Declining male fertility rates have become a significant global health concern, with potential implications for individual reproductive health and broader societal demographics. Increasing evidence from animal and human studies suggests a strong link between occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and impaired sperm quality. EDCs are exogenous substances that interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system, potentially disrupting hormonal balance and reproductive processes. Occupational settings, particularly in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and waste management, often involve exposure to complex mixtures of these EDCs, raising significant concerns about their cumulative impact on male reproductive health. The aim of this study is to determine the associations between occupational exposure to EDCs and sperm quality using data from the CHAPS-UK study. This was a multi-centre case-referent study of male infertility that recruited men who were part of couples attempting conception without success for at least 12 months. The study involved 2,249 men who were recruited over the period of 37 months, between January 1999 and February 2002. Risk factors associated with low sperm motility and adverse sperm morphology were identified, including glycol ether exposure. Exposure to potential EDCs will be estimated for their men and their mothers using a previously developed job exposure matrix, and the associations between exposure and sperm quality (concentration, motility, and morphology) will be determined.

In addition to synthesising the existing knowledge on this topic, this study seeks to bridge critical gaps in understanding the reproductive toxicity of EDCs. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into preventing and mitigating EDC-related health risks, guiding regulatory policies and public health interventions to reduce exposure and protect reproductive health.

The synergistic impact of pesticides and heavy metal exposure poses significant risks to both human health and honey bee populations, necessitating a comprehensive One Health assessment. This study integrates findings from recent research to evaluate the combined effects of these environmental contaminants. Pesticides and heavy metals, which are prevalent in agricultural and industrial settings, exhibit enhanced toxicity in co-exposure, leading to severe physiological and ecological consequences. This paper will specifically explore the mechanisms and outcomes of combined exposure and toxicity, providing case examples from both experimental and field-based studies. For humans, this synergistic toxicity manifests in increased oxidative stress, disruption of endocrine functions, and heightened risks of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Honey bees, who are crucial pollinators in ecosystems, suffer from impaired neural functions, reduced foraging efficiency, and increased mortality rates, which can lead to significant declines in pollination services and biodiversity. The One Health approach underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for integrated strategies to mitigate these risks. By addressing combined exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, this assessment aims to inform policy decisions and promote sustainable practices that safeguard health across species and ecosystems. Ultimately, this holistic perspective emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop effective interventions that protect both human and environmental health. Such collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems, which, in turn, support human well-being and biodiversity.

Atorvastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering statin, functions by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. While its environmental presence has been documented, its toxicity to aquatic organisms remains poorly understood. In this study, I conducted RNA-seq and measured sub-lethal developmental and locomotor-related endpoints in zebrafish to identify toxicity mechanisms related to environmentally relevant exposures to atorvastatin. Zebrafish were exposed to atorvastatin continuously, and their water was renewed every 24 hours, with a 90% change in the proportion of fresh chemical in the water every day. No significant impacts on survival, hatching success, or deformities were observed across treatment groups. However, the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased at lower doses, and locomotor activity was significantly reduced at 100 µg/L. RNA-seq analysis revealed dose-specific transcriptomic responses. At 1 µg/L, differentially expressed genes included collagen type I, alpha 1a, fatty acid desaturase 2, and prolactin, implicating pathways such as B-cell leukemia signaling, CD8+ T-cell activation, and NF-κB regulation. At 100 µg/L, genes such as solute carrier family 12 (potassium/ chloride transporter) and G-Protein subunit alpha z were affected, linked to pathways like Th17-cell activation and oxytocin signaling. These findings suggest that atorvastatin can alter neurodevelopmental and immune-related pathways even at low concentrations, without causing overt morphological defects. Data from this study are expected to contribute to our understanding of atorvastatin toxicity to fish in their early stages, and can support efforts to assess the risks of statin drugs in aquatic ecosystems.

Urban runoff is a major source of nitrate pollution in rivers, posing significant risks to environmental health and public safety, especially in densely populated cities [1]. Additionally, due to the aging process used to make cigars, cigar tobacco contains high concentrations of nitrogen compounds, including nitrates [2]. When ingested, nitrate can react with amines and amides to form N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which may cause cancer in humans [3]. It is known that salivary glands actively concentrate plasma nitrate into saliva, leading to salivary nitrate levels about 10 times higher than in plasma [4]. Considering that urban or smoker populations might have higher nitrate exposures, we hypothesized that such exposure could be detected through increased salivary nitrate levels. Twenty-one saliva samples were collected in Portugal, comprising 11 samples from rural residents (3 non-smokers and 8 smokers) and 10 from urban residents in Lisboa (5 non-smokers and 5 smokers). After centrifugation and dilution, nitrate levels were determined based on a previously established method using UV spectrophotometry [5]. Mann--Whitney tests were performed to assess differences between groups. Data analysis by rural/urban residence showed no significant difference (p>0.05), with similar salivary nitrate levels: 4.36±0.28 and 4.40±0.26 mg/L in rural and urban populations, respectively. Similar results (p>0.05) were found when considering smoking as a factor, with 4.45±0.36 mg/L in non-smokers and 4.42±0.46 in smokers. These findings suggest that salivary nitrates do not reflect nitrate exposure due to urban living or smoking, or that nither factor substantially increases nitrate body burden. As this study is preliminary, further research with a larger sample is needed for clarification.

Background and Objective: Air pollution in the North China Plain frequently exceeds WHO limits and is linked to human respiratory diseases, but its effects on birds remain understudied. This study examines the impacts of air pollutants (AQI, CO, O3, SO2, smoke, and particulate matter) on bird health and behavior in the region, focusing on House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Rock pigeons (Columba livia). This study includes data from the literature review in December 2023, using Clarivate Analytics

Methods: Data on average air pollution levels, respiratory disease incidence, and behavioral changes were collected from publicly available sources spanning from 2011 to 2023. The study included data from 12 bird colonies and approximately 500 individual birds across the North China Plain. These comprised both migratory and resident species, with a focus on sparrows and pigeons due to their prevalence in the region. The primary species analyzed were House sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Rock pigeons (Columba livia). Behavioral changes were assessed using direct observational studies that were in controlled and natural environments to record alterations in foraging, vocalization, and mobility, respectively. GPS tracking for pigeons was used to monitor flight patterns and homing speed under varying AQI conditions. Respiratory health was evaluated through post-mortem examinations of deceased birds (e.g., lung tissue analysis for lesions or particulate matter accumulation) and non-invasive biomarkers (e.g., nasal swabs and blood tests for inflammatory markers) in live specimens.

Key Findings: High fine particle concentrations were linked to acute respiratory infections and lung damage in sparrows. AQI significantly affected pigeon behavior, with 415 pigeons returning home faster under severe pollution (AQI 144).

Conclusions: Air pollutants are strongly associated with respiratory diseases and behavioral shifts in birds. Mitigating air pollution is critical for avian conservation in the region.

Strobilurins are a prominent class of fungicides capable of entering aquatic environments via runoff and leaching from the soil. Findings from previous studies suggest that strobilurins are highly toxic in aquatic environments, and evidence of acute developmental toxicity and altered behavioral responses have been emphasized. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a new strobilurin, metyltetraprole (MTP), on zebrafish using developmental endpoints, gene expression, and behavioral locomotor assays. We hypothesized that MTP would cause developmental toxicity and induce hyperactivity in zebrafish (Danio rerio). To test this, developing zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to environmentally relevant levels of MTP (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L) until 7 days post-fertilization. Results showed no statistically significant difference in survivorship across the treatment groups. No change in reactive oxygen species production was found, but two genes involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mt-nd3 and uqcrc2) were altered following MTP exposure. Moreover, the highest concentrations (100 µg/L) of MTP caused notable hyperactivity in the zebrafish in the visual motor response test. Overall, results from this study improve our understanding of the sub-lethal effects of MTP, helping to inform risk assessment for aquatic environments.

Introduction

Assessment of environmental exposure using biological samples such as urine is non-invasive. However, most infants wear disposable diapers.
Therefore, extraction urine from diapers is a challenge step before laboratory analysis. This study aims to develop and validate a method for detecting
ten hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OHPAHs) in diapered urine.

Methods

Ten individual adult urine samples (≈100 mL) were employed to experiment. Thirty millimeters of urine were pass through the diaper and extract diaper urine (DU) with 50 mL of 50 g/L calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solution. The DU extract was measured calcium ion using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Then 10 mL aliquot of extracted DU along with normal individual urine (U) were acidified to pH 5.0, hydrolyzed with β-glucuronidase, and clean up the extract using solid phase extraction (C18 OH). Ten OHPAH metabolites (2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-OHNap), 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-OHNap),
2+3-hydroxyfluorene (2+3-OHFlu), 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (3-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe),
1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPhe), 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OHPhe) and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP)) were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FLD) with deuterated internal standards (1-OHP-d9 and 1-OHNap-d7) to ensure accuracy.
The detected OHPAHs concentrations of DU and U were compared and discussed.

Results

We found that the recovery rates of OHPAH metabolites from DU compared to U ranged from approximately 34 to 94%, with the highest recoveries observed for 4-OHPhe (94%) and 1-OHPhe (92%), followed by 1-OHP (87%), 2-OHPhe (68%), 2+3-OHFlu (47%), 3-OHPhe (41%), 2-OHNap (40%), 9-OHPhe (36%), and 1-OHNap (34%).

Conclusions

This study developed and validated a method for detecting OHPAH metabolites in infant diaper urine, with recovery rates ranging from 34% to 94%. Lower recoveries for some metabolites suggest losses during extraction from diaper, and interference of high calcium levels in diaper-extracted urine with enzymatic hydrolysis. Further study is warranted to address these challenges.

Chilli powder, a widely used spice, is commonly contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs) posing significant health risks. AFs, particularly Aflatoxin B1, a highly carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species and pose serious health risks, especially in agricultural commodities like chilli, where contamination must be closely monitored. Traditional detection methods such as direct chromatographical analysis using HPLC often face challenges due to the complex matrix of chilli powder. Due to the lack of a validated method for the direct detection AFs in chilli powder, it was essential to develop one for effective monitoring and to support trade. In this study, we established and validated a sensitive, accurate, and precise analytical method capable of detecting AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in chilli powder. The optimized sample preparation involved QuEChERS method followed by analysis through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). This direct analysis provided the quantification limits (LOQs) of 0.25 ng/g for each AF well below the maximum levels set by the European Commission. Recoveries at and above the LOQ levels les in range of 80-108%, with RSD below 8%. The QuEChERS extraction protocol compared with the Immuno affinity clean up. Market sample analysis showed AFB1 levels with precision RSDs below 6%. Given its high efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards, this method is suitable for routine AF and OTA testing in chilli powder.

Introduction:
Azo dyes are widely used in textile industry processes. Due to their persistent and recalcitrant nature, they are classified as xenobiotic compounds resistant to biodegradation. However, recent studies suggest that under specific environmental conditions, certain microorganisms can transform these toxic dyes into colorless, non-toxic compounds or even achieve complete mineralization. This study investigates the biodegradation efficiency of a newly isolated Paramecium species in azo dye-contaminated industrial wastewater.

Methods:
A Paramecium strain was isolated from industrial wastewater and identified as P. jenningsi via 18S rRNA sequencing (NCBI Accession No. MZ540265). Growth optimization was conducted at varying pH (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, and 8.5) and temperatures (20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C). Under optimum conditions, P. jenningsi was exposed to 20 ppm Dianix Yellow Brown (DYB) azo dye for 30 days. Growth kinetics, morphological changes, and vacuole activity were monitored to assess physiological responses. DYB decolorization was measured using a UV spectrophotometer at 260 nm over 0, 48, 96, and 144 hours. FTIR was used to assess functional group changes, and GC-MS was used to identify dye-degradation metabolites.

Results:
Under optimum pH 7.0 and 25°C, P. jenningsi exhibited distinct growth phases, with a 26-fold increase in growth by day 14 in 20 ppm DYB compared to the control. However, reductions in mitosis, motility, and vacuole activity indicated mild DYB toxicity. By 144 hours, 85.43% DYB decolorization was observed. FTIR revealed the loss of azo (-N=N) and amine (C-N) groups, alongside the formation of hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (-C=O) groups, indicating dye transformation. GC-MS profiling suggested a two-step degradation: by day 4, formation of 4-tert-butylaniline, N-trimethylsilyl, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate indicated azo bond cleavage; by day 8, pentacosane, octacosane, and eicosane suggested further DYB breakdown into less toxic compounds.

Conclusions:
This study highlights P. jenningsi as a promising tool for the bioremediation of azo dye-contaminated wastewater.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a novel group of synthetic chemicals that are widely used in household and industrial products. PFAS are known to be environmentally persistent, characterized by having longer biological half-lives due to their carbon backbone with fluorine atoms. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA, C9HF17O2) is an example of a long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acid. As the potential toxicity of several long-chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on aquatic species is not well understood, we assessed the effects of long-chain PFNA exposure on developing zebrafish. Several zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to PFNA over a 7-day period post-fertilization. Upon exposure termination, we measured sublethal toxicity effects in relation to locomotor behavior, apoptosis levels, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress (ROS), hatch rate, deformity rate, and survival rate. There was no evidence for ROS induction in 7-day-old larvae fish exposed from 0.1-1000 μg/L. In regard to developmental endpoints, PFNA did not significantly affect the hatch, survival, and deformity rate in comparison to the controls at the concentrations tested. However, PFNA induced hypoactivity of zebrafish larvae at concentrations of 0.1,10, and 1000 μg/L. PFNA was also observed to increase apoptosis in the 0.1 μg/L concentration. PFNA did not have any effect on transcript levels of genes related to apoptosis and neurotoxicity. As such, RNA-seq is being conducted to elucidate potential mechanisms of toxicity and this will be discussed. These data further our understanding of sublethal toxicity data for PFNA in zebrafish, helping to further contribute to toxicological risk assessments for PFAS