Urinary bisphenol A concentrations in girls from rural and urban Egypt: a pilot study

Abstract Background Exposure to endocrine active compounds, including bisphenol A (BPA), remains poorly characterized in developing countries despite the fact that behavioral practices related to westernization have the potential to influence exposure. BPA is a high production volume chemical that has been associated with metabolic dysfunction as well as behavioral and developmental effects in people, including children. In this pilot study, we evaluate BPA exposure and assess likely pathways of exposure among girls from urban and rural Egypt. Methods We measured urinary concentrations of total (free plus conjugated) species of BPA in spot samples in urban (N = 30) and rural (N = 30) Egyptian girls, and compared these concentrations to preexisting data from age-matched American girls (N = 47) from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also collected anthropometric and questionnaire data regarding food storage behaviors to assess potential routes of exposure. Results Urban and rural Egyptian girls exhibited similar concentrations of urinary total BPA, with median unadjusted values of 1.00 and 0.60 ng/mL, respectively. Concentrations of urinary BPA in this group of Egyptian girls (median unadjusted: 0.70 ng/mL) were significantly lower compared to age-matched American girls (median unadjusted: 2.60 ng/mL) according to NHANES 2009-2010 data. Reported storage of food in plastic containers was a significant predictor of increasing concentrations of urinary BPA. Conclusions Despite the relatively low urinary BPA concentrations within this Egyptian cohort, the significant association between food storage behaviors and increasing urinary BPA concentration highlights the need to understand food and consumer product patterns that may be closing the gap between urban and rural lifestyles.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/112495/1/12940_2011_Article_523.pd

Knowledge and attitudes regarding elective oocyte cryopreservation in undergraduate and medical students

Abstract Background To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding elective oocyte cryopreservation among female undergraduate students (UG) and medical students (MS) in Eastern Virginia. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional study surveying female UG at a local university and MS at our academic medical center in May of 2017. The survey contained questions on demographic information, interest in fertility preservation, and knowledge about age related changes in fertility. Results There were 74 of 102 female UG and 95 of 117 female MS who responded, for a response rate of 73 and 81% respectively. UG were significantly younger than MS (21.4 vs 26.8, p < 0.001). Further, UG generally planned on conceiving at a younger age than MS (age 26–30 vs 31–35), and favored younger ages to consider oocyte cryopreservation (age 26–30 vs 31–35). Only a minority of both UG and MS were willing to undergo egg freezing at the current price of approximately $10,000 (15% vs 26% respectively, p = 0.044). Moreover, 73% of students overall responded that they would be more likely to freeze oocytes if their employer paid. Notably, both UG and MS underestimated age of fertility decline. Conclusion Both UG and MS revealed a need for education on age-related changes in fertility. Most UG and MS would not undergo elective oocyte cryopreservation at the present cost but would consider it at a lower cost