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Background: Previous studies have shown that F-53B exposure may be neurotoxic to animals, but there is a lack of epidemiological evidence, and its mechanism needs further investigation. Methods: Serum F-53B concentrations and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were evaluated in 314 growing children from Guangzhou, China, and the association between them were analyzed. To study the developmental neurotoxicity of F-53B, experiments on sucking mice exposed via placental transfer and breast milk was performed. Maternal mice were orally exposed to 4, 40, and 400 μg/L of F-53B from postnatal day 0 (GD0) to postnatal day 21 (PND 21). Several genes and proteins related to neurodevelopment, dopamine anabolism, and synaptic plasticity were examined by qPCR and western blot, respectively, while dopamine contents were detected by ELISA kit in weaning mice. Results: The result showed that F-53B was positively associated with poor WCST performance. For example, with an interquartile range increase in F-53B, the change with 95 % confidence interval (CI) of correct response (CR), and non-perseverative errors (NPE) was −2.47 (95 % CI: −3.89, −1.05, P = 0.001), 2.78 (95 % CI: 0.79, 4.76, P = 0.007), respectively. Compared with the control group, the highest exposure group of weaning mice had a longer escape latency (35.24 s vs. 51.18 s, P = 0.034) and a lesser distance movement (34.81 % vs. 21.02 %, P

Background: Health risk assessment based on epidemiological data for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are evidenced. Whereas information about health-based guidance values (HBGVs) and health risk for Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA is scarce. Objectives: To provide candidate HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA based on Chinese epidemiological data and assess the health risk related to excessive exposure. Methods: We reviewed scientific literature and collected available original data from epidemiological studies conducted in China. Critical endpoints and data were selected and used in benchmark dose (BMD) analysis to obtain lower confidence limits of BMD (BMDLs) of PFOS and PFOA. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were applied to calculate the point of departure (PODs) for PFOS and PFOA, which led to the determination of the HBGVs for the said chemicals. Margin of exposure (MOE) method was used to evaluate the health risk of population based on exposure data among Chinese and HBGVs. Results: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and birth weight (BW) were selected as critical endpoints. Epidemiological data from 4,224 adults, 2,153 paired mother-newborn, 2,518 newborns, 439 pregnant women and 733 children in China were included in this study. BMDLs and PODs for PFOS are varied while BMDLs for PFOA were similar. PODs for PFOS (1.56 ng/kg/day) and PFOA (1.52 ng/kg/day) based on BW using National Birth Cohort Study were selected as HBGVs. Most MOEs for PFOS and PFOA among Chinese population were larger than 1 and smaller than 100, indicating moderate concern. Around 16% MOEs for PFOS were smaller than 1, implying high concern. Conclusion: The HBGVs for PFOS and PFOA were 1.56 ng/kg/day and 1.52 ng/kg/day, respectively. Health risk of Chinese population related to PFOS and PFOA exposure should be concerned and more studies should be conducted to evaluate the risk of the chemicals.

2,2′-Dibromobisphenol A (2,2′-DiBBPA) is frequently detected in the environment. However, the mobility of 2,2′-DiBBPA in the soil environment is poorly understood. The present study examined the effects of soil components such as the NaClO-resistant fraction, dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate -demineralized fraction, humin fraction, black carbon, DOC-removed fraction, exogenous dissolved organic carbon and heavy metal cations on the adsorption of 2,2′-DiBBPA on several types of agricultural soils. The adsorption isotherms on soils and soil components were well fitted to the linear isotherm equation. 2,2′-DiBBPA sorption onto soils was dominated by soil organic matter content (SOM) and affected by exogenous dissolved organic carbon. Linear regression relationships between adsorption capacity (Kd) and soil characteristics were evaluated to predict partitioning of 2,2′-DiBBPA. Black carbon played a predominant role in the adsorption of 2,2′-DiBBPA. Heavy metal ions significantly inhibited the adsorptive behavior of 2,2′-DiBBPA under alkaline conditions. Semiempirical linear relationships were observed between biota-sediment accumulation factors (1.18–2.47)/logarithm of bioconcentration factors (BCFs, 2.49–2.52) of 2,2′-DiBBPA in lugworms and Kd. These results allow for the prediction of the bioaccumulation of 2,2′-DiBBPA in other soils. Furthermore, values of log BCF > 1.0 indicate the preferential bioaccumulation of 2,2′-DiBBPA in biota. These data are of significance for understanding the migration of 2,2′-DiBBPA in agricultural soils and bioaccumulation in organisms.

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) has been detected all over the world as a typical refractory organic phosphate, especially in groundwater. This work applied a calcium-rich biochar derived from shrimp shell as a low-cost adsorbent for TCEP removal. Based on the kinetics and isotherm studies, the adsorption of TCEP on biochar was monolayer adsorbed on a uniform surface, with SS1000 (the biochar was prepared at the carbonization temperature of 1000 °C) achieving the maximum adsorption capacity of 264.11 mg·g−1. The prepared biochar demonstrated stable TCEP removal ability throughout a wide pH range, in the presence of co-existing anions, and in diverse water bodies. A rapid removal rate of TCEP was observed during the adsorption process. When the dosage of SS1000 was 0.2 g·L−1, 95% of TCEP could be removed within the first 30 min. The mechanism analysis indicated that the calcium species and basic functional groups on the SS1000 surface were highly involved in the TCEP adsorption process.

Biochar-immobilized bacteria have been widely used to remove organic pollutants; however, the enhanced effect of biochar-immobilized bacteria on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) removal has not been fully investigated and the removal mechanism remains unclear. In this study, a bacterial strain with high TBBPA degradation ability, Burkholderia cepacian Y17, was isolated from an e-waste disassembly area, immobilized with biochar, and used for the removal of TBBPA. Comparisons were performed of the factors affecting the immobilization and TBBPA removal efficiency, including the biochar preparation temperature, immobilization temperature, and pH. The highest 7-day TBBPA removal efficiency by immobilized bacteria was observed with the most suitable biochar preparation temperature (BC500) and an immobilization pH and temperature of 7 and 35 °C, respectively. The TBBPA removal efficiency reached 59.37%, which was increased by 30.23% and 15.88% compared to that of free and inactivated immobilized Y17, respectively. The suitable biochar preparation temperature BC500, immobilization temperature of 35 °C, and neutral pH of 7 increased the bacterial population and extracellular polymer concentration, which facilitated bacterial immobilization on biochar and promoted TBBPA removal. In this case, the high immobilized bacteria concentration (4.62 × 108 cfu∙g−1) and protein and polysaccharide contents (28.43 and 16.16 mg·g−1) contributed to the removal of TBBPA by facilitating TBBPA degradation. The main TBBPA degradation processes by BC500-immobilized Y17 involved debromination, β-scission, demethylation, O-methylation, hydroxylation, and hydroxyl oxidation. This study proposes a method for preparing immobilized bacteria for TBBPA removal and enriches the microbial degradation technology for TBBPA.

The release of several environmental pollutants poses a potential threat to the several ecosystems and humans. Reproductive toxicity represents one of the most significant toxic effects of environmental contaminants. It is necessary to assess reproductive toxicity and the mechanisms underlying environmental toxicity in organisms. Because of its unique features in toxicology research, Caenorhabditis elegans is an important animal model used for the toxicity assessment of environmental contaminants. In this review, we introduce the reproductive toxicity and mechanisms underlying the actions of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, particulate matter, microplastics, nanomaterials, and irradiation. Moreover, we have put forth some perspectives about toxicity assessments, transgenerational toxicity, and toxicological mechanisms of environmental contaminants in the future.

In recent years, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the primary cause of death in the world. Existing studies have found that greenspace is important for the prevention of CVDs and stroke. However, since they only focus on large green infrastructure (e.g., urban parks) or the general greenspace (usually being evaluated through normalized difference vegetation index), little information exists regarding the association between street-level greenspace and CVDs (stroke). In this study, the CVDs and stroke data of participants were retrieved from the 33 Chinese Community Health Study. We measured participants’ exposure to street-level greenspace exposure using street view images and machine learning technique. Multilevel logistic regressions were applied. While controlling for confounders, we found that higher level of street-level greenspace exposure was associated with lower CVDs prevalence. However, street-level greenspace exposure was associated with stroke prevalence only for females. The associations were stronger among females, younger adults, participants with educational attainment above high school, physically active participants and participants who were not overweight. None of the mediators (air pollution, physical exercise, and BMI) can explain the associations between street-level greenspace exposure and CVDs (stroke) prevalence. Our findings suggest that street-level vegetation should be increased to cope with the rapid growth of the CVDs burdens. Also, the differences between the effect of street-level trees and grasses should be noted before formulating specific urban planning policies.

Summary: Environmental pollution caused by petroleum hydrocarbons is being paid more and more attention worldwide. Surfactants are able to improve the solubility of petroleum hydrocarbons, but their effects on petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in composting systems are still unclear. In this study, the effects on microbial community succession were investigated by adding petroleum hydrocarbons and rhamnolipids during composting of organic wastes. The results showed that the compost and the addition of rhamnolipids could effectively reduce the petroleum hydrocarbon content with an efficiency of 73.52%, compared to 53.81% for the treatment without addition. Network analyses and Structural Equation Model suggested that there were multiple potential petroleum degraders microbes that might be regulated by nitrogen. The findings in this study can also provide an implication for the treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants from oil-polluted soil, and the technology can be potentially applied on an industrial scale in practice.

Pharmaceutical plants are an essential source of antibiotics emitted into the aqueous environment. The monitoring of target antibiotics in pharmaceutical plants through various regions is vital to optimize contaminant release. The occurrence, distribution, removal, and ecological risk of 30 kinds of selected antibiotics in 15 pharmaceutical plants in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) were investigated in this study. Lincomycin (LIN) showed the highest concentration (up to 56,258.3 ng/L) in the pharmaceutical plant influents from Zhongshan city. Norfloxacin (NFX) showed a higher detection frequency than other antibiotics. In addition, the spatial distribution of antibiotics in pharmaceutical plants showed significant differences, with higher concentrations of total antibiotics found in pharmaceutical plant influents in Shenzhen City than those of different regions in PRD. The treatment processes adopted by pharmaceutical plants were commonly ineffective in removing antibiotics, with only 26.7% of antibiotics being effectively removed (average removal greater than 70%), while 55.6% of antibiotics had removal rates of below 60%. The anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (AAO)-membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined process exhibited better treatment performance than the single treatment process. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ofloxacin (OFL), erythromycin-H2O (ETM-H2O), sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamethazine (SMZ), norfloxacin (NFX), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in pharmaceutical plant effluents posed high or moderate ecological risk and deserve particular attention.

A large amount of Cr (VI)-polluted wastewater produced in electroplating, dyeing and tanning industries seriously threatens water ecological security and human health. Due to the lack of high-performance electrodes and the coulomb repulsion between hexavalent chromium anion and cathode, the traditional DC-mediated electrochemical remediation technology possesses low Cr (VI) removal efficiency. Herein, by modifying commercial carbon felt (O-CF) with amidoxime groups, amidoxime-functionalized carbon felt electrodes (Ami-CF) with high adsorption affinity for Cr (VI) were prepared. Based on Ami-CF, an electrochemical flow-through system powered by asymmetric AC was constructed. The mechanism and influencing factors of efficient removal of Cr (VI) contaminated wastewater by an asymmetric AC electrochemical method coupling Ami-CF were studied. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization results showed that Ami-CF was successfully and uniformly loaded with amidoxime functional groups, and the adsorption capacity of Cr (VI) was more than 100 times higher than that of O-CF. In particular, the Coulomb repulsion effect and the side reaction of electrolytic water splitting were inhibited by the high-frequency anode and cathode switching (asymmetric AC), the mass transfer rate of Cr (VI) from electrode solution was increased, the reduction efficiency of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) was significantly promoted and a highly efficient removal of Cr (VI) was achieved. Under optimal operating conditions (positive bias 1 V, negative bias 2.5 V, duty ratio 20%, frequency 400 Hz, solution pH = 2), the asymmetric AC electrochemistry based on Ami-CF can achieve fast (30 s) and efficient removal (>99.11%) for 0.5–100 mg·L−1 Cr (VI) with a high flux of 300 L h−1 m−2. At the same time, the durability test verified the sustainability of the AC electrochemical method. For Cr (VI)-polluted wastewater with an initial concentration of 50 mg·L−1, the effluent concentration could still reach drinking water grade (−1) after 10 cycling experiments. This study provides an innovative approach for the rapid, green and efficient removal of Cr (VI) containing wastewater at low and medium concentrations.

To investigate the characteristics of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn) in urban road dust from different cities and functional areas in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, a total of 294 dust samples were analyzed. The contamination characteristics and health risk of heavy metals in the dust were assessed, their chemical speciation were distinguished, and their sources were identified by the correlations, cluster and principal component analysis (PCA). The mean concentrations of As (15.89 mg/kg), Cd (1.59 mg/kg), Cr (143.75 mg/kg), Cu (184.42 mg/kg), Pb (114.82 mg/kg), Hg (0.11 mg/kg), Ni (41.53 mg/kg) and Zn (645.94 mg/kg) in urban road dust were in high or moderate levels compare with other previous researches. In this case, the contamination of Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in the industrial area (IA) and the contamination of Cd and Hg in the commercial area (CA) were significantly higher relative to other functional areas (P

Perinatal exposure to heat and air pollution has been shown to affect the risk of preterm birth (PTB). However, limited evidence exists regarding their joint effects, particularly in heavily polluted regions like China. This study utilized data from the ongoing China Birth Cohort Study, including 103 040 birth records up to December 2020, and hourly measurements of air pollution (PM _2.5 , NO _2 , and O _3 ) and temperature. We assessed the nonlinear associations between air pollution and temperature extereme exposures and PTB by employing generalized additive models with restricted cubic slines. Air pollution and temperature thresholds (corresponding to minimum PTB risks) were determined by the lowest Akaike Information Criterion. We found that maternal exposures to PM _2.5 , NO _2 , O _3 , and both low and high temperature during the third trimester of pregnancy were independently associated with increased risk of PTB. The adjusted risk ratios for PTB of PM _2.5 , O _3 , NO _2 , and temperature at the 95th percentile against thresholds were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.42), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.50), 1.44 (95% CI: 1.33, 1.56) and 1.70 (95% CI: 1.56, 1.85), respectively. Positive additive interactions [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) > 0] of PM _2.5 –high temperature (HT), O _3 –HT, O _3 –low temperature (LT) are identified, but the interactive effects of PM _2.5 and LT were negative (RERI < 0). These observed independent effects of air pollution and temperature, along with their potential joint effects, have important implications for future studies and the development of public health policies aimed at improving perinatal health outcomes.

CrYN, TiBN, and CrYN/TiBN coatings were successfully deposited on 316 stainless steel substrates via multi-arc ion plating techniques to improve their wear and corrosion resistance properties in marine environments. The morphology, microstructure, friction performance, and corrosion resistance of the three coatings in artificial seawater were systematically studied. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy investigations confirmed a dominant face-centered cubic CrN structure, accompanied by hexagonal TiB _2 and amorphous BN in CrYN/TiBN coatings. The SEM cross-section shows that the TiBN and CrYN/TiBN coatings have a more compact cross-sectional structure than the CrYN monolayer coating. The CrYN/TiBN coatings exhibited the lowest smooth friction coefficient in artificial seawater, and the wear rate was ranked as TiBN < CrYN/TiBN < CrYN. Surface morphological studies performed after tribocorrosion revealed that the protection ability of all three coatings remained acceptable. The electrochemical test showed that the corrosion tendency was CrYN/TiBN < TiBN < CrYN, and the CrYN/TiBN coating had the best performance in the AC impedance spectrum and polarization curve.

In this study, CrYN coatings were prepared using multi-arc ion plating at various substrate bias voltages (−50 V, −100 V, −150 V, and −200 V). X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the composition and microstructure of the coatings. An electrochemical workstation and a ball-on-disk tribometer were used to investigate their corrosion and friction behavior. The results show that grain refinement can be achieved through the addition of yttrium (Y) and that the surfaces of coatings prepared under different bias voltages have varying smoothness and compactness. It was shown that surfaces prepared under −100 V bias voltages were relatively smooth and dense in structure, corresponding to a Y content of 2.83 at.%; CrYN coatings at −100 V were shown to have the highest corrosion potential and a low self-corrosion current, equating to superior corrosion resistance. Additionally, the friction coefficients of deposited CrYN coatings under bias voltages of −100 V were less than 0.2. Therefore, the coatings under bias voltages of −100 V had the minimum wear rate due to its structure, corrosion resistance, and friction.

Indoor dust has been used as a proxy for estimating human indoor pollutant exposure risks, yet source identification remains challenging. This study tentatively investigated whether quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) of dust, could be applied to indicate sources and their respective contributions for a major class of indoor organic pollutants organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). We observed significant correlations between OPFR concentrations and lipid content (p

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), as an emerging endocrine disrupter, has been considered one of the persistent organic contaminants in water. It is urgently necessary to develop an efficient technique for the effective removal of TBBPA from water. Herein, a one-step hydrothermal synthesis route was employed to prepare a novel iron-carbon core-shell nanoparticle (Fe@MC) for effectively activating persulfate (PS) to degrade TBBPA. Morphological and structural characterization indicated that the prepared Fe@MC had a typical core-shell structure composed of a 5 nm thick graphene-like carbon shell and a multi-valence iron core. It can be seen that 94.9% of TBBPA (10 mg/L) could be degraded within 30 min at pH = 7. This excellent catalytic activity was attributed to the synergistic effect of the porous carbon shell and a multi-valence iron core. The porous carbon shell could effectively prevent the leaching of metal ions and facilitate PS activation due to its electron transfer capability. Furthermore, numerous micro-reaction zones could be formed on the surface of Fe@MC during the rapid TBBPA removal process. Radical quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technology indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS), including OH, SO4−, O2−, and 1O2, were involved in the TBBPA degradation process. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the carbon atoms linked by phenolic hydroxyl groups would be more vulnerable to attack by electron-rich groups; the central carbon was cracked and hydroxylated to generate short-chain aliphatic acids. The toxicity evaluation provides clear evidence for the promising application potential of our prepared material for the efficient removal of TBBPA from water.

Multiple systematic reviews on greenspace and health outcomes exist, but the overall evidence base remains unclear. Therefore, we performed an umbrella review to collect and appraise all relevant systematic reviews of epidemiological studies on greenness exposure and health. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to June 28, 2021, and screened references of relevant articles. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses of epidemiological studies that examined the associations of greenness with any health outcome were included. Two independent investigators performed study selection and data extraction. We also evaluated the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews using the “Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2” checklist. A total of 40 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, of which most were cross-sectional studies conducted in high-income countries. Greenspace exposure was estimated with various objective and subjective parameters. Beneficial associations of greenspace with all-cause and stroke-specific mortality, CVD morbidity, cardiometabolic factors, mental health, low birth weight, physical activity, sleep quality, and urban crime were observed. No consistent associations between greenspace and other health outcomes (e.g., cancers) were observed. Most of the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses had one or more limitations in methodology. Our findings provide supportive evidence regarding the beneficial effects of greenspace exposure on some aspects of human health. However, the credibility of such evidence was compromised by methodological limitations. Better performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses as well as longitudinal designed primary studies are needed to validate this conclusion. Public summary: • The evidence concerning greenspace and health outcomes remains unclear • We performed an umbrella review of 40 systematic reviews on greenspace and health • Greenspace exposure was estimated with various objective and subjective parameters • Greenspace was beneficially associated with several aspects of human health

Background: Evidence of maternal exposure to ambient air pollution on congenital heart defects (CHD) has been mixed and are still relatively limited in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the association between maternal exposure to air pollution and CHD in China. Method: This longitudinal, population-based, case-control study consecutively recruited fetuses with CHD and healthy volunteers from 21 cities, Southern China, between January 2006 and December 2016. Residential address at delivery was linked to random forests models to estimate maternal exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 1 µm (PM1), ≤2.5 µm, and ≤10 µm as well as nitrogen dioxides, in three trimesters. The CHD cases were evaluated by obstetrician, pediatrician, or cardiologist, and confirmed by cardia ultrasound. The CHD subtypes were coded using the International Classification Diseases. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between air pollutants and CHD and its subtypes. Results: A total of 7055 isolated CHD and 6423 controls were included in the current analysis. Maternal air pollution exposures were consistently higher among cases than those among controls. Logistic regression analyses showed that maternal exposure to all air pollutants during the first trimester was associated with an increased odds of CHD (e.g., an interquartile range [13.3 µg/m3] increase in PM1 was associated with 1.09-fold ([95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.18]) greater odds of CHD). No significant associations were observed for maternal air pollution exposures during the second trimester and the third trimester. The pattern of the associations between air pollutants and different CHD subtypes was mixed. Conclusions: Maternal exposure to greater levels of air pollutants during the pregnancy, especially the first trimester, is associated with higher odds of CHD in offspring. Further longitudinal well-designed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Background: Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) has been frequently detected in environmental media and biological samples. However, knowledge of its adverse health consequences is limited, and its impacts on the human gut microbiota, which play a key role in health and disease, remain unexplored. Objectives: To better evaluate the potential risk of TDCIPP exposure in human health, we investigated the effects of TDCIPP on gut microbiome and gut metabolites in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: We applied an integrated analytical approach by combing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic sequencing and 1H NMR metabolomics analysis in fecal samples collected from mouse with TDCIPP exposure as well as those from controls. Results: Both 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenome sequencing showed that TDCIPP exposure significantly changed the gut microbiome, with a remarkable increased Firmicutes at the expense of Bacteroidetes after exposure. Perturbed gut metabolic profiles in the treated group were also observed and closely related with altered gut microbiome. Gene functional annotation analysis further suggested perturbed gut metabolites could be directly caused by altered gut microbiome. Conclusion: TDCIPP exposure has great influence on the gut ecosystem as reflected by perturbation of microbiome community structure, microbial species, gut microbe associated gene expression and gut metabolites, which may contribute to the progression of certain uncharacterized gut microbiota related host diseases. Our findings provide novel insights into adverse effects of TDCIPP exposure on human health.

Human hair has been widely used to evaluate the exposure to drugs and organic pollutants. However, reports on the relationship between polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (PCDFs) in hair and the body burden of PCDD/Fs are limited. In this study, the association between PCDD/Fs in paired hair and serum samples from workers was examined in a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) plant in South China. Fly ash and flue gas from the MSWI plant were also analyzed to determine the source apportionment of PCDD/Fs in the hair. The median international toxic equivalents (I-TEQs) of ΣPCDD/F in serum and hair were 28.0 pg TEQ/g (lipid weight) and 0.30 pg TEQ/g (dry weight), respectively. The indicator congener of PCDD/Fs for the TEQ levels was 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) in both hair and serum, the concentrations of which both exhibited significant and strong linear dependence on the total TEQ levels (p

The detrimental effects of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on several physiological systems have been reported, but the association of PFASs with eye, one of the most sensitive and exposed organ, has never been explored. To investigate the association between eye diseases including visual impairment (VI) and PFASs isomers, a cross-sectional stratified study was conducted in 1202 Chinese population, aged 22–96 years, from Shenyang, China. A standard protocol including Snellen vision chart, slit-lamp microscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy was used to examine eye diseases/conditions relating to anterior and posterior segment of eyes. In addition, we measured the blood concentrations of 19 linear and branched PFASs at one-time point. Results indicated that blood levels of PFASs were significantly higher in eye disease group than normal group. PFASs exposure were positively associated with both combined eye diseases and individual eye diseases. Among other PFASs, linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS; odds ratio [OR] = 3.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.50, 4.56), branched perfluorooctane sulfonate (Br-PFOS; OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.93) and linear perfluorooctanoic acid (n-PFOA; OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.37) significantly increases the odds of VI. Vitreous disorder was adversely associated with long-chain PFASs exposure. For example, perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA; OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.51, 2.29) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.36) showed the most significant association. In conclusion, this study suggests higher serum PFASs levels were associated with increase odds of VI and vitreous disorder in Chinese adults. Keywords: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), PFASs isomers, Eye diseases, Visual impairment, Vitreous disorder

At the intersection of research areas on health and employment, little attention has been paid on employment quality among people living with HIV (PLWH). The objective of the current study is to identify critical factors and empirically examine their effects on employment quality among PLWH. Based on the social-ecological perspective, we identified negative self-image, workplace discrimination, social support, and policy support as critical factors associated with employment quality among PLWH. Thereafter, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information from 339 employed PLWH in China. Hierarchical regression analyses were further performed to analyze the effects of the identified factors on employment quality among PLWH. We obtained three main findings. First, negative self-image and workplace discrimination are detrimental to employment quality among PLWH; whereas social support and policy support are conducive to their employment quality. Second, older, male, and highly educated PLWH can better leverage the undesirable effects of negative self-image and workplace discrimination on employment quality compared with their peers. Third, male, and highly educated PLWH can better utilize social support and policy support to advance employment quality compared with their peers. However, the employment quality effects of the identified factors did not differ by marital status. Our findings provided some useful implications for PLWH, employers, community service providers, and policy makers to promote employment quality among PLWH.

Background: Greater levels of serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to be associated with higher uric acid which itself leads to a number of chronic diseases. However, whether this association varies across PFAS isomers which recently have been found to be associated with human health remains unknown. Objectives: To address this research gap, we explored isomer-specific associations between serum PFAS and uric acid in Chinese adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of associations between serum PFAS isomer and serum uric acid in 1612 participants from the Isomer of C8 Health Project. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to analyze serum isomers of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and other PFASs as continuous and categorical predictors of uric acid, adjusted for confounders. The association was also stratified by kidney function stage based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GF-1, GF-2, GF-3a, and GF-3b/4). Results: We found positive associations between serum PFAS isomer concentrations and uric acid. Uric acid levels were greater for each log-unit increase in branched PFOA (β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.40), linear PFOA (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.26), branched PFOS (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.17) and linear PFOS (β = 0.06, 95% CI: −0.01, 0.14) concentration. The associations between PFAS and uric acid showed an inverted ‘U' shaped pattern across kidney function stages. For example, uric acid level was greater with each log-unit increase in total-PFOA among GF-1 (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.37), this relationship was greater in GF-3a (β = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.89) and decreased in GF-3b/4 (β = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.83, 0.39). We also found the odds of hyperuricemia increased linearly with increasing branched PFOA in quartiles (odds ratio = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.86, 3.85 at the highest quartile). Conclusion: We report novel results in which PFAS associations with uric acid varied according to isomer and adult kidney function. Besides, our findings are consistent with previous epidemiologic studies in finding a positive association between serum PFAS concentrations and serum uric acid, especially for PFOA. Our results indicate that more research is needed to more clearly assess the impact of PFAS isomers on human health, which will help to refine regulation policies for PFAS. Keywords: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Uric acid, Hyperuricemia, Adult, Isomers of C8 Health Project in China

The toxicity of ultrafine particles (UFPs) on blood pressure (BP) has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations of long-term UFP exposure with different components of BP and the risk of prehypertension/hypertension. We included a total of 24 845 Chinese adults (18–74 years old) in a cross-sectional survey (Liaoning province, China). The 4 year (2006–2009) average concentrations of UFP was estimated using a chemical transport model. We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP), prehypertension and hypertension. We used a generalized linear mixed model to examine the associations while controlling for important individual covariates. One unit (1 μ g m ^−3 ) increase in UFP was associated with an increase in SBP of 1.52 mm Hg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–2.55], DBP of 0.55 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.01–1.08) in DBP, MAP of 0.92 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.23–1.61) and PP of 0.62 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.05–1.20). The UFP-BP associations were stronger in women than in men. One unit increase in UFP was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and prehypertension (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.38; OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21) compared to normotension group, and these associations were stronger in overweight/obese participants. Our study showed that long-term exposure to UFP was associated with elevated BP and higher odds of hypertension. These findings suggest that strategies to monitor and reduce UFPs, which are not a regulated pollutant, could have beneficial cardiovascular effects.

BACKGROUND: Estrogens play a critical role in parturition, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have estrogenic effects, have been associated with preterm birth. However, the impact of estrogens on the association between PFAS and preterm birth is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate if estrogens modified the association between PFAS and preterm birth, using a nested case-control study design. METHODS: A total of 371 preterm births and 508 controls were selected from a birth cohort study in China between 2016 and 2018. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its branched isomer, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its branched isomer, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were quantified in maternal serum (mean gestational age of 32 wk). Estradiol and estriol were quantified in cord serum. Preterm birth was defined as live delivery at <37 gestational weeks. Causal mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediation and interaction effects of estrogen on the association between PFAS and preterm birth. Latent profile analysis was used to identify important estrogen profiles. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between PFAS and preterm birth and interactions between PFAS and estrogens on preterm birth. RESULTS: Overall, higher odds ratios (ORs) of preterm birth were associated with each 1 ln-unit PFAS increase: PFBA [1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.26], PFNA (1.30, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.39), PFOA (1.98, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.55), and PFOS (1.91, 95% CI: 1.76, 2.07) and its branched isomer (1.91, 95% CI: 1.90, 1.92). We detected statistically significant interactions between cord estradiol and PFAS on preterm birth, while no mediation effects of cord estrogen were observed. The ORs of PFOS (4.29, 95% CI: 1.31, 8.25), its branched isomer (6.71, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.91), and preterm birth were greater for participants with high cord estrogen levels than for participants with low cord estrogen levels. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that estrogen modified the association between maternal PFAS exposure and preterm birth. Further studies on maternal PFAS exposure and preterm birth, taking interaction effects of cord estrogens into account, are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China's political and economic centre, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration experiences serious environmental challenges on particulate matter (PM) concentration, which results in fundamental or irreparable damages in various socioeconomic aspects. This study investigates the seasonal and spatial distribution characteristics of PM2.5 concentration in the BTH urban agglomeration and their critical impact factors. Spatial interpolation are used to analyse the real-time monitoring of PM2.5 data in BTH from December 2013 to May 2017, and partial least squares regression is applied to investigate the latest data of potential polluting variables in 2015. Several important findings are obtained: (1) Notable differences exist amongst PM2.5 concentrations in different seasons; January (133.10 mg/m3) and December (120.19 mg/m3) are the most polluted months, whereas July (38.76 mg/m3) and August (41.31 mg/m3) are the least polluted months. PM2.5 concentration shows a periodic U-shaped variation pattern with high pollution levels in autumn and winter and low levels in spring and summer. (2) In terms of spatial distribution characteristics, the most highly polluted areas are located south and east of the BTH urban agglomeration, and PM2.5 concentration is significantly low in the north. (3) Empirical results demonstrate that the deterioration of PM2.5 concentration in 2015 is closely related to a set of critical impact factors, including population density, urbanisation rate, road freight volume, secondary industry gross domestic product, overall energy consumption and industrial pollutants, such as steel production and volume of sulphur dioxide emission, which are ranked in terms of their contributing powers. The findings provide a basis for the causes and conditions of PM2.5 pollution in the BTH regions. Viable policy recommendations are provided for effective air pollution treatment.