Biomonitoring of toxic metal exposure in New Jersey adults in 2015-2018.

This study explores the potential of a convenience sample-based probing approach as a cost-effective alternative for state-level biomonitoring surveillance, addressing the logistical and practical challenges when applying comprehensive probability-based population studies at a state-level. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) conducted a large-scale biomonitoring study using 2988 blood samples and 1007 urine samples collected from clinical laboratories and blood banks statewide from 2015 to 2018 to characterize toxic metal exposure patterns and trends. The resulting data were analyzed to identify contributing factors and compared to concurrent U.

In-utero co-exposure to toxic metals and micronutrients on childhood risk of overweight or obesity: new insight on micronutrients counteracting toxic metals.

Background/objectives: Low-level, in-utero exposure to toxic metals such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) is widespread in the US and worldwide; and, individually, was found to be obesogenic in children. To address the literature gaps on the health effects of co-exposure to low-level toxic metals and the lack of intervention strategy, we aimed to investigate the association between in-utero co-exposure to Hg, Pb, cadmium (Cd) and childhood overweight or obesity (OWO) and whether adequate maternal micronutrients (selenium (Se) and folate) can be protective.

Subjects/methods: This study included 1442 mother-child pairs from the Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly urban, low-income, Black, and Hispanic population, who were enrolled at birth and followed prospectively up to age 15 years.

Maternal prenatal selenium levels and child risk of neurodevelopmental disorders: A prospective birth cohort study.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element involved in various biological processes, including neurodevelopment. Available literature indicates that both Se deficiency and excess may be detrimental to health. It is also known that Se can cross the placenta from maternal to fetal circulation.

How To Prepare for the Unexpected: a Public Health Laboratory Response.

Public health laboratories (PHLs) continue to face internal and external challenges to their abilities to provide successful, timely responses to public health crises and emerging threats. These laboratories are mandated to maintain the health of their communities by identifying, diagnosing, and warning constituents of potential and real health emergencies. Due to the changing characteristics of public health threats and their cross-jurisdictional nature, laboratories are facing increased pressure to ensure that they respond in a consistent and coordinated manner.

In utero exposure to mercury and childhood overweight or obesity: counteracting effect of maternal folate status.

Background: Low-dose mercury (Hg) exposure has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity in adults, but it is unknown the metabolic consequence of in utero Hg exposure. This study aimed to investigate the association between in utero Hg exposure and child overweight or obesity (OWO) and to explore if adequate maternal folate can mitigate Hg toxicity.

Methods: This prospective study included 1442 mother-child pairs recruited at birth and followed up to age 15 years.

Association Between Maternal Exposure to Lead, Maternal Folate Status, and Intergenerational Risk of Childhood Overweight and Obesity.

Importance: The first pediatric lead screening typically occurs at 1-year well-child care visits. However, data on the extent of maternal lead exposure and its long-term consequences for child health are lacking.

Objective: To investigate the associations between maternal red blood cell (RBC) lead levels and intergenerational risk of overweight or obesity (OWO) and whether adequate maternal folate status is associated with a reduction in OWO risk.

Placental transfer and concentrations of cadmium, mercury, lead, and selenium in mothers, newborns, and young children.

There is an emerging hypothesis that exposure to cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in utero and early childhood could have long-term health consequences. However, there are sparse data on early life exposures to these elements in US populations, particularly in urban minority samples. This study measured levels of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Se in 50 paired maternal, umbilical cord, and postnatal blood samples from the Boston Birth Cohort (BBC).

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor governs endothelial cell sensitivity to LPS-induced apoptosis.

Human endothelial cells (EC) are typically resistant to the apoptotic effects of stimuli associated with lung disease. The determinants of this resistance remain incompletely understood. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by human pulmonary artery EC (HPAEC).

A novel mechanism for mitogen-activated protein kinase localization.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal regulated kinases (MAPKs/ERKs) are typically thought to be soluble cytoplasmic enzymes that translocate to the nucleus subsequent to their phosphorylation by their activating kinases or mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase. We report here the first example of nuclear translocation of a MAPK that occurs via temporally regulated exit from a membranous organelle. Confocal microscopy examining the subcellular localization of ERK3 in several cell lines indicated that this enzyme was targeted to the Golgi/endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate compartment.