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Journal of Exposure Science &... May 2022Soil and dust ingestion can be a primary route of environmental exposures. Studies have shown that young children are more vulnerable to incidental soil and dust...
BACKGROUND
Soil and dust ingestion can be a primary route of environmental exposures. Studies have shown that young children are more vulnerable to incidental soil and dust ingestion. However, available data to develop soil and dust ingestion rates for some child-specific age groups are either lacking or uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to use the Stochastic Human Exposure and Dose Simulation Soil and Dust (SHEDS-Soil/Dust) model to estimate distributions of soil and dust ingestion rates for ten age ranges from infancy to late adolescents (birth to 21 years).
METHODS
We developed approaches for modeling age groups previously not studied, including a new exposure scenario for infants to capture exposures to indoor dust via pacifier use and accounting for use of blankets that act as a barrier to soil and dust exposure.
RESULTS
Overall mean soil and dust ingestion rates ranged from ~35 mg/day (infants, 0-<6 m) to ~60 mg/day (toddlers and young children, 6m-<11 yr) and were considerably lower (about 20 mg/day) for teenagers and late adolescents (16-<21 y). The pacifier use scenario contributed about 20 mg/day to the median dust ingestion rate for young infants. Except for the infant age groups, seasonal analysis showed that the modeled estimates of average summer mean daily total soil plus dust ingestion rates were about 50% higher than the values predicted for the winter months. Pacifier use factors and carpet dust loading values were drivers of exposure for infants and younger children. For older children, influential variables included carpet dust loading, soil adherence, and factors that capture the frequency and intensity of hand-to-mouth behaviors.
SIGNIFICANCE
These results provide modeled estimates of children's soil and dust ingestion rates for use in decision making using real-world exposure considerations.
IMPACT STATEMENT
The parameterization of scenarios to capture infant soil and dust ingestion and the application of SHEDS-Soil/Dust to a broader age range of children provides additional estimates of soil and dust ingestion rates that are useful in refining population-based risk assessments. These data illuminate drivers of exposure that are useful to both risk management applications and for designing future studies that improve upon existing tracer methodologies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Child; Child, Preschool; Dust; Eating; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Infant; Soil; Young Adult
PubMed: 35039613
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00406-5 -
Pediatric Research Apr 2023This study examined the relationship between prenatal maternal stress (PREMS) and non-nutritive suck (NNS) and tested its robustness across 2 demographically diverse...
BACKGROUND
This study examined the relationship between prenatal maternal stress (PREMS) and non-nutritive suck (NNS) and tested its robustness across 2 demographically diverse populations.
METHODS
The study involved 2 prospective birth cohorts participating in the national Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) and ECHO Puerto Rico (ECHO-PROTECT). PREMS was measured during late pregnancy via the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). NNS was sampled from 1- to 8-week-olds using a custom pacifier for ~5 min.
RESULTS
Overall, 237 mother-infant dyads completed this study. Despite several significant differences, including race/ethnicity, income, education, and PREMS levels, significant PREMS-NNS associations were found in the 2 cohorts. In adjusted linear regression models, higher PREMS, measured through PSS-10 total scores, related to fewer but longer NNS bursts per minute.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant association was observed between PREMS and NNS across two diverse cohorts. This finding is important as it may enable the earlier detection of exposure-related deficits and, as a result, earlier intervention, which potentially can optimize outcomes. More research is needed to understand how NNS affects children's neurofunction and development.
IMPACT
In this double-cohort study, we found that higher maternal perceived stress assessed in late pregnancy was significantly associated with fewer but longer sucking bursts in 1- to 8-week-old infants. This is the first study investigating the association between prenatal maternal stress (PREMS) and infant non-nutritive suck (NNS), an early indicator of central nervous system integrity. Non-nutritive suck is a potential marker of increased prenatal stress in diverse populations. Non-nutritive suck can potentially serve as an early indicator of exposure-related neuropsychological deficits allowing for earlier interventions and thus better prognoses.
Topics: Female; Child; Humans; Infant; Pregnancy; Cohort Studies; Prospective Studies; Sucking Behavior; Mothers; Pacifiers
PubMed: 34916626
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01894-9 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2021The incidence of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) is low in the Netherlands, with an incidence rate of 0.18 per 1,000 live births. Therefore, prevention advice...
The incidence of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) is low in the Netherlands, with an incidence rate of 0.18 per 1,000 live births. Therefore, prevention advice may receive less attention, potentially leading to increasing incidence rates. It is currently unknown whether the risks for SUDI changed in the Netherlands, and if other risk factors might be present. The aim of this study was to examine the current risks and preventive factors for SUDI in Dutch infants, in order to determine if it is necessary to adapt the prevention advice toward the current needs. A case-control study was conducted comparing SUDI cases aged <12 months from 2014-2020 in the Netherlands ( = 47), to a Dutch national survey control group from 2017 including infants <12 months of age ( = 1,192). Elevated risks for several well-known factors were observed, namely: duvet use (aOR = 8.6), mother smoked during pregnancy (aOR = 9.7), or after pregnancy (aOR = 5.4) and the prone sleeping position (aOR = 4.6). Reduced risks were observed for the well-known factors: room-sharing (aOR = 0.3), sleep sack use (aOR = 0.3), breastfeeding (aOR = 0.3), and the use of a pacifier (aOR = 0.4). For infants <4 months, the risk for SUDI was higher when bed-sharing (aOR = 3.3), and lower when room-sharing (aOR = 0.2) compared to older infants. For older infants, the sleep sack was found to be more protective (aOR = 0.2). A high risk for SUDI when bed-sharing was found when mother smoked, smoked during pregnancy, or if the infant did not receive any breastfeeding (respectively aOR = 17.7, aOR = 10.8, aOR = 9.2). Internationally known factors related to the sudden unexpected death of infants were also found in this study. Relatively new findings are related to specific groups of infants, in which the strengths of these risk factors differed. In a low-incidence country like the Netherlands, renewed attention to the current prevention advice is needed. Furthermore, additional attention for prevention measures in low educated groups, and additional advice specifically targeting high-risk groups is recommended.
PubMed: 34869115
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.758048 -
Early Human Development Jan 2022Even if women have intention to breastfeed, they do not always achieve a successful breastfeeding. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Even if women have intention to breastfeed, they do not always achieve a successful breastfeeding.
AIM
This study aims to analyse factors affecting breastfeeding prevalence among mothers that intended to breastfeed.
METHODS
This is a prospective observational study involving 401 pregnant women that intended to breastfeed (asked at the 20th week). Breastfeeding prevalence was evaluated in reference to health-related, socio-cultural factors and healthcare professionals' interventions at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after birth. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression modelling.
RESULTS
Independent factors negatively affecting breastfeeding prevalence related to mothers' and newborns' health parameters and birth characteristics included smoking during pregnancy, anaemia and use of analgesia during labour. Regarding sociocultural parameters, being an immigrant, higher education level, intention to breastfeed before pregnancy, comfort with public breastfeeding and bedsharing were positively linked to breastfeeding, while teat or pacifier use in the first week was negatively linked. Regarding healthcare professionals' practices, mother and father/partner antenatal education course attendance and exclusive breastfeeding at the hospital were positively associated with breastfeeding.
CONCLUSION
Breastfeeding is a very complex phenomenon affected by multiple and diverse variables. Physiological factors only affect the short term (1st month), while middle and long term BF affecting variables are mainly identical and include mostly socio-cultural factors and also BF related practices, especially in the first days after birth. These data should help to develop more effective breastfeeding promotion strategies.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intention; Labor, Obstetric; Mothers; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 34864612
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105518 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Nov 2021This article aims to identify factors associated with breastfeeding continuation for at least 12 months among working mothers in a hospital in the south of Brazil. We...
This article aims to identify factors associated with breastfeeding continuation for at least 12 months among working mothers in a hospital in the south of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study, interviewing 251 women who breastfed after returning to work. Eligibility criteria included non-twin biological children aged between 12 and 36 months and the absence of an illness (mother and/or child) that could affect breastfeeding. The association between breastfeeding continuation and the exposure variables was tested using Poisson multivariate regression. Only one work-related variable showed a significant association with the outcome. Working only during the day increased the prevalence of BF continuation for at least 12 months by 37%. The following non-work-related factors showed a positive association with the outcome: mothers without a college degree; mothers with at least 12 months' prior breastfeeding experience; child not given milks other than breast milk when the mother returned to work, and not using a pacifier. The following variables showed a negative association with the outcome: older maternal age; older gestational age; mother receiving support from the child's caregiver; and mother receiving professional breastfeeding support. Non-work-related factors had a greater influence on breastfeeding continuation for at least 12 months among working mothers.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Infant; Mothers; Pacifiers
PubMed: 34852114
DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320212611.12882020 -
Ciencia & Saude Coletiva Nov 2021The scope of this article is to investigate factors that contributed to the growth rate of children from birth through the sixth month of life. It involves a cohort...
The scope of this article is to investigate factors that contributed to the growth rate of children from birth through the sixth month of life. It involves a cohort study with 144 children observed at birth and in the first, second and sixth months of life. Child head circumference (cm/month), weight (g/day) and length (cm/month) rates were compared according to birth, pregnancy, maternal and family characteristics and those related to the food, illness and health care of the child. The female sex and difficulty in breastfeeding contributed to the deceleration of all three growth rates, while maternal non-vaccination against tetanus affected the increase of head circumference and of child length. Severe maternal mental disorder, moderate/severe food insecurity, oatmeal consumption and failure to follow-up the development of the child influenced the head circumference and weight rates. The intake of alcohol during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, mixed/predominant breastfeeding, use of infant formula and episodes of diarrhea/vomiting affected the head circumference, while inadequate prenatal care affected weight, and low-stature mothers and pacifier use affected length. Modifiable factors are highlighted, such as the consumption of oatmeal and infant formula, and the use of pacifiers, which are related to breastfeeding in infants.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Child; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula; Infant, Newborn; Mothers; Pacifiers; Pregnancy
PubMed: 34852108
DOI: 10.1590/1413-812320212611.22212020 -
CoDAS 2021to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors of children cared for by a PHC Service in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
PURPOSE
to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors of children cared for by a PHC Service in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
METHODS
a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort, carried out in 12 Health Care Practices. Of the 414 children in the cohort examined, 268 were assessed for malocclusion. The presence of anterior open bite, posterior and anterior crossbite was evaluated by the criteria of Foster and Hamilton. Socioeconomic variables, breastfeeding habits and pacifier use information were collected through a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach by Poisson Regression with robust variance.
RESULTS
out of the total 268 evaluated, 135 (50.4%) were boys, and the average age was 28.6 (± 11.9) months. Out of the 143 (53.4%) cases of malocclusion, 113 were anterior open bite, 16 were anterior crossbite, 27 were posterior crossbite, and 38 had increased overjet. In the final analysis, it was observed that there was a higher prevalence of malocclusion in children who never breastfed (PR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.00-2.08) and who always used a pacifier to sleep (PR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.14-2.86).
CONCLUSION
the prevalence of malocclusion in this population was high and was associated with behavioral habits, such as the use of pacifier and not breastfeeding.
Topics: Brazil; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Malocclusion; Pacifiers; Prevalence; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 34816947
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021007 -
Revista de Saude Publica 2021To describe feeding practices and the risk factors for the mixed breastfeeding and early weaning in the neonatal period.
OBJECTIVE
To describe feeding practices and the risk factors for the mixed breastfeeding and early weaning in the neonatal period.
METHODS
Cohort study, which we collected socioeconomic, demographic, health care and feeding data from 415 mother/child binomials born in four public maternity hospitals in Natal/Brazil. They were followed-up at 48 hours, 7 and 28 days after birth. The association was established using Pearson's Chi-square test and Poisson's regression, after adjusting it to other variables.
RESULTS
The prevalence of mixed breastfeeding in the first 2 days was 47,2% and early weaning in 7 and 28 days was 8,4% and 16,2% in that order. The main reasons for mixed breastfeeding and early weaning were: colostrum deficiency (33.8%), difficulty in latching/sucking (23.5%) and "little milk" (70.0%). The use of formula/milk/porridge remained associated with maternal age ≤ 20 years (RR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47-0.86), age 20-29 years (RR = 0,70; 95%CI: 0,57-0,87), primiparity (RR = 1.37; 95%CI: 1.11-1.60) and cesarean delivery (RR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.00-1.45) at 2 days; absence of paternal support (RR = 4.98; 95%CI: 2.54-9.79) and pacifier use (RR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.63-6.32) at 7 days; and only pacifier use (RR = 2.48; 95%CI: 1.53-4.02) at 28 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Early weaning was associated with maternal and health care factors, thus suggesting the need to readjust good practices and educational actions to achieve the exclusive offer to the maternal breast in the neonatal period.
Topics: Adult; Brazil; Breast Feeding; Child; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Age; Pregnancy; Weaning; Young Adult
PubMed: 34706039
DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2021055003248 -
Cancers Oct 2021The journey of a normal resident fibroblast belonging to the tumor microenvironment (TME) from being a tumor pacifier to a tumor patron is fascinating. We introduce... (Review)
Review
The journey of a normal resident fibroblast belonging to the tumor microenvironment (TME) from being a tumor pacifier to a tumor patron is fascinating. We introduce cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) as a crucial component of the TME. Activated-CAF partners with tumor cells and all components of TME in an established solid tumor. We briefly overview the origin, activation, markers, and overall functions of CAF with a particular reference to how different functions of CAF in an established tumor are functionally connected to the development of resistance to cancer therapy in solid tumors. We interrogate the role of CAF in mediating resistance to different modes of therapies. Functional diversity of CAF in orchestrating treatment resistance in solid tumors portrays CAF as a common orchestrator of treatment resistance; a roadblock in cancer therapy.
PubMed: 34680395
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205246 -
Toxics Sep 2021Nitrosamines can be produced during the manufacture of rubber-type products such as pacifiers or the nipples of baby bottles. Humans can be exposed to the nitrosamines...
Comparison of EI-GC-MS/MS, APCI-LC-MS/MS, and ESI-LC-MS/MS for the Simultaneous Analysis of Nine Nitrosamines Eluted from Synthetic Resins into Artificial Saliva and Health Risk Assessment.
Nitrosamines can be produced during the manufacture of rubber-type products such as pacifiers or the nipples of baby bottles. Humans can be exposed to the nitrosamines in these products when they are eluted into saliva. In this study, we compared the efficiency of electron impact ionization (EI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and electrospray ionization (ESI) methods for the analysis of nine nitrosamines eluted into artificial saliva. In addition, nine nitrosamines eluted from 54 rubber-type products (rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, and polyurethane) marketed in Korea were monitored. Finally, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessments of oral exposure to nine nitrosamines were performed based on the monitoring results. EI-GC-MS/MS performed the best for the simultaneous analysis of these nine nitrosamines with respect to overall linearity, trace analysis limit of detection (less than 1 μg), recovery (average 108.66 ± 9.32%), and precision (less than 6%), compared with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (APCI and ESI) methods. Using the EI-GC-MS/MS method, these nine nitrosamines eluted into artificial saliva from 54 rubber-type products were monitored. Based on the monitoring data, risk assessment was performed by calculating the margin of exposure (MOE) for the respective nitrosamines detected. As a result, these nitrosamines were confirmed to be safe with regard to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks.
PubMed: 34678926
DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100230