Positive association between chlorinated paraffins and the risk of allergic diseases in children and adolescents.

Contaminants may induce immune response polarization, leading to immune diseases, such as allergic diseases. Evidence concerning the effects of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), an emerging persistent organic pollutant, on immune system is scarce, particularly for epidemiological evidence. This study explores the association between CPs exposure and allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema, and allergic conjunctivitis) in children and adolescents in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in China. Herein, 131,304 children and adolescents from primary and secondary schools in the PRD were included and completed the questionnaire survey. The particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in the PRD and the PM2.5-bound CP concentrations were analyzed. In the multivarious adjustment mixed effect model (MEM), an IQR increase in ∑CPs was significantly associated with allergic diseases (rhinitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis) with the estimated odds ratios (ORs) for 1.11 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.13), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.19), and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.76, 1.88), respectively. Interaction analysis indicated that overweight and obese individuals might have greater risk. Similar effect estimates were observed in several sensitivity analyses. This study provided epidemiological evidence on the immunotoxicity of CPs. More studies to confirm our findings and investigate mechanisms are needed.

Hepatic injury and ileitis associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice upon F-53B exposure.

Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B), a substitute of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), has attracted significant attention for its link to hepatotoxicity and enterotoxicity. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of F-53B-induced enterohepatic toxicity remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to explore the role of F-53B exposure on enterohepatic injury based on the gut microbiota, pathological and molecular analysis in mice. Here, we exposed C57BL/6 mice to F-53B (0, 4, 40, and 400 µg/L) for 28 days. Our findings revealed a significant accumulation of F-53B in the liver, followed by small intestines, and feces. In addition, F-53B induced pathological collagen fiber deposition and lipoid degeneration, up-regulated the expression of fatty acid ß-oxidation-related genes (PPARα and PPARγ, etc), while simultaneously down-regulating pro-inflammatory genes (Nlrp3, IL-1ß, and Mcp1) in the liver. Meanwhile, F-53B induced ileal mucosal barrier damage, and an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes and mucosal barrier-related genes (Muc1, Muc2, Claudin1, Occludin, Mct1, and ZO-1) in the ileum. Importantly, F-53B distinctly altered gut microbiota compositions by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia and decreasing the abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group in the feces. F-53B-altered microbiota compositions were significantly associated with genes related to fatty acid ß-oxidation, inflammation, and mucosal barrier. In summary, our results demonstrate that F-53B is capable of inducing hepatic injury, ileitis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice, and the gut microbiota dysbiosis may play an important role in the F-53B-induced enterohepatic toxicity.

Toxicological evaluation and concentration of airborne PM0.1 in high air pollution period in Guangzhou, China.

The emissions and exposure limits for airborne PM0.1 are lacking, with limited scientific data for toxicity. Therefore, we continuously monitored and calculated the number and mass concentrations of airborne PM0.1 in December 2017, January 2018 and March 2018 during the high pollution period in Guangzhou. We collected PM0.1 from the same period and analyzed their chemical components. A549, THP-1 and A549/THP-1 co-cultured cells were selected for exposure to PM0.1, and evaluated for toxicological responses. Our aims are to 1) measure and analyze the number and mass concentrations, and chemical components of PM0.1; 2) evaluate and compare PM0.1 toxicity to different airway cells models at different time points. Guangzhou had the highest mass concentration of PM0.1 in December 2017, while the number concentration was the lowest. Chemical components in PM0.1 vary significantly at different time periods, and the correlation between the chemical composition or source of PM0.1 and the mass and number concentration of PM0.1 was dissimilar. Exposure to PM0.1 disrupted cell membranes, impaired mitochondrial function, promoted the expression of inflammatory mediators, and interfered with DNA replication in the cell cycle. The damage caused by exposure to PM0.1 at different times exhibited variations across different types of cells. PM0.1 in March 2018 stimulated co-cultured cells to secrete more inflammatory mediators, and CMA was significantly related to the expression of them. Our study indicates that it is essential to monitor both the mass and number concentrations of PM0.1 throughout all seasons annually, as conventional toxicological experiments and the internal components of PM0.1 may not effectively reveal the health damages caused by elevated number levels of PM0.1.

Association Between Home Renovation and Sleeping Problems Among Children Aged 6-18 Years: A Nationwide Survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Although the indoor environment has been proposed to be associated with childhood sleep health, to our knowledge no study has investigated the association between home renovation and childhood sleep problems. METHODS: The study included 186,470 children aged 6-18 years from the National Chinese Children Health Study (2012-2018). We measured childhood sleeping problems via the Chinese version of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (C-SDSC). Information on home renovation exposure within the recent 2 years was collected via parent report. We estimated associations between home renovation and various sleeping problems, defined using both continuous and categorized (binary) C-SDSC t-scores, using generalized mixed models. We fitted models with city as a random effect variable, and other covariates as fixed effects. RESULTS: Out of the overall participants, 89,732 (48%) were exposed to recent home renovations. Compared to the unexposed group, children exposed to home renovations had higher odds of total sleep disorder (odd ratios [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 1.4). Associations varied when we considered different types of home renovation materials. Children exposed to multiple types of home renovation had higher odds of sleeping problems. We observed similar findings when considering continuous C-SDSC t-scores. Additionally, sex and age of children modified the associations of home renovation exposure with some of the sleeping problem subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: We found that home renovation was associated with higher odds of having sleeping problems and that they varied when considering the type of renovation, cumulative exposure, sex, and age differences.

Relationship of single and co-exposure of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives with uric acid: A community-based study in China.

Numerous studies have suggested per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are related to uric acid levels, but evidence related to PFAS alternatives is limited. Moreover, the effect of the combined exposure to PFASs and their alternatives on uric acid has not been reported. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1312 adults in Guangzhou, China. Generalized linear regression model was adopted to explore the effect of single PFAS exposure on serum uric acid levels. Further, multi-pollutant models such as Bayesian kernel machine regression, weighted quantile sum, and quantile G-computation were employed to investigate the combined association of PFASs and alternatives with serum uric acid levels. We performed molecular docking to understand the potential interaction of PFAS with Organic Anion Transporters (OATs), involved in the secretion of uric acid. Per log serum 6:2 Cl-PFESA and PFOA increases were accompanied with an increase of serum uric acid with statistical significance (for 6:2 Cl-PFESA: beta: 0.19 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.11-0.26 and for PFOA: beta: 0.43 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.34-0.52). The associations were strongest among overweight and elderly. Multi-pollutant models also revealed a positive association. These positive associations may be PFASs can competitively combine with OAT1 and OAT3, leading to the increase of serum uric acid.

The association between outdoor light at night exposure and adult obesity in Northeastern China.

Previous studies have linked exposure to light at night (LAN) with various health outcomes, but evidence is limited for the LAN-obesity association. Thestudy analysed data from 24,845 participants of the 33 Communities Chinese Health Study and obesity (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) was defined according to the Working Group on Obesity in China. The Global Radiance Calibrated Nighttime Lights data were used to estimate participants' LAN exposure. The mixed-effect regression models examined the LAN-BMI and LAN-obesity association. We found that higher LAN exposure was significantly associated with greater BMI and higher risk of obesity. Changes of BMI and the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th against the 1st quartile of LAN exposure were 0.363 (0.208, 0.519), 0.364 (0.211, 0.516) and 0.217 (0.051, 0.383); 1.228 (1.099, 1.371), 1.356 (1.196, 1.538) and 1.269 (1.124, 1.433), respectively. Age and regular exercise showed significant modification effects on the LAN-obesity association.

Global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease attributable to ambient PM2.5 from 1990 to 2019: An analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019.

Information on the spatio-temporal patterns of the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) caused by ambient ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the global level is needed to prioritize the control of ambient air pollution and prevent the burden of IHD. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 provides data on IHD attributable to ambient PM2.5. The IHD burden and mortality attributable to ambient PM2.5 were analyzed by year, age, gender, socio-demographic index (SDI) level, geographical region and country. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to estimate the temporal trends of age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR) from 1990 to 2019. Globally, the ASMR and ASDR for ambient PM2.5-related IHD tended to level off generally, with EAPC of -0.03 (95% CI: -0.06, 0.12) and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.37), respectively. In the past 30 years, there were obvious differences in the trend of burden change among different regions. A highest increased burden was estimated in low-middle SDI region (EAPC of ASMR: 3.73 [95% CI: 3.56, 3.9], EAPC of ASDR: 3.83 [95% CI: 3.64, 4.02]). In contrast, the burden in high SDI region (EAPC of ASMR: -4.48 [95% CI: -4.6, -4.35], EAPC of ASDR: -3.98 [95% CI: -4.12, -3.85]) has declined most significantly. Moreover, this burden was higher among men and older populations. EAPCs of the ASMR (R = -0.776, p < 0.001) and ASDR (R = -0.781, p < 0.001) of this burden had significant negative correlations with the countries' SDI level. In summary, although trends in the global burden of IHD attributable to ambient PM2.5 are stabilizing, but this burden has shifted from high SDI countries to middle and low SDI countries, especially among men and elderly populations. To reduce this burden, the air pollution management prevention need to be further strengthened, especially among males, older populations, and middle and low SDI countries.

Associations of unintended pregnancy with autism spectrum disorders and the modification of folic acid supplements.

There is limited evidence on the associations of unintended pregnancy with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study aimed to examine this relationship and the modification of pre-conceptional and prenatal folic acid supplements. Six thousand and five toddlers aged 16 to 30 months from seven cities of six provinces in China were eligible for participation. Information on unintended pregnancy and folic acid supplements was obtained via questionnaires from caregivers of toddlers. The diagnosis of ASD was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the Chinese version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Of the 6005 toddlers in the study (3337 boys and 2668 girls), 71 (1.18%) received the diagnosis of ASD. Generalized linear models with a logit link function showed unintended pregnancy was positively associated with ASD (odds ratios [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.79). Stratified estimates indicated that the association remained stable among toddlers of mothers without pre-conceptional and prenatal folic acid supplements (OR = 2.75, 95% CI, 1.04-7.27; n = 1243, 20.70%). Unintended pregnancy was associated with higher odds of ASD in 16-30 months of toddlers, and the association was consistent among toddlers of mothers without prenatal folic acid supplements. Our findings emphasize the need to raise awareness of the risk of unintended pregnancy and the benefits of folic acid supplements among Chinese women.

The associations of secondhand smoke exposure with neurodevelopmental disorders and critical time window identification: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure was harmful for brain development. However, the association between SHS exposure and NDDs diagnosis were unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate associations between SHS exposure and NDDs diagnosis, identify critical time windows, and summarize the strength of evidence. METHODS: To investigate the associations of SHS exposure and the development of NDDs, we searched Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed for all the relevant studies up to 31 March 2023. The risk estimates and standardized mean differences (SMD) for the individuals with any NDDs who were exposed to SHS exposure compared with those unexposed or low-exposed. RESULTS: The results showed that a total of 31,098 citations were identified, of which 54 studies were included. We identified significant associations between SHS exposure and the risks of NDDs including specific types of NDDs like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) despite the observed heterogeneity for NDDs and ADHD. We also observed a significant association between cotinine exposure and ADHD. However, inconsistent ratings between the two quality-of-evidence methods for all the meta-analyses indicated the current evidence of the associations and the potential exposure window remained inconclusive. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggested that SHS exposure was associated with a higher risk of developing ADHD and LD, with inconclusive quality-of-evidence. In addition, period-specific associations remained unclear based on current evidence.

Early life exposure to F-53B induces neurobehavioral changes in developing children and disturbs dopamine-dependent synaptic signaling in weaning mice.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that F-53B exposure may be neurotoxic to animals, but there is a lack of epidemiological evidence, and its mechanism needs further investigation. METHODS: Serum F-53B concentrations and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were evaluated in 314 growing children from Guangzhou, China, and the association between them were analyzed. To study the developmental neurotoxicity of F-53B, experiments on sucking mice exposed via placental transfer and breast milk was performed. Maternal mice were orally exposed to 4, 40, and 400 µg/L of F-53B from postnatal day 0 (GD0) to postnatal day 21 (PND 21). Several genes and proteins related to neurodevelopment, dopamine anabolism, and synaptic plasticity were examined by qPCR and western blot, respectively, while dopamine contents were detected by ELISA kit in weaning mice. RESULTS: The result showed that F-53B was positively associated with poor WCST performance. For example, with an interquartile range increase in F-53B, the change with 95 % confidence interval (CI) of correct response (CR), and non-perseverative errors (NPE) was -2.47 (95 % CI: -3.89, -1.05, P = 0.001), 2.78 (95 % CI: 0.79, 4.76, P = 0.007), respectively. Compared with the control group, the highest exposure group of weaning mice had a longer escape latency (35.24 s vs. 51.18 s, P = 0.034) and a lesser distance movement (34.81 % vs. 21.02 %, P < 0.001) in the target quadrant, as observed from morris water maze (MWM) test. The protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) levels were decreased, as compared to control (0.367-fold, P < 0.001; 0.366-fold, P < 0.001; respectively). We also observed the upregulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) (2.940-fold, P < 0.001) consistent with the trend of dopamine content (1.313-fold, P < 0.001) in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: Early life exposure to F-53B is associated with adverse neurobehavioral changes in developing children and weaning mice which may be modulated by dopamine-dependent synaptic plasticity.

[Association of maternal isolated thyroid peroxidase antibody positive in the first trimester with fetal growth].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of isolated thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positive in the first trimester with fetal growth. METHODS: A total of 16 446 pregnant women were included in the birth cohort study, whose last menstrual period was between May 2016 and April 2019 and with singleton pregnancy. Maternal serum samples were collected when they firstly came for prenatal care in the first trimester. The pregnant women were consecutively seen and followed in the hospital and the information of pregnant women was extracted from the electronic medical information system. The pregnant women were divided into isolated TPOAb positive group (n=1 654) and euthyroid group (n=14 792). Three fetal ultrasound examinations were scheduled during the routine prenatal visits at the hospital and were performed by trained sonographers. All fetal growth indicators were quantified as gestational age- and gender- adjusted standard deviation score (Z-score) using the generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS). Fetal growth indicators included estimated fetal weight (EFW), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL) and head circumference (HC). Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as AC or EFW Z-score＜3rd centile based on clinical consensus. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was applied to assess the association of maternal isolated TPOAb positive with fetal growth. The generalized linear model was further used to analyze the association between isolated TPOAb positive and fetal growth indicator at different gestational ages when the fetal growth indicator was significantly associated with isolated TPOAb positive in the GEE mo-del. RESULTS: The median gestational age at three ultrasound measurements was 23.6 (23.3, 24.1), 30.3 (29.7, 30.9), 37.3 (37.0, 37.7) weeks, respectively. The BPD Z-score was higher in isolated TPOAb positive women, compared with the euthyroid pregnant women after adjustment (ß=0.057, 95%CI: 0.014-0.100, P=0.009). The generalized linear model showed the BPD Z-score was higher in the isolated TPOAb positive women at the end of 21-25 weeks (ß=0.052, 95%CI: 0.001-0.103, P=0.044), 29-32 weeks (ß=0.055, 95%CI: 0.004-0.107, P=0.035) and 36-40 weeks (ß=0.068, 95%CI: 0.011-0.125, P=0.020), compared with the euthyroid pregnant women. There was no difference in other fetal growth indicators (EFW, AC, FL and HC) and FGR between the isolated TPOAb positive and euthyroid pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The BPD Z-score was slightly increased in the isolated TPOAb positive pregnant women in the first trimester, while other fetal growth indicators were not changed. The reproducibility and practical significance of this result need to be confirmed.

The association between childhood adiposity in northeast China and anthropogenic heat flux: A new insight into the comprehensive impact of human activities.

Anthropogenic heat has been reported to have significant health impacts, but research on its association with childhood adiposity is still lacking. In this study, we matched the 2008-2012 average anthropogenic heat flux, as simulated by a grid estimation model using inventory methods, with questionnaire and measurement data of 49,938 children randomly recruited from seven cities in Northeast China in 2012. After adjusting for social demographic and behavioral factors, we used generalized linear mixed-effect models to assess the association between anthropogenic heat flux and adiposity among children. We also examined the effect modification of various social demographic and behavioral confounders. We found that each 10 W/m2 increase in total anthropogenic heat flux and that from the industry source was associated with an increase of 5.82% (95% CI = 0.84%-11.05%) and 6.62% (95% CI = 0.87%-12.70%) in the odds of childhood adiposity. Similarly, the excess rate of adiposity among children were 5.26% (95% CI = -1.33%-12.29%) and 8.51% (95% CI = 2.24%-15.17%) per 1 W/m2 increase in the anthropogenic heat flux from transportation and buildings, and was 7.94% (95% CI = 2.28%-13.91%) per 0.001 W/m2 increase in the anthropogenic heat flux from human metabolism. We also found generally greater effect estimates among female children and children who were exposed to passive smoking during pregnancy, born by caesarean section, non-breastfed/mixed-fed, or lived within 20 m adjacent to the main road. The potential deleterious effect of anthropogenic heat exposure on adiposity among children may make it a new but major threat to be targeted by future mitigation strategies.

Infant feeding practices and autism spectrum disorder in US children aged 2-5 years: the national survey of children's health (NSCH) 2016-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children aged 2-5 years in the United States (US). METHODS: Data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, were utilized for this study. Questionnaires were administered to parents of children aged 2-5 years to gather information on ASD diagnosis, infant feeding practices, and demographic factors (e.g., child sex, ethnic group, and maternal age at birth). Logistic regression with sample weights was employed to assess the association between infant feeding practices and ASD, while controlling for demographic variables. Polynomial regression models were used to examine trends in exclusive breastfeeding and ever breastfeeding rates among children with and without ASD. RESULTS: A total of 35,050 children aged 2-5 years were analyzed, including 616 diagnosed with ASD, after excluding participants with missing information on breastfeeding and ASD diagnosis. Of these children with ASD, 76.6% (n = 472) had a breastfeeding history, with 67.5% (n = 416) engaged in partial breastfeeding and 9.1% (n = 56) exclusively breastfed. Adjusted odds ratios for each additional month of breastfeeding compared to never being breastfed were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-1.01). The adjusted odds ratios for breastfeeding durations of > 0-6 months, > 6-12 months, > 12-24 months, and > 24 months were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.50-1.31), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.36-1.18), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.44-1.49), and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23-1.01), respectively. Compared to children who were never breastfed, the adjusted odds ratio for children who were ever breastfed was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.47-1.18). Among children with ASD, the proportion of ever breastfeeding declined from 82.0% in 2017 to 64.3% in 2020, while exclusive breastfeeding decreased from 12.0% in 2016 to 4.2% in 2020. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Although no significant association was found between infant feeding practices and ASD among US children aged 2-5 years, the rates of breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, were suboptimal among children with ASD. This highlights the need for specific policies and practices to promote and support breastfeeding among parents of children with ASD or those at high risk of having a child with ASD.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in ambient fine particulate matter in the Pearl River Delta, China: Levels, distribution and health implications.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have attracted worldwide attention as one of persistent organic pollutants; however, there is limited knowledge about the exposure concentrations of PFAS-contained ambient particulate matter and the related health risks. This study investigated the abundance and distribution of 32 PFAS in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected from 93 primary or secondary schools across the Pearl River Delta region (PRD), China. These chemicals comprise four PFAS categories which includes perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors and PFAS alternatives. In general, concentrations of target PFAS ranged from 11.52 to 419.72 pg/m3 (median: 57.29 pg/m3) across sites. By categories, concentrations of PFSAs (median: 26.05 pg/m3) were the dominant PFAS categories, followed by PFCAs (14.25 pg/m3), PFAS alternatives (2.75 pg/m3) and PFAA precursors (1.10 pg/m3). By individual PFAS, PFOS and PFOA were the dominant PFAS, which average concentration were 24.18 pg/m3 and 6.05 pg/m3, respectively. Seasonal variation showed that the concentrations of PFCAs and PFSAs were higher in winter than in summer, whereas opposite seasonal trends were observed in PFAA precursors and PFAS alternatives. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) were used to assess human inhalation-based exposure risks to PFAS. Although the health risks of PFAS via inhalation were insignificant (HQ far less than one), sufficient attention should be levied to ascertain the human exposure risks through inhalation, given that exposure to PFAS through air inhalation is a long term and cumulative process.

Brain structure underlying the empathizing-systemizing difference in children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral research has shown that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher empathizing-systemizing difference (D score) than normal children. However, there is no research about the neuroanatomical mechanisms of the empathizing-systemizing difference in children with ASD. METHODS: Participants comprised 41 children with ASD and 39 typically developing (TD) children aged 6‒12 years. Empathizing-systemizing difference was estimated using the D score from the Chinese version of Children's Empathy Quotient and Systemizing Quotient. We quantified brain morphometry, including global and regional brain volumes and surface-based cortical measures (cortical thickness, surface area, and gyrification) via structural magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: We found that the D score was significantly negatively associated with amygdala gray matter volume [ß = -0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.30, -0.02; P value = 0.030] in children with ASD. There was a significantly negative association between D score and gyrification in the left lateral occipital cortex (LOC) in children with ASD (B = -0.10; SE = 0.03; cluster-wise P value = 0.006) and a significantly positive association between D score and gyrification in the right fusiform in TD children (B = 0.10; SE = 0.03; cluster-wise P value = 0.022). Moderation analyses demonstrated significant interactions between D score and diagnosed group in amygdala gray matter volume (ß = 0.19; 95% CI 0.04, 0.35; P value = 0.013) and left LOC gyrification (ß = 0.11; 95% CI 0.05, 0.17; P value = 0.001) but not in right fusiform gyrification (ß = 0.08; 95% CI -0.02, 0.17; P value = 0.105). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroanatomical variation in amygdala volume and gyrification of LOC could be potential biomarkers for the empathizing-systemizing difference in children with ASD but not in TD children. Large-scale neuroimaging studies are necessary to test the replicability of our findings.

Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathway in breast cancer cells and its effect on reversing tumour drug resistance by alkaloids extracted from traditional Chinese medicine.

Breast cancer is a high-risk disease with a high mortality rate among women. Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer. However, chemotherapy eventually results in tumours that are resistant to drugs. In recent years, many studies have revealed that the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling is crucial for the emergence and growth of breast tumours as well as the development of drug resistance. Additionally, drugs that target this pathway can reverse drug resistance in breast cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine has the properties of multi-target and tenderness. Therefore, integrating traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine into chemotherapy provides a new strategy for reversing the drug resistance of breast tumours. This paper mainly reviews the possible mechanism of Wnt/ß-catenin in promoting the process of breast tumour drug resistance, and the progress of alkaloids extracted from traditional Chinese medicine in the targeting of this pathway in order to reverse the drug resistance of breast cancer.

Maternal transfer of F-53B inhibited neurobehavior in zebrafish offspring larvae and potential mechanisms: Dopaminergic dysfunction, eye development defects and disrupted calcium homeostasis.

Maternal exposure to environment toxicants is an important risk factor for neurobehavioral health in their offspring. In our study, we investigated the impact of maternal exposure to chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs, commercial name: F-53B) on behavioral changes and the potential mechanism in the offspring larvae of zebrafish. Adult zebrafish exposed to Cl-PFESAs (0, 0.2, 2, 20 and 200 µg/L) for 21 days were subsequently mated their embryos were cultured for 5 days. Higher concentrations of Cl-PFESAs in zebrafish embryos were observed, along with, reduced swimming speed and distance travelled in the offspring larvae. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Cl-PFESAs can form hydrogen bonds with brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), protein kinase C, alpha, (PKCα), Ca2+-ATPase and Na, K - ATPase. Molecular and biochemical studies evidenced Cl-PFESAs induce dopaminergic dysfunction, eye developmental defects and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis. Together, our results showed that maternal exposure to Cl-PFESAs lead to behavioral alteration in offspring mediated by disruption in Ca2+ homeostasis, dopaminergic dysfunction and eye developmental defects.

Environmental pollutant pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are associated with electrocardiogram parameters disorder in adults.

Environmental pollutants exposure might disrupt cardiac function, but evidence about the associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure and cardiac conduction system remains sparse. To explore the associations between serum PFASs exposure and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters changes in adults, we recruited 1229 participants (mean age: 55.1 years) from communities of Guangzhou, China. 13 serum PFASs with detection rate > 85% were analyzed finally. We selected 6 ECG parameters [heart rate (HR), PR interval, QRS duration, Bazett heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), QRS electric axis and RV5 + SV1 voltage] as outcomes. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were conducted to explore the associations of individual and joint PFASs exposure and ECG parameters changes, respectively. We detected significant associations of PFASs exposure with decreased HR, QRS duration, but with increased PR interval. For example, at the 95th percentile of 6:2 Cl-PFESA, HR and QRS duration were - 6.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): - 9.07, - 4.90] and - 6.54(95% CI: -9.05, -4.03) lower, but PR interval was 7.35 (95% CI: 3.52, 11.17) longer than those at the 25th percentile. Similarly, significant joint associations were observed in HR, PR interval and QRS duration when analyzed by BKMR model.

Ambient air pollution and infant health: a narrative review.

The extensive evidence regarding the effects of ambient air pollution on child health is well documented, but limited review summarized their health effects during infancy. Symptoms or health conditions attributed to ambient air pollution in infancy could result in the progression of severe diseases during childhood. Here, we reviewed previous empirical epidemiological studies and/or reviews for evaluating the linkages between ambient air pollution and various infant outcomes including adverse birth outcomes, infant morbidity and mortality, early respiratory health, early allergic symptoms, early neurodevelopment, early infant growth and other relevant outcomes. Patterns of the associations varied by different pollutants (i.e., particles and gaseous pollutants), exposure periods (i.e., pregnancy and postpartum) and exposure lengths (i.e., long-term and short-term). Protection of infant health requires that paediatricians, researchers, and policy makers understand to what extent infants are affected by ambient air pollution, and a call for action is still necessary to reduce ambient air pollution.