Occurrence, Bioaccumulation, and Human Exposure Risk of the Antiandrogenic Fluorescent Dye 7-(Dimethylamino)-4-methylcoumarin and 7-(Diethylamino)-4-methylcoumarin in the Dongjiang River Basin, South China.

Recently, 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (DEAMC) has been identified as a potent antiandrogenic compound in the surface water; however, little is known about the antiandrogenic potentials of other synthetic coumarins and their occurrence in the aquatic ecosystem. In this study, for the first time, we observed that 7-dimethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (DAMC) elicited androgen receptor (AR) antagonistic activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC) of 1.46 µM, which is 14.

Predicted Potential for Aquatic Exposure Effects of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Pennsylvania's Statewide Network of Streams.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are contaminants that can lead to adverse health effects in aquatic organisms, including reproductive toxicity and developmental abnormalities. To assess the ecological health risk of PFAS in Pennsylvania stream surface water, we conducted a comprehensive analysis that included both measured and predicted estimates. The potential combined exposure effects of 14 individual PFAS to aquatic biota were estimated using the sum of exposure-activity ratios (ΣEARs) in 280 streams.

Determinants of Indoor NO and PM Concentration in Senior Housing with Gas Stoves.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO) and particulate matter of 2.5 microns (PM) are air pollutants that impact health, especially among vulnerable populations with respiratory disease. This study identifies factors influencing indoor NO and PM in low-income households of older adults with asthma who use gas stoves in Lowell, Massachusetts.

A Review on Remediation Technology and the Remediation Evaluation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils.

With the rapid development of industry and agriculture, soil contamination has become a significant environmental issue, and the heavy metal contamination of soils is an important part of it. The main methods for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils include physical methods, chemical methods, biological methods, and combined remediation methods have been proposed as research deepens. However, the standards and evaluation methods for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils are still not well-established.

Removal of the Active Pharmaceutical Substance Entecavir from Water via the Fenton Reaction or Action by the Cyanobacterium .

Entecavir (ETV) is an antiviral used to treat chronic infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, which affects approximately 250 million people worldwide. In order to mitigate the impacts of ETV on the environment, including potential harm to human health, this study evaluated the use of the Fenton-like reaction, which uses iron complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at neutral pH, and the microbiological action of in removing ETV from the aqueous medium. Aqueous concentrations of 100 mg/L were subjected to Fenton-like degradation.

Non-Genotoxic and Environmentally Relevant Lower Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Significantly Increase Tumorigenicity of Benzo[]pyrene in a Lung Two-Stage Mouse Model.

The World Health Organization has classified air pollution as a carcinogen, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major components of air particulates of carcinogenic concern. Thus far, most studies focused on genotoxic high molecular weight PAHs; however, recent studies indicate potential carcinogenicity of the non-genotoxic lower molecular weight PAHs (LMW PAHs) that are found in indoor and outdoor air pollution as well as secondhand cigarette smoke. We hypothesize that LMW PAHs contribute to the promotion stage of cancer when combined with benzo[]pyrene (B[]P), a legacy PAH.

Association of Combined Effect of Metals Exposure and Behavioral Factors on Depressive Symptoms in Women.

This study investigates the combined effects of environmental pollutants (lead, cadmium, total mercury) and behavioral factors (alcohol consumption, smoking) on depressive symptoms in women. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 cycle, specifically exposure levels of heavy metals in blood samples, were used in this study. The analysis of these data included the application of descriptive statistics, linear regression, and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to explore associations between environmental exposures, behavioral factors, and depression.

Liver Lesions in Estuarine Dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Does Microcystin Play a Role?

Microcystin (MC), a hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria, was introduced into the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, in 2005 through freshwater outflows. Since then, MC has been detected in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife in the lagoon. Potential public health effects associated with MC exposure along the IRL include an increased risk of non-alcoholic liver disease among area residents.

Ethyltoluenes Regulate Inflammatory and Cell Fibrosis Signaling in the Liver Cell Model.

Crude oil naphtha fraction C9 alkylbenzenes consist of trimethylbenzenes, ethyltoluenes, cumene, and n-propylbenzene. The major fraction of C9 alkylbenzenes is ethyltoluenes (ETs) consisting of three isomers: 2-ethyltoluene (2-ET), 3-ethyltoluene (3-ET), and 4-ethyltoluene (4-ET). Occupational and environmental exposure to ETs can occur via inhalation and ingestion and cause several health problems.

Iodine Deficiency Exacerbates Thyroidal and Neurological Effects of Developmental Perchlorate Exposure in the Neonatal and Adult Rat.

Thyroid hormones (THs) require iodine for biosynthesis and play critical roles in brain development. Perchlorate is an environmental contaminant that reduces serum THs by blocking the uptake of iodine from the blood to the thyroid gland. Using a pregnant rodent model, we examined the impact of maternal exposure to perchlorate under conditions of dietary iodine deficiency (ID) on the brain and behavior of offspring.

Evaluating the Impact of a Novel Program to Address Acute Food Insecurity Among Cancer Patients.

Introduction: Acute food insecurity (FI) significantly impacts cancer patients' health, exacerbating physical and psychological burdens. While current interventions address chronic FI, acute cases remain undermanaged. Legacy of Hope, a Philadelphia-based non-profit, addresses this gap through its Emergency Patient Support Network (EPSN), offering free bi-weekly groceries to patients facing acute FI.

Gut Microbiome Modulation of Glutamate Dynamics: Implications for Brain Health and Neurotoxicity.

The gut-brain axis plays an integral role in maintaining overall health, with growing evidence suggesting its impact on the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota and glutamate (Glu) regulation, highlighting its effect on brain health, particularly in the context of depression following certain neurological insults. We discuss how microbial populations can either facilitate or limit Glu uptake, influencing its bioavailability and predisposing to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity.

The Camden Study-A Pregnancy Cohort Study of Pregnancy Complications and Birth Outcomes in Camden, New Jersey, USA.

Background: Pregnancy is a unique stage of the life course characterized by trade-offs between the nutritional, immune, and metabolic needs of the mother and fetus. The Camden Study was originally initiated to examine nutritional status, growth, and birth outcomes in adolescent pregnancies and expanded to study dietary and molecular predictors of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in young women.

Methods: From 1985-2006, 4765 pregnant participants aged 12 years and older were recruited from Camden, NJ, one of the poorest cities in the US.

Vitamin B, B, and B Intakes and Risk of Gastric Cancer: Findings from a Case-Control Study.

Background/objectives: Gastric cancer is one of the leading malignancies worldwide. B vitamins play important roles in DNA synthesis and methylation because they are considered co-enzymes in one-carbon metabolism. There is inconclusive evidence regarding the associations between dietary vitamins B, B, and B with the risk of gastric cancer in different epidemiologic studies.

Label Accuracy and Quality of Select Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements Sold on or near US Military Bases.

: Sixty-eight percent of service members are living with overweight or obesity, some who may not consult a healthcare provider when they decide to lose weight. Instead, they often turn to weight-loss dietary supplements for self-care solutions. The purpose of this case series study was to examine the label accuracy and quality of select weight-loss dietary supplements sold on or near US military bases across the country.

Gut Microbiota and Metabolites Mediate Health Benefits of Oat and Oat Bran Consumption in IBD Mice.

Background/objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, the environment, and gut microbiota. The incidence of IBD is increasing globally. Previous studies have shown that interactions between diet and gut microbiota influence the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD.

Urinary Metabolite Profiles of Participants with Overweight and Obesity Prescribed a Weight Loss High Fruit and Vegetable Diet: A Single Arm Intervention Study.

Background/objectives: Thus far, no studies have examined the relationship between fruit and vegetable (F and V) intake, urinary metabolite quantities, and weight change. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore changes in urinary metabolomic profiles during and after a 10-week weight loss intervention where participants were prescribed a high F and V diet (7 servings daily).

Methods: Adults with overweight and obesity ( = 34) received medical nutrition therapy counselling to increase their F and V intakes to national targets (7 servings a day).

Maternal Gut Microbiome-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications in Cognitive Development and Impairments: A New Frontier for Therapeutic Innovation.

Cognitive impairment in various mental illnesses, particularly neuropsychiatric disorders, has adverse functional and clinical consequences. While genetic mutations and epigenetic dysregulations of several genes during embryonic and adult periods are linked to cognitive impairment in mental disorders, the composition and diversity of resident bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract-shaped by environmental factors-also influence the brain epigenome, affecting behavior and cognitive functions. Accordingly, many recent studies have provided evidence that human gut microbiota may offer a potential avenue for improving cognitive deficits.

Heterogeneity in Health Outcomes in the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities-2.0 Multilevel Intervention in a Community-Randomized Trial: An Exploratory Study of Moderators.

Background/objectives: Multilevel interventions have demonstrated efficacy in improving obesity and other related health outcomes. However, heterogeneity in individual responses indicates the need to identify the factors associated with responses and non-responses to multilevel interventions. The objective of this report is to identify the potential sources of heterogeneity through the exploration of the moderation effects of participant characteristics (sociodemographic and baseline physical/mental health) in the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities-2.

Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Induced Molecular Alterations in Cardiac Remodeling Primarily via FGF21-Independent Mechanisms.

Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) elicits various health benefits, some mediated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, research on SAAR's effects on the heart is limited and presents mixed findings. This study aimed to evaluate SAAR-induced molecular alterations associated with cardiac remodeling and their dependence on FGF21.

Defining "High-In" Saturated Fat, Sugar, and Sodium to Help Inform Front-of-Pack Labeling Efforts for Packaged Foods and Beverages in the United States.

: To help consumers make healthier choices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been charged with developing a front-of-package label (FOPL) to appear on US packaged foods and beverages. One option being explored is the use of "high-in" FOPLs for added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat using a threshold of ≥20% of the recommended daily value (%DV) per portion/serving size to define "high-in". While research has addressed what FOPL designs are most effective at visually communicating "high-in", less attention has been paid to the nutrient profile model (NPM) used to decide which products should receive these labels.

The Role of Phytochemicals in Managing Neuropathic Pain: How Much Progress Have We Made?

Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition resulting from nerve damage, characterized by sensations such as burning, tingling, and shooting pain. It is often associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and diabetic polyneuropathy. Conventional pain therapies frequently provide limited relief and are accompanied by significant side effects, emphasizing the need to explore alternative treatment options.

Curcumin and Its Potential to Target the Glycolytic Behavior of Lactate-Acclimated Prostate Carcinoma Cells with Docetaxel.

Dysregulated cellular metabolism is known to be associated with drug resistance in cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the impact of cellular adaptation to lactic acidosis on intracellular energy metabolism and sensitivity to docetaxel in prostate carcinoma (PC) cells. The effects of curcumin and the role of hexokinase 2 (HK2) in this process were also examined.

Associations Between Added Sugars Intake from Various Food and Beverage Sources and Diet Quality Among the U.S. Population.

A diet high in added sugars has been linked to poor diet quality; however, little is known about specific sources of added sugars and their association with diet quality. This study examined associations between added sugars intake from specific food and beverage sources and diet quality, as indicated by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2020 score, among the U.S.

Study of the Association Between Diets Containing Nuts and Seeds and the Degree of Abdominal Aortic Calcification.

: The association between nuts and seeds (nuts/seeds) consumption and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) has been studied rarely, if at all. However, AAC is a good marker of CVD risk and premature mortality. Consequently, the present observational study was conducted.