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Toxics Apr 2024Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to chemical substances that can act as potential mutagens or carcinogens, may enable the detection of damage and early disease... (Review)
Review
Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to chemical substances that can act as potential mutagens or carcinogens, may enable the detection of damage and early disease prevention. In recent years, the comet assay has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage, both in environmental and occupational exposure contexts. To evidence the role of the comet assay in human biomonitoring, we have analysed original research studies of environmental or occupational exposure that used the comet assay in their assessments, following the PRISMA-ScR method (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews). Groups of chemicals were designated according to a broad classification, and the results obtained from over 300 original studies (n = 123 on air pollutants, n = 14 on anaesthetics, n = 18 on antineoplastic drugs, n = 57 on heavy metals, n = 59 on pesticides, and n = 49 on solvents) showed overall higher values of DNA strand breaks in the exposed subjects in comparison with the unexposed. In summary, our systematic scoping review strengthens the relevance of the use of the comet assay in assessing DNA damage in human biomonitoring studies.
PubMed: 38668493
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040270 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Apr 2024Some studies suggested that gastrointestinal (GIT) decontamination with oil may improve the prognosis of patients who ingested aluminum phosphide (AlP). The aim of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Some studies suggested that gastrointestinal (GIT) decontamination with oil may improve the prognosis of patients who ingested aluminum phosphide (AlP). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of gastric lavage with oil-based solutions to any method of gastric decontamination not using oils in patients presenting with acute AlP poisoning. The literature was searched for English-published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 16 September 2023. The searched electronic databases included MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted and pooled by calculating the risk ratio (RR) for categorical outcomes and standardized mean difference (SMD) for numerical outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven RCTs were included. Paraffin oil was significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality (RR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.45, 0.76], < .001), intubation (RR = 0.59 [95% CI: 0.46, 0.76], < .001) and vasopressor need (RR = 0.71 [95% CI: 0.56, 0.91], = .006). Survival time was significantly prolonged with paraffin oil (SMD = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.32, 1.13], < .001). Coconut oil was significantly associated with prolonged survival time (SMD = 0.83 [95% CI: 0.06, 1.59], = .03) as well as decreased risk of requiring intubation (RR = 0.78 [95% CI: 0.62, 0.99], = .04). Oil-based GIT decontamination using paraffin oil showed benefits over conventional lavage regarding the incidence of in-hospital mortality and endotracheal intubation, and survival time. Coconut oil showed some benefits in terms of the intubation incidence and survival time. Decontamination using paraffin oil is recommended. Future clinical trials are warranted with larger sample sizes and focusing on cost-benefit and safety.
Topics: Humans; Aluminum Compounds; Gastric Lavage; Oils; Paraffin; Pesticides; Phosphines; Poisoning; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38656260
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2329624 -
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... May 2024The importance of food quality and safety lies in ensuring the best product quality to meet consumer demands and public health. Advanced technologies play a crucial role... (Review)
Review
The importance of food quality and safety lies in ensuring the best product quality to meet consumer demands and public health. Advanced technologies play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses, contamination, drug residue, and other potential hazards in food. Significant materials and technological advancements have been made throughout the food supply chain. Among them, quantum dots (QDs), as a class of advanced nanomaterials with unique physicochemical properties, are progressively demonstrating their value in the field of food quality and safety. This review aims to explore cutting-edge research on the different applications of QDs in food quality and safety, including encapsulation of bioactive compounds, detection of food analytes, food preservation and packaging, and intelligent food freshness indicators. Moreover, the modification strategies and potential toxicities of diverse QDs are outlined, which can affect performance and hinder applications in the food industry. The findings suggested that QDs are mainly used in analyte detection and active/intelligent food packaging. Various food analytes can be detected using QD-based sensors, including heavy metal ions, pesticides, antibiotics, microorganisms, additives, and functional components. Moreover, QD incorporation aided in improving the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of film/coatings, resulting in extended shelf life for packaged food. Finally, the perspectives and critical challenges for the productivity, toxicity, and practical application of QDs are also summarized. By consolidating these essential aspects into this review, the way for developing high-performance QD-based nanomaterials is presented for researchers and food technologists to better capitalize upon this technology in food applications.
Topics: Food Contamination; Food Microbiology; Food Packaging; Food Quality; Quantum Dots
PubMed: 38578165
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13339 -
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome Apr 2024In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, the association of maternal exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with cardio-metabolic risk factors... (Review)
Review
Association of maternal exposure to endocrine disruptor chemicals with cardio-metabolic risk factors in children during childhood: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
BACKGROUND
In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, the association of maternal exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with cardio-metabolic risk factors in children during childhood for the first time.
METHOD
The PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched, up to Feb 2023. In total 30 cohort studies had our inclusion criteria. A random-effects model was used for the variables that had considerable heterogeneity between studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool was used to classify the quality score of studies. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 14 and P-value < 0.05 considered as a significant level.
RESULTS
In the meta-analysis, maternal exposure to the EDCs was weakly associated with higher SBP (Fisher_Z: 0.06, CI: 0.04, 0.08), BMI (Fisher_Z: 0.07, CI: 0.06, 0.08), and WC (Fisher_Z: 0.06, CI: 0.03, 0.08) z-scores in children. A significant linear association was found between maternal exposure to the bisphenol-A and pesticides with BMI and WC z-score in children (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significant linear association of BPA and pesticides, in the urine samples of mothers at the first trimester of pregnancy, with BMI and WC z-score in children from 2-8 years (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Prenatal exposure to the EDCs in the uterine period could increase the risk of obesity in children. Maternal exposure to bisphenol-A and pesticides showed the strongest association with the obesity, especially visceral form, in the next generation.
PubMed: 38576015
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01320-0 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Mar 2024Pyrethroid-based mosquito repellents are widely used to control mosquito-borne diseases. Liquid mosquito-repellent vaporisers are effective modes of pyrethroid delivery...
BACKGROUND
Pyrethroid-based mosquito repellents are widely used to control mosquito-borne diseases. Liquid mosquito-repellent vaporisers are effective modes of pyrethroid delivery but can also pose significant health risks if ingested or used improperly.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review was performed to assess the demographic distribution, clinical presentation, management strategies and outcomes in children resulting from accidental ingestion of liquid mosquito repellent vaporiser.
METHODS
The study adheres to the reporting standards outlined in the PRISMA Statement for Systematic Reviews and was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (record # CRD42023413937) to enhance transparency and minimise reporting bias. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using specific MeSH terms related to insecticides, mosquito repellents, pyrethroids, ingestion, poisoning, toxicity and prevention. The reference lists of the included studies were also reviewed for additional relevant articles. The inclusion criteria involved studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2023 that focused on children under 18 years old with a history of mosquito-repellent ingestion based on primary data.
RESULTS
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria; these were primarily case reports from India, China and the UAE. Male children were predominantly affected, and symptoms included vomiting, convulsions, cough and respiratory distress. Management primarily involved supportive and symptomatic measures, including atropine for salivation and antiepileptic drugs for seizures. Respiratory support was provided for respiratory complications.
CONCLUSION
Despite the known risks and diverse presentations of pyrethroid poisoning caused by liquid mosquito repellent vaporiser in children, the limited substantial evidence in the literature underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research to refine management approaches and enhance preventive measures.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; Male; Adolescent; Insect Repellents; Insecticides; Pyrethrins; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Eating
PubMed: 38555100
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002476 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2024Anthropogenic activities over the past half-century have had a negative impact on the wetland ecosystem in the Nile Delta, which provides essential provisioning and...
Anthropogenic activities over the past half-century have had a negative impact on the wetland ecosystem in the Nile Delta, which provides essential provisioning and regulating services. Therefore, it is crucial to systematically investigate pollution levels and their ecological consequences at both spatial and temporal scales in order to promote sustainable development. In this study, data on metal pollution in the Manzala Lake were compiled through a systematic review of all published literature from 1968 to 2020. Additionally, agricultural data (including land use, pesticide and fertilizer usage, and discharge) and economic data for the same time period were collected to identify the main drivers of pollution. The results indicated an overall increasing trend in heavy metal concentrations during the study period. The average concentrations of metals, arranged in descending order, were as follows: Fe (15,115.5 μg/g) > Mn (722 μg/g) > Zn (115.4 μg/g) > Cu (65.9 μg/g) > Ni (62.5 μg/g) > Cr (58.1 μg/g) > Pb (54.1 μg/g) > Cd (4.7 μg/g) > Hg (0.1 μg/g). A linear regression model revealed that wastewater discharge, water reuse, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the Manzala Lake. Consequently, there has been a dramatic decrease in the biodiversity of fish and molluscan communities. The study also found a correlation between heavy metal pollution and socio-economic development, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the conservation, management, and sustainable development of the lake.
Topics: Ecosystem; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Risk Assessment; Metals, Heavy; Pesticides; Lakes; China
PubMed: 38527544
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171941 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2024Malaria is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets and indoor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Malaria is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. Mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spray for high malaria risk groups are the major prevention measures in different countries. Achievement of the malaria elimination plan is highly determined by the level of effective utilization of intervention measures. However, there is scarce information showing the national level of insecticide-treated nets utilization.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the pooled prevalence of insecticide-treated nets utilization in Ethiopia, 2023.
METHOD
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis employed to assess the utilization of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Ethiopia. Published articles were searched from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web Sciences, CINAHIL, EMBASE, and Scopus. The collected articles were screened for data extraction and further analysis using preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) flow chart. The quality of each study was assessed using the Jonna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 17.0 for analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of long-lasting insecticidal nets utilization was determined using a random effects model.
RESULT
Out of 1657 articles reviewed, only 21 of them were eligible for final analysis. All of the included studies were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of long-lasting insecticidal net utilization. The point prevalence of LLIN utilization ranged from 14.23 to 91.9%. The Meta-analysis estimated that the overall pooled prevalence of insecticidal nets utilization among all study participants in Ethiopia was 56.26% (95%CI: 44.04-68.48%). Subgroup analysis revealed that insecticidal nets utilization was relatively highest in the Amhara region [63.0, 95%CI (37.0-89.0%)] and during 2020-2023 [61, 95% CI (53.0-69.0%)].
CONCLUSION
Long-lasting insecticidal nets utilization in Ethiopia is lower than the national target plan. Hence, it needs extra follow-up and intervention to enhance its utilization.
Topics: Humans; Insecticides; Ethiopia; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Malaria; Academies and Institutes; Mosquito Control
PubMed: 38491483
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18344-w -
The Lancet. Global Health May 2024WHO has proposed elimination of transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness) by 2030. More than 99% of cases of onchocerciasis are in sub-Saharan Africa. Vector... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Elimination of transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness) with long-term ivermectin mass drug administration with or without vector control in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
WHO has proposed elimination of transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness) by 2030. More than 99% of cases of onchocerciasis are in sub-Saharan Africa. Vector control and mass drug administration of ivermectin have been the main interventions for many years, with varying success. We aimed to identify factors associated with elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched for published articles reporting epidemiological or entomological assessments of onchocerciasis transmission status in sub-Saharan Africa, with or without vector control. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar databases for all articles published from database inception to Aug 19, 2023, without language restrictions. The search terms used were "onchocerciasis" AND "ivermectin" AND "mass drug administration". The three inclusion criteria were (1) focus or foci located in Africa, (2) reporting of elimination of transmission or at least 10 years of ivermectin mass drug administration in the focus or foci, and (3) inclusion of at least one of the following assessments: microfilarial prevalence, nodule prevalence, Ov16 antibody seroprevalence, and blackfly infectivity prevalence. Epidemiological modelling studies and reviews were excluded. Four reviewers (NM, AJ, AM, and TNK) extracted data in duplicate from the full-text articles using a data extraction tool developed in Excel with columns recording the data of interest to be extracted, and a column where important comments for each study could be highlighted. We did not request any individual-level data from authors. Foci were classified as achieving elimination of transmission, being close to elimination of transmission, or with ongoing transmission. We used mixed-effects meta-regression models to identify factors associated with transmission status. This study is registered in PROSPERO, CRD42022338986.
FINDINGS
Of 1525 articles screened after the removal of duplicates, 75 provided 282 records from 238 distinct foci in 19 (70%) of the 27 onchocerciasis-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Elimination of transmission was reported in 24 (9%) records, being close to elimination of transmission in 86 (30%) records, and ongoing transmission in 172 (61%) records. I was 83·3% (95% CI 79·7 to 86·3). Records reporting 10 or more years of continuous mass drug administration with 80% or more therapeutic coverage of the eligible population yielded significantly higher odds of achieving elimination of transmission (log-odds 8·5 [95% CI 3·5 to 13·5]) or elimination and being close to elimination of transmission (42·4 [18·7 to 66·1]) than those with no years achieving 80% coverage or more. Reporting 15-19 years of ivermectin mass drug administration (22·7 [17·2 to 28·2]) and biannual treatment (43·3 [27·2 to 59·3]) were positively associated with elimination and being close to elimination of transmission compared with less than 15 years and no biannual mass drug administration, respectively. Having had vector control without vector elimination (-42·8 [-59·1 to -26·5]) and baseline holoendemicity (-41·97 [-60·6 to -23·2]) were associated with increased risk of ongoing transmission compared with no vector control and hypoendemicity, respectively. Blackfly disappearance due to vector control or environmental change contributed to elimination of transmission.
INTERPRETATION
Mass drug administration duration, frequency, and coverage; baseline endemicity; and vector elimination or disappearance are important determinants of elimination of onchocerciasis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings underscore the importance of improving and sustaining high therapeutic coverage and increasing treatment frequency if countries are to achieve elimination of onchocerciasis transmission.
FUNDING
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Neglected Tropical Diseases Modelling Consortium, UK Medical Research Council, and Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking.
TRANSLATIONS
For the Swahili, French, Spanish and Portuguese translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Topics: Humans; Onchocerciasis; Ivermectin; Onchocerciasis, Ocular; Mass Drug Administration; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Africa South of the Sahara
PubMed: 38484745
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00043-3 -
Critical Reviews in Toxicology Mar 2024Neonicotinoid pesticides are utilized against an extensive range of insects. A growing body of evidence supports that these neuro-active insecticides are classified as... (Review)
Review
Neonicotinoid pesticides are utilized against an extensive range of insects. A growing body of evidence supports that these neuro-active insecticides are classified as toxicants in invertebrates. However, there is limited published data regarding their toxicity in vertebrates and mammals. the current systematic review is focused on the up-to-date knowledge available for several neonicotinoid pesticides and their non-acute toxicity on rodents and human physiology. Oral lethal dose 50 (LD) of seven neonicotinoids (i.e. imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, and nitenpyram) was initially identified. Subsequently, a screening of the literature was conducted to collect information about non-acute exposure to these insecticides. 99 studies were included and assessed for their risk of bias and level of evidence according to the Office of Health and Translation (OHAT) framework. All the 99 included papers indicate evidence of reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress induction with a high level of evidence in the health effect of rodents and a moderate level of evidence for human health. The most studied type of these insecticides among 99 papers was imidacloprid (55 papers), followed by acetamiprid (22 papers), clothianidin (21 papers), and thiacloprid (11 papers). While 10 of 99 papers assessed the relationship between clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, and nitenpyram, showing evidence of liver injury, dysfunctions of oxidative stress markers in the reproductive system, and intestinal toxicity. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential risks caused by neonicotinoid insecticides to humans and rodents with salient health effects. However, further research is needed to better emphasize and understand the patho-physiological mechanisms of these insecticides, taking into account various factors that can influence their toxicity.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Thiamethoxam; Insecticides; Oxazines; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Risk Assessment; Mammals; Guanidines; Thiazines; Thiazoles
PubMed: 38470098
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2310593 -
BMC Public Health Mar 2024Malaria is a widespread and prevalent disease that affects human population globally, particularly in tropical countries. Malaria is a major health issue in sub-Saharan...
Malaria is a widespread and prevalent disease that affects human population globally, particularly in tropical countries. Malaria is a major health issue in sub-Saharan Africa and it contributes to morbidity and mortality among individuals in Africa. Pregnant women have been also reported as high risk of people been infected with malaria. This review attempted to evaluate the various methods used for health education programs and the effectiveness of the programs in improving ITNs among pregnant women.Methods The search involved various databases; EBCOHOST, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SAGE, Sringer link, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. It was limited to full text research articles that report intervention studies, written in English Language, published between 2003 to 2022. The key words were "malaria", "malaria prevention", "health education", "insecticide-treated nets", "utilization", "pregnant women".Results A total of eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and included in the review. Six studies reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) while five reported non-randomized controlled trials (NRCT).Conclusions There are evidences from the results which showed that health education programs were improved among pregnant women due to the use of ITNs and LLINS utilization. Furthermore, additional interventions directed at significant others need to be implemented, considering their important role in determining pregnant women's use of ITNs.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Insecticides; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Malaria; Health Education; Africa South of the Sahara; Mosquito Control
PubMed: 38468243
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17650-7