Source Of Exposure Research Articles

The effect of chelation on bone Pb stores in Pb poisoned children.

Lead exposure remains a key problem for children during development. One treatment for lead poisoning is chelation - a topic that remains controversial with varied results. Bone lead serves as a marker of total body burden of lead and encompasses between 60-90% of lead storage in children. In this study, we aimed to identify the change in bone lead as a result of chelation therapy in a group of lead poisoned children (blood lead >25 µg/dL). Upon diagnosis with lead poisoning at Xinhua Hospital in Shanghai, China, children were recruited to our study, had their bone lead levels measured, and underwent one-week of intravenous, in-patient ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid chelation treatment. Up to three clinical visits with the same treatment protocol and bone lead measurements were completed over the two-year study. We measured biomarkers of lead exposure for children exposed via various potential sources, including home contaminants, local industrial emissions, traditional medicines, or lead cookware. We observed significant differences with bone lead after chelation therapy (p < 0.0001), even after calculating a conservative model for theoretical decay from known bone turnover (p = 0.01). The difference identified between our observed change in bone lead and literature established bone lead change significantly increased with more chelation treatments. A significant reduction in bone lead was observed following chelation treatment of children with lead poisoning - a difference that increased more with more chelation. Study results indicate that chelation treatment is effective in reducing bone lead stores in children with initial blood lead levels greater than 25 µg/dL. Lead exposure in children is a consistent problem - drastically impacting health across the life span. After exposure, lead stores in the bone of children serving as a potential endogenous source of exposure for years to decades. Our study demonstrated that chelation therapy, while reducing blood lead levels, additionally reduced bone lead levels. A reduction in bone lead would effectively reduce the potential for endogenous release of lead and restrict the damage done by lead exposure.

Health Implications of Proinflammatory Cytokine Activity at Different Levels of Fluoride Exposure: A Systematic Review.

The chronic intake of excessive fluoride (F-) (> 1.5 mg/L) affects several tissues, organs, and systems. This represents a worldwide issue due to the presence of the compound in nature, with drinking water being the main source of exposure. The underlying mechanisms by which F- is toxic are not completely understood, but proinflammatory cytokine activity is implicated in these events. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the health implications of proinflammatory cytokine activity at different levels of F- exposure. The search for original studies in which the activity of proinflammatory cytokines was assessed under exposure to F- was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, Springer, EBSCO, and Google Scholar databases by applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024546726). Sixteen studies were analyzed in the present review. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1 beta (β), IL-6, IL-2, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, C-reactive protein, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were the proinflammatory cytokines identified in the included reports. Alterations in cytokine activity were observed in response to varying levels of F- exposure, implicating an increased risk of toxicity and damage to the evaluated structures by highlighting the role of inflammation in the progression of these processes. Hence, the activity of proinflammatory cytokines at different levels of F- exposure has important implications for health, where inflammation plays a relevant role in the underlying mechanisms related to the resulting toxicity.

Human internal and external exposure to synthetic musks in China

The widespread utilization of synthetic musks (SMs) in various consumer and personal care products (PCPs) has led to human external exposure through dermal absorption, inhalation of volatile fragrances, and ingestion of contaminated foods, dust, and liquids. Nonetheless, investigations comparing external and internal exposures in humans remain limited in China, particularly regarding internal exposure assessments in blood, which have lacked follow-up over the past decade. In this study, data concerning the concentrations of SMs in 135 blood samples (68 females and 67 males) obtained from residents of Shanghai are provided, representing the sole publication within the last decade on this topic. The findings suggest a potential association between SM concentrations in females and their income and ages. Additionally, the concentrations in blood are higher than in urine, suggesting that relying solely on urine assessments may underestimate health risks associated with internal exposure. Furthermore, data on internal exposure in human fluids reveal SMs' potential transfer to infants via breast milk, posing substantial threat. Noteworthy, we quantify total external exposure across various pathways for Chinese population. Our findings indicate that PCPs are identified as the predominant source of external exposure for adolescents and adults. However, in the case of infants and children, food ingestion, and PCPs dermal absorption make substantial contributions, representing 80.53% and 16.06% of the total for infants, and 69.96% and 22.40% for children, respectively. Notably, the total estimated daily intake (EDI), derived from urine analysis, falls notably below the total external exposure. While the contribution of each SM exhibits considerable variability, which can be ascribed to the distinct metabolic pathways of these compounds in vivo. Hence, additional research on the metabolism and transformation of SMs in humans is urgently needed for better human health risk assessment in the future.

Fluorotelomer Alcohol (FTOH) Emission Rates from New and Old Rain Jackets to Air Determined by Iodide High-Resolution Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which include fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), are synthetic chemicals used in consumer products because of their water-, stain-, and grease-repellent properties; thus, PFAS are commonly found in functional clothing such as rain jackets. To date, emissions of PFAS from products to indoor air have not been well characterized, although many PFAS-containing products are used and stored indoors. We used a test chamber connected to a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer equipped with iodide as a reagent ion (I-HR-ToF-CIMS) to measure emission rates for four FTOHs from 10 rain jackets and one backpack cover. The materials were categorized as old/used, new, or “PFAS-free”, and they were tested under two different scenarios, i.e., immediately out of package and after airing out. We observed real-time FTOH emissions from all materials. Under the out-of-package scenario, emissions of 6:2, 8:2 and 10:2 FTOH showed characteristics that indicate mass transfer is limited by internal diffusion, with a high initial peak followed by a lower steady-state emission rate. Peak emission rates correlated well with material-phase concentrations determined by an offline extractive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Our results further suggest that the old, used jackets had, on average, higher peak emission rates and higher material-phase concentrations than the new jackets, largely driven by 8:2 FTOH. “PFAS-free” materials had the overall lowest emission rates and material-phase concentrations. After airing out, emission rates were on average an order of magnitude lower than peak emission rates. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering consumer products like rain jackets as sources of indoor exposure to PFAS.

중금속 노출의 진단과 중금속 중독 치료

Heavy metals are substances that are widely present in the environment and are also used in human industrial activities. Heavy metals that cause major clinical problems include mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum. Heavy metals can be exposed to humans not only through food but also through environmental media and household products. Although heavy metal exposure sources are managed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, exposure may vary depending on the local environment or individual dietary habits. It is relatively easy to determine the cause of acute exposure of high-concentration heavy metals in industrial sites. However, long-term exposure to low-concentration heavy metals can lead to chronic symptoms specific to the cardiovascular system, liver, kidney, nerve, skin, immune system and reproductive organ. Therefore, if there is no response to conventional treatment, testing for heavy metals and treatment for heavy metal poisoning can be considered. In this article, I would like to present the diagnosis and treatment of heavy metal poisoning.

A more scientific blood lead reference value urgently needs to be updated in China: From a national and international insight

Although blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have significantly decreased compared to two decades ago, incidents of lead poisoning and elevated BLLs among children continue to occur frequently. This trend suggests that China's current hygienic regulations are not sufficiently effective in managing children's lead exposure. This study analyzed the revision processes of blood lead reference values (BLRVs) in children from various countries, the current BLLs and their changing trends in China, potential sources of lead pollution and exposure, the requirements for managing and protecting children's health, as well as the national measures and strategies for lead emission management and control. The study also explored the necessity and urgency of updating China's BLRVs in children. Based on the specific conditions in China, a proposed BLRV of 50 ​μg/L was deemed more reasonable and was suggested for implementation, with the potential to yield substantial economic benefits through improved IQ outcomes should the updated BLRV be adopted.

Exposure assessment to fine and ultrafine particulate matter during welding activity in the maintenance shop of a steelmaking factory

Welding fumes are a main source of occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM), besides gases and ultraviolet radiations, that involves millions of operators worldwide and is related to several health effects, including lung cancer. Our study aims to evaluate the exposure to fine and ultrafine airborne particulate in welding operators working in a steel making factory.In October 2019, air monitoring was performed for four days in five different welding scenarios and in the external area of a steelmaking factory to assess the exposure to airborne particles, ultrafine (UFP) particulate and inhalable fraction, during welding activities. The airborne particles distribution as particle number and mass concentration were measured using a low-pressure electric impactor, model ELPI™ (range of sampling 0.006 μm and 10 μm), whereas the airborne inhalable fraction was collected by filtration, using the IOM Sampler selector.The particle concentration, i.e. the number of particles per cm3 (part/cm3) showed significantly higher exposure figures for nanoscale particles, especially for the fractions included in the last 4 stages sampled by ELPI (from 0.010 μm to 0.071 μm), the figure representing between 85 % and 91 % of the total, whereas for the last 7 stages (0.010 μm–0.314 μm), they represented from 98 % to 99 % of the total. The average figure was approximately 5.01 × 104 part/cm3, while the maximum average was 1.95 × 105 part/cm3 on TIG welding, with a peak of 1.52 × 107 parts/cm3. In terms of mass concentration, the levels of PM inhalable fraction ranged between 0.1 mg/m3 and 1.08 mg/m3.The results of the present study substantially confirm previous studies regarding the distributions in terms of number and mass of welding fumes for SMAW and TIG techniques on steel, the mass concentration levels resulting within the permissible exposure limits (PEL) indicated by OSHA regulations. The results highlighted the importance of the efficiency of localized aspiration systems and the need to apply prevention and protection measures despite the low levels of exposure measured in terms of mass. ConclusionOverall, The particle number concentrations showed an important contribution in the emission of UFP compared to background levels. The PM inhalable fraction was substantially contained within the PEL. Further studies are needed to better understand the chemical characterization of the particulate also considering further variables of the working process that could influence the levels of exposure to welding fumes.

Bisphenol A and Its Emergent Substitutes: State of the Art of the Impact of These Plasticizers on Oxidative Stress and Its Role in Vascular Dysfunction

The “One Health approach” has evidenced the significant impact of xenobiotic exposure to health, and humans are a relevant target for their toxic effects. Bisphenol A (BPA) exerts a ubiquitous exposure source in all ecosystems. Given its endocrine-disrupting and harmful consequences on health, several countries have enforced new regulations to reduce exposure to BPA. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are complex conditions that lead to higher mortality worldwide, where family history, lifestyle, and environmental factors, like BPA exposure, have a remarkable contribution. This chemical compound is the most widely used in plastic and epoxy resin manufacturing and has been associated with effects on human health. Therefore, new-generation bisphenols (NGBs) are replacing BPA use, arguing that they do not harm health. Nonetheless, the knowledge about whether NGBs are secure options is scanty. Although BPA’s effects on several organs and systems have been documented, the role of BPA and NGBs in CVDs has yet to be explored. This review’s goals are focused on the processes of endothelial activation (EA)–endothelial dysfunction (ED), a cornerstone of CVDs development, bisphenols’ (BPs) effects on these processes through oxidant and antioxidant system alteration. Despite the scarce evidence on pro-oxidant effects associated with NGBs, our review demonstrated a comparable harmful effect on BPA. The results from the present review suggest that the biological mechanisms to explain BPs cardiotoxic effects are the oxidant stress ↔ inflammatory response ↔ EA ↔ ED → atherosclerotic plate → coagulation promotion. Other effects contributing to CVD development include altered lipid metabolism, ionic channels, and the activation of different intracellular pathways, which contribute to ED perpetuation in a concerted manner.

Discerning Emittable from Extractable Chemicals Identified in Consumer Products by Suspect Screening GCxGC-TOFMS.

Characterization of chemicals in household products is important for understanding this potential source of chemical exposure. Increasingly, suspect screening and nontargeted analysis techniques are used to characterize as many chemical signatures as possible. Solids such as household products are most conveniently prepared using solvent extraction, revealing what chemicals are contained within the product matrix but providing no information about the potential of those chemicals to leave the matrix and cause actual exposure. In this work, the profile and relative abundances of "extractable" chemical signatures found after solvent extraction are compared to those "emittable" to the headspace for 81 household products analyzed by two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This study retrospectively fuses data collected in separate efforts over 3.8 years and 13 analytical batches. Management of the data is made possible by recent developments in processing systems for complex data such as Highlight. Compounds were generically classified as aromatic heteroatom, aromatic hydrocarbon, glycol, hydrocarbon, long chain heteroatom, nonaromatic heteroatom, and unknown/unclassified. Class-based retention time and abundance trends were observed. Liquid extraction resulted in the greatest number of features and the highest relative abundances, while low temperature emission conditions produced the smallest number of features and lowest relative abundances.

Microplastic Particles Detected in Fetal Cord Blood, Placenta, and Meconium: A Pilot Study of Nine Mother–Infant Pairs in South China

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental pollutants. Pregnancy and infancy are sensitive windows for environmental exposure. However, few studies have investigated the presence of MPs in mother–infant pairs, or the exposure source. In this study, nine mother–infant pairs were recruited, and samples of placenta, cord blood, and meconium were collected. Information about the living environment and dietary habits were collected to determine the source of exposure during pregnancy. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was applied to identify MPs. In total, 9, 4, and 14 types of MPs were identified in the placenta, cord blood, and meconium samples, with particle counts of 34, 14, and 80, respectively. More than 80.47% of MPs detected in samples had a size of 100–400 μm. The abundance of MPs exhibited the order of meconium &gt; placenta &gt; cord blood (Hc = 14.959, p &lt; 0.01). We found that the abundance of MPs in meconium from women who drank tea ≥ 3 times/week during pregnancy was lower than in those who drank less (p = 0.048). Our study presents evidence of MPs transfer via the placenta–cord blood–meconium pathway. We also found that the habit of drinking tea among pregnant women might be related to the abundance of MPs in meconium.

Dosimetric and biological impact of activity extravasation of radiopharmaceuticals in PET imaging.

The increasing use of nuclear medicine and PET imaging has intensified scrutiny of radiotracer extravasation. To our knowledge, this topic is understudied but holds great potential for enhancing our understanding of extravasation in clinical PET imaging. This work aims to (1) quantify the absorbed doses from radiotracer extravasation in PET imaging, both locally at the site of extravasation and with the extravasation location as a source of exposure to bodily organs and (2) assess the biological ramifications within the injection site at the cellular level. A radiation dosimetry simulation was performed using a whole-body 4D Extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) phantom embedded in the GATE Monte Carlo platform. A 10-mCi dose of 18F-FDG was chosen to simulate a typical clinical PET scan scenario, with 10% of the activity extravasated in the antecubital fossa of the right arm of the phantom. The extravasation volume was modeled as a 5.5mL rectangle in the hypodermal layer of skin. Absorbed dose contributions were calculated for the first two half-lives, assuming biological clearance thereafter. Dose calculations were performed as absorbed doses at the organ and skin levels. Energy deposition was simulated both at the local extravasation site and in multiple organs of interest and converted to absorbed doses based on their respective masses. Each simulation was repeated ten times to estimate Monte Carlo uncertainties. Biological impacts on cells within the extravasated volume were evaluated by randomizing cells and exposing them to a uniform radiation source of 18F and 68Ga. Particle types, their energies, and direction cosines were recorded in phase space files using a separate Geant4 simulation to characterize their entry into the nucleus of the cellular volume. Subsequently, the phase space files were imported into the TOPAS-nBio simulation to assess the extent of DNA damage, including double-strand breaks (DSBs) and single-strand breaks (SSBs). Organ-level dosimetric estimations are presented for 18F and 68Ga radionuclides in various organs of interest. With 10% extravasation, the hypodermal layer of the skin received the highest absorbed dose of 1.32±0.01Gy for 18F and 0.99±0.01Gy for 68Ga. The epidermal and dermal layers received absorbed doses of 0.07±0.01Gy and 0.13±0.01Gy for 18F, and 0.14±0.01Gy and 0.29±0.01Gy for 68Ga, respectively. In the extravasated volume, 18F caused an average absorbed dose per nucleus of 0.17±0.01Gy, estimated to result in 10.58±0.50 DSBs and 268.11±12.43 SSBs per nucleus. For 68Ga, the absorbed dose per nucleus was 0.11±0.01Gy, leading to an estimated 6.49±0.34 DSBs and 161.24±8.12 SSBs per nucleus. Absorbed doses in other organs were on the order of micro-gray (µGy). The likelihood of epidermal erythema resulting from extravasation during PET imaging is low, as the simulated absorbed doses to the epidermis remain below the thresholds that trigger such effects. Moreover, the organ-level absorbed doses were found to be clinically insignificant across various simulated organs. The minimal DNA damage at the extravasation site suggests that long-term harm, such as radiation-induced carcinogenesis, is highly unlikely.

Evaluation of lead levels in children with chronic constipation.

This study aimed to assess blood and hair lead levels (BLL and HLL) in children with chronic constipation and compare them to healthy children; and investigated lead exposure's role in the etiology of constipation. It also explored the correlation between BLL and HLL. The study included 84 constipated children aged 3-18 years as the case group and an equal number of constipation-free children as controls. Organic diseases were ruled out through history-taking, physical exams and laboratory tests. Blood and hair samples were collected and analyzed for lead levels using standardized methods. The constipated children group had significantly higher BLL (3.66 µg/dL) compared to the control group (1.61 µg/dL) with no significant HLL difference. Additionally, 48.8% of constipated children exceeded the reference value of 3.5 μg/dL, in contrast to 4.8% of the control group. BLL was unaffected by gender and age, while HLL were higher in girls and low ages. No significant correlation existed between BLL and HLL. The age of the housing showed a positive correlation with higher BLL and HLL. Lead exposure sources like drinking water, home renovation history, parental smoking, or nearby industrial facilities showed no significant relationships with lead levels. Understanding the constipation-lead exposure link is crucial for prevention and intervention. HLL may vary with gender and age due to external lead particles, which is why BLL continues to be a more reliable measure. Healthcare providers should remember to investigate lead exposure risk factors in constipation patients and test BLL when necessary.

Examining disparities in PFAS plasma concentrations: Impact of drinking water contamination, food access, proximity to industrial facilities and superfund sites

BackgroundMost of the US population is exposed to per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) through various environmental media and these sources of PFAS exposure coupled with disproportionate co-localization of PFAS-polluting facilities in under-resourced communities may exacerbate disparities in PFAS-associated health risks. MethodWe leveraged two cohorts in Southern California with 8 PFAS concentrations measured in plasma. We obtained PFAS water testing data from the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule and state monitoring data, census tract-level information on food access using the Food Access Research Atlas, the location of Superfund sites on the National Priorities List, and data on facilities known to release PFAS pollutants. These data were then spatially linked to the participants’ home addresses. ResultsIn the first cohort, we found that detections of PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS in drinking water were associated with 1.54 ng/mL (95% CI: 0.77, 2.32), 0.47 ng/mL (0.25, 0.68), and 1.16 ng/mL (0.62, 1.71) increase in plasma PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. The presence of Superfund sites was associated with higher plasma concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, PFPeS, and PFHpS (betas [95% CIs]: 0.96 [0.21, 1.71], 0.9 [0.22, 1.58], 0.04 [0.02, 0.06] and 0.05 [0.02, 0.09], respectively). Each additional PFAS-polluting facility present in the neighborhood was associated with a 0.9 ng/mL (0.03, 0.15) increase in the concentration of PFOS. In the other cohort, we found that the presence of Superfund sites was associated with higher plasma PFDA, PFHpS, PFOS (betas [95% CIs]: 0.03 [0.01, 0.06], 0.05 [0.01, 0.09], and 1.96 [0.31, 3.62]). Neighborhood low access to food was associated with a 2.51 ng/mL (0.7, 4.31) increase in plasma PFOS, 0.6 ng/mL (0.16, 1.06) increase in plasma PFOA and 0.06 (0.02, 0.1) increase in plasma PFHpS. ConclusionReducing sources of PFAS exposure in under-resourced neighborhoods may help reduce disparities in human exposure levels.

A summary of updated UNSCEAR evaluations on medical and occupational exposures to ionising radiation and call for participation in UNSCEAR Global Surveys on radiation exposure.

This paper summarises key findings of United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2020/2021 Report on the evaluations of medical and occupational exposures to ionising radiation. Medical exposure remains by far the largest human-made source of radiation exposure of the population. In the period 2009-18, about 4.2 billion medical radiological examinations were performed annually, resulting in an effective dose per caput of 0.57mSv. The worldwide annual number of workers exposed to natural and human-made sources of ionising radiation is estimated to be ~24 million in the period 2010-14. About 52% of those were employed in the sectors that involve exposure to natural sources of radiation. The annual effective dose was estimated to be around 2.0mSv for workers exposed to natural sources (excluding radon exposure in workplaces other than mines) and 0.5mSv for workers exposed to human-made sources. It is important to motivate United Nations Member States to fully participate in UNSCEAR's global surveys on radiation exposure. Future surveys will be relevant and useful and adapted to changing data sources and uses of radiation across the world.

Investigation aspects of the geogenic radon potential on Bulgarian territory

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas formed as a result of the radioactive decay of radium (226Ra). Radon is identified as one of the dominant sources of population exposure that could lead to lung cancer, accounting for between 3% and 14% of all lung cancers. Rocks in the Earth’s crust are a primary source of radon in the atmosphere. In this context, the geogenic radon potential (GRP) of a terrain refers to the probability of high radon concentrations being present in a building. The radon index is a concept used to characterize the geogenic potential of the terrain, providing the likelihood of radon concentration in a building, which is directly related to the influence of the Earth's surface. One approach to quantifying the radon index is based on multivariate cross-tabulation, involving two parameters: radon concentration in soil gas and the gas permeability of the earth layer, both measured at 80 cm below the surface. In Bulgaria, focused investigations on the connection between radon gas and geology, resp. on GRP have begun in the last five. As a result of the accumulated experience from field studies conducted so far related to the characterization of GRP, two important aspects have been identified that impact field measurements and the determination of radon gas in the soil, thus the methodology for calculating the radon index. The first aspect is connected with the theoretical and model-based investigations about possible state of soil saturation. The second aspect is about the GRP and fault systems in Sofia. This article makes an attempt to summarize all the studies concerning these two aspects and to suggest some further steps in the geogenic radon potential studies.

IMMU-53. ANTIGEN PRESENTATION BY TUMOR-ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES MEDIATES PROGENITOR TO TERMINAL EXHAUSTION TRANSITION IN GBM AND OTHER SOLID TUMORS

Abstract While terminally exhausted T cells (Tex_term) retain important anti-tumor cytotoxic function, it is the relative preservation of renewable, stem-like progenitor exhaustion (Tex_prog) that better indicates immunotherapeutic responsivity. Although restraining the progression from Tex_prog to Tex_term thus takes on clinical significance, the cellular interactions in a tumor microenvironment (TME) governing such progression remain less established. Employing glioblastoma (GBM) and other solid tumors as models of severe exhaustion, we provide a detailed characterization of the progression from Tex_prog to Tex_term within the TME, where we observe a striking and disproportionate loss of Tex_prog over time, leading to a low progenitor exhaustion to terminal exhaustion ratio (PETER). We find exhaustion concentrated within tumor-specific T cell subsets, with cognate antigenic exposure requisite for acquisition of the Tex_term phenotype. However, we implicate tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), and not tumor cells, as the source of antigenic exposure governing the Tex_prog to Tex_term transition. Using cell – cell interaction analysis, we additionally highlight candidate receptor–ligand communications that may be specifically mediating the progression to Tex_term and resultant decline in PETER within the TME.

Adjuvants for Drone-Based Aerial Chemical Applications to Mitigate Off-Target Drift

Off-target drift from aerial pesticide applications in croplands can be a major source of pesticide exposure to pollinators. Pesticide adjuvants (PAs) are added to pesticides but can be as toxic as pesticides’ active ingredients. Ongoing experiments have identified sodium alginate (SA) as a drift-reducing PA less toxic to honeybees. Hence, SA and fenugreek polymer (FP) have been tested as drift-reducing PAs for aerial applications using the Remotely Piloted Aerial Application System (RPAAS). Two spray experiments were carried out in the field: (i) water only (W) and (ii) water and adjuvant (WA). Droplet spectrum and on-target coverage were collected using a VisiSize P15 image analyzer and kromekote cards, respectively. The drift reduction potentials (DRPs) of the adjuvants were analyzed based on droplet size (diameters of 10%, 50%, and 90% volume) and the proportion of driftable volume with droplets &lt; 200 µm. Compared to the W only, the W-A treatment produced larger droplets, suggesting the presence of DRP. There were 14.5%, 8.3% to 14.4%, and 2.3% to 7.7% driftable fines in the W, WA (SA), and WA (FP) treatments, respectively. The FP treatment improved the on-target coverage (3.0% to 3.1%) compared to water (2.7%). Our results indicate that SA and FP have the potential to mitigate off-target drift and protect pollinator health.

DART isotope dilution high resolution mass spectrometry and 19F-NMR detection of fluorotelomeric alcohols in hydrolyzed food contact paper

Fluorotelomer-based acrylate polymers and surfactants used to grease-proof food contact paper (FCP) are potential sources of dietary exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Food contact substances (FCS) containing polyfluorinated long-chains (≥C8) were voluntarily removed by their manufacturers from the U.S. market in 2011 due to health concerns and largely replaced with FCSs containing short-chain (≤C7) PFAS. In 2020, FDA findings of potential biopersistence of 6:2 FTOH (CF3(CF2)5CH2CH2OH) similarly prompted an additional voluntarily phase-out of FCSs containing 6:2 FTOH by their manufacturers that was completed by the end of 2023. To monitor the phase-out process, a screening method was developed to detect FCPs containing ester-linked polyfluorinated pendant chains. Direct Analysis in Real Time-Isotope Dilution-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (DART-ID-HRMS) enabled rapid semi-quantitative detection of 6:2 FTOH in FCP saponification reaction headspace without requiring sample concentration or chromatography. 19F-NMR analysis confirmed 6:2 FTOH pendant chain identity and detection dependence on saponification. The speed and specificity of this approach arise from ester saponification in the presence of stable isotopically labeled 6:2 FTOH; high FTOH differential volatility relative to nonfluorinated matrix, and the facile production of FTOH gas-phase anions (e.g., [M + O2]·−, [M-H + CO2]−) under ambient ionization conditions. The efficiency of this simple workflow makes it well-suited for monitoring the phase-out of FCS containing ester-linked polyfluorinated chains from the U.S. marketplace.

Cyanide and Cyanogenic Compounds-Toxicity, Molecular Targets, and Therapeutic Agents.

Cyanide (CN) is a well-known mitochondrial poison. CN poisoning may result from acute or long-term exposure to a number of CN compounds. Recent insight into the chemical affinities of the CN anion has increased our understanding of its toxicity and the mechanisms of antidotal actions, which, together with information on various exposure sources, are reviewed in the present article. A literature search in Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar for the period 2001-2024 revealed that the CN anion after exposure or degradation of CN compounds is distributed to vulnerable copper and iron-containing targets, especially in mitochondria, thus blocking the electron transport chain. Intake of cyanogenic compounds may exert subacute or chronic toxic effects, also because of the interaction with cobalt in vitamin B12. Antidotal agents exert their effects through the affinity of CN for cobalt- or iron-containing compounds. Research on CN interactions with metalloproteins may increase our insight into CN toxicity and efficient antidotal regimens.

Microplastic and human health with focus on pediatric well-being: a comprehensive review and call for future studies.

Although humans are highly dependent on plastics from infancy to adolescence, these materials can degrade into ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) that affect individuals at every stage of life. However, information on the sources, mechanisms, detection techniques, and detrimental effects of MPs on children's health from infancy to adolescence is limited. Hence, here we identified and reviewed original research papers published in 2017-2023 across 11 database categories in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to improve our understanding of MPs with a focus on pediatric well-being. These studies found that milk and infant formulas are common sources of MP exposure in infants. Infant formula is the dominant source of MPs in babies, while plastic toys are a common source of MPs in toddlers. Adolescents are frequently exposed to MPs through the consumption of food contaminated with MPs and the use of plastics in food packaging. Water and air are sources of MP exposure in children from infancy through adolescence. This study thoroughly summarized how MP exposure in children of all ages causes cell damage and leads to adverse health effects such as cancer. With appropriate authorization from the relevant authorities, small amounts of human biological samples (10 g of feces) were collected from volunteers to assess the amounts of MPs in children with the aim of promoting pediatric well-being. The samples were then treated with Fenton's reagent, stored in glass jars, and filtered through nonplastic filters. Finally, MPs in children were quantified using stereomicroscopy and characterized using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.