International Journal of Environmental Health Research最新文献

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.

This review provides descriptive evidence for the potential sociodemographic risk factors of race/ethnicity, younger age, and socioeconomic status, as well as evidence for the immigrant effect in women with breast cancer (BC) across world regions and countries. Using MEDLINE and the Web of Science on epidemiology, incidence/mortality rates, and social determinants, we searched a registry-based dataset and the reference lists of prior reviews of BC women (code C50) from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program 2024. Globally, 1,959,256 new cases (26.7%) and 495,572 deaths (17.7%) were recorded in women aged <75 years in 2022. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of BC was the highest among countries with a very high Human Development Index (ASIR, 70.9), a high HDI (ASIR, 44.4), middle-low levels (ASIR, 33.6-32.5), driven by affluent lifestyles and a higher incidence of infectious diseases and infection-associated cancers. Besides, younger BC women are statistically more likely than older ones to have pathogenic germline variants in BC susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2, TP53, PALB2). The descriptive epidemiology presented in this review should be of global value to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, considering the implementation and implications of population-based BC screening programs.

In our study, were evaluated effect on colorectal cancer cells of possible probiotic bacteria and new bioactive substances (paraprobiotics/postbiotics), miRNA-expression. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri strains, HT-29, and Caco-2 were used. The cytotoxicity of the biotics was determined by MTT and miRNA expression. In line with the data obtained, it was determined that probiotics had a proliferative effect on the fibroblast cell line and a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. It was observed that paraprobiotics had a minimal effect compared to probiotics, postbiotics had a greater effect. In this work, the activities of new pharmabiotics are compared with living cells, eliminating the limitations of probiotics in terms of shelf life and viability, and thus allowing the creation of new commercial domestic and national products, which increases the unique value of our study. In addition, there will be safer alternatives for suppressed immune systems, and various disadvantages of probiotics can be eliminated.

Tebufenpyrad (TUBF) is classified as a pyrazole acaricide and insecticide and is extensively utilized in greenhouse environments in several countries. Nevertheless, limited data exists regarding the potential reproductive toxicity of TUBF, particularly in non-target species. In this study, the fatty acid (FA) composition, the histopathology aspects, and redox status were assessed in the digestive gland of the clam Ruditapes decussatus following short-term exposure (96 h) to a series of concentrations (50, 100, and 200 µgL^-1) of TUBF. Our findings indicated that TUBF induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid peroxides (LOOH) in the treated groups. TUBF was also found to disrupt the enzymatic (catalase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidant defense systems. Additionally, TUBF was found to disrupt the FA composition. Overall, alterations in saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, including certain essential FAs (such as LA, ARA, EPA, and DHA), exhibited differential compensatory/adaptive processes in R. decussatus depending on the concentration of TUBF. Furthermore, both examined organs showed various histological impairments, such as lipofuscin accumulation, infiltrative inflammations, and changes in digestive tubules, which provide additional evidence of TUBF toxic effects.

A new antibacterial mechanism developed by using multiple pathways is important to resolve the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study shows the photothermal properties of Ag₂Se nanoparticles under near-infrared (NIR) in a peroxidase-mimicking reaction. The photothermal conversion response is 47.85% under 808 nm NIR irradiation. Moreover, Ag₂Se nanoparticles show the antibacterial activity by ineffective β-lactam antibiotic ceftazidime (CAZ) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and increased membrane permeability of MRSA. Under synergistic conditions, Ag₂Se killed 3.8 log₁₀ MRSA in the presence of NIR, CAZ, and H₂O₂, which is higher than Ag₂Se + H₂O₂ + NIR (3.4 log₁₀) or Ag₂Se + CAZ + NIR (2.9 log₁₀). The hyperthermia generated by NIR irradiation, ROS from catalyzing H₂O₂ and synergy with CAZ accounted showed the highest antibacterial influence of Ag₂Se.

This study assesses the association between water and sanitation quality with depressive symptoms across urban and rural areas in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study involving 30,446 participants using Indonesian Family Life Survey wave 5 (IFLS-5). Multivariate logistic regression models and mediation analysis were used. Among rural residents, unimproved water sources (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01-1.26), un-boiled water consumption (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.27-1.68), and open defecation facility (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09-1.41) were associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. On the other hand, environmentally unfriendly garbage disposal was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.91). In urban areas, similarly, unimproved water sources (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18-1.54), un-boiled water consumption (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.20-1.71), open defecation facility (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.99-1.36), and limited sanitation facility (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.31) were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms, while environmentally unfriendly garbage disposal increased the odds (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23). No significance was noted regarding drainage sewage quality either for rural or urban areas. Mediation analysis indicated that comorbidity is significantly mediating WASH variables and depressive symptoms highlight the need for targeted interventions.

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂), a common environmental pollutant, negatively affects male fertility by impairing spermatogenesis, disrupting hormones, and inducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue. This study evaluated the protective effect of Senna occidentalis aqueous leaf extract (SOLAq) against NaAsO₂-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were randomly assigned to the five groups: Group 1 served as the control. Group 2 received NaAsO₂ (5 mg/kg) daily. Treatment groups 3 and 4 received a single daily dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of SOLAq  +  NaAsO₂ (5 mg/kg), respectively. Group 5 received Silymarin (50 mg/kg)  +   5 mg/kg of NaAsO₂. All treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Rat treated with only NaAsO₂ had a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in sperm concentration, motility, and viability besides a significant increase in immotile and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and an increase in the MDA level together with a significant decrease in CAT, SOD, and GSH activity. Also, NaAsO₂ suppresses hormonal levels of FSH, LH and testosterone and affects testicular histopathological alterations. SOLAq co-treatment alleviated these effects by enhancing the antioxidant status, improving the sperm characteristics, normalizing hormonal profile, and maintaining testicular tissue structure in a dose-dependent manner.

This study assesses the risk of heavy metals in Kiwi fruit in Amlash County orchards. Thirty samples were collected from Kiwi orchards throughout the county. The concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) were measured using a coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-OES), utilizing a model 710ES device manufactured by Agilent USA. Non-cancer and cancer risk assessments were conducted for children and adults via the ingestion pathway. The results indicate that the highest concentration was observed for Fe (305.56 mg/kg), followed by Ni (24.691 mg/kg). The lowest concentrations were recorded for Cd (0.13 mg/kg), As (0.413 mg/kg), and Pb (0.8241 mg/kg). For children, the HQ values of Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb were consistently over 1 with 95% certainty, whereas for Cd, it was near to 1 (0.9285). In adults, HQ of Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd, and Pb were consistently above 1, whereas only As, and Zn were below 1. The HI values of HMs (except for Cu and Fe) for adults and children were found to be 11.6324 and 25.2426, respectively. The cancer risks are above the acceptable limit for Zn, Fe, Ni, and As, respectively. Based on these findings, monitoring and intervention measures are necessary to mitigate soil contamination by HMs.

This longitudinal study evaluated the association between urban green space density and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in seven metropolitan cities of South Korea. Information on study participants was extracted from the Korea National Health Insurance Service database. The study population comprised 104,527 participants aged ≥ 40 years who underwent biennial health screening examinations between 2009 and 2010. Based on land use data retrieved from the Korean National Statistical Office, urban green space density was measured as the area of parks and artificially designed facilities per 1,000 people. Data on the incidence of new HCC were collected from medical treatment claims data from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2019. Compared to those living in the lowest quartile of green space density, those residing in the highest quartile had a lower risk of HCC incidence (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.96). The effect of green space density on reducing HCC risk was especially significant among participants who did not have prior competing liver disease or who did not drink alcohol. An average 18.53 m² per capita in urban green space density resulted in a 29% decrease in the incidence of HCC.

In the present study, Chitosanyl-N-(Naphthalene-1-yl-amine)acetimidamide was synthesized and used for the removal of bromophenol blue dye (BPB). The modified chitosan is confirmed by different characterization tools, i.e. FTIR, SEM, CHN and XRD. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed synthesis of N-chitosanylacetamide. While morphology, nature, size of modified chitosan was verified by XRD and SEM. The effects of several operational parameters, including pH (3-9), adsorbent dosage (0.06-0.16), time (30-135), and initial dye concentration (20-90ppm), were investigated. Optimal conditions for BPB adsorption were determined as 90 minutes contact time, pH 4, 80 ppm concentration, and 0.1 g adsorbent dosage. The adsorption process was evaluated using kinetic models and isotherms, showing that BPB adsorption follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit for the experimental data. Synthesized material showed profound stability after consecutive adsorption desorption cycle of reuse and achieving 92% dye removal at each stage. This result suggested that prepared biosorbent have potential applications in the treatment of effluents from textile industries.