Endocrine disrupting micropollutants in water and their effects on human fertility and fecundity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Micropollutants (MPs) are defined as persistent and biologically-active substances which occur in the environment in trace amounts, mainly as a result of industrial processes and human domestic activity. The published experimental data prove that, among other things, MPs present in the environment may also affect and disturb hormonal balance in humans, resulting in impairment of the reproductive function. In addition to the many MPs disrupting endocrine function described in literature and which exert an effect on human reproductive function, the study presents a review of current literature concerning the exposure to Bisphenol A, phthalates, organochlorine pesticides, and pyrethroids. REVIEW METHODS: Two independent authors searched in PubMed and Google scholar (any date until September 2022) for studies concerning chosen endocrine-disrupting MPs in water and their effects on human fertility and fecundity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The review of the literature showed that EDMs present in the environment may create risk in the prenatal and postnatal development following premature birth, and exert a negative effect on fertility and reproductive functions in humans, especially during the perinatal period. SUMMARY: The presented review of literature indicates a negative effect of exposure to BPA, phthalates, OC and OP pesticides, as well as to pyrethroids, regarding human reproductive health. It also demonstrated considerable differences according to gender. Generally, there is a definitely stronger evidence for the presence of a cause-effect relationship between the discussed EDMs and a decreased fertility and fecundity in males. The negative effect of exposure to Bisphenol A, phthalates, selected organochlorine pesticides and pyrethroids appears to be quite well documented.

Edoxaban vs. warfarin in vitamin K antagonist experienced and naive patients with atrial fibrillation†.

AIMS: Edoxaban is an oral, once-daily factor Xa inhibitor that is non-inferior to well-managed warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolic events (SEEs). We examined the efficacy and safety of edoxaban vs. warfarin in patients who were vitamin K antagonist (VKA) naive or experienced. METHODS AND RESULTS: ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 randomized 21 105 patients with AF at moderate-to-high risk of stroke to once-daily edoxaban vs. warfarin. Subjects were followed for a median of 2.8 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was stroke or SEE. As a pre-specified subgroup, we analysed outcomes for those with or without prior VKA experience (>60 consecutive days). Higher-dose edoxaban significantly reduced the risk of stroke or SEE in patients who were VKA naive [hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.90] and was similar to warfarin in the VKA experienced (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.24; P interaction = 0.028). Lower-dose edoxaban was similar to warfarin for stroke or SEE prevention in patients who were VKA naive (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.73-1.15), but was inferior to warfarin in those who were VKA experienced (HR 1.31, 95% 1.08-1.60; P interaction = 0.019). Both higher-dose and lower-dose edoxaban regimens significantly reduced the risk of major bleeding regardless of prior VKA experience (P interaction = 0.90 and 0.71, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with AF, edoxaban appeared to demonstrate greater efficacy compared with warfarin in patients who were VKA naive than VKA experienced. Edoxaban significantly reduced major bleeding compared with warfarin regardless of prior VKA exposure.

Seasonal activity of millipedes (Diplopoda)--their economic and medical significance.

The millipede Brachydesmus superus Latzel, Polydesmus inconstans Latzel (Diplopoda: Polydesmida) and Kryphioiulus occultus C. L. Koch (Diplopoda: Julida) were collected from compost in gardens in Lublin, eastern Poland. Collections were made by using pitfall traps between April - September 2009 and 2010. Brachydesmus superus, Polydesmus inconstans and Kryphioiulus occultus play a significant role in composting of plant residues. Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus Wood and Ommatoiulus sabulosus Linnaeus (Diplopoda: Julida) were collected manually in 2009-2011 in fallows and ruderals of Lublin and Kraków. C. caeruleocinctus and O. sabulosus caused considerable nuisance during mass occurrence and migration in human residences. The sex ratio has been determined for populations of C. caeruleocinctus, total sex ratio average 1:1.46. The number of females prevailed. Millipedes of the temperate climate have two peaks in the spring and autumn pattern of activity of the year. Both common species C. caeruleocinctus and O. sabulosus were analysed bacteriologically. The millipede Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus transmits Citrobacter freundii, Pantoea agglomerans, Serratia marcescens, Raoultella planticola, Salmonella arizonae. The millipede Ommatoiulus sabulosus transmits Citrobacter freundii, Pantoea agglomerans, Raoultella planticola and Xanthomonas maltophila.

Cytogenetic studies of Glomeris (Diplopoda: Glomeridae).

Karyotypes and meiosis of Glomeris hexasticha and G. connexa (Diplopoda: Glomeridae) from Poland were described using C-heterochromatin distribution and observations of the location of NORs. These species were characterized by 2n>=16 and the XY sex determination system. Differences were found in the amount of C-heterochromatin in X and Y chromosomes between the studied species. In G. hexasticha, supernumerary B chromosomes were described.