Acrylamide-Aggravated Liver Injury by Activating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Female Mice with Diabetes.

Acrylamide (ACR) is a common industrial contaminant with endocrine-disrupting toxicity. Numerous studies have indicated that females and diabetics are more sensitive to environmental contaminants. However, it remains unknown whether female diabetics are susceptible to ACR-induced toxicity and its potential mechanisms. Thus, the female ACR-exposure diabetic Balb/c mice model was established to address these issues. Results showed that ACR could induce liver injury in normal mice and cause more serious inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatocyte volume increase, and fusion in diabetic mice liver. Meanwhile, ACR could lead to exacerbation of diabetic symptoms in diabetic mice by disturbing the glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, which mainly manifests as the accumulation of liver glycogen and liver lipids, the reduction of the activity/content of glycolytic and metabolizing enzyme as well as pentose phosphatase, upregulation of the gene expression in fatty acid transporter and gluconeogenesis, and downregulation of the gene expression in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. Moreover, ACR exposure could induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver by a decrease in hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity and antioxidant content, an increase in inflammatory factor levels, and a change in the related protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis-related pathways in diabetic mice. Statistical analysis results revealed that ACR-induced liver injury was highly correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, and ERS and diabetic mice had a higher risk of liver injury than normal mice. Overall results suggested that female diabetic mice easily suffer from ACR-induced toxicity, and the reason was that ACR could induce further damage to the liver by worsening the condition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and ERS in the liver.

Ecotoxicological impact of dinotefuran insecticide and its metabolites on non-targets in agroecosystem: Harnessing nanotechnology- and bio-based management strategies to reduce its impact on non-target ecosystems.

The class of insecticides known as neonicotinoid insecticides has gained extensive application worldwide. Two characteristics of neonicotinoid pesticides are excellent insecticidal activity and a wide insecticidal spectrum for problematic insects. Neonicotinoid pesticides can also successfully manage pest insects that have developed resistance to other insecticide classes. Due to its powerful insecticidal properties and rapid plant absorption and translocation, dinotefuran, the most recent generation of neonicotinoid insecticides, has been widely used against biting and sucking insects. Dinotefuran has a wide range of potential applications and is often used globally. However, there is growing evidence that they negatively impact the biodiversity of organisms in agricultural settings as well as non-target organisms. The objective of this review is to present an updated summary of current understanding regarding the non-target effects of dinotefuran; we also enumerated nano- and bio-based mitigation and management strategies to reduce the impact of dinotefuran on non-target organisms and to pinpoint knowledge gaps. Finally, future study directions are suggested based on the limitations of the existing studies, with the goal of providing a scientific basis for risk assessment and the prudent use of these insecticides.

RNA-Seq analysis offers insight into the TBBPA-DHEE-induced endocrine-disrupting effect and neurotoxicity in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE) is the major TBBPA derivative. It has been detected in different environmental samples. Previous studies show that TBBPA-DHEE caused neurotoxicity in rats. In this study, juvenile zebrafish were exposed to various concentrations of TBBPA-DHEE to ascertain the potential neurotoxicity of TBBPA-DHEE, the chemical, and its possible molecular mechanism of action. Behavioral analysis revealed that TBBPA-DHEE could significantly increase the swimming distance and speed in the 1.5 mg/L group compared to the control. In contrast, the swimming distance and speed were significantly reduced in the 0.05 and 0.3 mg/L groups, affecting learning, memory, and neurodevelopment. Similarly, TBBPA-DHEE exposure caused a concentration-dependent significant increase in the levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, namely, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which could be attributed to the change observed in zebrafish behavior. This demonstrates the neurotoxicity of TBBPA-DHEE on juvenile zebrafish. The concentration-dependent increase in the IBR value revealed by the IBR index reveals the noticeable neurotoxic effect of TBBPA-DHEE. Transcriptomic analysis shows that TBBPA-DHEE exposure activated the PPAR signaling pathways, resulting in a disturbance of fatty acid (FA) metabolism and changes in the transcript levels of genes involved in these pathways, which could lead to lipotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Our findings demonstrate a distinct endocrine-disrupting response to TBBPA-DHEE exposure, possibly contributing to abnormal behavioral alterations. This study provides novel insights into underlying the mechanisms and effects of TBBPA-DHEE on aquatic organisms, which may be helpful forenvironmental/human health risk assessments of the emerging pollutant.

Role of autonomic nervous system in BDE-209 maternal exposure induced immunotoxicity in female offspring.

Decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a typical persistent organic pollutant that can cross the placental barrier, increasing the exposure risk for offspring. Norepinephrine (NE) from nerve terminals and acetylcholine (Ach) can bind to specific receptors on immune cells, inhibit the immune function of the body then cause immunotoxicity. However, whether maternal exposure to BDE-209 could lead to immunotoxicity in the offspring by acting on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems remains unclear. In view of this, the pregnancy and lactation rat BDE-209 exposure model was established and the results demonstrated that pregnancy and lactation BDE-209 exposure could induce immunotoxicity to female offspring via affecting immunopathology (hematological and biochemical parameters, organ indices, and spleen histopathological), decreasing humoral immunity (serum hemolysin, immunoglobulins, and cytokine productions), damaging cellular immunity (splenic lymphocytes and spleen cytokine productions), and restraining nonspecific immunity. Moreover, a dramatically significant correlation was observed between spleen nerve indices and immunity indices. Additionally, the mechanism revealed that maternal BDE-209 exposure caused offspring immunotoxicity through (1) activating MHC/PKCθ/NF-κB pathway; (2) promoting sympathetic nervous pathway, by upregulating the expression of ß2AR protein, which in turn elevating cAMP, following activate PKA and phosphorylate CREB, ultimately leading to immunotoxicity;(3) activating parasympathetic nerve pathway by reducing the binding with Ach and α7nAchR, upregulating the expression of JAK2 and phosphorylating STAT3, induced immunotoxicity of female offspring.

Antibiotics soil-solution chemistry: A review of environmental behavior and uptake and transformation by plants.

The increased use of antibiotics by humans for various purposes has left the environment polluted. Antibiotic pollution remediation is challenging because antibiotics exist in trace amounts and only highly sensitive detection techniques could be used to quantify them. Nevertheless, their trace quantity is not a hindrance to their transfer along the food chain, causing sensitization and the development of antibiotic resistance. Despite an increase in the literature on antibiotic pollution and the development and transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), little attention has been given to the behavior of antibiotics at the soil-solution interface and how this affects antibiotic adsorption-desorption interactions and subsequent uptake and transformation by plants. Thus, this review critically examines the interactions and possible degradation mechanisms of antibiotics in soil and the link between antibiotic soil-solution chemistry and uptake by plants. Also, different factors influencing antibiotic mobility in soil and the transfer of ARGs from one organism to another were considered. The mechanistic and critical analyses revealed that: (a) the charge characteristics of antibiotics at the soil-root interface determine whether they are adsorbed to soil or taken up by plants; (b) antibiotics that avoid soil colloids and reach soil pore water can be absorbed by plant roots, but their translocation to the stem and leaves depends on the ionic state of the molecule; (c) few studies have explored how plants adapt to antibiotic pollution and the transformation of antibiotics in plants; and (d) the persistence of antibiotics in cropland soils can be influenced by the content of soil organic matter, coexisting ions, and fertilization practices. Future research should focus on the soil/solution-antibiotic-plant interactions to reveal detailed mechanisms of antibiotic transformation by plants and whether plant-transformed antibiotics could be of environmental risk.

Novel CRISPR/Cas technology in the realm of algal bloom biomonitoring: Recent trends and future perspectives.

In conjunction with global climate change, progressive ocean warming, and acclivity in pollution and anthropogenic eutrophication, the incidence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CHABs) continue to expand in distribution, frequency, and magnitude. Algal bloom-related toxins have been implicated in human health disorders and ecological dysfunction and are detrimental to the national and global economy. Biomonitoring programs based on traditional monitoring protocols were characterised by some limitations that can be efficiently overdone using the CRISPR/Cas technology. In the present review, the potential and challenges of exploiting the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas technology for early detection of HABs and CHABs-associated toxigenic species were analysed. Based on more than 30 scientific papers, the main results indicate the great potential of CRISPR/Cas technology for this issue, even if the high sensitivity detected for the Cas12 and Cas13 platforms represents a possible interference risk.

Review of the environmental occurrence, analytical techniques, degradation and toxicity of TBBPA and its derivatives.

BFRs (brominated flame retardants) are a class of compounds that are added to or applied to polymeric materials to avoid or reduce the spread of fire. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is one of the known BFR used many in industries today. Due to its wide application as an additive flame retardant in commodities, TBBPA has become a common indoor contaminant. Recent researches have raised concerns about the possible hazardous effect of exposure to TBBPA and its derivatives in humans and wildlife. This review gives a thorough assessment of the literature on TBBPA and its derivatives, as well as environmental levels and human exposure. Several analytical techniques/methods have been developed for sensitive and accurate analysis of TBBPA and its derivatives in different compartments. These chemicals have been detected in practically every environmental compartment globally, making them a ubiquitous pollutant. TBBPA may be subject to adsorption, biological degradation or photolysis, photolysis after being released into the environment. Treatment of TBBPA-containing waste, as well as manufacturing and usage regulations, can limit the release of these chemicals to the environment and the health hazards associated with its exposure. Several methods have been successfully employed for the treatment of TBBPA including but not limited to adsorption, ozonation, oxidation and anaerobic degradation. Previous studies have shown that TBBPA and its derivative cause a lot of toxic effects. Diet and dust ingestion and have been identified as the main routes of TBBPA exposure in the general population, according to human exposure studies. Toddlers are more vulnerable than adults to be exposed to indoor dust through inadvertent ingestion. Furthermore, TBBP-A exposure can occur during pregnancy and through breast milk. This review will go a long way in closing up the knowledge gap on the silent and over ignored deadly effects of TBBPA and its derivatives and their attendant consequences.

Emerging bio-dispersant and bioremediation technologies as environmentally friendly management responses toward marine oil spill: A comprehensive review.

Marine oil spills emanating from wells, pipelines, freighters, tankers, and storage facilities draw public attention and necessitate quick and environmentally friendly response measures. It is sometimes feasible to contain the oil with booms and collect it with skimmers or burn it, but this is impracticable in many circumstances, and all that can be done without causing further environmental damage is adopting natural attenuation, particularly through microbial biodegradation. Biodegradation can be aided by carefully supplying biologically accessible nitrogen and phosphorus to alleviate some of the microbial growth constraints at the shoreline. This review discussed the characteristics of oil spills, origin, ecotoxicology, health impact of marine oils spills, and responses, including the variety of remedies and responses to oil spills using biological techniques. The different bioremediation and bio-dispersant treatment technologies are then described, with a focus on the use of green surfactants and their advances, benefits/drawbacks. These technologies were thoroughly explained, with a timeline of research and recent studies. Finally, the hurdles that persist as a result of spills are explored, as well as the measures that must be taken and the potential for the development of existing treatment technologies, all of which must be linked to the application of integrated procedures.

Purification and characterization of Se-enriched Grifola frondosa glycoprotein, and evaluating its amelioration effect on As3+ -induced immune toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se)-enriched glycoproteins have been a research highlight for the role of both Se and glycoproteins in immunoregulation. Arsenic (As) is a toxicant that is potentially toxic to the immune function and consequently to human health. Several reports suggested that Se could reduce the toxicity of heavy metals. Moreover, more and more nutrients in food had been applied to relieve As-induced toxicity. Hence glycoproteins were isolated and purified from Se-enriched Grifola frondosa, and their preliminary characteristics as well as amelioration effect and mechanism on As3+ -induced immune toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS: Four factions, namely Se-GPr11 (electrophoresis analysis exhibited one band: 14.32 kDa), Se-GPr22 (two bands: 20.57 and 31.12 kDa), Se-GPr33 (three bands: 15.08, 20.57 and 32.78 kDa) and Se-GPr44 (three bands: 16.73, 32.78 and 42.46 kDa), were obtained from Se-enriched G. frondosa via DEAE-52 and Sephacryl S-400 column. In addition, Se-GPr11 and Se-GPr44 are ideal proteins that contain high amounts of almost all essential amino acids. Thereafter, the RAW264.7 macrophage model was adopted to estimate the effect of Se-GPr11 and Se-GPr44 on As3+ -induced immune toxicity. The results showed that the pre-intervention method was the best consequent and the potential mechanisms were, first, by improving the oxidative stress state (enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde); secondly, through nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated upregulation cytokines (interleukin-2 and interferon-γ) secretion induced by As3+ . CONCLUSION: The results suggested Se-enriched G. frondosa may be a feasible supplement to improve health level of the As3+ pollution population. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Plastic waste: Status, degradation and microbial management options for Africa.

This paper presents a review of synthetic polymer (notably plastic) wastes profiles in Africa, their current management status, and better options. Data revealed that of the approximated 86.14 million metric tonnes and 31.5 million metric tonnes of primary polymers and plastics, respectively, and an estimated 230 million metric tonnes of plastic components imported between 1990 and 2017, about 17 million metric tonnes are mismanaged. Leading African nations on the plastic wastes generator table in increasing order are Tunisia (6.9%), Morocco (9.6%), Algeria (11.2%), South Africa (11.6%), Nigeria (16.9%), and the chief is Egypt (18.4%). The volume of plastic wastes generated in Africa directly correlates with her increasing population status, however, the current treatment options have major drawbacks (high energy and technological input, high demand for space, and creation of obnoxious by-products). Ineffective regulations, poor monitoring, and slow adoption of veritable practices by governments are responsible for the steady increase in plastic volume in the African landscapes and environments. In Nigeria, only about 9% and 12% of the total generated wastes are recycled and incinerated. The remainder bulk is either discarded into waste dumps (and a few available landfills) or natural environments. There is a paucity of standard plastic biodegradative work by African scientists, and only a few works show detection of competent synthetic plastic degrading microbes globally. Asides from the ills of possible omission of core degraders, there is a need for researchers to follow standard degradation procedures to arrive at efficient, reproducible, and generally accepted outcomes utilizable on a larger scale. Thus, metagenomic search on the vast African urban and rural plastisphere is the best isolation option.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, IP3 receptors and ER-PM junctions: translocation of Ca2+ signalling complexes and regulation of migration.

Disconnection of a cell from its epithelial neighbours and the formation of a mesenchymal phenotype are associated with profound changes in the distribution of cellular components and the formation of new cellular polarity. We observed a dramatic redistribution of inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)-competent endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions (ER-PM junctions) when pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells disconnect from their neighbours and undergo individual migration. In cellular monolayers IP3Rs are juxtaposed with tight junctions. When individual cells migrate away from their neighbours IP3Rs preferentially accumulate at the leading edge where they surround focal adhesions. Uncaging of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) resulted in prominent accumulation of paxillin in focal adhesions, highlighting important functional implications of the observed novel structural relationships. ER-PM junctions and STIM1 proteins also migrate to the leading edge and position closely behind the IP3Rs, creating a stratified distribution of Ca(2+) signalling complexes in this region. Importantly, migration of PDAC cells was strongly suppressed by selective inhibition of IP3Rs and store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), indicating that these mechanisms are functionally required for migration.

New Aspects of the Contribution of ER to SOCE Regulation: The Role of the ER and ER-Plasma Membrane Junctions in the Regulation of SOCE.

The junctions between the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane are essential platforms for the activation of store-operated Ca2+ influx. These junctions have specific dimensions and are nonuniformly distributed in polarized cells. The mechanisms involved in the formation of the junctions are currently undergoing vigorous investigation, and significant progress was attained in this research area during the last 10 years. Some cell types display stationary junctions, while in other cells, new junctions can form rapidly following cytosolic Ca2+ signals and/or the reduction of the Ca2+ concentration in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum; furthermore, in moving cells, junctions can undergo saltatory formation, long distance sliding, and dissolution. The proteins involved in the activation of the Ca2+ influx could be also involved in the formation of the junctions. The architecture, dynamics, and localization of the junctions are important for the regulation of Ca2+ signaling cascades and their downstream events.

Endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions: structure, function and dynamics.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) junctions are contact sites between the ER and the PM; the distance between the two organelles in the junctions is below 40 nm and the membranes are connected by protein tethers. A number of molecular tools and technical approaches have been recently developed to visualise, modify and characterise properties of ER-PM junctions. The junctions serve as the platforms for lipid exchange between the organelles and for cell signalling, notably Ca(2+) and cAMP signalling. Vice versa, signalling events regulate the development and properties of the junctions. Two Ca(2+) -dependent mechanisms of de novo formation of ER-PM junctions have been recently described and characterised. The junction-forming proteins and lipids are currently the focus of vigorous investigation. Junctions can be relatively short-lived and simple structures, forming and dissolving on the time scale of a few minutes. However, complex, sophisticated and multifunctional ER-PM junctions, capable of attracting numerous protein residents and other cellular organelles, have been described in some cell types. The road from simplicity to complexity, i.e. the transformation from simple 'nascent' ER-PM junctions to advanced stable multiorganellar complexes, is likely to become an attractive research avenue for current and future junctologists. Another area of considerable research interest is the downstream cellular processes that can be activated by specific local signalling events in the ER-PM junctions. Studies of the cell physiology and indeed pathophysiology of ER-PM junctions have already produced some surprising discoveries, likely to expand with advances in our understanding of these remarkable organellar contact sites.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is inhibited during mitosis.

A long-standing paradigm in cell biology is the shutdown of endocytosis during mitosis. There is consensus that transferrin uptake is inhibited after entry into prophase and that it resumes in telophase. A recent study proposed that endocytosis is continuous throughout the cell cycle and that the observed inhibition of transferrin uptake is due to a decrease in available transferrin receptor at the cell surface, and not to a shutdown of endocytosis. This challenge to the established view is gradually becoming accepted. Because of this controversy, we revisited the question of endocytic activity during mitosis. Using an antibody uptake assay and controlling for potential changes in surface receptor density, we demonstrate the strong inhibition of endocytosis in mitosis of CD8 chimeras containing any of the three major internalization motifs for clathrin-mediated endocytosis (YXXΦ, [DE]XXXL[LI], or FXNPXY) or a CD8 protein with the cytoplasmic tail of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor. The shutdown is not gradual: We describe a binary switch from endocytosis being "on" in interphase to "off" in mitosis as cells traverse the G(2)/M checkpoint. In addition, we show that the inhibition of transferrin uptake in mitosis occurs despite abundant transferrin receptor at the surface of HeLa cells. Our study finds no support for the recent idea that endocytosis continues during mitosis, and we conclude that endocytosis is temporarily shutdown during early mitosis.

Saltatory formation, sliding and dissolution of ER-PM junctions in migrating cancer cells.

We demonstrated three novel forms of dynamic behaviour of junctions between the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) and the PM (plasma membrane) in migrating cancer cells: saltatory formation, long-distance sliding and dissolution. The individual ER-PM junctions formed near the leading edge of migrating cells (usually within 0.5 µm of polymerized actin and close to focal adhesions) and appeared suddenly without sliding from the interior of the cell. The long distance sliding and dissolution of ER-PM junctions accompanied the tail withdrawal.

Association of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) with micro/nano-plastics: A review of recent findings on ecotoxicological and health impacts.

Despite the diverse research into the environmental impact of plastics, several stones have yet to be unraveled in terms of their ecotoxicological potential. Moreover, their detrimental impacts have become terrifying in recent years as the understanding of their tendency to associate and form cohorts with other emerging contaminants grew. Despite the hypothesis that microplastics may potentially adsorb organic pollutants, sequestering and making them not bioavailable for enhanced toxicity, evidence with pollutants such as Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) defers this assertion. TBBPA, one of the most widely used brominated flame retardants, has been enlisted as an emerging contaminant of serious environmental and human health concerns. Being also an additive to plasticware, it is not far to suspect that TBBPA could be found in association with micro/nanoplastics in our environment. Several pieces of evidence from recent studies have confirmed the micro/nanoplastics-TBBPA association and have exposed their compounded detrimental impacts on the environment and human health. This study, therefore, presents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of recent findings regarding their occurrence, factors that foster their association, including their sorption kinetics and isotherms, and their impacts on aquatic/agroecosystem and human health. The way forward and prospects for future studies were presented. This research is believed to be of significant interest to the readership due to its relevance to current environmental challenges posed by plastics and TBBPA. The study not only contributes valuable insights into the specific interaction between micro/nanoplastics and TBBPA but also suggests the way forward and prospects for future studies in this field.

Occurrence and ecotoxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa: Options for sustainable and eco-friendly management strategies.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent contaminants used as flame retardants in electronic products. PBDEs are contaminants of concern due to leaching and recalcitrance conferred by the stable and hydrophobic bromide residues. The near absence of legislatures and conscious initiatives to tackle the challenges of PBDEs in Africa has allowed for the indiscriminate use and consequent environmental degradation. Presently, the incidence, ecotoxicity, and remediation of PBDEs in Africa are poorly elucidated. Here, we present a position on the level of contamination, ecotoxicity, and management strategies for PBDEs with regard to Africa. Our review shows that Africa is inundated with PBDEs from the proliferation of e-waste due to factors like the increasing growth in the IT sector worsened by the procurement of second-hand gadgets. An evaluation of the fate of PBDEs in the African environment reveals that the environment is adequately contaminated, although reported in only a few countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction coupled with specific chromatographic techniques are used in the detection and quantification of PBDEs. Enormous exposure pathways in humans were highlighted with health implications. In terms of the removal of PBDEs, we found a gap in efforts in this direction, as not much success has been reported in Africa. However, we outline eco-friendly methods used elsewhere, including microbial degradation, zerovalent iron, supercritical fluid, and reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery methods. The need for Africa to make and implement legislatures against PBDEs holds the key to reduced effect on the continent.

Neurodevelopmental toxicity and molecular mechanism of environmental concentration of tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2- hydroxyethyl) ether exposure to sexually developing male SD rats.

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis (2- hydroxyethyl) ether (TBBPA-DHEE), as one of the main derivatives of Tetrabromobisphenol A, been attracted attention for its health risks. In this study, the neurotoxicity, mechanism, and susceptivity of TBBPA-DHEE exposure to sexually developing male rats were systematically studied. Neurobehavioral research showed that TBBPA-DHEE exposure could significantly affect the behavior, learning,and memory abilities of male-developing rats, and aggravate their depression. TBBPA-DHEE exposure could inhibit the secretion of neurotransmitters. Transcriptomics studies show that TBBPA-DHEE can significantly affect gene expression, and a total of 334 differentially expressed genes are enriched. GO function enrichment analysis shows that TBBPA-DHEE exposure can significantly affect the expression of genes related to synapses and cell components. KEGG function enrichment analysis shows that TBBPA-DHEE exposure can significantly affect the expression of signal pathways related to nerves, nerve development, and signal transduction. Susceptibility analysis showed that female rats were more susceptible to TBBPA-DHEE exposure than male rats. Therefore, TBBPA-DHEE exposure has neurodevelopmental toxicity to male developmental rats, and female developmental rats are more susceptible than male developmental rats. Its possible molecular mechanism is that TBBPA-DHEE may inhibit the secretion of neurotransmitters and affect signal pathways related to neurodevelopment and signal transduction.

Emerging contaminants in food matrices: An overview of the occurrence, pathways, impacts and detection techniques of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in industrial and consumer applications for ages. The pervasive and persistent nature of PFAS in the environment is a universal concern due to public health risks. Experts acknowledge that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS have consequences, including reduced vaccine efficacy, elevated cholesterol, and increased risk of high blood pressure. While considerable research has been conducted to investigate the presence of PFAS in the environment, the pathways for human exposure through food and food packaging/contact materials (FCM) remain unclear. In this review, we present an exhaustive overview of dietary exposure pathways to PFAS. Also, the mechanism of PFAS migration from FCMs into food and the occurrence of PFAS in certain foods were considered. Further, we present the analytical techniques for PFAS in food and food matrices as well as exposure pathways and human health impacts. Further, recent regulatory actions working to set standards and guidelines for PFAS in food packaging materials were highlighted. Alternative materials being developed and evaluated for their safety and efficacy in food contact applications, offering promising alternatives to PFAS were also considered. Finally, we reported on general considerations and perspectives presently considered.

A review of heavy metal risks around e-waste sites and comparable municipal dumpsites in major African cities: Recommendations and future perspectives.

In Africa, the effects of informal e-waste recycling on the environment are escalating. It is regularly transported from developed to developing nations, where it is disassembled informally in search of precious metals, thus increasing human exposure to harmful compounds. Africa has a serious problem with e-waste, as there are significant facilities in Ghana and Nigeria where imported e-waste is unsafely dismantled. however, because they are in high demand and less expensive than new ones, old electronic and electrical items are imported in large quantities, just like in many developing nations. After that, these objects are frequently scavenged to recover important metals through heating, burning, incubation in acids, and other techniques. Serious health hazards are associated with these activities for workers and individuals close to recycling plants. At e-waste sites in Africa, there have been documented instances of elevated concentrations of hazardous elements, persistent organic pollutants, and heavy metals in dust, soils, and vegetation, including plants consumed as food. Individuals who handle and dispose of e-waste are exposed to highly hazardous chemical substances. This paper examines heavy metal risks around e-waste sites and comparable municipal dumpsites in major African cities. Elevated concentrations of these heavy metals metal in downstream aquatic and marine habitats have resulted in additional environmental impacts. These effects have been associated with unfavourable outcomes in marine ecosystems, such as reduced fish stocks characterized by smaller sizes, increased susceptibility to illness, and decreased population densities. The evidence from the examined studies shows how much e-waste affects human health and the environment in Africa. Sub-Saharan African nations require a regulatory framework that includes specialized laws, facilities, and procedures for the safe recycling and disposal of e-waste.