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Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the 2022 infant formula shortage on self-reported anxiety and depression. Background: The US national infant formula shortage of 2022 originated from supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shortage was further compounded by a recall of tainted formula products. Methods: We used survey-weighted data from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) to measure self-reported anxiety and depression among individuals with formula-fed infants less than 1 year of age. We evaluated the association between 2 formula disruption variables (being impacted by the infant formula shortage or having difficulty obtaining formula in the last 7 days) with 2 mental health outcomes (anxiety and depression) using multivariable logistic regressions. Results: We found increased odds of self-reported anxiety (aOR: 3.13; P < .001) and depression (aOR: 3.05; P = .005) for respondents affected by the infant formula shortage. There were no adjusted associations between having difficulty obtaining formula in the last 7 days and anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Individuals affected by the infant formula shortage had increased odds of both anxiety and depression. Continued efforts to improve food security for low-income infants is critical for ensuring equitable nutritional and health outcomes across infant populations. Implications for practice and research: Continued efforts to reduce food insecurity for low-income infants are critically needed, as infant nutrition impacts caregiver mental health and infant health. Efforts to improve lactation support and breastfeeding initiation are needed in addition to improvements in access to formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing numbers of concerned individuals seek diagnosis, information, and treatment at memory clinics. Biomarker tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are being increasingly integrated into memory clinic practice, yet data about the implications for patients are lacking. We aimed to investigate the psycho‐social impact of the routine diagnostic work‐up with integrated biomarker assessments. Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Karolinska University Hospital memory clinic (Solna, Sweden), in the context of the EU‐Fingers and LETHE projects. The harmonized diagnostic work‐up at this fast‐track clinic is comprehensive, including a neuro‐psychological evaluation, MRI, and CSF. All patients receive detailed results. From October 2021‐May 2022, all newly‐referred patients with MMSE>18 were invited, and 78/106(74%) eligible patients (59±5yrs, 50%F) completed >1 questionnaire‐assessments; after the first consultation(T1), just prior to(T2) and immediately after(T3) the disclosure consultation, and three months afterwards(T4). Questionnaires assessed Positive and Negative affect (T1/T2/T3/T4), Quality of Life (T1/T4), Stigma (T4), and Lifestyle change (T4). Patients received the following diagnoses: 51 SCD with negative AD‐biomarkers(SCD‐), 10 MCI with negative AD‐biomarkers(MCI‐), 3 MCI with positive AD‐biomarkers(MCI+), 11 Dementia, and 3 Other. In (repeated‐measures) ANOVAs, we compared time points and/or those with SCD‐/MCI‐ with MCI+/Dementia. Results: See Table 1 for Means (SD). The trajectories of both positive (p<.01) and negative (p<.01) affect were influenced by diagnosis (Fig. 1); those who received an MCI+/Dementia diagnosis temporarily decreased in positive affect and increased in negative affect, while we observed the opposite in those with SCD‐/MCI‐. For quality of life (Fig. 2), we found no change over time (p =.38), nor an effect of diagnostic group (p =.31). No group difference was found in perceived stigma (p =.52). Those who received an MCI+/Dementia diagnosis reported more healthy‐lifestyle changes, than those with SCD‐/MCI‐ (p<.01). Conclusion: Patients' feelings fluctuated throughout the diagnostic work‐up, influenced by the received diagnosis. Three months after, diagnostic groups did not differ in psycho‐social impact, except for lifestyle change. More research is needed to investigate the needs, outcomes and experiences of the increasing number of individuals without AD‐pathology who experience symptoms and seek care, to understand whom and when they can benefit (most) and from which healthcare setting/service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) ≥1 year post myocardial infarction reduces major adverse cardiovascular events but increases bleeding. • Appropriate patient selection for DAPT ≥1 year post myocardial infarction is important to avoid undue bleeding complications. • In contemporary practice, DAPT use ≥1 year post myocardial infarction is prevalent and associated with patient and index event characteristics. • There are marked geographical variations in DAPT use ≥1 year post myocardial infarction. • Further clinical initiatives are needed to optimize patient selection for DAPT ≥1 year post myocardial infarction. Patterns of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) use beyond 1 year post-myocardial infarction (MI) have not been well studied. TIGRIS (NCT01866904) was a prospective, multi-center (369 centers in 24 countries), observational study of patients 1 to 3 years post-MI. We sought to identify the prevalence and determinants of DAPT use ≥1 year post-MI in patients enrolled in TIGRIS. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify determinants of DAPT use at 396 days post-MI (365 days plus a 31day overrun period to account for intended DAPT discontinuation at 1 year). Patients treated with an oral anticoagulant were excluded. Of 7708 patients (median age 67 years, women 25%, ST-elevation MI 50%), 39% and 16% were on DAPT at 396 days and 5 years post-MI, respectively. DAPT use at 396 days post-MI was more prevalent in patients <65 years of age, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (versus coronary artery bypass grafting or medical therapy), and with multivessel disease or a history of angina. Additional clinical determinants of ischemic and/or bleeding events following MI (diabetes, second prior MI, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, smoking, and renal insufficiency) were not independently associated with DAPT use at 396 days. There were geographic variations in the use of DAPT at 396 days (p <0.001), with the lowest use in Europe and the highest in Asia and Australia. In a contemporary patient cohort, DAPT use beyond 1 year post MI was prevalent and associated with patient and index event characteristics. There were marked geographical variations in DAPT use beyond 1 year post MI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Testing for replicability requires independent data. • A replicable global time-series requires a high globality index. • Proxy data is an alternative when direct data is unavailable. • Geological samples are seldom selected randomly, which requires adjustments. • Filtering a database for the highest quality records could enhance replicability. Numerous scientific fields are facing a replication crisis, where the results of a study often cannot be replicated when a new study uses independent data. This issue has been particularly emphasized in psychology, health, and medicine, as incorrect results in these fields could have serious consequences, where lives might be at stake. While other fields have also highlighted significant replication problems, the Earth Sciences seem to be an exception. The paucity of Earth Science research aimed at understanding the replication crisis prompted this study. Specifically, this work aims to fill that gap by seeking to replicate geological results involving various types of time-series. We identify and discuss 11 key variables for replicating U-Pb age distributions: independent data, global sampling, proxy data, data quality, disproportionate non-random sampling, stratigraphic bias, potential filtering bias, accuracy and precision, correlating time-series segments, testing assumptions and divergent analytical methods, and analytical transparency. Even while this work primarily focuses on U-Pb age distributions, most of these factors (or variations of them) also apply to other geoscience disciplines. Thus, some of the discussions involve time-series consisting of ε Hf, δ 18O-zircon, 14C, 10Be, marine δ 13C, and marine δ 18O. We then provide specific recommendations for minimizing adverse effects related to these factors, and in the process enhancing prospects for replicating geological results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of noninstitutional psychosocial interventions in preventing recidivism among criminal adolescents. Method: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials assessing the impact on recidivism among juveniles aged 12–17. The included studies had a low to medium risk of bias and were published between 2000 and 2019. Standardized mean differences or risk differences were calculated. Results: We included 35 (20 randomized, 15 nonrandomized) studies evaluating 17 unique, noninstitutional psychosocial interventions. A meta-analysis found no significant reductions in recidivism for studied interventions compared to control conditions. Although single studies suggested some positive effects, the evidence provided by these studies was found to have very low certainty. Post hoc analyses indicated that studies including a low-intensity control condition might have stronger relative intervention effects compared to studies with medium or high-intensity control conditions. Conclusion: This systematic review did not find any one noninstitutional psychosocial intervention to be more effective than control treatments in reducing future criminality among juvenile offenders aged 12–17. We discuss the implications of the present findings for social work and child and adolescent psychiatry practices. What is the public health significance of this article?: This systematic review and meta-analysis did not find any one noninstitutional psychosocial intervention to be more effective than control treatments in reducing future criminality among juvenile offenders aged 12–17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical trials are essential for testing safety and efficacy of potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but recruitment is often difficult due to a variety of factors. Recruitment tactics in AD clinical trials may include media advertising, physician referrals, patient registries, and referral campaigns. Newer strategies such as social media and community outreach have also been successful in increasing recruitment. However, not all recruitment tactics are successful for every study site and a multi‐faceted approach tailored to each site may be more successful. Method: INTERCEPT‐AD is a phase 1 randomized, double‐blind study of ACU193 in mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD. Seventeen study sites in the U.S. screened potential participants identified through multiple recruitment tactics which were grouped post hoc into seven categories: site database, external referral, physician referral, site campaign, and three sponsor‐initiated campaigns. Recruitment efforts were tailored to each site's patient population, community, and staff availability. Result: INTERCEPT‐AD screened 260 participants and 70 were eligible for study participation. Recruitment was completed in January 2023. The sponsor worked directly with individual sites to develop a tailored recruitment plan that considered each site's target population, historically successful recruitment tactics, and current ability to screen patients from outside sources. Comparisons of the seven types of recruitment sources showed site databases were used most frequently (12/17 sites, 71%) and accounted for the most screenings and eligible participants (107 [41%] and 32 [46%], respectively). Additional data from all recruitment sources and success rates will be presented. Conclusion: Study sites found success using a combination of tactics specifically tailored to their enrollment goals. Sites with robust internal patient databases had higher rates of screening and enrollment. A combination of site‐led and sponsor‐driven recruitment initiatives likely maximized enrollment rates. These findings suggest a strategy using diverse recruitment tactics customized to a study site's capabilities and patient population may be more successful than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarly, in [6] study of the "Girls Circle" program, I mentoring i is mentioned only one-time briefly in the background to the study and not at all when describing the Girls Circle program evaluated. The systematic review is an important tool for decision makers, intervention researchers, and practitioners to gain a clear and comprehensive overview of the available evidence on a given topic. Https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/grants/252708.pdf 7 Olsson, T. M., Långström, N., Skoog, T., Andrée Löfholm, C., Leander, L., Brolund, A., Ringborg, A., Nykänen, P., Syversson, A., & Sundell, K. (2021). [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: In December 2021, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will issue guidance on the use of real-world evidence (RWE) to support new indications or expanded product labeling. While difficult to foresee what FDA will require, learnings can be gleaned from previous paradigm shifts at FDA, such as for patient reported outcomes (PROs) in 2006–2009. Methods: We contrast published requirements for justifying PROs as fit-for-purpose for a specific labeling claim with a potential approach to justify RWE as fit-for-purpose to support expanded labeling or a new indication. Results: PRO labeling claims require a PRO Evidence Dossier that includes: specific wording of claim, clinical trial hypothesis structure and endpoint model, and justification that the PRO is relevant and meaningful to patients in the target population (content validity) with adequate psychometric properties. FDA's 2018 RWE Framework outlined critical considerations for using RWE to support regulatory decisions, including data quality, relevancy, provenance, and transparency. Strong parallels exist between the evidence required to justify that PROs are fit-for-purpose to support specific labeling claims and evidence to justify RWE as fit-for-purpose for specific research questions and labeling. Early discussion with FDA is encouraged. Conclusion: Drawing on parallels with use of PROs in labeling, RWE for regulatory purposes should be evaluated within the context of specific labeling or indication, specific study design and analysis plans, and the data attributes of data source. Sponsors seeking a new indication or labeling expansion based on RWE should justify that a specific data source and specific study design are fit-for-purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Technical image quality of five breast tomosynthesis systems have been studied. • Artefact spreading varied remarkably between the systems. • Clear in-plane resolution anisotropy was typically found between x- and y-directions. • Distinctly different noise power spectra were observed between the systems. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a three-dimensional breast imaging method. DBT vendors employ various approaches in both image acquisition and data processing, which may affect image quality and radiation exposure to patients. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of five DBT systems: Fujifilm Amulet Innovality (using both a standard mode and high-resolution mode), GE Senographe Essential, Hologic Selenia Dimensions, Planmed Clarity 3D, and Siemens Mammomat Inspiration. The performance of each device and imaging technique was evaluated and compared by phantom measurements performed with four quality assurance phantoms. Technical image quality assessments consisted of measuring artefact extent, in-plane resolution, relative noise power spectrum, and geometric accuracy. Artefact spreading varied remarkably between the devices, and the full width at half maximum values of artefact spread functions varied from 3.5 mm to 10.7 mm. Noticeable in-plane resolution anisotropy, determined using modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis, was typically observed between tube travel direction and chest wall-nipple direction. The MTF 50 varied from 1.1 mm−1 to 1.6 mm−1 and from 1.5 mm−1 to 4.1 mm−1 in the tube travel and chest wall-nipple directions, respectively. Moreover, distinctly different noise power spectra were observed between the systems. The geometric accuracy in every system was within 0.5%. Technical image quality assessments with image quality phantoms revealed remarkable differences in artefact spread, in-plane resolution, and noise properties between the DBT systems and imaging methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The ED personnel failed to give individual and clear discharge instructions so that the patients understood and remembered the instructions given when they got home. • Patients felt that ED personnel does not know enough of their background to give discharge instructions. • Patients felt that guidance sessions were too short and restricted. • Patients felt that they do not have a clear understanding of their discharge instructions at the moment of the call. Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to assess how well the emergency department (ED) personnel succeed in instructing the patient at discharge. Methods In November and December 2016 at Peijas Hospital ED, Finland, a structured questionnaire was conducted during a phone interview on patients the day after discharge. Results A total of 132 patients interviewed. Ninety percent had received discharge instructions from the ED staff, most of them (75%) about medication. Almost half of the patients (45%) were satisfied with the communication at discharge, those not satisfied (47%) felt that the staff did not know enough of their background to give discharge instructions. Of the patients, 20% thought that they did not have the opportunity to ask questions during the guidance session, and 41% thought that the session was too short and restricted. Some patients (20%) felt that the instructions were ambiguous, but 63% (83/132) felt they were able to follow them well or very well. Conclusion The pace of care in the ED is fast and duration of the stay is short. The patients must be able to take responsibility of their self-care. Failure to follow medical discharge instructions could lead to non-compliance. Attention should be paid to enhancing the quality of discharge instructing and the instructions provided by the ED personnel, as recurring visits and inquiry calls add to the ED workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: ACU193 is a humanized IgG2 subclass monoclonal antibody targeting soluble amyloid‐beta oligomers (sAβOs). Growing evidence supports the view that sAβOs may be the most toxic and pathogenic form of Aβ relative to Aβ monomers and amyloid plaques and are one of the primary drivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurodegeneration. Thus, blocking the toxicity of sAβOs with ACU193 is a promising approach for treating AD. Method: INTERCEPT‐AD is a phase 1 randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐ ascending dose (SAD/MAD) study of the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenous ACU193 in participants with early AD, i.e., mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD. Key inclusion criteria are 55‐90 years of age, confirmation of amyloid pathology with a PET scan, MMSE score of 18‐30, and CDR‐Global score (CDR‐GS) of 0.5 or 1.0. The MAD portion of the study includes three administrations of ACU193 at doses of 10, 25, or 60 mg/kg. In addition to standard safety measures, MRI is assessed periodically. Cerebrospinal fluid is collected to assess PK and evidence of target engagement. The study also includes exploratory measures such as standard cognitive and functional assessments, a computerized cognitive test battery, measures of cerebral blood flow via arterial spin labeling on MRI, and various plasma biomarkers. Result: Sixty‐five participants from 17 U.S. study sites were randomized to INTERCEPT‐AD, with 53% female and baseline age of 72.1 ± 7.8 years (mean ± SD). The baseline MMSE was 24.2 ± 3.6, CDR‐GS was 0.64 ± 0.27, and CDR‐Sum of Boxes was 3.5 ± 1.8. In addition to baseline characteristics, the presentation will provide topline safety results, frequency of amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), PK assessments, and evidence of target engagement. Some exploratory measures including cognitive and functional assessments, computerized cognitive testing, and endpoint florbetapir PET results will also be presented. Conclusion: We will present topline results, along with key baseline demographic, clinical, and cognitive characteristics of participants in the INTERCEPT‐AD trial. The data generated from this trial will guide further development of ACU193 in a subsequent trial to test the novel mechanism of action of ACU193 in the treatment of early AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 40 million people worldwide. There are few treatments available that affect the underlying degenerative process, making AD one of the largest unmet medical needs. ACU193 is a humanized, IgG2 subclass monoclonal antibody that targets soluble amyloid beta oligomers (sAβOs). Evidence supports the view that sAβOs are one of the primary instigators of AD neurodegeneration. Thus, blocking the toxicity of sAβOs with ACU193 may be a promising approach for the treatment of AD. Method: INTERCEPT‐AD is a phase 1 randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple‐dose study investigating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous ACU193 in mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD. The SAD portion includes four cohorts with 2 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg ACU193 or placebo. The MAD portion includes three cohorts receiving three doses of ACU193 or placebo: 10 mg/kg once every four weeks (Q4W), 60 mg/kg Q4W and 25 mg/kg once every 2 weeks (Q2W). Key inclusion criteria are 55‐90 years of age, PET scan positive for brain amyloid, MMSE 18‐30 and CDR‐Global score 0.5 or 1.0. The INTERCEPT‐AD trial is fully enrolled. Result: At 17 sites in the U.S., 260 participants were screened, 65 were randomized, and 62 received at least one dose of ACU193 or placebo, including 33 females (53%) and 29 males (47%). Negative PET (61%) was the most common reason for screen failure. Baseline age was 72.1 ± 7.8 years (mean ± SD), CDR Sum of Boxes score was 3.5 ± 1.8, ADAS‐Cog‐13 was 24.2 ± 9.0 and screening MMSE was 24.2 ± 3.6. ApoE e4 homozygotes accounted for 13% of the study population and ApoE e4 heterozygotes for 46.7%. Traditionally underrepresented ethnoracial populations comprised 23% of the study (5% Black/African American, 16% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Other). Additional baseline measures including demographics, clinical characteristics, AD medication, and imaging data will be presented. Conclusion: We describe key baseline demographic, clinical, and cognitive characteristics of participants in the INTERCEPT‐AD trial. Data generated from this trial will guide further development of ACU193 for the treatment of early AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human disturbance causes behavioral responses in wildlife, including large carnivores. Previous research in Scandinavia has documented that brown bears (Ursus arctos) show a variety of behavioral reactions to different human activities. We investigated how proximity to human settlements and roads, as proxies of human influence, affected brown bears' reactions to encountering humans. We analyzed experimental approaches to GPS collared bears, 18 males and 23 single females, in Sweden (n = 148 approaches) and Finland (n = 33), conducted between 2004 and 2012. The bears in Finland inhabited areas with higher human density compared to Sweden. However, the proportion of bears staying or moving when approached and the flight initiation distances were similar in both countries. In Sweden, the flight responses were not dependent on human densities or roads inside the bears' home ranges or the distances from the bears to roads and settlements. Brown bears in Fennoscandia live in areas with relatively low human population densities, but in many areas with high forestry road densities. Our results show that bears' flight reactions were consistent between areas, which is an important message for management, reinforcing previous studies that have documented human avoidance by bears at different spatial and temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates associations of building dampness indicators, and perceptions of moldy odor, humidity and dryness (Dampness and Dryness, D&D) with children's asthma and allergies. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study in Tianjin and Cangzhou, China from 2013 to 2014. Completed surveys were returned by 7366 families with children 0–8 years old. We studied D&D factors both in the current residence and the residence where the children lived immediately after birth. A total of 4.4% of the children had doctor-diagnosed asthma; 9.5% had doctor-diagnosed rhinitis; and 39.1% had doctor-diagnosed eczema. Most of the dampness indicators, perceptions of odors, and perceived dryness, were significantly associated with children's asthma and allergies. A reporting bias in parents (or guardians) who themselves had allergies was not found to be the reason for the associations between D&D and health effects. Compared with either previous or current exposure to D&D, continuous exposure to D&D was a greater risk for children's asthma and allergies. Perceived dryness was the most important studied risk factor for children's allergies in either current or previous homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air change rate data for dwellings in China are scarce. We carried out a study of ventilation rates in 399 homes in Tianjin and Cangzhou, China. Carbon dioxide concentration was continuously measured for 24 h in bedrooms and living rooms. The air change rate at night was calculated using a single zone mass balance model. In the whole home, the median air change rates during sleeping time for spring, summer, autumn and winter were 0.27 h −1 , 1.11 h −1 , 0.29 h −1 , 0.30 h −1 . In the child's bedroom with closed window and door, the median air change rates during sleeping time for spring, summer, autumn and winter were 0.25 h −1 , 0.25 h −1 , 0.30 h −1 , 0.37 h −1 . Air change rates in homes with open windows were significantly higher than those in homes with closed windows ( p  = 0.000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the salivary microbial profile in children with oral clefts to matched non-cleft controls in a cross-sectional study.Methods: The cleft group consisted of 80 children aged 5 years and 144 age-matched non-cleft children were recruited as a control group. Stimulated whole saliva samples were collected and analysed with checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridisation using 12 pre-determined bacterial probes. Background data on caries, oral hygiene, dietary habits and fluoride exposure were collected from clinical examinations and questionnaires.Results: Children in the cleft group had a significantly higher prevalence of dental caries but only minor differences in the salivary microbial profile were found. In general, the cleft-children displayed a lower prevalence of common commensal species (e.g. Streptococcus, Fusobacterium) when compared with the non-cleft controls. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) but the clinical significance was unclear.Conclusions: The profile of the salivary microflora in 5-year-old children with and without oral clefts was basically similar and displayed only marginal differences with respect to commensal bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urbanization and industrialization in China is accompanied by bad air quality, and the prevalence of asthma in Chinese children has been increasing in recent years. To investigate the associations between ambient PM 2.5 levels and asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China, we assigned PM 2.5 exposure data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project to 205 kindergartens at a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° in six cities in China (Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, Changsha, Urumqi, and Taiyuan). A hierarchical multiple logistical regression model was applied to analyze the associations between kindergarten-level PM 2.5 exposure and individual-level outcomes of asthmatic and allergic symptoms. The individual-level variables, including gender, age, family history of asthma and allergic diseases, breastfeeding, parental smoking, indoor dampness, interior decoration pollution, household annual income, and city-level variable-annual temperature were adjusted. A total of 30,759 children (average age 4.6 years, 51.7% boys) were enrolled in this study. Apart from family history, indoor dampness, and decoration as predominant risk factors, we found that an increase of 10 μg/m 3 of the annual PM 2.5 was positively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 1.29) and diagnosed asthma by OR of 1.10 (95% CI 1.03, 1.18). Those who lived in non-urban (vs. urban) areas were exposed to more severe indoor air pollution arising from biomass combustion and had significantly higher ORs between PM 2.5 and allergic rhinitis and current rhinitis. Our study suggested that long-term exposure to PM 2.5 might increase the risks of asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China. Compared to those living in urban areas, children living in suburban or rural areas had a higher risk of PM 2.5 exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalates (PAEs) are SVOCs (Semi Volatile Organic Compounds), which are used as plasticizers in industrial products and home daily supplies. Phthalates are ubiquitous in indoor environment, consequently affect human health, especially children’s health. This study is part of CCHH (China, Children, Home, Health) projects. The study consisted of two phases. Phase Ⅰ, the home environment and health information of children aged 1-8 years old in Tianjin area and Cangzhou area were surveyed with questionnaire. Phase Ⅱ, the home environment were measured and the dust samples were collected. Finally, 6928 questionnaires were collected back and analyzed, and 410 dust samples were collected from children’s bedrooms in Tianjin and Cangzhou areas. The concentration of PAEs in dust samples were measured by GC-MS method. The six target PAEs were Diethyl phthalate (DEP), Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). It was found that the median values of DEP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, DEHP and DiNP were 0.31µg/g, 16.38µg/g, 42.6µg/g, 0.11µg/g, 127.11µg/g and 0.28µg/g, respectively. Indoor “modern” decoration and frequent use of household cleaning products were related to higher PAE concentrations, consequently to children’s asthma and allergy. Higher concentrations of DEP, DiBP were significantly associated to children’s diagnosed asthma (DEP AOR 2.08; DiBP AOR 2.48). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air change rate is an important factor in indoor environment with regards to occupants’ health. In order to study the association of air change rate in homes and building characteristics, a large scale air change rate measurements were carried out during Sept. 2013-Jan. 2016 in Tianjin, China. 410 homes were investigated and indoor environment were measured. Carbon dioxide concentration in homes was continuously measured for 24 hours. Air change rate was calculated by using CO 2 produced by occupants as tracer gas. In the whole home, air change rates during sleeping time averaged 0.61±1.05 h -1 (median=0.32 h -1 , n=340). In the bedrooms, air change rate during sleeping time were substantially higher, averaging 0.81±1.33 h -1 (median=0.43 h -1 , n=390). Months trends of whole home and bedroom air change rates differed. Air change rates were higher in smaller homes. Formaldehyde and TVOC concentration in homes with higher air change rate were lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to find out the relationship between pets keeping in the first year of life (early life) and asthma and allergy among young children aged 0-8 years old in Tianjin, China. It investigated 7366 children and used logistical regression to analyse the self-reported questionnaires containing the questions on asthma, asthma-related and other allergic symptoms and completed by children’s parents. And it shows the highest prevalence of the allergic symptoms was found in urban area, followed by countryside and people in rural area showed the healthiest. However, the rate of pets keeping was contrary, people from rural area keep the most pets. Most importantly, it revealed that exposure to a pet in the early life was positively associated with asthma and allergy in Tianjin, especially for urban area. In conclusion, this study revealed that pet exposure in early in Tianjin was a risk factor for children’s health in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]