Volume 41, Issue 1

The increasing exposure to manufactured environmental pollutants, especially plastics, is linked to adverse neurological effects. While prenatal exposure to plastics has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism, the role of this exposure in schizophrenia remains under-investigated. This narrative mini-review examines the potential impact of endocrine-disrupting plastics, e.g. bisphenols and phthalates, on schizophrenia onset risk. These chemicals are ubiquitous and pervasive neurotoxicants, implicated in neuroinflammation – a key feature of schizophrenia. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in human brains, raising concerns about their potential long-term impact on neurological health. Despite the growing evidence of plastic-induced neurodevelopmental harm, this issue has been neglected for schizophrenia, with scarce human or valid animal model literature available. Limited studies indicate that plastic chemicals cause behavioural deficits, hormonal dysregulation and altered brain function relevant to schizophrenia. Cumulative exposure to multiple plastic chemicals over the life course necessitates carefully designed approaches. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which plastics contribute to schizophrenia risk. Epidemiological research with multi-omic approaches is needed to strengthen regulatory action and inform exposure prevention strategies particularly in high-risk populations. Given the increasing burden of environmental pollutants, urgent attention is required to address their role in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly schizophrenia.

Introduction Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) represents a global public health threat due to its ability to disseminate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes across ecological boundaries. While the prevalence of VRE has been extensively studied in clinical and agricultural settings, its occurrence and dynamics in wildlife remain underexplored. This review aimed to systematically examine and analyze the global prevalence of VRE in wild mammals. Content Following PRISMA guidelines, an extensive search of six databases yielded 25 studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, and subgroup analysis was also performed. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² statistic, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and Egger’s test. The overall pooled prevalence of VRE in wild mammals was 8.4 % (95 % CI: 4.9–14.0), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 87.63 %). Southern Europe recorded the highest prevalence, particularly in Spain (18.6 %) and Portugal (7.0 %), while lower rates were observed in England (3.3 %) and Italy (4.5 %). Species-specific prevalence was highest in Eurasian otters and roe deer (62.1 % and 48.6 %, respectively). Methodological variability also influenced prevalence rates, with disc diffusion reporting the highest prevalence (17.3 %) compared to PCR-based methods (3.9 %). Summary The findings indicate a moderately significant prevalence of VRE in wild mammals, underscoring wildlife’s critical role as reservoirs and vectors of AMR. Outlook Anthropogenic factors such as agricultural activities and environmental pollution significantly shape the distribution and burden of VRE among wild animals.

Introduction Exposure to BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) can lead to various health issues. Despite the proven health effects, there are limited studies on the presence of BTEX compounds in municipal solid waste management facilities (MSWMFs). This study aims to evaluate the presence, sampling methods, and detection of BTEX in MSWMFs. Content In the present study, the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were combined by selected keywords using Boolean operators for published articles until March 30th, 2025. Finally, statistical analyses and comparisons were performed to make management decisions to reduce health impacts. Summary After the systematic search, 2,794 articles were found that matched with search strategy; 20 of them were used for data extraction. Results show that the concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in MSWMFs were 0.479–271 μg/m 3 , 0.25–514 μg/m 3 , 0.13–565.9 μg/m 3 and 0.43–362.925 μg/m 3 , respectively. Outlook The present study can provide crucial new insights for governments to make a management decision for environmental and occupational pollutions associated with BTEX emissions in MSWMFs. So, future research and monitoring will be essential to control and reduce the health issues that are related to BTEX exposure.

Introduction Trace elements such as zinc, iron, and copper are integral to neurochemical regulation, oxidative balance, and immune modulation. Their dysregulation has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify differences in serum levels of zinc, iron, and copper between individuals with MDD and healthy controls. Content Sixteen observational studies were included following a comprehensive search of major databases. Data on serum concentrations of zinc, iron, and copper were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger’s regression. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of findings. Summary Meta-analysis revealed serum copper levels were significantly higher in patients with MDD compared to controls (SMD = +0.42; 95 % CI: +0.18 to +0.66; I 2 =67.4 %), while zinc (SMD = −0.62; 95 % CI: −0.78 to −0.46; I 2 =68.4 %) and iron (SMD = −0.36; 95 % CI: −0.52 to −0.20; I 2 =58.2 %) were lower in MDD patients. Evidence of publication bias was observed for zinc and copper, but adjusted estimates remained significant for zinc and iron. Outlook This study demonstrates consistent reductions in serum zinc and iron among individuals with MDD, supporting their potential role in depressive pathophysiology. While copper findings were inconclusive, the stability of zinc and iron results highlights the clinical relevance of micronutrient assessment in depression. These findings provide a foundation for future research in nutritional psychiatry and adjunctive treatment strategies.

Organophosphate pesticides (e.g. dichlorvos) and pyrethroids (e.g. flucythrinate) are widely used in agriculture, yet their toxicity poses significant threats to human health. This study analyses risk factors for poisoning incidents involving these compounds and proposes targeted prevention strategies. Key risk factors encompass exposure pathways, high-risk populations, and socioeconomic determinants. Mitigation requires multi-level interventions, including technological innovation, public education, and personal protection. Case comparisons reveal commonalities and distinctions between flucythrinate and dichlorvos poisoning, underscoring the need for integrated prevention frameworks. The study concludes by identifying limitations in current measures and proposing future research directions and policy recommendations to advance sustainable agriculture and safeguard public health.

Introduction Bushfire smoke (BFS) is an escalating global health concern, with increasing bushfire frequency due to climate change. Exposure to BFS significantly impacts public health due to worsening respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, causing increased of hospitalizations and mortality. While BFS exposure is linked to morbidity of these conditions, the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress and inflammation, remain unclear. Content This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024554409) synthesized evidence on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers from BFS exposure. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were conducted. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing occupational and non-occupational populations. Risk of bias was assessed using NIH tools, and findings were synthesized narratively due to study heterogeneity. Commonly examined biomarkers included IL-8, IL-6, TNF- α , 8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Summary IL-8 emerged as the most consistent inflammatory biomarker, with a pooled random-effects analysis of three firefighter studies showing an acute post-shift increase in blood IL-8 (mean difference 9.76 pg/mL, 95 % CI –8.26 to 27.79), though with substantial heterogeneity. Other inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers showed mixed or inconsistent associations with BFS exposure. Small sample sizes, heterogeneous exposure assessment, inconsistent exposure metrics, and unadjusted confounding limited generalizability. Outlook This review identifies IL-8 as the most consistent short-term biomarker of BFS exposure in occupational settings but highlights inconsistent evidence for other biomarkers. Future research should use standardized biomarker protocols, larger sample size, longitudinal designs, and include vulnerable populations to clarify biomarker responses to BFS and strengthen the evidence base for public health and occupational safety measures.

Nail salon workers are routinely exposed to occupational hazards, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ultraviolet radiation, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), and heavy metals. With the industry projected to double in size over the next decade, identifying exposure risks and intervention gaps is essential for workforce protection. This systematic scoping review synthesized peer-reviewed exposure assessments, health outcome studies, and intervention research in nail salons published between 2013 and 2024. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Toxicology Program Handbook for Conducting Systematic Reviews. Risk of bias was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Forty-two studies met inclusion criteria: 29 exposure assessments, 11 health outcome studies, and two intervention evaluations. Most were conducted in the U.S. (88 %), with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 150 workers. Common findings included inadequate ventilation (71 %), VOC concentrations above Occupational Safety and Health Administration limits, and persistent detection of methyl methacrylate, despite its U.S. Food and Drug Administration ban. PM 2.5 was evaluated in one study and exceeded World Health Organization guidelines. Heavy metals were infrequently measured, though one study raised concerns about chronic exposure. Only 17 % of studies examined exposure–health outcome associations, with limited evidence on cognitive and psychosocial impacts. Two intervention studies reported improved knowledge and reduced exposures but lacked randomized designs. This review highlights the urgent need for evidence-based interventions, stronger regulatory oversight, and comprehensive evaluation of health impacts in this socially vulnerable workforce.

Introduction Environmental exposure to metals represents a significant global health concern, yet the hepatotoxic potential of these contaminants remains incompletely characterized. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between exposure to metals and liver damage as indicated by liver enzyme alterations. Content We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases for epidemiological studies that examined associations between metal exposure and liver enzymes. Using random-effects models, we calculated pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for each metal. Subgroup analyses explored variations by geographical region, exposure assessment methodology, liver biomarkers, and study characteristics. Summary Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. All four metals showed significant positive associations with liver damage, with cadmium exhibiting the strongest association (SMD=5.98, 95 % CI: 2.16–9.87), followed by lead (SMD=5.48, 95 % CI: 0.63–10.33), mercury (SMD=5.15, 95 % CI: 0.21–10.51), and arsenic (SMD=1.52, 95 % CI: 0.53–2.52). Metal-specific patterns of liver enzyme alterations were observed: arsenic primarily affected transaminases (ALT, AST), while cadmium, mercury, and lead showed stronger associations with AST and GGT. Outlook This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence that environmental exposure to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead is significantly associated with liver damage across diverse populations.

This systematic review aimed to assess the genotoxic effects of triazole compounds authorized for use in Brazil in in vivo studies involving mammalian tissues and organs. A comprehensive search was conducted in specialized literature databases, including Embase, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus using the following keywords: “triazoles,” “mutagenicity,” “genotoxicity,” “mammals,” “mammalian cells,” “eukaryotic cells,” “rodents,” “rats,” “mice,” and “ in vivo ” for all data published until February 2025. A total of 15 studies were included. The findings demonstrated that exposure to triazole fungicides (BRO, DFC, EPX, PPZ and TEB) induce genotoxicity in different mammalian tissues or organs in vivo . This genotoxic effect was manifested through various biological alterations, including increased DNA damage, the formation of micronuclei and adducts, as well as elevated rates of genetic mutations. Furthermore, these chemicals demonstrated the ability to induce oxidative stress, suggesting that this mechanism plays a central role in the genotoxicity associated with these chemicals. This review demonstrated that triazole fungicides induce genotoxicity in mammalian tissues and organs in vivo , with oxidative stress acting as a possible key mechanism in this process. Additionally, these findings underscore the importance of maintaining national pesticide residue monitoring programs (PARA), promoting good agricultural practices, and enforcing maximum residue limit (MRLs) programs, as well as conducting further research on the chronic effects of triazole fungicides, particularly among vulnerable populations in Brazil and worldwide. Such measures are crucial for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment.