Our results suggest that there is no association between statin use and breast cancer risk. However, observational studies cannot clarify whether the observed epidemiologic association is a causal effect or the result of some unmeasured confounding variable. Therefore, more research is needed.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing green biocomposite for industrial wastewater treatment. In this study, prawn-shell-derived chitosan (CHT) and kaolinite rich modified clay (MC) were used to fabricate biocomposite beads with different compositions. Prepared composite beads were characterized by FTIR, and XRD, and SEM. The possible application of the beads was evaluated primarily by measuring the adsorption efficiency in standard models of lead (II) and methylene blue (MB) dye solution, and the results show a promising removal efficiency. In addition, the composites were used to remove Cr (VI), Pb (II), and MB from real industrial effluents. From tannery effluent, 50.90% of chromium and 39.50% of lead ions were removed by composites rich in chitosan and 31.50% of MB was removed from textile effluent by a composite rich in clay. Moreover, the composite beads were found to be activated in both acidic and basic media depending on their composition, which gives a scope to their universal application in dye and heavy metal removal from wastewater from various industries.

Background DNA methylation is associated with cancer, metabolic, neurological, and autoimmune disorders. Hypomethylation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) especially at cg05575921 is associated with smoking and lung cancer. Studies on the association between AHRR methylation at cg05575921 and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) other than smoking are limited. The aim of our study was to assess the pattern of blood DNA methylation at cg05575921 in non-smoking Taiwanese adults living in areas with different PM 2.5 levels. Methods Data on blood DNA methylation, smoking, and residence were retrieved from the Taiwan Biobank dataset (2008–2015). Current and former smokers, as well as individuals with incomplete information were excluded from the current study. The final analysis included 708 participants (279 men and 429 women) aged 30–70 years. PM 2.5 levels have been shown to increase as one moves from the northern through central towards southern Taiwan. Based on this trend, the study areas were categorized into northern, north-central, central, and southern regions. Results Living in PM 2.5 areas was associated with lower methylation levels: compared with the northern area (reference area), living in north-central, central, and southern areas was associated with lower methylation levels at cg05575921. However, only methylation levels in those living in central and southern areas were significant ( β = − 0.01003, P = 0.009 and β = − 0.01480, P < 0.001, respectively. Even though methylation levels in those living in the north-central area were not statistically significant, the test for linear trend was significant ( P < 0.001). When PM 2.5 was included in the regression model, a unit increase in PM 2.5 was associated with 0.00115 ( P < 0.001) lower cg05575921 methylation levels. Conclusion Living in PM 2.5 areas was inversely associated with blood AHRR methylation levels at cg05575921. The methylation levels were lowest in participants residing in southern followed by central and north-central areas. Moreover, when PM 2.5 was included in the regression model, it was inversely associated with methylation levels at cg05575921. Blood methylation at cg05575921 (AHRR) in non-smokers might indicate different exposures to PM 2.5 and lung cancer which is a PM 2.5 -related disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0662-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In recent decades, increased domestic and industrial activities have led to the release of various pollutants into the aquatic environment. A robust and eco-friendly technique for removing these pollutants from wastewater is a crucial need. Among existing technologies, adsorption is considered to be a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable method. Recently, chitosan−clay nanocomposites have emerged because of their high abundance, ease of fabrication, and efficacy as adsorbents. Quantitatively, this particular class of composites is capable of removing ∼99% of dyes, metals, and harmful negative ions from various solutions. Also, the composite is designed to remove a maximum of ∼94% of the targeted herbicides from media under investigation. This review summarizes important information about this adsorbent in removing micropollutants from various water sources. A short overview of the chemical structure and the modification of chitosan and clay, along with their interaction within the composite matrix and with contaminants, is presented. Finally, a critical analysis of the removal performance of these composites compared with that of other industrial adsorbents is provided. Future research directions are suggested on the basis of the technological challenges faced in the industrial implementation of these materials.

Both gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol polymers have good biocompatibility to be used in biomedical applications. Cell adhesion and growth activity of gelatin have made it unique in artificial cartilage preparation. Two separate solutions of them are prepared by mixing 10% (w/v) of each one in water. These two solutions are then mixed at a temperature range of 70–90°C, and a pH value of 2 is maintained and finally it is cast into films. The dried films are gamma irradiated (using 60Co) at different doses. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the films shows the presence of amide linkages formed in them. It is observed from thermogravimetric analysis that 2.6% of non-irradiated and 20% of irradiated samples retain after heating them up to 600°C. Mechanical properties of the irradiated films show better properties than that of non-irradiated one. The irradiated films show a decrease in water uptake than that of the non-irradiated films. Scanning electron microscopy does not show any significant difference in morphology of the films with increasing radiation doses.