Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lead co-exposure with child physical growth and development in an e-waste recycling town.

Informal e-waste recycling activities results in serious environmental pollution of PAHs. We evaluated the body burden of 16 PAH congeners and potential health risks for children. A total of 167 children from exposed and reference area entered this study.

Associations of cadmium, bisphenol A and polychlorinated biphenyl co-exposure in utero with placental gene expression and neonatal outcomes.

In utero co-exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds can perturb fetal development. However, the effect of co-exposure on pivotal regulatory genes has seldom been investigated. We explored the effects of in utero co-exposure to cadmium (Cd), bisphenol A (BPA) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on master regulator genes.

Demonstration of an olfactory bulb-brain translocation pathway for ZnO nanoparticles in rodent cells in vitro and in vivo.

ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are widely used in the engineering and cosmetic industries, and inhaled airborne particles pose a known hazard to human health; their translocation into humans is a recognized public health concern. The pulmonary-blood pathway for ZnO-NP toxicity is well documented, but whether translocation of these particles can also occur via an olfactory bulb-brain route remains unclear. The potential toxicity of ZnO-NPs for the human central nervous system (CNS) is predicated on the possibility of their translocation.

Metabolomic characterization of laborers exposed to welding fumes.

The complex composition of welding fumes, multiplicity of molecular targets, diverse cellular effects, and lifestyles associated with laborers vastly complicate the assessment of welding fume exposure. The urinary metabolomic profiles of 35 male welders and 16 male office workers at a Taiwanese shipyard were characterized via (1)H NMR spectroscopy and pattern recognition methods. Blood samples for the same 51 individuals were also collected, and the expression levels of the cytokines and other inflammatory markers were examined.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles interfere with zinc ion homeostasis to cause cytotoxicity.

The toxicological effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are attracting increasing concern as the field of nanotechnology progresses. Although the literature suggests that toxicity of ZnO-NPs may be related to their dissolution, the mechanism for ZnO-NP perturbation of cytosolic zinc concentration ([Zn(2+)](c)) homeostasis remains obscure. Using FluoZin-3 and RhodZin-3, this study investigated changes in both [Zn(2+)](c) and mitochondrial free Zn(2+) concentration ([Zn(2+)](m)) under conditions of ZnO-NP treatment in vivo and in vitro.

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) induces calcium elevation and interleukine-4 (IL-4) release - early responses upon TDI stimulation.

Occupational exposure to toluene diisocyanats (TDI) may cause asthma. In asthma patients, the allergic syndromes correlate cytokine production with the elevation in cytosolic calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](c) of lymphocytes in airway. We previously found TDI induces calcium signaling in neuronal cells.

Effects of occupational exposure to 1,4-dichlorobenzene on hematologic, kidney, and liver functions.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) on kidney, liver, and hematological functions of workers in insect repellent factories in Taiwan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing 46 exposed workers and 29 non-exposed workers. Health information was collected using questionnaires and biochemical tests.

Effects of dichlorobenzene on acetylcholine receptors in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

para-Dichlorobenzene (DCB), a deodorant and an industrial chemical, is a highly volatile compound and is known to be an indoor air contaminant. Because of its widespread use and volatility, the toxicity of DCB presents a concern to industrial workers and public. Some toxic aspects of DCB have already been focused but its effects on neuronal signal transduction have been hitherto unknown.

Association between GST genetic polymorphism and dose-related production of urinary benzene metabolite markers, trans, trans-muconic acid and S-phenylmercapturic acid.

The urinary benzene metabolites, trans, trans-muconic acid (ttMA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA), are widely used as benzene exposure biomarkers. The influence of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genetic polymorphism on the excretion levels of urinary ttMA and/or SPMA has been investigated. The association between dose-related production of urinary benzene metabolites and benzene exposure level was also reported.

2,4-Toluene diisocyanate suppressed the calcium signaling of ligand gated ion channel receptors.

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane. TDI-induced asthma is related to its disturbance of acetylcholine activity in most affected workers, but the relevant mechanisms are unclear. Toluene diamine (TDA) is the main metabolite of TDI.

Effect of melanin produced by a recombinant Escherichia coli on antibacterial activity of antibiotics.

A recombinant plasmid, pYL-1, containing a tyrosinase gene whose expression is under the control of a phage T5 promoter and 2 lac operators, was constructed. Escherichia coli JM109 harboring pYL-1 was used for production of bacterial melanin. A simple procedure for the isolation and purification of melanin was developed.

Effect of toluene diisocyanate on homeostasis of intracellular-free calcium in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

The mechanisms of TDI (2,4-toluene diisocyanate)-induced occupational asthma are not fully established. Previous studies have indicated that TDI induces non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine and induces contraction of smooth muscle tissue by activating 'capsaicin-sensitive' nerves resulting asthma. Cytosolic-free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca(2+)](c)) are elevated when either capsaicin acts at vanilloid receptors, or methacholine at muscarinic receptors.

Inhibition by 2,4-toluene diisocyanate of the calcium signaling of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of polyurethane products such as foams, coatings, and elastomers. In exposed workers, chronic inhalation of TDI has resulted in significant decreases in lung function. TDI-induced asthma is related to its disturbance of acetylcholine in most affected workers but the actions of TDI on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are unclear.