Reviews on Environmental Health最新文献

Introduction: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) represents a global public health threat due to its ability to disseminate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes across ecological boundaries. While the prevalence of VRE has been extensively studied in clinical and agricultural settings, its occurrence and dynamics in wildlife remain underexplored. This review aimed to systematically examine and analyze the global prevalence of VRE in wild mammals.

Content: Following PRISMA guidelines, an extensive search of six databases yielded 25 studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, and subgroup analysis was also performed. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and Egger's test. The overall pooled prevalence of VRE in wild mammals was 8.4 % (95 % CI: 4.9-14.0), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 87.63 %). Southern Europe recorded the highest prevalence, particularly in Spain (18.6 %) and Portugal (7.0 %), while lower rates were observed in England (3.3 %) and Italy (4.5 %). Species-specific prevalence was highest in Eurasian otters and roe deer (62.1 % and 48.6 %, respectively). Methodological variability also influenced prevalence rates, with disc diffusion reporting the highest prevalence (17.3 %) compared to PCR-based methods (3.9 %).

Summary: The findings indicate a moderately significant prevalence of VRE in wild mammals, underscoring wildlife's critical role as reservoirs and vectors of AMR.

Outlook: Anthropogenic factors such as agricultural activities and environmental pollution significantly shape the distribution and burden of VRE among wild animals.

Organophosphate pesticides (e.g. dichlorvos) and pyrethroids (e.g. flucythrinate) are widely used in agriculture, yet their toxicity poses significant threats to human health. This study analyses risk factors for poisoning incidents involving these compounds and proposes targeted prevention strategies. Key risk factors encompass exposure pathways, high-risk populations, and socioeconomic determinants. Mitigation requires multi-level interventions, including technological innovation, public education, and personal protection. Case comparisons reveal commonalities and distinctions between flucythrinate and dichlorvos poisoning, underscoring the need for integrated prevention frameworks. The study concludes by identifying limitations in current measures and proposing future research directions and policy recommendations to advance sustainable agriculture and safeguard public health.

Introduction: Exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) can lead to various health issues. Despite the proven health effects, there are limited studies on the presence of BTEX compounds in municipal solid waste management facilities (MSWMFs). This study aims to evaluate the presence, sampling methods, and detection of BTEX in MSWMFs.

Content: In the present study, the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were combined by selected keywords using Boolean operators for published articles until March 30th, 2025. Finally, statistical analyses and comparisons were performed to make management decisions to reduce health impacts.

Summary: After the systematic search, 2,794 articles were found that matched with search strategy; 20 of them were used for data extraction. Results show that the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in MSWMFs were 0.479-271 μg/m³, 0.25-514 μg/m³, 0.13-565.9 μg/m³ and 0.43-362.925 μg/m³, respectively.

Outlook: The present study can provide crucial new insights for governments to make a management decision for environmental and occupational pollutions associated with BTEX emissions in MSWMFs. So, future research and monitoring will be essential to control and reduce the health issues that are related to BTEX exposure.

Introduction: Trace elements such as zinc, iron, and copper are integral to neurochemical regulation, oxidative balance, and immune modulation. Their dysregulation has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify differences in serum levels of zinc, iron, and copper between individuals with MDD and healthy controls.

Content: Sixteen observational studies were included following a comprehensive search of major databases. Data on serum concentrations of zinc, iron, and copper were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger's regression. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings.

Summary: Meta-analysis revealed serum copper levels were significantly higher in patients with MDD compared to controls (SMD = +0.42; 95 % CI: +0.18 to +0.66; I²=67.4 %), while zinc (SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI: -0.78 to -0.46; I²=68.4 %) and iron (SMD = -0.36; 95 % CI: -0.52 to -0.20; I²=58.2 %) were lower in MDD patients. Evidence of publication bias was observed for zinc and copper, but adjusted estimates remained significant for zinc and iron.

Outlook: This study demonstrates consistent reductions in serum zinc and iron among individuals with MDD, supporting their potential role in depressive pathophysiology. While copper findings were inconclusive, the stability of zinc and iron results highlights the clinical relevance of micronutrient assessment in depression. These findings provide a foundation for future research in nutritional psychiatry and adjunctive treatment strategies.

Nail salon workers are routinely exposed to occupational hazards, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultraviolet radiation, fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and heavy metals. With the industry projected to double in size over the next decade, identifying exposure risks and intervention gaps is essential for workforce protection. This systematic scoping review synthesized peer-reviewed exposure assessments, health outcome studies, and intervention research in nail salons published between 2013 and 2024. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Toxicology Program Handbook for Conducting Systematic Reviews. Risk of bias was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Forty-two studies met inclusion criteria: 29 exposure assessments, 11 health outcome studies, and two intervention evaluations. Most were conducted in the U.S. (88 %), with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 150 workers. Common findings included inadequate ventilation (71 %), VOC concentrations above Occupational Safety and Health Administration limits, and persistent detection of methyl methacrylate, despite its U.S. Food and Drug Administration ban. PM_2.5 was evaluated in one study and exceeded World Health Organization guidelines. Heavy metals were infrequently measured, though one study raised concerns about chronic exposure. Only 17 % of studies examined exposure-health outcome associations, with limited evidence on cognitive and psychosocial impacts. Two intervention studies reported improved knowledge and reduced exposures but lacked randomized designs. This review highlights the urgent need for evidence-based interventions, stronger regulatory oversight, and comprehensive evaluation of health impacts in this socially vulnerable workforce.

Introduction: Environmental exposure to metals represents a significant global health concern, yet the hepatotoxic potential of these contaminants remains incompletely characterized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between exposure to metals and liver damage as indicated by liver enzyme alterations.

Content: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases for epidemiological studies that examined associations between metal exposure and liver enzymes. Using random-effects models, we calculated pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for each metal. Subgroup analyses explored variations by geographical region, exposure assessment methodology, liver biomarkers, and study characteristics.

Summary: Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. All four metals showed significant positive associations with liver damage, with cadmium exhibiting the strongest association (SMD=5.98, 95 % CI: 2.16-9.87), followed by lead (SMD=5.48, 95 % CI: 0.63-10.33), mercury (SMD=5.15, 95 % CI: 0.21-10.51), and arsenic (SMD=1.52, 95 % CI: 0.53-2.52). Metal-specific patterns of liver enzyme alterations were observed: arsenic primarily affected transaminases (ALT, AST), while cadmium, mercury, and lead showed stronger associations with AST and GGT.

Outlook: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence that environmental exposure to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead is significantly associated with liver damage across diverse populations.

Introduction: Bushfire smoke (BFS) is an escalating global health concern, with increasing bushfire frequency due to climate change. Exposure to BFS significantly impacts public health due to worsening respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, causing increased of hospitalizations and mortality. While BFS exposure is linked to morbidity of these conditions, the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress and inflammation, remain unclear.

Content: This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024554409) synthesized evidence on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers from BFS exposure. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were conducted. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing occupational and non-occupational populations. Risk of bias was assessed using NIH tools, and findings were synthesized narratively due to study heterogeneity. Commonly examined biomarkers included IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, 8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).

Summary: IL-8 emerged as the most consistent inflammatory biomarker, with a pooled random-effects analysis of three firefighter studies showing an acute post-shift increase in blood IL-8 (mean difference 9.76 pg/mL, 95 % CI -8.26 to 27.79), though with substantial heterogeneity. Other inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers showed mixed or inconsistent associations with BFS exposure. Small sample sizes, heterogeneous exposure assessment, inconsistent exposure metrics, and unadjusted confounding limited generalizability.

Outlook: This review identifies IL-8 as the most consistent short-term biomarker of BFS exposure in occupational settings but highlights inconsistent evidence for other biomarkers. Future research should use standardized biomarker protocols, larger sample size, longitudinal designs, and include vulnerable populations to clarify biomarker responses to BFS and strengthen the evidence base for public health and occupational safety measures.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are highly susceptible to microbial contamination, posing significant public health risks. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression to evaluate the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in RTE foods, assess trends over time, and examine the impact of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). The search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed until 2025. Studies reporting pathogen prevalence in RTE foods were included. Meta-analysis in defined subgroup and meta-regression assessed the effects of time and GFSI on prevalence trends. Sixty-five papers with 858 datasets comprising a total of 232,760 samples were included in the meta-analysis. Gram-negative pathogens (ES=18.32, 95 % CI: 15.29-21.53) were more prevalent than Gram-positive pathogens (ES=8.08, 95 % CI: 7.17-9.02). The African Region had the highest prevalence (ES=30.02, 95 % CI: 25.75-34.44), while the Americas had the lowest (ES=4.56, 95 % CI: 2.28-7.34). Contamination increased over time (C=0.018, p<0.001) but decreased with GFSI implementation (C=-0.005, p<0.001). RTE foods are highly vulnerable to contamination, particularly by Gram-negative pathogens. Regional disparities highlight the need for improved food safety infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas. Adopting global standards like GFSI and addressing emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and climate change are essential for reducing foodborne illnesses.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound considered an endocrine disruptor. Childhood exposure to BPA has been linked to impaired memory and learning, as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The aim of this study was to review the available literature on prenatal exposure to BPA and its relationship to the neurocognitive development of children aged 2-5 years. This systematic review (CRD42023494940 registration PROSPERO) was conducted between December 2023 and May 2024, following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. The Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were used for the search, with no publication date limit. The following terms, with the respective Boolean operators, were searched: ((bisphenol A) OR (BPA)) AND ((pregnancy) OR (pregnant woman)). Twenty-one longitudinal studies were selected for this review. Most studies have demonstrated negative effects of prenatal BPA exposure on the neurocognitive development of children aged 2-5 years. These results differed between the sexes, with females having lower emotional control, reduced language dominance and problem solving, and males having lower psychomotor development and higher prosocial behavior, among other differences. Overall, BPA exposure during pregnancy has been associated with hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, depression, inattention, and sleep problems. It is concluded that maternal exposure to BPA during pregnancy results in adverse health effects in children aged 2-5 years, with impairments in their neurocognitive development.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are commonly found in food due to their migration from plastic packaging. Despite their functional benefits, these additives can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to several adverse health outcomes. This review aims to examine the migration of phthalates, bisphenols, and per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from plastic food packaging into food substances. Six electronic databases were systematically screened for observational, case reports, or experimental studies investigating any food for human consumption exposed to food packaging. Sixty-seven studies, including 5,378 samples, were included. Phthalates and bisphenols consistently migrated from food packaging. PFAS migration was also detected but too few studies were published to draw conclusions. Migration rates were influenced by factors such as temperature, exposure time, and food composition, with high-fat or acidic foods leading to higher migration rates. Based on a standard Western Diet, 713.8 µg of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, 347.7 µg of di-n-butyl phthalate, 17.3 µg of butyl-benzyl phthalate, 35,250 µg of di-iso-decyl phthalate, and 65.4 µg of other plasticizers, totaling 36,349.2 µg, could be consumed from food packaging daily. However, these estimates may not be generalizable to other dietary patterns, such as Mediterranean or plant-based diets. Further research into low migration or safer alternative to current plasticizers, alongside regulatory efforts considering potential exposure via food contact materials may help reduce risks associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals in food packaging.