Search Results (3,828)

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is unquestionably associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality worldwide, exerting significant adverse effects on respiratory health. The impact of tobacco persists in the epigenome long after smoking cessation. Furthermore, the offspring of smokers may also be affected by the detrimental effects of smoking. Material and methods: The modifications made to the body, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and regulation by non-coding RNAs, do not change the DNA sequence but can influence gene expression. In respiratory disease, multigenerational effects have been reported in humans, with an increased risk of asthma or COPD and decreased lung function in offspring, despite them not being exposed to smoke. Prenatal nicotine exposure leads to pulmonary pathology that persists across three consecutive generations, supported by animal studies conducted by Rehan et al. Significant advances in high-throughput genomic and epigenomic technologies have enabled the discovery of molecular phenotypes. These either reflect or are influenced by them. Due to the hidden environmental effects and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in biomedical research, new predictive models are emerging that not only explain complex data but also enable earlier detection and prevention of smoking-related diseases. In this narrative review, we synthesise the latest research on how smoking affects gene regulation and chromatin structure, emphasising how tobacco can increase vulnerability to multiple diseases. Discussion: For many years, it was widely believed that diseases are solely inherited through genetics. However, recent research in epigenetics has led to a significant realisation: environmental factors play a crucial role in an individual’s life. External influences leave a mark on DNA that can influence future health and offer insights into potential illnesses. In this context, it is possible that in the future, doctors might treat people not as a whole but as individual beings, with personalised medication, tests, and other approaches. Conclusions: The accumulated evidence suggests that exposure to various environmental factors is associated with multigenerational changes in gene expression patterns, which may contribute to increased disease risk. The application of artificial intelligence in this domain is currently a crucial tool for researching potential future health issues in individuals, and it holds a powerful prospect that could transform current medical and scientific practice. Full article

Sensor fusion is crucial in numerous imaging and sensing applications. Integrating data from multiple sensors with different field-of-view, resolution, and frame timing poses substantial computational overhead. Time-gated single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) image sensors have been developed to support multiple sensing modalities and mitigate this issue, but mismatched frame timing remains a challenge. Dual-time-gated SPAD image sensors, which can capture dual images simultaneously, have also been developed. However, the reported sensors suffered from medium-to-large pixel pitch, limited resolution, and inability to independently control the exposure time of the dual images, which restricts their applicability. In this paper, we introduce a 5 µm-pitch, 3D-backside-illuminated (BSI) 1Megapixel dual-time-gated SPAD image sensor enabling a simultaneous output of dual images. The developed SPAD image sensor is verified to operate as an RGB-Depth (RGB-D) sensor without complex image alignment. In addition, a novel high dynamic range (HDR) technique, utilizing pileup effect with two parallel in-pixel memories, is validated for dynamic range extension in 2D imaging, achieving a dynamic range of 119.5 dB. The proposed architecture provides dual image output with the same field-of-view, resolution, and frame timing, and is promising for efficient sensor fusion. Full article

Accurately mapping urban residents’ exposure to green space at high spatiotemporal resolutions is essential for assessing disparities and equality across blocks and enhancing urban environment planning. In this study, we developed a framework to generate hourly green space exposure maps at 0.5 m resolution using multiple sources of remote sensing data and an Object-Based Image Classification with Graph Convolutional Network (OBIC-GCN) model. Taking the main urban area in Nanjing city of China as the study area, we proposed a Dynamic Residential Green Space Exposure (DRGE) metric to reveal disparities in green space access across four housing price blocks. The Palma ratio was employed to explain the inequity characteristics of DRGE, while XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) and SHAP (SHapley Additive explanation) methods were utilized to explore the impacts of built environment factors on DRGE. We found that the difference in daytime and nighttime DRGE values was significant, with the DRGE value being higher after 6:00 compared to the night. Mean DRGE on weekends was about 1.5 times higher than on workdays, and the DRGE in high-priced blocks was about twice that in low-priced blocks. More than 68% of residents in high-priced blocks experienced over 8 h of green space exposure during weekend nighttime (especially around 19:00), which was much higher than low-price blocks. Moreover, spatial inequality in residents’ green space exposure was more pronounced on weekends than on workdays, with lower-priced blocks exhibiting greater inequality (Palma ratio: 0.445 vs. 0.385). Furthermore, green space morphology, quantity, and population density were identified as the critical factors affecting DRGE. The optimal threshold for Percent of Landscape (PLAND) was 25–70%, while building density, height, and Sky View Factor (SVF) were negatively correlated with DRGE. These findings address current research gaps by considering population mobility, capturing green space supply and demand inequities, and providing scientific decision-making support for future urban green space equality and planning. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogenic mycotoxin that impairs animal health and productivity, necessitating effective mitigation strategies in livestock production. This study evaluated the efficacy of the ZEN lactonase ZenA, an enzyme that converts ZEN to non-estrogenic hydrolyzed ZEN (HZEN) and decarboxylated HZEN (DHZEN). Broilers were fed either uncontaminated feed, feed contaminated with 1500 µg ZEN/kg, or ZEN-contaminated feed supplemented with 20 U ZenA/kg for 35 days. Piglets received 200 µg ZEN/kg feed, with or without 10 U ZenA/kg, for 43 days. ZEN biomarkers (ZEN, α-zearalenol, β-zearalenol, HZEN, and DHZEN) were quantified in plasma, urine, feces/excreta, and gastrointestinal contents using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. While performance parameters remained unaffected, ZenA supplementation significantly reduced ZEN concentrations (by 19.6–66.2%) in all matrices and at all time points in both species. In addition, significant formation of HZEN was observed in gastrointestinal samples. Thus, in the present study, ZenA efficiently degraded ZEN in both broilers and piglets. Biomarker analysis in multiple matrices provided complementary insights: gastrointestinal samples confirmed the enzyme’s mode of action, while plasma and urine data showed a marked reduction in systemic ZEN exposure. Finally, the results reinforce that performance parameters are insufficient for assessing the efficacy of mycotoxin-detoxifying feed additives and support biomarker-based evaluation approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication and are implicated in the neuropathogenesis of HIV-associated brain injury (HABI). However, their direct effects on glial cells, particularly in the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART), remain incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, we investigated how EVs from naïve, Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)-infected, and SIV-infected ART-treated rhesus macaques impact primary mixed glial cultures. Results: Through multiple, sequential applications mimicking chronic exposure, we found that EVs from SIV-infected animals significantly reduced glial expansion and induced a simplified, reactive astrocyte morphology indicative of neuroinflammatory stress. In contrast, EVs from naïve animals supported glial health. EVs derived from ART-treated animals provided partial protection from SIV-induced effects, yet still suppressed glial proliferation and failed to fully restore normal morphology. Furthermore, cytokine profiling revealed that both SIV and SIV + ART EVs induced a sustained proinflammatory secretory phenotype, characterized by elevated IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that systemically circulating EVs in SIV infection are potential drivers of glial dysfunction. The persistence of these pathogenic EV effects despite ART suggests a vesicle-mediated mechanism that may contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in virally suppressed individuals. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health concern. Although sex, smoking, and physical activity are recognized risk factors, their combined effects remain insufficiently studied, particularly among Asian populations. This study aimed to examine the associations of sex, cumulative smoking exposure, and physical activity with MetS among current smokers in Taiwan. Methods: Data were drawn from 15,385 participants recruited between 2013 and 2017 from a health screening center. Demographic characteristics, smoking status, physical activity levels, and biochemical data were analyzed. Mann–Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression were used to identify variables associated with MetS. Results: MetS prevalence differed significantly by sex, with rates of 13.6% in men and 5.1% in women. Women had a lower chance of developing MetS compared to men (OR = 0.607, 95% CI 0.488–0.754). Older age, higher body mass index, and greater cumulative smoking exposure (quantified using a composite ‘smoke area’ index derived from questionnaire data on smoking duration, frequency, and daily amount) were positively associated with MetS risk. Among smokers younger than 45 years, women also had significantly lower odds of MetS than men (OR = 0.590, 95% CI 0.451–0.771). Higher levels of physical activity were linked to reduced MetS risk in both sexes. Conclusions: Among current smokers, being female was inversely associated with the risk of MetS. Greater physical activity and lower smoking exposure were also associated with reduced risk. Future research should use longitudinal designs and comorbidities to clarify mechanisms and inform tailored prevention strategies. Full article

Background/objectives: Early literacy is widely promoted, yet its broader developmental benefits remain underexamined regarding key indicators of brain development. This study examines whether early literacy exposure in toddlerhood predicts motor skill development at the end of kindergarten. Methods: Participants comprised 1006 boys and 991 girls from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD) birth cohort. Early literacy stimulation was measured at age 2 years using parent reports of frequency of shared reading, looking at books or comics, and pre-writing activities such as scribbling and tracing. At age 6 years, child motor development was assessed by trained examiners. Sex-stratified multiple regression models were examined, adjusting for pre-existing and concurrent child and family characteristics. Results: Early literacy stimulation was significantly associated with better motor control skills among girls (β = 0.10, p < 0.05). For boys, a non-significant positive trend was observed for both motor and locomotion skills. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the lasting influence of early literacy stimulation and subsequent motor skills—particularly for girls who may receive less gross motor encouragement than boys. As such, promoting literacy-rich environments in toddlerhood is a family strategy to support healthy, confident, and active youth development. Full article

Background/Objectives: β-Carotene oxygenase-2 (BCO2) is a mitochondrial carotenoid-cleaving enzyme expressed in multiple tissues, including the lungs. While BCO2 regulates carotenoid handling, its role in shaping pulmonary immune architecture and antiviral responses is unknown. We hypothesized that BCO2 deficiency reprograms epithelial–innate circuits and alters antiviral outcomes. Methods: BCO2-knockout (KO) and C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice underwent lung single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), immunoblotting, and intranasal SARS-CoV-2 challenge to assess cell-type heterogeneity, pathway programs (by gene set variation analysis, GSVA), and antiviral responses. Results: scRNA-seq resolved 14 major lung cell populations with cell-type-specific pathway shifts. Compared with WT, BCO2 KO lungs showed increased conventional dendritic cells and natural killer (NK) cells, with reductions in macrophages, B cells, and endothelial cells. In KO alveolar type II cells, GSVA indicated a stress-adapted metabolic program. Ciliated epithelium exhibited vitamin-K-responsive and axoneme-remodeling signatures with attenuated glucocorticoid and very-low-density lipoprotein remodeling. Innate lymphoid type 2 cells favored fatty acid oxidation and chromatin dynamics with reduced mitochondrial activity. NK cells were biased toward constitutive chemokine/cytokine secretion and counter-inflammatory signaling. Immunoblotting confirmed the elevated level of interferon regulatory factor-3 protein in BCO2-KO lungs. Functionally, BCO2-KO mice had improved outcomes after intranasal SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Conclusions: Loss of BCO2 reconfigures the pulmonary immune landscape and enhances antiviral responsiveness in mice. These findings identify BCO2 as a nutrient-linked enzyme with immunomodulatory impact and highlight cell-state changes as candidate mechanisms for improved antiviral tolerance. Full article

The antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) is widely incorporated into tires to extend their service life. However, in the presence of ozone, it is readily transformed into N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-benzoquinone (6PPD-Q). Owing to the large-scale production and widespread utilization of rubber-related products, 6PPD-Q is continuously released into the environment with tire and road wear particles, becoming ubiquitous across multiple environmental compartments. It possesses bioaccumulation potential and exhibits significant toxicity, while multiple exposure pathways enable it to enter human body, posing risks to public health. This review summarizes the environmental distribution of 6PPD-Q in atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial systems, and examines key factors influencing its occurrence, including precipitation patterns, traffic characteristics, sunlight, and particle size. The toxicological effects of 6PPD-Q are also discussed. Based on these findings, a comprehensive management framework encompassing “source reduction—process regulation—end-of-pipe treatment” is proposed. Finally, current knowledge gaps are identified and future research directions are highlighted. Full article

Background: Skin aging is influenced by intrinsic factors such as genetics and cellular decline, and extrinsic factors including UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle. Cosmetic or over-the-counter retinoids, particularly retinal (retinaldehyde), have shown strong efficacy in reducing photoaging signs—such as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation—while offering improved tolerability compared to prescription-based retinoids like all-trans retinoic acid. However, their instability in formulations and limited bioavailability when applied topically remain major challenges. Objective: This exploratory study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel mix-activated anhydrous 0.1% retinal concentrate formulated also with hydrophilic active ingredients—N-acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide, ascorbic acid, and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide—in improving signs of skin aging over six weeks. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted with 27 healthy adults (24 female and 3 male, aged 40–69 years, 21 with skin phototype III and 6 with phototype II) exhibiting visible signs of photoaging. Participants applied the retinal concentrate once daily, mixed in a 1:2 ratio with a moisturizer before application. Objective skin parameters, including pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, volume, and pore visibility, were assessed using the Antera 3D imaging system at baseline and after six weeks. A self-evaluation questionnaire was completed at week six. Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05) and was corrected for multiple analyses. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all parameters: pigmentation (−12%, p < 0.0001), fine lines (−14%, p < 0.0001), wrinkle depth (−5%, p = 0.0045), skin texture (+12%, p < 0.0001), volume irregularities (−15%, p < 0.0001), and pore visibility (−24%, p < 0.0001). No significant change in redness was detected (p = 0.6664), indicating a good tolerability to the test product. Self-assessments reflected high user satisfaction: 81% reported improved skin appearance, 43% noted reduced need for makeup use, and 40% observed visible improvements already within two weeks. Conclusions: The anhydrous 0.1% retinal concentrate with hydrophilic actives significantly improved clinical signs of photoaging without causing irritation. The innovative mix-activated formulation stabilizes sensitive ingredients and enhances their efficacy, offering a novel, active, and well-tolerated approach to anti-aging skincare. Full article

Skin tumors are among the most common neoplasms in dogs and cats, sharing biological and environmental risk factors with human cancers. Owners play a critical role in early detection, yet little is known about their knowledge and attitudes. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of Portuguese pet owners regarding skin tumors in companion animals. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 420 respondents. Overall, awareness of risk factors such as sun exposure and age was relatively high, but most owners were unable to identify specific tumor types or locations. Only one-quarter believed skin tumors are curable, while the majority expressed uncertainty. Women, those with multiple or long-term pet ownership, and individuals with family or personal experience of cancer showed greater knowledge and more proactive behaviors. However, a gap between knowledge and practice still remains. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational strategies to enhance owners’ health literacy, facilitate early detection, and promote timely veterinary care. Full article

Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are used in architectural and automotive glazing for energy-saving applications. These are used to minimise heat transmission through the windows by reflection. Low-e coatings are semi-transparent coatings that typically comprise a metallic layer that reflects infrared light, sandwiched between two dielectric layers that protect the metal and enhance its visible transmittance. Ag is usually used as the metallic layer because of its colour neutrality and low optical absorption in the visible range. However, Ag-based low-e coatings easily degrade upon atmosphere exposure; therefore, they need to be placed inside the cavities of multiple-pane windows. In this paper, Au was used as an alternative to Ag and was sandwiched between WO₃, SnO₂ and Nb₂O₅ dielectric layers. The thickness of each layer was optimised to achieve the highest visible transmittance and infrared reflectance. The durability of the coatings was assessed by means of corrosion and abrasion resistance tests. We demonstrate that the Nb₂O₅/Au/Nb₂O₅ coating system provides a visible light transmittance of 56%, an emissivity as low as 0.04 and outstanding corrosion resistance (1000 h of salt spray testing), indicating its excellent potential to be used as first surface low-e coating. Full article

A four-year survey was conducted to monitor the presence of multiple pesticide residues contaminating tomatoes, with the aim of evaluating the potential health and environmental risks. A multiresidue liquid chromatography–triple mass spectrometry with a multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MS/MS-MRM) method was fully validated and used to test 252 pesticides in 360 samples analysed. According to SANTE guidelines, the proposed method was considered suitable for the purpose. Dietary risk assessment was conducted using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Pesticide Residue Intake Model; meanwhile, the cumulative environmental risk assessment was conducted using the Concentration Addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) methods. Data obtained revealed multiple contaminations in most fields examined over the years. Twenty-two pesticide residues were identified, comprising 68.2% fungicides, 27.3% insecticides, and the remaining 4.5% acaricides. Higher levels were detected for Boscalid in 2022 in three fields, with an average value of 0.42 mg/kg. Multi-residue contamination occurred each year; the lowest abundance was detected in 2023 (3.9%), and the highest in 2022 (12.3%), with 5 pesticide residues as the maximum number of compounds detected in one sample in 2022. The consumer risk assessment identified no potential health concerns for adults or toddlers, and the combined risk was considered acceptable. The environmental assessment showed maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) values that were always ≥1, indicating a contribution to the toxicity of the mixture, only slightly higher than that of the single compound with the highest toxicity. The results of this study highlight the critical need to include cumulative dietary exposure assessments in pesticide risk evaluations, especially for food products that are susceptible to contamination by multiple residues. Full article

In this study we aimed to investigate the levels of selected heavy metals and trace elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Mn, Se, and Cu) in three different biomatrices—maternal urine (Mu), neonatal urine (Nu), and cord blood—of preterm newborns born at less than 35 weeks’ gestation who were staying in the NICU and their mothers, and the relationships of these elements with maternal and neonatal characteristics. Cord Pb, As, and Hg were significantly lower than in Mu, whereas Se and Cu were higher (p < 0.001). All elements were excreted more in Mu than in Nu (p < 0.001). Nu levels of Cd, Mn, Se, and Cu were lower, while As and Hg were higher than in cord blood. Nu metal excretion increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between MuCu and NuCu (r_s = 0.35) and between maternal Se and maternal age (r_s = 0.41). NuHg, MuMn, and cord Mn showed negative correlations with penile length, and NuHg was also negatively correlated with anogenital distance. The first and second NuPb levels were positively correlated with birth weight percentile. The findings suggest transplacental transmission and ongoing exposure to heavy metals and trace elements in preterm infants, highlighting the importance of prenatal environmental exposure awareness for healthcare providers. Full article

The inflammatory and metabolic complexity of colitis necessitates therapies that act on multiple immune pathways. Using serum proteomic profiling, the present study evaluated the systemic immunomodulatory profile of Epilobium angustifolium lyophilized methanol-aqueous extract rich in oenothein B (EAE) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of ulcerative colitis in a comparative manner to dexamethasone (DXM). DSS exposure triggered robust inflammatory activation, evidenced by elevated chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL11), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-12, PAI-1, RAGE) and metabolic stress mediators (leptin, resistin, FGF-21). Treatment with EAE significantly attenuated this inflammatory profile, notably reducing Th2-skewed chemokines and eosinophil recruitment. In contrast to DXM, EAE uniquely normalized pro-thrombotic and tissue-remodeling markers, including PAI-1 and RAGE, both implicated in intestinal barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, EAE demonstrated superior modulation of inflammation-associated growth factors (IGFBP-5, HGF, Flt3L) and adipokines (leptin, resistin), indicating a broader therapeutic scope that includes metabolic dysfunctions. Collectively, our data reveal that EAE exerts a distinct immunoregulatory profile, modulating both innate and adaptive immune pathways while simultaneously addressing metabolic pathologies. These multifaceted actions underscore its promise as a phytotherapeutic candidate for the management of ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions, with potential advantages over conventional steroid treatment. Full article