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Environment International Jun 2024This study examines longitudinal associations of air pollution and green space with cardiometabolic risk among children in the Netherlands.
BACKGROUND
This study examines longitudinal associations of air pollution and green space with cardiometabolic risk among children in the Netherlands.
METHODS
Three Dutch prospective cohorts with a total of 13,822 participants aged 5 to 17 years were included: (1) the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study from Amsterdam (n = 2,547), (2) the Generation R study from Rotterdam (n = 5,431), and (3) the Lifelines study from northern Netherlands (n = 5,844). Air pollution (PM, PM, NO, and elemental carbon (EC)) and green space exposures (density in multiple Euclidean buffer sizes) from 2006 to 2017 at home address level were used. Cardiometabolic risk factor clustering was assessed by a MetScore, which was derived from a confirmatory factor analysis of six cardiometabolic risk factors to assess the overall risk. Linear regression models with change in Metscore as the dependent variable, adjusted for multiple confounders, were conducted for each cohort separately. Meta-analyses were used to pool cohort-specific estimates.
RESULTS
Exposure to higher levels of NO and EC was significantly associated with increases in MetScore in Lifelines (per SD higher exposure: β = 0.006, 95 % CI = 0.001 to 0.010; β = 0.008, 95 % CI = 0.002 to 0.014). In the other two cohort studies, these associations were in the same direction but these were not significant. Higher green space density in 500-meter buffer zones around participants' residential addresses was not significantly associated with decreases of MetScore in all three cohorts. Higher green space density in 2000-meter buffer zones was significantly associated with decreases of MetScore in ABCD and Lifelines (per SD higher green space density: β = -0.008, 95 % CI = -0.013 to -0.003; β = -0.002, 95 % CI = -0.003 to -0.00003). The pooled estimates were β = 0.003 (95 % CI = -0.001 to 0.006) for NO, β = 0.003 (95 % CI = -0.001, 0.007) for EC, and β = -0.0014 (95 % CI = -0.0026 to -0.0001) for green space.
CONCLUSIONS
More green space exposure at residence was associated with decreased cardiometabolic risk in children. Exposure to more NO and EC was also associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.
PubMed: 38943924
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108852 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Jun 2024In Italy, asbestos was used intensively until its ban in 1992, which was extended for asbestos cement factories until 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate the...
OBJECTIVES
In Italy, asbestos was used intensively until its ban in 1992, which was extended for asbestos cement factories until 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-response between asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality across a pool of Italian occupational cohorts, taking into account the presence of competing risks.
METHODS
Cohorts were followed for vital status and the cause of death was ascertained by a linkage with mortality registers. Cause-specific (CS) Cox-regression models were used to evaluate the dose-exposure relationship between asbestosis mortality and the time-dependent cumulative exposure index (CEI) to asbestos. Fine and Gray regression models were computed to assess the effect of competing risks of death.
RESULTS
The cohort included 12,963 asbestos cement workers. During the follow-up period (1960-2012), of a total of 6961 deaths, we observed 416 deaths attributed to asbestosis, 879 to lung cancer, 400 to primary pleural cancer, 135 to peritoneal cancer, and 1825 to diseases of the circulatory system. The CS model showed a strong association between CEI and asbestosis mortality. Dose-response models estimated an increasing trend in mortality even below a CEI of 25 ff/mL-years. Lung cancer and circulatory diseases were the main competing causes of death.
CONCLUSIONS
Asbestos exposure among Italian asbestos-cement workers has led to a very high number of deaths from asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases. The increasing risk trend associated with excess deaths, even at low exposure levels, suggests that the proposed limit values would not have been adequate to prevent disability and mortality from asbestosis.
PubMed: 38943482
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23629 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) Jun 2024Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem resulting in workforce loss.
BACKGROUND
Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem resulting in workforce loss.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the LBP status and its affecting factors among drivers in a city in southeast Turkey.
METHODS
This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted among 323 drivers. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
The mean age of the drivers was 41.7±11.5 years (min: 19, max: 70), and 83.9% were married, and all were men. LBP was found in 59.4% of drivers. It was significantly higher in drivers with poor socioeconomic status, dissatisfied with their life, having a chronic illness, physically inactive, having sleep disorders, exposed to bad road conditions, prolonged vibration, high physical- psychological workload, and a family history of LBP (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between age, education level, and BMI with LBP (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There is limited study on this subject in Turkey. Further studies can raise awareness about this issue and create an educational plan.
PubMed: 38943415
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230059 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Jun 2024Today, nanomaterials are broadly used in a wide range of industrial applications. Such large utilization and the limited knowledge on to the possible health effects have...
BACKGROUND
Today, nanomaterials are broadly used in a wide range of industrial applications. Such large utilization and the limited knowledge on to the possible health effects have raised concerns about potential consequences on human health and safety, beyond the environmental burden. Given that inhalation is the main exposure route, workers exposed to nanomaterials might be at risk of occurrence of respiratory morbidity and/or reduced pulmonary function. However, epidemiological evidence regarding the association between cumulative exposure to nanomaterials and respiratory health is still scarce. This study focused on the association between cumulative exposure to nanomaterials and pulmonary function among 136 workers enrolled in the framework of the European multicentric NanoExplore project.
RESULTS
Our findings suggest that, independently of lifelong tobacco smoking, ethnicity, age, sex, body mass index and physical activity habits, 10-year cumulative exposure to nanomaterials is associated to worse FEV and FEF, which might be consistent with the involvement of both large and small airway components and early signs of airflow obstruction. We further explored the hypothesis of a mediating effect via airway inflammation, assessed by interleukin (IL-)10, IL-1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), all quantified in the Exhaled Breath Condensate of workers. The mediation analysis results suggest that IL-10, TNF-α and their ratio (i.e., anti-pro inflammatory ratio) may fully mediate the negative association between cumulative exposure to nanomaterials and the FEV/FVC ratio. This pattern was not observed for other pulmonary function parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Safeguarding the respiratory health of workers exposed to nanomaterials should be of primary importance. The observed association between cumulative exposure to nanomaterials and worse pulmonary function parameters underscores the importance of implementing adequate protective measures in the nanocomposite sector. The mitigation of harmful exposures may ensure that workers can continue to contribute productively to their workplaces while preserving their respiratory health over time.
Topics: Humans; Male; Nanostructures; Female; Occupational Exposure; Adult; Inhalation Exposure; Middle Aged; Lung; Pneumonia; Forced Expiratory Volume; Respiratory Function Tests; Cytokines; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Europe
PubMed: 38943182
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00589-3 -
Psycho-oncology Jul 2024Psychological suffering in patients with Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is different from the one experienced by patients with other cancers due to its occupational or...
Confirmatory validation of the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool-Patients: A brief patient-reported outcome measure assessing psychological distress in malignant mesothelioma patients.
OBJECTIVE
Psychological suffering in patients with Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is different from the one experienced by patients with other cancers due to its occupational or environmental etiology and its peculiar symptomatology and prognosis (i.e., poor prognosis, reduced effectiveness of the therapies, poor quality of residual life, and advanced age at the time of diagnosis). Therefore, the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool-Patients (MPDT-P) has been developed to evaluate the specific profile of psychological suffering in this population. This paper describes the item selection, factor analysis, and psychometric evaluation of the revised MPDT-P.
METHODS
The analyses of the current work aimed to confirm the factorial structure found in the first version of the MPDT-P. In the case of nonfit, it aimed to find an alternative structure and causes of nonfit in the model. The search for the fit of the factorial model was conducted using a Bayesian approach.
RESULTS
The two-factor model reported in the first version of the instrument did not fit the data. Confirmatory Bayesian analyses showed adequate fit for the three-factor solution. Based on the content of the items, we labeled the factors as dysfunctional emotions, claims for justice, and anxieties about the future.
CONCLUSIONS
Integrating the MPDT-P into clinical practice could help clinicians gain insight into the specific suffering related to MM and investigate potential differences related to different occupational and environmental exposure contexts.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Female; Male; Psychometrics; Psychological Distress; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Middle Aged; Aged; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Bayes Theorem; Mesothelioma; Lung Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires; Stress, Psychological; Adult; Reproducibility of Results; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38942736
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6371 -
The American Journal of Medicine Jun 2024African-Americans and Hispanic Americans experience a higher incidence and prevalence of dementia than white Americans while also experiencing more environmental,... (Review)
Review
African-Americans and Hispanic Americans experience a higher incidence and prevalence of dementia than white Americans while also experiencing more environmental, metabolic and nutritional factors potentially promoting such disparities. Greater exposure to air, water and soil pollutants including toxic metals associated with neurodegeneration accrue to both minorities, as does worse dental care than whites exposing them to periodontitis raising dementia risk. Hispanic Americans experience greater occupational exposure to herbicides and pesticides develop more non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) predisposing to dementia. African-Americans have a greater likelihood of both Vitamin D deficiency and magnesium deficiency increasing neuroinflammation and dementia risk. Both have greater air pollution exposure, a known dementia risk. Nutritional changes including greater nut consumption and reduced sugar drink consumption, improved dental care, and reduced toxicant exposure may help reduce this higher risk of dementia among African Americans and Hispanic Americans.
PubMed: 38942346
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.06.023 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Although studies have assessed the association of metals and bisphenols with lipid metabolism, the observed results have been controversial, and limited knowledge exists...
BACKGROUND
Although studies have assessed the association of metals and bisphenols with lipid metabolism, the observed results have been controversial, and limited knowledge exists about the combined and interactive effects of metals and bisphenols exposure on lipid metabolism.
METHODS
Plasma metals and serum bisphenols concentrations were evaluated in 888 participants. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were conducted to assess individual associations of 18 metals and 3 bisphenols with 5 lipid profiles and dyslipidemia risk, respectively. The dose-response relationships of targeted contaminants with lipid profiles and dyslipidemia risk were captured by applying a restriction cubic spline (RCS) function. The bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was used to assess the overall effects of metals and bisphenols mixture on lipid profiles and dyslipidemia risk. The interactive effects of targeted contaminants on interested outcomes were explored by constructing an interaction model.
RESULTS
Single-contaminant analyses revealed that exposure to iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), and tin (Sn) was associated with elevated lipid levels. Cobalt (Co) showed a negative association with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) were associated with decreased HDL-C levels, with nonlinear associations observed. Vanadium (V), lead (Pb), and silver (Ag) displayed U-shaped dose-response relationships with most lipid profiles. Multi-contaminant analyses indicated positive trends between contaminants mixture and total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). The interaction analyses showed that SeFe exhibited synergistic effects on LDL-C and non-HDL-C, and SeSn showed a synergistic effect on HDLC.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggested that exposure to metals and bisphenols was associated with changes in lipid levels, and demonstrated their combined and interactive effects.
PubMed: 38942316
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174315 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Increased systemic oxidative stress, implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and fetuses, has been associated with gestational exposure to air...
Increased systemic oxidative stress, implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and fetuses, has been associated with gestational exposure to air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fine particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen dioxide (NO). However, it is unclear whether exposure to pollutants at levels below the current air quality standards can increase oxidative stress in pregnant women. In a cohort of 305 pregnant persons residing in western New York, we examined the association between exposure to PM, NO, and PAHs (measured as urinary 1-hydroxypyrene) and urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde [MDA] and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) measured in each trimester. After controlling for gestational stage, maternal age, lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors, each interquartile range (IQR) increase in 1-hydroxypyrene concentration (65.8 pg/ml) was associated with a 7.73% (95%CI: 3.18%,12.3%) higher in MDA levels throughout the pregnancy and in the first and second trimester. An IQR increase in PM concentration (3.20 μg/m) was associated with increased MDA levels in the first trimester (8.19%, 95%CI: 0.28%,16.1%), but not the 2 (-7.99%, 95% CI: -13.8%, -2.23%) or 3 trimester (-2.81%, 95% CI: -10.0%, 4.38%). The average cumulative PM exposures in the 3-7 days before urine collection were associated with increased 8-OHdG levels during the second trimester, with the largest difference (22.6%; 95% CI: 3.46%, 41.7%) observed in relation to a one IQR increase in PM concentration in the previous 7 days. In contrast, neither oxidative stress biomarker was associated with NO exposure. Observed in pregnant women exposed to low-level air pollution, these findings expanded previously reported associations between systemic oxidative stress and high-level PM and PAH concentrations. Further, the first and second trimesters may be a susceptible window during pregnancy for oxidative stress responses to air pollution exposure.
PubMed: 38942277
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124463 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Bisphenols (BPs), including BPA, BPF, BPS, and BPAF, are synthetic phenolic organic compounds and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These organics have been broadly... (Review)
Review
Bisphenols (BPs), including BPA, BPF, BPS, and BPAF, are synthetic phenolic organic compounds and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These organics have been broadly utilized to produce epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics, and other products. Mounting evidence has shown that BPs, especially BPA, may enter into the human body and participate in the development of human diseases mediated by nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, BPA may negatively affect human health at the epigenetic level through processes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Recent studies have demonstrated that, as part of epigenetics, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), have vital impacts on BP-related diseases, such as reproductive system diseases, nervous system diseases, digestive system diseases, endocrine system diseases, and other diseases. Moreover, based on the bioinformatic analysis, changes in ncRNAs may be relevant to normal activities and functions and BP-induced diseases. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify more promising ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and relevant human diseases. In this review, we summarize the regulatory functions of ncRNAs induced by BPs in human diseases and latent molecular mechanisms, as well as identify prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and upper diseases.
PubMed: 38942269
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124447 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024Existing evidence suggests that exposure to phthalates is higher among younger age groups. However, limited knowledge exists on how phthalate exposure, as well as...
INTRODUCTION
Existing evidence suggests that exposure to phthalates is higher among younger age groups. However, limited knowledge exists on how phthalate exposure, as well as exposure to replacement plasticizers, di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) and di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHTP), change from infancy through early childhood.
METHODS
Urine samples were collected across the first 5 years of life from typically developing infants and young children enrolled between 2017 and 2020 in the longitudinal UNC Baby Connectome Project. From 438 urine samples among 187 participants, we quantified concentrations of monobutyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP) monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), and metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisonoyl phthalate (DiNP), DINCH and DEHTP. Specific gravity (SG) adjusted metabolite and molar sum concentrations were compared across age groups. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated among 122 participants with multiple urine specimens (373 samples).
RESULTS
Most phthalate metabolites showed high detection frequencies (>80% of samples). Replacement plasticizers DINCH (58-60%) and DEHTP (>97%) were also commonly found. DiNP metabolites were less frequently detected (<10%). For some metabolites, SG-adjusted concentrations were inversely associated with age, with the highest concentrations found in the first year of life. ICCs revealed low to moderate reliability in metabolite measurements (ρ = 0.10-0.48) suggesting a high degree of within-individual variation in exposure among this age group. The first 6 months (compared to remaining age groups) showed an increased ratio of carboxylated metabolites of DEHP and DEHTP, compared to other common metabolites, but no clear age trends for DINCH metabolite ratios.
CONCLUSION
Metabolites of phthalates and replacements plasticizers were widely detected in infancy and early childhood, with the highest concentrations observed in the first year of life for several metabolites. Higher proportions of carboxylated metabolites of DEHP and DEHTP in younger age groups indicate potential differences in metabolism during infancy.
PubMed: 38942256
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119467