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Abstract Background: Exposure to heat during pregnancy has been associated with reduced fetal growth. Less is known about associations with cold and the potential for critical time windows of exposure. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate, in a national retrospective cohort, critical windows of susceptibility during pregnancy to extreme temperatures (low and high) and fetal growth, among 624,940 singleton

Abstract Background: We do not currently understand how spatiotemporal variations in the composition of fine particulate air pollution [fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5μm (PM2.5)] affects population health risks. However, recent evidence suggests that joint concentrations of transition metals and sulfate may influence the oxidative potential (OP) of PM2.5 and associated health

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Abstract Background: Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been previously associated with preeclampsia, although findings are mixed with respect to the direction and magnitude of effect. To our knowledge, no studies have examined associations between PFAS and preeclampsia subtypes, which may have distinct etiologies. Objective: We examined associations between PFAS, any preeclampsia

Abstract Background: Germline mutations provide the raw material for all evolutionary processes and contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous human diseases and disorders. Yet despite the daily interaction of humans and other organisms with an increasing number of chemicals that are potentially mutagenic, precise measurements of chemically induced changes to the genome-wide rate and spectrum of germline

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Abstract Background: To date, the toxicity of organophosphate esters has primarily been studied regarding their use as pesticides and their effects on the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Currently, flame retardants and plasticizers are the two largest market segments for organophosphate esters and they are found in a wide variety of products, including electronics, building materials

Abstract Background: Transportation noise is increasingly acknowledged as a cardiovascular risk factor, but the evidence base for an association with stroke is sparse. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between transportation noise and stroke incidence in a large Scandinavian population. Methods: We harmonized and pooled data from nine Scandinavian cohorts (seven Swedish, two Danish)

Abstract Background: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of flooding events. Although rainfall is highly correlated with mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) in humans, less research focuses on understanding the impact of flooding events on disease incidence. This lack of research presents a significant gap in climate change–driven disease forecasting. Objectives: We conducted a scoping review

Abstract Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may impair bone accrual and strength via endocrine disruption and nuclear receptor agonism, but human studies are primarily of adults or cross-sectional. Objectives: We assessed associations of individual PFAS and their mixture during pregnancy with child bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at age 12 y. Methods:

Abstract Background: Drinking water chlorination by-products have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, although the findings for congenital malformations are still inconclusive. Objective: We conducted a nationwide register-based prospective study to assess whether first trimester maternal exposure to the four most common trihalomethanes [total trihalomethanes (TTHM)] via municipal drinking

Abstract Background: Animal-based studies indicate that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is detrimental to reproductive health, but its impact on the earliest stages of germ cell development remains poorly defined. Objectives: Using a murine in vitro model of early germ cell specification and differentiation, we sought to assess whether exposure to low levels of BPA prior to formation of primordial germ

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Abstract Background: The concept of chemical agents having properties that confer potential hazard called key characteristics (KCs) was first developed to identify carcinogenic hazards. Identification of KCs of cardiovascular (CV) toxicants could facilitate the systematic assessment of CV hazards and understanding of assay and data gaps associated with current approaches. Objectives: We sought to develop

Abstract Background: Dementia is a devastating neurologic condition that is common in older adults. We previously reviewed the epidemiological evidence examining the hypothesis that long-term exposure to air pollution affects dementia risk. Since then, the evidence base has expanded rapidly. Objectives: With this update, we collectively review new and previously identified epidemiological studies on

Abstract Background: The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set an ambitious new benchmark for safely managed drinking water services (SMDWs), but many countries lack national data on the availability and quality of drinking water. Objectives: We quantified the availability and microbiological quality of drinking water, monitored SMDWs, and examined risk factors for Escherichia coli (E. coli)

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Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Short-term exposures to air pollution have been associated with AF triggering; less is known regarding associations between long-term air pollution exposures and AF incidence. Objectives: Our objective was to assess the association between long-term exposures to air pollution and distance to road on

Abstract Background: Pesticide exposure is associated with many long-term health outcomes; the potential underlying mechanisms are not well established for most associations. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may contribute. Individual pesticides may be associated with specific DNA methylation patterns but no epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) has evaluated methylation in relation

Abstract Background: Episodic memory decline varies by age and underlying neuropathology. Whether ambient air pollution contributes to the heterogeneity of episodic memory decline in older populations remains unclear. Objectives: We estimated associations between air pollution exposures and episodic memory decline according to pollutant, exposure time window, age, and latent class subgroups defined

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Abstract Background: Schools are often located near traffic sources, leading to high levels of exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, including black carbon (BC). Thus, the school environment could play in a significant role in the adverse respiratory health of children. Objectives: Our objective was to determine associations between personal BC levels at school and airway inflammation [i.e.,

Abstract Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to ambient fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) correlates with a decrease in sperm count, but the biological mechanism remains elusive. Objectives: This study tested whether hypothalamic inflammation, an emerging pathophysiological mediator, mediates the development of lower epididymal

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes is a leading contributor to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. Ozone (O3) exposure has previously been linked to diabetes. Objective: We studied the impact of O3 exposure on incident diabetes risk in elderly Mexican Americans and investigated whether outdoor physical activity modifies the association. Methods: We selected 1,090 Mexican American participants

Abstract Background: Phthalates are commonly used endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are ubiquitous in the general population. Prenatal phthalate exposure may alter placental physiology and fetal development, leading to adverse perinatal and childhood health outcomes. Objective: We examined associations between prenatal phthalate exposure in the second and third trimesters and the placental transcriptome

Abstract Background: Household cleaning products may be a significant source of chemical exposures, including carcinogens and suspected endocrine disruptors. Objectives: We characterized exposures during routine household cleaning and tested an intervention to reduce exposures to cleaning product chemicals. Methods: The Lifting Up Communities with Interventions and Research (LUCIR) Study is a youth-led

Abstract Background: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a prevalent class of persistent pollutants, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Objective: We examined associations between PFAS exposure and glucose metabolism in youth. Methods: Overweight/obese adolescents from the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes (SOLAR; n=310) participated in annual visits

Abstract Background: High surrounding greenness has many health benefits and might contribute to slower biological aging. However, very few studies have evaluated this from the perspective of epigenetics. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the association between surrounding greenness and biological aging based on DNA methylation. Methods: We derived Horvath’s DNA methylation age (DNAmAge), Hannum’s

Abstract Background: Recent developments in technologies have offered opportunities to measure the exposome with unprecedented accuracy and scale. However, because most investigations have targeted only a few exposures at a time, it is hypothesized that the majority of the environmental determinants of chronic diseases remain unknown. Objectives: We describe a functional exposome concept and explain

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Abstract Background: Exposure to ambient air pollution particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased risk of dementia and accelerated cognitive loss. Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment are well recognized. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) promotes neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier weakening, which may augment neurotoxic effects of PM. Objectives: This study examined interactions

Abstract Background: The current production and use of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) at >1 million tons/y likely exceeds the lifetime production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a concern to human health. Objectives: The United Nations Environment Programme conducts global surveys of human milk samples from individual countries as a noninvasive method

Abstract Background: Chronic environmental exposure to manganese (Mn) can cause debilitating damage to the central nervous system. However, its potential toxic effects on the enteric nervous system (ENS) have yet to be assessed. Objective: We examined the effect of Mn on the ENS using both cell and animal models. Method: Rat enteric glial cells (EGCs) and mouse primary enteric cultures were exposed

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Abstract Background: The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on fertility and reproductive development represent a rising concern in modern societies. Although the neuroendocrine control of sexual maturation is a major target of EDCs, little is known about the potential role of the hypothalamus in puberty and ovulation disruption transmitted across generations. Objectives: We hypothesized

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Abstract Background: Air pollution may be associated with elevated dementia risk. Prior research has limitations that may affect reliability, and no studies have evaluated this question in a population-based cohort of men and women in the United States. Objectives: We evaluated the association between time-varying, 10-y average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and hazard of all-cause dementia

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Abstract Background: Associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise have been established for ischemic heart disease, but findings have been mixed for atrial fibrillation (AF). Objectives: The goal of the study was to examine associations of long-term exposure to road traffic noise and air pollution with AF. Methods: Time-varying Cox regression models were used to estimate

Abstract Background: Global concerns of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have been raised, especially on its effects on pregnant women. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed associations between maternal blood/hair MeHg concentrations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objectives: In this study, we characterized the effects

Abstract Background: Chemicals in disparate structural classes activate specific subsets of the transcriptional programs of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) to generate adipocytes with distinct phenotypes. Objectives: Our objectives were to a) establish a novel classification method to predict PPARγ ligands and modifying chemicals; and b) create a taxonomy to group chemicals on

Abstract Background: Some pesticides are immunotoxic and have been associated with an increased risk of immune-mediated diseases. The risk of shingles, the clinical reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, increases with aging and immunosuppression; little is known about its associations with pesticides. Objective: We examined the use of agricultural pesticides in relation to incident shingles in a

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Abstract Background: Growing epidemiological evidence suggests that organochlorine chemicals (OCCs), including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), may play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Objectives: We aimed to systematically review the experimental evidence (in vivo and in vitro) on the associations between exposure to OCCs and endometriosis-related end points. Methods: A systematic

Abstract Background: Since the dawn of cities, the built environment has both affected infectious disease transmission and evolved in response to infectious diseases. COVID-19 illustrates both dynamics. The pandemic presented an opportunity to implement health promotion and disease prevention strategies in numerous elements of the built environment. Objectives: This commentary aims to identify features

Abstract Background: Thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with diverse structures have been detected in the ambient environment. Apart from a few well-studied PFAS, the structure-related toxicokinetics of a broader set of PFAS remain unclear. Objectives: To understand the toxicokinetics of PFAS, we attempted to characterize the metabolism pathways of 74 structurally diverse PFAS

Abstract Background: Oil and natural gas extraction may produce environmental pollution at levels that affect reproductive health of nearby populations. Available studies have primarily focused on unconventional gas drilling and have not accounted for local population changes that can coincide with drilling activity. Objective: Our study sought to examine associations between residential proximity

Abstract Background: Established breast cancer risk factors, such as hormone replacement therapy and reproductive history, are thought to act by increasing estrogen and progesterone (P4) activity. Objective: We aimed to use in vitro screening data to identify chemicals that increase the synthesis of estradiol (E2) or P4 and evaluate potential risks. Method: Using data from a high-throughput (HT) in