide a comprehensive Safety Assessment of NCS used as a fragrance ingredient.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal, CAS Registry Number 141-92-4.

Hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog hydroxycitronellal diethyl acetal (CAS # 7779-94-4) show that hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material and the exposure to hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal and from read-across material hydroxycitronellal diethyl acetal (CAS # 7779-94-4) show that there are no safety concerns for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, p-tolyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 140-39-6.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. p-Tolyl acetate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog ethyl p-tolyl carbonate (CAS # 22719-81-9) show that p-tolyl acetate is not expected to be genotoxic. Data on read-across materials p-cresol (CAS # 106-44-5) and acetic acid (CAS # 64-19-7) provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose and reproductive toxicity endpoints. The skin sensitization endpoint was completed using DST for reactive materials (64 µg/cm2); exposure is below the DST. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; p-tolyl acetate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to p-tolyl acetate is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day).The environmental endpoints were evaluated; p-tolyl acetate was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isobutyl alcohol, CAS Registry Number 78-83-1.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Isobutyl alcohol was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that isobutyl alcohol is not genotoxic. Data on isobutyl alcohol provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity endpoints. Data from read-across material isoamyl alcohol (CAS # 123-51-3) show that there are no safety concerns for isobutyl alcohol for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; isobutyl alcohol is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material and the exposure to isobutyl alcohol is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day). The environmental endpoints were evaluated; isobutyl alcohol was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, CAS Registry Number 5471-51-2.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. 4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is not genotoxic. Data on 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity endpoint. The developmental and reproductive toxicity and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone show that there are no safety concerns for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

Activated carbon biochar from municipal waste as a sorptive agent for the removal of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenols and petroleum based compounds in contaminated liquids.

Wastewater (WW) sludge cake is problematic to dispose of with treatment unable to remove organic pollutants. Typical disposal options include landfill or deposition on agricultural land, at considerable expense and environmental impact. Pyrolysis can recycle this waste to biochar however, additional unwanted organic pollutants are generated, differing in composition and volume according to the feedstock. These pollutants can be captured in solvent impingers or 'scrubbers' to avoid environmental release but lead to alternative waste. Both activated carbon and biochar are proven clean-up methods for organic pollutants with pine wood biochar showing changes in extraction selectivity with preparation temperature. Activated carbon biochar (ACB) from pine wood has also been successfully compared as a substitute at reduced cost and improved efficacy. To our knowledge, ACB from sludge cake has remained untested along with its application to clean-up solvent scrubbers. We have investigated this material from two WW treatment plants (UK and Ghana) as a sorbent, generated at 400 and 700 °C, to minimise contamination of liquids from pyrolysis and, petrochemicals in the event of a spill. This study confirmed the use and selective production of ACB for preferential clean-up of specific pollutants. Despite high temperature pine wood ACB proving most effective in removing petrochemical mixtures (>76%) extractions of equivalent repeatability and reasonable recovery were achieved with low temperature sludge cake ACB. This re-use of waste sludge cake offers improved thermochemical (recycling) and WW process efficiency, limiting the environmental impact and overall operational costs, minimising waste for disposal.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl 2-octynoate, CAS Registry Number 111-12-6.

Methyl 2-octynoate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that methyl 2-octynoate is not genotoxic. Data provided methyl 2-octynoate a NESIL of 110 µg/cm2 for the skin sensitization endpoint. The repeated dose, developmental and reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class II material, and the exposure to methyl 2-octynoate is below the TTC (0.009 mg/kg/day, 0.009 mg/kg/day, and 0.47 mg/day, respectively). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; methyl 2-octynoate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; methyl 2-octynoate was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl ionone (mixture of isomers), CAS registry number 1335-46-2.

Methyl ionone (mixture of isomers) was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from methyl ionone (mixture of isomers) show that the material is not genotoxic and provided a NESIL of 70,000 µg/cm2 for the skin sensitization endpoint. Data provided a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity and developmental toxicity endpoints, and data from read-across material (E)-ß-ionone (CAS # 79-77-6) provided a calculated MOE >100 for the reproductive toxicity endpoint. For the local respiratory endpoint, a calculated MOE >100 was provided by the read-across material ß-ionone (CAS # 14901-07-6). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on data and UV spectra; the material is not phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated with data from the target chemical and read-across material α-allylionone (CAS # 79-78-7), and the material was not found to be PBT; its risk quotients, based on current volume of use in Europe and North America (PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, propanal diethyl acetal, CAS registry number 4744-08-5.

There are insufficient toxicity data on the target material propanal diethyl acetal (CAS # 4744-08-5). Hence, in silico evaluation was conducted to determine read-across analogs for this material. Based on structural similarity, reactivity, metabolism data, physical-chemical properties, and expert judgment, analogs acetal (CAS # 105-57-7) and butane, 1,1'-[methylenebis(oxy)]bis- (CAS # 2568-90-3) were identified as read-across materials with sufficient data for toxicological evaluation of genotoxicity.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl 2-nonenoate, CAS Registry Number 111-79-5.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Methyl 2-nonenoate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog ethyl trans-2,cis-4-decadienoate (CAS # 3025-30-7) show that methyl 2-nonenoate is not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to methyl 2-nonenoate is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from the target and read-across analog isobutyl-2-butenoate (CAS # 589-66-2) do not indicate the material is a sensitizer. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on data and UV spectra; methyl 2-nonenoate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; methyl 2-nonenoate was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards, and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isobutyl propionate, CAS Registry Number 540-42-1.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Isobutyl propionate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog isobutyl acetate (CAS # 110-19-0) show that isobutyl propionate is not expected to be genotoxic. Data from read-across analog isoamyl acetate (CAS # 123-92-2) show that there are no safety concerns for isobutyl propionate for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The repeated dose and reproductive endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to isobutyl propionate is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day and 0.03 mg/kg/day, respectively). For the local respiratory endpoint, a calculated MOE >100 was provided by read-across analog butyl acetate (CAS # 123-86-4). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; isobutyl propionate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; isobutyl propionate is not PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards. For the risk assessment, isobutyl propionate was not able to be risk screened as there were no reported volumes of use for North America or Europe in the 2015 IFRA Survey.

Does adding milk to tea delay gastric emptying?

BACKGROUND: Many preoperative fasting guidelines suggest that hot tea or coffee with milk added should be considered similar to solid food, allowing an interval of 6 h before commencing anaesthesia. There is little evidence to support these instructions, with recent guidelines undecided on the issue. This study aimed to establish whether there was a clinically significant delay in gastric emptying associated with adding a modest amount of milk to tea. METHODS: This randomized controlled crossover study was conducted in 10 healthy volunteers. The paracetamol absorption technique and real-time ultrasound measurement of the cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum were used to assess gastric emptying after ingestion of 300 ml of black tea or 300 ml of tea with milk (250 ml black tea plus 50 ml of full fat milk). RESULTS: The mean difference in the time to reach the peak paracetamol concentration (tmax) was -8 min [95% confidence interval (CI) -23.1 to 7] in favour of tea with milk. Ultrasound assessment indicated that the geometric mean of the half-time to gastric emptying (T1/2) after tea without milk was 22.7 (95% CI 12.7-40.9) min and after tea with milk 23.6 (95% CI 13.5-41.0) min (ratio 1.04) (95% CI 0.47-2.29). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated no difference in gastric emptying times when a modest amount of milk was added to tea. These findings suggest that it may be acceptable to allow patients to add a small quantity of milk to their tea or coffee and follow the same fasting restrictions applied to clear fluids.

Use of natural antimicrobials to improve the control of Listeria monocytogenes in a cured cooked meat model system.

Concern about nitrite in processed meats has increased consumer demand for natural products manufactured without nitrite or nitrate. Studies on commercial meat products labeled as "Uncured" and "No-Nitrite-or-Nitrate-Added" have shown less control of nitrite in these products and greater potential growth of bacterial pathogens. To improve the safety of the "naturally cured" meats, several natural ingredients were studied in a cured cooked meat model system (80:20 pork, 10% water, 2% salt, and 150 or 50 ppm ingoing sodium nitrite) that closely resembled commercial frankfurters to determine their inhibitory effect on Listeria monocytogenes. Results showed that cranberry powder at 1%, 2% and 3% resulted in 2-4 log cfu/g less growth of L. monocytogenes compared to the control with nitrite alone (P<0.05). Other natural compounds, such as cherry powder, lime powder and grape seed extract, also provided measureable inhibition to L. monocytogenes when combined with cranberry powder (P<0.05).

Application of exogenous enzymes to beef muscle of high and low-connective tissue.

Exogenous enzymes tenderize meat through proteolysis. Triceps brachii and Supraspinatus were randomly assigned to the seven enzyme treatments, papain, ficin, bromelain, homogenized fresh ginger, Bacillus subtilis protease, and two Aspergillus oryzae proteases or control to determine the extent of tenderization (Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory evaluation) and mode of action (myofibrillar or collagen degradation). Sensory evaluation showed improvement (P<0.0009) for tenderness and connective tissue component and all except ginger had a lower shear force than the control (P<0.003). Ginger produced more off-flavor than all other treatments (P<0.0001). Only papain increased soluble collagen (P<0.0001). Control samples were only significantly less than ficin for water soluble (P=0.0002) and A. oryzae concentrate for salt soluble proteins (P=0.0148). All enzyme treatments can increase tenderness via myofibrillar and collagenous protein degradation with no difference among high and low-connective tissue muscles.

Paraesophageal lymph node metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma in a patient with esophageal squamous carcinoma.

SUMMARY. Esophageal squamous carcinomas induce regional immune suppression in the domain of the tumor while the global immune system remains intact. We report a patient with a squamous esophageal carcinoma, who was discovered at esophagectomy to have paraesophageal lymph node metastases from a prostatic adenocarcinoma. No other sites of metastatic disease were identified. This supports the concept that regional immune suppression by esophageal squamous cancers facilitates growth of metastases in the local lymph nodes.

Combined electric field and ultrasound therapy as a novel anti-tumour treatment.

The permeabilising effects of electric pulses on cell membranes and the use of ultrasound energy of various intensities, for both thermal effects and enhancement of drug and gene delivery, have led to extensive research into the potential applications of these systems in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments. In the present study we have demonstrated for the first time that the application of brief electric pulses 'sensitises' tumour cells to the effects of low intensity ultrasound. The studies were conducted in human tumours established in athymic nude mice and in many instances resulted in the reduction of tumour mass. The combined electric field and ultrasound approach (CEFUS) was applied in vivo to a murine colon adenocarcinoma (C26) and a human oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OE19). The experiments performed demonstrated the anti-tumour effects of the combined therapy. Varying the electrosensitisation parameters used (voltage, waveform, electrode type) contributed to optimise the procedure. Exponential electric pulses with a peak of 1000 V/cm were initially used, but square wave pulses (1000 V/cm, 1 ms, x2, 1 Hz) were found to be just as effective. All ultrasound application parameters were kept constant during the study. The growth rate of C26 tumours treated with CEFUS was significantly reduced with respect to untreated controls at day 7 (96% of average initial tumour volume in CEFUS group versus 615% for controls, P < 0.05). Similar reduction was observed in OE19 tumours treated with CEFUS by day 4 (82% versus 232%, P < 0.032). Our preliminary data suggest that this novel technology could potentially be of wide application in clinical practice for the treatment of solid tumours and is worth further investigation.

Probiotics: an emerging therapy.

There is considerable clinical interest in the utility of probiotic therapy--the feeding of (live) non-pathogenic bacteria, originally derived from the alimentary tract, for disease treatment or health promotion. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for mucosal protection, for immune education and for metabolism of fecal residue. Physiological disturbances of these processes, when they occur, result from: i) alteration of a microbial ecosystem, originally conserved by evolution; ii) reduced consumption of microorganisms; iii) invasion of pathogens; or iv) modern interventions. Recent data support the use of proven probiotic organisms in prevention and treatment of flora-related gastrointestinal disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, infectious and antibiotic related diarrheas, and post-resection disorders including pouchitis. Therapeutic activity of probiotic bacteria can be due to competition with pathogens for nutrients and mucosal adherence, production of antimicrobial substances, and modulation of mucosal immune functions. Although a promising treatment, controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate the benefit of probiotics.

Consumer satisfaction with CMHC services.

To examine the relationship between consumer satisfaction with community mental health clinic (CMHC) services and patterns of outpatient service use, we conducted a survey of 210 schizophrenics in Mississippi, the majority of whom were African American. Subjects with lowest CMHC satisfaction were those who did not identify the CMHC as their primary source of outpatient mental health care. They were more likely to be white, single, and to either receive no outpatient mental health care (46%) or to seek care from sources other than the CMHC (54%), many of which might provide substandard care, such as family doctors, ministers, folk healers, or hospital emergency rooms. Among those who identified the CMHC as their primary source of mental health care, we found little evidence that satisfaction was associated with type, variety, or frequency of services. Even though clinics offered similar services, there were differences in consumer satisfaction ratings by clinics, suggesting that qualities of the clinic itself may influence consumer satisfaction.