We show that exposure of zebrafish embryos to low concentrations of the brominated flame retardants BDE-47 and BDE-99, and the organophosphate pesticide CPF, caused both short- and long-term behavioral impairments. Interestingly, we also found that at very low exposure concentrations, where there were no visible effects on larval activity, adult behavior was still strongly affected.
As the older class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are phased out of commercial use because of findings of neurotoxicity with developmental exposure, a newer class of flame retardants have been introduced, the organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). Presently, little is known about the potential for developmental neurotoxicity or the behavioral consequences of OPFR exposure. Our aim was to characterize the life-long neurobehavioral effects of 4 widely used OPFRs using the zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.1% DMSO (vehicle control); or one of the following treatments; isopropylated phenyl phosphate (IPP) (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3 µM); butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP) (0.003, 0.03, 0.3, 3 µM); 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDP) (0.03, 0.3, 1 µM); isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (IDDP) (0.1, 0.3, 1, 10 µM) from 0- to 5-days postfertilization. On Day 6, the larvae were tested for motility under alternating dark and light conditions. Finally, at 5-7 months of age the exposed fish and controls were tested on a battery of behavioral tests to assess emotional function, sensorimotor response, social interaction and predator evasion. These tests showed chemical-specific short-term effects of altered motility in larvae in all of the tested compounds, and long-term impairment of anxiety-related behavior in adults following IPP, BPDP, or EHDP exposures. Our results show that OPFRs may not be a safe alternative to the phased-out BFRs and may cause behavioral impacts throughout the lifespan. Further research should evaluate the risk to mammalian experimental models and humans.
Background and Objectives: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant decrease in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening leading to delayed diagnoses and increased cancer deaths. To mitigate these burgeoning gaps in care, we developed a medical student-led service learning project aimed at improving rates of colorectal cancer screening at the Farrell Health Center (FHC), a primary care practice within the Ambulatory Care Network (ACN) at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Methods: A cohort of 973 FHC patients aged 50-75 years were identified as possibly overdue for screening. Student volunteers reviewed patient charts to confirm screening eligibility and then contacted patients to offer colonoscopy or stool DNA test. Following the patient outreach intervention, medical student volunteers completed a questionnaire to assess the educational value for the service-learning experience. Results: Fifty-three percent of identified patients were due for CRC screening; 67.8% of eligible patients were reached by volunteers. Among the patients reached, 47.0% were referred for CRC screening. No statistical significance was observed between likelihood of CRC screening acceptance and patient age or sex; 87% of medical student volunteers felt that the service-learning project was a valuable educational experience. Conclusion: The student-led patient telehealth outreach program is an effective model for identifying and referring patients overdue for CRC screening and an enriching educational experience for preclinical medical students. The structure provides a valuable framework to address gaps in health care maintenance.
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