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BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) with a gastrointestinal profile is categorized by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines into favorable and unfavorable subsets. Favorable CUPs benefit from site-specific chemotherapy (CT), while the optimal treatment for unfavorable CUPs is still undefined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study to describe outcomes of patients with CUP with a gastrointestinal profile referred to our center from January 2000 to August 2023. Favorable CUPs were defined as CK7-/CK20+/CDX2+ by immunohistochemistry, according to the ESMO definition; all other cases were considered unfavorable. The main endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS) of first-line CT for advanced disease in all patients and in the unfavorable group. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were included, of whom 46 (82%) had unfavorable CUPs. After a median follow-up of 43.9 months, the median overall survival (mOS) was 11.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.3-15.3 months]. At univariate analysis, the presence of peritoneal metastases and residual tumor after primary surgery were associated with a shorter OS. The median PFS (mPFS) was 6.1 months (95% CI 3.6-8.7 months). In the unfavorable CUP subgroup, the mOS was 12.6 months (95% CI 8.7-16.5 months), the mPFS was 6.1 months (95% CI 3.5-8.9 months) and none of the CT regimens used showed to portend better PFS. The most relevant altered genes included: KRAS (9/29; 31%), BRAF (1/26; 4%), NRAS (1/25; 4%), TP53 (9/23; 39%). CONCLUSIONS: CUPs with a gastrointestinal profile are characterized by poor prognosis and the absence of biomarker for treatment personalization. No CT regimen was superior in terms of PFS in patients with unfavorable CUPs.

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Heavy metal concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu leaching from single-use plastic cups were identified, and the risks associated with them were assessed in real time (up to 10 min). All samples (tea, carbonated beverage, and lassi) were placed in disposable plastic cups and held for less than 1 min, 5 min, and 10 min, respectively. Prior to digestion, the solids were ashed in a muffle furnace at 550 °C for 30 min. The filtrates were then tested for heavy metals. The samples were all confirmed to be contaminated with heavy metals. Heavy metals leached from the plastic cups in the following order: Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. The samples' HI values were less than one, hence there was no evidence of a non-carcinogenic risk. The ILCR values for this heavy metal contamination in samples exceed 10-3, indicating a high carcinogenic risk. Lassi poses the highest possible carcinogenic risk. A rise in temperature and a drop in pH also resulted in heavy metal migration. Heavy metal leaching from plastic cups poses a serious health risk due to its toxicity. The proposed legislation should prohibit or restrict the serving of warm and hot beverages in plastic cups.

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Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention as one of the most remarkable food and drink pollutants in recent years. Disposable cups, which are widely used as single-use containers, have been suspected as the primary sources of MPs found in cold and hot beverages. In this study, the effect of different exposure times (0, 5, 10 and 20 min) and temperatures (4 °C, 50 °C and 80 °C) on MP release from the single-use cups made of four different materials [polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) coated paper cups and expanded polystyrene (EPS)] into the water was investigated. The number of MPs ranged from 126 p/L to 1420 p/L, while the highest and lowest counts were observed in the PP (50 °C for 20 min) and PE-coated paper cups (4 °C 0 min), respectively. Washing the cups with ultrapure water prior to use reduced the MP release by 52-65%. SEM images demonstrated the abrasion on the surface of the disposable cups as a result of hot water exposure. Intensities of FTIR absorbance levels at some wavelengths were decreased by the water treatment, which could be evidence of surface abrasion. The annual MP exposure of consumers was calculated as 18,720-73,840 by the consumption of hot and cold beverages in disposable cups. In conclusion, as the level and potential toxicity of MP exposure in humans are not yet fully known, this study sheds light on the number of MPs transferred to cold and hot beverages from single-use disposable cups.

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Background: Recently, the usefulness of lymphatic ultrasound has been reported. It is beneficial not only to identify lymphatic vessels but also to evaluate lymphatic degeneration and diagnose lymphedema. We previously proposed D-CUPS (Doppler, Cross, Uncollapsible, Parallel, and Superficial fascia) to identify the lymphatic vessels on ultrasound. The purpose of this study was to clarify the sensitivity of each index of D-CUPS. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 27 patients (44 limbs, 98 sites) with lower extremity lymphedema, who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). We performed a lymphatic ultrasound the day before surgery. We used a linear probe commonly used for venous ultrasound (Noblus EUP-L65; Hitachi Medical Corp., Tokyo, Japan). We applied the D-CUPS index to identify the lymphatic vessels on ultrasound. We checked whether lymphatic vessels consistent with preoperative lymphatic ultrasound findings were observed during the LVA. We also calculated the sensitivity of each D-CUPS index. Results: All the 27 patients were women, with a mean age of 59.7 years. Totally, 98 incisions were made (59 incisions on the thigh and 39 incisions on the lower leg). During LVA, lymphatic vessels consistent with the preoperative lymphatic ultrasound findings were observed at all the sites. The sensitivities of each indicator of D-CUPS were 100.0%, 100.0%, 68.4%, 19.4%, and 100.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The sensitivity was 100.0% in D, C, and S. Although each index separately was not perfect, by combining them appropriately, we were able to identify lymphatic vessels with certainty.

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This study aimed to identify the motivations of sports tourists to attend Soccer World Cups and to determine the motivational dimensions that predict their satisfaction. The research took place in Doha, the capital of Qatar, during the FIFA World Cup in 2022, where 503 valid questionnaires were collected. Exploratory factor analysis and linear regression with the Enter method were used for data analysis. The results show four motivational dimensions: Sports Passion, Escape & Relaxation, Patriotism & Attachment, and Recreation. Additionally, a positive and significant relationship was found between the Escape & Relaxation factor and overall satisfaction. In contrast, a negative correlation was identified between the Patriotism & Attachment dimension and satisfaction. These findings will contribute to the academic literature related to the Soccer World Cups as part of sports tourism and will also assist sporting event organizers in developing marketing and management plans to benefit this tourist demand.

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Bioinspired and biomimetic soft grippers are rapidly growing fields. They represent an advancement in soft robotics as they emulate the adaptability and flexibility of biological end effectors. A prominent example of a gripping mechanism found in nature is the octopus tentacle, enabling the animal to attach to rough and irregular surfaces. Inspired by the structure and morphology of the tentacles, this study introduces a novel design, fabrication, and characterization method of dielectric elastomer suction cups. To grasp objects, the developed suction cups perform out-of-plane deflections as the suction mechanism. Their attachment mechanism resembles that of their biological counterparts, as they do not require a pre-stretch over a rigid frame or any external hydraulic or pneumatic support to form and hold the dome structure of the suction cups. The realized artificial suction cups demonstrate the capability of generating a negative pressure up to 1.3 kPa in air and grasping and lifting objects with a maximum 58 g weight under an actuation voltage of 6 kV. They also have sensing capabilities to determine whether the grasping was successful without the need of lifting the objects.

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BACKGROUND: Equine embryonic loss following the development of endometrial cups delays return to cyclicity due to the production of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Natural degradation of endometrial cups coincides with an influx of immune cells at 100-120 days of gestation, but therapeutic stimulation of reduced eCG production has been relatively unsuccessful. Recently, we observed an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production following the use of the immunostimulant mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic-guided injection of MCWF on the accelerated decline of eCG secretion. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experiment. METHODS: Mares were pharmacologically aborted at 40-45 days of gestation, and then divided into groups: MCWF-treated (6 mg MCWF suspended in 20 mL LRS; n = 10) and Control (20 mL LRS; n = 6). Five days after abortion, hysteroscopic-guided injection of endometrial cups was performed, with 1 mL of volume placed into each visible endometrial cup. This was repeated 7 days later. Trans-rectal ultrasonography was performed to monitor ovarian activity, and serum was obtained to assess eCG and cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: Concentrations of eCG decreased in the MCWF-treated group (p < 0.01) with a significant suppression noted as early as 14 days after onset of treatment and remained suppressed for the duration of the study. This coincided with an increase in peripheral IFN-γ (p < 0.01) and IL-1ß (p < 0.01) concentrations. Eight out of ten MCWF-treated mares (80%) developed pre-ovulatory follicles, in comparison to 2/6 controls (33%). A pre-ovulatory follicle was noted 23 ± 4 days after onset of treatment. MAIN LIMITATIONS: No pregnancy data was obtained following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a treatment for the accelerated reduction of eCG following abortion. Stimulation of this process allowed mares to develop a pre-ovulatory follicle within a month of MCWF treatment onset, granting repeat attempts at breeding within the confines of a single breeding season.

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This study investigated the spatial distributions and seasonal variations of 19 CUPs in the coastal areas of the Shandong Peninsula and its surrounding rivers and assessed their ecological risk. In freshwater and seawater, insecticides (chlorpyrifos, methoxychlor, and pyridaben), as well as fungicides (fenarimol) and herbicides (dichlobenil) were the main pollutants (Detection Frequency: 100 %). Spatially, during winter, the regional pollution levels of Σ19CUPs in seawater showed a trend of Laizhou Bay (LZB, mean:4.13 ng L-1) > Yellow River Estuary (YRE, mean:2.57 ngL-1) > Bohai Bay (BHB, mean:2.21 ng L-1) > Yanwei Area (YWA, mean:1.94 ng L-1). The similarities of major substances between rivers and the marine environment suggest that river discharge is the main source of CUPs pollution in coastal areas. In summer, CUPs in rivers posed a high risk. In winter, the risk significantly decreased, indicating a moderate overall risk. Seawater exhibited a low risk in winter.

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OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine the proportion of modern menstrual method (MMM) users among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu; and to estimate the unmet needs associated with use of MMMs in comparison with other menstrual hygiene methods (MHMs). We also assessed the factors that determine MMM use among college going women. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India between October 2022 and January 2023 using a purpose predesigned, pretested, semi-structured proforma that included validated Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36). RESULTS: Only 1.4% of the study participants used MMMs - menstrual cups (1.3%) and tampons (0.1%). Sanitary pads were the most common MHM of choice (96.3%); of which majority (98.6%) used disposable pads and more than half (50.4%) used non-biodegradable pads. Importantly, one in six (16.5%) were not aware of nature of sanitary pads (biodegradable or nonbiodegradable) used. The unmet needs associated with MMMs (menstrual cups and tampons) were significantly lower than that for other MHMs (including sanitary pads), in particular, the unmet material and home environment needs, unmet material reliability concerns, unmet reuse needs and unmet reuse insecurity. However, we found no significant difference between MMMs, sanitary pads and other MHMs in terms of unmet transport, college environment, change and disposal insecurity needs. The significant predictors of use of MMMs were age (more than 21 years of age), residence (urban), type of stay (off campus including home), socioeconomic status (upper), fathers' and mothers' education (high school and above), and presence of personal income. Discussions with friends (or peers) both before and after menarche regarding menstruation resulted in higher adoption of modern menstrual methods. CONCLUSION: MMMs provided comparative advantage with lesser unmet needs for material reliability and reuse insecurity concerns, particularly in home environment. However, none of the MHMs fulfilled the user expectations for transport and disposal insecurity concerns, particularly outdoors.

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BACKGROUND: Porous tantalum components and augments have demonstrated short to midterm fixation stability in acetabular total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision but do not offer a novel option to decrease the postoperative dislocation rate. Recently, dual mobility (DM) cups have gained interest to decrease the prevalence of recurrent hip instability after revision hip arthroplasty, but this issue was not confirmed combined with use of tantalum reconstruction devices. Therefore, we did a retrospective study aiming to: (1) evaluate at a 5-year minimum follow-up period the dislocation rate (and other intra- and postoperative complications), (2) assess radiographic results specifically looking at osseointegration and restoration of the hip center, (3) and also clinical results in a cohort of patients who underwent complex acetabular reconstruction with trabecular metal revision components associated with a cemented DM socket. HYPOTHESIS: Using a DM socket cemented in porous tantalum components can reach the low risk of hip dislocation reported with DM components in revision setting without increasing the risk of a mechanical failure. METHODS: A cross-sectional study identified 174 THA revision including an acetabular revision. Were excluded 118 revisions with acetabular defects Type 1, 2a or 2B according to Paprosky's classification, as well as 18 hips revised without a dual mobility and 3 patients (3 hips) lost to follow-up. Were thus included in this study 35 hips (35 patients) implanted with uncemented total hip arthroplasty revision using both trabecular metal acetabular cup-cage reconstruction and a cemented DM cup. Seven hips were classified Paprosky types 2C, 15 type 3A and 13 types 3B. Patients were followed with clinical and radiological evaluation regarding dislocation rate, infection, reoperation or re-revision, osseointegration and restoration of the hip center, and functional results according to the Harris hip score and psoas impingement presence. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 8.1±1.8 years (5.1-12.6), one dislocation was recorded, and one acute deep infection. No patient required a cup re-revision for septic or aseptic loosening. The survivorship at 8years regarding revision for any cause as an endpoint was 96.5% (CI95%: 92-99). Osseointegration of TM implants was analyzed and found no acetabular migration at the last follow-up in the cohort. The mean hip center position was optimized from 48±7mm (37-58) to 34±5mm (29-39) vertically and from 26±5mm (-18-36) to 24±8mm (7-31) horizontally without reaching significance (p=0.1). On the last follow-up X-rays, the mean acetabular inclination was 47̊±9̊ (32̊-61̊). According to the criteria of Hirakawa, 97.1% (34/35) of the hip centers were restored. One cup (2.9%) was more than 5mm proximally from the hip center, and none more than 10mm. Clinical results assessed a Harris Hip Score improved from 36±17 (23-62) preoperatively to 82±15 (69-93) at last follow-up (p<0.0001). Two patients (2/35, 5.7%) complained of psoas impingement. CONCLUSION: This study suggests effectiveness of DM cups in association with a tantalum-made acetabular shell for reconstruction of large bone defect in THRs for both solving postoperative instability and aseptic loosening without increasing the re-revision rate for any reason in a midterm follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; observational study.

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Menstrual hygiene management, especially in resource-limited settings, is challenging. The acceptability of the menstrual cup is increasing recently in western countries whereas, in developing countries like India, the awareness, acceptability, and use of menstrual cups are very limited. We assessed the effectiveness of modified pre-post-test teaching-learning methodology in an online webinar series on menstrual cups using Moore's outcome assessment. An online webinar series on menstrual hygiene and the menstrual cup was conducted to raise awareness about the usage of menstrual cups among the health care workers like Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHAs), and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) of the Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The questions of modified pre- and post-test were displayed. The questions were displayed to participants using the polling option in zoom. A total of 1597 health care workers participated in the menstrual cup webinar series. Of the total, 72.7% of participants responded to the job title question of which ASHA, ANMs, and AWWs were 16.8%, 34.2%, and 41.9%, respectively. The baseline knowledge of menstrual cups among primary health care workers for "heard of the menstrual cup" and "ever used/know anyone using menstrual cup" was 36.89% and 11.67%, respectively. After the webinar among the primary health care workers, the maximum gain in knowledge was seen for "menstrual cup can be cleaned in the home," 94.53%, and the minimum gain in knowledge was on "unmarried girls can use menstrual cups," 50.42%. The modified pre- and post-test model predicted an overall 50 percent rise in the knowledge of primary health care workers by the webinar series about a different aspect of the menstrual cup.As online webinar providers aim to provide more performance-based learning activities, current approaches to continuing medical education may become obsolete. The single most essential shift in online webinar planners can make is to incorporate modified pre-and post-test to allow for interactive and formative assessment during webinar activities.

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Background: High rates of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) harms and interrupted schooling are global challenges for adolescent girls, requiring effective interventions. We assessed the impact of menstrual cups (MCs) or cash transfers conditioned on school attendance (CCTs), or both, on SRH and schooling outcomes in western Kenya. Methods: In this cluster-randomised Cups or Cash for Girls (CCG) trial, adolescent girls in Forms two and three at 96 secondary schools in Siaya County (western Kenya) were randomised to receive either CCT, MC, combined CCT and MC, or control (1:1:1:1) for an average of 30 months. The CCT intervention comprised 1500KES (US$15 in 2016) via a cash card each school trimester. All four treatment groups received puberty and hygiene training. Assenting girls with parent or guardian consent who were post-menarche, not pregnant, area residents, not boarding, and had no disabilities precluding participation were eligible. Socio-behavioural risk factors and incidence of HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) were measured annually. School retainment and adverse events were monitored throughout. The primary outcome comprised a composite of incident HIV, HSV-2 and/or all-cause school dropout by school exit examination. The primary analysis was by intention-to-treat (ITT) using generalised linear mixed models, controlling for a priori selected baseline covariates. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03051789. Findings: Between February 28, 2017 and June 30, 2021, 4137 girls (median age 17.1 [interquartile range (IQR): 16.3-18.0]) were enrolled and followed annually until completion of secondary school (median 2.5 years [IQR: 2.4-2.7]); 4106 (99.3%) contributed to the ITT analysis. No differences in the primary composite outcome between intervention and control groups were seen (MC: 18.2%, CCT: 22.1%, combined: 22.1%, control: 19.6%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.76-1.24; 1.14, 0.90-1.45; and 1.13, 0.90-1.43, respectively). Incident HSV-2 occurred in 8.6%, 13.3%, 14.8%, and 12% of the MC, CCT, combined and control groups, respectively (MC: RR: 0.67, 0.47-0.95, p = 0.027; aRR: 0.71, 0.50-1.01, p = 0.057; CCT: aRR: 1.02, 0.73-1.41, p = 0.92; combined aRR: 1.16, 0.85-2.58, p = 0.36). Incident HIV was low (MC: 1.2%, CCT: 1.5%, combined: 1.0%, and control: 1.4%; aRR: 0.88, 0.38-2.05, p = 0.77, aRR: 1.16, 0.51-2.62, p = 0.72, aRR: 0.80, 0.33-1.94, p = 0.62, respectively). No intervention decreased school dropout (MC: 11.2%, CCT: 12.4%, combined: 10.9%, control: 10.5%; aRR: 1.16, 0.86-1.57; 1.23, 0.91-1.65; and 1.06, 0.78-1.44, respectively). No related serious adverse events were seen. Interpretation: MCs, CCTs, or both, did not protect schoolgirls against a composite of deleterious harms. MCs appear protective against HSV-2. Studies of longer follow-up duration with objective measures of health impact are needed in this population. Funding: Department of Health and Social Care, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Medical Research Council and Wellcome.

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Introduction: Acetabular impaction bone grafting (AIBG) has been used widely to reconstruct acetabular defects in complex primary and revision cases. The aim of this study was to look at the outcomes AIBG using either frozen irradiated femoral head allografts or autografts with uncemented acetabular cups. Method: We retrospectively reviewed 38 patients who had AIBG and uncemented cup reconstruction of the acetabulum performed between 2008 and 2021 for complex primary and revision surgery. Graft incorporation, radiological loosening and cup migration were evaluated in follow-up X-rays. Result: There were 24 complex primary and 14 revision total hip arthroplasty. Autografts were used in 10 hips with smaller defects, while 28 hips with larger defects required frozen irradiated femoral head allografts. Using Paprosky classification to evaluate acetabular defects; 8 patients were classified as 2A, 12 as 2B, 7 as 2C, 8 as 3A and 3 as 3B. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate for AIBG with uncemented cups in our series is 89.70% in 10 years. Acetabular cup position was anatomically restored in all autograft AIBG cases and in 25 out of 28 in the allograft group. The mean pre-operative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) was 19 (range 10-24) and post-operative OHS was 39 (range 21-48) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The mid- to long-term results for AIBG and uncemented acetabular cups is good. With newer and more porous uncemented cups especially revision cups, it may serve as an extended indication to achieve solid fixation together with AIBG technique in managing acetabular defects of ≤ 3A.

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BACKGROUND: The relationship between the fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue and the lymphatic degeneration in the lymphedematous limbs has not been elucidated, and we have evaluated it in the current study. METHODS: Twenty-five patients (50 limbs) were included in this retrospective study. We performed lymphatic ultrasound by separating the limbs into four lymphosomes: the saphenous (medial) thigh, saphenous (medial) calf, lateral thigh, and lateral calf. In each lymphosome, the lymphatic diameter, the degree of lymphatic degeneration, and the fluid accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue were evaluated. The lymphatic vessels were detected based on the index of D-CUPS (Doppler, Crossing, Uncollapsibe, Parallel, and Superficial fascia). Lymphatic degeneration was diagnosed based on the NECST (Normal, Ectasis, Contraction, and Sclerosis Type) classification. RESULTS: All patients were women with a mean age of 62.7 years. Lymphatic vessels were detected using lymphatic ultrasonography in 50 saphenous (medial) thigh lymphosomes, 43 saphenous (medial) calf lymphosomes, 34 lateral thigh lymphosomes, and 22 lateral calf lymphosomes. The fluid accumulation tended to be more acute in the more severe stages of lymphedema. As for the NECST classification, the normal type was observed only in the areas without fluid accumulation. Among the other areas, the percentage of contraction type was the largest in the area with slight edema and decreased in the areas with severe edema. CONCLUSION: The lymphatic vessels were dilated to a greater extent in legs with more severe fluid accumulation. Therefore, there is no hesitation needed to perform lymphaticovenous anastomosis because of severe lymphedema.

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Microplastics (MPs) have become widespread in the modern world posing a hidden threat to the global environment. However, growing accumulation and devastating impact of MPs on human health and the environment have received least attention. In the current investigation, for the first time MPs have been identified which are released from the daily usable materials like polythene bags (PB) and paper cups (PC) in response to hot and cold water exposure at different time intervals. The impact of these MPs has been assessed on the major antioxidant enzyme, bovine liver catalase (BLC). The binding of MPs caused conformational changes in BLC by decreasing the α-helical content, which results in reduction of the enzymatic activity. Kinetics study revealed nearly ∼1.4-fold compromised catalytic efficiency of catalase in response to MPs. Nevertheless, hepatic catalase activity was also significantly decreased in presence of MPs. Further, materials like glass, porcelain, stainless steel, and high-grade plastics are discovered as greener alternatives to PB and PC.

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PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the difference in success rates of closed reduction in septic and aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed with a dual mobility (DM) implant. Our objective was to answer the following questions: (1) Is there a difference in success rates of closed reduction between septic and aseptic revision THA with a DM implant? (2) Is closed or open reduction more successful in preventing re-dislocation? METHODS: Between January 2009 and October 2021, 924 revisions were performed with a DM implant. All patients presenting to our institution with a dislocation following septic or aseptic revision THA using a cemented DM cup were included in this study. We analyzed 106 cases of dislocation in 74 patients. For all patients, we collected reason for revision, and classified index surgery as septic or aseptic. RESULTS: Overall, 106 dislocations occurred (106/924, 11.5%). Thirty-nine cases (52.7%) had a dislocation after a septic exchange THA, while in 35 patients (47.3%), a dislocation occurred after an aseptic rTHA. In 29 patients (39.2%), successful closed reduction under general anesthesia was feasible, while the majority of cases required open reduction. In 31 of these patients (67.4%), open reduction was combined with a revision arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: In case of DM cup dislocation, there is a low success rate of closed reduction. To prevent re-dislocation, total revision leads to a significantly reduced risk compared to open or closed reduction alone. Careful X-ray analysis for a halo sign showing intra-prosthetic DM cup dislocation is mandatory to avoid futile reduction attempts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

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Current-use pesticide (CUP) exposure occurs mainly through diet and environmental application in both agricultural and urban settings. While pesticide exposure has been associated with many adverse health outcomes, the intermediary molecular mechanisms are still not completely elucidated. Among others, their roles in epigenetics (DNA methylation) and DNA damage due to oxidative stress are presumed. Scientific evidence on urinary biomarkers of such body response in general population is limited, especially in children. A total of 440 urine samples (n = 110 parent-child pairs) were collected during the winter and summer seasons in order to describe levels of overall DNA methylation (5-mC, 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 7-mG, 3-mA) and oxidative stress (8-OHdG) biomarkers and investigate their possible associations with metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA, t/c-DCCA), chlorpyrifos (TCPY), and tebuconazole (TEB-OH). Linear mixed-effects models accounting for intraindividual and intrahousehold correlations were utilized. We applied false discovery rate procedure to account for multiplicity and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Higher urinary levels of most biological response biomarkers were measured in winter samples. In adjusted repeated measures models, interquartile range (IQR) increases in pyrethroid metabolites were associated with higher oxidative stress. t/c-DCCA and TCPY were associated with higher urinary levels of cytosine methylation biomarkers (5-mC and/or 5-mdC). The most robust association was observed for tebuconazole metabolite with 3-mA (-15.1% change per IQR increase, 95% CI = -23.6, -5.69) suggesting a role of this pesticide in reduced demethylation processes through possible DNA glycosylase inhibition. Our results indicate an urgent need to extend the range of analyzed environmental chemicals such as azole pesticides (e.g. prothioconazole) in human biomonitoring studies. This is the first study to report urinary DNA methylation biomarkers in children and associations between CUP metabolites and a comprehensive set of biomarkers including methylated and oxidized DNA alterations. Observed associations warrant further large-scale research of these biomarkers and environmental pollutants including CUPs.

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Along with the restriction and prohibition of historic used organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), current used pesticides (CUPs) were widely used as alternatives. In order to investigate the pollution characteristics of pesticides, the levels and spatial distributions of OCPs and CUPs in 154 surface soil across China were comprehensively compared. Totally, 107 target pesticides were screened, and 20 OCPs and 34 CUPs were detected. The numbers of co-occurred pesticides in single soil sample were from 17 to 36 indicating the diversity and complexity of pesticides pollution. The concentrations of OCPs in urban soils were higher than rural soils, while rural > urban for CUPs. Furthermore, obviously different spatial distribution patterns were found for OCPs and CUPs. For OCPs, the secondary distribution pattern was dominant. For CUPs, the primary distribution pattern was obviously observed due to their current extensive usage. In addition, higher concentrations of both CUPs and OCPs were accumulated in the Northeast China Plain due to long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. Along with the old topic of OCPs, the study pointed out the preliminary understanding of CUPs pollution characteristic in surface soil of China, which provided a new story with the deep understanding of their environmental fate in both China and the world.

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Since ecology influences the expression of cognitive traits, intra-specific variation in ecological demands can drive differences in cognition. This is often the case, for instance, when sexes face different ecological challenges. However, so far, most studies have focused on few cognitive domains (i.e., spatial cognition), which limits our understanding of the evolution of sexually dimorphic cognition in animals. Endangered Southern ground-hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri), for example, show sex-specific ecological differences in age at dispersal, where females disperse from their natal group earlier than males. Based on this potential sex-specific source of selection, females and males may differ in their capacity to behave flexibly. Here, we used the reversal-learning paradigm in ten Southern ground-hornbills in two conditions: spatial and colour. During the pre-test (learning phase), regardless the sex, all subjects were faster at associating the food reward with spatial rather than with colour cues. Similarly, during the test (reversal-learning phase), both sexes learned the new association quicker with spatial cues. There were no sex differences in learning or reversal learning during both experimental phases. This possibility, however, requires further observation and experimentation. We hope our study will provide the impetus to assess further the cognitive capacities of this still overlooked species.

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Objectives: To assess the impact of educating and creating awareness among women on Menstrual Cups (M-Cups) as a healthy, safe, easy-to- use and affordable menstrual hygiene product with the support of medical professionals. Study design: A two-group, non-randomized cross-sectional study. Methods: The M-Cup awareness creation was carried out through the project 'Thinkal' and 4345 cups were distributed among the beneficiaries of Alappuzha Municipality in two separate groups. One group received awareness with the help of medical professionals and experienced users whereas the other group collected the M-Cup from the distribution centres (Municipality and Community Development Society) along with the information pamphlets without attending awareness sessions initially. Results: Among the women who received the M-Cups without attending the awareness session, only 20.7% started using the M-Cup, where as 40.6% who received awareness, started the usage which is approximately double. Conclusions: A well curated awareness session was the most important factor which helped in transforming a woman into an M-Cup user.