[Fate of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants in Polished Rice during the Cooking Process].

The fate of organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) in polished rice during the cooking process was examined. After adding PFRs to polished rice (500 ng/g), the rice was washed with water and cooked in a rice cooker. Among the seven kinds of PFRs, approximately 68-86% of the PFRs residues were removed after washing with water three times.

[Adsorption of Airbone Organophosphorus Flame Retardants on Polished Rice Stored in a House].

In order to clarify the actual situation of indoor pollution to polished rice with organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) which are ubiquitous in the indoor environment, the pollution of PFRs to polished rice stored in a house for a week was investigated. The survey covered 64 ordinary families in the Osaka region. We analyzed six typical PFRs in 37 rice samples in 2015, and ten typical PFRs in 27 rice samples in 2016.

[Chlorpyrifos-Methyl, Pirimiphos-Methyl and Fenitrothion Residues in Commercial Wheat Products].

We measured the concentrations of organophosphorus pesticide （chlorpyrifos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl and fenitrothion） residues in domestic and imported commercial wheat products （flour, noodles, cookies） collected from 2008 to 2016. Chlorpyrifos-methyl and fenitrothion in domestic flour samples were detected in 16 out of 34 samples at levels of ＜0.001 to 0.

[Determination of S-421 in Commercial Fish and Shellfish].

S-421 is a synergist of pyrethroid and organophosphorus pesticides, which are used as termiticides or household insecticides. S-421 is stable and ubiquitous in the environment. Here we describe the concentrations of S-421 in domestic and imported commercial fish collected from 2009 to 2016.

[Inhibitory effect of zinc on beta-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells by synthetic chemicals].

The effects of foods and chemicals related to food hygiene on degranulation were evaluated using a method for assaying the enzyme activity of beta-hexosaminidase as an index of chemical mediator release from RBL-2H3 cells in vitro. Using a previously developed assay system, we had found a large number of inhibitors and promoters of degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effect of zinc chloride on the degranulation (beta-hexosaminidase release) from RBL-2H3 cells with or without antigen in the presence of the degranulation-promotive chemicals, namely, 4 food additives, 7 pesticides and 2 veterinary drugs.

[Occurrence of an organochlorine synergist S-421 in fish and shellfish].

S-421 is a synergist for pyrethroid and organophosphorus pesticides, and is widely used in termiticides or commercial household insecticides. S-421 is mutagenic, stable and ubiquitous in the environment, and has been detected in household dust, surface water, sediments and rain-water. Here we describe the concentration of S-421 residues in domestic and imported fish collected in Osaka.

[Effects of veterinary drugs on beta-hexosaminidase release from rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3)].

Little is known about the effects of residual veterinary drugs on the allergic reaction, except for the antigenicity of antibiotics and synthetic antimicrobials. Therefore, 59 kinds of veterinary drugs were investigated for their effects on the IgE receptor-mediated beta-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells as an index of immediate allergic reaction. We found that the antibiotics chlorotetracycline, doxycycline, monensin, the synthetic antimicrobial pyrimethamine and the steroid hormone testosterone inhibited beta-hexosaminidase release.

[Rapid analysis of aflatoxins in raw peanuts, corn, buckwheat and red pepper by a new mini-column cleanup and HPLC using post-column photochemical derivatization system].

A rapid and clean method for the analysis of aflatoxins (AFs) was developed by using a new column and post-column photochemical derivatization HPLC with fluorescence detection. The new cleanup column consisted of magnesia and basic alumina poured on the top of a commercial multi-functional mini-column. It was extremely effective for the cleanup of AFs from raw peanut, corn, buckwheat and red pepper.