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1.
Phys Rev Lett ; 122(8): 082003, 2019 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30932583

ABSTRACT

The adapted DIRAC experiment at the CERN PS accelerator observed for the first time long-lived hydrogenlike π^{+}π^{-} atoms, produced by protons hitting a beryllium target. A part of these atoms crossed the gap of 96 mm between the target and a 2.1 µm thick platinum foil, in which most of them dissociated. Analyzing the observed number of atomic pairs, n_{A}^{L}=436_{-61}^{+157}|_{tot}, the lifetime of the 2p state is found to be τ_{2p}=(0.45_{-0.30}^{+1.08}|_{tot})×10^{-11} s, not contradicting the corresponding QED 2p state lifetime τ_{2p}^{QED}=1.17×10^{-11} s. This lifetime value is three orders of magnitude larger than our previously measured value of the π^{+}π^{-} atom ground state lifetime τ=(3.15_{-0.26}^{+0.28}|_{tot})×10^{-15} s. Further studies of long-lived π^{+}π^{-} atoms will allow us to measure energy differences between p and s atomic states and so to discriminate between the isoscalar and isotensor ππ scattering lengths with the aim to check QCD predictions.

2.
Glob Health Action ; 11(1): 1480084, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29943674

ABSTRACT

For the last two and a half decades, a network of human health experts under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) has produced several human health assessment reports. These reports have provided a base of scientific knowledge regarding environmental contaminants and their impact on human health in the Arctic. These reports provide scientific information and policy-relevant recommendations to Arctic governments. They also support international agreements such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Key topics discussed in this paper regarding future human health research in the circumpolar Arctic are continued contaminant biomonitoring, health effects research and risk communication. The objective of this paper is to describe knowledge gaps and future priorities for these fields.


Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Environmental Pollution , Health Impact Assessment , Public Health , Research , Arctic Regions , Humans , Research Report
3.
Bull Exp Biol Med ; 164(3): 308-311, 2018 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29313227

ABSTRACT

Culturing of bone marrow cells in serum-free RPMI-1640 medium led to a decrease in the rate of DNA biosynthesis. Addition of HDL or their main protein component apolipoprotein A-I to the culture medium dose-dependently increased the rate of [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. The maximum stimulation was achieved at HDL concentration of 80 µg/ml and apolipoprotein A-I concentration of 20 µg/ml. To identify the target-cells of apolipoprotein A-I, we used thymidine analogue 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) that incorporates into cell DNA at the stage of replicative DNA synthesis (S phase) and can be detected by fluorescence microscopy. In bone marrow cell culture, apolipoprotein A-I stimulates the proliferation of monocyte (monoblasts, promonocytes) and granulocyte (myeloblasts, promyelocytes) progenitor cells, as well as bone marrow stromal cells.


Subject(s)
Apolipoprotein A-I/pharmacology , Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Granulocytes/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Monocytes/drug effects , Animals , Apolipoprotein A-I/isolation & purification , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells/immunology , Culture Media, Serum-Free/chemistry , DNA/biosynthesis , Deoxyuridine/analogs & derivatives , Deoxyuridine/metabolism , Deoxyuridine/pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Granulocytes/cytology , Granulocytes/immunology , Humans , Lipoproteins, HDL/chemistry , Lipoproteins, HDL/pharmacology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Monocytes/cytology , Monocytes/immunology , Primary Cell Culture , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Thymidine/metabolism , Thymidine/pharmacology , Tritium
4.
Bull Exp Biol Med ; 164(2): 247-251, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29177902

ABSTRACT

Culturing of bone marrow cells in serum-free RPMI-1640 medium for 24 h was accompanied by a decrease in the rate of [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Addition of native apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) or plasma LDL and HDL to the culture medium increased this parameter. In contrast to native apoA-I, its modified form decelerated DNA synthesis in bone marrow cells. A similar inhibitory effect of modified protein was observed in cultures of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and in rapidly proliferating mouse macrophage cell line ANA-1. The only exclusion was human myeloid cell line U937: neither native nor modified apoA-I affected DNA synthesis in these cells. Thus, the regulatory effects of apoA-I are tissue-specific; this protein can produce either stimulatory or inhibitory effect on DNA biosynthesis in cells depending on its conformation.


Subject(s)
Apolipoprotein A-I/pharmacology , DNA/biosynthesis , Lipoproteins, HDL/pharmacology , Lipoproteins, LDL/pharmacology , Lipoproteins, VLDL/pharmacology , Animals , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects , Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism , Cell Line , DNA/agonists , DNA/antagonists & inhibitors , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Macrophages/cytology , Macrophages/drug effects , Macrophages/metabolism , Male , Organ Specificity , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Thymidine/metabolism , Tritium , U937 Cells
5.
Phys Rev Lett ; 117(11): 112001, 2016 Sep 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27661682

ABSTRACT

The observation of hydrogenlike πK atoms, consisting of π^{-}K^{+} or π^{+}K^{-} mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24 GeV/c protons from the CERN PS accelerator, interacting with platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup (ionization) of πK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic πK pairs, called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349±62 such atomic πK pairs, corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic πK atom.

6.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (6): 11-16, 2016 Aug.
Article in English, Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29693823

ABSTRACT

Serum levels of zincum, lead, nickel and mercury decrease in a row <>; average levels of manganese, cobalt, copper and arsenic are higher among females; in pregnant women serum levels of most metals are the lowest. If compared to the WHO. reference, levels of metals in whole blood demonstrated no excess in cobalt and cadmium, nearly absent - in arsenic, increased percentage of excess (but insignificant values) in copper and zincum, extremely high percentage of excess (and significant values) in manganese and nickel. Maximal manganese concentrations in blood reach 300 micrograms/I, those of nickel - 100 micrograms/I. Average blood concentrations of mercury in the examinees do not reach the most severe <> (S micrograms/1), and shares of men and women with blood concentrations of mercury over this limit are relatively small. Average blood concentrations of lead in the examinees do not reach lower allowable level (50 micrograms/1).


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Metals, Heavy , Adult , Body Burden , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Male , Maximum Allowable Concentration , Metals, Heavy/blood , Metals, Heavy/classification , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance/methods , Pregnancy , Russia/epidemiology , Sex Factors
7.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (2): 29-34, 2015.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25895249

ABSTRACT

Performed in 2013, sampling of centralized and noncentralized water-supply and analysis of engineering technology materials on household water use in 6 cities of Murmansk region (Nikel, Zapolyarny, Olenegorsk, Montchegorsk, Apatity, Kirovsk), subjected to industrial emissions, enabled to evaluate and compare levels of 15 metals in water sources (lakes and springs) and the cities' drinkable waters. Findings are that some cities lack sanitary protection zones for water sources, most cities require preliminary water processing, water desinfection involves only chlorination. Concentrations of most metals in water samples from all the cities at the points of water intake, water preparation and water supply are within the hygienic norms. But values significantly (2-5 times) exceeding MACs (both in water sources and in drinkable waters of the cities) were seen for aluminium in Kirovsk city and for nickel in Zapolarny and Nikel cities. To decrease effects of aluminium, nickel and their compounds in the three cities' residents (and preserve health of the population and offsprings), the authors necessitate specification and adaptation of measures to purify the drinkable waters from the pollutants. In all the cities studied, significantly increased concentrations of iron and other metals were seen during water transportation from the source to the city supply--that necessitates replacement of depreciated water supply systems by modern ones. Water taken from Petchenga region springs demonstrated relatively low levels of metals, except from strontium and barium.


Subject(s)
Drinking Water/analysis , Metals/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Water Supply/analysis , Drinking Water/chemistry , Humans , Industry , Metals/chemistry , Russia , Water/analysis , Water/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry
8.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (2): 35-40, 2015.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25895250

ABSTRACT

Within international project KolArctic "Food safety and health in frontier area of Russia, Finland and Norway", the study covered local food sampling in Pechenga district of Murmansk region during autumn of 2013, including fish (from 6 lakes), game, mushrooms, wild and cultivated berries, vegetables from private gardens situated at various distances from Nickel and Zapolarnyi settlements, also polling among 400 residents. Levels of 13 metals in the foods were assessed in "Taifun" laboratory. MACs for cadmium was 1.5-2 times exceeded in mushrooms (lamellate and tubular), that for mercury was up to 3 times exceeded in aspen mushrooms. Fresh-water fish appeared to contain the highest levels of mercury, close to MAC. Assessing levels of other metals that were previously normalized in USSR, the findings are 1.5 times exceeded MAC for copper in milk mushrooms, MAC for nickel was 4.5 times exceeded in wild berries, 2.5 times exceeded in cultivated berries, 2 times exceeded in potatoes and 2.5 to 30 times exceeded in mushrooms. Mushrooms have to be considered as major sorbents of total complex of the metals under study. Fresh-water fish is foodstuff mostly contaminated with mercury. Highly toxic nickel has to be considered as a major factor of exposure (and health risk) among the population under study. The data obtained help to specify recommendations on restricting some food items and reducing health risk for the residents subjected to industrial releases from "Pechenganickel" enterprise.


Subject(s)
Food Analysis , Food Contamination/analysis , Metals/analysis , Humans , Russia
9.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (11): 25-33, 2015.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26859978

ABSTRACT

Total average daily intake of metals with local food by natives equalled: Cu 2%, Pb 6%, Cd 22%, Hg 40%, Ni 66%, As 157%--in comparison with allowable daily intake. Mushrooms are responsible for total intake of 35% Pb, 55% Cu, 61% Ni and 91% Cd; fish gives 83% Hg and 75% As. The natives' exposure to Ni is caused by mushrooms, wild and cultivated berries and vegetables, exposure to Cd--by mushrooms, that to Hg--by freshwater fish, exposure to As--by salmon and cod. Drinkable water contribution into exposure to metals is negligibly small for Hg, Cd, Pb and Cu, mild for As and considerable for Ni (23%). Total carcinogenous risk with Cu and Pb are negligible, with Cd is 0.22, with Hg 0.39, with Ni 0.81, with As 1.62, with totality of metals for total foods and water--3.1. Total carcinogenous risks with Pb are minimal (less than 10(-6)), with Cd--allowable (less than 10(-5)), with As--average (less than 10(-3)), with Ni--high (10(-2)), with totality of metals for total foods and water--1.25 x 10(-2). Increased health risks revealed necessitate recommendations on reduction/exclusion of some local foods intake by the natives and measures on drinkable water purification from nickel, or usage of other sources of clear water.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure , Food Analysis/methods , Food Contamination/analysis , Metals/analysis , Water/chemistry , Humans , Risk Factors , Russia
10.
Nat Commun ; 5: 4538, 2014 Jul 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25066810

ABSTRACT

The precise measurement of forces is one way to obtain deep insight into the fundamental interactions present in nature. In the context of neutral antimatter, the gravitational interaction is of high interest, potentially revealing new forces that violate the weak equivalence principle. Here we report on a successful extension of a tool from atom optics--the moiré deflectometer--for a measurement of the acceleration of slow antiprotons. The setup consists of two identical transmission gratings and a spatially resolving emulsion detector for antiproton annihilations. Absolute referencing of the observed antimatter pattern with a photon pattern experiencing no deflection allows the direct inference of forces present. The concept is also straightforwardly applicable to antihydrogen measurements as pursued by the AEgIS collaboration. The combination of these very different techniques from high energy and atomic physics opens a very promising route to the direct detection of the gravitational acceleration of neutral antimatter.

11.
Gig Sanit ; (1): 36-40, 2014.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24749278

ABSTRACT

No associations of enhanced blood levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals with premature births and low birth weight have been revealed; regarding POPs an inverse but not statistically significant relationship was noted. Maternal blood levels of POPs were higher in cases of stillbirths and congenital malformations. Nevertheless no increased relative risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has been revealed in regard to any PTS and the dose range. More exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other POPs females gave birth to girls more often. Higher POPs blood levels were noted in females with earlier menarche, shortened menstrual cycle and prolonged menstrual bleeding.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/toxicity , Pregnancy Outcome , Adolescent , Adult , Environmental Pollutants/pharmacokinetics , Female , Humans , Menarche , Menstrual Cycle/physiology , Menstruation/physiology , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/pharmacokinetics , Pregnancy , Premature Birth/epidemiology , Russia/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Young Adult
12.
Gig Sanit ; (4): 22-8, 2012.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23082663

ABSTRACT

The indigenous people of coastal areas show a low percentage of low chlorinated and dioxin-like PCB congeners (as opposed to mainland aborigines) with a significant proportion of the "triad" in the amount of PCBs. 5 years after the first survey the ratio of the analyzed groups of PCB congeners in the blood of parturients - mothers, as well as in the fetus - child in the coastal Chukotka remained unchanged, indicating that the equal share rate of clearance-accumulation of congeners and is almost equal share content of PCB congeners in the mother and child. The average duration of half-lives of PCB congeners (#105-187) from the mother's body was 4-6 years (for the sum of PCBs - 5.7 years), which is broadly consistent with the results of foreign studies. The composition of PCB congeners in the blood of the continental population significantly differs from those in the food, while coastal residents--similar to the composition of PCBs in marine mammals. The content of PCB congeners in the domestic sources of pollution has no resemblance to the composition of PCBs in the blood of the natives.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/analysis , Environmental Pollutants/pharmacokinetics , Fetus/metabolism , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/pharmacokinetics , Environmental Pollutants/chemistry , Female , Half-Life , Humans , Male , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/chemistry , Population Groups , Pregnancy , Russia , Time Factors
13.
Gig Sanit ; (2): 15-20, 2012.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22834258

ABSTRACT

In the indigenous dwellers of coastal Chukotka, blood DDT levels are 1.5-2 times higher than those of continental areas, which is due to the higher global DDT pollution of a sea food chain. The blood levels of 4,4-DDE in the reproductive-age women of coastal Chukotka are comparable to those in other Russian Arctic regions, slightly lower than in Greenland, but essentially higher than in Canada, Alaska and Scandinavian countries. Blood DDE/DDT ratio in the coastal indigenous dwellers is almost twice higher than that in the inland inhabitants, which is indicative of the "older" exposure of coastal people to DDT. There was an about equal (70-75%) decrease in 4,4-DDE and 4,4-DDT levels with a practically invariable ratio (12-15) and a nearly equal elimination half-life period (about 3.5 years) in the mothers of coastal Chukotka 5 years after the first examination. The elevated 4,4-DDE/4,4-DDT ratios in the tissues of sea mammals generally correspond to higher isomer ratios in the blood of coastal natives and relatively low 4,4-DDE/4,4-DDT ratios in the venison, fowl, and fish predetermine lower ratios in the blood of inland inhabitants. The extremely low of DDE/DDT ratio (0.4) in the washouts and scrapes from the kitchen walls of dwellings are conclusively associated with the recent application of DDT as a household insecticide.


Subject(s)
DDT/blood , Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene/blood , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Adult , Arctic Regions , Cohort Studies , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Female , Food Chain , Food Contamination/analysis , Humans , Male , Russia
14.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (4): 1-8, 2012.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22724346

ABSTRACT

Northwest public health research center, Ministry of health and social affairs, St.-Petersburg. The article substantiates the conception of "office room", "office worker", estimates the basic diseases and symptoms among office workers (SBS-syndrome, BRI-illnesses, BRS-symptoms). Complex of indoor factors of office environment are analyzed, which influence the health status of personnel--indoor air quality (microclimate, aerosols, chemical, biological pollution, air ionization), external physical factors, ergonomics, intensity and tension of work, psychosocial factors. Comparison of Russian and foreign approaches to the hygienic estimation and rating of these factors was carried out. Owing to inadequacy of Russian hygienic rules to modern requirements, the necessity of working out of a complex of sanitary rules focused particularly on office workers is proved.


Subject(s)
Air Pollution, Indoor , Ergonomics , Microclimate , Occupational Health/standards , Sick Building Syndrome , Humans , Workplace/standards
15.
Gig Sanit ; (4): 26-30, 2011.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21899097

ABSTRACT

A considerable reduction in the blood levels of stable organic pollutants (SOP) has been noted in the mothers of native ethnicities of costal Chukotka during a 5-year period, which may be accounted for by certain purification of food chains, altered diet with emphasis on delivered products, and long-term breastfeeding. The elevated level of SOP in children from birth to age 5 years is explained by long-term breastfeeding and the early consumption of local foods. The content of heavy metals (mercury and lead) in both maternal and children's blood has unchanged for 5 years. The children's infection morbidity has been quite high; at the same time no associations of the children's blood levels of toxic substances with the incidence of infectious diseases have been found. However, two children maximally exposed to SOP and metals have been observed to be rarely susceptible to diseases.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/ethnology , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/ethnology , Child, Preschool , Communicable Diseases/blood , Environmental Pollutants/chemistry , Epidemiological Monitoring , Female , Fetal Blood/chemistry , Humans , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/blood , Siberia/epidemiology
16.
Gig Sanit ; (4): 31-4, 2010.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20873266

ABSTRACT

The paper presents the results of an investigation of the blood levels of mercury, lead, and cadmium in women of indigenous ethnic groups in the Far North. A certain correlation was found between the higher incidence of some poor pregnancy outcomes and fetal maldevelopment upon increased maternal exposure to heavy metals. The found correlations were statistically insignificant. There was no significant association of female exposure to heavy metals with menstrual irregularities and the sex ratio of neonates.


Subject(s)
Environmental Pollutants/blood , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Metals, Heavy/blood , Population Groups , Pregnancy Outcome , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Female , Humans , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Infant, Newborn , Metals, Heavy/toxicity , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Russia
17.
Med Tr Prom Ekol ; (4): 42-7, 2010.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20560499

ABSTRACT

Experimental studies and digital modelling of artificial indoor air ionisation through bipolar ionisers mountable into inflow ventilation and conditioning proved possible creation of continuous even bipolar ion background in indoor air, similar to the natural one.


Subject(s)
Air Conditioning , Air Ionization , Ventilation , Air Conditioning/instrumentation , Computer Simulation , Humans , Models, Theoretical , Ozone , Ventilation/instrumentation
18.
Gig Sanit ; (2): 28-35, 2010.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20491265

ABSTRACT

The paper presents the general principles and procedure of the development and implementation of measures to decrease and prevent environmental pollution with persistent toxic substances (PTS) in the Russian Arctic and, accordingly, to reduce a risk of the deleterious effects of PTS on human health. Based on the results of a study of PTS in the Russian Arctic (from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka), the authors first systematized the basic lines and actions and formulated specific measures to reduce the North population's exposure to PTSs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, organic chlorine pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, etc.), and heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium). A package of measures is aimed at maximally reducing the presence of PTS-containing objects and materials in the north (via detection, collection, and extermination), at neutralizing the soils in settlement lands, at setting up safe water consumption systems, at organizing effective control over the safe use of chemicals and the levels of PTS in raw food materials and foodstuffs, and at working out recommendations on safe procedures for food purchase, storage, and cooking.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Environmental Illness/prevention & control , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Hazardous Substances/adverse effects , Arctic Regions/epidemiology , Environmental Illness/epidemiology , Epidemiological Monitoring , Humans , Incidence , Russia/epidemiology
19.
Sci Total Environ ; 407(19): 5216-22, 2009 Sep 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19608216

ABSTRACT

As part of AMAP's human circumpolar study of POPs, an international effort was initiated to extend coverage to communities across the Russian Arctic. Two additional laboratories were invited to join the analytical component of this effort, resulting in four participating analytical centres. Although quality assurance measures were put in place, and the level of performance of the laboratories was generally acceptable, deficiencies in the analytical protocols used were recognized subsequent to the collection and analyses of the plasma specimens. The current paper describes the criteria employed to critically appraise the four data bases and guide their integration into a single data set. Summary statistics are presented for plasma concentrations of major PCBs, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, beta-HCH, and HCB for communities/regions across the arctic/subarctic Russian continent, and for one community located in the Aral Sea area of Uzbekistan (a control group). Highly exposed people were identified in the coastal communities of Chukotka, which appears mainly related to marine mammal intake, but recent pesticide use is also suspected. Other communities with intermediate levels of PCBs had relatively elevated beta-HCH, p,p'-DDT and HCB concentrations and low DDE/DDT ratios (<10), suggesting recent pesticide use.


Subject(s)
Environmental Pollutants/blood , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/blood , Adult , Arctic Regions , DDT/blood , Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene/blood , Environmental Monitoring , Female , Geography , Hexachlorobenzene/blood , Hexachlorocyclohexane/blood , Humans , Male , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/blood , Russia , Statistics as Topic
20.
J Environ Monit ; 9(8): 884-93, 2007 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17671671

ABSTRACT

Long-range transport of pollutants towards circumpolar regions emphasizes the need for up-to-date and reliable biological monitoring data. This paper explores the use, reliability and availability of maternal blood (MB) and plasma (MP), cord blood (CB) and plasma (CP) and mother's milk (MM) in terms of assessing exposure to persistent toxic substances (PTSs). It is concluded that MP has the best combination of availability, sensitivity in terms of number of PTSs, their detection frequency and concentrations, and physiological relevance. The study group consisted of 48 pregnant women of indigenous origin from the Chuchki district in the eastern Russian arctic. Blood, CB and MM specimens were collected from all women and MP, CP and MM were analyzed for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) suite of organochlorines (OCs) and metals (Pb and Cd in MB and CB). Generally speaking, the levels of PTSs coincided with those indicated in several AMAP publications from Chukotka and other areas of northern Russia. The correlations of PTS concentrations between the three body fluid compartments exceeded the minimum statistical requirements of alpha = 0.05 and beta = 0.20 for most of the compounds, with r > 0.46 except for Cd (r = 0.05); lipid adjustments for the OCs did not affect the r-values to any significant extent. The majority of the inter-OC correlations within compartments also fulfilled the indicated statistical condition. Careful consideration is given to the replacement of concentrations below the detection limit, OC detection frequency, the criteria for log-transformation of the data, analytical uncertainty, and biological variability. Practical implications of the findings are explored.


Subject(s)
Cadmium/blood , Fetal Blood/chemistry , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/analysis , Lead/blood , Milk, Human/chemistry , Pregnancy/blood , Adult , Arctic Regions , Cadmium/analysis , Female , Health Status , Humans , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/blood , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism , Infant, Newborn , Lead/analysis , Risk Factors , Russia
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