Risk Of Exposure Research Articles

Dysregulated Pathways During Pregnancy Predict Drug Candidates in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Maternal health during pregnancy has a direct impact on the risk and severity of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in the offspring, especially in the case of drug exposure. However, little progress has been made to assess the risk of drug exposure during pregnancy due to ethical constraints and drug use factors. We collected and manually curated sub-pathways and pathways (sub-/pathways) and drug information to propose an analytical framework for predicting drug candidates. This framework linked sub-/pathway activity and drug response scores derived from gene transcription data and was applied to human fetal brain development and six NDDs. Further, specific and pleiotropic sub-/pathways/drugs were identified using entropy, and sex bias was analyzed in conjunction with logistic regression and random forest models. We identified 19 disorder-associated and 256 regionally pleiotropic and specific candidate drugs that targeted risk sub-/pathways in NDDs, showing temporal or spatial changes across fetal development. Moreover, 5443 differential drug-sub-/pathways exhibited sex-biased differences after filling in the gender labels. A user-friendly NDDP visualization website ( https://ndd-lab.shinyapps.io/NDDP ) was developed to allow researchers and clinicians to access and retrieve data easily. Our framework overcame data gaps and identified numerous pleiotropic and specific candidates across six disorders and fetal developmental trajectories. This could significantly contribute to drug discovery during pregnancy and can be applied to a wide range of traits.

Cumulative disaster exposure and hypertension among mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina

Abstract Background: As climate change intensifies, hurricanes and weather-related disasters have been increasingly frequent and severe, impacting regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast with repeated hurricanes. While acute and short-term health impacts are well-described, impacts on longer-term and chronic conditions such as hypertension remain underexplored. This study examines the association between repeated hurricane exposure and hypertension risk in survivors.
Methods: We used data from the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) project, a longitudinal (2003-2018) cohort of predominantly Black, low-income mothers affected by Hurricane Katrina. A sample of 505 women who were not hypertensive pre-Katrina was analyzed. Cumulative exposure was defined as the number of hurricanes experienced post-Katrina, assessed at several survey waves over 12 years. Logistic regression estimated associations between hurricane exposure and hypertension in 2016-18, with mediation analyses exploring the indirect effect via psychological distress.
Results: In adjusted models, exposure to two hurricanes was associated with a 61% increase in hypertension odds (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.63) and exposure to three or more with 87% increased odds (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.47), relative to exposure to only one hurricane. The indirect effect from hurricane exposure to hypertension via psychological distress was statically significant (95% CI: 1.01, 1.09).
Conclusions: Findings highlight a novel link between cumulative disaster exposure and hypertension, with psychological distress as a potential mediator. This suggests that repeated exposure to hurricanes not only impacts mental health but may also contribute to adverse physical health outcomes. Addressing both mental and physical health in disaster response, especially for vulnerable populations, is crucial.

Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism of SMS Titanium–Manganese Nanocomposite for Antimony Removal from Water

This study investigates the synthesis of SMS-Ti-Mn (SMS-Ti-Mn stands for spent mushroom substrate activated carbon-Ti-Mn) nanocomposites and their application in removing the heavy metal antimony from water. In the process of antimony mining and smelting, the concentration of antimony in the waste residue can still reach as high as 80.5 mg/L. In addition, the soil in the electronic waste dismantling area is severely contaminated with antimony. In short, antimony enters the environment in various ways from mining, smelting, and manufacturing to the final waste process and continuously migrates in different environmental media, increasing the environmental exposure risk of antimony pollution. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were employed to determine the optimal conditions, including the adsorption time, pH, and solid–liquid ratio. Material characterization was performed to understand the role of nano-metals, and adsorption kinetics were analyzed using the quasi-first-order kinetic model. The research results revealed that the optimal conditions for antimony removal were an adsorption time of 40 min, a pH of 4, and a solid–liquid ratio of 2:1 (mg/mL). Under these conditions, the nanocomposites showed an adsorption capacity of 10.502 mg/g, which was 5.8 times higher than that of iron coagulants, 11 times higher than that of manganese-modified activated carbon, and 1.7 times higher than that of iron–manganese sludge adsorbents. Characterization revealed enhanced functional groups (carbonyl, Ti=O, Mn=O), contributing to improved adsorption. Kinetic analysis indicated physical adsorption as the dominant mechanism, and the regression model accurately predicted the adsorption capacity. SMS-Ti-Mn nanocomposites offer a promising strategy for treating antimony-contaminated water, with strong potential for practical applications in water treatment. They can decompose naturally after use, reduce secondary pollution, and promote ecological balance. Secondly, agricultural waste treated with heavy metal removal can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment to improve soil quality and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Contextual factors impacting families in enabling resilience of gender and sexually diverse youth

Family affirmation is an important factor in the psychological adjustment and resilience of LGBTQ+ youth. However, owing to hetero-cisnormative discourses in most rural communities, Gender and sexually diverse youth thrive through the most devastating adversities while negotiating for their LGBTQ+ identity in families. To understand systemic factors within and beyond family that influence the capacity of families to affirm LGBTQ+ youth, this article draws on data from a PhD study. This article presents qualitative interpretive phenomenological results from research involving 12 participants identifying as LGBTQ+ youth from a rural community in the Free State province. Participants were selected using nonprobability purposive and snowball sampling methods. The article explores factors that influence families to affirm their children with gender and sexual diversities, thereby highlighting the utility of ecological interventions that extend beyond working with a nuclear family to champion its resilience. The article also explores tensions that shape affirmation and marginalisation within a family context. It also demonstrates how risk exposure in families is perpetuated by multiple intersecting variables, such as family religious beliefs and cultural ideals that encourage heterosexuality and cisgender expression. Moreover, it shows the family’s openness and adaptive role in fostering the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth despite the prevalent hetero-cisnormative discourses. Despite the influence of the identified systemic factors, some families still navigate the affirmation of gender and sexual diversity. To this end, the article gives useful insights for practice and future research.

Gambling in Connecticut adolescents: Prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, trauma exposure, suicidality, and other risk behaviors

Adolescent gambling is a public health concern and has been linked to suicidality, various risk behaviors, and poor health outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of specific risk and protective factors that may influence gambling behavior in Connecticut adolescents, especially in changing gambling environments. This study examines relationships between adolescents reporting gambling in the past-year and a range of health risk behaviors including vaping, traumatic experiences, academic performance, and receipt of social support. Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Connecticut high school students stratified by gambling status were examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Among 1,807 adolescents, past-year gambling was reported by 453 individuals [25.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 22.7–28.1%]. Gambling prevalence was higher among older males and lower in adolescents of Asian origin. Gambling was further associated with suicidality and risk behaviors including substance use, smoking [traditional tobacco and electronic vapor use], risky use of digital technologies, unsafe sex, and aggressive behaviors. Gambling was also associated with traumatic experiences, depression/dysphoria, poor academic performance, and less familial social support. The results provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence and correlates of gambling among Connecticut adolescents. The results provide recent estimates of the prevalence and correlates of gambling among Connecticut adolescents. The findings highlight the need for further investigation of specific factors like social support that help with designing and implementing tailored interventions.

Health and environmental risk due to acid mine drainage generating tailings in Zimapán, Mexico

Abstract In the mining district of Zimapán, located in the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, high concentrations of potentially toxic elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) have been detected in tailing’s dams. This AMD, along with the population growth in the region, has reduced the distance between mining waste sites and urban areas, increasing the risk of exposure to these contaminants for living organisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate AMD generation and the risk to human health and the ecosystem due to potential exposure to elements present in the AMD, using the Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) software in three mining areas of Zimapán. Soil sample analyses revealed that the total concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As exceeded the maximum limits allowed by Mexican standard NOM-141-SEMARNAT-2003 for residential and agricultural land use. Additionally, the SADA model results demonstrated a potential risk to human health and mammals and birds due to their interaction with concentrations of 12,198 mg/kg of As and 4,618 mg/kg of Pb, respectively. The SADA model played a crucial role in enabling the quantification of the potential risk to the exposed population, thereby becoming an essential tool for the environmental management of this and other mining districts.

Companion animal veterinary personnel have occupational risk for tularemia and One Health role for tularemia prevention in Kansas.

To learn the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinarians and technicians in Kansas regarding the occupational risk of tularemia, personal protection, patient diagnosis and management, zoonotic risk communication, and public health reporting. Kansas veterinarians and technicians serving cats and dogs completed an online survey between June and September 2024. The survey was completed by 109 veterinarians and 19 technicians. Forty-three percent (47 of 109) of veterinarians reported diagnosing tularemia in cats and 13% (14 of 109) in dogs. Seven percent (8 of 109) of veterinarians reported having had tularemia. When performing procedures with a high risk of exposure, such as lancing abscesses in tularemia suspects, glove use was 100% but additional personal protective equipment was inconsistent, including eye protection (81 of 116 [70%]) and surgical face mask (69 of 116 [59%]). Antibody titer and PCR were common diagnostics, but 42% (26 of 62) of veterinarians reported never submitting a confirmatory test, with owner finances being the primary hurdle. Veterinarians and technicians have inconsistent knowledge about reporting regulations, but 91% (58 of 64) discuss tularemia's public health risk with pet owners. Veterinarians are not only diagnosing tularemia in their patients but also contracting the disease themselves. Education should be targeted toward diagnostics, protection, and reporting. Veterinary personnel play an essential One Health role in the prevention and control of tularemia in Kansas through environmental tick and wildlife management, diagnosis and treatment of sick pets, and education about transmission and protection precautions for people. Designating tularemia as reportable in animals would allow determination of disease trends and more rapid public health follow-up.

Assessing the in vitro efficiency in adsorbing mycotoxins of a tri-octahedral bentonite with potential application in aquaculture feed

The use of mycotoxin binders in feed products is currently the most efficient method to mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins. The unprecedented growth of aquaculture in recent years has led to an increased use of plant-based ingredients in fish feeds, thereby raising the risk of mycotoxin exposure. This study investigates the in vitro adsorption efficiency of a tri-octahedral bentonite against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in simulated gastric (pH = 1.2) and intestinal (pH = 6.8) fluids at 25 °C, the usual body temperature in aquaculture fish species. The binder was highly effective, removing over 98% of AFB1 from both media. FB1 was completely adsorbed at pH = 1.2, while its adsorption at pH = 6.8 reached a maximum of 46.3%. ZEN binding was consistent across both pH levels, ranging from 56.1% to 69.7%. Nine equilibrium isotherm functions were fitted to the experimental data to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms. A Sips model isotherm best characterized AFB1 adsorption in simulated gastric fluid, whereas that of ZEN was best described by the Freundlich model. In simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 6.8), monolayer adsorption described by the Langmuir model provided the best fit for all three mycotoxins.

Global Perspectives on Lead Contamination and Health Risks in Surface Water, Rice Grains, and Soils

ABSTRACTLead (Pb), a pervasive and highly toxic metal, and poses significant environmental and health risks due to its extensive biogeochemical cycling, driven by anthropogenic activities. This review evaluates the health hazards allied with Pb contamination in surface water bodies, soils, and rice grains, based on a comprehensive analysis (2015–2024) of 118, 133, and 102 literature studies, respectively. The year‐wise assessment of Pb concentration in surface water bodies and soils frequently exceeded their permissible limits in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. However, the mean Pb concentration in rice grains consistently surpassed the Codex Alimentarius limit (2.5 μg/g) across the analyzed years. Geographically, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and China surpassed their limits for surface water bodies, rice grains and soils, emphasizing regional vulnerabilities. Health risk analysis indicated hazard quotient values exceeding one for children and adults in surface water bodies and rice grains, exhibiting significant non‐carcinogenic risks. In soils, dermal exposure identified as the predominant pathways contributing to health hazard followed by ingestion, while inhalation presented the lower risk. These findings emphasize the imperative necessitate for implementing strict regulatory frameworks and preventive measures to mitigate Pb contamination in the environment and minimize its potential health impacts. This study advances understanding of Pb exposure pathways and risks, offering valuable insights for targeted mitigation strategies and public health interventions.

Restoring Soil Fertility through Organic Amendments: Impacts on Agriculture and Human Health

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has become a vital approach to addressing key challenges in Indian agriculture, such as fragmented landholdings, inadequate irrigation, and declining soil fertility. These amendments, which are added to soil to enhance its physical, chemical, and biological properties, play a significant role in promoting sustainable farming. Organic amendments like compost, manure, and green manure serve as excellent sources of organic carbon and essential nutrients. They improve soil structure, enhance drainage, and facilitate nutrient cycling while mitigating soil alkalinity and fostering microbial activity, thereby supporting overall soil health. Research highlights the effectiveness of organic amendments in improving soil quality. Organic amendments also offer notable benefits for human health by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing toxic residues. They decrease the risks of heavy metal contamination and pesticide exposure. Adopting organic amendments supports the broader goals of sustainable agriculture by enhancing biodiversity, improving soil fertility, and reducing environmental and health risks. Nevertheless, further research is needed to refine these practices, optimize their application, and thoroughly evaluate their effects on human well-being and agricultural productivity. Organic amendments offer a promising solution to meet the growing food demands of an expanding population while maintaining ecological balance and ensuring food security.

Characteristics of chicken production systems in rural Burkina Faso: A focus on One Health related practices and food security.

In addition to having cultural importance, village chicken production remains an important source of cash income for most rural households in Burkina Faso. However, strict biosecurity and good management of chicken flocks are required to reduce the risk of exposure of communities to chicken waste at household level. We characterized village production systems in rural Burkina Faso in relation to importance to food security, biosecurity, husbandry and chicken health management. We surveyed 483 chicken-producing households and carried out 20 focus group discussions separately with men and women chicken producers in Boussouma commune, a typical rural setting. Crop farming was reported as the main income-generating activity carried out by chicken producers (79.5%). Seveny six per cent of households sold chicken to local markets. Chicken production and sales were aligned to social/cultural events (religious festivals, weddings, etc…) and school-fee payment period. While men spent more revenues from chicken production on agriculture and household equipment's, women spent more on food, education and medical expenses. The chicken management system is mainly extensive scavenging, with most farmers (81.4%) keeping 5 to 50 birds with little or no supplementary feeding and rudimentary housing. Most producers indicated that Newcastle disease was the main cause of chicken mortality. While men consider high disease burden, lack of finance, and poor chicken housing as the major constraints, women prioritized the lack of adequate chicken housing, lack of feeds and limited access to veterinary services. With locally adapted interventions that build one a One Health approach, village chicken keeping has the potential to secure and greatly improve smallholder livelihoods and household food security, while preserving public health in Burkina Faso.

Conservation Blind Spots: Scenarios for Assessing the Exposure Risk of Brazilian Mammals to Pesticides

ABSTRACT Brazil is a large agricultural producer and a megadiverse country. In this context, the use of pesticides poses risks to non‐target species, including wild mammals. Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) for pesticides has been adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Brazil has yet to present a pesticide risk assessment for vertebrates. To design an ERA for Brazilian mammals, data is needed on the occurrence and distribution of species within and outside crops and agroecosystem types, their biological characteristics and life history traits. We analyse a comprehensive dataset of mammal occurrences in Brazilian agroecosystems. We identify the main crops studied, review if pesticides were listed as threats for mammals endangered of extinction and discuss mammal traits that lead to pesticide exposure across agroecosystems. We show that 54% of terrestrial mammals in Brazil occur in agroecosystems (319/716), with 64.3% (205/319) of these found in crop. Most studies registered mammals in large‐scale monocultures, such as annual croplands, tree plantations and pasture grazing. Small farming emerges as an important knowledge gap. We found 25 species threatened with extinction (Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable) occurring in crop in Brazilian agroecosystems. Concerning ERA for Brazilian agricultural scenarios, in the screening tier process, it is suggested to use an indicator model species (IMS) with the following traits: terrestrial, crepuscular, and large body mass for pasture‐grazing, tree plantations and annual croplands. Conversely, in agroforestry and perennial crop agroecosystems, we recommend considering at least one IMS with arboreal habits and a frugivorous and/or nectarivorous diet. Furthermore, in Tier 1, we recommend that a generic model species (GMS) emconpassing carnivorous and herbivorous mammals should be considered in pasture‐grazing systems, tree plantations and annual cropland. In agroforests and perennial croplands, GMS that represent the diet of frugivorous and nectarivorous mammals should be prioritised.

Trace metals induce microbial risk and antimicrobial resistance in biofilm in drinking water

This study investigated the changes in water quality and microbial risks resulting from trace metal pollutants in stagnant drinking water conditions using a 168-h experimental simulation and a metagenomic approach. The results showed that Fe(III) increased the water turbidity. Stagnation also caused significant biofilm growth, which was increased by trace metal pollutants, resulting in a higher production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Adaptive mechanisms of bacterial communities dominated by Pseudomonadota in response to trace metal pollutant stress were discovered. Pathogenic bacteria, particularly Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were found in stagnant drinking water, potentially exacerbated by Al(III). The overall exposure risk of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) increased, whereas Fe(III) enhanced the co-occurrence of ARGs and pathogens, potentially leading to serious hidden microbial risks. This study reveals imperceptible microbial risks posed by trace metal pollutants in stagnant drinking water, providing scientific warning and advice for drinking water safety.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Coupled with a High-Throughput, High-Content Platform in the Exploration of Neurodevelopmental Toxicity of Individual and Combined PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various products, such as firefighting foams and non-stick cookware, due to their resistance to heat and degradation. However, these same properties make them persistent in the environment and human body, raising public health concerns. This study selected eleven PFAS commonly found in drinking water and exposed Caenorhabditis elegans to concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 µM to assess neurodevelopmental toxicity using a high-throughput, high-content screening (HTS) platform coupled with artificial intelligence for image analysis. Our findings showed that PFAS such as 6:2 FTS, HFPO-DA, PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, and PFOS inhibited dopaminergic neuron activity, with fluorescence intensity reductions observed across concentrations from 0.1 to 100 µM. PFOS and PFBS also disrupted synaptic transmission, causing reduced motility and increased paralysis in aldicarb-induced assays, with the most pronounced effects at higher concentrations. These impairments in both neuron activity and synaptic function led to behavioral deficits. Notably, PFOS was one of the most toxic PFAS, affecting multiple neurodevelopmental endpoints. These results emphasize the developmental risks of PFAS exposure, highlighting the impact of both individual compounds and mixtures on neurodevelopment. This knowledge is essential for assessing PFAS-related health risks and informing mitigation strategies.

Wind tunnel experiments on bioaerosol dispersion and exposure risk assessment in wastewater treatment plants under natural ventilation

Natural ventilation in wastewater treatment plants can introduce bioaerosols into uncontaminated environment, which poses significant threats on susceptible human health. In this study, the dispersion and deposition of bioaerosols in two different plants were comparatively investigated with wind tunnel experiments. Quantitative risk assessment was conducted to evaluate exposure to Escherichia coli using dose-response modeling under two distinct meteorological conditions. The results indicated the predominant influence of thermal buoyancy on natural ventilation pattern between outdoor and indoor circulation. And the exposure risk was significantly elevated under unstable thermal stratification conditions. The removal and migration of the airborne bioaerosols generated during the indoor implementation of effluent treatment were accelerated with stronger air circulation. Deposition of bioaerosol particles were primarily found on the vertical surface below 2 m and at the corner of the leeward side. A notable finding was that the likelihood of infection at the surrounding area was much higher than that within the plant. The study's findings can serve as scientific references for the design and layout of industrial buildings that release infectious bioaerosols, and also offers valuable recommendations for mitigating bioaerosol concentrations in industrial plants.

Bisphenols in indoor dust: A comprehensive review of global distribution, exposure risks, transformation, and biomonitoring.

Bisphenols (BPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants extensively found in indoor environments worldwide. Despite their ubiquitous presence and potential health risks, there remains a notable gap in the comprehensive reviews focusing on BPs in indoor dust. Existing literature often addresses specific aspects such as exposure pathways, transformation products, or biomonitoring techniques, but lacks a consolidated, in-depth review encompassing all these facets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution of BPs, emphasizing their prevalence in diverse indoor settings ranging from households and workplaces to public areas. Variations in BP concentrations across these environments are explored, influenced by factors such as industrial activities, consumer product usage patterns, and geographical location. Exposure assessments highlight ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact as primary pathways for BP exposure, with ingestion being particularly significant for vulnerable groups such as infants and young children. Studies consistently reveal higher concentrations of BPs in urban indoor dust compared to rural settings, reflecting the impact of urbanization and intensive consumer practices. Moreover, BPs from mobile sources like vehicles contribute significantly to overall human exposure, further complicating exposure assessments. The review also delves into the transformation of BPs within indoor environments, emphasizing the diverse roles of physical, chemical, and biological processes in generating various transformation products (TPs). These TPs can exhibit heightened toxicity compared to their parent compounds, necessitating deeper investigations into their environmental fate and potential health implications. Critical examination of biomonitoring techniques for BPs and their metabolites underscores the importance of non-invasive sampling methods, offering ethical advantages and practicality in assessing human exposure levels. The emerging use of bioindicators, encompassing plants, animals, and innovative approaches like spider webs, presents promising avenues for effectively monitoring environmental contamination.

Pollution analysis of micro/nano meters glass particles and benzene produced from the friction cleaning process for the recovery of waste glass

Friction cleaning can effectively remove the paint coating (adhesive organic impurities) on the surface of waste glass, and promote the closed-loop recovery of urban silicic acid resources in industrial applications. However, due to a large number of mechanical collisions and wear during use, it is easy to produce powder dust and organic waste gas, and the pollution characteristics and mechanism have not been studied. In this study, the ball milling experiment was designed and the pollutants were tested and evaluated. The results show that a large number of micro/nano meters glass particles with an average size of less than 4.5 μm are generated by low-speed ball milling, and the risk of inhalation is as high as 50.75 mg/kg·m3. Main organic waste gases include cyclopropane, hexane, but-2-ene, and benzene with the value of Incremental lifetime cancer risk reaching 3.4 × 10−2 indicating definite carcinogenic risks for benzene exposure. The C–C bond between hydroxyl acrylic acid molecules and the C–O bond between phenolic propylene oxide molecules are easily broken to form small molecular chains, and the complex product is due to the complex cross-linking with the silane coupling agent. It is suggested that a special dust collector for micro/nano meters glass particles should be added while adopting an activated carbon catalytic combustion process to treat VOCs in the exhaust gas. This study revealed the contamination of micro/nano meters glass particles and benzene during friction cleaning to remove organic coatings in waste glass recycling.

Planted Forests in China Have Higher Drought Risk Than Natural Forests.

To improve the environment and mitigate climate change, China has implemented ambitious projects for natural forest protection and expanded planted forests. However, increased climate variability has led to more frequent and severe droughts, exacerbating the decline of these forests. The drought risk of planted forests is rarely assessed by considering both resistance and resilience, and comparative analyses between natural and planted forests are lacking. Here, we compared drought resistance and resilience in natural and planted forests across China using satellite observations from 2001 to 2020 to understand which forests were at higher risk of drought. The results showed that planted forests exhibited lower drought resistance and resilience compared to natural forests, particularly in subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forests and warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forests. Moreover, drought resistance in planted forests significantly increased, while resilience decreased during 2011-2020 compared to 2001-2010, suggesting a shift in the strategies of planted forests to cope with drought stress. The higher drought risk in planted forests compared to natural forests was mainly attributed to lower forest canopy height and poorer soil nutrients, which limited resistance, and lower canopy height and severe drought characteristics (severity, duration, and frequency), which reduced resilience. These results underscore the higher potential risk of drought exposure in planted forests. To mitigate future drought impacts on planted forests under climate change, enhanced management strategies, including the preservation of natural forests and augmentation of structural diversity in planted forests, are imperative.

Combined Impact of Pesticides on Mono- and Bilayer Lipid Membranes.

The increased use of agrochemicals in crop production raises concerns about the risk of combined pesticide exposure through water and food, potentially leading to a 'cocktail effect' with synergistic impacts on human health. To investigate such effects, we used the pesticides acephate and diuron interacting with a mimetic system of the cell membrane, composed of lipid monolayers. These mimetic systems were composed by a mixture of POPC, cholesterol and sphingomyelin (70/20/10mol %), respectively, close to the composition found in mammalian membranes. Results from Langmuir monolayers, including surface pressure-area isotherms, polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), showed that the pesticides interact predominantly with the polar head region of the lipids, a finding supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The cocktail had a similar effect in π-A isotherms; however, PM-IRRAS data suggests a stronger effect of the cocktail on the ternary monolayer at the molecular level, once the pesticide mixture changed the conformation and orientation of the headgroup and disturbed the hydrocarbon chain. These results evidence the impact of the 'cocktail effect' on lipid membranes, highlighting potential health risks associated with pesticide mixtures.

Unveiling potential biomarkers and associated health risks of chronic experimental exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of metalaxyl: An untargeted metabolomics approach

Unveiling potential biomarkers and associated health risks of chronic experimental exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of metalaxyl: An untargeted metabolomics approach