Search

In Beijing, particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere, especially PM2.5 and PM10, have attracted public attention because of its adverse effects. A series of studies have investigated the sources and spatial–temporal variation of PM. Wetland has been reported to own the capacity of resolving air problem. To examine the characteristics of the particulate matter in wetlands, the diurnal variation of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations with respect to two heights (i.e. 1.5 and 10 m, respectively) and three meteorological factors (i.e. wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity, respectively) was monitored in the Cuihu National Wetland Park in Beijing, and the dry deposition velocity and flux were analysed using the above-mentioned data. Results indicated that (1) As for diurnal variation, the PM concentration constantly decreased at 07:00–16:00 and gradually increased at 16:00–18:00. The maximum instantaneous concentration was observed at 07:00–10:00, while the minimum instantaneous concentration was observed at 13:00–16:00. (2) The annual concentration variation of PM followed the order of dry period > wet period > normal period. (3) The particulate concentrations at 10 m were always greater than those at 1.5 m. (4) The PM concentration was positively correlated to the relative humidity and negatively correlated to the temperature. Wind speed exhibited a complex effect on PM concentration. (5) The regulation of dry deposition efficiency followed the order of spring > winter > summer. (6) Wind speed strongly and positively affected the dry deposition velocity of PM10. The effects of temperature and relative humidity on dry deposition were uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-ordered highly crystalline g-C 3 N 4 nanorods (CNR) is rationally tailored by molten salt-assisted anti-defect engineering for efficient artificial photosynthesis of H 2 O 2. [Display omitted] • Highly crystalline and well-ordered g-C 3 N 4 nanorods are tailored. • Molten salt-assisted preparation of highly crystalline organic polymeric materials. • Anti-defect engineering promotes charge separation and transfer. • The H 2 O 2 generation rate reaches 1.58 mmol g-1h−1 only using air as oxygen source. • Molten salt-assisted anti-defect engineering to improve photocatalytic activity. Graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is widely recognized as one of the most popular catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) production. However, it is often overlooked that general g-C 3 N 4 materials contain numerous dangling bonds and defects, which serve as recombination centers for photogenerated carriers and significantly hinder their catalytic activity. Herein, we present a novel approach to address this issue by rationally tailoring well-ordered g-C 3 N 4 nanorods (CNR) through molten salt-assisted anti-defect engineering. The resulting highly crystalline CNR demonstrates high efficiency in the artificial photosynthesis of H 2 O 2. Experimental results indicate that enhancing the crystallinity of g-C 3 N 4 while reducing the defect concentration effectively promotes charge separation and transport. As a result, it exhibits a remarkable H 2 O 2 generation rate of 1.58 mmol g-1h−1 using air as the oxygen source, accompanied by an apparent quantum yield of 18.00 % (λ = 400 nm). The excellent photocatalytic performance of CNR surpasses that of all previously reported pristine g-C 3 N 4 materials. This work sheds light on the effectiveness of molten salt-assisted anti-defect engineering in improving catalyst activity, with potential applications in solar cells, sensor devices and other catalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spindle-like CaCO3 crystals with controllable sizes for papermaking were successfully prepared using CO2 (8% CO2/N2 mixture gas) and calcium carbide residue (CCR) waste, a by-product of acetylene gas and polyvinyl chloride production, as the raw materials by an atomization method at room temperature. The influences of solution concentration, reaction temperature, and gas/liquid flow rate ratios on the properties of the CaCO3 crystal were systematically investigated, and a possible atomization mechanism was proposed. The size of the as-prepared CaCO3 crystal with pure calcite phase was turned from 4.71×4.02 µm to 1.82×1.12 µm by adjusting the reaction conditions. The application of the as-prepared CaCO3 crystals from CCR waste as a filler for papermaking was explored. The R475 blue light whiteness of paper was increased from 77.3 to 80.6 with 11.4% CaCO3 crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrathin layered 2D/2D van der Waals heterojunction of ReS 2 /high-crystalline g-C 3 N 4 is reported to significantly improve photocatalytic H 2 production attribute to its efficient charge transport, strong visible light harvesting, and suppressed recombination of photogenerated carriers. [Display omitted] • Ultrathin layered 2D/2D van der Waals heterojunction of ReS 2 /high-crystalline g-C 3 N 4. • Efficient charge transport of highly crystalline g-C 3 N 4 by eliminating deep defects. • Strong visible light harvesting, and excellent conductivity of ReS 2 nanoflakes. • Synergistic effect of rapid charge separation and transfer in 2D/2D heterojunction. • Superior photocatalytic H 2 -evolution efficiency of 3.46 mmol g−1h−1. Fabricating efficient nanocatalysts with excellent visible light response, coupled with rapid charge separation and transfer efficiency is still the most challenge for solar-driven hydrogen (H 2) evolution. Herein, an ultrathin layered 2D/2D van der Waals heterojunction of ReS 2 /high-crystalline g-C 3 N 4 (CCN) is constructed for the first time to significantly boost photocatalytic H 2 production. The as-prepared optimized 15% ReS 2 /CCN exhibits the highest H 2 -evolution rate of 3.46 mmol g−1h−1 under visible light irradiation, a 2.7 fold enhancements over that of pristine CCN and is also much higher than ReS 2 alone. The excellent photocatalytic performance of ReS 2 /CCN is mainly attributed to the efficient charge transport of highly crystalline CCN by eliminating deep defects, the strong visible light harvesting of ReS 2 nanoflakes, as well as the synergistic effect of an ultrathin layered 2D/2D heterojunction to rapidly enable charge-separation while inhibiting the charge recombination. This work provides an efficient photocatalyst for H 2 energy production, and sheds light on fundamental insight to a rational design of photo/electro nanocatalysts or heterojunction materials toward highly efficient photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Inspired by biomineralization, for the first time, an ACDs-CO 2 -Ca(OH) 2 system to study the biomineralization process of CaCO 3 in the presence of ACDs was developed. • The effects of different conditions on the crystal form and morphology of CaCO 3 were studied in detail, and a possible biomineralization mechanism was proposed. • The spherical ACDs@CaCO 3 organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent material with good luminescence ability was prepared. • The spherical ACDs@CaCO 3 have good biocompatibility, very low cytotoxicity, and can achieve cell imaging very well. Biomineralization is a common phenomenon in nature, and organisms can prepare functional materials with multi-level ordered structures through biomineralization. Herein, inspired by biomineralization, for the first time, we developed an amino acid quantum dots (ACDs)–CO 2 -Ca(OH) 2 system to study the biomineralization process of CaCO 3 in the presence of ACDs. The ACDs could not only control the morphology and crystal form of CaCO 3 but also could be doped into CaCO 3 during the formation of CaCO 3 to form ACDs@CaCO 3 organic–inorganic hybrid fluorescent materials which had excellent luminous ability. Meanwhile, the morphology and crystal form of CaCO 3 could also be controlled by controlling the CO 2 flow rate and rotation speed. After that, a possible biomineralization mechanism of CaCO 3 in the presence of ACDs was proposed. Finally, the synthetic spherical ACDs@CaCO 3 were applied to the field of biological imaging for the first time. Our work not only provides new bionic methods for the synthesis of multifunctional biomineralized materials and new insights for further understanding of biomineralization mechanism, but also the synthesized new biomineralization fluorescent materials have great application potential in the field of bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fantastic 2D/1D hierarchical layered ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 hetero-structure is reported as an efficient catalyst for in- situ H 2 O 2 production via 2-electrons oxygen reduction (ORR) process and be activated to high concentration hydroxyl radical (•OH) for water purification under visible light irradiation. [Display omitted] • Solar-driven H 2 O 2 synthesis to purify water via cascade reaction. • A fantastic 2D/1D hierarchical layered heterojunction of ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2. • ZnIn 2 S 4 effectively promote the activation of in- situ generated H 2 O 2. • The superior H 2 O 2 production rate arrives 1530.59 μmol h−1 g−1. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) is a significant green oxidant for environment and new energy, especially for Fenton-like system. Onsite production and sustainable consumption of H 2 O 2 are the two critical challenges. Here, a fantastic 2D/1D hierarchical layered ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 heterojunction is reported as an efficient catalyst for in- situ H 2 O 2 production via 2-electrons oxygen reduction (ORR) process and be rapidly activated to high concentration hydroxyl radical (•OH) for water purification under visible light irradiation. The high-quality catalyst enables superior H 2 O 2 production rate of 1530.59 μmol h−1 g−1 with an external quantum efficiency of 10.39% illuminated at 400 nm, is much higher than that of reported photocatalysts. The bimetallic sulfide ZnIn 2 S 4 can effectively promote the activation of H 2 O 2 due to the unsaturation of sulfur atoms, so that the wastewater containing tetracycline (50 ppm) can be degraded by 90% only within 60 min by ZnIn 2 S 4 /TiO 2 via this cascade reaction. This work provides a novel strategy and ZnIn 2 S 4 -based catalyst for photocatalytic Fenton-like reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectively utilize photogenerated holes (h+) of catalysts while blocking rapid recombination of photoinduced carriers are the two critical challenges for solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion. Here, an exquisite 2D/2D LaVO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 (LaVO 4 /CN) heterostructure is delicately designed and fabricated for efficient photocatalytic H 2 -evolution while producing high value-added furfural simultaneously. The abundant biomass furfuryl alcohol (FFA) is employed to substitute the traditional h+ sacrificial agents such as triethanolamine (TEOA) for the oxidation half reaction, which is very meaningful to balance the H 2 -evolution half reaction. The LaVO 4 /CN heterojunction enables 3-time increased H 2 -evolution and a high furfural-production rate (0.95 mmol g−1 h−1) than that of pristine graphite carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 , labeled as CN), and with a 22.16% H 2 -evolution apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) irradiated at 400 nm. This work provides an exquisite catalyst and a new strategy for efficient photocatalytic H 2 -evolution coupled with production of high valuable chemicals. [Display omitted] An exquisite 2D/2D LaVO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 heterostructure is fabricated for efficient photocatalytic H 2 -evolution coupled with high value-added furfural production to realize solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion. The LaVO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst enables a high furfural-production rate of 0.95 mmol g−1 h−1 as well as a 22.16% H 2 -evolution apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) irradiated at 400 nm. • 2D/2D LaVO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction is fabricated for solar-to-hydrogen conversion. • Hydrogen and high value-added furfural are achieved simultaneously. • Biomass conversion replaces the energy-consuming holes sacrificial agent. • The LaVO 4 /g-C 3 N 4 catalyst behaves a 22.16% H 2 -evolution AQE irradiated at 400 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BiOI/NH2-MIL-125(Ti) composite photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic performance was prepared by the solvothermal method. For the BiOI/NH2-MIL-125(Ti) (BNMT) system, the contents of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) in BNMT-4, BNMT-5, BNMT-7, BNMT-9, and BNMT-10 were 4 wt %, 5 wt %, 7 wt %, 9 wt %, and 10 wt %, respectively. XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM characterizations indicated that BiOI/NH2-MIL-125(Ti) was successfully prepared. Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra photoelectrochemical analysis indicated that BNMT-9 can make the specific surface area and photo absorption region larger than BiOI. In addition, the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers was improved, and the recombination efficiency was reduced. The degradation percentages of Rhodamine B (RhB) and p-chlorophenol (P-CP) reached 99% and 90% over BNMT-9 under visible light irradiation. Additionally, the catalysts had high stability. The results of the active spices trapping experiments test indicated that h+ was the main active species. The possible degradation mechanism was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In biomineralization, organisms have the abilities to produce biominerals with superior properties. One of the most attractive features of biominerals is the presence of the proteins consisting of different contents of amino acids in crystals. In the present work, L-phenylalanine (Phe) was used as an additive for the controllable crystallization of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3). The obtained CaCO 3 crystals were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The experimental results suggest that single calcite crystals are formed at low Phe concentrations. High concentrations of Phe inhibit the nucleation and growth of calcite, and promote the formation of vaterite crystals with solid or hollow structures. The morphology and crystal form of CaCO 3 are also significantly affected by the flow rate of CO 2. After that, a possible mechanism (competition mechanism) action of Phe in the formation of CaCO 3 is proposed. Finally, the effects of temperature on the formation of vaterite were determined to explore the growth mechanism of hexagonal vaterite. The work of controlling the preparation of CaCO 3 crystals in the presence of Phe will help us to imitate and learn nature, and bring new insights into understanding bionics. Meanwhile, it provides a new method for the synthesis of CaCO 3 biomaterials with different crystal forms and morphologies. Unlabelled Image • Biomimetic synthesis of calcium carbonate the action of Phe • Bulk calcite is formed at low Phe concentrations • Solid or hollow vaterite microsphere is obtained at high Phe concentrations • The flow rate of CO 2 and temperature exhibit significant effects on CaCO 3 • A possible mechanism action of Phe in the formation of CaCO 3 is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. While questionnaires are commonly used to assess SHS exposure, their ability to capture true exposure can vary, making it difficult for researchers to harmonize SHS measures. This study aimed to compare self-reported SHS exposure with measurements of airborne SHS in personal samples of pregnant women. Methods SHS was measured on 48-hour integrated personal PM2.5 Teflon filters collected from 204 pregnant women, and self-reported SHS exposure measures were obtained via questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were calculated for airborne SHS measures, and analysis of variance tests assessed group differences in airborne SHS concentrations by self-reported SHS exposure. Results Participants were 81% Hispanic, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 28.2 (6.0) years. Geometric mean (SD) personal airborne SHS concentrations were 0.14 (9.41) µg/m3. Participants reporting lower education have significantly higher airborne SHS exposure (p  = .015). Mean airborne SHS concentrations were greater in those reporting longer duration with windows open in the home. There was no association between airborne SHS and self-reported SHS exposure; however, asking about the number of smokers nearby in the 48-hour monitoring period was most correlated with measured airborne SHS (Two + smokers: 0.30 µg/m3 vs. One: 0.12 µg/m3 and Zero: 0.15 µg/m3; p  = .230). Conclusions Self-reported SHS exposure was not associated with measured airborne SHS in personal PM2.5 samples. This suggests exposure misclassification using SHS questionnaires and the need for harmonized and validated questions to characterize this exposure in health studies. Implications This study adds to the growing body of evidence that measurement error is a major concern in pregnancy research, particularly in studies that rely on self-report questionnaires to measure SHS exposure. The study introduces an alternative method of SHS exposure assessment using objective optical measurements, which can help improve the accuracy of exposure assessment. The findings emphasize the importance of using harmonized and validated SHS questionnaires in pregnancy health research to avoid biased effect estimates. This study can inform future research, practice, and policy development to reduce SHS exposure and its adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stained migration algorithms have the potential to enhance imaging results in specific geological structures, such as subsalt layers and steeply inclined layers, by incorporating the complex domain. However, conventional stained migration algorithms often require correct staining of the target geological body, which is challenging to achieve in practical applications, leading to inaccurate imaging results. To address this issue, we propose a novel regional staining algorithm that takes into account energy-constrained factors. First, we derive the discrete form of the complex domain wave equation and the imaging formula for the imaginary migration result. We then investigate the impact of stained region boundaries on seismic wave propagation when different migration velocities are used as input. By analyzing the energy difference between the reflected waves generated at the stained region boundary and those generated by the target geological body, we introduce positive and negative energy-constrained factors to control the interference waves caused by stained boundaries. The positive energy-constrained factor effectively filters out weak interference waves, while the negative energy-constrained factor eliminates strong interference waves. Numerical examples using a simple three-layer horizontal model and a complex salt model demonstrate that our new regional staining algorithm, based on energy-constrained factors, enhances the illumination of the target geological body and improves the imaging resolution of the target region, even when the stained areas are incorrect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer type, is challenging to treat due to its high metastatic potential and low response to conventional therapies. Innovative approaches, including combination therapies, are crucial for enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. It is developed boronophenylalanine‐containing polydopaine (B‐PDA) nanoparticles by encapsulating boronophenylalanine in polydopamine through nitrogen‐boronate coordination, targeting both boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). With stability and biocompatibility under physiological conditions, these nanoparticles utilize the phenylalanine residues in BPA to target the overexpressed neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) in melanoma cells, resulting in enhanced cell‐specific targeting. B‐PDA nanoparticles demonstrated significant photothermal effects under external stimulation, inducing localized heating and triggering heterogeneous tumor cell death, thereby enhancing sensitivity to BNCT. Combining BNCT and PTT, the B‐PDA nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for melanoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe community-acquired pneumonia (S-CAP) is a public health threat, making it essential to identify novel biomarkers and investigate the underlying mechanisms of disease severity. Methods: Here, we profiled host responses to S-CAP through proteomics analysis of plasma samples from a cohort of S-CAP patients, non-severe (NS)-CAP patients, diseases controls (DCs), and healthy controls (HCs). Then, typical differentially expressed proteins were then validated by ELISA in an independent cohort. Metabolomics analysis was further performed on both the cohort 1 and cohort 2. Then, the proteomic and metabolomic signatures were compared between the adult and child cohorts to explore the characteristics of severe pneumonia patients. Results: There were clear differences between CAP patients and controls, as well as substantial differences between the S-CAP and NS-CAP. Pathway analysis of changes revealed excessive inflammation, suppressed immunity, and lipid metabolic disorders in S-CAP cases. Interestingly, comparing these signatures between the adult and child cohorts confirmed that overactive inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism were common features of S-CAP patients, independent of age. The change proportion of glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sphingolipids were obviously different in the adult and child S-CAP cases. Conclusion: The plasma multi-omics profiling revealed that excessive inflammation, suppressed humoral immunity, and disordered metabolism are involved in S-CAP pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood trauma is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) in adults. However, no meta-analysis was performed on the prevalence of different types of childhood trauma in adults with affective disorders, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).Methods: Four databases were used to search articles regarding the prevalence of childhood emotional abuse (CEA), childhood physical abuse (CPA), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), childhood physical neglect (CPN), and childhood emotional neglect (CEN) in patients with MDD and BD using the CTQ.Results: A total of 17 and 11 articles were found analyzing patients with MDD and BD, respectively. A pooled prevalence rate of 33.0% and 30.0% for CEA, 17.0% and 18.0% for CPA, 19.0% and 22.0% for CSA, 37.0% and 31.0% for CEN, and 31% and 30.0% for CPN was found in patients with MDD and BD respectively. A difference in 95% confidence interval in the CSA rate between men and women was found in patients with MDD in the gender subgroup and in the rate of some types of childhood trauma in the continent subgroup in both patient types.Limitations: A limited number of articles were included in some continents, thus, the heterogeneity in the meta-analysis was generally high.Conclusion: The prevalence of CEA, CEN, and CPN in patients with affective disorders was relatively high, whereas that of CPA and CSA was relatively low. These childhood traumas might be affected by continent and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PEGylated ZnPc-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were one step prepared using a facile reprecipitation method. • Fe2+ ion-chelated PDA shell coated on the ZnPc@PEG-COOH was formed by 1O 2 -triggered polymerization. • The ZnPc@PDA-Fe2+ exhibited high production of 1O 2 as well as a high generation of OHs. • The cell inhibition rate of ZnPc@PDA-Fe2+ increased from 59% (PDT alone) to 80% (PDT/CDT). Recently photodynamic therapy (PDT)-based combinational therapeutic approaches have been extensively studied to circumvent the hurdle of tissue hypoxia in solid tumors. In this paper, we reported a facile way to prepare multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for synergetic PDT/chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Specifically, photosensitizer ZnPc was firstly loaded inside polymeric NPs by a reprecipitation method, followed by surface coating of Fe2+ ions-chelated polydopamine (PDA) shell, which was polymerized via photo-generated 1O 2 from the ZnPc-loaded NPs. The resulting ZnPc@PDA-Fe2+ could not only generate 1O 2 upon 660-nm photo-irradiation but also produce OH when exposed to H 2 O 2 through the Fenton reaction. Taking advantage of the ZnPc and Fe2+ co-loaded NPs, in vitro combination therapy was performed on Hela cells. As a result, a higher therapeutic effect was achieved compared to single-modality PDT, corresponding to an improved cell inhibitory rate from 59% to 80%. These results demonstrate that our facilely prepared NPs are promising PDT/CDT nanoagents for efficient cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver dysfunction during pregnancy can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. (D) The cumulative abundance of liver-specific mRNA and miRNA genes was significantly increased in the HBV and ICP groups. (A) HBV genotypes determined by cfRNA in HBV-infected patients. These changes were distinct in patients with early- and late-diagnosed ICP, with the latter showing similar changes to HBV carriers, implicating different biological processes that drive the underlying pathophysiology of these subtypes of ICP. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Evidence suggests organophosphate esters (OPEs) are neurotoxic; however, the epidemiological literature remains scarce. We investigated whether prenatal exposures to OPEs were associated with child neurobehavior in the MADRES cohort. Methods: We measured nine OPE metabolites in 204 maternal urine samples (gestational age at collection: 31.4 ± 1.8 weeks). Neurobehavior problems were assessed among 36-month-old children using the Child Behavior Checklist's (CBCL) three composite scales [internalizing, externalizing, and total problems]. We examined associations between tertiles of prenatal OPE metabolites (> 50% detection) and detect/non-detect categories (< 50% detection) and CBCL composite scales using linear regression and generalized additive models. We also examined mixtures for widely detected OPEs (n = 5) using Bayesian kernel machine regression. Results: Maternal participants with detectable versus non-detectable levels of bis(2-methylphenyl) phosphate (BMPP) had children with 42% (95% CI: 4%, 96%) higher externalizing, 45% (-2%, 114%) higher internalizing, and 35% (3%, 78%) higher total problems. Participants in the second versus first tertile of bis(butoxethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) had children with 43% (-1%, 109%) higher externalizing scores. Bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) and child sex had a statistically significant interaction in internalizing (p = 0.02) and total problems (p = 0.03) models, with 120% (23%, 295%) and 57% (6%, 134%) higher scores in the third versus first BCIPP tertile among males. Among females, detectable vs non-detectable levels of prenatal BMPP were associated with 69% higher externalizing scores (5%, 170%) while the third versus first tertile of prenatal BBOEP was associated with 45% lower total problems (-68%, -6%). Although the metabolite mixture and each CBCL outcome had null associations, we observed marginal associations between di-n-butyl phosphate and di-isobutyl phosphate (DNBP + DIBP) and higher internalizing scores (0.15; 95% CrI: -0.02, 0.32), holding other metabolites at their median. Conclusions: Our results generally suggest adverse and sex-specific effects of prenatal exposure to previously understudied OPEs on neurobehavioral outcomes in 36-month children, providing evidence of potential OPE neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well documented that persons of color experience disproportionate exposure to environmental contaminants, including air pollution, and have poorer pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed the critical windows of exposure to ambient air pollution on in utero fetal growth among structurally marginalized populations in urban Los Angeles.Methods: Participants (N = 281) from the larger ongoing MADRES pregnancy cohort study were included in this analysis. Fetal growth outcomes were measured on average at 32 [Formula: see text] 2 weeks of gestation by a certified sonographer and included estimated fetal weight, abdominal circumference, head circumference, biparietal diameter and femur length. Daily ambient air pollutant concentrations were estimated for four pollutants (particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and less than 10 µm (PM10) in aerodynamic diameter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and 8-h maximum ozone (O3)) at participant residences using inverse-distance squared spatial interpolation from ambient monitoring data. Weekly gestational averages were calculated from 12 weeks prior to conception to 32 weeks of gestation (44 total weeks), and their associations with growth outcomes were modeled using adjusted distributed lag models (DLMs).Results: Participants were on average 29 years [Formula: see text] 6 old and predominately Hispanic (82%). We identified a significant sensitive window of PM2.5 exposure (per IQR increase of 6 [Formula: see text]3) between gestational weeks 4-16 for lower estimated fetal weight [Formula: see text] averaged4-16 = -8.7 g; 95% CI -16.7, -0.8). Exposure to PM2.5 during gestational weeks 1-23 was also significantly associated with smaller fetal abdominal circumference ([Formula: see text] averaged1-23 = -0.6 mm; 95% CI -1.1, -0.2). Additionally, prenatal exposure to PM10 (per IQR increase of 13 [Formula: see text]3) between weeks 6-15 of pregnancy was significantly associated with smaller fetal abdominal circumference ([Formula: see text] averaged6-15 = -0.4 mm; 95% CI -0.8, -0.1).Discussion: These results suggest that exposure to particulate matter in early to mid-pregnancy, but not preconception or late pregnancy, may have critical implications on fetal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past studies support the hypothesis that the prenatal period influences childhood growth. However, few studies explore the joint effects of exposures that occur simultaneously during pregnancy. To explore the feasibility of using mixtures methods with neighborhood-level environmental exposures, we assessed the effects of multiple prenatal exposures on body mass index (BMI) from birth to age 24 months. We used data from two cohorts: Healthy Start (n = 977) and Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES; n = 303). BMI was measured at delivery and 6, 12, and 24 months and standardized as z-scores. We included variables for air pollutants, built and natural environments, food access, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES). We used two complementary statistical approaches: single-exposure linear regression and quantile-based g-computation. Models were fit separately for each cohort and time point and were adjusted for relevant covariates. Single-exposure models identified negative associations between NO 2 and distance to parks and positive associations between low neighborhood SES and BMI z-scores for Healthy Start participants; for MADRES participants, we observed negative associations between O 3 and distance to parks and BMI z-scores. G-computations models produced comparable results for each cohort: higher exposures were generally associated with lower BMI, although results were not significant. Results from the g-computation models, which do not require a priori knowledge of the direction of associations, indicated that the direction of associations between mixture components and BMI varied by cohort and time point. Our study highlights challenges in assessing mixtures effects at the neighborhood level and in harmonizing exposure data across cohorts. For example, geospatial data of neighborhood-level exposures may not fully capture the qualities that might influence health behavior. Studies aiming to harmonize geospatial data from different geographical regions should consider contextual factors when operationalizing exposure variables. • We assessed the effects of a mixture of prenatal environmental exposures on early childhood BMI. • Exposures were assessed at the neighborhood level during pregnancy. • We used quantile g-computation to models the joint effect of neighborhood exposures. • Air pollutants and socioeconomic status were associated with lower BMI in single-pollutant models. • The overall mixture was not associated with BMI at any time point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenatal air pollution exposure has been associated with individual inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic biomarkers in mothers and neonates. However, studies of air pollution and a comprehensive panel of biomarkers across maternal and cord blood samples remain limited. Few studies used data-driven methods to identify biomarker groupings that converge biomarkers from multiple biological pathways. This study aims to investigate the impacts of prenatal air pollution on groups of biomarkers in maternal and cord blood samples. In the Maternal And Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort, 87 biomarkers were quantified from 45 trimester 1 maternal blood and 55 cord blood samples. Pregnancy and trimester 1-averaged concentrations of particulate matter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm in diameter (PM 2.5 and PM 10), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), and ozone (O 3) were estimated, using inverse distance squared weighted spatial interpolation from regulatory air monitoring stations. Traffic-related NO x was assessed using California Line Source Dispersion Model: freeway/highway roads, non-freeway major roads, non-freeway minor roads, and their sum as total NOx. Elastic Net (EN) regression within the rexposome R package was used to group biomarkers and assess their associations with air pollution. In maternal samples, trimester 1-averaged PM 10 was associated with elevated inflammation biomarkers and lowered cardiovascular biomarkers. NO 2 exhibited positive associations with cardiovascular and inflammation markers. O 3 was inversely associated with inflammation, metabolic, and cardiovascular biomarkers. In cord blood, pregnancy-averaged PM 2.5 was associated with higher cardiovascular biomarkers and lower metabolic biomarkers. PM 10 was associated with lower inflammation and higher cardiovascular biomarkers. Total and major road NOx was associated with lower cardiovascular biomarkers. Prenatal air pollution exposure was associated with changes in biomarkers related to inflammation, cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and neurological function in both mothers and neonates. This study shed light on mechanisms by which air pollution can influence biological function during pregnancy. • Trimester 1 PM 10 and NO 2 altered inflammatory and cardiovascular markers in mothers. • Pregnancy-averaged PM 2.5 altered neonatal cardiovascular and metabolic markers. • Pregnancy-averaged PM 10 altered neonatal inflammation and cardiovascular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]