Article
Immunology
Fiona Collier, Cerys Chau, Toby Mansell, Keshav Faye-Chauhan, Peter Vuillermin, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Richard Saffery, Mimi L. K. Tang, Martin O'Hely, John Carlin, Lawrence E. K. Gray, Siroon Bekkering, David Burgner
Summary: Early childhood is characterized by repeated infectious exposures that elicit inflammatory responses from the innate immune system, which may contribute to the link between childhood infection and adult non-communicable diseases. Boys have a higher inflammatory response than girls, and adiposity and winter season are associated with increased circulating inflammatory markers.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaibing Xue, Yan Qian, Ziye Wang, Chen Guo, Zhanshan Wang, Xiaoqian Li, Zhigang Li, Yongjie Wei
Summary: The study found that after the closure of E-waste recycling factories, people living nearby had higher levels of heavy metals in their blood, as well as elevated indicators of fibrosis and oxidative stress. Furthermore, cobalt was positively correlated with fibrosis and oxidative stress in the exposed group.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hien Thi Thu Ngo, Li Liang, Diep Bich Nguyen, Hai Ngoc Doan, Pensri Watchalayann
Summary: The study found significantly higher levels of nickel and arsenic in the blood of children living in an informal e-waste processing village compared to a reference village, along with greater DNA damage. Overall, higher blood metal levels were positively correlated with DNA damage in children from both villages.
HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Shengqiao Long, Hui Tong, Xuxiang Zhang, Shuyu Jia, Manjia Chen, Chengshuai Liu
Summary: This study reveals the impact of heavy metal pollution resulting from e-waste recycling activities on the microbial communities and Heavy Metal Resistance Genes (HMRGs) in recycling areas. The findings demonstrate changes in microbial phyla abundance with increasing contaminant levels, indicating adaptive mechanisms of microorganisms to heavy metal-contaminated conditions. The concentration of mercury showed significant correlation with microbial community composition and species distribution.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fahimeh Teimouri, Mehdi Mokhtari, Tannaz Nasiri, Ehsan Abouee
Summary: Electrical instruments generate a large amount of electronic waste (estimated to reach 74.7 million tonnes by 2030), posing a threat to human life and the environment due to its hazardous nature. Therefore, proper e-waste management is necessary. This study explores the use of bio-metallurgy and investigates simultaneous leaching of metals using indigenous heterotrophs and autotrophs. The experiments showed high recovery efficiencies for copper, zinc, and nickel, with significant differences in metal concentrations depending on the bacterial group (P < 0.05).
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiren Li, Yanni Liu, Jian Liu, Williamson Gustave, Lingzao Zeng, Jianming Xu, Xingmei Liu
Summary: This study predicts the long-term transport of heavy metals at an abandoned e-waste recycling site, considering historical pollution activities, land use, and metal pollution dynamics. The results show severe heavy metal contamination in the soil profiles, with copper and zinc primarily accumulating in the upper layers and significant migration of cadmium and lead in the deeper layers. Pb isotopes and the Hydrus model trace the sources of Pb contamination and predict its distribution, indicating the significant contribution of e-waste recycling activities and minor impacts from other anthropogenic sources. Additionally, the model predicts a concentration of 60% of Pb contaminants in the surface soil within the next 30 years. These findings provide a foundation for evaluating and remediating abandoned e-waste recycling sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiang Zeng, Cheng Xu, Xijin Xu, Yu Zhang, Yu Huang, Xia Huo
Summary: The study revealed that in e-waste-exposed areas, there is a correlation between children's blood lead levels and behavioral health, with higher blood lead levels linked to increased risk of behavioral problems, and lower NPY levels associated with higher risk of behavioral difficulties.
Article
Immunology
Yawen Zhang, Zengna Chi, Zhizhong Cui, Shuang Chang, Yixin Wang, Peng Zhao
Summary: This study evaluated liver injury caused by the YT strain of avian HEV in animals and revealed that viral infection induces increased expression of inflammatory factors, with activation of TLR, NF-kappa B, MAPK, and NLR-caspase-1 signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Keyang Zheng, Zhijun Zeng, Qianwen Tian, Jintao Huang, Qi Zhong, Xia Huo
Summary: Heavy metals pose a serious public health problem due to their wide presence in daily life and contamination of the environment. Children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heavy metal exposure on immune function compared to adults. This review summarizes epidemiological studies on the impact of heavy metal exposure on childhood immune function, focusing on the effects of six heavy metals on different components of the immune system. The review finds that heavy metal exposure, particularly to lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, impairs immune responses in children and increases the risk of immune-related diseases.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiang Zeng, Dongling Liu, Weidong Wu
Summary: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the leading environmental risk factor for death. Children, who are at a pivotal stage of growth and development, are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to PM2.5 exposure. In areas where e-waste dismantling activities occur, PM2.5 levels are higher and contain toxic components. However, limited research has been done on the effects of PM2.5 exposure in e-waste dismantling areas on children's health.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Aseni Navoda Ediriweera, Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna, Pinnaduwage Neelamanie Yapa, Douglas Allen Schaefer, Arani Koshathaki Ranasinghe, Nakarin Suwannarach, Jianchu Xu
Summary: This article reviews the potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi as natural indicators of soil heavy metal pollution, and summarizes the mechanisms by which they meet the criteria for successful bio-indicators.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raziye Mohammapdour, Hamidreza Ghandehari
Summary: Research has elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of interaction between inorganic nanoparticles and the immune system, with a specific focus on the immune response to the degradation products. The importance of designing new methods and instruments for assessing the safety of inorganic nanoparticles was emphasized.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiuli Luo, Xia Huo, Yuling Zhang, Zhiheng Cheng, Shuqin Chen, Xijin Xu
Summary: The study revealed that children exposed to lead had higher levels of blood Pb and plasma endotoxin, increased intestinal permeability, lower physical growth levels, poorer gut health, and elevated peripheral inflammatory indices. These results indicate the potential negative impact of environmental lead exposure on children's intestinal health.
Article
Microbiology
Jianming Lu, Ming Yuan, Lanfang Hu, Huaiying Yao
Summary: E-waste generation is a major environmental issue worldwide. This study investigated the migration and transformation of different multi-metal fractions in the soil-plant system of e-waste dismantling sites. The results showed that biochar combined with plants reduced the migration ability of heavy metals in the soil. Additionally, different bacteria and fungi were found to be significantly correlated with heavy metal migration and transformation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hien Thi Thu Ngo, Pensri Watchalayann, Diep Bich Nguyen, Hai Ngoc Doan, Li Liang
Summary: The study found that children in the informal e-waste processing village in Vietnam had significantly higher exposure to heavy metals compared to children in the reference village, with cooked rice being the main contributor to their intake. However, risks from drinking water and dermal contact with soil were minimal.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiheng Cheng, Xia Huo, Yifeng Dai, Xueling Lu, Machteld N. Hylkema, Xijin Xu
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qihua Wang, Xijin Xu, Zhijun Zeng, Xiangbin Zheng, Kai Ye, Xia Huo
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangbin Zheng, Xijin Xu, Fangfang Lu, Qihua Wang, Zhijun Zeng, Xia Huo
Summary: This study analyzed the associations among blood Pb and Cd, Th1/Th2 cytokines, and IgG subclasses in children living in electronic waste areas. The results show that heavy metal exposure, particularly Pb, may affect IgG subclass production by regulating Th1/Th2 cytokines in exposed children.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khosbayar Lkhagvadorj, Zhijun Zeng, Karolin F. Meyer, Laura P. Verweij, Wierd Kooistra, Marjan Reinders-Luinge, Henk W. Dijkhuizen, Inge A. M. de Graaf, Torsten Plosch, Machteld N. Hylkema
Summary: The study revealed that postnatal smoke exposure exacerbates the effects of prenatal smoke exposure on nicotine metabolism, leading to increased cotinine levels and Cyp2a5 mRNA expression in male offspring. Both pre- and postnatal smoke exposure were found to alter DNA methylation of Cyp2a5, with prenatal smoke exposure decreasing cotinine levels in male offspring. These adverse effects were more pronounced in males and could potentially accelerate the risk of nicotine dependence later in life when considering human health implications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiang Zeng, Cheng Xu, Xijin Xu, Yu Zhang, Yu Huang, Xia Huo
Summary: The study revealed that in e-waste-exposed areas, there is a correlation between children's blood lead levels and behavioral health, with higher blood lead levels linked to increased risk of behavioral problems, and lower NPY levels associated with higher risk of behavioral difficulties.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zihan Chen, Xia Huo, Shaocheng Zhang, Zhiheng Cheng, Yu Huang, Xijin Xu
Summary: The study showed that children exposed to e-waste have smaller left ventricles and impaired systolic function, which is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and elevated blood lead levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiuli Luo, Xia Huo, Yuling Zhang, Zhiheng Cheng, Shuqin Chen, Xijin Xu
Summary: The study revealed that children exposed to lead had higher levels of blood Pb and plasma endotoxin, increased intestinal permeability, lower physical growth levels, poorer gut health, and elevated peripheral inflammatory indices. These results indicate the potential negative impact of environmental lead exposure on children's intestinal health.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zihan Chen, Xia Huo, Guangcan Chen, Xiuli Luo, Xijin Xu
Summary: Lead, a heavy metal widely used in industry, is also a common environmental contaminant with toxicological consequences on many species. It adversely affects the cardiovascular system in humans, potentially leading to heart failure, pressure overload, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiotoxicity. Research indicates that lead exposure may play a significant role in the occurrence and development of heart failure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Okunola A. Alabi, Yetunde M. Adeoluwa, Xia Huo, Xijin Xu, Adekunle A. Bakare
Summary: Recently, electronic waste has become the fastest growing waste stream globally, posing potential environmental and public health hazards due to hazardous constituents. More studies are needed to clarify the dangers posed by e-waste constituents on both the environment and public health.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangcan Chen, Xia Huo, Xiuli Luo, Zhiheng Cheng, Yuling Zhang, Xijin Xu
Summary: Research findings indicate that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in e-waste areas can significantly impact the intestinal mucosal immunity of children, leading to changes in immune responses such as increased SLA levels, white blood cell counts, decreased CD4(+) T cell percentage, and higher risk of diarrhea. Specific PAH compounds were found to be correlated with different immune markers, with OH-PAH concentrations negatively affecting child growth and certain PAH compounds positively impacting secretory immunoglobulin A levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhijun Zeng, Sieglind Ngai, Qihua Wang, Wanting Liang, Xia Huo
Summary: Early-life exposure to environmental toxicants, such as organic pollutants, heavy metals, and air pollutants, can adversely affect human health, particularly the immunotoxicity. Studies have shown that exposure to these toxicants is associated with decreased potency of antibodies produced from childhood immunizations, leading to overall deficiency in vaccines' provided protection. Changes in humoral immune-related tissue/cells/molecules response to vaccines induced by toxicant exposure appear to play a predominant role in the inverse associations between vaccine antibody responsiveness and environmental toxicants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ciming Lin, Zhijun Zeng, Ruibin Xu, Wanting Liang, Yufeng Guo, Xia Huo
Summary: The concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in dust samples from Guiyu were significantly higher than those from the reference site of Haojiang. Kindergarten dust in Guiyu had the highest concentration of PCBs, while house dust in Haojiang had the highest concentration of PBDEs. Children in Guiyu had a 36 times higher exposure to PBDEs via dust ingestion compared to those in Haojiang.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhijun Zeng, Xijin Xu, Qihua Wang, Zhuxia Zhang, Peipei Meng, Xia Huo
Summary: Maternal exposure to PM2.5 from ewaste during pregnancy is associated with abnormal fetal brain development. DNA methylation in specific genes and thyroid hormones (THs) may mediate this association. Our findings suggest that methylation, likely linked to THs, in neonates may play mediation roles associated with abnormal brain development risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)