Background: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) shows marked and persistent spatial variation, suggesting a role for environmental determinants. Agricultural environments have been proposed as potential contributors, but their role in shaping IBD spatial patterns remains poorly quantified. We investigated whether municipal-level indicators of agricultural land use, pesticide purchases, and soil trace element enrichment were associated with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) incidence in northern France. Methods: We conducted a population-based ecological study in the EPIMAD registry area, covering about 6 million inhabitants in northern France. Incident CD and UC cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 were aggregated at the municipality level and analysed using hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal Poisson models. Environmental indicators were derived from national databases, aggregated at municipal level, and summarised into composite scores. Associations are reported as relative risks (RRs) per 1-SD increase with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Findings: 9 019 CD and 5 789 UC cases were included. Spatial heterogeneity was substantial and stable over time for both diseases. For CD, a higher Crops Score, reflecting a greater municipal share of input-intensive crops, was associated with higher incidence (RR 1·08, 95% CrI 1·05–1·11) and explained 16·5% of spatial variance. A higher soil Trace Elements Score was also associated with CD incidence (RR 1·13, 95% CrI 1·05–1·22), explaining 11·8% of spatial variance. Municipal purchases of growth regulators (RR 1·05, 95% CrI 1·02–1·09) and herbicides (RR 1·04, 95% CrI 1·01–1·08) were positively associated with CD incidence. Associations with UC were weaker and accounted for little spatial heterogeneity. Interpretation: Long-term environmental pressures related to intensive agricultural systems may contribute to CD geography. However, the ecological design limits individual-level causal inference, underscoring the need for studies integrating individual exposure assessment, biomonitoring, and mechanistic approaches.

Background:Despite France's universal healthcare system, significant geographic disparities in the incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) persist. We hypothesized that social deprivation is a major driver of these spatial variations, independent of healthcare access and clinical risk factors, and that its contribution is stable over time. Methods:We conducted an ecological study including 102 226 incident ESKD cases across 34 830 municipalities in metropolitan France from 2012 to 2021, using data from the national REIN (Renal Epidemiology and Information Network) registry. A Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model was used to estimate the association between ESKD incidence and ecological-level covariates: social deprivation [measured by the French European Deprivation Index (EDI)], diabetes prevalence, dialysis center accessibility and long-term exposure to PM2.5 (fine particulate matter, ≤2.5 µm in diameter). We estimated the population-attributable fraction of ESKD incidence for each factor under various counterfactual scenarios. Results:Social deprivation was strongly associated with ESKD incidence [relative risk per 1 standard deviation increase in EDI: 1.10 (95% credible interval 1.09-1.11)] and explained 34.7% of its spatial variability. The association was only partially mediated by diabetes prevalence [mediation proportion: 15.3% (95% confidence interval 12.5-18.2)]. The model incorporating all covariates explained 49.9% of the observed spatial heterogeneity. The effect of social deprivation remained consistent over time. Reducing deprivation in the most disadvantaged areas to the levels of the 5th, 25th and 50th percentiles of less deprived areas could have prevented an estimated 23 092, 17 450 and 13 601 ESKD cases, respectively, over the study period. Conclusions:Social deprivation is the leading ecological determinant of spatial disparities in ESKD incidence in France, with limited mediation by clinical factors and persistent effects despite universal healthcare. These findings underscore the need to address social determinants of health and to adapt kidney care delivery models to better reach socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Abstract Background Crohn's Disease (CD) is a chronic intestinal disease with an unclear etiology and suspected environmental risk factors. The CROPS (CROhn’s disease and Pollution of Soils) project was initiated in Northern France to investigate links between the high incidence of CD and environmental pollutants. In this context, we combined data of a population-based registry of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with environmental sampling data to identify the environmental profile of multi-contamination associated with high incidence. Methods This ecological study was conducted at the municipal level within the coverage area of the registry in Northern France. All patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 were included (n=9,019). Spatial clusters of significantly high (n=4) and low (n=4) CD incidence, adjusted for age and sex, were identified based on patients' residence addresses at diagnosis. Within these clusters, environmental sampling was performed across 240 sites using a hexagonal grid to ensure 30 samples per cluster. A total of 490 parameters were analyzed: 306 in soil (including emerging pollutants such as hormones and antibiotics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], heavy metals, and pesticides), 152 in tap water (examining heavy metals and PAHs), and 30 in lichens (assessing heavy metals as indicators of air quality). Multi-contamination indices, such as the Mean Impregnation Ratio (MIR) and Pollution Index, were applied. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests. Results High-incidence clusters, predominantly agricultural, had elevated heavy metal concentrations in soil (notably chromium, arsenic, zinc, and nickel), sulfadiazine in soils, high nitrate levels in water, and heavy metals in lichens. Low-incidence clusters, with greater urbanization, showed elevated PAHs in soil, heavy metals in water, and BPA in soils. Pollution profiles aligned with different land covers, with significant findings for agricultural lands (p<0.0001). A positive correlation between the relative risk and soil’s MIR for heavy metals in agricultural zones was noted (r=0.557, p=0.005). Conclusion These findings suggest a possible link between high CD incidence and heavy metal exposure in agricultural lands. Profiles of pollution were created for each cluster. Future studies should expand on pesticide and agricultural pollutant analysis to strengthen this hypothesis, and consider individual-level epidemiological approaches to further elucidate these potential environmental risk factors.

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) with complex and multifactorial etiologies. Genetic factors have been identified but cannot fully account for disease incidence. Spatial heterogeneity in IBD incidence has been reported across various countries and scales, suggesting a significant influence of environmental factors. Leveraging the population-based EPIMAD registry in northern France (6 million inhabitants), this study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of CD and UC incidence and identify potential environmental risk factors at a territorial level. Methods This ecological study was conducted at the municipal level across 3,041 municipalities within the EPIMAD registry's area for the period 2000-2017. Incident cases included 9,019 CD and 5,789 UC patients. Spatio-temporal age- and sex-standardized incidence ratios were modeled using Bayesian hierarchical models. An inventory of open-access environmental data sources identified 128 datasets, 19 of which were selected to generate 112 indicators at the municipal level. These indicators included contamination levels (air, water, soil), proximity to emission sources (e.g., industrial sites), land use, agricultural practices, natural features, and climate. Ecological regressions were used to explore associations between environmental indicators and incidence. Results Significant spatial disparities in CD and UC incidence were observed, remaining stable over time (Figure 1). For both CD and UC, associations were found with certain types of crops (e.g., sugar beets, barley, wheat, flax, and potatoes) and several metals in soil (e.g., molybdenum, nickel). Associations were more pronounced for CD, including strong links with pesticide use indicators (growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides) and soil contamination by other metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and thallium. For UC, a unique association was observed with soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), while no significant association with pesticide use was found. Conclusion These findings highlight a relationship between IBD incidence and agricultural practices, providing new insights to the existing literature. Multivariate approaches should be employed to better describe environmental exposure profiles. Additionally, individual-level epidemiological studies are needed to confirm and expand upon these results.

BackgroundLittle is known about the effect of combined exposure to different air pollutants on mortality in dialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the association of multiple exposures to air pollutants with all-cause and cause-specific death in dialysis patients.Materials and methodsThis registry-based nationwide cohort study included 90,373 adult kidney failure patients initiating maintenance dialysis between 2012 and 2020 identified from the French REIN registry. Estimated mean annual municipality levels of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 between 2009 and 2020 were combined in different composite air pollution scores to estimate each participant’s exposure at the residential place one to 3 years before dialysis initiation. Adjusted cause-specific Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) per interquartile range (IQR) greater air pollution score. Effect measure modification was assessed for age, sex, dialysis care model, and baseline comorbidities.ResultsHigher levels of the main air pollution score were associated with a greater rate of all-cause deaths (HR, 1.082 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.057–1.104] per IQR increase), regardless of the exposure lag. This association was also confirmed in cause-specific analyses, most markedly for infectious mortality (HR, 1.686 [95% CI, 1.470–1.933]). Sensitivity analyses with alternative composite air pollution scores showed consistent findings. Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly stronger association among women and fewer comorbid patients.DiscussionLong-term multiple air pollutant exposure is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among patients receiving maintenance dialysis, suggesting that air pollution may be a significant contributor to the increasing trend of CKD-attributable mortality worldwide.

Water can be dynamically over-compressed well into the stability field of ice VII. Whether water then transforms into ice VII, vitreous ice or a metastable novel crystalline phase remained uncertain. We report here the freezing of over-compressed water to ice VII by time-resolved X-ray diffraction. Quasi-isothermal dynamic compression paths are achieved using a dynamic-piezo-Diamond-Anvil-Cell, with programmable pressure rise time from 0.1 ms to 100 ms. By combining the present data set with those obtained on various ns-dynamical platforms, a complete evolution of the solidification pressure of metastable water versus the compression rate is rationalized within the classical nucleation theory framework. Also, when crystallization into ice VII occurs in between 1.6 GPa and 2.0 GPa, that is in the stability field of ice VI, a structural evolution over few ms is then observed into a mixture of ice VI and ice VII that seems to resolve apparent contradictions between previous results. Metastable water, when dynamically over-compressed, freezes into ice VII. Here the authors present a dynamic diamond anvil cell (d-DAC) study that unifies data acquired across multiple platforms, explaining the solidification pressure evolution under varying compression rates using classical nucleation theory.

The environmental health research carried out on a broad scale does not provide decision-makers with tools for managing environmental and social inequalities in health on a fine scale. The goal of the present study was to develop a method for neighborhood-level territorial diagnosis that decision-makers can use to incorporate health issues into their planning policies. The primary objective was to analyze composite spatial vulnerability and resilience indices in the Lille metropolitan area in northern France. The secondary objective was to refine these results by taking account of neighborhood-level characteristics. The study highlights the interest of transdisciplinary research and collaboration with local experts to effectively evaluate and address environmental health issue (more than 30 experts gathered and 12 thematic workshops organized). The results showed that the proposed method allows for the comparison of neighborhoods; however, certain specificities may be underestimated. The real importance of certain variables linked to specific contexts can be minimized, which can distort our understanding of the challenges these neighborhoods face. Analyzing the environmental and social inequalities in health in the metropolitan area's center vs. its belt made it possible to take better account of the characteristics of the areas studied.

Les particules diesel, les hydrocarbures polycycliques et les particules fines sont classés cancérigènes pour le poumon par le CIRC. Ce mécanisme d'oncogenèse reste mal connu. Des données récentes suggèrent que les particules fines jouent le rôle de promoteur des tumeurs avec mutation EGFR [1]. L'objectif de notre étude est d'étudier le lien entre l'exposition aux polluants, aux radiations ionisantes et les altérations moléculaires et le statut PD-L1 des cancers bronchiques non à petites cellules (CBNPC). La cohorte KBP-2020 est une étude observationnelle multicentrique ayant inclus tous les patients avec un diagnostic de cancer du poumon en 2020. Seuls les patients atteints d'un CBNPC non épidermoïde dont le lieu de résidence était correctement rempli et situé en France métropolitaine ont été inclus dans cette analyse. Les niveaux d'exposition moyenne au cours des 20 dernières années aux polluants suivants ont été segmentés en quartiles : PM2,5, PM10, NO2, O3, rayonnements telluriques et cosmiques. L'exposition au radon a été segmentée selon les trois classes de l'IRSN. Les résultats étaient ajustés sur le tabac, l'âge et le sexe. Ils sont exprimés en OR IC95 %. Au total 7006 cas de CBNPC non épidermoïdes ont été identifiés. Pour 2900 cas où la mutation EGFR avait été recherchée, il existait un lien significatif et linéaire entre la moyenne des concentrations en PM2,5 et la présence de la mutation EGFR (OR du 4e quartile vs 1er quartile : 2,34 p = 0,002). Il existait également une association significative entre mutation EGFR et moyenne des concentrations en NO2 (OR du 4e quartile vs 1er quartile : 2,21 p = 0,003). Pour l'O3, on observait une association inverse (OR : 0,53 p = 0,003). Les autres altérations moléculaires n'étaient pas associées aux facteurs environnementaux, en dehors de la présence de STK11 avec les moyennes de PM10 (OR : 1,63, p = 0,016). Aucun lien significatif n'a été retrouvé entre le statut PDL1 et les expositions environnementales. Un lieu d'habitation à haut potentiel d'exposition au radon n'était pas associé à la présence d'altérations moléculaires. Ces résultats démontrent l'association entre mutations EGFR et les PM2,5 et le NO2, indépendamment du tabagisme, alors qu'aucun lien n'est retrouvé pour les autres altérations touchant les drivers oncogéniques. Ils suggèrent que la lutte contre la pollution pourrait réduire la survenue de certains cancers du poumon.

Emerging pollutants derived from human and animal sources, are present in soils and pose significant environmental and health impacts, even at low concentrations. Their detection in soil is analytically complex due to soil interference and the rapid degradation of compounds in the matrix. In this study, a protocol was optimized for quantifying hormonal steroids (n = 7), human drugs (n = 3), and antibiotics (n = 3) by a dual-phase extraction using QuEChERS and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), followed by analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The double extraction phase allows an accurate and effective purification of the target compounds while eliminating the interference in the soil matrix. The method is optimized to detect environmental concentrations of these pollutants, to suit large-scale sampling campaigns and to maintain the efficiency of extraction while reducing analysis time. The limits of detection (LODs) of these compounds ranged between 0.0043 and 0.13 ng/g and recovery rates between 75.9 % and 105.39 %. • Enhanced Analyte Purification: Implements QuEChERS and SPE for robust removal of matrix interferences, optimizing target compound isolation. • Precision at Trace Levels: Secures LODs as minimal as 0.0043 ng/g, enabling accurate detection of low-concentration contaminants. • Adapted for Broad-scale sampling: Modifies extraction and analysis durations to accommodate large-scale environmental assessments.

Introduction L'adénocarcinome du pancréas (AP) est un cancer agressif dont l'incidence ne cesse d'augmenter en France. La cause de cette augmentation est mal comprise. L'exposition aux pesticides est une piste sous étudiée. Les objectifs étaient de : 1) cartographier le risque d'AP et 2) d’étudier l'association entre AP et exposition aux pesticides entre 2011 et 2021, en France à une fine échelle spatiale. Méthodes Cette étude épidémiologique écologique spatio-temporelle a couvert l'intégralité de la France métropolitaine, divisé en 5529 unités spatiales, entre 2011 et 2021. Le nombre de cas d'AP par an a été extrait du SNDS (PMSI), spatialisé via le code géographique PMSI et rendues inter-opérables avec les bases de population (Insee) et d'exposition aux pesticides. L'exposition aux pesticides a été estimée par la médiane du ratio entre l'achat de pesticide et la surface agricole par unité spatiale, sur la période d’étude. Neuf substances chimiques (dont le glyphosate) ont été incluses dans l’étude couvrant la moitié des achats nationaux sur la période, ainsi que la quantité cumulée de pesticides (toutes molécules confondues). Cette étude a utilisé un modèle de Poisson hiérarchique spatio-temporel Bayésien ajusté sur les maladies liées au tabac, l'accès aux soins et la pauvreté. Résultats Un total de 134 102 cas d'AP a été identifié, réparti en 5529 unités spatiales entre 2011 et 2021, concordantes avec les estimations de Santé publique France. Les zones de forte incidence d'AP étaient situées autour de Paris, dans le centre de la France et sur la côte méditerranéenne.L'exposition aux pesticides était associée à un risque augmenté d'AP sur la période de l’étude. La quantité cumulée de pesticide (RR : 1,0140; CI95% [1,0067; 1,0214]), le soufre en pulvérisation (RR : 1,0132; CI95% [1,0047; 1,0218], le mancozèbe (RR : 1,0107; CI95% [1,0026; 1,0164]), et le glyphosate (RR : 1,0095; CI95% [1,0026; 1,0164]) étaient associés à une augmentation du risque d'AP pour une hausse d'utilisation de 2,5kg de pesticides/hectare sur 11 ans, soit une augmentation du risque variant entre 0,9 et 1,4 %. Conclusion Cette étude est la première à cartographier le risque d'AP couvrant une nation, et à une échelle spatiale fine. Plusieurs substances étaient associées a un risque augmenté d'AP. Des travaux supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour étayer ces résultats.

Here we present the new experimental stations devoted to the studies of matter under extreme conditions at the X-ray absorption beamlines BM23 and ID24-DCM that were recently refurbished within the ESRF - Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS) upgrade program. In comparison with the stations before the EBS upgrade, they exhibit outstanding performances in terms of sample positioning capabilities, acceptance of multi-detection systems and complex sample environments. In addition, significant improvements regarding the photon flux and focusing capabilities down to the submicron size have been achieved. These stations are now coupled with the new ESRF double crystal monochromators that exhibit an exceptional beam position and energy stability and that permit quick micro-EXAFS measurements down to one EXAFS/second, and hyperspectral EXAFS mapping. In this contribution, we discuss the choices regarding the sample and detector stages and illustrate the potential of the new setups for extreme conditions studies based on selected preliminary results.

Assessing environmental exposure to pollution is a challenging task, and scientists often use distance-based or proximity indicators when field or modeled data are unavailable. Although buffers are commonly used to represent the impact of a pollution source on neighboring populations, they can result in high-exposure misclassification. Euclidean distance-based indicators offer a promising alternative, but practices vary significantly in the literature. In this study, we aimed to compare several distance-based indicators for multiple environmental contaminants in an industrial and urban area. At the population’s grid cell resolution of 200 × 200 m, we compared the distance to the closest source, the average or median distance to all sources, or a restricted number of nearby sources for six types of sources (industries, railways, rail areas, roadways, road crossings, and agricultural patches) against environmental contamination data (PM10, NO2, and multimetallic contamination in lichens). Our findings revealed that the representativeness of contamination by indicators is significantly affected by the type and number of nearby sources considered. Specifically, we found that considering the distance to the nearest source or the average distance to all sources can lead to exposure misclassifications. The optimal correlation between distance indicators and pollutant levels was observed when considering 10–14 of the closest industrial sources, located within a 4.9- to 5.5-km radius. For rail areas, the optimal number was two to three sources within a 5.4- to 7.4-km radius. For main roads, intersections, and railways, the optimal number of sources varied depending on the pollutant, generally falling within a 3- to 9.4-km radius. Environmental contamination is influenced by the diversity of nearby sources, and considering only one source increases the risk of misclassification. Our results suggest that proximity models are still appropriate for study areas where the etiology of existing health effects is unclear, providing an exploratory analysis before more sophisticated research.

Ozone exacerbates allergy symptoms to certain pollens. The molecular mechanisms by which ozone affects pollen grains (PGs) and allergies are not fully understood, especially as the effects of pollutants may vary depending on the type of pollen. In this work, pollens of 22 different taxa were exposed under laboratory conditions to ozone (100 ppb) to quantify the ozone uptake by the PGs. The ozone uptake was highly variable among the 22 taxa tested. The highest ozone uptake per PG was measured on Acer negundo PGs (2.5 & PLUSMN; 0.2 pg & BULL;PG-1). On average, tree pollens captured significantly more ozone than herbaceous pollens (average values of 0.5 and 0.02 pg & BULL;PG-1, respectively). No single parameter (such as the number of apertures, pollen season, pollen size, or lipid fraction) could predict a pollen's ability to take up ozone. Lipids seem to act as a barrier to ozone uptake and play a protective role for some taxa. After inhalation of PGs, pollen-transported ozone could be transferred to mucous membranes and exacerbate symptoms through oxidative stress and local inflammation. Although the amount of ozone transported is small in absolute terms, it is significant compared to the antioxidant capacity of nasal mucus at a microscale. This mechanism of pollen-induced oxidative stress could explain the aggravation of allergic symptoms during ozone pollution episodes.

Seismology finds that Earth's solid inner core behaves anisotropically. Interpretation of this requires a knowledge of crystalline elastic anisotropy of its constituents-the major phase being most likely ε-Fe, stable only under high pressure. Here, single crystals of this phase are synthesized, and its full elasticity tensor is measured between 15 and 33 GPa at 300 K. It is calculated under the same conditions, using the combination of density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory, which describes explicitly electronic correlation effects. The predictive power of this scheme is checked by comparison with measurements; it is then used to evaluate the crystalline anisotropy in ε-Fe under higher density. This anisotropy remains of the same amplitude up to densities typical of Earth's inner core.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can be found in the environment and have adverse effects on human health by mimicking, perturbing and blocking the function of hormones. They are commonly studied in water surfaces, rarely in soils, although it can be an important source of their presence in the environment. Their detection in soils is analytically challenging to quantify, hence the lack of known background concentrations found in the literature. This scientific research aimed to detect EDCs in soils by analyzing 240 soil samples using an optimized protocol of double extraction and analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The optimized protocol allowed for very sensitive detection of the targeted compounds. The results showed a high concentration of 29.391 ng/g of 17β-estradiol in soils and 47.16 ng/g for 17α-ethinylestradiol. Testosterone and Progesterone were detected at a highest of 1.02 and 6.58 ng/g, respectively. The ∑EDCs which included estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and Bisphenol A was found at an average of 22.72 ± 35.46 ng/g in the study area. The results of this campaign showed a heterogeneous geographic distribution of the EDCs compounds in the different zones of study. Additionally, the study conducted a comparison of the concentration of EDCs in different land covers including urban areas, agricultural lands, grasslands and forests. We observed a significant difference between forests and other land covers (p < 0.0001) for 17α-ethinylestradiol, estriol, and progesterone. This presence of EDCs in forest lands is not yet understood and requires further studies concerning its origins, its fate and its effect on human health. This study is the first large-scale sampling campaign targeting EDCs in soils in Europe and the second in the world. It is also the first to assess the concentrations of these compounds based on different land covers.

Under high pressures and temperatures, molecular systems with substantial polarization charges, such as ammonia and water, are predicted to form superionic phases and dense fluid states with dissociating molecules and high electrical conductivity. This behaviour potentially plays a role in explaining the origin of the multipolar magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune, whose mantles are thought to result from a mixture of H 2 O, NH 3 and CH 4 ices. Determining the stability domain, melting curve and electrical conductivity of these superionic phases is therefore crucial for modelling planetary interiors and dynamos. Here we report the melting curve of superionic ammonia up to 300 GPa from laser-driven shock compression of pre-compressed samples and atomistic calculations. We show that ammonia melts at lower temperatures than water above 100 GPa and that fluid ammonia’s electrical conductivity exceeds that of water at conditions predicted by hot, super-adiabatic models for Uranus and Neptune, and enhances the conductivity in their fluid water-rich dynamo layers.