Assessing Environmental Justice in Mexico: How Polluting Industries and Healthcare Disparities Impact Congenital Heart Defects.

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most prevalent birth defects globally and the second leading cause of death in Mexican children under five. This study examines how industrial activity and social vulnerabilities independently and jointly influence CHD incidence across 2446 Mexican municipalities from 2008 to 2019.

Methods: Using negative binomial regression models, we evaluated associations between polluting industries, healthcare access, and CHD incidence.

Functionality and translation fidelity characterization of mRNA vaccines using platform based mass spectrometry detection.

The success of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines is attributed to their rapid development, adaptability, and scalable production. Modified ribonucleotides like N-methylpseudouridine enhance stability and reduce immunogenicity but were recently found to induce cellular immunity to off-target, +1 ribosomal frameshifted protein. We developed a new platform using cell-free translation (CFT) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) to detect, characterize, and quantify antigen proteins from mRNA constructs.

Elevated Plasma Complement Factors in CRB1-Associated Inherited Retinal Dystrophies.

Purpose: To determine the profile of inflammation-related proteins and complement system factors in the plasma of CRB1-associated inherited retinal dystrophies (CRB1-IRDs).

Methods: We used the Olink Explore 384 Inflammation II panel for targeted proteomics in 30 cases and 29 controls (cohort I) to identify immune pathways involved in CRB1-IRDs. Genotyping was performed in cohort I and a second cohort of 123 patients from 14 countries and 1292 controls (cohort II).

Racial and ethnic differences in prenatal exposure to environmental phenols and parabens in the ECHO Cohort.

Background: Research suggests racial/ethnic disparities in prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting environmental phenols (EPs) in limited populations. However, no studies have investigated racial/ethnic disparities in prenatal EP exposure across the U.S.

Exposed and Vulnerable: Sources and Health Implications of Chemical Exposures in Neonatal, Pediatric, and Cardiac Intensive Care Units.

Purpose Of Review: Exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in early life have demonstrable adverse implications on child health and development. Yet, there is a dearth of studies evaluating the potential exposures to EDCs, such as bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in hospital-based settings among children who are critically ill and/or particularly vulnerable. This narrative review seeks to provide up-to-date evidence on the sources and magnitude of exposure to EDCs in neonatal-, pediatric-, and cardiac intensive care units (NICUs/PICUs/CICUs) as well as resulting health impacts.