Environmental risk factors for gallbladder cancer: field-wide systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cholelithiasis is the most well-recognized risk factor for gallbladder cancer (GBC), the predominant biliary-tract malignancy; however, credibility on other modifiable exposures remains uncertain. We performed a field-wide systematic review and meta-analysis on environmental factors associated with GBC. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline/PubMed and Embase up to May 8, 2023, to identify randomized and non-randomized studies examining environmental factors for GBC. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses focusing on longitudinal studies. Evidence from case-control studies was considered complementary. Evidence credibility was graded by prespecified criteria including the random-effects estimate, 95% confidence interval, P-value, statistical heterogeneity, small-study effects, and robustness to unmeasured confounding. RESULTS: We identified 215 eligible primary studies and performed 350 meta-analyses across seven domains: lifestyle; reproductive; metabolic; dietary; infections; interventions; contaminants, and occupational exposures. Based on longitudinal evidence, body-mass index (RR per 5-unit increase 1.27; 95% CI, 1.21‒1.33), hip circumference (RR per 5-cm increase 1.16; 1.11‒1.22), infection of bile ducts (RR 31.7; 24.8-40.6), high parity (RR 1.48, 1.30‒1.68), obesity (RR 1.70; 1.44‒2.01), overweight (RR 1.28; 1.14‒1.43), waist circumference (RR per 5-cm increase 1.14; 1.10‒1.18), and waist-to-height ratio (RR per 0.1 increase 1.49; 1.36‒1.64) were robustly associated with increased GBC risk, while high education (RR 0.63; 0.49‒0.82) was associated with reduced risk (moderate-to-high credibility). Another 39 significant associations showed lower credibility, including different exposure scenarios of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers a detailed appraisal and mapping of the evidence on modifiable factors for GBC. Further high-quality prospective studies are essential to validate emerging associations and inform preventive strategies in high-incidence areas.

Residential proximity to agricultural herbicide and fungicide applications and dust levels in homes of California children.

BACKGROUND: Few studies of the relationship between residential proximity to agricultural pesticide applications and pesticide levels in the home have incorporated crop location or wind direction. We evaluated the relationship between agricultural pesticide applications using the California Pesticide Use Reporting (CPUR) database and pesticide concentrations in carpet dust accounting for land use and wind direction. METHODS: We measured concentrations (ng/g) of seven herbicides and two fungicides in carpet dust samples from 578 California homes (2001-2007). We created three metrics by computing the density (kg/km2) of use of each pesticide reported in CPUR within 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 4-km buffers around homes 180- and 365-days before sampling (CPUR metric). We apportioned applications to the crop area within the buffers (CROP-A metric) and weighted CPUR applications by the proportion of days that the home was within ±45° of the downwind direction (W-CPUR metric). We modeled natural-log concentrations (Tobit regression) and dust detections (logistic regression) adjusting for season/year, occupation, and home/garden use. RESULTS: Detections were >90 % for glyphosate, 2,4-D, and simazine. Detection rates and dust concentrations increased with increasing CPUR densities for all herbicides and one fungicide. Compared to homes without applications within 4 km, the highest tertile of 365-day glyphosate use was associated with ∼100 % higher concentrations (CPURT3>9.2kg/km2 %change = 110, 95 %CI = 55, 183; CROP-AT3>13.4kg/km2 %change = 144, 95 %CI = 81, 229; and W-CPURT3>2.1kg/km2 %change = 102, 95 %CI = 50, 171). The highest density tertiles of 2,4-D, simazine, and trifluralin were associated with 2- to 6-times higher concentrations, respectively; that was similar across metrics. Across all metrics, agricultural use of dacthal, dicamba, and iprodione were associated with 5- to 10-times higher odds of dust detections. Associations were unclear for 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid and null for chlorothalonil. CONCLUSIONS: Agricultural herbicide and fungicide use was an important determinant of indoor contamination within 4 km of homes. Accounting for crops and wind direction did not substantially change these relationships.

Advancing Breathomics through Accurate Discrimination of Endogenous from Exogenous Volatiles in Breath.

Breathomics, a growing field in exposure monitoring and clinical diagnostics, has faced accuracy challenges due to unclear contributing factors. This study aims to enhance the potential of breathomics in various frontiers by categorizing exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as endogenous or exogenous. Analyzing ambient air and breath samples from 271 volunteers via TD-GC × GC-TOF MS/FID, we identify and quantify 50 common VOCs in exhaled breath. Advanced quantitative structure-property relationships and compartment models are employed to obtain VOCs kinetic parameters. This in-depth approach allows us to accurately determine the alveolar concentration of VOCs and further discern their origins, facilitating personalized application of breathomics in exposure assessment and disease diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate that prolonged external exposure turns humans into secondary pollutant sources. Analysis of endogenous VOCs reveals that internal exposure poses more significant health risks than external. Moreover, by correcting environmental backgrounds, we improve the accuracy of gastrointestinal disease diagnostic models by 15-25%. This advancement in identifying VOC origins via compartmental models promises to elevate the clinical relevance of breathomics, marking a leap forward in exposure assessment and precision medicine.

Do small effects matter more in vulnerable populations? an investigation using Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohorts.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge in epidemiology is knowing when an exposure effect is large enough to be clinically important, in particular how to interpret a difference in mean outcome in unexposed/exposed groups. Where it can be calculated, the proportion/percentage beyond a suitable cut-point is useful in defining individuals at high risk to give a more meaningful outcome. In this simulation study we compute differences in outcome means and proportions that arise from hypothetical small effects in vulnerable sub-populations. METHODS: Data from over 28,000 mother/child pairs belonging to the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program were used to examine the impact of hypothetical environmental exposures on mean birthweight, and low birthweight (LBW) (birthweight < 2500g). We computed mean birthweight in unexposed/exposed groups by sociodemographic categories (maternal education, health insurance, race, ethnicity) using a range of hypothetical exposure effect sizes. We compared the difference in mean birthweight and the percentage LBW, calculated using a distributional approach. RESULTS: When the hypothetical mean exposure effect was fixed (at 50, 125, 167 or 250g), the absolute difference in % LBW (risk difference) was not constant but varied by socioeconomic categories. The risk differences were greater in sub-populations with the highest baseline percentages LBW: ranging from 3.1-5.3 percentage points for exposure effect of 125g. Similar patterns were seen for other mean exposure sizes simulated. CONCLUSIONS: Vulnerable sub-populations with greater baseline percentages at high risk fare worse when exposed to a small insult compared to the general population. This illustrates another facet of health disparity in vulnerable individuals.

Converging Neoplasms and the Environmental Exposome: Four Distinct Encounters with Collision Tumors in Dermatology.

Collision tumors - characterized by two or more distinct cell types within a singular lesion - are uncommon yet intriguing dermatological phenomena, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic enigmas. Our case series details four diverse presentations of such tumor intersections in dermatology. Beyond the individual cases, we embark on an exploration into the potential environmental exposome's role in the emergence of these neoplastic overlaps. While the first and fourth cases underscore serendipitous discoveries during an excisional biopsy, the second revolves around diagnostic ambiguity arising from concurrent neoplasms. The third case delineates the challenges in surgical management due to intertwined tumor entities. Integral to our investigation, histopathological evaluations helped demarcate the distinct tumor types. We then delve into environmental factors - cumulative ultraviolet radiation, air pollutants, chemical carcinogens, and smoking - speculating their role in tandem neoplastic presentations. Cutaneous collision tumors are infrequently occurring neoplasms of unknown origin characterized by two or more distinct cell types within a singular lesion. This series highlights a potential connection between specific environmental exposome and the development of collision neoplasms. An appreciation of this potential relationship will hopefully incite interdisciplinary collaborations and holistic management strategies, improving patient outcomes in the face of these dermatological rarities.

Impact of Climate Change on Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Climate change has emerged as a significant global health challenge, with growing evidence linking environmental factors to adverse reproductive health outcomes. The primary objective of this review is to assess the effects of climate change-driven environmental factors, such as air pollution and temperature extremes, on reproductive health outcomes, including fertility rates, miscarriage, preterm birth, and congenital anomalies. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science was conducted until July 2024. Studies included in the review were observational, experimental, and randomized controlled trials that reported quantitative data on reproductive outcomes in relation to climate-related environmental exposures. A total of 49 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis. The review found that increased exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5), extreme temperatures, and proximity to traffic were consistently associated with reduced fertility, increased risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Adverse effects were particularly pronounced among vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women of lower socioeconomic status and those living in disaster-prone areas. The studies also highlighted potential transgenerational effects, with prenatal exposure to environmental stressors influencing the long-term health of offspring. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions and policies to mitigate environmental exposures that negatively impact reproductive health. Future research should focus on longitudinal and interventional studies to establish causal relationships and inform effective public health strategies.

Endocrine Disruptors in Pregnancy: Effects on Mothers and Fetuses-A Review.

Background/Objectives: Endocrine disruptors are ubiquitous agents in the environment and are present in everyday consumer products. These agents can interfere with the endocrine system, and subsequently the reproductive system, especially in pregnancy. An increasing number of studies have been conducted to discover and describe the health effects of these agents on humans, including pregnant women, their fetuses, and the placenta. This review discusses prenatal exposure to various endocrine disruptors, focusing on bisphenols, phthalates, organophosphates, and perfluoroalkyl substances, and their effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Methods: We reviewed the literature via the PubMed and EBSCO databases and included the most relevant studies. Results: Our findings revealed that several negative health outcomes were linked to endocrine disruptors. However, despite the seriousness of this topic and the abundance of research on these agents, it remains challenging to draw strong conclusions about their effects from the available studies. This does not allow for strong, universal guidelines and might result in poor patient counseling and heterogeneous approaches to regulating endocrine disruptors. Conclusions: The seriousness of this matter calls for urgent efforts, and more studies are needed in this realm, to protect pregnant patients, and ultimately, in the long term, society.

Prostate Cancer: Emerging Modifiable Risk Factors and Therapeutic Strategies in the Management of Advanced Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the third highest cause of cancer death in men. PCa is a very heterogeneous tumor form in terms of grade, phenotypes, and genetics, often accompanied by complex networks. PCa is characterized by slow growth that does not compromise the patient's quality of life, unlike more aggressive forms showing rapid growth and progression. Early diagnosis, even for the most aggressive forms, increases the possibilities of cure with less aggressive treatments and fewer side effects. However, it is important to know how to decrease the exposure to modifiable risk factors, including diet, sedentary life, smoking and alcohol, can represent an effective tool to reduce the incidence of PCa. In addition, the chronic exposure to environmental factors, most of which act as endocrine disruptors, is the focus of recent studies for their potential role in promoting the onset and progression of PCa. Although molecular therapies and clinical trials for biomarker identification have been introduced into the management of PCa, these still lag behind research performed in other solid tumors. This review provides an overview of the modifiable factors of PCa, linked to lifestyle and environmental pollutants, which together with the development of new therapeutic targets, can reduce the incidence of PCa and improve the quality of life of patients.

A review of the potential adverse health impacts of atrazine in humans.

Atrazine is a widely used chlorinated triazine herbicide in agricultural settings, which has raised concerns over its potential adverse effects on human health. The extensive application of atrazine has resulted in its pervasive presence in the environment, contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water. While earlier research suggested that atrazine is unlikely to pose a health concern, recent evidence has indicated the necessity to reassess this point of view. This review aims to assess the recent evidence on atrazine's adverse effects on human health, focusing on (i) Cancer, (ii) Metabolic Diseases, (iii) Reproductive System, (iv) Neural System, and (v) Epigenetic Effects. Strategies to mitigate atrazine contamination and limitations of previous studies are also discussed. We strongly believe that further investigation is necessary to determine the potential detrimental consequences of atrazine in humans, particularly in developing countries, where herbicides are widely used without stringent safety regulations. Therefore, the current review will be beneficial for guiding future research and regulatory measures concerning the use of atrazine.

Exposure to Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke in Portugal After the Implementation of the Smoking Ban: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Estimating the prevalence of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure is a public health priority while evaluating the population-attributable disease burden and impact of smoking bans. We conducted a systematic review to analyze how secondhand tobacco smoke exposure has been assessed, and how its prevalence has been estimated among the Portuguese population since the implementation of the partial smoking ban in 2008. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, MEDLINE and Embase databases until November 2022, applying a pre-designed search strategy and following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was not restricted by study period, study design, sample size or language, and was complemented by a manual literature search. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Thirteen cross-sectional studies were included. The prevalence of second-hand tobacco smoke exposure among the three European studies ranged from 8.2% (adult population exposed at home in 2010) to 93.3% (adolescent/adult population exposed in bar/restaurant terraces in 2016). Three nationwide studies estimated children's exposure at home: ranging from 32.6% in 2010 - 2011 to 14.4% in 2016. According to the most recent studies, 49.8% of women living in Porto were exposed during the third trimester of pregnancy in 2010 - 2011; 32.6% and 38.4% of children were exposed at home, respectively in Lisbon and the Azores. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the Portuguese population, especially children and pregnant women, remain exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. A comprehensive smoke-free policy is needed, not only in outdoor public places, but also in indoor private settings.

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and its impact on the ovarian reserve at 12 years old in the PELAGIE mother-child cohort.

Although the ovarian reserve is constituted in utero, the literature on the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during this vulnerable period on the ovarian reserve later in life is limited. We investigated whether cord blood concentrations of POPs were associated with decreased anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH, a marker of the ovarian reserve) levels in girls at the age of 12. We included 239 girls from the French mother-child PELAGIE cohort. POP concentrations of 14 organochlorine pesticides, 17 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 5 polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and 9 per-polyfluoroalkyl substances were measured on cord blood sampled at birth. During a follow-up study at 12 years old, blood samples were collected to measure AMH levels. Single-exposure associations were examined with multivariable linear regression models adjusted a priori for potential confounders. Stratification on menarche status was also performed. Mixture effects were investigated using quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression. Overall, 16 POPs were measured in at least 30% of samples. No significant associations were found in multivariable linear regressions, except for the third tercile of exposure to PCB 180 which was statistically significantly associated with an increase in AMH levels at 12 years old (Tercile 2 v. Tercile 1: 0.13 ng/mL, 95% CI = -0.29, 0.56; Tercile 3 v. Tercile 1: 0.51 ng/mL, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.99). Additionally, in post-menarcheal girls (N = 104) only, the second tercile of p,p'-DDE was statistically significantly associated with decreased AMH levels at 12 years old (Tercile 2 v. Tercile 1: -0.61 ng/mL, 95% CI = -1.16, -0.05, Tercile 3 v. Tercile 1: 0.02 ng/mL, 95% CI = -0.51, 0.54). Both mixture models returned null associations. Despite the limited associations observed in this study, we recommend exploring these associations in larger mother-child cohorts and at older ages.

A Comparative Study to Explore the Variability of Heavy Metal Concentration in the Teeth of Residents of Non-gated Versus Gated Societies.

Human populations face increasing exposure to heavy metals, which pose significant health risks. Dental tissues, such as dentin and enamel, provide a reliable biomarker for assessing long-term heavy metal exposure due to their stable nature. This study aims to explore the variability of heavy metal concentrations in the teeth dentine of residents living in gated versus non-gated societies near the Yamuna River around the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. Sixty-nine participants were enrolled, 27 from gated societies and 42 from non-gated societies. Participants underwent elective dental extraction, following which heavy metal concentrations were measured in extracted tooth dentine using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Demographic data including age, gender, tooth types, and drinking water sources were recorded. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney's test, Spearman correlation heatmap, and principal component analysis (PCA). Residents of non-gated societies exhibited significantly (p < 0.005) higher mean concentrations of heavy metals compared to gated societies except for cadmium (p = 0.495). Subgroup analysis based on drinking water sources revealed significant (p < 0.001) variations in heavy metal concentrations, suggesting the influence of water quality on environmental exposure. PCA provided insights into underlying trends and correlations among heavy metal variables. This study provides valuable insights into heavy metal contamination among residents living near the Yamuna River, highlighting disparities in exposure based on residential environment and drinking water sources. Participants from non-gated societies exhibited higher mean concentrations of heavy metals compared to those from gated societies, emphasizing the influence of socio-economic factors, urban infrastructure and environmental management practices on heavy metal accumulation. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address heavy metal exposure across diverse population groups, improve water quality standards, and enhance access to safe drinking water.

Use of agent-based modeling to analyze potential non-occupational exposures to asbestos of the general population of Sibaté (Colombia).

Previous studies conducted in the municipality of Sibaté (Colombia) have revealed alarming findings regarding asbestos exposure in the region, as it is the site of the country's first mesothelioma cluster. Non-occupational asbestos exposure events were identified in this population, and the young age of the mesothelioma cases at the time of diagnosis suggests that asbestos exposure occurred during their childhood. The creation of landfilled zones in the 1980s and 1990s, utilizing friable asbestos among other disposed materials, may have been a significant asbestos exposure event contributing to the elevated number of mesothelioma cases. The objective of this study was to model various historical exposure scenarios related to the creation and interaction of the population with asbestos-contaminated landfilled zones, in light of the absence of asbestos monitoring in the region. The models utilized a multi-agent simulation process, focusing on a 10-year period (1986-1995). Various relevant variables were incorporated into the modeling process, including, for example, the number of children playing in the landfilled zones and the percentage of children carrying asbestos fibers on their clothes to their homes. A range of values for input data for the models were utilized, spanning from very conservative numbers to exposure-promoting values. The average number of exposed individuals estimated over 750 simulation runs, considering all scenarios, was 571, with a range between 31 and 3800 exposed individuals. The use of multi-agent simulation models can assist the understanding of past asbestos exposure events, especially when there is a lack of environmental surveillance data.

The Impact of Heavy Metal Contamination in Humans and Periodontitis: A Scoping Review.

Periodontal disease, one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dysbiotic dental biofilms that trigger the host's immune response. Periodontitis is a type of periodontal disease characterized by the destruction of tissues that support the teeth. The disease is influenced by various systemic and environmental risk factors. As heavy metals have been associated with the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, the present scoping review aimed to determine the coverage of the literature on whether human contamination by heavy metals affects periodontitis, as well as their mechanisms of action. Eight studies were selected, and two reviewers evaluated them. Most studies were cross-sectional studies involving humans and one study was performed on rats. Our review revealed a significant correlation between periodontitis and bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium. Oxidative stress generated by trace metals, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, causes tissue damage through lipid peroxidation, enzymatic oxidation, and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, heavy metals contamination may be a risk factor for the development of periodontitis. Oxidative stress factors seem to increase the extent of the inflammatory response.

Emerging Human Medications in Racing Animals: Analytical and Regulatory Challenges.

Positive identification and reporting of therapeutic substances intended for human consumption in race-day equine and canine samples is a controversial topic. While inadvertent environmental exposure is a potential cause for the presence of these substances in race-day samples, intentional use cannot be ruled out given their therapeutic benefits. Pregabalin is widely prescribed in Australia to treat epilepsy, anxiety, and neuropathic pain in humans; however, it is also increasingly used as a recreational drug. Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes in humans. Both pregabalin and metformin have no routine use on racing animals and should not be present in race-day samples taken from healthy animals. They are prohibited substances under the Rules of Racing with no established screening limits. Although therapeutic levels for these substances have been established in humans, such information is not available for animals. Pregabalin and metformin are analytically challenging molecules, more so when they are extracted from biological matrices routinely screened for hundreds of other compounds simultaneously. A simple extraction, followed by a targeted Ultra High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometry method utilising a reverse-phase C18 column, is presented. This method is effective in screening for pregabalin and metformin, in addition to more than 150 other compounds of interest in equine and canine urines. The prevalence of pregabalin and metformin in race-day equine and canine urine samples in Western Australia was monitored using this method over 12 months. More than 4000 urine samples were screened, and four samples were confirmed positive for these substances.

Exposure to acrylamide and increased risk of depression mediated by inflammation, oxidative stress, and alkaline phosphatase: Evidence from a nationally representative population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The health risk associated with acrylamide exposure has emerged as a significant issue of public health, attracting global attention. However, epidemiologic evidence on whether and how daily acrylamide exposure increases depression risk of the general population is unclear. METHODS: The study included 3991 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The urinary metabolites of acrylamide (N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine [AAMA] and N-Acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine [GAMA]) identified as reliable indicators of acrylamide exposure were examined to determine their relationships with depressive symptoms that were evaluated using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Besides, the measurements of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and biomarkers of inflammation (white blood cell [WBC] count) and anti-oxidative stress (albumin [ALB]) were conducted to investigate their mediation roles in above relationships. RESULT: AAMA, GAMA, and ΣUAAM (AAMA+GAMA) were linearly associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms. Each 2.7-fold increase in AAMA, GAMA, or ΣUAAM was associated with a 30 % (odds ratio: 1.30; 95 % confidence interval: 1.09, 1.55), 47 % (1.47; 1.16, 1.87), or 36 % (1.36; 1.13, 1.63) increment in risk of depressive symptoms, respectively. Increased WBC count (mediated proportion: 4.48-8.00 %), decreased ALB (4.88-7.78 %), and increased ALP (4.93-5.23 %) significantly mediated the associations between acrylamide metabolites and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylamide exposure of the general adult population was related to increased risk of depressive symptoms, which was mediated in part by inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased ALP. Our findings provided pivotal epidemiologic evidence for depression risk increment from exposure to acrylamide.

Does a Type of Inciting Antigen Correlate with the Presence of Lung Fibrosis in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Introduction: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial inflammatory lung disease that develops as a result of exposition to various, mostly organic antigens. In some patients, fibrotic HP is diagnosed. Factors predisposing to the development of fibrotic lung disease in HP patients are not well documented in the literature. The genetic susceptibility of the patient, type of inciting antigen, and type of exposure, as well as various demographic and clinical variables, may influence the fibrotic process. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the type of inciting antigen increases the risk of fibrotic lung disease in HP patients. Methods: Clinical data of consecutive patients with HP diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The exposition to the inciting antigens was investigated by the standardized questionnaire. Recent HP classification into fibrotic (fHP) and non-fibrotic (non-fHP) types was applied. Results: Sixty-six patients diagnosed with HP were analyzed. All patients filled out the exposure questionnaire, and 62 (94%) reported at least one possible exposure. The most prevalent exposures reported were avian, water systems, feather duvets, and hay/straw. Exposure to avian antigens as well as to coal/biomass heating were significantly more prevalent among patients with fHP compared to those with non-fHP (70% vs. 40%, p = 0.03 and 27% vs. 5%, p = 0.04, respectively). Nevertheless, in the multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis was the only factor influencing the development of fHP (OR 1.064, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.138, p = 0.04). Reported avian antigen exposure correlated well with positive precipitins to avian antigens, whereas no correlation was found between hay/straw exposure and positive antibodies to termophilic actinomycetes. Conclusions: Exposure to birds and coal heating was the most frequently present factor in subjects with fHP, but only older age at diagnosis remained a significant fHP predictor in the multifactor analysis.

Environmental arsenic exposure and reproductive system toxicity in male and female and mitigatory strategies: a review.

Environmental Arsenic (As) exposure is one of the main health challenges in different area of the world. As is a significant factor responsible to the reproductive system toxicity in both male and female. In this study, the most important effects mechanisms and biomarkers related to environmental exposure to As and the reproductive system toxicity, and infertility risk are reviewed in male and female. The results showed that the most important As-induced reproductive system toxicity in the male were alteration in the quantity and quality of semen, testicular toxicity, oxidative stress, testosterone reduction, and sperm apoptosis. For female were oxidative stress, spontaneous miscarriage, reproductive cycle disruption, decrease in the estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels and impair fecundity. The main mechanisms of reproductive system toxicity caused by As exposure in male were, genotoxic effects, reduction of glutathione, disruption of sex hormones, sperm flagellum formation impairment, inhibition of spermatogenesis, disruption of cell signaling pathways, and metabolites disruption. For female were abnormal signaling in gene expression, hormonal homeostasis, As-accumulation in placental tissue and creation of reactive oxygen, disruption in the neurotransmitters balance, and sex hormones disruption. The suitable biomarkers for As-induced reproductive toxicity in male were changes in testosterone, one-carbon and lipid metabolism, noncoding RNAs, and steroid hormone homeostasis, and for female was human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) changes. Finaly, taking selenium, zinc, silymarin, vitamins (C and E) and phytonutrients can be effective in reducing the As-induced reproductive system toxicity and infertility risk.

From womb to wellness: early environmental exposures, cord blood DNA methylation and disease origins.

Fetal exposures can induce epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, potentially predisposing individuals to later health issues. Cord blood (CB) DNA methylation provides a unique window into the fetal epigenome, reflecting the intrauterine environment's impact. Maternal factors, including nutrition, smoking and toxin exposure, can alter CB DNA methylation patterns, associated with conditions from obesity to neurodevelopmental disorders. These epigenetic changes underscore prenatal exposures' enduring effects on health trajectories. Technical challenges include tissue specificity issues, limited coverage of current methylation arrays and confounding factors like cell composition variability. Emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing, promise to overcome some of these limitations. Longitudinal studies are crucial to elucidate exposure-epigenome interactions and develop prevention strategies. Future research should address these challenges, advance public health initiatives to reduce teratogen exposure and consider ethical implications of epigenetic profiling. Progress in CB epigenetics research promises personalized medicine approaches, potentially transforming our understanding of developmental programming and offering novel interventions to promote lifelong health from the earliest stages of life.

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Prevalence and risk factors of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) among veterans in the airborne hazards and open burn pit registry: a prospective, observational, nested study.

BACKGROUND: Veterans have unique military risk factors and exposures during deployment that may augment their risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). The purpose of this study is to identify potential risk factors for PASC among Veterans in the national Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR). METHODS: This prospective observational study consisted of a semi-structured interview conducted via phone or videoconference from November 2021 to December 2022 among a stratified random sample of deployed Veterans nested within the national AHOBPR with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. PASC was defined as persistent new-onset symptoms lasting more than 2 months after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deployment history, airborne hazards exposure and symptoms were obtained from the AHOBPR self-assessment questionnaire completed prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection (past). Post-infection symptoms and health behaviors obtained at study interview (present) were used to test the hypothesis that deployment experience and exposure increases the risk for PASC. RESULTS: From a sample of 212 Veterans, 149 (70%) met criteria for PASC with a mean age of 47 ± 8.7 years; 73 (49%) were women and 76 (51%) were men, and 129 (82.6%) continued to experience persistent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (596.8 ± 160.4 days since initial infection). Neither exposure to airborne hazards (OR 0.97, CI 0.92-1.03) or to burn pits (OR 1.00, CI 0.99-1.00) augmented risk for PASC. CONCLUSIONS: PASC is highly common among Veterans enrolled in the AHOBPR, but we did not observe any unique military risk factors (e.g., airborne hazards exposure) that augmented the risk of PASC. Our findings may provide guidance to clinicians in the VHA network to administer appropriate care for Veterans experiencing PASC.