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Abstract Background Subway systems are becoming increasingly common worldwide transporting large populations in major cities. PM2.5 concentrations have been demonstrated to be exceptionally high when underground, however. Studies on the impact of subway PM exposure on cardiopulmonary health in the United States are limited. Methods Healthy volunteers in New York City were exposed to a 2-h visit on the 9th Street Station platform on the Port Authority Trans-Hudson train system. Blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), spirometry, and forced impulse oscillometry were measured, and urine, blood spot, and nasal swab biosamples were collected for cytokine analysis at the end of the 2-h exposure period. These endpoints were compared against individual control measurements collected after 2-h in a “clean” control space. In addition to paired comparisons, mixed effects models with subject as a random effect were employed to investigate the effect of the PM2.5 concentrations and visit type (i.e., subway vs. control). Results Mean PM2.5 concentrations on the platform and during the control visit were 293.6 ± 65.7 (SD) and 4.6 ± 1.9 µg/m3, respectively. There was no change in any of the health metrics, but there was a non-significant trend for SDNN to be lower after subway exposure compared to control exposure. Total symptomatic scores did increase post-subway exposure compared to reported values prior to exposure or after the control visit. No significant changes in cytokine concentrations in any specimen type were observed. Mixed-effects models mostly corroborated these paired comparisons. Conclusions Acute exposures to PM on a subway platform do not cause measurable cardiopulmonary effects apart from reductions in HRV and increases in symptoms in healthy volunteers. These findings match other studies that found little to no changes in lung function and blood pressure after exposure in underground subway stations. Future work should still target potentially more vulnerable populations, such as individuals with asthma or those who spend increased time underground on the subway such as transit workers.

Abstract Background Exposure to military burn pit smoke during deployment is associated with different respiratory and non-respiratory diseases. However, information linking smoke exposure to human pulmonary health is lacking. This study examined the effects of simulated burn pit smoke condensates on human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) from twelve donors (smokers/non-smokers, biological female/male) cultured at an air-liquid interface and exposed to condensates from three simulated burn pit waste materials (cardboard, plywood, and plastic) incinerated at two combustion conditions: smoldering and flaming. Cellular gene expression was analyzed using bulk RNA sequencing, and basolateral media cytokine levels were assessed using multiplex immunoassay. Results Flaming smoke condensates caused more significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with plywood flaming smoke being the most potent in altering gene expression and modulating cytokine release. Cardboard and plywood flaming condensates primarily activated detoxification pathways, whereas plastic flaming affected genes related to anti-microbial and inflammatory responses. Correlation analysis between smoke condensate chemicals and gene expression to understand the underlying mechanism revealed crucial role of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aluminum, molybdenum, and silicon elements; IL6 expression was positively correlated with most PAHs. Stratification of data based on HAEC donor demographics suggests that these affect gene expression changes. Enrichment analysis indicated similarity with several deployment-related presumptive and reported diseases, including asthma, emphysema, and cancer of different organs. Conclusions This study highlights that simulated burn pit smoke exposure of HAECs causes gene expression changes indicative of deployment-related diseases with more pronounced effects seen in smokers and females. Future studies are needed to further characterize how sex and smoking status affect deployment-related diseases.

BackgroundWorkers engaged in benzene-exposed or benzene-containing solvent-exposed operations in China are predominantly subjected to a low concentration of benzene series compounds, and prolonged exposure to low concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) may have implications for blood pressure. ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of low-concentration BTX exposure on the blood pressure of workers, aiming to provide a basis for enterprises to devise associated health management strategies to mitigate the occurrence of hypertension among workers exposed to low concentrations of BTX. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, 884 workers from a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan who participated in an occupational health examination in 2022 were selected as the study population, and were divided into an exposure group of 649 workers and a control group of 235 workers based on their reporting of BTX exposure or not. Data on workplace BTX concentrations and health examinations of the study subjects were collected and questionnaires were administered. In addition, S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), hippuric acid (HA), and methyl hippuric acid (MHA, including the three isomers 2-MHA, 3-MHA, and 4-MHA) were measured in the urine of the workers using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to assess internal BTX burden. The effects of low-concentration BTX exposure on blood pressure were analyzed. ResultsIn 2022, the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and xylene of all monitoring points did not exceeded the national limits by either time-weighted average (TWA) or short-term exposure limit (STEL), indicating low-concentration BTX exposure. Regarding the internal burden of BTX, the concentrations of benzene metabolite S-PMA, toluene metabolite HA, and xylene metabolites 3-MHA and 4-MHA in the urine samples in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between urinary S-PMA concentration and diastolic blood pressure in the workers (r=0.265, P < 0.05). Differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure distributions were statistically significant among workers grouped by sex, age, work years, educational levels, monthly income, body mass index (BMI), alcohol use, dietary oil, and types of residential address (P < 0.05). Significant differences in systolic blood pressure distribution were observed among workers by smoking status and levels of labor intensity (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the workers in the exposure group exhibited a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that age, sex, and BMI had statistically significant effects on systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), while age, work years, and BMI had statistically significant effects on diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). The systolic blood pressure of age > 35 years, male, overweight and obese workers was significantly higher than that of age ≤ 35 years, female, and underweight workers, and the diastolic blood pressure of age > 35 years, work years > 5 years, and obese workers was higher than age ≤35 years, ≤5 years of service, and underweight workers. Low-concentration BTX exposure was one of the main influencing factors for elevated diastolic blood pressure, and the exposed workers showed a 1.337 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionLow-concentration BTX exposure, work years > 5 years, and obesity may elevate blood pressure among petroleum refininig workers. Regular blood pressure monitoring and enhanced health interventions for this occupational group are warranted.

BackgroundIn recent years, radiation diagnosis and treatment technology has been increasingly applied and popularized in the medical field, and the status of radiation health protection has attracted widespread attention. ObjectiveTo understand the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of radiological health protection in radiation workers in Jiading District of Shanghai. MethodsConvenience sampling method was used to select 441 radiation workers from 33 medical institutions in Jiading District, Shanghai to conduct a questionnaire survey from May to August 2023. Basic information and radiation protection associated knowledge, attitude, and behavior were collected from the study participants, and the scores of knowledge, attitude, and behavior were calculated. Factors affecting the behavior were evaluated by multiple linear regression. ResultsA total of 441 subjects were included in this study, with an age range of 22-71 years, 53.06% male and 46.94% female. In terms of knowledge, the correct response rate of the study subjects to the seven questions on the basics of radiation protection ranged from 44.22%-96.60%, with the lowest rate of 44.22% for the question on "radiation stochastic effect diseases". The subjects acquired knowledge about radiation hygiene mainly through vocational training (98.41%), and wanted to acquire knowledge mainly about the basics of nuclear and radiation (76.42%). In terms of attitude, the recognition level (strongly agree/agree) of the study subjects on the six attitude questions ranged from 73.47% to 96.37%, in which only 56.92% of the radiological staff at tertiary hospitals believed that the radiation dose they were exposed to at work would be hazardous to their health, and 73.85% believed that it was necessary to participate in training on knowledge of radiological protection, both lower than those in other levels of hospitals. In terms of behavior, the implementation rate (always/often) of the five behavioral questions by the study participants ranged from 75.28% to 91.84%, and there was a statistically significant difference in the total behavioral scores of the study participants by levels of hospitals (P=0.015). The results of multiple linear regression showed that gender, age, and radiation work permit associated with the behavioral scores of the study subjects. ConclusionIn Jiading District, Shanghai, the coginitive rate of radiation workers' basic knowledge of theoretical protection still needs to be improved, and occupational training should be carried out in a targeted manner; the attitude of radiation workers varies by levels of hospitals, and the publicity and education of workers at tertiary hospitals in particular should be strengthened; and the supervision and management of male, senior, and non-certified radiation workers in hospitals of different levels should be enhanced.

BackgroundExcessive radon exposure is considered the second risk factor for lung cancer. Since the opening of the subway in a city of Zhejiang Province, the exposure level of radioactive gas radon in subway stations and its impact on occupational health have become one of the important issues of public concern. ObjectiveTo monitor the radon concentration of subways in a city in Zhejiang Province and explore the effect of radon exposure on chromosome aberration and micronuclei in the working population. MethodsA total of 55 vehicle control rooms of 55 stations affiliated to two different subway lines in a city were measured for one year; the 110 ticket offices and 55 security checkpoints from the same 55 stations were measured from 16 March to 14 June. The radon concentrations were compared by job types, subway lines, and seasons referring to Measurement methods for determination of radon in environmental air (HJ 1212-2021). Peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration and micronucleus analyses were conducted in 165 subway workers from monitoring sites for three different job types, then the influencing factors were analyzed. The detection methods were adopted from the standards of Test and assessment of chromosomal aberrations on occupational health examinations for radiation workers (GBZ/T 248-2014) and Standard for the method of micronucleus detection in lymphocytes on occupational health examination for radiation workers and exposure dose estimation (GBZ/T 328-2023). ResultsThe radon concentration range of the target subways in Zhejiang Province was 10-320 Bq·m−3, all lower than the national limit (≤400 Bq·m−3). The differences in radon radioactivity levels among different lines, job types, and time segments were statistically significant (P0.05). Chromosome aberration and micronuclei varied by age, subway station seniority, and smoking (P0.05). ConclusionThe radon concentration in the target subway system is at a normal level. The rates of chromosomal aberration and micronucleus formation vary by jobs, but both are lower than the corresponding national limits. Therefore, radon exposure has not yet caused outstanding health impact on the subway workers.

BackgroundAdverse drug reactions (ADRs) to sodium dimercaptosulphonate (DMPS) mercury removal treatment have been reported in occupational mercury poisoning. In recent years, the number of cases of mercury poisoning due to mercury-containing cosmetics has been increasing, and ADRs to the use of DMPS are common in clinical practice.ObjectiveTo investigate the occurrence of ADRs and the influencing factors in patients with chronic mercury poisoning and mercury exposure treated with DMPS for mercury removal.MethodsPatients treated with DMPS due to mercury poisoning at the Occupational Disease Department of Nanjing Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases from June 2017 to December 2023 were included in the study. Information on demographics, baseline characteristics, and treatment regimens was collected at admission. Information on secondhand smoke, place of residence, and blood groups not collected at admission was collected in follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether ADRs occurred after the use of DMPS and were compared for clinical characteristics, and the influencing factors related to the occurrence of ADRs after DMPS treatment were analyzed by binary logistic regression.ResultsA total of 72 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 26 reported ADRs during mercury removal. A total of 29 ADRs occurred, mainly rash in 11 cases (37.9%), fever in 5 cases (17.2%), and nausea in 4 cases (13.8%). Most ADRs occurred in the second course (7 cases, 26.9%) and the third course (9 cases, 34.6%). Of the 22 non-menopausal women who experienced ADRs, 13 (59.1%) used DMPS in the week prior to menstruation. The logistic regression analysis showed that smoking (OR=27.911, 95%CI: 2.835, 725.809) and blood type O (OR=6.885, 95%CI: 2.014, 26.896) were associated with elevated occurrence of ADRs after DMPS treatment.ConclusionsThe probability of ADRs after DMPS treatment is not low, but mild presentations are predominant and resolved with immediate treatment, with a favourable prognosis. The O blood group, smoking individuals, and female patients using DMPS one week before menstruation may be more prone to ADRs.

China has a large, advanced, and rapidly aging population, coupled with a trend of decreasing birth rates that is exacerbating the issue of an aging society. It is expected that by 2030, China will become a hyper-aged society. As the demographic dividend gradually diminishes, the working-age population is shrinking in size and becoming increasingly older, making elderly labor force an important resource. Japan and South Korea have accumulated rich experience in promoting the healthy employment and occupational health services for the elderly workforce. It is necessary for China to thoroughly consider the issue and implement corresponding measures. This article compared and analyzed the current employment situation of aging populations in China, Japan, and South Korea, revealing that Japan and South Korea presented certain advantages in healthy employment policies, occupational health measures for the elderly, and digital economy. Taking into account the circumstances in China, we can further strengthen occupational health promotion activities, optimize employment structure, utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence, promote active aging, ensure the sustainable development of elderly labor force resources, steadily enhance comprehensive national strength, and meet the increasing demand for better quality of life among the people.

China has entered a stage of deep aging. The expanding aging population and subsequently an aging labor force pose significant challenges to China’s social and economic development. European Union (EU) countries have entered the aging phase earlier and to a greater extent. To address the labor shortage and the rising dependency ratio, the EU has implemented a series of policies and measures, including raising retirement age, promoting flexible retirement, enhancing work flexibility, improving welfare for elderly workers, creating age-friendly environments, focusing on occupational health, strengthening knowledge and skills training, and leveraging digital technologies in the workplace. These measures aim to prevent premature exit of elderly workers, better balance their work and life needs, improve occupational health and skills, and enhance overall work efficiency of companies. This review discussed the experience and lessons learned from the EU countries in addressing the aging workforce from the perspectives of occupational health and occupational skills development, aiming to provide rational suggestions to assist China in better adapting the challenges of aging workforce after steadily and orderly advancing the gradual reform of the statutory retirement age, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall workforce and the stability of the labor market, driving the talent dividend of highly educated and skilled middle-aged and elderly employees, and ultimately promoting sustained economic and social development.

BackgroundDue to the strong sunlight in summer, the temperature on the vehicle deck rises significantly under solar radiation and the internal structures are heated, resulting in prominent heat stress problems in the cabin and seriously affecting the training performance of staff.ObjectiveTo study temperature variation patterns inside special vehicle cabins after being exposed to solar radiation, and the quantitative relationship of convection and radiative heat transfer between the vehicle interior environment and the human body, which will provide design reference for further cabin temperature control.MethodsUsing a solar radiation simulation experimental system, a 6 h exposure experiment was conducted on a special vehicle. The solar radiation intensity from 9:00 to 15:00 on a summer day at an open testing field site was used as the experimental conditions. The tested parameters included temperature on the surface of the vehicle deck (10 points), ambient temperature in the cabin (2 points), near body ambient temperature of testees, radiative heat flux, and total heat flux.ResultsThe temperature of vehicle deck, cabin, and near body increased with the rising solar radiation intensity before 13:30, and then gradually stabilized. The highest temperatures on the vehicle deck and inside the cabin reached 60.5 ℃ and 39.3 ℃, respectively. The highest ambient temperatures of near body for the 4 testees were 41.4 ℃, 41.1 ℃, 41.3 ℃, and 40.8 ℃, respectively, when the humidity inside the cabin was 48.7%. The ratio of radiative heat and convective heat acting on the human body varied over time. The heat transfer between personnel and the vehicle deck and cabin environment mainly exhibited human body heat dissipation until 9:30, when the ratio of radiative heat flux and convective heat flux of the the testees' head/face and chest/abdomen ranged from 1∶4 to 1∶7, and the ratio of the testees' feet was about 1∶3. During 10:00 to 11:00, the human body still exhibited heat dissipation towards the environment, with convective heat dissipation dominating towards the cabin environment, while the vehicle deck gradually began to transform radiative heat towards the human body, when the ratio of radiative heat flux to convective heat flux was 1∶3 to 1∶6. After 11:00, the main heat transfer pattern was from the surrounding environment to the human body, and the ratio of radiative heat flux to convective heat flux was 1∶9 to 1∶12, when the values of radiative heat flux and convective heat flux both significantly increased, and convective heat transfer was dominant.ConclusionThe temperature of the special vehicle deck, cabin environment, and near body ambient increases with higher solar radiation intensity. The radiative heat flux and convective heat flux between the cabin environment and the human body gradually increase with the radiation intensity and radiation time, and the quantitative relationship between the two changes with time. Among them, convective heat transfer is always the main heat transfer mode, and the impact of radiative heat transfer on the human body cannot be ignored.

BackgroundOral exposure to metals/metalloid elements in drinking water may be harmful to human health.ObjectiveTo assess potential health risks of oral exposure to 9 metals/metalloids in drinking water in Zibo City of Shandong Province from 2019 to 2023, and provide reference for the development of local drinking water management policies.MethodFrom 2019 to 2023, a total of 1178 drinking water samples were collected from 261 rural water monitoring sites and 14 urban water monitoring sites in 8 districts and counties of Zibo City. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) four-step health assessment model was used to evaluate the health risks of oral exposure to 9 metals/metalloids in drinking water for adults.ResultsA total of 1178 water samples were collected, including 561 urban water samples and 617 rural water samples; 769 samples of tap water and 409 samples of finished water; 634 samples collected in wet season and 544 in dry season. The median carcinogenic risk (CR) of arsenic exposure in drinking water for adults was 3.53×10−5, and the median hazard quotient (HQ) was 7.85×10−2. The HQs of arsenic and zinc showed an upward trend in recent years, while the HQ of aluminum showed a downward trend. The stratified analysis results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the CR of arsenic between males and females or between urban water and rural water. The CR of arsenic in dry season was higher than that in wet season, and the CR of arsenic in tap water was higher than that in finished water (P

BackgroundWith the increasing aging population in China, there is a significant shortage of labor force. Delaying retirement age has become a potential method to alleviate this labor shortage. ObjectiveTo estimate the healthy working life expectancy (HWLE) of individuals aged 50 years old in China. MethodsThis study was based on data from four waves (2011—2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). HWLE was estimated for the overall sample of individuals aged 50 years old and above and stratified by sex, educational attainment, marital status, occupation, Hukou type, and region by using continuous-time multistate modelling. ResultsA total of 50991 person-times aged ≥ 50 years and older were included in the study. The average total life expectancy of the Chinese population aged 50 years old was 29.72 years (95%CI: 29.28, 30.12 years), with a HWLE of 14.05 years (95%CI: 13.76, 14.33 years). The remaining years lived in the states of healthy but not working, not healthy but working, and not healthy and not working were 8.82 years (95%CI: 8.53, 9.15 years), 2.54 years (95%CI: 2.41, 2.68 years),and 4.30 years (95%CI: 4.08, 4.54 years), respectively. The HWLE (95%CI) of individuals in the baseline states of healthy and working, healthy but not working, not healthy but working, and not healthy and not working were 14.97 (14.69, 15.23), 10.86 (10.52, 11.22), 11.73 (11.31, 12.09), and 9.51 (9.09, 9.97) years, respectively. Additionally, women had a higher total life expectancy (95%CI) than men [31.84 (31.10, 32.54) years vs 27.98 (27.35, 28.50) years], but a lower HWLE than men [12.47 (12.12, 12.82) years vs 15.62 (15.23, 15.98) years]. There was no difference in total life expectancy between rural residents and urban residents [29.43 (28.88, 29.97) years vs 30.31 (29.47, 31.02) years], but rural residents had a higher HWLE than urban residents [15.74 (15.39, 16.10) years vs 11.38 (10.97, 11.73) years]. Residents in East China [14.66 (14.22, 15.06) years] and Central China [14.15 (13.86, 14.43) years] had a higher HWLE than residents in West China [13.61 (13.27, 13.98) years] and Northeast China [13.06 (12.51, 13.63) years]. ConclusionThe HWLE of Chinese residents supports the policy of raising the retirement age. There are differences in HWLE levels between urban and rural areas, as well as across different regions. Providing more flexible employment opportunities for older adults can help mitigate the labor shortages caused by population aging.

BackgroundAnimal studies have shown that exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) disturbs the composition of gut microbiome in rodents and zebrafish. However, current associated evidence in humans is limited. Considering the importance of gut microbiome in neonatal development, we need to investigate the impact of OPEs exposure on the early development stage of neonatal microbiome. ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between umbilical OPEs exposure and the diversity and composition of gut microbiome in newborns. MethodsBased on the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort (MCPC), 391 mother-infant pairs with comprehensive follow-up information and bio-samples were enrolled in this study. Concentrations of OPEs in neonatal cord blood were quantified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Meconium samples were collected after delivery and measured through 16S rRNA sequencing on the Illumina Miseq platform. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the effects of OPEs exposure on the alpha diversity of meconium microbiome. Principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance based on unweighted UniFrac distance were used to compare the beta diversity differences between high and low exposure groups of OPEs. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was utilized to analyze the differential gut microbiome taxa between high and low OPEs exposure groups. The functional pathways involved in the meconium microbiome were predicted based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, and multivariate analysis by linear models (MaAsLin2) were conducted to explore the effects of OPEs exposure on gut microbiome pathways. ResultsSeven OPEs were detectable in the neonatal cord blood samples, of which four were detected higher than 50% including tributyl phosphate (TBP), tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), and tris (2-chloro-1 (chloromethyl) ethyl) phosphate (TDCPP), and the median concentrations of these four congeners were as follows: 0.52 μg·L−1 for TBP, 2.41 μg·L−1 for TBEP, 0.13 μg·L−1 for EHDPP, and 2.23 μg·L−1 for TDCPP. A significant association was observed between umbilical TBEP and TDCPP exposure and alpha diversity indices in neonatal meconium microbiome. Beta diversity significantly differed across varied high and low OPEs exposure groups. The results of LEfSe analysis indicated a significant correlation between umbilical OPEs exposure and 27 genera, including Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Parabacteroides. The MaAsLin2 analysis identified associations between OPEs exposure and upregulation of pathways related to linoleic acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, Toll and Imd signaling pathway, retinol metabolism, NOD like receptor signaling pathway, and fatty acid biosynthesis . ConclusionUmbilical OPEs exposure is associated increased alpha diversity indices, increased relative abundances of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Parabacteroides, and Corynebacterium in the gut microbiome, as well as predicted metabolic pathway alterations in linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, etc. These findings indicate that umbilical OPEs exposure may disrupt meconium microbiome equilibrium.

Population aging has become a normal state in China, and actively responding to the aging of the population has been elevated to a "national strategy" in China. The communique of the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized "developing elderly human resources and developing silver economy," which means that capable older people are encouraged to actively participate in economic construction through labor participation; at the same time, promoting the participation of older persons in the process of development and sharing the fruits of development are also crucial for the balanced development and common prosperity of the whole society. Based on the necessity, feasibility, and reality of the elderly's labor participation, this paper proposed the construction of an age-friendly occupational health protection system from two aspects: environmental support and internal capacity support. A sufficient volume of low-aged older people with good quality should be a basic driving force for promoting high-quality economic development, while the current proportion of actively employed elderly people is low, their average education level is far from what we expected, and the channels for employment are limited. In the future construction of an age-friendly occupational health protection system, the institutional environment and occupational environment support for elderly workers should be improved, laws and regulations on the employment of the elderly should be formulated, and an age-friendly work environment should be constructed; at the same time, internal capacity support should be provided for older workers to maintain their working ability in aging process, stimulate their subjective initiative, and pay attention to the career development of the whole life cycle to realize the better participation of the working population in economic development in the process of aging. Through these measures, a more inclusive and sustainable society can be anticipated, making the labor participation of older people an important force to promote social progress.

BackgroundThe subway environment, characterized by dense crowds, relatively enclosed architectural structures, and insufficient ventilation, poses various health hazards. Population health risk attributable to subway hygiene have become an important public health issue. ObjectiveTo evaluate the current environmental hygiene of metro line X in Nanjing, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of harmful factors and the establishment of relevant standards. MethodsStation halls, platforms, and carriages of Nanjing metro line X were monitored in March 2023. Six stations were selected by stratified sampling, and monitored once during the morning peak hours (9:00—11:00). Carriage monitoring was conducted after a full day of operation (21:00—22:00). The monitoring indicators included physical factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, illuminance, and noise (A-weighted); air quality factors such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ammonia (NH3), formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), ozone (O3), total bacterial count, and total fungi count; hygiene status of the inner surface of the central air conditioning ventilation system, such as dust accumulation, total bacterial count, and total fungi count; supply air, such as PM10, PM2.5, total bacterial count, and total fungi count; and surface microorganisms on objects, such as total bacterial count, total fungi count, coliform bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results were evaluated and discussed according to Hygienic indicators and limits for public places (GB 37488-2019) and Hygienic specification of central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings (WS 394-2012). ResultsThe environmental temperature medians (P25, P25) in the platforms and carriages of Nanjing metro line X were 20.7 (19.95, 21.65) ℃ and 21.8 (19.80, 35.80) °C, respectively, which exceeded the standard limits. The relative humidity and noise level in the carriages were 38.80% (24.6%, 46.3%) and 79.50 (76.25, 82.00) dB, respectively, failing to meet the national health standards. The total fungi count in supply air in 22.2% of the monitoring points exceeded the standard value. Coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were detected on the surfaces of some high-touch objects, with the bathroom faucet being the most severely contaminated. The medians (P25, P25) of temperature [21.8 (19.8, 35.8) ℃], wind speed [0.48 (0.39, 1.02) m·s−1], noise [79.5 (76.25, 82.00) dB, and CO2 content [0.079% (0.070%, 0.091%)] in the carriages were higher than those in the station halls and platforms (P

Background137Cs in atmospheric aerosol is the product of past nuclear weapon tests and nuclear accidents. When 137Cs is released into the atmosphere, it will deposit in dry land and marine environment, causing pollution of soil surface, water, agricultural products, and animal byproducts, and affecting public health.ObjectiveTo identify the variation pattern of 137Cs activity concentration in aerosol and its correlation with dust concentration in Beijing area from 2017 to 2020.Methods A total of 958 aerosol samples were collected from November 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 in Beijing with a high volume air sampler at a sampling flow rate about 600 m3·h−1 and a collection time for each sample about 24 h. The activity concentration of 137Cs in the aerosol samples was determined with a low-background high-purity germanium γ spectrometer. The dust concentration was calculated using the difference in the mass of the aerosol filter before and after sampling. The detection rate of 137Cs and dust concentration in different seasons were compared. Spearman rank correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between 137Cs activity concentration and dust concentration.Results From 2017 to 2020, the 137Cs activity concentrations of 33 from 958 aerosol samples in Beijing were above the minimum detectable activityconcentration, the overall detection rate of 137Cs was 3.4%, and the activity concentration ranged from 1.86 to 45.53 μBq·m−3, with a median value of 4.85 μBq·m−3. The detection rate of 137Cs was highest in spring, followed by autumn, and lowest in winter and summer (8.4%, 3.0%, 1.1%, and 0.5%, respectively). The dust concentration ranged from 0.03 to 1.55 mg·m−3, with an average value of 0.18 mg·m−3. There was a statistically significant difference in the dust concentrations in spring, summer, autumn, and winter (F=45.51, P

BackgroundHebei Province is located in the North China Plain. In view of the influence of geological background and the acute and chronic hazards caused by excessive drinking water toxicological indicators, coupled with the large coverage of water supply in urban areas and the existence of self-built water supply facilities, it is necessary to understand the drinking water sanitation status in urban areas and conduct health risk assessment. ObjectiveTo investigate main indicators affecting the compliance rate of drinking water quality in urban areas of Hebei and evaluate the chronic non-carcinogenic risks of 11 chemicals. MethodsThe collection, preservation, and testing of 14299 samples of finished water, tap water, and secondary water supply in urban areas of Hebei Province from 2017 to 2021 were conducted following the Standard examination methods for drinking water (GB/T 5750—2006). A total of 11 chemicals were evaluated according to the Hygienic standards for drinking water (GB 5749—2006). The chronic non-carcinogenic risks of the 11 chemicals in drinking water by oral exposure were assessed using the four-step health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical substances (WS/T 777—2021). ResultsFrom 2017 to 2021, the compliance rates of arsenic, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, cyanide, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride in drinking water in urban areas of Hebei Province were all 100.00%, and fluoride and nitrate (N) were the main indicators affecting water quality compliance, with compliance rates of 97.68% and 99.53% respectively. The compliance rate of fluoride increased year by year (χ2=178.06, P

In the context of facing the dual challenges of aging population and declining birth rates, the absolute number of working-age population in China is decreasing, while the proportion of middle-aged and elderly workers is significantly increasing. However, China possesses a vast labor force, and the advantages of talent dividend are gradually emerging, both of which can offset the negative impact of the shrinking demographic dividend on social productivity. Labor is the most active factor among various production factors and is an important component for developing new quality productive forces. With the development of new quality productive forces, occupational health and occupational medicine are presented with new development opportunities. In the process of aging of the labor force, occupational health and occupational medicine can investigate how to utilize next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other growth engines to safeguard the occupational health of workers, extend their working lives, actively unleash their creativity and initiative, and compensate for the labor shortage caused by an aging population and the potential decrease in labor productivity. This transformation in occupational health and occupational medicine is not only crucial for the health and career development of workers in an aging society, but will also have a positive impact on the creation of an age-friendly society and the sustainable development of productivity.

Although there are continuous progresses in economy and society, the accelerated aging process has brought widespread impacts on various aspects of society and economy in China, especially on the supply of the working-age population. Effectively addressing labor force aging has become an urgent challenge for China's economic and social development. North American countries, particularly the United States and Canada, are also facing severe aging population issues, and have entered an aging society earlier than China. These countries have alleviated labor supply shortages through proactive immigration policies, while implementing flexible retirement, reemployment of elderly individuals, and vocational training policies to effectively encourage elderly workers to remain in their jobs. Additionally, the occupational health programs of large enterprises in North America have yielded positive returns on their health investments. Building upon an overview of the current situation and corresponding measures in response to the aging working-age population in North America, this paper presented constructive recommendations to address the aging population issue in China.

BackgroundHeavy metals may play an important role in environmental risk factors associated disorders of activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults. ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between plasma levels of six heavy metals (zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese, and copper) and ADL disorders in older adults. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2018 to 2019 among 1412 rural elderly people in Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The plasma metal concentrations were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and subsequently classified into three groups (T1-T3) based on tertiles, with the T1 group as the reference. The samples were assessed for ADL disorders using the ADL scale. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model (RCS) were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the associations between heavy metals and the prevalence of reporting ADL disorders. ResultsThe mean age of the study population was (68.52 ± 5.92) years, 825 (58.4%) female and 587 (41.6%) male. Of these, 372 (26.34%) subjects reported ADL disorders, and most of them were female (74.30%). The results of logistic regression showed that the participants in the cadmium T2 group (0.15-0.25 µg·L−1) had a higher risk of ADL disorders compared to the T1 group (≤0.15 μg·L−1) (OR=1.552, 95%CI: 1.086, 2.134). After stratification by sex, the relative risk of ADL disorders was lower in the plasma copper T3 group (>1019.58 µg·L−1) compared to the T1 group (≤868.12 μg·L−1) in men (OR=0.481, 95%CI: 0.232, 0.998). The relative risk of ADL disorders was higher in the plasma cadmium T2 group (0.15-0.25 µg·L−1) compared to the T1 group (≤0.15 μg·L−1) in women (OR=1.758, 95%CI: 1.182, 2.616). The RCS results showed that the risk of ADL disorders in men was nonlinearly associated with copper (Pnonlinear=0.011, Poverall

After the revision of the Law on Administrative Penalty, in order to optimize business environment and promote economic development, all localities have vigorously promoted inclusive and prudential supervision and flexible law enforcement, and the exemption from administrative penalty is one of the important ways. The targets of occupational health supervision and law enforcement are mainly employers and occupational health technical service providers, which is one of the areas of health supervision and law enforcement that implements the exemption from administrative penalty. This paper described the current situation of practicing the exemption in the field of occupational health, introduced the occupational health violations applicable to the exemption, the scope of effectiveness of normative documents, and the supporting regulatory measures and safeguard mechanisms, and summarized the problems such as no definitive boundaries in the application of the system, unclear criteria for determining required elements, simplification and aggregation of statutory requirements, and excessive protection of the rights and interests of employers. Negative impacts during the process of implementing the system were also analyzed, such as damaging the principle of fairness, weakening employers' awareness of occupational health responsibility, hindering the development of occupational disease prevention work, and infringing workers' occupational health rights and interests. In this regard, we provided suggestions: clarifying the application boundary of the system, establishing a hazard assessment tool for illegal acts, refining the application conditions in combination with characteristics of occupational health, and strengthening post-event supervision measures, so as to provide reference for promoting occupational diseases prevention and high-quality development of occupational health for workers.

Colorectal cancer is a globally prevalent malignant tumor, and its incidence continues to rise along with the popularity of Westernized dietary habits. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials are widely applied in the food sector, inevitably leading to direct or indirect ingestion of nanoparticles through daily dietary intake. Numerous studies have indicated that oral exposure to nanomaterials may trigger or exacerbate gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, and even hinder their recovery, which is considered as a crucial step in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. Longer duration of colitis may elevate the risk of developing colorectal cancer; more extensive colonic surface affected by colitis may elevate the risk of developing colorectal cancer too. In order to further understand the biological effects of foodborne nanomaterials on the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer, this paper reviewed common applications of nanomaterials in food and food industry, introduced common pathogenic mechanisms of colorectal cancer, and explored the potential impact of foodborne nanomaterials on the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer based on their roles in inducing chronic intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. Furthermore, it discussed future epidemiological and toxicological research prospects, aiming to provide reference for a comprehensive evaluation of the safety of nanomaterials in food and guidance of healthy diet for colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract Background The formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) by atmospheric oxidation reactions substantially contributes to the burden of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which has been associated with adverse health effects (e.g., cardiovascular diseases). However, the molecular and cellular effects of atmospheric aging on aerosol toxicity have not been fully elucidated, especially in model systems that enable cell-to-cell signaling. Methods In this study, we aimed to elucidate the complexity of atmospheric aerosol toxicology by exposing a coculture model system consisting of an alveolar (A549) and an endothelial (EA.hy926) cell line seeded in a 3D orientation at the air‒liquid interface for 4 h to model aerosols. Simulation of atmospheric aging was performed on volatile biogenic (β-pinene) or anthropogenic (naphthalene) precursors of SOA condensing on soot particles. The similar physical properties for both SOA, but distinct differences in chemical composition (e.g., aromatic compounds, oxidation state, unsaturated carbonyls) enabled to determine specifically induced toxic effects of SOA. Results In A549 cells, exposure to naphthalene-derived SOA induced stress-related airway remodeling and an early type I immune response to a greater extent. Transcriptomic analysis of EA.hy926 cells not directly exposed to aerosol and integration with metabolome data indicated generalized systemic effects resulting from the activation of early response genes and the involvement of cardiovascular disease (CVD) -related pathways, such as the intracellular signal transduction pathway (PI3K/AKT) and pathways associated with endothelial dysfunction (iNOS; PDGF). Greater induction following anthropogenic SOA exposure might be causative for the observed secondary genotoxicity. Conclusion Our findings revealed that the specific effects of SOA on directly exposed epithelial cells are highly dependent on the chemical identity, whereas non directly exposed endothelial cells exhibit more generalized systemic effects with the activation of early stress response genes and the involvement of CVD-related pathways. However, a greater correlation was made between the exposure to the anthropogenic SOA compared to the biogenic SOA. In summary, our study highlights the importance of chemical aerosol composition and the use of cell systems with cell-to-cell interplay on toxicological outcomes. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Following the announcement by the European Food Safety Authority that the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) is unsafe for human consumption, and the subsequent ban by the European Commission, concerns have intensified over the potential risks E 171 poses to human vital organs. The liver is the main organ for food-grade nanoparticle metabolism. It is increasingly being found that epigenetic changes may play an important role in nanomaterial-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the profound effects of E 171 on the liver, especially at the epigenetic level, remain largely unknown. Methods Mice were exposed orally to human-relevant doses of two types of E 171 mixed in diet for 28 and/or 84 days. Conventional toxicology and global DNA methylation analyses were performed to assess E 171-induced hepatotoxicity and epigenetic changes. Whole genome bisulfite sequencing and further ferroptosis protein detection were used to reveal E 171-induced changes in liver methylation profiles and toxic mechanisms. Results Exposed to E 171 for 28 and/or 84 days resulted in reduced global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in the liver of mice. E 171 exposure for 84 days elicited inflammation and damage in the mouse liver, whereas 28-day exposure did not. Whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing disclosed substantial methylation alterations at the CG and non-CG sites of the liver DNA in mice exposed to E 171 for 84 days. Mechanistic analysis of the DNA methylation alterations indicated that ferroptosis contributed to the liver toxicity induced by E 171. E 171-induced DNA methylation changes triggered NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, attenuated the protein levels of GPX4, FTH1, and FTL in the liver, and thereby caused ferroptosis. Conclusions Long-term oral exposure to E 171 triggers hepatotoxicity and induces methylation changes in both CG and non-CG sites of liver DNA. These epigenetic alterations activate ferroptosis in the liver through NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, highlighting the role of DNA methylation and ferroptosis in the potential toxicity caused by E 171 in vivo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of second-hand smoke exposure in younger population visiting nightclubs in Croatia by comparing the levels of nicotine and its main metabolites cotinine and trans-3′-hydroxycotinine (3HC) in urine samples taken from 22 participants before and after spending about three hours in a nightclub, stratified by smoking status (smokers and non-smokers). The samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction and analysed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The presence of nicotine, cotinine, and 3HC was confirmed in all urine samples. Their median concentrations significantly differed between the two measurements in non-smokers. Our findings show that even a three-hour exposure to second-hand smoke can significantly increase the levels of nicotine and its metabolites in urine, which are indicative of exposure to other, harmful tobacco smoke substances. They also call for raising awareness of the health risks of exposure to second-hand smoke in the general population and among individuals who frequent nightclubs in particular.

As healthcare workers run a high and constant occupational risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection through exposure to biological material, vaccination is mandatory as well as the monitoring of antibody levels one to two months after complete immunisation. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine HBV vaccine coverage of 200 primary and secondary healthcare workers (100 each) from Šabac, Serbia and their blood anti-HBs titre. We also wanted to identify factors that could predict the titre. Anti-HBV vaccination covered all participants, of whom 89.5 % were fully vaccinated, and 85 % had a protective antibody titre. We found a statistically significant association between antibody titre and the number of received vaccine doses, chronic jaundice, autoimmune disease, and cancer in our participants. The fact that 15 % did not achieve the protective antibody titre confirms the necessity of its control after immunisation, which is not routinely carried out in most countries, Serbia included. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a detailed strategy for monitoring vaccination and serological status of healthcare workers in order to improve their safety at work. An important role should also be given to continuous education of healthcare workers from the beginning of schooling to the end of their professional career.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare justice sensitivity between self-perceived beneficiaries, victims, and observers in a sample of 90 healthcare workers (nurses and physiotherapists) at the Varaždinske Toplice Special Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, Croatia. For this purpose we used a questionnaire consisting of demographic data and the Croatian version of the justice sensitivity inventory developed by Schmitt. Regardless of its limitations, our study clearly shows that healthcare professionals at Varaždinske Toplice are most sensitive to injustice from the beneficiary’s perspective, that is, as persons who personally benefitted from injustice, although they may not have been instrumental to this effect. They are less sensitive to injustice perceived on the outside (observer’s perspective) or to injustice suffered by themselves (victim’s perspective). Another important finding is that participants of female gender, rural residence, and nurses (who are all women) are significantly more sensitive to injustice, whereas age and marital status do not seem to contribute to justice sensitivity. Future research should investigate the perception of injustice over a longer timeframe and involve all healthcare workers. It could also address different approaches to management, especially in terms of worker rewards and career advancement. Qualitative research among healthcare workers could provide a broader and clearer idea of social injustice at their workplace.

The aim of this cross-sectional field study was to establish the condition of hand and forearm skin barrier among dentists and physicians and how it may be associated with personal and work-related factors. The study consisted of an occupational questionnaire, clinical examination of skin on hands, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH measurements on hands and forearms. The participants were divided in the following groups (N=37 each, N=148 in total): physicians, medical surgeons, dentists, and dental surgeons. We calculated the difference between hand and forearm TEWL and pH (ΔTEWL and ΔpH, respectively) and divided it by the forearm values (ΔTEWL% and ΔpH%, respectively). There was a clear trend of increasing median ΔTEWL%, starting from physicians with non-surgical specialisation (56 %) to medical surgeons (65 %), dentists (104 %), and dental surgeons (108 %), with the latter two groups showing particularly worrisome signs of work-related skin barrier impairment, since they had double the TEWL on hands than on forearms. Although less prominent, the same worsening trend was noted for skin pH, with dental surgeons having on average a 0.3 points higher skin pH on hands than on forearms. These findings were mainly associated with prolonged glove use and male sex. Our findings also suggest that comparing TEWL and pH between hands and forearms can better establish occupational skin barrier impairment on hands.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in healthcare institutions must be well managed, because healthcare practice involves many physical, biological, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards that can affect the health of healthcare workers. In addition, their work performance may be affected by the so-called organisational myopia. In this context, the aim of our study was to determine how organisational myopia affects OHS practices in healthcare institutions and whether it increases the risk of occupational accidents. The study population consisted of a convenience sample of 420 healthcare professionals working throughout Turkey who completed a questionnaire addressing these three domains: organisational myopia, OHS practices, and risk of occupational accidents. Their responses were analysed with exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Spearman’s correlation to assess the adequacy of measurement tools and identify relationships between variables, followed by mediation analysis. We found that OHS practices mitigate organisational myopia and the risk of occupational accidents. We also found no significant effect of organisational myopia on the risk of occupational accidents. Our findings underscore the importance of OHS practices in healthcare institutions and that organisational myopia should be evaluated in special contexts such as working time, experience, or routinisation.

Neutral bis(amino acidato)copper(II) [Cu(aa)2] coordination compounds are the physiological species of copper(II) amino acid compounds in blood plasma taking the form of bis(l-histidinato)copper(II) and mixed ternary copper(II)-l-histidine complexes, preferably with l-glutamine, l-threonine, l-asparagine, and l-cysteine. These amino acids have three functional groups that can bind metal ions: the common α-amino and carboxylate groups and a side-chain polar group. In Cu(aa)2, two coordinating groups per amino acid bind to copper(II) in-plane, while the third group can bind apically, which yields many possibilities for axial and planar bonds, that is, for bidentate and tridentate binding. So far, the experimental studies of physiological Cu(aa)2 compounds in solutions have not specified their complete geometries. This paper provides a brief review of my group’s research on structural properties of physiological Cu(aa)2 calculated using the density functional theory (DFT) to locate low-energy conformers that can coexist in aqueous solutions. These DFT investigations have revealed high conformational flexibility of ternary Cu(aa)2 compounds for tridentate or bidentate chelation, which may explain copper(II) exchange reactions in the plasma and inform the development of small multifunctional copper(II)-binding drugs with several possible copper(II)-binding groups. Furthermore, our prediction of metal ion affinities for Cu2+ binding with amino-acid ligands in low-energy conformers with different coordination modes of five physiological Cu(aa)2 in aqueous solution supports the findings of their abundance in human plasma obtained with chemical speciation modelling.

Abstract Background There has been an exponential increase in the number of studies reporting on the toxicological effects associated with exposure to nano and microplastic particles (NMPs). The majority of these studies, however, have used monodispersed polystyrene microspheres (PSMs) as ‘model’ particles. Here we review the differences between the manufacture and resulting physicochemical properties of polystyrene used in commerce and the PSMs most commonly used in toxicity studies. Main body In general, we demonstrate that significant complexity exists as to the properties of polystyrene particles. Differences in chemical composition, size, shape, surface functionalities and other aspects raise doubt as to whether PSMs are fit-for-purpose for the study of potential adverse effects of naturally occurring NMPs. A realistic assessment of potential health implications of the exposure to environmental NMPs requires better characterisation of the particles, a robust mechanistic understanding of their interactions and effects in biological systems as well as standardised protocols to generate relevant model particles. It is proposed that multidisciplinary engagement is necessary for the development of a timely and effective strategy towards this end. We suggest a holistic framework, which must be supported by a multidisciplinary group of experts to work towards either providing access to a suite of environmentally relevant NMPs and/or developing guidance with respect to best practices that can be adopted by research groups to generate and reliably use NMPs. It is emphasized that there is a need for this group to agree to a consensus regarding what might best represent a model NMP that is consistent with environmental exposure for human health, and which can be used to support a variety of ongoing research needs, including those associated with exposure and hazard assessment, mechanistic toxicity studies, toxicokinetics and guidance regarding the prioritization of plastic and NMPs that likely represent the greatest risk to human health. It is important to acknowledge, however, that establishing a multidisciplinary group, or an expert community of practice, represents a non-trivial recommendation, and will require significant resources in terms of expertise and funding. Conclusion There is currently an opportunity to bring together a multidisciplinary group of experts, including polymer chemists, material scientists, mechanical engineers, exposure and life-cycle assessment scientists, toxicologists, microbiologists and analytical chemists, to provide leadership and guidance regarding a consensus on defining what best represents environmentally relevant NMPs. We suggest that given the various complex issues surrounding the environmental and human health implications that exposure to NMPs represents, that a multidisciplinary group of experts are thus critical towards helping to progress the harmonization and standardization of methods.

Abstract Background Both exposure to air pollutants and obesity are associated with increased incidence and severity of COVID-19 infection; however, the mechanistic pathways involved are not well-characterized. After being primed by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) or furin protease, SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor to enter respiratory epithelial cells. The androgen receptor (AR) is known to regulate both TMPRSS2 and ACE2 expression, and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a proposed coreceptor for SARS-CoV-2; thus, altered expression of these factors may promote susceptibility to infection. As such, this study investigated the hypothesis that inhalational exposure to traffic-generated particulate matter (diesel exhaust particulate; DEP) increases the expression of those pathways that mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection and susceptibility, which is exacerbated by the consumption of a high-fat (HF) diet. Methods Four- to six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice fed either regular chow or a HF diet (HF, 45% kcal from fat) were randomly assigned to be exposed via oropharyngeal aspiration to 35 µg DEP suspended in 35 µl 0.9% sterile saline or sterile saline only (control) twice a week for 30 days. Furthermore, as previous studies have shown that probiotic treatment can protect against exposure-related inflammatory outcomes in the lungs, a subset of study animals fed a HF diet were concurrently treated with 0.3 g/day Winclove Ecologic® Barrier probiotics in their drinking water throughout the study. Results Our results revealed that the expression of ACE2 protein increased with DEP exposure and that TMPRSS2, AR, NRP1, and furin protein expression increased with DEP exposure in conjunction with a HF diet. These DEP ± HF diet-mediated increases in expression were mitigated with probiotic treatment. Conclusion These findings suggest that inhalational exposure to air pollutants in conjunction with the consumption of a HF diet contributes to a more susceptible lung environment to SARS-CoV-2 infection and that probiotic treatment could be beneficial as a preventative measure.

Contact of aquatic microbiocenoses with antibiotics present in the environment can cause the former to develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, the search for methods to detect antibiotics and drug-resistant microorganisms in the environment is important. The presented paper proposes a simple procedure to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics and the presence of non-susceptible microorganisms. Medium solutions with selected antibiotics and a microbial growth indicator were applied to test plates, and were inoculated with water samples from various ecosystems. After incubation, the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antibiotics was determined and presented in chronic microbial toxic concentration (MTC) values. It was confirmed that the presented procedure enables the assessment of the antibiotic susceptibility and adaptation potential of unselected microorganisms from different aquatic ecosystems. However, the MTC values depend on the inoculum volume, the density and seasonal activity of the microorganisms, the method of inoculum preparation, and the incubation time of the test plate. The described procedure may be practically applied as a screening test to identify the presence of drug-resistant microorganisms. Additionally, it may also be suitable as a method to assess environmental exposure to antibiotics. However, prior standardisation is required before implementing this procedure in quantitative studies.

The presence of anthropogenic compounds, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), was studied in three salt marshes within the Tagus estuary, Portugal, along an anthropogenic pressure gradient. Results revealed differences in OCPs and PCBs among the marshes, with differing concentration levels. Specifically, one marsh, with surrounding agricultural activity, showed the highest OCP concentrations, while another, with a historical industrial past, exhibited elevated PCB levels. In contrast, a third marsh, part of a natural reserve, displayed comparatively lower concentrations of both substances. Sediment concentrations, likely influenced by agricultural practices, were found to be comparable to or higher than those observed in other Portuguese estuaries. The halophyte Spartina maritima was found to absorb OCPs, particularly in its aboveground tissues, suggesting bioaccumulation within the plant. Additionally, PCB levels appeared to be influenced by industrial history, with one marsh displaying notably higher concentrations. In conclusion, the persistence of organochlorine compounds in the salt marsh ecosystems notwithstanding the regulatory prohibitions implemented in the 1990s highlights the need for continuous monitoring and study of such sites and the necessity of remediation practices, which are imperative to mitigate ecological and health risks in these polluted salt marshes.

Bisphenols are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals used worldwide for the production of plastics and resins. Bisphenol A (BPA), the main bisphenol, exhibits many unwanted effects. BPA has, currently, been replaced with bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) in many applications in the hope that these molecules have a lesser effect on metabolism than BPA. Since bisphenols tend to partition into the lipid phase, their place of choice would be the cellular membrane. In this paper, I carried out molecular dynamics simulations to compare the localization and interactions of BPA, BPF, and BPS in a complex membrane. This study suggests that bisphenols tend to be placed at the membrane interface, they have no preferred orientation inside the membrane, they can be in the monomer or aggregated state, and they affect the biophysical properties of the membrane lipids. The properties of bisphenols can be attributed, at least in part, to their membranotropic effects and to the modulation of the biophysical membrane properties. The data support that both BPF and BPS, behaving in the same way in the membrane as BPA and with the same capacity to accumulate in the biological membrane, are not safe alternatives to BPA.

In our previous study, we demonstrated that the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum can bioaccumulate bisphenol A analogues. Since this microalgae species is part of the diet of marine filter-feeding organisms, such as bivalves, in this study we tested the hypothesis that a diet based on exposed microalgae can exert negative effects on the clam Ruditapes philippinarum. Microalgae were exposed for 7 days to 300 ng/L of bisphenol AF (BPAF), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS), alone or as a mixture (MIX), to allow bioaccumulation. Microalgae were then supplied as food to bivalves. After 7 and 14 days of diet, the effects of exposed microalgae were evaluated on a battery of biomarkers measured in haemolymph/haemocytes, gills and digestive glands of clams. In addition, bioaccumulation of the three bisphenols was investigated in clams by UHPLC-HRMS. The results obtained demonstrated that total haemocyte count (THC) increased in clams following ingestion for 7 days of BPAF- and BPF-exposed microalgae, while BPS-exposed microalgae significantly reduced THC after 14 days of diet. MIX- and BPS-exposed microalgae increased haemocyte proliferation. The diet of exposed microalgae affected acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in clams, with an opposite response between haemolymph and haemocytes. Regarding antioxidants, an increase in catalase activity was observed in clams after ingestion of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae. The results also demonstrated marked oxidative stress in gills, the first tissue playing an important role in the feeding process. Oxidative damage was recorded in both the gills and digestive glands of clams fed BPA analogue-exposed microalgae. Alterations in epigenetic-involved enzyme activity were also found, demonstrating for the first time that BPA analogue-exposed food can alter epigenetic mechanisms in marine invertebrates. No bioaccumulation of BPA analogues was detected in clam soft tissues. Overall, this study demonstrated that a diet of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae can induce significant alterations of some important biological responses of R. philippinarum. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the effects of ingestion of BPA analogue-exposed microalgae in the clam R. philippinarum, suggesting a potential ecotoxicological risk for the marine food chain, at least at the first levels.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, leading to pain and functional impairment. A key contributor to OA progression is the decline in cartilage lubrication. In physiological conditions, synovial fluid (SF) macromolecules like hyaluronic acid (HA), phospholipids, and lubricin play a crucial role in the boundary lubrication of articular cartilage. In early OA, cartilage damage triggers inflammation, altering SF composition and compromising the lubrication layer. This increases friction between mating interfaces, worsening cartilage degradation and local inflammation. Therefore, early-stage restoration of lubrication (by injecting in the joint different classes of compounds and formulations) could alleviate, and potentially reverse, OA progression. In the light of this, a broad variety of lubricants have been investigated for their ability to reduce friction in OA joints and promote cartilage repair in clinical and preclinical studies. This review examines recent advancements in lubricant-based therapy for OA, focusing on natural, bioinspired, and alternative products. Starting from the currently applied therapy, mainly based on natural lubricants as HA, we will present their modified versions, either in hydrogel form or with specific biomimetic moieties with the aim of reducing their clearance from the joint and of enhancing their lubricating properties. Finally, the most advanced and recent formulation, represented by alternative strategies, will be proposed. Particular emphasis will be placed on those ones involving new types of hydrogels, microparticles, nanoparticles, and liposomes, which are currently under investigation in preclinical studies. The potential application of particles and liposomes could foster the transition from natural lubricants to Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) with lubricant features; transition which could provide more complete OA treatments, by simultaneously providing lubrication replacement and sustained release of different payloads and active agents directly at the joint level. Within each category, we will examine relevant preclinical studies, highlighting challenges and future prospects.

This study investigates using KOH-activated coffee grounds (KACGs) as an effective adsorbent for removing organophosphorus xenobiotics malathion and chlorpyrifos from water. Malathion and chlorpyrifos, widely used as pesticides, pose significant health risks due to their neurotoxic effects and environmental persistence. Spent coffee grounds, abundant biowaste from coffee production, are chemically activated with KOH to enhance their adsorptive capacity without thermal treatment. This offers a sustainable solution for biowaste management and water remediation. Adsorption kinetics indicating rapid initial adsorption with high affinity were observed, particularly for chlorpyrifos. Isotherm studies confirmed favorable adsorption conditions, with higher maximum adsorption capacities for chlorpyrifos compared to malathion (15.0 ± 0.1 mg g−1 for malathion and 22.3 ± 0.1 mg g−1 for chlorpyrifos), highlighting its potential in mitigating water pollution. Thermodynamic analysis suggested the adsorption process was spontaneous but with the opposite behavior for the investigated pesticides. Malathion interacts with KACGs via dipole–dipole and dispersion forces, while chlorpyrifos through π–π stacking with aromatic groups. The reduction in neurotoxic risks associated with pesticide exposure is also shown, indicating that no more toxic products were formed during the remediation. This research contributes to sustainable development goals by repurposing biowaste and addressing water pollution challenges through innovative adsorbent materials.

Gene mutations linked to diseases like cancer may be caused by exposure to environmental chemicals. The X-linked phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIG-A) gene, required for glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis, is a key target locus for in vitro genetic toxicity assays. Various organisms and cell lines may respond differently to genotoxic agents. Here, we compared the mutagenic potential of directly genotoxic ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to metabolically activated pro-mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The two classes of mutagens were compared in an in vitro PIG-A gene mutation test using the metabolically active murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cell line and the human TK6 cell line, which has limited metabolic capability. Determination of cell viability is required for quantifying mutagenicity. Two common cell viability tests, the MTT assay and propidium iodide (PI) staining measured by flow cytometry, were evaluated. The MTT assay overestimated cell viability in adherent cells at high benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) exposure concentrations, so PI-based cytotoxicity was used in calculations. The spontaneous mutation rates for TK6 and Hepa1c1c7 cells were 1.87 and 1.57 per million cells per cell cycle, respectively. TK6 cells exposed to 600 µM and 800 µM EMS showed significantly higher mutation frequencies (36 and 47 per million cells per cell cycle, respectively). Exposure to the pro-mutagen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 10 µM) did not increase mutation frequency in TK6 cells. In Hepa1c1c7 cells, mutation frequencies varied across exposure groups (50, 50, 29, and 81 per million cells per cell cycle when exposed to 10 µM B[a]P, 5-methylcholanthrene (5-MC), chrysene, or 16,000 µM EMS, respectively). We demonstrate that the choice of cytotoxicity assay and cell line can determine the outcome of the Pig-A mutagenesis assay when assessing a specific mutagen.

Chemical desiccation is widely used in agriculture to anticipate harvest and mitigate the effects of adverse environmental conditions. It is applied to both grains and seeds. Although this practice is widely used, there are still significant gaps in understanding the effects of different herbicide application times on seed quality and plant physiological responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different herbicide application times on cowpea, focusing on seed quality, physiological responses, and biochemical composition, including chlorophylls, carotenoids, sugars, and proline, under nocturnal desiccation. In the first experiment, eight herbicides and two mixtures were applied at night: diquat, flumioxazin, diquat + flumioxazin, glufosinate ammonium, saflufenacil, carfentrazone, diquat + carfentrazone, atrazine, and glyphosate. All of the tested herbicides caused a reduction in normal seedling formation, with the diquat + carfentrazone combination resulting in 100% abnormal seedlings. A significant decrease in chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a: 63.5%, chlorophyll b: 50.2%) was observed using diquat, which indicates damage to photosynthetic processes, while the carotenoid content increased. Total soluble sugars and proline were also negatively impacted, reflecting physiological stress and metabolic changes in seedlings. In the second experiment, three application times were tested with diquat, diquat + flumioxazin, and diquat + carfentrazone. Nocturnal application showed the most significant reduction in chlorophyll levels and increased carotenoid levels. Application at noon and late afternoon also significantly changed the soluble sugar and proline levels. These results indicate that the herbicide application time directly influences the seeds’ physiological quality.

Leydig cells (LCs) in the testes produce the male sex hormone testosterone (T). Several xenobiotics, including clinical drugs, supplements, and environmental chemicals, are known to disrupt T homeostasis. Notably, some of these xenobiotics are known to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a ligand-dependent nuclear receptor. However, it is currently unknown whether PXR is expressed in LCs and whether PXR activation alters T synthesis in rodent LCs. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine whether PXR is expressed in rodent LCs and whether pregnenolone 16-alpha carbonitrile (PCN), the prototype agonist of rodent PXR, regulates T biosynthesis in rodent LCs. Hormonal as well as protein and gene expression analyses were conducted in rat primary LCs and MA-10 mouse Leydig cells. Results showed that PXR was expressed at the mRNA and protein level in both rat primary LCs and MA-10 cells. Incubation of rat primary LCs with PCN resulted in a significant decrease in T secretion. This PCN-induced decrease in T secretion was associated with decreased protein expression of key steroidogenic enzymes such as 3β-HSD and CYP17A1. RNA-seq results from MA-10 cells showed that PCN down-regulated the transcripts of steroidogenic enzymes and proteins involved in the T synthesis pathway. Together, these results suggest that PCN, an agonist of rodent PXR, can regulate T biosynthesis in rodent LCs by down-regulating the expression of the steroidogenic enzymes involved in T biosynthesis. Our results are significant as they provide a potential novel mechanism for disruption of testosterone homeostasis by a variety of xenobiotics.

Abstract Background Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) exposure-induced neuroinflammation is critical in mediating nervous system impairment. However, effective intervention is yet to be developed. Results In this study, we examine the effect of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on nervous system damage upon PM exposure and the mechanism of spatial regulation of lipid metabolism. 120 C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to real ambient PM for 11 days (subacute) or 16 weeks (sub-chronic). NMN supplementation boosted the level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in the mouse brain by 2.04 times. This augmentation effectively reduced neuroinflammation, as evidenced by a marked decrease in activated microglia levels across various brain regions, ranging from 29.29 to 85.96%. Whole brain lipidomics analysis revealed that NMN intervention resulted in an less increased levels of ceramide (Cer) and lysophospholipid in the brain following subacute PM exposure, and reversed triglyceride (TG) and glycerophospholipids (GP) following sub-chronic PM exposure, which conferred mice with anti-neuroinflammation response, improved immune function, and enhanced membrane stability. In addition, we demonstrated that the hippocampus and hypothalamus might be the most sensitive brain regions in response to PM exposure and NMN supplementation. Particularly, the alteration of TG (60:10, 56:2, 60:7), diacylglycerol (DG, 42:6), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 18:3) are the most profound, which correlated with the changes in functional annotation and perturbation of pathways including oxidative stress, inflammation, and membrane instability unveiled by spatial transcriptomic analysis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that NMN intervention effectively reduces neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and hypothalamus after PM exposure by modulating spatial lipid metabolism. Strategies targeting the improvement of lipid homeostasis may provide significant protection against brain injury associated with air pollutant exposure.

Abstract Microplastics (MPs), a brand-new class of worldwide environmental pollutant, have received a lot of attention. MPs are consumed by both humans and animals through water, food chain and other ways, which may cause potential health risks. However, the effects of MPs on embryonic development, especially placental function, and its related mechanisms still need to be further studied. We investigated the impact on fetal development and placental physiological function of pregnant mice by consecutive gavages of MPs at 0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight during gestational days (GDs 0–14). The results showed that continuous exposure to high concentrations of MP significantly reduced daily weight gain and impaired reproductive performance of pregnant mice. In addition, MPs could significantly induce oxidative stress and placental dysfunction in pregnant mice. On the other hand, MPs exposure significantly decreased placental barrier function and induced placental inflammation. Specifically, MPs treatment significantly reduced the expression of tight junction proteins in placentas, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and increased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in placentas. Finally, we found that MPs induced placental apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through the GRP78/IRE1α/JNK axis, leading to placental dysfunction and decreased reproductive performance in pregnant mice. We revealed for the first time that the effects of MPs on placental dysfunction in pregnant animals. Blocking the targets of MPs mediated ER stress will provide potential therapeutic ideas for the toxic effects of MPs on maternal pregnancy.

Previous studies have found inconsistent associations between heavy metals and metalloids (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic), and reproductive outcomes. The biofluid concentrations of ten non-essential trace elements (Hg, Pb, As, Ba, Sr, Rb, Cs, Sn, Ni, and Co) were evaluated in 51 Spanish women undergoing ICSI, PGT-A, and SET/FET. Nine out of ten non-essential elements were detectable in follicular fluid, whole blood, and urine collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and the day of embryo transfer and then analyzed by ICP-MS or Tricell DMA-80 for mercury. Elevated mercury and strontium concentrations in follicular fluid were associated with poor ovarian response and preimplantation outcomes. Worst preimplantation outcomes were also identified in women with elevated whole-blood strontium or mercury, urinary arsenic, barium, and tin the day of VOR. High concentrations of urinary rubidium on VOR day were linked with enhanced fertilization and blastocyst development. Excessive titanium in whole blood was associated with lower odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and achieving a live birth in a given IVF cycle. Excessive urinary arsenic on the day of embryo transfer was associated with lower odds of live birth. Although these preliminary results need to be confirmed in larger populations, distinguishing organic and inorganic element forms, our findings show that some non-essential elements have a detrimental impact on human IVF outcomes.

Within the domain of conventional oncochemotherapeutics, anticancer chemotherapy (AC) has emerged as a potent strategy for the treatment of cancers. AC is the mainstay strategy for solid and non-solid cancer treatment. Its mechanistic action targets the blockage of DNA transcription and the dysregulation of cell cycle machinery in cancer cells, leading to the activation of death pathways. However, the attendant side effect of toxicity inflicted by AC on healthy tissues presents a formidable challenge. The crucial culprit in the AC side effect of toxicity is unknown, although oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, inflammatory cascades, autophagy dysregulation, apoptosis, and certain aberrant signaling have been implicated. Honey is a natural bee product with significant health benefits and pharmacological properties. Interestingly, the literature reports that honey may proffer a protection mechanism for delicate tissue/organs against the side effect of toxicity from AC. Thus, this review delves into the prospective role of honey as an alleviator of the AC side effect of toxicity; it provides an elucidation of the mechanisms of AC toxicity and honey’s molecular mechanisms of mitigation. The review endeavors to unravel the specific molecular cascades by which honey orchestrates its mitigating effects, with the overarching objective of refining its application as an adjuvant natural product. Honey supplementation prevents AC toxicity via the inhibition of oxidative stress, NF-κB-mediated inflammation, and caspase-dependent apoptosis cascades. Although there is a need for increased mechanistic studies, honey is a natural product that could mitigate the various toxicities induced by AC.

Acetamiprid (ACMP) is a neonicotinoid insecticide that poses a significant threat to the environment and mankind. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are considered prime contributors to ACMP-induced toxic effects. Meanwhile, berberine (BBR) a natural plant alkaloid, is a topic of interest because of its therapeutic and prophylactic actions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of BBR on ACMP-mediated alterations in mitochondrial functions and apoptosis in rat liver tissue. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (I) control, (II) BBR-treated, (III) ACMP-exposed, and (IV) BBR+ACMP co-treated groups. The doses of BBR (150 mg/kg b.wt) and ACMP (1/10 of LD50, i.e., 21.7 mg/kg b.wt) were given intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. The results showed that the administration of ACMP diminished mitochondrial complex activity, downregulated complex I (ND1 and ND2) and complex IV (COX1 and COX4) subunit mRNA expression, depleted the antioxidant defense system, and induced apoptosis in rat liver. BBR pre-treatment significantly attenuated ACMP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by maintaining mitochondrial complex activity and upregulating ND1, ND2, COX1, and COX4 mRNA expression. BBR reversed ACMP-mediated apoptosis by diminishing Bax and caspase-3 and increasing the Bcl-2 protein level. BBR also improved the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system by upregulating mRNA expression of PGC-1α, MnSOD, and UCP-2 in rat liver tissue. This study is the first to evaluate the protective potential of BBR against pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in liver tissue. In conclusion, BBR offers protection against ACMP-induced impairment in mitochondrial functions by maintaining the antioxidant level and modulating the apoptotic cascade.

Three-dimensional (3D) fish hepatocyte cultures are promising alternative models for replicating in vivo data. Few studies have attempted to characterise the structure and function of fish 3D liver models and illustrate their applicability. This study aimed to further characterise a previously established spheroid model obtained from juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) primary hepatocytes under estrogenic stimulation. The spheroids were exposed for six days to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol—EE2 (1–100 ng/L). The mRNA levels of peroxisome (catalase—Cat and urate oxidase—Uox), lipid metabolism (acyl-CoA long chain synthetase 1—Acsl1, apolipoprotein AI—ApoAI, and fatty acid binding protein 1—Fabp1), and estrogen-related (estrogen receptor α—ERα, estrogen receptor β—ERβ, vitellogenin A—VtgA, zona pellucida glycoprotein 2.5—ZP2.5, and zona pellucida glycoprotein 3a.2—ZP3a.2) target genes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Vtg and ZP protein expressions. At the highest EE2 concentration, VtgA and ZP2.5 genes were significantly upregulated. The remaining target genes were not significantly altered by EE2. Vtg and ZP immunostaining was consistently increased in spheroids exposed to 50 and 100 ng/L of EE2, whereas lower EE2 levels resulted in a weaker signal. EE2 did not induce significant changes in the spheroids’ viability and morphological parameters. This study identified EE2 effects at environmentally relevant doses in trout liver spheroids, indicating its usefulness as a proxy for in vivo impacts of xenoestrogens.

Exposure to mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), in combination with liver and kidney impairment, may result in adverse birth outcomes. From 408 women in the age range of 16 to 46 years, living in rural and urban areas in the interior of Suriname, we looked at the association between adverse birth outcomes and exposure to Hg and Pb in combination with liver and kidney function. This group of women represented a subcohort of pregnant women who participated in the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH)—Meki Tamara study. Liver function was assessed by measuring aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Kidney function was assessed by measuring creatinine, urea, and cystatin C. We defined preterm births as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, low birthweight as birthweight < 2500 g, and low Apgar score as a score < 7 at 5 min, and these were used as indicators for adverse birth outcomes. Small size for gestational age was defined as gestational age < −2SD weight for GA. We found significant statistical associations between biomarkers for liver and kidney functions and adverse birth outcomes Apgar score and gestational age. No significant association was found between heavy metals Hg and lead and adverse birth outcomes.

This study examines the sex-specific effects of gestational exposure (days 6–21) to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), or their combination on brain monoamine levels that play an important role in regulating behavior. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered saline, low doses (5 µg/kg BW/day) of BPA or DEHP, and their combination or a high dose (7.5 mg/kg BW/day) of DEHP alone or in combination with BPA during pregnancy. The offspring were subjected to a behavioral test and sacrificed in adulthood, and the brains were analyzed for neurotransmitter levels. In the paraventricular nucleus, there was a marked reduction in dopamine levels (p < 0.01) in male offspring from the BPA, DEHP, and B + D (HD) groups, which correlated well with their shock probe defensive burying times. Neurotransmitter changes in all brain regions examined were significant in female offspring, with DEHP (HD) females being affected the most, followed by the B + D groups. BPA and/or DEHP (LD) increased monoamine turnover in a region-specific manner in male offspring (p < 0.05). Overall, prenatal exposure to BPA, DEHP, or their combination alters monoamine levels in a brain region-specific, sex-specific, and dose-dependent manner, which could have implications for their behavioral and neuroendocrine effects.

Toxicological analyses often necessitate the identification of compounds belonging to diverse functional groups. For GC–MS analyses, derivatization of compounds belonging to different functional groups can pose a challenge and requires the development of comprehensive methods of analysis. One example could be ethylene glycol, whose widespread use is related to possible unintentional or suicidal intoxications. This fact clearly indicates the need to develop sensitive methods for the determination of ethylene glycol and its metabolites in biological material, as only such complex analysis allows for proper toxicological expertise. A simultaneous GC–QqQ–MS/MS method for the determination of ethylene glycol together with its metabolites, glyoxal and glycolic acid, as well as the detection of glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid, was developed and fully validated. A novel approach for simultaneous derivatization of substances from different groups (alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids) was established. Sample preparation included the addition of three internal standards (BHB-d4, ethylene glycol-d4 and methylglyoxal), precipitation with acetonitrile and subsequent derivatization with N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA), as well as pentafluorophenylhydrazine (PFPH). Detection was carried out with the use of triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ionization method was electron impact, and quantitative analysis was carried out in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The lower limit of quantification was 1 μg/mL, 0.1 μg/mL, and 500 μg/mL for ethylene glycol, glyoxal, and glycolic acid, respectively. The presented method was applied in three authentic postmortem cases of ethylene glycol intoxication.

In recent decades, the global vanadium (V) industry has been steadily growing, together with interest in the potential use of V compounds as therapeutics, leading to V release in the marine environment and making it an emerging pollutant. Since climate change can amplify the sensitivity of marine organisms already facing chemical contamination in coastal areas, here, for the first time, we investigated the combined impact of V and global warming conditions on the development of Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos. Embryo-larval bioassays were carried out in embryos exposed for 24 and 48 h to sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) under conditions of near-future ocean warming projections (+3 °C, 21 °C) and of extreme warming at present-day marine heatwave conditions (+6 °C, 24 °C), compared to the control temperature (18 °C). We found that the concomitant exposure to V and higher temperature caused an increased percentage of malformations, impaired skeleton growth, the induction of heat shock protein (HSP)-mediated cell stress response and the activation of apoptosis. We also found a time- and temperature-dependent increase in V bioaccumulation, with a concomitant reduction in intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+). This work demonstrates that embryos’ sensitivity to V pollution is increased under global warming conditions, highlighting the need for studies on multiple stressors.