Hair and Saliva Endocannabinoid and Steroid Hormone Analysis by Liquid Chromatography Paired with Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Endocannabinoids are lipid neurotransmitters that play an important part in human health. Recent methods have found that quantification of endocannabinoids in hair and saliva samples is possible using liquid chromatography paired with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This chapter describes two simple sample preparation methods that can be used to prepare hair and saliva samples for analysis using LC-MS/MS.

Understanding community resilience during the drinking water contamination event on Oahu, Hawaii, 2021-2022: a mixed mode approach.

Background: A petroleum leak into the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam water system on Oahu, Hawaii in November 2021 contaminated the drinking water of approximately 93,000 users, causing many to relocate for months. Perceptions of health and wellbeing were captured using the Centers for Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) cross-sectional survey in collaboration with the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH).

Methods: Responses from the ACE online survey of community members, businesses, schools, health care and veterinary care organizations during the contamination event, containing quantitative questions and qualitative information from an open text field, were analyzed.

Sex-Specific Changes to Brain Fatty Acids, Plasmalogen, and Plasma Endocannabinoids in Offspring Exposed to Maternal and Postnatal High-Linoleic-Acid Diets.

Linoleic acid (LA) is required for neuronal development. We have previously demonstrated sex-specific changes in cardiovascular and hepatic function in rat offspring from mothers consuming a high-LA diet, with some effects associated with reduced LA concentration in the postnatal diet. At this time, the impact of a high-maternal-LA diet on offspring brain development and the potential for the postnatal diet to alter any adverse changes are unknown.

Community health impacts after a jet fuel leak contaminated a drinking water system: Oahu, Hawaii, November 2021.

Background: In 2021, a large petroleum leak contaminated a water source that supplied drinking water to military and civilians in Oahu, Hawaii.

Methods: We conducted an Assessment of Chemical Exposures (ACE) survey and supplemented that information with complementary data sources: (1) poison center caller records; (2) emergency department visit data; and (3) a key informant questionnaire.

Results: Among 2,289 survey participants, 86% reported ≥1 new or worsening symptom, 75% of which lasted ≥30 days, and 37% sought medical care.