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Introduction Hypertension is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and is geographically concentrated in urban underserved neighborhoods. This study examines the temporal–spatial association between individual exposure to violent crime and blood pressure. Methods A retrospective observational cohort study analyzed 39,211 patients with 227,595 blood pressure measurements from 2014 to 2016 at 3 outpatient clinics at an academic medical center in Chicago. Patients were included in the study if they had documentation of blood pressure in the medical record and resided in census tracts with >1,000 observations. Geocoded violent crime events were obtained from the Chicago Police Department. Individual-level exposure was defined on the basis of spatial and temporal buffers around each patient's home. Spatial buffers included 100-, 250-, 500-, and 1,000-meter disc radii, and temporal buffers included 7, 30, and 60 days preceding each outpatient appointment. Systolic blood pressure measurements (mmHg) were abstracted from the electronic health record. Analysis was performed in 2019–2020. Results For each violent crime event within 100 meters from home, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.14 mmHg within 7 days of exposure compared with 0.08 mmHg at 30 days of exposure. In analyses stratified by neighborhood cluster, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.37 mmHg among patients in the suburban affluent cluster relative to that among those in an extreme poverty cluster for the same spatial and temporal buffer. Conclusions Exposure to a violent crime event was associated with increased blood pressure, with gradient effects by both distance and time from exposure.

Researchers have theorized that exposure to racial discrimination may impair executive functioning. The limited existing data broadly support this notion and suggest that discrimination may exert acute and persistent effects on executive functioning, potentially because of the cognitive demands associated with responding to discrimination. However, it is unclear if discrimination is differentially associated with different core executive functions. Further, the effects may vary depending on the timing of exposure, as recent or acute exposure to discrimination may operate on executive functioning through different mechanisms than exposure across the lifetime. The current study evaluates the relations of both recent and lifetime exposure to racial discrimination to three core executive functions (i.e., cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory) using a racially and ethnically diverse sample (n = 319). In fully adjusted models, recent discrimination was negatively associated with cognitive flexibility and working memory but not with inhibitory control. These data are consistent with the broader literature on acute stress effects on core executive functions and may have implications for understanding the effects of discrimination on health. Further research is warranted to understand the course and mechanisms of effects of lifetime and recent discrimination on core executive functions.

PURPOSE: The potential for malicious use of radiation, or radiation accidents could potentially lead to acute, high radiation doses to the public. Following acute accidental exposure to high doses of radiation, medical intervention is pivotal to the survivability of the patient, and the sooner the appropriate measures are taken the better the odds for survival. Early estimates of acute accidental radiation doses can be determined via biomarkers such as dicentric chromosome analysis or scenario reconstruction using computer software. However, both take valuable time and can be expensive. Increased frequencies of abnormal neutrophils in peripheral blood, referred to as pseudo Pelger-Huët anomalies (PPHAs), have been shown to be potential biomarkers of radiation exposure in several scenarios, including the 1958 Y-12 criticality accident and the radium dial painters. PPHAs are potentially a faster and cheaper quantitative biomarker for radiation exposure, and here they were evaluated in acutely exposed rhesus macaques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Peripheral blood smears from acutely exposed rhesus macaques were evaluated for the percentage of neutrophils that displayed the PPHA morphology using light microscopy. Irradiated animals received 0 to 8.5 Gy total body radiation using one of two strategies: (1) linear accelerator-produced 6 MV photons delivered at 80 cGy/minute; or (2) Cobalt 60-produced gamma irradiation delivered at 60 cGy/min. Zero dose animals were used to determine a baseline percentage of PPHAs, and blood smears taken periodically throughout the lifetime of exposed animals post-irradiation were used to determine the persistence and biokinetics of PPHAs. RESULTS: The baseline prevalence of the PPHA in rhesus macaques was determined to be 0.58 ± 0.46%. The dose-response curve with doses ranging from 0 Gy to 8.5 Gy (LD90/30) displayed a strong positive correlation between PPHA percentage and acute radiation dose (R(2) of 0.88 p = 3.62 × 10(−22)). Statistically significant differences were found when animals were separated into dose cohorts of 0, 4, 6.4–6.5, and 8–8.5 Gy. The biokinetics model utilized only 4 Gy exposures and blood smears taken periodically over 3.1 years post-irradiation. PPHA morphology increases quickly following irradiation and appears stable over 3.1 years post-irradiation. CONCLUSION: PPHA morphology was confirmed to be present in rhesus macaques, a dose-response relationship was constructed, and it is stable over 3 years post-irradiation. This study demonstrates that PPHA analysis can be a fast and cheap method of biodosimetry. Future studies will work to determine the accuracy of dose determination and lower limits of detection.

Background Epidemiologic studies of radiation-exposed populations form the basis for human safety standards. They also help shape public health policy and evidence-based health practices by identifying and quantifying health risks of exposure in defined populations. For more than a century, epidemiologists have studied the consequences of radiation exposures, yet the health effects of low levels delivered at a low-dose rate remain equivocal. Materials and methods The Million Person Study (MPS) of U.S. Radiation Workers and Veterans was designed to examine health effects following chronic exposures in contrast with brief exposures as experienced by the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Radiation associations for rare cancers, intakes of radionuclides, and differences between men and women are being evaluated, as well as noncancers such as cardiovascular disease and conditions such as dementia and cognitive function. The first international symposium, held November 6, 2020, provided a broad overview of the MPS. Representatives from four U.S. government agencies addressed the importance of this research for their respective missions: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Aeronautical Space Agency (NASA). The major components of the MPS were discussed and recent findings summarized. The importance of radiation dosimetry, an essential feature of each MPS investigation, was emphasized. Results The seven components of the MPS are DOE workers, nuclear weapons test participants, nuclear power plant workers, industrial radiographers, medical radiation workers, nuclear submariners, other U.S. Navy personnel, and radium dial painters. The MPS cohorts include tens of thousands of workers with elevated intakes of alpha particle emitters for which organ-specific doses are determined. Findings to date for chronic radiation exposure suggest that leukemia risk is lower than after acute exposure; lung cancer risk is much lower and there is little difference in risks between men and women; an increase in ischemic heart disease is yet to be seen; esophageal cancer is frequently elevated but not myelodysplastic syndrome; and Parkinson's disease may be associated with radiation exposure. Conclusions The MPS has provided provocative insights into the possible range of health effects following low-level chronic radiation exposure. When the 34 MPS cohorts are completed and combined, a powerful evaluation of radiation-effects will be possible. This final article in the MPS special issue summarizes the findings to date and the possibilities for the future. A National Center for Radiation Epidemiology and Biology is envisioned.

The presence of pesticide residues has become one of the main risk factors affecting the safety and quality of agro-food. In this study, a multi-residue method for the analysis of 284 pesticides in five local fruit cultivars in Shanghai was developed based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). The limits of determination and the limits of quantitation of pesticides were 0.6–10 and 2–30 µg/kg, respectively. A total of 44, 10, 10, 18, and 7 pesticides were detected in strawberries, watermelons, melons, peaches, and grapes, respectively. The pesticide levels in 95.0% of the samples were below the maximum residual limits (MRLs) prescribed by China, and in 66.2% of the samples below the EU MRLs. The dietary risk assessment study showed big differences in the chronic and acute exposure risk values among different Chinese consumer groups. Through fruit consumption, children/females showed higher exposure risks than adults/males. But both the risk values were less than 100%, indicating that potential dietary risk induced by the pesticides was not significant for Chinese consumers. Nevertheless, certain measures are needed for both growers and government in order to decrease the MRL-exceeding rate of pesticide residues and ensure the quality and safety of fruits for consumers.

Acute exposure to hydrogen sulfide initiates a series of hallmark biological effects that occur progressively at increasing exposure levels: odor perception, conjunctivitis, olfactory paralysis, "knockdown," pulmonary edema, and apnea. Although effects of exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are clear, effects associated with chronic, low-level exposure in humans is under debate, leading to uncertainty in the critical effect used in regulatory risk assessments addressing low dose exposures. This study integrates experimental animal, observational epidemiology, and occupational exposure evidence by applying a pathway-based approach. A hypothesized adverse outcome pathway (AOP) network was developed from 34 studies, composed of 4 AOPs sharing 1 molecular initiating events (MIE) and culminating in 4 adverse outcomes. A comparative assessment of effect levels and weight of evidence identified an AOP leading to a biologically-plausible, low-dose outcome relative to the other outcomes (nasal lesions, 30 ppm versus olfactory paralysis,100 ppm; neurological effects,80 ppm; pulmonary edema,80 ppm). This AOP (i.e. AOP1) consists of the following key events: cytochrome oxidase inhibition (10 ppm), neuronal cell loss (30 ppm), and olfactory nasal lesions (defined as both neuronal cell loss and basal cell hyperplasia;30 ppm) in rodents. The key event relationships in this pathway were supported by moderate empirical evidence and have high biological plausibility due to known mechanistic understanding and consistency in observations for diverse chemicals.

Background Von Willebrand factor (VWF) contains a number of free thiols, the majority of which are located in its C-domains, and these have been shown to alter VWF function, However, the impact of free thiols on function following acute exposure of VWF to collagen under high and pathological shear stress has not been determined. Methods VWF free thiols were blocked with N-ethylmaleimide and flow assays performed under high and pathological shear rates to determine the impact on platelet capture and collagen binding function. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to probe the interaction of VWF with collagen and molecular simulations conducted to determine the effect of free thiols on the flexibility of the VWF-C4 domain. Results Blockade of VWF free thiols reduced VWF-mediated platelet capture to collagen in a shear-dependent manner, with platelet capture virtually abolished above 5000 s-1 and in regions of stenosis in microfluidic channels. Direct visualization of VWF fibers formed under extreme pathological shear rates and analysis of collagen-bound VWF attributed the effect to altered binding of VWF to collagen. AFM measurements showed that thiol-blockade reduced the lifetime and strength of the VWF-collagen bond. Pulling simulations of the VWF-C4 domain demonstrated that with one or two reduced disulphide bonds the C4 domain has increased flexibility and the propensity to undergo free-thiol exchange. Conclusions We conclude that free thiols in the C-domains of VWF enhance the flexibility of the molecule and enable it to withstand high shear forces following collagen binding, demonstrating a previously unrecognized role for VWF free thiols.

Background The prolonged effects of disasters on reproductive outcomes among the survivors are less studied, and the findings are inconsistent. We examined the associations of maternal exposure to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake years before conception with adverse birth outcomes. Methods We included 73,493 women who delivered in 96 hospitals in 24 provinces and autonomous regions from the 2015/16 China Labor and Delivery Survey. We weighted the multivariable logistic models based on the combination of coarsened exact matching (CEM) weight and survey weight, and performed sex-stratified analysis to test whether associations of maternal earthquake exposure with adverse birth outcomes (Stillbirth, preterm birth [PTB], low birthweight [LBW], and small for gestational age [SGA]) varied by sex. Results The bivariate models showed that the weighted incidence of each adverse birth outcome was higher in exposed group than unexposed group: stillbirth (2.00% vs. 1.33%), PTB (14.14% vs. 7.32%), LBW (10.82% vs. 5.76%), and SGA (11.32% vs. 9.52%). The multivariable models showed maternal earthquake exposure was only associated significantly with a higher risk of PTB in offspring among all births (adjusted risk ratio [aRR](95%CI):1.25(1.06–1.48), P = 0.010). The sex-stratified analysis showed the association was significant among male births (aRR (95%CI): 1.40(1.12–1.75),P = 0.002),but unsignificant among female births. The sensitivity analysis reported similar findings. Conclusions The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake exposure has a long-term effect on PTB. Maternal acute exposure to disasters could be a major monitor for long-term reproductive outcomes. More attention should be paid to the underlining reasons for disaster-related adverse birth outcomes.

Background: Compared to day workers, shift workers face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the evidence to address the research question: Does acute exposure to shift work impact (blunt) the natural drop (dip) in Blood Pressure (BP) occurring during sleep and/or nighttime hours? (PROSPERO CRD42018110847). Methods: We performed a systematic review of five databases. We compared pooled estimates of mean BP stratified by periods of shift work, rest/leisure, and sleep, and evaluated the quality of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Results: Our search covered 1/1/1980-10/24/2018 and yielded 1,636 records. Inter-rater agreement during screening was high (Kappa=0.87). We retained 44 studies described in 50 publications. We identified wide variation in shift worker type, shift schedules, and regularity of BP measurements. Most studies examined BP during one shift workday and one rest/leisure day. No study examined the impact of repeated exposure to shift work on the sleep-related dip in BP. Eighteen studies examined night shifts and one reported on BP during sleep post night shift. Compared to BP measured during shift work, BP measured during any sleep period separate from shift work was lower by 17.5 mmHg Systolic BP (95%CI 15.75, 19.27) and 15.4 mmHg lower for Diastolic BP (95%CI 14.38, 16.42) (p Conclusions: There is limited research exploring the acute and long-term impact of shift work on BP during sleep. The available evidence is heterogenous, low quality, and suggests that the mean dip in BP during sleep separate from shift work is not blunted.

This study was aimed at evaluating a potential association between blood pressure variation and acute mountain sickness (AMS) during acute exposure to normobaric hypoxia. A total of 77 healthy subjects (43 males, 34 females) were exposed to a simulated altitude of 4500 m for 12 hours. Peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, systemic blood pressure, and Lake Louise AMS scores were recorded before and during (30 minutes, 3, 6, 9, and 12 hours) hypoxic exposure. Blood pressure dips were observed at 3-hour mark. However, systolic blood pressure fell more pronounced from baseline during the initial 30 minutes in normobaric hypoxia (-17.5 vs. -11.0 mmHg

Background Diesel exhaust fumes represent one of the most common toxic pollutants. The prolonged effects of acute exposure to this pollutant on inflammatory status and vascular properties are unknown. Methods During a 2-h session, 40 healthy subjects were exposed to diesel exhaust fumes and/or filtered air. Endothelial function was assessed with flow mediated dilation, arterial stiffness with pulse wave velocity and reflected waves with augmentation index. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, protein C levels and protein S activity were also measured. Standard deviation of normal to normal R–R intervals (SDNN) was used to assess heart rate variability. Measurements were assessed before exposure and 2 and 24 h after diesel exposure. Results Compared with filtered air, exposure to diesel exhaust fumes decreased flow mediated dilation and increased pulse wave velocity and augmentation index up to 24 h after the exposure (p Conclusion Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes has a prolonged adverse impact on endothelial function and vascular wall properties, along with impaired heart rate variability, abnormal fibrinolytic activity and increased markers of inflammation. These findings give insights into the mechanisms underlining the increased cardiovascular risk of subjects regularly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes.

In recent years, research in behavioral medicine has become increasingly focused on understanding how chronic and acute exposure to stress impacts health outcomes. During stress, the body’s physiological stress systems are activated. These systems closely interact with the immune system and are, thus, importantly implicated in the onset and maintenance of disease states. While much of the research in behavioral medicine that has investigated the effects of stress on disease has focused on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its downstream biomarker, cortisol, it is evident that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) also plays a crucial role in both the biological stress process and the manifestation and maintenance of stress-related symptoms. In recent years salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) has emerged as a valid and reliable marker of ANS activity in stress research and is therefore an important biomarker to consider in behavioral medicine. In this commentary, we will highlight research relevant for behavioral medicine that has utilized sAA measurements, both basally, and in response to stress, to examine ANS function in clinical populations. We will additionally summarize findings from studies that have examined the effects of various targeted interventions on changes in sAA levels. Through this, our aim is to present evidence that sAA can serve as a feasible biomarker of ANS (dys)function in health and disease. To this end, we will also highlight important methodological considerations for readers to keep in mind when including sAA assessments in their own studies. The overarching goal of this brief commentary is to highlight how a multidimensional approach toward physiological stress measurement can allow researchers to develop a better understanding of physical health and disease states.

This study explored the potential association between chronic exposure to pesticide mixtures including paraquat and respiratory outcomes among Colombian farmers. Sociodemographic and occupational data, respiratory symptoms and spirometric data were collected. Paraquat in spot urine samples were quantified with solid-phase extraction high-performance liquid chromatography. Multiple Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to determine factors associated with respiratory outcomes. Profiles of pesticide mixtures used were identified among 217 farmwork-ers, but profenofos and methamidophos-based mixtures were more frequent. Chronic paraquat exposure was slightly associated with self-reported asthma (PR: 1.06; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). Different pesticide mixtures were associated with flu, thoracic pain, allergic rhinitis, and obstructive pattern in spirometry. Although acute exposure to paraquat is low among Colombian farmers participating in the study, associations between respiratory outcomes and chronic pesticide mixtures exposure including profenofos, methamidophos or glyphosate require further specific studies. © 2020 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Acute exposure to trace metals (TMs) in water is hazardous to human health. The average concentrations (Cavg.) and carcinogenic (CAR) and non-carcinogenic (non-CAR) risks of eight TMs to World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines and national standard limits (NSLs)were determined. The Cavg. and (the range) of As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn were measured as 4.29 ± 0.57 μg L−1 (1.12–10.27 μg L−1), 0.22 ± 0.10 μg L−1 (ND-1.05 μg L−1), 0.31 ± 0.18 μg L−1 (ND-1.80 μg L−1), 4.66 ± 0.32 μg L−1 (0.10–14.22 μg L−1), 24.61 ± 4.65 μg L−1 (3.11–67.25 μg L−1), 16.86 ± 5.54 μg L−1 (5.12–34.61 μg L−1), 14.07 ± 4.37 μg L−1 (3.79–31.39 μg L−1), and 268.42 ± 75.82 (87.29–561.22 μg L−1), respectively. The Cavg. of Co and Hg exceeded the WHO and NSLs. The non-CAR risk assessment was used to order the TMs according to the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) As > Pb > Cr > Co > Zn > Hg > Ni > Cd. None of the investigated age groups are at risk As there is a low Cavg of all trace metals (i.e., the THQ is > 1). The age groups were ranked based on THQ and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) As < 1 year, >1–10 years, > 11–19 years, and > + 20 years. The ILCR of As for all the age groups was >10−4, whereas for Pb it was 10−4) for all the age groups. Scopus

The aim of this study was to assess the level of exposure to and contamination by smoke within a population of firefighter instructors. We performed a prospective observational study from September 17 to September 26, 2018, using environmental samples and urinary biomarker analysis. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) were never exceeded, except for carbon monoxide for the fire attack training chamber and formaldehyde and carbon monoxide for the fire box. As regards to urinary biomarkers, we observed that 1OHP and 1-naphtol did accumulate. The pre-post analysis showed an acute exposure exceeding the BRVs of benzene, 1-hydroxypyrene and naphtol, except for 3-benzo[a]pyrene which was undetectable in half of the cases. Even if values were reassuring, an effort could be made to improve the working conditions and reduce contamination by rethinking the respiratory protection and improving PPE quality.

The presence of pesticide residues in fruit has been of extensive concern worldwide. Pesticide residues in 150 litchi samples collected in the People's Republic of China were measured, and the dietary exposure risks to consumers were evaluated. The litchi samples were screened by gas chromatography and ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the possible presence of 57 pesticides. Seventeen pesticides were detected, and 70.7% of samples contained residues of one or more pesticides. The most frequently detected pesticide (36% of samples) was diflubenzuron. Carbofuran in one sample exceeded its maximum residue limit by 125%. In dietary exposure assessments, all concentrations below the limit of detection (LOD) were calculated as 0, 0.5 × the LOD, or at the LOD separately, and these assessments indicated that the chronic health risks from these dietary exposures were extremely low. For acute exposures, carbofuran was at 11.08% of the acute reference dose, and all other pesticides were2% of the acute reference dose. The findings indicated that the presence of pesticide residues in litchis should not be considered a public health problem.

Occupational exposure to oil fumes, organophosphates, halogenated flame retardants, and other volatile and semi-volatile contaminants is a concern within the aviation industry. There is no current consensus on the risk attributed to exposure to these chemical classes within the aircraft cabin. Contaminant concentrations rarely exceed conventional air quality guidelines, but concerns have been raised about these guidelines' applicability within the aircraft environment. This systematic review, the largest and most comprehensive completed to date on the subject matter, aims to synthesize the existing research related to chemical and other exposures inside the aircraft cabin to determine the occupational risk that may be attributed said exposure, as well as, determine knowledge gaps in source, pathway, and receptor that may exist. The Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried with five search terms generating 138 manuscripts that met acceptance criteria and screening.. Several potential areas requiring future examination were identified: Potable water on aircraft should be examined as a potential source of pollutant exposure, as should air conditioning expansion turbines. Historical exposure should also be more fully explored, and non-targeted analysis could provide valuable information to comprehend the aircraft cabin exposome. Occupational risk under typical flight scenarios appears to be limited for most healthy individuals. Contaminants of concern were demonstrated to be extant within the cabin, however the concentrations under normal circumstances do not appear to be individually responsible for the symptomologies that are present in impacted individuals. Questions remain regarding those that are more vulnerable or susceptible to exposure. Additionally, establishing the effects of chronic low dose exposure and exposure to contaminant mixtures has not been satisfied. The risk of acute exposure in mitigable fume events is substantial, and technological solutions or the replacement of compounds of concern for safer alternatives should be a priority.

Stillbirths and complications from preterm birth are two of the leading causes of neonatal deaths across the globe. Lower- to middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing some of the highest rates of these adverse birth outcomes. Research has suggested that environmental determinants, such as extreme heat, can increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Under climate change, extreme heat events have become more severe and frequent and are occurring in differential seasonal patterns. Little is known about how extreme heat affects the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth in LMICs. Thus, it is imperative to examine how exposure to extreme heat affects adverse birth outcomes in regions with some of the highest rates of preterm and stillbirths. Most of the evidence linking extreme heat and adverse birth outcomes has been generated from high-income countries (HICs) notably because measuring temperature in LMICs has proven challenging due to the scarcity of ground monitors. The paucity of health data has been an additional obstacle to study this relationship in LMICs. In this study, globally gridded meteorological data was linked with spatially and temporally resolved Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data on adverse birth outcomes. A global analysis of 14 LMICs was conducted per a pooled time-stratified case-crossover design with distributed-lag nonlinear models to ascertain the relationship between acute exposure to extreme heat and PTB and stillbirths. We notably found that experiencing higher maximum temperatures and smaller diurnal temperature range during the last week before birth increased the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. This study is the first global assessment of extreme heat events and adverse birth outcomes and builds the evidence base for LMICs.

Background: Viper bite is an uncommon but serious cause of envenoming in Europe, especially in children. Our study aim is to better describe and analyze the clinical course and treatment of viper bite envenoming in a pediatric population. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 cases of pediatric viper bites that were admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital in Rome between 2000 and 2020. Epidemiological characteristics of the children, localization of the bite, clinical and laboratory findings, and treatment approaches were evaluated. Results: The median age of the patients was 4.2 years, with male predominance. Most cases of viper bite occurred in the late summer. Most patients required admission to the ward for prolonged observation. The most common presenting signs were pain, local oedema, and swelling. Patients with a high severity score also had a significantly higher white blood cell count and an increase of INR, LDH, and CRP levels. No fatality was reported. Conclusions: Viper bite envenomation is a rare pediatric medical emergency in Italy but may sometimes be severe. A new pediatric severity score may be implemented in the screening of children with viper bites to favor a selective and prompt administration of antivenom.

BACKGROUND Personal and indoor air pollution monitors represent two ways to assess acute air pollution exposures; however, few reproductive epidemiology studies have incorporated these tools. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when measuring acute exposure to air pollution in two ongoing reproductive epidemiology studies. METHODS The Air Pollution, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Reproductive Outcomes (AIR) Study recruits women undergoing IVF to wear a personal particulate matter (PM) air pollution monitor (AirBeam2©) for the 72-hour period following the start of controlled ovarian stimulation. The Reproductive Effects of Chemicals and Air Pollutants (RECAP) Study recruits men across the United States to place an air pollution monitor (emmET) in their home for 3 months, use a smartphone application, and provide a semen sample. We highlight the key issues identified in implementing exposure assessment for both studies. RESULTS The main advantages of using the AirBeam2© personal monitor are as follows: (a) the low cost, (b) the ability to collect multiple size fractions of PM data every second, (c) the portability, (d) its capability to track GPS location, and (e) the ability for the participant to observe their real-time exposure information. The limited battery life, incompatibility with iOS-based smartphones, and frequent connection issues that arise between the AirBeam2© and smartphone are the main disadvantages. The main advantages of the emmET are the ability to measure multiple air pollutants at a high level of accuracy, collect data for a long period of time without burdening the participant, and ship monitors to participants around the country without the need for in-person set-up by trained technicians; however, the monitor only measures the indoor home environment. CONCLUSIONS Novel methods can be utilised to characterise short-term air pollution exposure in reproductive epidemiology studies and represent an exciting area for future research.

The effects of e-cigarette (e-cig) aerosol inhalation by nonsmokers have not been examined to date. The present study was designed to evaluate the acute response to aerosol inhalation of non-nicotinized e-cigarettes in terms of oxidative stress and indices of endothelial activation in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVEC). Ten smoking-naïve healthy subjects (mean age ± SD = 28.7 ± 5.5 yr) were subjected to an e-cig challenge, following which their serum was monitored for markers of inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)] and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx). The oxidative stress and inflammation burden of the circulating serum on the vascular network was also assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induction of ICAM-1 expression on HPMVEC. Our results show that serum indices of oxidative stress and inflammation increased significantly ( P < 0.05 as compared with baseline), reaching a peak at approximately 1–2 h post-e-cig aerosol inhalation and returning to baseline levels at 6 h. The circulatory burden of the serum (ICAM-1 and ROS) increased significantly at 2 h and returned to baseline values 6 h post-e-cig challenge. ROS production by HPMVEC was found to occur via activation of the NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) pathways. These findings suggest that even in the absence of nicotine, acute e-cig aerosol inhalation leads to a transient increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. This can adversely affect the vascular endothelial network by promoting oxidative stress and immune cell adhesion. Thus e-cig inhalation has the potential to drive the onset of vascular pathologies.

High altitude is a fascinating model of hypoxia effects on the human body but is also an extreme environment which directly influences millions of people who either travel to high altitude locations or live there permanently. A significant progress was made over the past decades in the understanding of physiological background of responses to altitude, and recently a number of studies regarding clinical aspects of high altitude exposure were published. In particular, more is known about the changes occurring in systemic blood pressure in individuals exposed to high altitude as well as on the effects of antihypertensive drugs in this setting. The present article provides an overview of principal physiological and clinical aspects related to systemic blood pressure control and its changes at high altitude, mainly during the acute exposure. The evidence on blood pressure changes at rest and during exercise is discussed, as well as the underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications.

Subjects with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) have blunted ventilatory acclimatization to high altitude compared with subjects without PFO. The blunted response observed could be because of differences in central and/or peripheral respiratory chemoreflexes. We hypothesized that compared with subjects without a PFO (PFO−), subjects with a PFO (PFO+) would have blunted ventilatory responses to acute hypoxia and hypercapnia. Sixteen PFO+ subjects (9 female) and 15 PFO− subjects (8 female) completed four 20-min trials on the same day: 1) normoxic hypercapnia (NH), 2) hyperoxic hypercapnia (HH), 3) isocapnic hypoxia (IH), and 4) poikilocapnic hypoxia (PH). Hypercapnic trials were completed before the hypoxic trials, the order of the hypercapnic (NH & HH) and hypoxic (IH & PH) trials were randomized, and trials were separated by ≥40 min. During the NH trials but not the HH trials subjects who were PFO+ had a blunted hypercapnic ventilatory response compared with subjects who were PFO− (1.41 ± 0.46 l·min−1·mmHg−1 vs. 1.98 ± 0.71 l·min−1·mmHg−1, P = 0.02). There were no differences between the PFO+ and PFO− subjects with respect to the acute hypoxic ventilatory response during IH and PH trials. Hypoxic ventilatory depression was similar between subjects who were PFO+ and PFO− during IH. These data suggest that compared with subjects who were PFO−, subjects who were PFO+ have normal ventilatory chemosensitivity to acute hypoxia but blunted ventilatory chemosensitivity to carbon dioxide, possibly because of reduced carbon dioxide sensitivity of either the central and/or the peripheral chemoreceptors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is found in ~25%–40% of the population. The presence of a PFO appears to be associated with blunted ventilatory responses during acute exposure to normoxic hypercapnia. The reason for this blunted ventilatory response during acute exposure to normoxic hypercapnia is unknown but may suggest differences in either central and/or peripheral chemoreflex contribution to hypercapnia.

Background/Aim: Previous studies have suggested that the short-term ambient air pollution and temperature are associated with myocardial infarction. In this study, we aimed to conduct a time-series analysis to assess the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and temperature on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among adults over 20 years of age in Korea by using the data from the Korean National Health Information Database (KNHID).Methods: Daily data of 197,940 AMI cases in Seoul were collected from the nationwide, population-based KNHID from 2005 to 2014. Monitoring data of ambient PM2.5 from the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment were also collected. A generalized additive model (GAM) that allowed for a quasi-Poisson distribution was used to analyze the effects of PM2.5 and temperature on the incidence of AMI.Results: The models with PM2.5 lag structures of lag 0 and 2-day averages of lag 0 and 1 (lag 01) showed significant associations with AMI (Relative risk [RR]: 1.011, CI: 1.003–1.020 for lag 0, RR: 1.010, CI: 1.000–1.020 for lag 01) after adjusting the covariates. Stratification analysis conducted in the cold season (October–April) and the warm season (May–September) showed a significant lag 0 effect for AMI cases in the cold season only.Conclusions: In conclusion, acute exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with AMI morbidity at lag 0 in Seoul, Korea. This increased risk was also observed at low temperatures.

The aim of the current study is to investigate whether silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) individuals exposed to commercial formulation of the chlorantraniliprole insecticide used in rice crops present changes in biochemical parameters. Fifty-four (54) silver catfish individuals were distributed in six units per tank (n = 6/repetition; triplicate/treatment) and subjected to the following treatments: T1—control, without insecticide; T2 (0.02 µg/L of insecticide) and T3 (0.20 µg/L of insecticide). Exposure time lasted 24 or 96 h, and it was followed by 96 h recovery in pesticide-free water. Results have indicated biochemical changes in cortisol, glucose, lactate and plasma protein levels, as well as few ionic changes in animals’ gills during the exposure and recovery periods. Chlorantraniliprole incidence in water resulted in some biochemical changes in silver catfish specimens’ plasma and gills throughout the acute exposure protocol (sub-lethal dose). Thus, chlorantraniliprole insecticide has caused osmoregulatory and/or biochemical imbalance in the investigated species under the herein adopted laboratory conditions; these changes did not get back to normal levels even after specimens were left to recover for 96 h in clean water.

Background: Finger pulse oximeters are widely used to monitor physiological responses to high-altitude exposure, the progress of acclimatization, and/or the potential development of high-altitude related diseases. Although there is increasing evidence for its invaluable support at high altitude, some controversy remains, largely due to differences in individual preconditions, evaluation purposes, measurement methods, the use of different devices, and the lacking ability to interpret data correctly. Therefore, this review is aimed at providing information on the functioning of pulse oximeters, appropriate measurement methods and published time courses of pulse oximetry data (peripheral oxygen saturation, (SpO2) and heart rate (HR), recorded at rest and submaximal exercise during exposure to various altitudes. Results: The presented findings from the literature review confirm rather large variations of pulse oximetry measures (SpO2 and HR) during acute exposure and acclimatization to high altitude, related to the varying conditions between studies mentioned above. It turned out that particularly SpO2 levels decrease with acute altitude/hypoxia exposure and partly recover during acclimatization, with an opposite trend of HR. Moreover, the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS) was consistently associated with lower SpO2 values compared to individuals free from AMS. Conclusions: The use of finger pulse oximetry at high altitude is considered as a valuable tool in the evaluation of individual acclimatization to high altitude but also to monitor AMS progression and treatment efficacy.

Objective The objective of this study was to measure flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) prior to and following transient increases in intraluminal pressure (IILP) in resistance arterioles isolated from subjects with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) (CAD and non‐CAD) and non‐CAD subjects with hypertension. Methods Arterioles were isolated from discarded surgical tissues (adipose and atrial) from patients without coronary artery disease (non‐CAD; ≤1 risk factor, excluding hypertension), with CAD, and non‐CAD patients with hypertension (hypertension as the only risk factor). To simulate transient hypertension, increased IILP was generated (150 mmHg, 30 min) by gravity. Arterioles were constricted with endothelin‐1, followed by FMD and endothelial‐independent dilation prior to and following exposure to IILP. Results IILP reduced FMD in non‐CAD and CAD arterioles relative to pre‐IILP (p

The agroeconomic benefits of the routine use of triazole fungicides on crops have been evident for more than 40 years. However, increasing evidence shows that residues of triazoles are ubiquitous in various foods and thus could pose a potential health risk to humans. We analyzed 3406 samples of 13 food commodities that were collected from markets in 9 regions across China, and assessed the health risk of both chronic and acute exposure to the triazoles for Chinese children (1–6 years old) and the general population. Among all samples, 55.52% had triazoles in concentrations of 0.10–803.30 μg/kg, and 29.77% of samples contained a combination of 2–7 triazoles. Tebuconazole and difenoconazole were the most commonly found triazoles in the foods, being detected in 33.44% and 30.45% of samples, respectively. Chronic and acute cumulative risk assessment for total triazoles based on a relative potency factor method revealed that exposure to triazoles from these particular commodities was below the levels that might pose a health risk (chronic hazard index range, 5.90×10−7 to 1.83×10−3; acute hazard index range, 7.77×10−5 to 0.39, below 1). Notably, dietary exposure risk for children was greater than that for the general population—particularly for the acute intake of mandarin, grape, and cucumber (acute hazard index values of 0.35–0.39). Despite the low health risk, the potential hazards of exposure to triazoles should raise public concern owing to their ubiquitous presence in common foods and potential cumulative effects.

Background Chronic exposure to infrared A (IR-A) irradiation causes photoaging. However, daily or acute exposure to IR-A rarely induces erythema or pigmentation. Thus, evaluation of the physiological changes taking place on the skin surface is insufficient for clinical investigations. Materials and methods We fabricated a novel device to obtain the IR-A protection factor (IPF) on human skin. This device consists of an artificial light source that mimics the actual IR-A intensity of sunlight, and a spectrophotometer to measure the spectral reflectance on the skin surface. The IPF can be determined by measuring the difference in spectral reflectance on the skin before and after the use of products and can be verified by the statistical criterion. A validation study was performed using different light intensities and two experimenters. Finally, we monitored the IPF on 12 commercial cosmetics. Results After considering the IPF and L*-values, we selected the optimal sample and performed a validation study. Neither the intensity of IR-A irradiation or the experimenters significantly affected the IPF. 12 commercial products exhibited their own IPF values and were verified by statistical criteria, with one exception. Conclusion The present IPF evaluation method was concluded to be robust and reliable. This method is simple and safe for the subjects, and could be helpful for the development of IR-A protection products and the confirmation of product performances.

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, is found in soil, environment and contaminated water and food. Moreover, Cd is used in various industrial activities, such as electroplating, batteries production, fertilizers, while an important non-occupational source is represented by cigarette smoking, as Cd deposits in tobacco leaves. Since many years it is clear a strong correlation between Cd body accumulation and incidence of many diseases. Indeed, acute exposure to Cd can cause inflammation and affect many organs such as kidneys and liver. Furthermore, the attention has focused on its activity as environmental pollutant and endocrine disruptor able to interfere with metabolic and energy balance of living beings. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the Cd-exposure is related to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis even if human studies are still controversial. Recent data show that Cd-exposure is associated with atherosclerosis, hypertension and endothelial damage that are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Due to the large environmental diffusion of Cd, in this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the role of Cd in the incidence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

New findings What is the topic of this review? It is generally accepted that sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor to the development of thermal injury. This review summarizes the available human-based evidence on the impact of sleep loss on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. What advances does it highlight? Limited to moderate evidence suggests that sleep deprivation per se impairs thermoregulatory defence mechanisms during exposure to thermal extremes. Future research is required to establish whether inadequate sleep enhances the risk for cold- and heat-related illnesses. Abstract Relatively short periods of inadequate sleep provoke physiological and psychological perturbations, typically leading to functional impairments and degradation in performance. It is commonly accepted that sleep deprivation also disturbs thermal homeostasis, plausibly enhancing susceptibility to cold- and heat-related illnesses. Herein, we summarize the current state of human-based evidence on the impact of short-term (i.e., ≤4 nights) sleep deprivation on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to highlight knowledge gaps in the area and stimulate future research to investigate whether sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor for the development of thermal injuries.

BackgroundThere is evidence to suggest that long term exposure to air pollution could be associated with decreased levels of fertility, although there is controversy as to how short term exposure may compromise fertility in IVF patients and what windows of exposure during the IVF process patients could be most vulnerable.MethodsThis prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of acute exposure that air pollution have on reproductive outcomes in different moments of the IVF process. Women undergoing IVF living in Barcelona were recruited. Individual air pollution exposures were modelled at their home address 15 and 3 days before embryo transfer (15D and 3D, respectively), the same day of transfer (D0), and 7 days after (D7). The pollutants modelled were: PM2.5[particulate matter (PM) ≤2.5 μm], PMcoarse(PM between 2.5 and 10μm), PM10(PM≤10 μm), PM2.5abs, and NO2and NOx. Outcomes were analyzed using multi-level regression models, with adjustment for co-pollutants and confouding factors. Two sensitivity analyses were performed. First, the model was adjusted for subacute exposure (received 15 days before ET). The second analysis was based on the first transfer performed on each patient aiming to exclude patients who failed previous transfers.ResultsOne hundred ninety-four women were recruited, contributing with data for 486 embryo transfers.Acute and subacute exposure to PMs showed a tendency in increasing miscarriage rate and reducing clinical pregnancy rate, although results were not statistically significant. The first sensitivity analysis, showed a significant risk of miscarriage for PM2.5exposure on 3D after adjusting for subacute exposure, and an increased risk of achieving no pregnancy for PM2.5, PMcoarseand PM10on 3D.The second sensitivity analysis showed a significant risk of miscarriage for PM2.5exposure on 3D, and a significant risk of achieving no pregnancy for PM2.5, PMcoarseand PM10 particularly on 3D. No association was observed for nitrogen dioxides on reproductive outcomes.ConclusionsExposure to particulate matter has a negative impact on reproductive outcomes in IVF patients. Subacute exposure seems to increase the harmful effect of the acute exposure on miscarriage and pregnancy rates. Nitrogen dioxides do not modify significantly the reproductive success.

The objective of this work is to present the key elements in the design of emergency management and response plans in scenarios where there has been loss of containment of chemical agents of acute effect focused in the protection of not routinely exposed in a determined occupational environment. To this purpose, a validation of the current criteria for the management of accidental releases is carried out, taking into account hypothetical risk scenarios. The essential elements of the emergency management system are stated, from a systemic perspective and the corresponding risk control actions; recommendations for their implementation are showed, taking as prototype hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas. Non controlled emissions of toxic gases of acute effect from an occupational standpoint represents a priority because of their human and financial high toll. Design and implementation of an appropriate emergency plan for uncontrollable emissions of toxics chemical agents must be addressed.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to hypoxia has a deleterious effect on cognitive function; however, the putative effect of hypobaria remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate cognitive performance in pilot trainees who were exposed to acute normobaric (NH) and hypobaric hypoxia (HH). Of relevance for military pilots, we also aimed to assess cognitive performance in hypobaric normoxia (HN).METHODS: A total of 16 healthy pilot trainees were exposed to 4 randomized conditions (i.e., normobaric normoxia, NN, altitude level of 440 m; HH at 5500 m; NH, altitude simulation of 5500 m; and HN). Subjects performed a cognitive assessment (KLT-R test). Cerebral oxygen delivery (cDO2) was estimated based middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv) and pulse oxygen saturation (Spo2) monitored during cognitive assessment.RESULTS: Percentage of errors increased in NH (14.3 9.1%) and HH (12.9 6.4%) when compared to NN (6.5 4.1%) and HN (6.0 4.0%). Number of calculations accomplished was lower only in HH than in NN and HN. When compared to NN, cDO2 decreased in NH and HH.DISCUSSION: Cognitive performance was decreased similarly in acute NH and HH. The cDO2 reduction in NH and HH implies insufficient MCAv increase to ensure cognitive performance maintenance. The present study suggests negligible hypobaric influence on cognitive performance in hypoxia and normoxia.Aebi MR, Bourdillon N, Noser P, Millet GP, Bron D. Cognitive impairment during combined normobaric vs. hypobaric and normoxic vs. hypoxic acute exposure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(11):845851.

Objective To analyze the chemical composition of the surgical smoke and the outflow irrigation fluid produced during a common endourological surgical procedure to treat benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Methods A prospective study was performed to analyze the surgical smoke generated during photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using the 180-W GL-XPS GreenLight Laser system. Surgical smoke samples were collected from 5 patients, and irrigation fluid samples were collected from 5 different patients. Qualitative organic compound determination was performed on both types of collected specimens using headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS) analysis. Results Four organic compounds were identified in the analyses of the smoke samples: tetradecane, hexadecane, 7-methylpentadecane and 2,6-dimethyleptadecane. In the analysis of fluid samples, 16 organic elements were identified. Interestingly, two compounds present in the first group (7-methylpentadecane and 2,6-dimethyleptadecane) were not detected in the fluid samples from the second group. None of the sixteen compounds detected in the fluids were present in all of the samples. Overall, seven of these compounds can be classified as toxic for acute exposure, while 4 others may represent a health hazard. Conclusion We found that the different types of surgical smoke and irrigation fluids produced during PVP with a GreenLight Laser contain a limited number of organic compounds with a potential inhalation hazard. More studies are needed to understand the potential hazard for the exposed employees.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxins that contaminate a variety of crops worldwide. Acute exposure can cause liver failure, and chronic exposure can lead to stunting in children and liver cancer in adults. We estimated aflatoxin exposure across Uganda by measuring a serum biomarker of aflatoxin exposure in a subsample from the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey, a nationally representative survey of HIV prevalence, and examined its association with geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. We analysed a subsample of 985 serum specimens selected among HIV-negative participants from 10 survey-defined geographic regions for serum aflatoxin B1-lysine (AFB1-lys) by use of isotope dilution LC-MS/MS and calculated results normalised to serum albumin. We used statistical techniques for censored data to estimate geometric means (GMs), standard deviations, and percentiles. We detected serum AFB1-lys in 71.7% of specimens (LOD = 0.5 pg/mg albumin). Unadjusted GM AFB1-lys (pg/mg albumin) was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.21-1.47). Serum AFB1-lys was higher in males (GM: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.38-1.80) vs. females (GM: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.97-1.30) (

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem of increasing importance. The association between acute exposure to air pollution and HF has been well established in developed countries, but little evidence is available in developing countries where air pollution levels are much higher. To explore the associations between PM2.5 and HF hospitalizations in Yancheng, China. In this time-series study, daily HF hospitalizations admitted in three major hospitals in Yancheng from May 1, 2015 to Apr 30, 2020 were collected. We used a generalized additive model with quasi-Poisson regression to investigate the association between PM2.5 and HF hospitalizations. The robustness of the associations was tested using two-pollutant models, and we examined the potential effect modification by age, gender, and season via stratification analyses. Lastly, we pooled the concentration-response curves. A total of 10,466 HF hospitalizations were recorded, with a daily average of 6 cases. We observed the most robust estimates on lag 0 day, and the associated increment in HF was 1.28% (95% CI 0.45%, 2.11%) for a 10-μg/m3 increase of PM2.5. The association remained after adjustment of O3, but not for NO2, CO, and SO2. The PM2.5-HF associations were positive in females, patients aged ≥ 65 years, and in cold season. The C-R relationship curve was generally increasing below 30 μg/m3. This study provided evidence on the association of PM2.5 with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure, which may benefit future prevention strategy and policymaking.

Contamination of key staples with aflatoxins compromises the quality of food and feed, impedes trade, and negatively affects the health of consumers whereas acute exposure can be fatal. This study used the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) on a sample of 480 farmers in counties prone to aflatoxin contamination to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) by farmers for Aflasafe KE01, a promising biological control product for the management of aflatoxin contamination of key staples in Kenya, compare its cost with that of a similar product in use in Nigeria, and determine factors likely to affect its adoption. Four hundred and eighty households from four counties identified as aflatoxin hotspots in Kenya were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean WTP per kilogram of Aflasafe KE01, using Contingent Valuation Method in the four counties ranged from Kenya Shillings (Ksh) 113 to 152/kg compared to a cost of Ksh. 130/kg, the price of a similar product, AflasafeTM, in Nigeria. Factors that positively influenced farmers' WTP included information from crop extension services and access to credit. To facilitate the adoption of Aflasafe KE01 or any other biocontrol product in Kenya and elsewhere, there is a need for increased education efforts through extension services to farmers about aflatoxins. Strategies to ensure that the biocontrol product is integrated into the credit scheme of the technological packages to farmers need to be considered.

Ingestion of lead (Pb) derived from ammunition used in the hunting of game animals is recognised to be a significant potential source of Pb exposure of wild birds, including birds of prey. However, there are only limited data for birds of prey in Europe regarding tissue concentrations and origins of Pb. Eurasian buzzards (Buteo buteo) found dead in the United Kingdom during an 11-year period were collected and the concentrations of Pb in the liver and femur were measured. Concentrations in the liver consistent with acute exposure to Pb were found in 2.7% of birds and concentration in the femur consistent with exposure to lethal levels were found in 4.0% of individuals. Pb concentration in the femur showed no evidence of consistent variation among or within years, but was greater for old than for young birds. The Pb concentration in the liver showed no effect of the birds’ age, but varied markedly among years and showed a consistent tendency to increase substantially within years throughout the UK hunting season for gamebirds. The resemblance of the stable isotope composition of Pb from buzzard livers to that of Pb from the types of shotgun ammunition most widely-used in the UK increased markedly with increasing Pb concentration in the liver. Stable isotope results were consistent with 57% of the mass of Pb in livers of all of the buzzards sampled being derived from shotgun pellets, with this proportion being 89% for the birds with concentrations indicating acute exposure to Pb. Hence, most of the Pb acquired by Eurasian buzzards which have liver concentrations likely to be associated with lethal and sublethal effects is probably obtained when they prey upon or scavenge gamebirds and mammals shot using Pb shotgun pellets., Mónica Martinez-Haro was supported by the JCCM and the European Regional Development Fund (SBPLY/17/180501/000514).

Exposure to aerosol from electronic vapor (e-vapor) products has been suggested to result in less risk of harm to smokers than cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. Although many studies on e-vapor products have tested the effects of liquid formulations on cell cultures, few have evaluated the effects of aerosolized formulations. We examined the effects of acute exposure to the aerosol of an e-vapor device that uses the MESH® technology (IQOS® MESH, Philip Morris International) and to CS from the 3R4F reference cigarette on human organotypic bronchial epithelial culture and alveolar triculture models. In contrast to 3R4F CS exposure, exposure to the IQOS MESH aerosol (Classic Tobacco flavor) did not cause cytotoxicity in bronchial epithelial cultures or alveolar tricultures despite its greater concentrations of deposited nicotine (3- and 4-fold, respectively). CS exposure caused a marked decrease in the frequency and active area of ciliary beating in bronchial cultures, whereas IQOS MESH aerosol exposure did not. Global mRNA expression and secreted protein profiles revealed a significantly lower impact of IQOS MESH aerosol exposure than 3R4F CS exposure. Overall, our whole aerosol exposure study shows a clearly reduced impact of IQOS MESH aerosol relative to CS in bronchial and alveolar cultures, even at greater nicotine doses.

A probabilistic dietary risk assessment on mycotoxins was conducted using the Monte Carlo Risk Assessment software, with consumption data from the 2008/2009 Brazilian Household Budget Survey for individuals who were at least 10 years old and occurrence data for 646 samples of rice, maize, wheat, and their products, collected in the Federal District and in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Processing factors were estimated and applied to concentration data. Chronic exposure was estimated for fumonisins (free and bound/hidden), deoxynivalenol (DON) (including the acetylated forms) and zearalenone (ZON) (including alfa-zearalenol) and acute exposure was estimated for DON. For the general population, the chronic exposure exceeded the safe exposure levels at the 95P for DON and at the 99P for fumonisins. Additionally, safe level exceedance occurred at the 97.5P for fumonisins and at the 95P for DON for teenagers, as well as at the 99P for fumonisins for women of child-bearing-age. No exceedances were found for chronic exposure to ZON and acute exposure to DON. Maize couscous contributed most of the total fumonisins (91%) and ZON intakes (~40%) and bread to total intake of DON (~30%). Further studies should be conducted with updated Brazilian consumption data, which should include information for individuals aged less than 10 years old.

International audience; The skin is an essential barrier, protecting the body against the environment and its numerous pollutants. Several environmental pollutants are known to affect the skin, inducing premature aging through mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and impairment of skin functions. Even climate conditions can impact the skin. Therefore, using a Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE), we tested the effect of two samples of fine particulate matters (PM0.3-2.5 – one metals-rich sample and the other organic compounds-rich), two Volatile Organic Compounds mixtures (VOCs – from a solvent-based paint and a water-based paint) and Tobacco Smoke (TS). All pollutants affected cellular functionality, but to a lesser extent for the water-based paint VOC. This effect was enhanced when RHE were preconditioned for 2 h by a semi-dry airflow (45% relative humidity) before pollutants application, compared to preconditioning by a humid airflow (90% relative humidity). In the absence of preconditioning, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and RANTES were almost systematically induced by pollutants. When RHE were preconditioned by a semi-dry or humid airflow before being subjected to pollutants, the increase of IL-1α, IL-8, and RANTES falls into two groups. Similarly to RHE not treated with pollutants, RHE treated with VOCs after preconditioning by a semi-dry airflow showed increased IL-1α, IL-8, and RANTES release. On the contrary, RHE treated with PM or TS after preconditioning by a semi-dry airflow show a lower increase in IL-1α, IL-8, and RANTES compared to preconditioning by a humid airflow. The effect of real environmental relative humidity conditions of the air, combined with acute exposure to various environmental pollutants, seemed to relate mainly to structural changes of the skin, determining the outcome of the inflammatory response depending on the physicochemical characteristics of pollutants.

This study examined the effect of ambient temperature on energy intake, perceived appetite and gut hormone responses during rest in men. Thirteen men (age 21·5 (sd 1·4) years; BMI 24·7 (sd 2·2) kg/m2) completed three, 5·5 h conditions in different ambient temperatures: (i) cold (10°C), (ii) thermoneutral (20°C) and (iii) hot (30°C). A standardised breakfast was consumed after fasting measures, and an ad libitum lunch provided at 4–4·5 h. Blood samples (analysed for plasma acylated ghrelin, total peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and total glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) concentrations), perceived appetite and thermoregulatory responses were collected throughout. Linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. Ad libitum energy intake was 1243 (sd 1342) kJ higher in 10°C and 1189 (sd 1219) kJ higher in 20 v. 30°C (P = 0·002). Plasma acylated ghrelin, total PYY and GLP-1 concentrations did not differ significantly between the conditions (P ≥ 0·303). Sensitivity analyses for the 4 h pre-lunch period showed that perceived overall appetite was lower in both 30 and 10°C when compared with 20°C (P ≤ 0·019). In conclusion, acutely resting in a hot compared with a thermoneutral and cold ambient temperature reduced lunchtime ad libitum energy intake in healthy men. Suppressed perceived appetite may have contributed to the reduced energy intake in the hot compared with thermoneutral ambient temperature, whereas gut hormones did not appear to play an important role.

We aimed to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes of deliveries complicated by meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), according to placental histology of continuous vs. acute meconium associated changes.This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries complicated by MSAF at a single university-affiliated medical center during 2008-2018. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between cases with placental acute vs. continuous meconium exposure associated changes (columnar epithelial changes and meconium-laden macrophages, respectively). Regression analysis was used to identify independent associations with adverse neonatal outcomes.The medical records of 294 deliveries at our institution were reviewed, along with medical records of the neonates and the histopathological reports of their placentas. Ninety-two cases were classified as an acute placental reaction to meconium (acute exposure group) and 200 as continuous placental exposure (continuous exposure group). Patient demographics did not differ between groups. Placentas from the continuous exposure to meconium were associated with a higher rate of placental weight10th percentile (p = 0.03) while the acute exposure group was associated with a shorter time between rupture of membranes and delivery (p = 0.02). and higher rates of non-reassuring fetal heart rate in labor (p = 0.003), and of adverse neonatal outcome (p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis adverse neonatal outcome was associated with acute histologic exposure to meconium independent of background confounders (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.12-3.67).Acute histological changes of MSAF were independently associated with adverse neonatal outcomes as compared to continuous histologic MSAF.

Objectives Acute exposures to outdoor air pollution have been shown to reduce lung function in children with asthma, but the effect on adults with asthma has not been established in a meta-analysis. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the relationship of outdoor air pollution and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in adults with asthma. Methods Studies that contained data on outdoor air pollution levels (PM10, PM2.5, or NO2) and PEF in adults with asthma were eligible for inclusion. Effect estimates were quantified for each air pollution measure using random effects models. Heterogeneity was investigated with the Q-test and I2 statistics. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine differences in effect by air pollution measures and the inclusion of smokers. Results A total of 22 effect estimates from 15 studies were included in this review. A 10 μg/m3 increase in acute PM10 exposure was associated with a −0.19 L/min (95% CI: 0.30, −0.09) change in PEF. For both PM10 and PM2.5, the inclusion of current smokers was a significant source of heterogeneity among studies (meta-regression: p = 0.04 and p = 0.03). Among studies that only included non-smokers, a 10 μg/m3 increase in acute exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 was associated with changes in PEF of −0.25 L/min (95% CI: 0.38, −0.13) and −1.02 L/min (95% CI: 1.79, −0.24), respectively. Conclusions This study provides evidence that acute increases in PM10 and PM2.5 levels are associated with decreases in PEF in adults with asthma, particularly among non-smokers.

The ubiquitous contamination of environmental lead (Pb) remains a worldwide threat. Improper Pb mine waste disposal from an abandoned lead-zinc mine has recently unearthed widespread Pb poisoning in children in Kabwe Zambia. Although the adverse effects of Pb on human health have begun to receive attention, the ecotoxicological effects on aquatic vertebrates still need further investigation. In addition, there is paucity in the knowledge on the behavioural and molecular subcellular responses in larval zebrafish exposed to Pb within the range of environmental relevant concentration (average 3 mu g/L with maximum of 94 mu g/L) on aquatic organisms such as zebrafish. The adverse effects of environmentally relevant levels of Pb on larval zebrafish was evaluated by measuring swimming behaviour under alternating dark and light conditions. Larval zebrafish acutely exposed to environmentally relevant Pb exhibited neuro-behavioural alteration including enhanced hyperactivity under light conditions evidenced by increased distanced covered and speed compared to the control. The alteration of entire behavioral profiles was further associated with the disturbed expression patterns of mRNA level of key genes associated with antioxidant (HO-1, Ucp-2 and CoxI), proapoptotic gene (TP53), and antiapoptotic gene (Bcl-2). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of environmentally relevant Pb levels from Kabwe, Zambia and their adverse neurobehavioural effects and subcellular molecular oxidative responses in larval zebrafish acutely exposed within a 30 min period. The current results would be beneficial in our understanding of the effects of low Pb levels acutely discharged into an aquatic environment and the life of aquatic organisms.

Background: Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Identifying potentially modifiable triggers toward the end of gestation, such as extreme heat, can improve understanding of the role of acute stress on early deliveries and inform warning systems. In this study we examined the association between extreme heat, variously defined during the last week of gestation, and risk of preterm birth among mothers in California. Methods: We created a population-based cohort comprised of 1,967,300 mothers who had live, singleton births in California, from May through September 2005–2013. Daily temperature data estimated at the maternal zip code of residence was used to create 12 definitions of extreme heat with varying relative temperatures (75th, 90th, 95th, and 98th percentiles) and durations (at least 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days). We estimated risk of preterm birth (