Sex, environment, and death rate in a dementia cohort: a seven-years Bayesian survival analysis using medications data from a contaminated area in Italy.

Introduction: Studies have analyzed the effects of industrial installations on the environment and human health in Taranto, Southern Italy. Literature documented associations between different variables and dementia mortality among both women and men. The present study aims to investigate the associations between sex, environment, age, disease duration, pandemic years, anti-dementia drugs, and death rate. Methods: Data from the regional medication registry were used. All women and men with an anti-dementia medication between 2015 and 2021 were included and followed-up to 2021. Bayesian mixed effects logistic and Cox regression models with time varying exposures were fitted using integrated nested Laplace approximations and adjusting for patients and therapy characteristics. Results: A total of 7,961 person-years were observed. Variables associated with lower prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) medication were male sex (OR 0.63, 95% CrI 0.42-0.96), age 70-79 years (OR 0.17, 95% CrI 0.06-0.47) and ≥ 80 years (OR 0.08, 95% CrI 0.03-0.23), disease duration of 2-3 years (OR 0.43, 95% CrI 0.32-0.56) and 4-6 years (OR 0.21, 95% CrI 0.13-0.33), and pandemic years 2020 (OR 0.50, 95% CrI 0.37-0.67) and 2021 (OR 0.47, 95% CrI 0.33-0.65). Variables associated with higher mortality were male sex (HR 2.14, 95% CrI 1.75-2.62), residence in the contaminated site of national interest (SIN) (HR 1.25, 95% CrI 1.02-1.53), age ≥ 80 years (HR 6.06, 95% CrI 1.94-18.95), disease duration of 1 year (HR 1.50, 95% CrI 1.12-2.01), 2-3 years (HR 1.90, 95% CrI 1.45-2.48) and 4-6 years (HR 2.21, 95% CrI 1.60-3.07), and pandemic years 2020 (HR 1.38, 95% CrI 1.06-1.80) and 2021 (HR 1.56, 95% CrI 1.21-2.02). Variables associated with lower mortality were therapy with AChEIs alone (HR 0.69, 95% CrI 0.56-0.86) and in combination with memantine (HR 0.54, 95% CrI 0.37-0.81). Discussion: Male sex, age, disease duration, and pandemic years appeared to be associated with lower AChEIs medications. Male sex, residence in the SIN of Taranto, age, disease duration, and pandemic years seemed to be associated with an increased death rate, while AChEIs medication seemed to be associated with improved survival rate.

Collaborative Management of Environmental Pollution and Carbon Emissions Drives Local Green Growth: An Analysis Based on Spatial Effects.

Collaborative management of environmental pollution and carbon emissions (CMPC) has been a major policy instrument to promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in recent years. However, the relationship between the benefits and drawbacks of this environmental management practice for green growth in and around a local area remains to be clarified. Using 30 provinces in China during 2001-2019 as the object of analysis, we assessed the efficiency of local CMPC practices using the nonradial directional distance function (NDDF) model, predicted local green growth using the frontier green complexity index (GCI), and empirically examined the spatial effects, locational heterogeneity, and threshold characteristics of the relationship using the spatial Durbin model and the panel threshold model. Our study finds that although efficient CMPC does drive local green growth, the promotion effect is nonlinear with decreasing marginal effect. This effect is particularly obvious in economically developed regions with higher CMPCs, which will absorb resources from neighboring regions and create a "siphoning" effect. It was found that local financial support and foreign direct investment (FDI) can radiate green growth to neighboring regions; therefore, CMPC practice needs to pay more attention to the effect of joint governance, supplemented by financial and foreign investment policy tools, to better promote the green transformation of local economy.

Highly sensitive detection of environmental toxic fenitrothion in fruits and water using a porous graphene oxide nanosheets based disposable sensor.

Monitoring fenitrothion (FNT) residues in food and the environment is crucial due to its high environmental toxicity. In this study, we developed a sensitive, reliable electrochemical method for detecting FNT by using screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) modified with porous graphene oxide (PGO) nanosheets. PGO surface properties have been meticulously characterized using advanced spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to test the electrochemical properties of the PGO-modified sensor. The PGO-modified sensor exhibited remarkable sensitivity, achieving a detection limit as low as 0.061 µM and a broad linear range of 0.02-250 µM. Enhanced performance is due to PGO's high surface area and excellent electrocatalytic properties, which greatly improved electron transfer. Square wave voltammetry was used to demonstrate the sensor's efficacy as a real-time, on-site monitoring tool for FNT residues in fruit and water. The outstanding performance of the PGO/SPCE sensor underscores its applicability in ensuring food safety and environmental protection.

Defending against environmental threats: Unveiling household adaptation strategies and population heterogeneity.

Humanity faces a variety of risks from pollution and environmental degradation. Societal advancement has equipped the public with numerous self-protection measures to mitigate these threats. However, the ways in which individuals deploy and balance self-defence mechanisms within this complex risk landscape and the resulting consequences remain largely unexplored. Drawing on a detailed survey of households' self-defence practices, this study rigorously analyses the heterogeneity and driving factors behind household-level self-defence strategies. Through exploratory latent class modelling, we identified four distinct defence patterns: inaction, water-sensitive, air-sensitive, and multifaceted. These patterns reveal varied defence capabilities among the population. By integrating frameworks from economics and social psychology, significant disparities were found in the driving factors behind these patterns. Practices aimed at combating air pollution are primarily driven by the actual severity of pollution and perceived coping capabilities, whereas measures to enhance water quality are influenced more by perceived threats. This disparity arises from variations in information availability and health awareness. The study also highlights a misalignment between the distribution of defence capabilities and the levels of pollution. Given that income restricts self-defence options, this mismatch indicates that economically disadvantaged groups are disproportionately affected by severe health inequalities.

Differential immobilization of cadmium and changes in soil surface charge in acidic Ultisol by chitosan and citric acid: effect of their functional groups.

Soil organic matter plays an important role in cadmium adsorption and immobilization. Since different organic matter components affect cadmium adsorption processes differently, selecting the right organic substrate and knowing how to apply it could improve cadmium remediation. This study compares the effects of two contrasting organic molecules; chitosan and citric acid, on cadmium adsorption and speciation in acidic Ultisol. The adsorption of chitosan to Ultisol significantly increased the soil positive charge while adsorption of citric acid increased the soil negative charge. At pH 5.0, the maximum amount of cadmium adsorbed in excess chitosan was 341% greater than that in excess citric acid. About 73-89% and 60-62% of adsorbed cadmium were bound to Fe/Mn oxides and organic matter/sulfide at pH 4.0 while this fraction was 77-100% and 57-58% for citric acid and chitosan at pH 5.0, respectively. This decrease in the complexing ability of chitosan was related to the destabilizing effect of high pH on chitosan's structure. Also, the sequence through which chitosan, citric acid, and cadmium were added into the adsorption system influenced the adsorption profile and this was different along a pH gradient. Specifically, adding chitosan and cadmium together increased adsorption compared to when chitosan was pre-adsorbed within pH 3.0-6.5. However, for citric acid, the addition sequence had no significant effect on cadmium adsorption between pH 3.0-4.0 compared to pH 6.5 and 7.5, with excess citric acid generally inhibiting adsorption. Given that the action of citric acid is short-lived in soil, chitosan could be a good soil amendment material for immobilizing cadmium.

The impact of environmental factors and contaminants on thyroid function and disease from fetal to adult life: current evidence and future directions.

The thyroid gland regulates most of the physiological processes. Environmental factors, including climate change, pollution, nutritional changes, and exposure to chemicals, have been recognized to impact thyroid function and health. Thyroid disorders and cancer have increased in the last decade, the latter increasing by 1.1% annually, suggesting that environmental contaminants must play a role. This narrative review explores current knowledge on the relationships among environmental factors and thyroid gland anatomy and function, reporting recent data, mechanisms, and gaps through which environmental factors act. Global warming changes thyroid function, and living in both iodine-poor areas and volcanic regions can represent a threat to thyroid function and can favor cancers because of low iodine intake and exposure to heavy metals and radon. Areas with high nitrate and nitrite concentrations in water and soil also negatively affect thyroid function. Air pollution, particularly particulate matter in outdoor air, can worsen thyroid function and can be carcinogenic. Environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can alter thyroid function in many ways, as some chemicals can mimic and/or disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis, release, and action on target tissues, such as bisphenols, phthalates, perchlorate, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. When discussing diet and nutrition, there is recent evidence of microbiome-associated changes, and an elevated consumption of animal fat would be associated with an increased production of thyroid autoantibodies. There is some evidence of negative effects of microplastics. Finally, infectious diseases can significantly affect thyroid function; recently, lessons have been learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Understanding how environmental factors and contaminants influence thyroid function is crucial for developing preventive strategies and policies to guarantee appropriate development and healthy metabolism in the new generations and for preventing thyroid disease and cancer in adults and the elderly. However, there are many gaps in understanding that warrant further research.

Community-Based View on Diagnostic Imaging at the End of COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Survey-Assisted Study.

(1) Background: An online survey-based observational cross-sectional study aimed at elucidating the experience and attitudes of an unstructured population regarding diagnostic imaging. (2) Methods: Invitations to participate were distributed using mixed-mode design to deidentified residents aged 18 years and older. Main outcome measures included morbidity structure and incidence of diagnostic imaging administrations. (3) Results: Respondents (n = 1069) aged 44.3 ± 14.4 years; 32.8% suffered from cardiovascular diseases (CVD); 9.5% had chronic respiratory pathology; 28.9% considered themselves healthy. Respondents with COVID-19 history (49.7%) reported higher rates of computed tomography (CT) (p < 0.0001), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p < 0.001), and ultrasound (p < 0.05). COVID-19 history in CVD respondents shifted imaging administrations towards CT and MRI (p < 0.05). Every tenth respondent received MRI, CT, and ultrasound on a paid basis; 29.0% could not pay for diagnostic procedures; 13.1% reported unavailable MRI. Professional status significantly affected the pattern of diagnostic modalities (p < 0.05). MRI and CT availability differed between respondents in urban and rural areas (p < 0.0001). History of technogenic events predisposed responders to overestimate diagnostic value of fluorography (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Preparedness to future pandemics requires the development of community-based outreach programs focusing on people's awareness regarding medical imaging safety and diagnostic value.

Level of heavy metals and environmental pollution index in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran.

This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in the north of Ahvaz, southwest Iran. The soil samples were collected from the agricultural farm and riverside in Karun, for the investigation of the environmental impacts of the selected HMs in the soil of the Weiss and Arab Assad regions. For soil sampling in a period, nine farms were selected from each region, and 10 samples were taken from each agricultural farm. Zoning was done using GIS. The highest of Contamination Factor, Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index of HMs for Cd (7.84, 73.92 and 2.38), and the lowest value of this index for Cr (0.21, 1.98 and - 2.82), respectively. Furthermore of the farm soil showed that the most toxic effect is related to Cd. The HMs contamination indices of the soil samples showed that the studied HMs had contaminated the agricultural fields. Moreover, the zoning maps of the Co, Cu, Pb and Cr showed that they had not contaminated the soil of wheat fields, but Cd and Zn revealed high contamination levels. The zoning of Ni concentration distribution showed that this metal contamination came from both anthropogenic aspects and geological activities in the region. According to our findings, the EF illustrated high levels of pollution for Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, and Zn, which seems to be in accordance with the accumulation of agricultural fertilizers (phosphate and nitrate), industrial and human activities in the region.

Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health.

Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents' mental health.

Molecular Mechanisms of N-Acetylcysteine in RSV Infections and Air Pollution-Induced Alterations: A Scoping Review.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a mucolytic agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important etiological factors of lower respiratory tract infections, and exposure to air pollution appears to be additionally associated with higher RSV incidence and disease severity. We aimed to systematically review the existing literature to determine which molecular mechanisms mediate the effects of NAC in an RSV infection and air pollution, and to identify the knowledge gaps in this field. A search for original studies was carried out in three databases and a calibrated extraction grid was used to extract data on the NAC treatment (dose, timing), the air pollutant type, and the most significant mechanisms. We identified only 28 studies conducted in human cellular models (n = 18), animal models (n = 7), and mixed models (n = 3). NAC treatment improves the barrier function of the epithelium damaged by RSV and air pollution, and reduces the epithelial permeability, protecting against viral entry. NAC may also block RSV-activated phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which promotes endocytosis and facilitates cell entry. EGFR also enhances the release of a mucin gene, MUC5AC, which increases mucus viscosity and causes goblet cell metaplasia; the effects are abrogated by NAC. NAC blocks virus release from the infected cells, attenuates the cigarette smoke-induced shift from necrosis to apoptosis, and reverses the block in IFN-γ-induced antiviral gene expression caused by the inhibited Stat1 phosphorylation. Increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is induced by both RSV and air pollutants and is mediated by the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways that are activated in response to oxidative stress. MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and RANTES (regulated upon activation, expressed and secreted by normal T cells) partially mediate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and therapeutic (but not preventive) NAC administration reduces the inflammatory response and has been shown to reduce ozone-induced AHR. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and cellular senescence, observed during RSV infection and exposure to air pollution, can be partially reversed by NAC administration, while data on the emphysema formation are disputed. The review identified potential common molecular mechanisms of interest that are affected by NAC and may alleviate both the RSV infection and the effects of air pollution. Data are limited and gaps in knowledge include the optimal timing or dosage of NAC administration, therefore future studies should clarify these uncertainties and verify its practical use.

Causal Associations of Environmental Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: There is growing evidence that concentrations of environmental pollutants are previously associated with cardiovascular disease; however, it is unclear whether this association reflects a causal relationship. Methods: We utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate how environmental pollution affects the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. We primarily employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Additionally, to ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted several sensitivity analyses using alternative methodologies. These included maximum likelihood, MR-Egger regression, weighted median method and weighted model methods. Results: Inverse variance weighted estimates suggested that an SD increase in PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of heart failure (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.93, p = 0.0386). We found that an SD increase in PM10 exposure increased the risk of hypertension (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.05, p = 0.03598) and atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.94, p = 0.03461). Exposure to chemical or other fumes in a workplace was found to increase the risk of hypertension (OR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.40-6.78, p = 0.005218), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.00-3.26, p = 0.04861), coronary heart disease (OR = 3.15, 95% CI 1.21-8.16, p = 0.0183) and myocardial infarction (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.13-8.17, p = 0.02802). Conclusion: This study reveals the causal relationship between air pollutants and cardiovascular diseases, providing new insights into the protection of cardiovascular diseases.

The exposure to volatile organic compounds associate positively with overactive bladder risk in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study of 2007-2020 NHANES.

Objective: The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the potential relationship between blood volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and overactive bladder (OAB) risk. Methods: A total of 11,183 participants from the 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in this cross-sectional study. We used multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the relationship between nine blood VOCs and OAB risk. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to investigate the dose-response relationship between blood VOCs and OAB. In addition, the overall association of blood VOCs with OAB risk was assessed by weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model. Finally, we conducted subgroup analyses to explore the findings in different high-risk populations. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis revealed that blood 2,5-dimethylfuran (aOR = 2.940, 95% CI: 1.096-7.890, P = 0.032), benzene (aOR = 1.460, 95% CI: 1.044-2.043, P = 0.027) and furan (aOR = 9.426, 95% CI: 1.421-62.500, P = 0.020) were positively independent associated with the risk of OAB. And dose-response risk curves indicated that 2,5-dimethylfuran, benzene and furan in the blood were linearly positive associated with OAB risk. WQS regression analysis showed that exposure to mixed blood VOCs increased the risk of OAB (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11-1.49), with furans having the greatest weight. In subgroup analyses, we found that OAB was more susceptible to blood VOCs in young and middle-aged, male, non-hypertensive, and alcohol-drinking populations. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that high exposure to VOCs is independently and positively associated with OAB risk in U.S. adults, particularly 2,5-dimethylfuran, benzene, and furan. In addition, age, gender, hypertension and alcohol consumption may influence the association. Our study provided novel epidemiologic evidence to explore the potential role of environmental pollutants in OAB.

Relationships between pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, blood parameters and oxidative stress of white stork Ciconia ciconia chicks in Poland.

The white stork Ciconia ciconia is a bird species located at the top of the trophic pyramid in grassland and wetland ecosystems. This charismatic species is susceptible to pesticides and their environmental residues. In 2016, we collected blood samples from 114 white stork chicks across Western and Southern Poland. Chicks were sexed by molecular analysis and aged by development pattern. We studied the relationship between the concentration of pesticides (beta-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, 4.4'-DDD, 4.4'-DDE and 4.4'-DDT) and of PCB in the chicks' blood with blood morphology and biochemistry parameters in the blood. The mean (± SD) values of concentrations of above detection level pesticides were: for (1) beta-HCH 4.139 ± 19.205; (2) 4.4'-DDE 9.254 ± 91.491 and additionally (3) PCB 16.135 ± 44.777 ppb. We found negative relationships between beta-HCH and oxidative stress enzyme activity in the blood, between beta-HCH and leukocyte concentration and between 4.4'-DDE and catalase activity. We also found a positive relationship between the concentration of pesticides in blood and the age of chicks. Interestingly, we found a higher concentration of PCB in the blood of male stork chicks than in female stork chicks. We provide more evidence that the presence of pesticides in the environment can be a strong stress factor, shaping the health status of birds.

Microplastics in water resources: Global pollution circle, possible technological solutions, legislations, and future horizon.

Beneath the surface of our ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) silently loom as a significant threat. These minuscule pollutants, invisible to the naked eye, wreak havoc on living organisms and disrupt the delicate balance of our environment. As we delve into a trove of data and reports, a troubling narrative unfolds: MPs pose a grave risk to both health and food chains with their diverse compositions and chemical characteristics. Nevertheless, the peril extends further. MPs infiltrate the environment and intertwine with other pollutants. Worldwide, microplastic levels fluctuate dramatically, ranging from 0.001 to 140 particles.m-3 in water and 0.2 to 8766 particles.g-1 in sediment, painting a stark picture of pervasive pollution. Coastal and marine ecosystems bear the brunt, with each organism laden with thousands of microplastic particles. MPs possess a remarkable ability to absorb a plethora of contaminants, and their environmental behavior is influenced by factors such as molecular weight and pH. Reported adsorption capacities of MPs vary greatly, spanning from 0.001 to 12,700 µg·g-1. These distressing figures serve as a clarion call, demanding immediate action and heightened environmental consciousness. Legislation, innovation, and sustainable practices stand as indispensable defenses against this encroaching menace. Grasping the intricate interplay between microplastics and pollutants is paramount, guiding us toward effective mitigation strategies and preserving our health ecosystems.

Does environmental pollution reduce residents' income? Evidence from CFPS in China.

Understanding the relationship between environmental pollution and residents' income is extremely important for promoting sustained progress and high-quality economic growth. This research examines the impact, mechanism, and heterogeneity of environmental contamination on residents' earnings by fusing the micro data from China Family Panel Survey with the macro data of government statistics. The results reveal that environmental degradation has a significantly negative impact on residents' individual income. Further research on the intermediary mechanism finds that environmental pollution plays a harmful role in residents' income by reducing residents' subjective well-being and labor employment. Besides, the income effect of environmental pollution is significantly heterogeneous among different regions and differentiated groups. The deteriorating environmental quality widens urban-rural income gap and increases wage inequality of inhabitants in eastern, central, and western regions of China. The gender income gap and the income disparity between different income brackets also expand with environmental deterioration. These findings not only prove that long-term development at the cost of the ecological environment is undesirable, but also demonstrate the important role of the improvement of ecological environmental quality in promoting human well-being.

The dark side of organic farming: Copper sulphate compromises the life history and behaviour of the walking stick insect, Bacillus rossius.

Organic farming is considered the most sustainable form of modern soil cultivation. Yet it often relies on the use of chemical compounds that are not necessarily harmless for the surrounding wildlife. In this study, we tested the effects of realistic concentrations of copper sulphate-largely used in organic farming as a fungicide-on ecologically-relevant traits of the walking stick insect Bacillus rossius, a species commonly found in the proximity of cultivated fields across Europe. By using second-generation progeny of wild-caught parthenogenetic females bred in common gardens, we measured the impact of copper sulphate (CuSO4) on both the life-history (body condition, number of eggs, and hatching success) and behavioural traits (activity and maximum vertical speed) of the individuals. We observed strong negative effects of high, realistic concentrations of copper sulphate on most traits within 12 days of exposure, while effects were less evident at lower concentrations of the pollutant. Our results reveal that realistic concentrations of copper sulphate can compromise important traits that regulate both the survival and reproduction of animals in the wild, with such effects that are, however, dose dependent. We suggest that common practices in organic farming require further consideration on their ecological and evolutionary impact on wildlife.

Lack of association of impaired upper airway sensation with the presence or absence of obstructive sleep apnoea or chronic rhinosinusitis in World Trade Center responders.

OBJECTIVE: Examine sensory function of the upper airway in four groups of subjects recruited from the World Trade Centre General Responder Cohort (WTCGRC), with/without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and with/without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: Upper airway sensory function was determined using 2-point discrimination (2-PD) and vibration threshold (VT) in 163 WTCGRC subjects with both OSA and CRS (cases), OSA or CRS alone and without OSA or CRS (controls). Presence of OSA was determined from clinical sleep studies or home sleep testing. Presence of CRS was determined by nasal symptom questionnaire. The relationship between the presence of OSA and CRS and upper airway sensory impairment was assessed using linear regression analysis with each of 2PD and VT sensory threshold values as the dependent variable; OSA, CRS and their interaction were the independent variables. Age, gender and body mass index were covariates in the statistical model. The primary analysis was comparison of OSA+CRS versus controls (no OSA and no CRS) evaluated by linear contrasts. RESULTS: There were no differences in 2-PD or VT in those with OSA+CRS, OSA and CRS alone or controls. However, both 2-PD and VT were significantly higher in the WTCGRC controls compared with values seen in historical controls using the same methodology (median 2-PD 13.0; CI (11.0 to 13.5) vs 10.5; CI (8 to 11); VT: mean±SEM (9.3±0.6 vs 2.2±0.1)). CONCLUSION: While no differences were found in upper airway sensation between cases of OSA and CRS versus controls in the WTGRC population, there was evidence of impaired upper airway sensation in the WTGRC overall.

Trace Elements in Stenella coeruleoalba: Assessment of Marine Environmental Pollution and Dolphin Health Status.

Heavy metals are environmental contaminants and can easily accumulate and biomagnify in various marine species (fishes and mammalians) at the top of the aquatic food chain. Among marine mammalians, the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant cetacean in the Mediterranean Sea and is considered to be a sentinel species to monitor the environmental marine pollution. In this study, the contents of toxic metals and metalloids (Cd, Pb, Hg, and As), micro-elements (Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Se and Zn) and macro-elements (Na, Ca, K, Mg and P) were evaluated by ICP-MS analysis in several organs/tissues (lung, skin, muscle and liver) of Stenella coeruleoalba. The assessment of marine environmental pollution and dolphins health status was carried out through further analysis of the same specific parameters such as the metal pollution index (MPI) and coefficient of condition (K). Finally, the correlation between toxic metals and metalloids and essential micro-elements, expressed as molar ratios, was analyzed to evaluate the detoxifying ability (effectiveness) of Zn, Se and Cu. Data obtained showed the presence of toxic metals and metalloids analyzed in the Stenella coeruleoalba samples but the MPI values suggested a low environmental contamination of the Mediterranean Sea where dolphins lived. The content of micro- and macro-elements was found to be in a normal range for this species and predictive of dolphins good health status, as confirmed by the coefficient of condition K. However, the correlation between toxic and essential metals, expressed as molar ratios, showed that the following toxic metals cannot be detoxified by the essential metals: 66Zn/201Hg, 82Se/201Hg, 63Cu/201Hg and 66Zn/52Cr, 82Se/52Cr, 63Cu/52Cr. Therefore, this study highlights the key role of dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba to assess marine pollution and the importance of analyzing the complete mineral profile to evaluate the animal health status.

Origin, types, and contribution of emerging pollutants to environmental degradation and their remediation by physical and chemical techniques.

The growing presence of emerging pollutants (EPs) in aquatic environments, as well as their harmful impacts on the biosphere and humans, has become a global concern. Recent developments and advancements in pharmaceuticals, agricultural practices, industrial activities, and human personal care substances have paved the way for drastic changes in EP concentrations and impacts on the ecosystem. As a result, it is critical to mitigate EP's harmful effects before they jeopardize the ecological equilibrium of the overall ecosystem and the sustainable existence of life on Earth. This review comprehensively documented the types, origins, and remediation strategies of EPs, and underscored the significance of this study in the current context. We briefly stated the major classification of EPs based on their organic and inorganic nature. Furthermore, this review systematically evaluates the occurrence of EPs due to the fast-changing ecological scenarios and their impact on human health. Recent studies have critically discussed the emerging physical and chemical processes for EP removal, highlighting the limitations of conventional remediation technologies. We reviewed and presented the challenges associated with EP remediation and degradation using several methods, including physical and chemical methods, with the application of recent technologies. The EP types and various methods discussed in this review help the researchers understand the nature of present-day EPs and utilize an efficient method of choice for EP removal and management in the future for sustainable life and development activities on the planet.

Hydrochar as a bio-based adsorbent for heavy metals removal: A review of production processes, adsorption mechanisms, kinetic models, regeneration and reusability.

The spread of heavy metals throughout the ecosystem has extremely endangered human health, animals, plants, and natural resources. Hydrochar has emerged as a promising adsorbent for removal of heavy metals from water and wastewater. Hydrochar, obtained from hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, owns unique physical and chemical properties that are highly potent in capturing heavy metals via surface complexation, electrostatic interactions, and ion exchange mechanisms. This review focuses on removing heavy metals by hydrochar adsorbents from water bodies. The article discusses factors affecting the adsorption capacity of hydrochars, such as contact time, pH, initial metal concentration, temperature, and competing ions. Literature on optimization approaches such as surface modification, composite development, and hybrid systems are reviewed to enlighten mechanisms undertaking the efficiency of hydrochars in heavy metals removal from wastewater. The review also addresses challenges such as hydrochar regeneration and reusability, alongside potential issues related to its disposal and metal leaching. Integration with current water purification methods and the significance of ongoing research and initiatives promoting hydrochar-based technologies were also outlined. The article concludes that combining hydrochar with modern technologies such as nanotechnology and advanced oxidation techniques holds promise for improving heavy metal remediation. Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights to guide future studies and foster the development of effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly heavy metal removal technologies to ensure the attainment of safer drinking water for communities worldwide.