The Age of Chemicals in the 21st Century

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol F. Kwiatkowski
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Exposure Routes

Chapter 1 profiles the history, exposure routes, and health effects of chemicals in categories such as pesticides, solvents, flame retardants, plastics, and antimicrobials. Human exposure to low concentrations of chemicals, prenatal and childhood exposures, and effects on the endocrine system are highlighted. The goal is to raise awareness about the wide range of chemicals humans encounter on a daily basis. Medical professionals are urged to use this information to educate patients, and governments are called on to adopt new regulatory approaches to protect public health.

scholarly journals Organophosphate Esters in China: Fate, Occurrence, and Human Exposure

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 310
Author(s):  
Zhihui Hu ◽  
Lingshi Yin ◽  
Xiaofeng Wen ◽  
Changbo Jiang ◽  
Yuannan Long ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Organophosphate Esters ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Exposure Routes ◽  
Dust Ingestion

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers. OPEs have been released into various environments (e.g., water, sediments, dust and air, and soil). To investigate the occurrence and distribution of OPEs in various environments in China, this review collects and discusses the published scientific studies in this field. Chlorinated OPEs, as flame retardants, are the predominant OPEs found in the environment. The analysis of data revealed large concentration variations among microenvironments, including inflowing river water (range: 0.69–10.62 µgL−1), sediments (range: 0.0197–0.234 µg/g), dust (range: 8.706–34.872 µg/g), and open recycling sites’ soil (range: 0.122–2.1 µg/g). Moreover, OPEs can be detected in the air and biota. We highlight the overall view regarding environmental levels of OPEs in different matrices as a starting point to monitor trends for China. The levels of OPEs in the water, sediment, dust, and air of China are still low. However, dust samples from electronic waste workshop sites were more contaminated. Human activities, pesticides, electronics, furniture, paint, plastics and textiles, and wastewater plants are the dominant sources of OPEs. Human exposure routes to OPEs mainly include dermal contact, dust ingestion, inhalation, and dietary intake. The low level of ecological risk and risk to human health indicated a limited threat from OPEs. Furthermore, current challenges and perspectives for future studies are prospected. A criteria inventory of OPEs reflecting the levels of OPEs contamination association among different microenvironments, emerging OPEs, and potential impact of OPEs on human health, particularly for children are needed in China for better investigation.

Endocrine disruptors

2011 ◽  
pp. 54-60
Author(s):  
George Creatsas ◽  
George Mastorakos
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Natural Plant ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Risks ◽  
Chemical Wastes

During the past 50 years, there has been a huge increase in the number of chemical substances used worldwide as plasticizers, pesticides, detergents, paints, metal food cans, flame retardants, cosmetics, and chemical wastes, which exhibit the potential to interfere with the endocrine system of humans and animals. In addition, it has been found that many natural plant products have the same features (i.e. phyto-oestrogens). The public health risks related to these substances have raised reasonable concerns. Thus, the so-called endocrine disruptors have become the target of major scientific research.

scholarly journals Endocrine-Disrupting Air Pollutants and Their Effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 9191
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Plunk ◽  
Sean M. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Hpg Axis ◽  
Subsequent Fertility ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Receptor Interactions ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Exposure Routes ◽  
Cadmium And Lead

Anthropogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can contaminate air, soil, and water. Human exposures to EDCs occur through inhalation, absorption, and ingestion. EDCs act by disrupting various pathways in the endocrine system. When the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis is disrupted by EDCs, there can be effects on fertility in both men and women. Not only can fertility be indirectly affected by EDC disruptions of the HPG axis, but EDCs can also directly affect the menstrual cycle and sperm morphology. In this review, we will discuss the current findings on EDCs that can be inhaled. This review examines effects of exposure to prominent EDCs: brominated and organophosphate flame retardants, diesel exhaust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium and lead, TCDD, and polychlorinated biphenyls on fertility through alterations that disrupt the HPG axis and fertility through inhalation. Although the studies included herein include multiple exposure routes, all the studies indicate receptor interactions that can occur from inhalation and the associated effects of all compounds on the HPG axis and subsequent fertility.

scholarly journals Can probiotics win the battle against environmental endocrine disruptors?

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 565-580
Author(s):  
Çiğdem Sevim ◽  
Mehtap Kara
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Environmental Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Exposure Routes

Compounds that have negative effects on the endocrine system are called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). There are several different types of compounds, with several different usage areas in the environment, which can be classified as EDCs. These chemicals have a wide range of negative health effects in organisms, depending on their target hormone system. EDCs are among the most popular topics of scientific research, as they are widely used and organisms are frequently exposed to these chemicals. There are various exposure routes for EDCs, such as oral, inhalation and dermal exposure. Parabens, phenolic compounds, phthalates, and pesticides are the most common EDCs. Nowadays, intestinal microorganism distribution, probiotics, and food supplements that regulate these microorganisms and their protective effects against various harmful chemicals attract attention. For this reason, many studies have been carried out in this field and certain diet schemes have been created according to the results of these studies. In fact, probiotics are preferred in order to reduce and eliminate the negative effects of harmful chemicals and to ensure that the organism reacts strongly in these conditions. In this review, we will focus on EDCs, their health effects and positive effects of probiotics on EDCs exposure conditions.

Socio-demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patient with Thyroid Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
AKM Farhad Hossain ◽  
Md Mahmudur Rahman Siddiqui ◽  
Sayada Fatema Khatun
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Follicular Carcinoma ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease in endocrine system. It is an emerging public health issue associated with burden on the family, community and the nation. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patient with thyroid cancer attending in tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 246 thyroid cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals of Dhaka city from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. The subjects were selected purposively following specific selection criteria and maintaining ethical issues. Data were collected by face to face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist. Data were analyzed by the statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 23. Results: This study revealed that majority (74.4%) of respondents was female, married (72%), housewife (61.4%), rural respondent (41.1%) and had primary education (69%). Mean (± SD) age of the respondent was 37.85(±12.20) years (Range 14-70 years) and mean (± SD) monthly family income was Tk. 17681(±10602). Out of 246 cases, 204 (82.9%) was papillary and 42 (17.1%) was follicular carcinoma. Various clinical presentations included visible neck swelling in 225 (91.5%), swollen lymph node in 103 (41.9%), pain 90 (36.6%), Difficulties in swallowing 87 (35.4%), Hoarseness of voice in 141 (57.3%), cough along with swelling 47(19.1%), Difficulties in breathing due to swelling in 13(5.3%) of the patients. Conclusion: Incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide specially in female patients in 3rd and 4th decades of life. As thyroid cancer is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, proper screening and early diagnostic facilities at all level should be available to measure its actual burden in the country. Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 11, No. 1: Jan 2020, P 54-58

Uncertainties Associated with Assessing the Risk of an Endocrine Active Substance in the Canadian Environment

2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Servos ◽  
Don Bennie ◽  
Kent Burnison ◽  
Philippa Cureton ◽  
Nicol Davidson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Problem Formulation ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Weight Of Evidence ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Multigenerational Effects

Abstract A number of biological responses and multigenerational effects, mediated through the disruption of endocrine systems, have been observed in biota exposed to relatively low concentrations of environmental contaminants. These types of responses need to be considered within a weight of evidence approach in our risk assessment and risk management frameworks. However, including endocrine responses in an environmental risk assessment introduces a number of uncertainties that must be considered. A risk assessment of nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NP/NPE) is used as a case study to demonstrate the sources and magnitude of some of the uncertainties associated with using endocrine disruption as an assessment endpoint. Even with this relatively well studied group of substances, there are substantial knowledge gaps which contribute to the overall uncertainties, limiting the interpretation within the risk assessment. The uncertainty of extrapolating from in vitro or biochemical responses to higher levels of organization or across species is not well understood. The endocrine system is very complex and chemicals can interact or interfere with the normal function of endocrine systems in a number of ways (e.g., receptors, hormones) which may or may not result in an adverse responses in the whole organism. Using endocrine responses can lead to different conclusions than traditional endpoints due to a variety of factors, such as differences in relative potencies of chemicals for specific endpoints (e.g., receptor binding versus chronic toxicity). The uncertainties can also be considerably larger and the desirability of using endocrine endpoints should be carefully evaluated. Endocrine disruption is a mode of action and not a functional endpoint and this needs to be considered carefully in the problem formulation stage and the interpretation of the weight of evidence.

Antimicrobial Peptides - Small but Mighty Weapons for Plants to Fight Phytopathogens

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 720-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaushik Das ◽  
Karabi Datta ◽  
Subhasis Karmakar ◽  
Swapan K. Datta
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Durable Resistance ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Defense System ◽  
Biotechnological Potential ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vital Component ◽  
Pathogen Entry

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have diverse structures, varied modes of actions, and can inhibit the growth of a wide range of pathogens at low concentrations. Plants are constantly under attack by a wide range of phytopathogens causing massive yield losses worldwide. To combat these pathogens, nature has armed plants with a battery of defense responses including Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These peptides form a vital component of the two-tier plant defense system. They are constitutively expressed as part of the pre-existing first line of defense against pathogen entry. When a pathogen overcomes this barrier, it faces the inducible defense system, which responds to specific molecular or effector patterns by launching an arsenal of defense responses including the production of AMPs. This review emphasizes the structural and functional aspects of different plant-derived AMPs, their homology with AMPs from other organisms, and how their biotechnological potential could generate durable resistance in a wide range of crops against different classes of phytopathogens in an environmentally friendly way without phenotypic cost.

The Influence of Ultra-Low Concentrations of Potassium Anphen on the Bioenergetic Characteristics of Mitochondria

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 537-542
Author(s):  
Zhigacheva Irina ◽  
Volodkin Aleksandr ◽  
Rasulov Maksud
Keyword(s):  
Functional State ◽  
Membrane Lipids ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Dose Dependence ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Mitochondrial Membranes ◽  
Oxidation Rates ◽  
Pea Seedlings ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Wide Range

Background: One of the main sources of ROS in stress conditions is the mitochondria. Excessive generation of ROS leads to oxidation of thiol groups of proteins, peroxidation of membrane lipids and swelling of the mitochondria. In this regard, there is a need to search for preparationsadaptogens that increase the body's resistance to stress factors. Perhaps, antioxidants can serve as such adaptogens. This work aims at studying the effect of antioxidant; the potassium anphen in a wide range of concentrations on the functional state of 6 day etiolated pea seedlings mitochondria (Pisum sativum L). Methods: The functional state of mitochondria was studied per rates of mitochondria respiration, by the level of lipid peroxidation and study of fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes by chromatography technique. Results: Potassium anphen in concentrations of 10-5 - 10-8 M and 10-13-10-16 prevented the activation of LPO in the mitochondrial membranes of pea seedlings, increased the oxidation rates of NAD-dependent substrates and succinate in the respiratory chain of mitochondria that probably pointed to the anti-stress properties of the drug. Indeed, the treatment of pea seeds with the preparation in concentrations of 10-13 M prevented the inhibition of growth of seedlings in conditions of water deficiency. Conclusion: It is assumed that the dose dependence of the biological effects of potassium anphen and the manifestation of these effects in ultra-low concentrations are due to its ability in water solutions to form a hydrate containing molecular ensembles (structures).

Occupational and Environmental Health

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Environmental Sciences ◽  
Wide Range

This thoroughly updated seventh edition is a comprehensive, clearly written, and practical textbook that includes information on both occupational health and environmental health, providing the necessary foundation for recognizing and preventing work-related and environmentally induced diseases and injuries. National and international experts share their knowledge and practical experience in addressing a wide range of issues and evolving challenges in their fields. A multidisciplinary approach makes this an ideal textbook for students and practitioners in public health, occupational and environmental medicine, occupational health nursing, epidemiology, toxicology, occupational and environmental hygiene, safety, ergonomics, environmental sciences, and other fields. Comprehensive coverage provides a clear understanding of occupational and environmental health and its relationships to public health, environmental sciences, and government policy. Practical case studies demonstrate how to apply the basic principles of occupational and environmental health to real-world challenges. Numerous tables, graphs, and photographs reinforce key concepts. Annotated Further Reading sections at the end of chapters provide avenues for obtaining further infomation. This new edition of the book is thoroughly updated and also contains new chapters on climate change, children’s environmental health, liver disorders, kidney disorders, and a global perspective on occupational health and safety.

Modernism and American Ballet

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Harris
Keyword(s):  
Mass Culture ◽  
American Culture ◽  
Modern Dance ◽  
The Political ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Political Economic

This chapter explores the international and interdisciplinary backdrop of Lincoln Kirstein’s efforts to form an American ballet in the early 1930s. The political, economic, and cultural conditions of the Depression reinvigorated the search for an “American” culture. In this context, new openings for a modernist theory of ballet were created as intellectuals and artists from a wide range of disciplines endeavored to define the role of the arts in protecting against the dangerous effects of mass culture. Chapter 1 sheds new light on well-known critical debates in dance history between Kirstein and John Martin over whether ballet, with its European roots, could truly become “American” in contrast to modern dance. Was American dance going to be conceived in nationalist or transnationalist terms? That was the deeper conflict that underlay the ballet vs. modern dance debates of the early 1930s.

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