International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

Consumer demand for healthier confectionery products has grown due to increased awareness of the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption. Reformulating marshmallows by reducing sugar and incorporating natural ingredients can enhance the nutritional value of a product typically low in beneficial compounds. This study aimed to develop marshmallows using date syrup as a natural substitute for added sugars and artificial additives. A Design of Experiments (DOE) approach was used to optimize gelatin and date syrup proportions. The resulting formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties, color, texture, and microbiological quality. Bioactive attributes, including total polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH), were also assessed, along with sensory acceptability. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed among formulations. Moisture content remained within acceptable limits for ambient storage. Higher date syrup levels increased total phenolic content (93.5 mg GAE/100 g), antioxidant activity (72.15%), and product hardness, while enhancing the yellow color (+b* value). Overall, date syrup incorporation improved the nutritional profile and sensory appeal of marshmallows, demonstrating strong potential for large-scale production as a healthier confectionery alternative.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and hypopharyngeal cancer is a rare aggressive malignant cancer. Since conventional cancer treatments have side effects, most of the current studies are directed towards finding innovative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In recent years, research has focussed on the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synergistic effects of AgNPs and sorafenib have been studied, however, their impacts on PC3 and FaDu cells have not been studied yet. In this study, AgNPs and sorafenib were applied individually and together to both cell types, their effects were examined at cellular and molecular levels. Cell viability was measured by CVDK-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured colorimetrically and changes in Caspase-3 levels were identified with western blot analysis. Cell viability in AgNPs and sorafenib individual groups was decreased concentration-dependent in both cells. AgNPs-Sorafenib combination was more effective in inhibiting the cell viability in FaDu cells compared to PC3 cells. According to Western blot analysis, a significant change in apoptosis was observed in the AgNPs and AgNPs-Sorafenib groups in FaDu cells, while not observed in the sorafenib group. The findings of this study will provide new perspectives on nanocarrier drug systems.

This study aimed to assess PM_2.5 exposure levels in Ahvaz, Iran, and quantify the associated burden of disease attributable to particulate pollution. To quantify uncertainty mortality and morbidity, the exposure response function model for probabilistic risk assessment was used. The analysis of aerosol variations by the Aerosol Optical Thickness indicated a decline in PM_2.5 concentrations during pandemic. During the study period, the annual mean of PM_2.5 concentrations exceeded the annual limit value established by the World Health Organization. Cause-specific mortality, including trachea bronchus lung cancer, stroke, and acute lower respiratory infections, also decreased by 14-28% in 2020. Restricted activity days and work days lost decreased by 11.8% and 13.8%, respectively, correlating with lower PM_2.5 concentrations. Years lived with disability dropped from 242.7 to 170.4 years per 10⁵ capita in 2020 during the pandemic. Mitigation strategies, including green infrastructure, industrial regulation, and improved urban planning, are needed to reduce health risks in this highly polluted region.

Previous observational studies reported associations between air pollutants and atrial fibrillation (AF), but their causal relationships remain unclear. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data from the UK Biobank and IEU Open GWAS databases to investigate the genetic causality between air pollutants and AF. Air pollutants were subdivided into nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with each pollutant identified as instrumental variables (IVs). Subsequently, MR methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode were applied to assess genetic causality, while pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and reliability were also evaluated. IVW findings indicate a consequential correlation between NO₂ and increased AF risk, as evidenced by an odds ratio (OR 1.948 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.011-3.756]; p = 0.046). Conversely, the causal effect of PM_2.5 (OR 1.274 [95% CI 0.651-2.493; p = 0.480) and PM₁₀ (OR 1.162 [95% CI 0.891-1.517]; p = 0.268) with AF was not statistically significant. The analysis revealed the absence of pleiotropy (p > 0.05). However, PM_2.5 displayed significant heterogeneity (p = 0.2385), whereas NO₂ (p = 0.5365) and PM₁₀ (p = 0.7789) did not. This MR analysis suggested a causal effect of NO₂ on AF, but not for PM_2.5 or PM₁₀.

The association between home environments and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been insufficiently investigated. We measured FeNO levels in children aged 4-8 years (N = 105) in Tianjin, China, and examined their association with respiratory symptoms and various indoor environmental parameters, namely house dust mite allergens and phthalates in dust, dampness, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and furry pets (dogs/cats) in the home. FeNO levels were significantly higher in children with diagnosed asthma (p < 0.001) and pneumonia (p = 0.03). Exposure to Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) - a new phthalate replacing the commonly used Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) - was significantly associated with increased FeNO in children (p = 0.01). In conclusion, diagnosed asthma and pneumonia were associated with increased FeNO levels in children. Exposure to DiNP may contribute to airway inflammation, as indicated by its association with increased FeNO levels. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring emerging contaminants to better understand their potential impacts on respiratory health.

The growing demand for eco-friendly agricultural solutions has led to increased interest in plant-based biostimulants. This study evaluates the potential of a nanoemulsion of Tetraclinis articulata essential oil (NANO-TA) as a natural elicitor to enhance the technological and phenolic maturity of Red Globe grapes in an organic cultivation system. Vine plants were treated with NANO-TA, formulated from an essential oil rich in α-pinene (17.43%) and bornyl acetate (22.29%). Treated grapes showed faster maturation, with an increased pH (3.96 vs. 3.87), higher soluble solids (16.54 vs. 15.32°Brix), and improved maturity index (17.98 vs. 16.13), alongside reduced titratable acidity (10.40 g/L vs. 12.18 g/L). Enhanced berry coloration (CIRG 4.18 vs. 3.67) further confirmed its effect on fruit ripening. In early veraison, treated grapes exhibited higher polyphenol levels and antioxidant activity. However, at full maturity, untreated grapes accumulated more polyphenols and flavonoids (2.33 mg GAE/mL and 3.08 mg QE/mL vs. 1.22 mg GAE/mL and 2.3 mg QE/mL) and showed greater antioxidant activity (61.18% vs. 51.55% DPPH inhibition), likely due to a dilution effect in larger berries. These findings suggest that NANO-TA accelerates grape maturation naturally and enhances key quality indicators, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals in organic viticulture.

In recent years, the health impacts of phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) have garnered significant research attention due to their widespread use in consumer products and identification as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Human exposure occurs through various pathways, including dietary intake, inhalation of dust, and dermal contact. This study initially aimed to analyze serum samples from 200 participants in Jabalpur city (Central India); however, samples from 173 individuals were ultimately analyzed to assess the occurrence, concentration patterns, and gender-related differences of six phthalates and BPA. Serum samples were collected, processed, and analyzed for EDC content using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The findings highlighted differences in detection frequencies among genders and residential areas, shaped by environmental exposure variability, lifestyle variations, and gender-specific metabolic disparities. All the targeted analytes were detected with diethyl phthalate (DEP) having the highest mean concentration of 13.74 ± 6.2 ng/ml, followed by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) with mean value of 13.69 ± 99.82 ng/ml in human serum. Studies have linked DEP exposure endocrine disruption and reproductive abnormalities. Subsequent research endeavors should prioritize elucidating EDC sources, pathways, and health impacts, facilitating evidence-based policies to mitigate risks and ensure a healthier future.

Pyrethroid pesticides can induce neurotoxicity in target and non-target organisms. We examined the effects of sub-chronic exposure to cypermethrin on anxiety-like behaviors, memory function and molecular changes in the hippocampus of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats (weighing 200-250 g) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8) and received orally corn oil, cypermethrin 2 and cypermethrin 4 mg/kg/day, for 30 days. The elevated plus maze (EPM), open field maze (OFM) and novel object recognition memory (NORM) tests were conducted. At the end, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK-3β), cholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in the hippocampus. The results of OFM and EPM indicated higher level of anxiety and motor activity alterations in the cypermethrin treated rats. NORM test revealed impairment of cognitive memory and decreased discrimination ratio in cypermethrin treated rats. Cypermethrin decreased BDNF and increased GSK-3β, oxidative stress and mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α and NF-κB in the hippocampus. The activity of cholinesterase enzyme was not changed. Cypermethrin can impair learning and memory along with provoking oxidative stress and inflammation, and dysregulation of BDNF and GSK-3β pathway may be involved in neurocognitive and neurobehavioral disorders due to long-time exposures.

Electronic devices are considered major sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a group of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) used to mitigate or prevent fire hazards. Despite bans on PBDEs due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, recycling centers and dumping sites remain active sources of these chemicals from the disposal of older e-waste products that contain them. This review examines historical and current PBDE concentrations in various environmental compartments at recycling centers and landfill/dumping sites, focusing on e-waste in developed and developing regions. It also identifies factors influencing PBDE emission, dispersion, deposition, accumulation, and degradation. Owing to their lipophilic properties, PBDEs preferentially accumulate in solid environmental matrices, with recycling centers exhibiting markedly higher concentrations than landfill/dumping sites. Although water and leachates also contain PBDEs, the presence of organic matter in leachates enhances leaching, resulting in concentrations higher than in pure water yet still lower than in solid matrices. This paper further intends to address the knowledge gaps and aid researchers in designing risk assessment and environmental monitoring studies. In conclusion, developed regions must reduce processing costs and expand recycling capacity, while developing regions need to invest in sustainable e-waste management infrastructure and enforce stricter regulations.

Medicinal plants (MPs) have been valued for their therapeutic properties and are crucial in traditional and modern medicine. However, contamination with hazardous substances such as mycotoxins and toxic THMs (THMs) poses significant safety concerns. This study quantified the levels of mycotoxins and THMs in ten commonly used MPs in Tehran markets, Iran, and assessed their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to ensure consumer safety. A total of 210 samples were analyzed. THMs, including arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), were detected using atomic absorption spectrometry, while mycotoxins such as aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Risk assessments used Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), and Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) methodologies. Results revealed variability in contaminant levels (p < 0.05). While heavy metal concentrations were within safe limits, mycotoxin exposure posed non-carcinogenic risks for children, with a THQ exceeding the acceptable limit. Mycotoxin levels remained below carcinogenic thresholds. To mitigate risks, storing MPs in dry, low-humidity environments is recommended to prevent fungal growth and reduce mycotoxin contamination, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures.