Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been associated with higher odds of obesity, whereas vitamin D has been suggested to be inversely associated with obesity. However, whether vitamin D modifies the association between BPA exposure and obesity, and the underlying biological mechanisms, remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the potential moderating role of vitamin D in the association between BPA exposure and obesity, and to explore possible underlying pathways. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 8,327 adults from NHANES 2003–2016. Effect modification of vitamin D on the BPA-obesity association was evaluated. From an obesity-oriented perspective, BPA- and vitamin D-related genes were retrieved from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), integrated across multiple biological levels, and mediation analyses were applied to examine potential pathways linking BPA, vitamin D, and obesity. Elevated BPA levels were associated with higher odds of obesity (OR = 1.066, 95
Epidemiological evidence between exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) and adverse birth outcomes remains inconsistent. We examined the associations between maternal exposure to elevated THM concentration in drinking water during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW), and small-for-gestational age (SGA). We analysed population-based data of 134,966 singleton livebirths recorded across 25 local government areas (LGAs) between 2009 and 2020 using the Queensland Perinatal Data Collection, water quality monitoring data, meteorological data, and Australian Bureau of Statistics records. Maternal exposure to elevated THM exceeding thresholds of ≥ 250, ≥100, ≥ 80, and ≥ 70 µg/L was defined using monthly total THM concentrations. We applied Generalized Estimating Equation models to examine exposure-outcome associations. Overall, 6.8
A detailed geochemical assessment from Ennure Creek was conducted to evaluate metal distribution, ecological risk, and potential human health impacts. Textural analysis revealed a higher influence of winnowing closer to the sea, with sand-dominated nearshore, while finer sediments were enriched farther from the coast, particularly near industrial areas. Oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, and Na2O dominated all cores, whereas elevated Zn and Ba were detected in coastal cores, and higher concentrations of Ba, Zr, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, and Cu were observed in cores closer to industrial sources. Machine learning-assisted statistical analysis indicated that sediment geochemistry is primarily controlled by grain size, mineralogical composition, and depositional environment, with fine-grained sediments acting as primary sinks for trace metals. Distinct clusters separated quartz-rich, metal-poor sandy sediments from clay rich, metal-enriched sediments, with transitional zones reflecting potential anthropogenic influence. Ecological risk assessment identified elevated risk in cores influenced by industrial inputs, particularly from Zn, which may become highly bioavailable under changing geochemical conditions. Health risk assessment suggested that 85
The foraging of macrofungi from forests for local consumption has not changed throughout human history and across cultures. Carpophores of B. edulis were investigated on the occurrence and association of Se, THg and o-Hg, the effects of culinary braising and compounds intake assessment in the light of exposure and risk assessment procedures used in food and environmental toxicology. The porcine carpophores were collected from a forest surrounded with a rural and agricultural landscape, mainly nearby meadows. Overall, braised and crude (fresh) porcini carpophores at various stages of maturity can be considered to be high in Se. The apparent net “enrichment” with Se in braised porcini compared to the crude product was + 55
Lead (Pb) is a neurotoxin linked to aggression, while alcohol consumption, a major public health concern in South Africa, may also increase aggressive behaviour. This study examined associations between blood Pb levels and aggression in adults, and whether alcohol modified this relationship. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 adults, living at varying distances from gold mine tailings in Gauteng. Blood Pb were log-transformed and examined in relation to environmental exposures (proximity to roads and mine tailings), behavioural factors (smoking, soil ingestion), and soil Pb levels. Alcohol consumption was categorised as none, 1–4 drinks and ≥ 5 drinks per occasion (heavy episodic drinking). Aggression was measured using the 29-item Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), including anger, hostility, verbal, and physical aggression. Linear regression models were estimated for each aggression outcome, adjusting for age, alcohol use, blood Pb, and interactions between blood Pb and alcohol. Mean blood Pb was 2.4 ± 1.8 µg/dL (range 0.5–12.2 µg/dL), with 9.7
