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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the utility of employing knowledge management (KM) as a framework for understanding how public managers perform ecosystem management. The question of how public managers in Seoul acquire, utilize and share knowledge in managing their ecosystems has been responded to by offering a particular conceptual model. Design/methodology/approach This study applies the grounded theory method to build a conceptual model. The model is generated by applying the concept of knowledge process to an investigation of how the urban ecosystem is publicly managed by civil servants in various offices within the municipality of Seoul, Korea. The case study encompasses the management of the 12 regions of Seoul designated as Eco-scenery Preservation Regions (ESPRs) by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Findings The knowledge process of public managers in managing the ESPRs can be explained by understanding the conceptual model of “learning-by-doing,” which means public managers cannot count much on their knowledge gained previously through their past experience or education and training. Instead, they learn individually in the process of discharging their duties on a daily basis. Research limitations/implications Although the focus is on the knowledge process of public managers, there is no escaping the fact that managerial activities are not performed in a vacuum. Rather, they take place in a complex policy and government context that is not easily captured as the important variables that influence the knowledge process. Thus, it would be worthwhile to extend this study with group, intra-, and extra-organizational-level analyses. Practical implications Usually different contexts lead to different interpretations on the concept of learning-by-doing. This study supplies such an interpretation that diverse ecosystems in Seoul have been managed by the learning-by-doing of public managers, which is characterized specifically as their reactive response, tinkering and limited personal network. Social implications There has not been a definite consensus on the question of what ecosystem management is. Scientists, policymakers and citizens all have different viewpoints on that question. Nonetheless, this study provides a useful perspective on the issue of how various ecosystems have been managed by public managers, who must be a central entity of ecosystem management particularly under the context of municipality. Originality/value Even though KM has been a popular subject of study in business management rather than public management, KM as a framework of study is promising as a means of understanding and potentially supporting the further development of effective ecosystem management by public managers.

Objective. Identification of hazard and assessment of the risk of gonado- and reproductive toxicity of two generic pesticides of technical-grade carbendazim of different purity bin male and female Wistar Han rats. Materials and Methods. Carbendazim with the purity of 98 % (C1) and 98.1 % (C2) was intragastrically administered on the daily basis, excluding Saturday and Sunday, at the doses of 2.5 and 25 mg/kg body weight in three groups of animals (20 males and female rats in each) during 10 weeks (forfemales) and 11 weeks (for males). Control animals received an equivalent amount of the solvent. Intact animals intended for breeding were managed in parallel with the control and experimental animals. After the end of the exposure, functional parameters of the condition of gonads and reproductive ability of the animals were investigated. Females were used to investigate the condition of the oestral cycle, duration and frequency of each stage of it. The condition of the reproductive function in the female rats was considered at Day 20 of pregnancy. Indices of breeding, conception, fertility, pregnancy were established, and the duration of the pre-coitalperiod was considered. Results and Discussion. The data obtained suggest that exposure to two generic substances of carbendazim at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight during 11 weeks is manifested in general toxic effect (body weight reduction) only in males upon exposure to C2. All test substances in the maximum dose have reproductive toxicity and show significant anti-androgenic action that is manifested as changes in the morphological and functional parameters of the condition of gonads in the experimental groups of male rats. Furthermore, the negative effect on the oestral cycle in experimental female rats exposed to C2 was noted. Conclusion. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that all test samples of carbendazim have reproductive toxicity at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight. No-observed-effect level (NOEL) for all test compounds is 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Dose-effect dependence was observed in the range of studies doses.

Background There has been increasing interest in assessing the impacts of extreme temperatures on mortality due to diseases of the circulatory system. This is further relevant for future climate scenarios where marked changes in climate are expected. This paper presents a solid method do identify the relationship between extreme temperatures and mortality risk by using as predictors simulated temperature data for cold and hot conditions in two urban areas in Portugal. Methods Based on the mortality and meteorological data from Porto Metropolitan Area (PMA) and Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA), a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was implemented to estimate the temperature effects on mortality due to diseases of the circulatory system. The performance of the models was validated via bootstrapping approaching by creating resamples with replacement from the validating data. Bootstrapping was also used to identify the best candidate model and to evaluate the sensitivity of the spline functions to the exposure-lag-response relationship. Results It is found that the model is able to reproduce the temperature-related mortality risk for two metropolitan areas. Temperature previously simulated by climate models is useful and even better than observed temperature. Although, the biases in predictions in both metropolitan areas are low, mortality risk predictions in PMA are more accurate than in LMA. Using parametric bootstrapping, we found that the overall cumulative association estimated under different bi-dimensional exposure-lag-response relationship are relatively stable, especially for the model selected by Quasi-Akaike Information Criteria (QAIC). Exposure to summer temperature conditions is best related to mortality risk. The association between winter temperature and mortality risk is somewhat less strong. Conclusions The use of QAIC to choose from several candidate models provides valid predictions and reduced the uncertainty in the estimated relative risk for circulatory disease mortality. Our findings can be applied to better understand the characteristics and facilitate the prevention of circulatory disease mortality in Porto and Lisbon Metropolitan Areas, namely if we consider the actual context of climate change. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12940-019-0462-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The traditional uses of Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity as well as antioxidants properties were expressed previously. Glioma is considered the most common primary brain tumor and its malignant form is the most lethal adult brain tumor, that glioblastoma covers about 50 % of glioma tumors. The present study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptogenic effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract of PO on human glioblastoma cancer cell line (U-87) and the role of NF-kB. Cytotoxicity of the extract in the presence or absence of Vitamin C was evaluated using MTT assay, and the following hypotonic PI and SubG1 peak were performed. Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), the level of NF-kB protein and nitric oxide (NO) production were investigated. The extract had cytotoxicity and apoptogenic effects on U-87 cells in both the concentration and time-dependent manners. The mechanism of cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction of the extract at the first hours of incubation and low concentrations were dependent on ROS. However, the toxicity was replaced with NO pathway with time-lapse and higher concentrations. Results also indicated that the extract acts as an NF-kB inhibitor with concentration and time-dependent manners. The present study may suggest the anti-NF-kB activity of PO along with two upstream ROS and NO mechanisms. Furthermore, the extract as ethnobotanical may be used as adjunctive anti-cancer therapy against glioblastoma multiforme., EXCLI Journal; 18:Doc165; ISSN 1611-2156

Research science is potentially dangerous. For almost thirty years, the federal government has mandated laboratory safety and health programs to protect scientists, others and the environment. The ...

A commentary in Environmental Health titled “Safety of Safety Evaluation of Pesticides: developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl” by Mie et al. [15] erroneously suggests that developmental neurotoxicity studies conducted for chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl and then submitted to regulatory authorities were misleading and impaired the authorities’ ability to perform a valid evaluation. We will address the specific technical points, assertions and assumptions individually and demonstrate why the chlorpyrifos study - conducted more than 20 years ago - was reviewed and accepted by global regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the European Union. Labeled uses of chlorpyrifos rest on five decades of experience in use, health surveillance of manufacturing workers and applicators, and more than 4000 studies and reports examining the product in terms of health, safety and the environment. We will also respond to the allegations made about the chlorpyrifos-methyl study which was conducted more recently. Brain weight Mie et al. [15] challenge the chlorpyrifos DNT study by stating that “For high dose pups, the test laboratory reported a significant reduction of total brain weight and the dimensions of several brain regions on PND 11, but not on PND 65. The test lab argued that these observed effects do not indicate DNT…To support this interpretation, the test laboratory calculated that the average effect on all brain regions is similar to the effect on brain weight…Accordingly, the EPA has identified this analytical approach as an inappropriate and inconclusive manipulation of the data, but a correction was apparently not requested from the pesticide producer submitting the report.” The methodology used in the DNT studies was sound. The highest dose tested in the chlorpyrifos DNT study produced an appropriate level of maternal toxicity, verifying the use of adequate dose levels in this study. The toxicity observed (reduction in bodyweight gain and food consumption, adverse clinical observations, reduction in cholinesterase levels) did not interfere with the production of offspring but did result in a reduction in pup body weight and as noted by Mie et al. [15], a reduction in brain weight and the size of several brain regions in PND 11 pups but not in PND 65 adult rats. In addition to the reduction in weight and measurements of brain areas, the study design included a functional evaluation (i.e., behavioral assessments) in the offspring post weaning and a neurohistopathological assessment of the brain at two ages (i.e., PND 11 and 65) by a board certified neuropathologist. In the chlorpyrifos study, effects in the high dose pups were only observed on the weights and brain area measurements and these effects were not apparent when the pups grew up (at PND 65). The neurohistopathology of the CNS and peripheral nervous system and behavioral assessments were unaffected at the highest dose tested. When results such as observed in this study are produced, there could be several explanations. What the “testing laboratory was arguing” was supported by previously published articles [5, 6, 10] that demonstrated effects on brain weight and the size of various areas of the brain, without any other evidence of damage to the nervous system, is often due to undernutrition. This undernutrition would be expected in offspring of mothers who were growth retarded and food deprived during gestation. In addition to the literature references, a calculation of the % reduction in brain weight to the % reduction in the size of various brain regions was conducted to further support this theory of undernutrition causing the effects in the highest dose group. The real difference in opinion from the evaluation of the study results was in the interpretation of statistically significant reductions in the size of selected regions of the brain in the lower dose groups on PND 11. These differences were not apparent in the middle dose group of the adult rats (PND 65), the tissues were histologically normal at all doses, and there were no functional deficits at any dose, so it was argued that no developmental neurotoxicity was occurring at any dose level but clearly none was occurring at the middle dose level.

Vegetable carbon (E153) and titanium dioxide (E171) are widely used as black and white food colour additives. The aim of this study was to assess gastrointestinal tight junction and systemic genotoxic effects in rats following exposure to E153 and E171 for 10 weeks by oral gavage once a week. The expression of tight junction proteins was assessed in intestinal tissues. Levels of DNA strand breaks, oxidatively damaged DNA and telomere length were assessed in secondary organs. Hydrodynamic suspensions of E153 and E173 indicated mean particles sizes of 230 and 270 nm, respectively, and only E153 gave rise to intracellular production of reactive oxygen species in colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells. Rats exposed to E153 (6.4 mg/kg/week) or E171 (500 mg/kg/week) had decreased gene expression of the tight junction protein TJP1 (P < 0.05). E153 (6.4 mg/kg/week) also decreased OCLN (P < 0.05) in the colon and occludin protein expression in the small intestine (P < 0.05). Furthermore, E153 or E171 exposed rats had shorter telomeres in the lung (P < 0.05). Plasma from particle-exposed rats also produced telomere shortening in cultured lung epithelial cells. There were unaltered levels of oxidatively damaged DNA in the liver and lung and no changes in the DNA repair activity of oxidatively damaged DNA in the lung. Altogether, these results indicate that intragastric exposure to E153 and E171 is associated with reduced tight junction protein expression in the intestinal barrier and telomere length shortening in the lung in rats.

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is considered to be a human carcinogen. However, the mode of its carcinogenetic action has not been elucidated. Recently, it has become evident that epigenetic changes influence the risk of developing cancer. Since it has been revealed that the yeast flocculation displayed by the strains transformed with human DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, we examined the effect of OTA on the transcription level of FLO1, which mediates the flocculation phenotype. OTA but not a non-carcinogenetic mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) inhibited the intensity of GFP fluorescence under the transcriptional regulation of FLO1 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. At the same time, OTA had no effect on the reporter activity under the control of modified FLO1 promoter with reduced CpG motifs. In addition, it was confirmed that the flocculation and FLO1 mRNA of DNMT gene-transformed yeast (DNMT yeast) were decreased by OTA. In vitro methylation assay using a bacterial DNMT revealed an inhibitory effect of OTA on the DNMT activity, and OTA treatment reduced the frequency of abnormally shaped nuclei which were often observed in DNMT yeast. These results suggest that the carcinogenicity of OTA may involve inhibition of DNMT-mediated epigenetic regulation.

Water shortages is a major constraint in wheat production in South Africa. It is important therefore to assist irrigated wheat farmers to identify water stress tolerant growth stages in irrigated w...

Background Child neurodevelopment has been positively linked to maternal intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during pregnancy; however, it is unknown if that relationship persists among populations exposed to environmental neurotoxicants. Objective The aim of this work was to assess whether maternal dietary intake of PUFAs during pregnancy is positively associated with child neurodevelopment, whose mothers were environmentally exposed to 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT). Methods A prospective cohort study with 276 mother–child pairs was performed in Mexico. Neurodevelopment was assessed by Bayley Scales II from children age 1 to 30 months. Dietary PUFAs intake was estimated by Food Frequency Questionnaire at 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene, the main metabolite of DDT) maternal serum levels were determined by electron capture gas chromatography. Longitudinal multivariate linear mixed-effects analysis, which combines mental (MDI) and motor (PDI) Bayley scales in a single model, were performed. Results Our results show that in a sample environmentally exposed to DDT, maternal ingestion of DPA during the first trimester of pregnancy was positively associated with MDI (β = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02, 0.18) in children from 1 to 30 months. Likewise, our results suggest that dietary ALA may be also related to MDI. Conclusion DPA may benefit neurodevelopment even in populations exposed to DDT. Our results strengthen the importance of PUFAs intake during the prenatal period. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12940-019-0456-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Tampons are used by up to 86% of US women and are a rarely considered potential source of pesticide and metal exposure. Tampons may be of particular concern given the likely higher absorption that occurs in the vagina. Our objective was to examine the potential associations between tampon use and metal concentrations, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among healthy women. Methods We used information from a prospective cohort of 259 regularly menstruating women, aged 18–44, followed for two menstrual cycles. Tampon use was assessed using information provided in participant study diaries. Metal concentrations were measured from a blood sample collected at enrollment. Oxidative stress and inflammation biomarker concentrations were determined from blood samples collected at up to 8 clinic visits for each cycle. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations of tampon use with metal exposure, and linear mixed models to estimate associations of tampon use with inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers at different times during the menstrual cycle. Results We observed non-significantly higher mean levels of mercury for tampon users compared to non-tampon users (exp(β) = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.68). We found no evidence of an association between tampon use and inflammation biomarkers. We observed consistently higher isoprostane levels, an oxidative stress biomarker, among tampon users compared to non-tampon users (e.g. exp.(β) = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.96, 1.16, for the average isoprostane during the menstruating week); however, these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions While our results are not statistically significant, we observed suggestive associations between tampon use and elevated levels of mercury and oxidative stress biomarkers. Although our finding should be interpreted in light of our limitations, they indicate that tampons may be a source of exposure to metals and chemicals that have been largely ignored, and any related health effects are an important public health concern. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12940-019-0452-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Epidemiological evidence suggests that arsenic (As) exposure during pregnancy may reduce infant birth weight. One significant source of As exposure is diet; thus, As may indirectly affect infant growth by mediating the effect of maternal diet on birth weight (BW). This study evaluated the potential mediating effect of As in the relationship between maternal diet and BW, gestational age (GA), and gestational weight gain (GWG). Method The study used a prospective birth cohort in Bangladesh that captured the dietary habits of 1057 pregnant women through validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. We applied a causal mediation model with counterfactual approach and performed analyses with and without adjustment for total energy intake. Other potential confounders captured by self-report questionnaire were exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, betel nut chewing, maternal age, education level, household income level, physical activity level during pregnancy, and daily hours spent cooking over open fire. Result No association was found between maternal toenail As and BW. Higher absolute and energy-adjusted protein, fat and fiber intakes were associated with higher toenail As and lower GA and GWG, while higher absolute and energy-adjusted carbohydrate intake was associated with lower toenail As and greater GA and GWG. Mediation analysis showed significant natural indirect effects by toenail As in the relationships between absolute fat, carbohydrate and fiber intake with GA. Specifically, 3% (95% CI: 1–6%) of the association between carbohydrate intake and GA was mediated by change in toenail As, 6% (95% CI: 1–9%) for absolute fat intake and 10% (95% CI: 4–13%) for absolute fiber intake. After adjusting for total energy, no significant mediating effect was observed, suggesting the mediating effect might be due to measurement error or that absolute amount of As exposure rather than the amount in relationship to total energy intake was a more important factor to consider when understanding the negative implication of As on fetal growth. Conclusion The mediating effect of As in the relationship between maternal diet and birth outcome was small and might be due to measurement error. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12940-019-0450-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Sewage workers, who maintain the sewage system and provide an essential service for public health protection, may come in direct contact with sewage hazards, which then may induce DNA damage and oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to assess the level of nitric oxide, homocysteine, 8-OHdG, and vitamins A & E in the plasma of sewage workers for different periods of exposure. Results: Nitric oxide, vitamin A, and vitamin E showed significant reduction in sewage workers when compared with a non-exposed control group. However, homocysteine and 8-OHdG levels were increased in sewage workers when compared with the non-exposed control group. Conclusions: Sewage workers are exposed, through different pathways, to a variety of toxicants that cause an increase in homocysteine. Homocysteine, in turn, increased the DNA oxidative damage by increasing the concentration of 8-OHdG and decreasing nitric oxide and vitamins E & A through a decrease in the antioxidant and an increase in oxidative damage. Key words: sewage hazards, nitric oxide, homocysteine, 8-OHdG, vitamins E & A

The aim:to study the structural characteristics and sensitivity of rat hippocampal cells to the endothelial growth factor of vessels against intranasal administration of nanoparticles (NP) TiO2(rutile form, 40–60 nm, daily, 10 mg/kg animal body weight, 30 days).Material and methods.When studying the effect of the studied NP on the morphological characteristics of the hippocampus, animals of the experimental group were intranasally injected daily with a suspension of NP TiO2(10 mg/kg body weight, 30 days), and the rats of the control group received distilled water in the same volume. Animals were removed from the experiment after 30 days of overdose of diethyl ether and the brain was removed for histological and electron microscopic examination. We used classical morphological approaches, electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to the cell sensitivity marker, the receptor for endothelial vascular growth factor VEGFR-1 / Flt-1.The classical morphological approaches, the method of electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to the marker of sensitivity of the receptor cells to the endothelial vascular growth factor VEGFR-1/Flt-1 were used.Results. It has been established that against the background of intranasal administration of NP TiO2in the pyramidal layer of CA1and CA3hippocampal fields, the density of neuronal packing decreases, the area of the nucleus and the pericarion of the cells decrease in comparison with the control. Ultrastructural changes were detected, indicating a damage to the structures of the energy and protein synthesis apparatus of neurons. Immunohistochemical study revealed an increase in the sensitivity of vascular endothelial cells and the hippocampal macroglia of the experimental group of animals to the endothelial factor of vascular growth.Conclusions. Intranasal management of NP TiO2leads to negative changes in the structural characteristics of the CA1, CA3hippocampal zones, ultramicroscopic features, and also to an increase in the sensitivity of a number of cells to VEGF, which indicates their possible neurotoxic effect.

ObjectiveCommunity characteristics, such as perceived collective efficacy, a measure of community strength, can affect mental health outcomes following disasters. We examined the association of perceived collective efficacy with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and frequent mental distress (14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month) following exposure to the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.MethodsParticipants were 1486 Florida Department of Health workers who completed anonymous questionnaires that were distributed electronically 9 months after the 2005 hurricane season. Participant ages ranged from 20 to 79 years (mean, 48; SD, 10.7), and the majority were female (79%), white (75%), and currently married (64%). Fifty percent had a BA/BS degree or higher.ResultsIn 2 separate logistic regression models, each adjusted for individual sociodemographics, community socioeconomic characteristics, individual injury/damage, and community storm damage, lower perceived collective efficacy was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of having PTSD (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.96), and lower collective efficacy was significantly associated with frequent mental distress (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.96).ConclusionsPrograms enhancing community collective efficacy may be a significant part of prevention practices and possibly lead to a reduction in the rate of PTSD and persistent distress postdisaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:44–52).

Objective: To evaluate the relation between cord blood bisphenol A (BPA), leptin, adiponectin, birth weight, height, skin thickness, and postnatal results.Method: This study was performed in near E...

Swiss control authorities checked the safety assessment of nine major producers of polyolefin granulates for making food contact materials. It was a pilot project to gain experience on the procedure of collecting and evaluating compliance documentation, but also to obtain insight into the quality of compliance work performed by the main plastic producers. It revealed that there are fundamental problems in performing such control. These are reported with proposals for improvement. For most products, the safety assessment made available did not correspond to the requirements, as confirmed by a group of internationally recognised experts, who were asked for their opinion on whether the safety of the migrates was assessed in accordance to ‘internationally accepted scientific methods on risk assessment’, as required by Art. 19 of Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and specified by EFSA.

Background Mercury is toxic to the developing brain, but the lowest concentration associated with the development of behavior problems is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between very low-level mercury exposure during fetal development and behavior problems in children. Methods We used data from 389 mothers and children in a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort study. We defined mean prenatal mercury concentration as the mean of total whole blood mercury concentrations in maternal samples collected at 16- and 26-weeks of gestation, delivery, and neonatal cord blood samples. We assessed parent-reported child behavior up to five times from two to 8 years of age using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). At 8 years of age, we assessed self-reported child anxiety using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). We used multiple linear mixed models and linear regression models to estimate the association between mean prenatal mercury concentrations and child behavior and anxiety, respectively. Results The median prenatal total blood mercury concentrations was 0.67 μg/L. Overall, we did not find statistically significant associations between mean prenatal mercury concentrations and behavior problems scores, but a 2-fold increase in mercury concentrations at 16-weeks gestation was associated with 0.83 point (95% CI: 0.05, 1.62) higher BASC-2 anxiety scores. Maternal and cord blood mercury concentrations at delivery were associated with parent-reported anxiety at 8 years. Conclusion We found limited evidence of an association between very-low level prenatal mercury exposure and behaviors in children, with an exception of anxiety.

Macrophages are important mediators of inflammatory cardiovascular diseases, and various macrophage phenotypes exert opposite effects during inflammation. In our previous study, we proved that suppressed androgen receptor (AR) alleviated inflammation during experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). As anti-inflammatory cells, whether M2 macrophages are involved in this process remains unclear. Here, we showed that anti-inflammatory cytokines and M2 macrophages were elevated when AR was suppressed during EAM. In IL-4 stimulation-induced M2 macrophages, impaired AR with ASC-J9 increased the expression of M2 macrophage-related factors. Moreover, suppressed AR expression resulted in macrophage M2 polarization by reducing SOCS3 production and enhancing STAT3 activation. Taken together, our data suggest that AR plays a critical role in macrophage polarization and suppressed redundant AR expression promotes anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages reprogramming. This study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory cardiomyopathy through the use of ASC-J9., EXCLI Journal; 18:Doc21; ISSN 1611-2156

Introduction Hairdressers are exposed to potentially hazardous chemical emissions during hair styling, cutting, coloring and washing; exposures potentially result in adverse health effects. Limited information on indoor air and environmental quality (IEQ) in salons in less developed countries exists, especially outside of Asia. This study assessed IEQ of hair salons in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria. Methods The study was a comparative cross-sectional design. Multi-stage sampling methods were used in selecting the study population in four study areas – Agbowo, Mokola, Yemetu and Bashorun – for two months between August–October 2015. Temperature, relative humidity (RH) and coarse respirable particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in 65 salons within Ibadan were monitored between 9:00–14:00, Monday–Saturday, using pDR-1500 particulate monitor. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and carbon dioxide concentrations in parts per million (ppm) were determined using SPF-2000 TVOC meter, also between 9:00–14:00, Monday–Saturday. Values obtained were compared with available guideline limits. Information on workplace hazards, accidents and current illnesses was elicited from 260 consenting hairdressers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using analysis of variance, T-test and Spearman correlation coefficients at p Results Mean indoor temperature, RH and TVOC concentrations across sampling locations (28.5 ± 2.2 °C, 70.8 ± 6.9%, 20.1 ± 5.9 ppm; 28.2 ± 1.5 °C, 71.8 ± 5.7%, 17.3 ± 3.2 ppm; 28.3 ± 2.3 °C, 71.5 ± 8.1%, 14.6 ± 5.9 ppm; 28.7 ± 1.2 °C, 69.4 ± 3.5%, 15.5 ± 3.4 ppm) exceeded American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) indoor environmental guidelines of 25.5 °C, 65% and 3 ppm, respectively. It should also be noted hairdressing activities were reported being associated with respiratory symptoms and back, leg and shoulder pains. Conclusion In hair salons in Ibadan, Nigeria, IEQ appeared compromised. Mechanical ventilation systems in beauty salons should be improved with respect to operation, filtration and maintenance to better maintain thermal comfort parameters and reduce levels of chemical pollutants emitted by occupants and product use during services.

Cleaning workers experience occupational hazards, such as skin diseases and respiratory illness, due to their exposure to the ingredients of cleaning chemicals. To control chemical exposure through inhalation route, airborne concentration of the chemicals is maintained within its occupational exposure limits (OELs). However, universally accepted OELs for dermal exposure are lacking. Unavailability of experimentally determined values of dermal absorption parameters is one of the reasons behind it. Herein, we estimated the dermal absorption parameters (e.g., octanol–water partition coefficient, skin permeability coefficient and maximum flux of chemical across the skin) of a number of cleaning chemical ingredients. Atom/Fragment Contribution (AFC) method was used to estimate octanol–water partition coefficients. The skin permeability coefficients were estimated using the Potts and Guy correlation equation. The estimated skin permeability coefficients were used to estimate maximum flux of the chemicals across the skin. Estimated values of these parameters were compared to that of the chemicals for which ACGIH assigned a “skin” notation. The skin permeability coefficients of the cleaning chemical ingredients were found as similar to that of the chemicals having ACGIH “skin” notation. However, the maximum fluxes of the chemicals were found as lower than that of the chemicals having ACGIH “skin” notation. The estimated dermal absorption parameters of the ingredients are expected to help in evaluating dermal exposure hazard of the cleaning chemicals.

General safety regulations need to follow a ‘one size fits all’ model, which may lead them to inadequately address challenges posed by different individual use scenarios. Hence, the regulatory requirements are best regarded as an essential minimum level of safety; further improvement essential. Discussed here is a model for developing an explosive precursor safety system. With the Singapore legal requirements for an explosive precursor as the minimum, the Deming Cycle for continuous improvement was used to develop a fully mature safety program, across two Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles that incorporated feedback and observation of continuous practice.

Wipe sampling is a commonly used method for testing a surface for beryllium or other metal particle contamination. Existing wipe sampling methods have only been validated for smooth surfaces. On rough surfaces contaminant particles may be located behind surface projections where they would not be collected by the wipe. This could lead to an underestimate of surface contamination levels. Worker exposure to surfaces contaminated with beryllium could contribute to beryllium sensitization leading to chronic beryllium disease. Likewise, exposure to surfaces contaminated with other toxic metals could have their own health effects. This study investigated the efficiency of collecting 1–5 μm diameter zinc oxide particles by five commercially available wipe materials (SKC Smear Tabs, Whatman® 41 filter paper, Kimtech Prep* ScottPure* Critical Task Wipers, Ghost Wipes, and Hygenall LeadOff wipes) from surfaces of different roughness (sandpaper of 60–6,000 grit). Zinc oxide was used as a surrogate for beryllium because of its much lower toxicity. Overall, the wipes were most efficient at collecting particles from the fine grits and poor at collecting particles from the coarse grits. The Smear Tabs and Whatman filters performed poorly in both durability and particle collection efficiency. In both respects, the superior performers were the Ghost Wipes and LeadOff wipes. However, even in the best case, the wipe still left behind 20% of the particles. These results indicate that underestimating metal particle contamination levels is a serious possibility when conducting wipe sampling on textured surfaces.

Methylene chloride is a volatile, chlorinated hydrocarbon and colorless solvent found in multiple industrial products including paint strippers, metal cleaners, automotive products, pesticides and aerosol containers. Occupational exposure to methylene chloride is reported in automotive technicians, painters, and other industrial workers with adverse health effects including gastrointestinal, neurological, as well as hepato-renal injuries. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies methylene chloride as a 2 A carcinogen. Through a series of reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), metabolism of methylene chloride leads to the formation of formyl chloride, and ultimately carbon monoxide (CO). Most reports of methylene chloride toxicity are due to dermal and inhalational exposure in occupational settings. Ingestion of methylene chloride is uncommon, yet can lead to significant toxicity and prolonged CO toxicity. Methylene chloride is frequently formulated with methanol; individuals who intentionally ingest methylene chloride can experience concomitant methanol toxicity. We present a case of acute ingestion of paint stripper containing methanol and methylene chloride. We discuss the clinical presentation, key management decisions, relevant pathophysiology and biochemistry, as well as the clinical course and management.

Higher rates of nuclear anomalies in buccal cells of coffee workers exposed to pesticides in comparison to their unexposed peers were detected in our field study. Here, we extend our findings by examining other exposure indicators in this sample. Occupational exposure of 38 exposed and 33 non-exposed farmworkers was assessed as exposure days in the last month (0-25 days) and as years of exposure (0-47 years). Genotoxic and cytotoxic markers in buccal cells were analysed following standard procedures for buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Both exposure markers were associated with a higher frequency of nuclear anomalies with odds ratios more than 1. After restricting the analysis to the exposed workers only, this association remained only with the marker of recent exposure. In a secondary analysis also environmental exposure defined as proximity of the home to the nearest sprayed field (distance

Metabolic activation is essential in standard in vitro genotoxicity test systems. At present, there is a lack of suitable cell models that can express the major characteristics of liver function for predicting substance toxicity in humans. Human-induced hepatocytes (hiHeps), which have been generated from fibroblasts by lentiviral expression of liver transcription factors, can express hepatic gene programs and can be expanded in vitro and display functional characteristics of mature hepatocytes, including cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and biliary drug clearance. Our purpose was to investigate whether hiHeps could be used as a more suitable model for genotoxicity evaluation of chemicals. Therefore, a direct mutagen, methylmethanesulfonate (MMS), and five promutagens [2-nitrofluorene (2-NF), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), aflatoxin B1, cyclophosphamide and N-nitrosodiethylamine] were tested by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus test and the comet assay. Results from genotoxicity tests showed that the micronucleus frequencies were significantly increased by all of the six clastogens tested. Moreover, MMS, 2-NF and B[a]P induced significant increases in the % Tail DNA in the comet assay. In conclusion, our findings from the preliminary study demonstrated that hiHeps could detect the genotoxicity of indirect carcinogens, suggesting their potential to be applied as an effective tool for in vitro genotoxicity assessments.

Genotoxicity evaluation has been widely used to estimate the carcinogenicity of test substances during safety evaluation. However, the latest strategies using genotoxicity tests give more weight to sensitivity; therefore, their accuracy has been very low. For precise carcinogenicity evaluation, we attempted to establish an integrated testing strategy for the tailor-made carcinogenicity evaluation of test materials, considering the relationships among genotoxicity test results (Ames, in vitro mammalian genotoxicity and in vivo micronucleus), carcinogenicity test results and chemical properties (molecular weight, logKow and 179 organic functional groups). By analyzing the toxicological information and chemical properties of 230 chemicals, including 184 carcinogens in the Carcinogenicity Genotoxicity eXperience database, a decision tree for carcinogenicity evaluation was optimised statistically. A decision forest model was generated using a machine-learning method-random forest-which comprises thousands of decision trees. As a result, balanced accuracies in cross-validation of the optimised decision tree and decision forest model, considering chemical space (71.5% and 75.5%, respectively), were higher than balanced accuracy of an example regulatory decision tree (54.1%). Moreover, the statistical optimisation of tree-based models revealed significant organic functional groups that would cause false prediction in standard genotoxicity tests and non-genotoxic carcinogenicity (e.g., organic amide and thioamide, saturated heterocyclic fragment and aryl halide). In vitro genotoxicity tests were the most important parameters in all models, even when in silico parameters were integrated. Although external validation is required, the findings of the integrated testing strategies established herein will contribute to precise carcinogenicity evaluation and to determine new mechanistic hypotheses of carcinogenicity.

Valid and predictive models for classifying Ames mutagenicity have been developed using conformal prediction. The models are Random Forest models using signature molecular descriptors. The investigation indicates, on excluding not-strongly mutagenic compounds (class B), that the validity for mutagenic compounds is increased for the predictions based on both public and the Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences of Japan (DGM/NIHS) data while less so when using only the latter data source. The former models only result in valid predictions for the majority, non-mutagenic, class whereas the latter models are valid for both classes, i.e. mutagenic and non-mutagenic compounds. These results demonstrate the importance of data consistency manifested through the superior predictive quality and validity of the models based only on DGM/NIHS generated data compared to a combination of this data with public data sources.

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) on liver function and structure are still under debate. Although higher transaminase activity and tumor promoting potential of PCB reported for animal and human studies was suggested, these studies were not able to provide definitive evidence on the ability of these chemicals to affect liver function and contribution to tumor development. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of PCB on liver function and morphology in a cohort of former PCB exposed workers. Over 5 years, a longitudinal analysis of the association between PCB concentration and hepatic transaminases such as alanine transaminase (ALT) aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and gamma glutamyltransferase (γGT), as well as liver size and structure was undertaken. Data demonstrated a significant inverse association between PCB concentration and γGT activity levels but there was no marked relationship with AST and ALT activities. Regarding sonographic examination, a significant association was found between liver size and PCB concentration. This association remained, even after adjusting for alcohol consumption, liver affecting drugs, timespan of internal exposure, or age. No marked correlation was noted between PCB concentration and liver structure changes. In summary, an association was observed between PCB concentration and γGT activity levels as well as liver size in humans. The long-term health consequences attributed to PCB on liver and in particular in tumorigenesis are not foreseeable in our cohort thus far, but remain a focus in further ongoing surveillance.

This study validates the performance of the TIssue MEtabolism Simulator (TIMES) genotoxicity models with data on pesticide chemicals included in a recently released European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) genotoxicity database. The EFSA database is biased towards negative chemicals. A comparison of substances included in the EFSA database and TIMES genotoxicity databases showed that the majority of the EFSA pesticides is not included in the TIMES genotoxicity databases and, thus, out of the applicability domains of the current TIMES models. However, the EFSA genotoxicity database provides an opportunity to expand the TIMES models. Where there is overlap of substances, consistency between EFSA and TIMES databases for the chemicals with documented data is found to be high (>80%) with respect to the Ames data and lower than the Ames data with respect to chromosomal aberration (CA) and mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) data. No conclusion for consistency with respect to micronucleus test and comet genotoxicity data can be provided due to the limited number of overlapping substances. Specificity of the models is important, given the prevalence of negative genotoxicity data in the EFSA database. High specificity (>80%) is obtained for prediction of the EFSA pesticides with Ames data. Moreover, this high specificity of the TIMES Ames models is not dependant on pesticides being within the domains. Specificity of the TIMES CA and MLA models is lower (>40%) to pesticides for out of domain. Sensitivity of TIMES in vitro and in vivo models cannot be properly estimated due to the small number of positive chemicals in the EFSA database.

As part of the hazard and risk assessment of chemicals in man, it is important to assess the ability of a chemical to induce mutations in vivo. Because of the commonalities in the molecular initiating event, mutagenicity in vitro can correlate well to the in vivo endpoint for certain compound classes; however, the difficulty lies in identifying when this correlation holds true. In silico alerts for in vitro mutagenicity may therefore be used as the basis for alerts for mutagenicity in vivo where an expert assessment is carried out to establish the relevance of the correlation. Taking this into account, a data set of publicly available transgenic rodent gene mutation assay data, provided by the National Institute of Health Sciences of Japan, was processed in the expert system Derek Nexus against the in vitro mutagenicity endpoint. The resulting predictivity was expertly reviewed to assess the validity of the observed correlations in activity and mechanism of action between the two endpoints to identify suitable in vitro alerts for extension to the in vivo endpoint. In total, 20 alerts were extended to predict in vivo mutagenicity, which has significantly improved the coverage of this endpoint in Derek Nexus against the data set provided. Updating the Derek Nexus knowledge base in this way led to an increase in sensitivity for this data set against this endpoint from 9% to 66% while maintaining a good specificity of 89%.

Objectives: Front-of-package nutrition labels are intended to easily convey to consumers comprehensible information about the nutritional composition of pre-packaged food and are thus a tool in the combat against the growing prevalence of nutrition-related disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. The objective of the present narrative review was first to describe Nutri-Score and then to synthesize some of the international scientific evidence for its effectiveness. Guided by scientific data and collective expertise, France formally adopted labelling of pre-packaged food with the 5-colour Nutri-Score label in October 2017 and that move was later followed by Belgium, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Methods: This article synthesizes evidence from several countries regarding the effectiveness of Nutri-Score and the associated individual-level diet quality index in terms of attitude/behaviour- and health-related outcomes. It also addresses criticism levied at the label. Results: The effectiveness of Nutri-Score has been demonstrated in terms of consumer ability to correctly classify food according to its nutritional quality, the nutritional quality of actual and intended food purchases, and portion size choices. In addition, consumption of foods that are less favourably rated on the Nutri-Score scale has been prospectively associated with chronic disease risk (cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, etc.). Conclusion: The adoption and implementation of a uniform front-of-package label such as the scientifically validated Nutri-Score on pre-packaged foods/beverages across Europe could be beneficial to consumers at the point of purchase and could help reduce the incidence of diet-related chronic diseases by means of improvement in diet quality.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to provide insights learned from disaster research response (DR2) efforts following Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to launch DR2 activities following the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Deer Park, Texas, in 2019.Methods:A multidisciplinary group of academic, community, and government partners launched a myriad of DR2 activities.Results:The DR2 response to Hurricane Harvey focused on enhancing environmental health literacy around clean-up efforts, measuring environmental contaminants in soil and water in impacted neighborhoods, and launching studies to evaluate the health impact of the disaster. The lessons learned after Harvey enabled rapid DR2 activities following the ITC fire, including air monitoring and administering surveys and in-depth interviews with affected residents.Conclusions:Embedding DR2 activities at academic institutions can enable rapid deployment of lessons learned from one disaster to enhance the response to subsequent disasters, even when those disasters are different. Our experience demonstrates the importance of academic institutions working with governmental and community partners to support timely disaster response efforts. Efforts enabled by such experience include providing health and safety training and consistent and reliable messaging, collecting time-sensitive and critical data in the wake of the event, and launching research to understand health impacts and improve resiliency.

Despite the high stress levels, paramedics seem to ignore or even negate the stress. This can be detrimental and lead to stress-related diseases. Therefore, we investigated the divergence between physiological and psychological stress responses of paramedics. Participants were 16 paramedics and 17 white-collar workers. We assessed psychological stress parameters, cortisol awakening response (CAR), and quantified immune parameters. In paramedics, electrocardiogram (ECG) was measured during one complete 24-hour shift. Our results revealed that CAR was higher in paramedics compared to controls. An alteration of immune parameters was observed even during days of free time. Also, ECG recordings showed acute stress in paramedics during rescue situations. Questionnaires revealed that rescue-service specific stressors affect psychological outcomes. However, paramedics reported significantly less mental stress and higher levels of depersonalization than controls. Taken together, our results suggest higher stress in paramedics compared to controls. However, paramedics negate their daily stress. Our findings underline therefore the importance to develop stress-management interventions for paramedics including sensitization for their stress reactions., EXCLI Journal; 20:Doc792; ISSN 1611-2156

Background: Performance improvement in hospitals requires an appropriate model for performance evaluation. Because organizational goals cannot be achieved without a comprehensive model for evaluating and reviewing programs, organizations cannot apply effective management of programs without regard to the results of their activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to introduce a new model for improving the performance of hospital information systems using Six Sigma method in Kermanshah province hospitals. Methods: This is a qualitative research based on content analysis and Delphi method. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews and the participants are 19 experts in hospital performance systems which were selected by snowball sampling. After transcribing the interviews, three steps were done using content analysis: firstly, using line-by-line coding (or open coding) words and segments of interviews were coded, secondly, each code was conceptualized and categorized into some axial codes based on focused coding, and finally, selective coding was done in which categories were identified based on axial codes’ similarity, conceptual relationship and common characteristics. Results: The results of the coding of the interviews showed that variables such as reduction of medical errors, improvement of hospital quality of services, promotion of hospital efficiency and productivity, quick and easy access to information, increased patient satisfaction and safety, management and cost reduction, and time management and control influences the performance of hospital information systems. Conclusions: For improving hospital information systems, hospital managers and system developers should not only pay attention to variables which are controlled by the software and are least affected by the human resources of the organization; such as: cost control, quality control, information control and time control but also human based variables such as specialization of the staffs, their motivation, reduce errors and etc., which are sometimes neglected.

Introduction of bio-composites into aircraft interior and airframe secondary structures is subjected to major technical challenges such as the enhancement of mechanical, thermal, electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties of bio-sourced materials. In this paper, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of two bio-composites have been studied by tests and numerical models. Two monolithic composites with partly bio-based content were manufactured. The first bio-composite is made of a carbon fibre fabric prepreg and a partly bio-based (rosin) epoxy resin (CF/Rosin). The second bio-composite is a combination of prepregs of carbon fibre fabric / epoxy resin and flax fibre fabric / epoxy resin (CF-Flax/Epoxy). A single line infusion process has been used prior to the curing step in the autoclave. Both variants are exemplary for the possibility of introducing bio-based materials in high performance CFRP. In-plane and out-of-plane electrical conductivity tests have been conducted according to Airbus standards AITM2 0064 and AITM2 0065, respectively. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness tests have been conducted based on the standard ASTM D 4935-10. Materials were prepared at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) while characterization tests were conducted at the University of Patras. In addition to the tests, numerical models of representative volume elements have been developed using the DIGIMAT software to predict the electrical conductivity of the two bio-composites. The preliminary numerical results show a good agreement with the experimental results. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 690638 and the Special Research Plan on Civil Aircraft of Ministry for Industry and Information of the People’s Republic of China (MIIT) under Grant No MJ-2015-H-G-103.

Perchloroethylene (PERC) is the most common solvent used for dry cleaning in the United States. PERC is a reproductive toxicant, neurotoxicant, potential human carcinogen, and a persistent environmental pollutant. The Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating PERC under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (amended TSCA), and has mandated that PERC dry cleaning machines be removed from residential buildings. Some local and state programs are also requiring or facilitating transitions to alternative cleaning technologies. However, the potential for these alternatives to harm human health and the environment is not well-understood. This review describes the issues surrounding the use of PERC and alternative solvents for dry cleaning while highlighting the lessons learned from a local government program that transitioned PERC dry cleaners to the safest current alternative: professional wet cleaning. Implications for future public health research and policy are discussed: (1) we must move away from PERC, (2) any transition must account for the economic instability and cultural aspects of the people who work in the industry, (3) legacy contamination must be addressed even after safer alternatives are adopted, and (4) evaluations of PERC alternatives are needed to determine their implications for the long-term health and sustainability of the people who work in the industry.

Extreme weather events (EWE) are expected to increase as climate change intensifies, leaving coastal regions exposed to higher risks. South Florida has the highest HIV infection rate in the United States, and disruptions in clinic utilization due to extreme weather conditions could affect adherence to treatment and increase community transmission. The objective of this study was to identify the association between EWE and HIV-clinic attendance rates at a large academic medical system serving the Miami-Dade communities. The following methods were utilized: (1) Extreme heat index (EHI) and extreme precipitation (EP) were identified using daily observations from 1990–2019 that were collected at the Miami International Airport weather station located 3.6 miles from the studied HIV clinics. Data on hurricanes, coastal storms and flooding were collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storms Database (NOAA) for Miami-Dade County. (2) An all-HIV clinic registry identified scheduled daily visits during the study period (hurricane seasons from 2017–2019). (3) Daily weather data were linked to the all-HIV clinic registry, where patients’ ‘no-show’ status was the variable of interest. (4) A time-stratified, case crossover model was used to estimate the relative risk of no-show on days with a high heat index, precipitation, and/or an extreme natural event. A total of 26,444 scheduled visits were analyzed during the 383-day study period. A steady increase in the relative risk of ‘no-show’ was observed in successive categories, with a 14% increase observed on days when the heat index was extreme compared to days with a relatively low EHI, 13% on days with EP compared to days with no EP, and 10% higher on days with a reported extreme weather event compared to days without such incident. This study represents a novel approach to improving local understanding of the impacts of EWE on the HIV-population’s utilization of healthcare, particularly when the frequency and intensity of EWE is expected to increase and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. More studies are needed to understand the impact of EWE on routine outpatient settings.

Why do citizens’ decisions made because they favour the mitigation of climate change outnumber those made because they favour adaptation to its impacts? Using data collected in a survey of 338 citizens of Malmö, Sweden, we tested two hypotheses. H1: the motivation for personal decisions because they favour adaptation to the impacts of climate change correlates with the decision-making agent´s knowledge of specific local impacts of climate change, and H2: the motivation for personal decisions because they favour mitigation of climate change correlates with the risk perception of the decision-making agent. While decisions made because they favour mitigation correlated with negative net values of expected impacts of climate change (risk perception), decisions made because they favour adaptation correlated with its absolute value unless tipping point behaviour occurred. Tipping point behaviour occurs here when the decision-making agent abstains from decisions in response to climate change in spite of a strongly negative or positive net value of expected impacts. Hence, the decision-making agents´ lack of knowledge of specific climate change impacts inhibited decisions promoting adaptation. Moreover, positive experiences of climate change inhibited mitigation decisions. Discussing the results, we emphasised the importance of understanding the drivers of adaptation and mitigation decisions. In particular, we stress that attention needs to be paid to the balance between decisions solving problems ‘here and now’ and those focusing on the ‘there and then’.

Asphalt workers are at risk due to exposure to asphalt fumes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The main purpose of this study was to measure the urinary metabolite of PAHs and to determine its effect on micronucleus (MN) formation as an indicator of genotoxic damage. In this cross-sectional study, the MN frequency in 48 male asphalt workers exposed to PAHs was measured and compared with 48 male non-exposed employees. PAHs exposure was evaluated by determining urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). The mean concentrations of 1-OHP in the exposed and non-exposed groups were 0.58 ± 0.41 μmol/mol creatinine and 0.38 ± 0.25 μmol/mol creatinine, respectively. 1-OHP concentration was significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers in both exposed and non-exposed groups. Moreover, the mean MN frequency in the exposed group was significantly higher than in the non-exposed group. The MN frequency was significantly higher in asphalt workers with a work history of ≥ 15 years compared to workers with lower work history. In a fully adjusted model, there was a statistically significant association between exposure to PAHs, with MN and 1-OHP concentration, and between smoking status with 1-OHP. The findings of the present study indicated that occupational exposure to PAHs was associated with increased urinary 1-OHP as well as DNA damage in the asphalt workers., EXCLI Journal; 20:Doc686; ISSN 1611-2156

The regulation of chemical substances involves a negotiation between social actors to translate controversial scientific evidence about risks into legal norms. This chapter addresses the discussion elicited by a public consultation on a voluntary regulation guide on silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in workplaces. It examines the comments made from 2016 to 2018 by diverse social actors – business representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and independent researchers – to two successive draft versions of a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) in working environments with AgNP. The REL is a voluntary guideline on permissible exposure limits elaborated by the NIOSH in the U.S. The methodology used was a qualitative content analysis, structured upon a historical and sociotechnical contextualization of nanotechnologies carried out through literature review. The findings show how different social actors position themselves in the controversy, revealing a pattern of behavior consistent with their position in the research, production, and commercialization of this new nanomaterial. While a group of actors, aligned with the interests of AgNP producers, proposed the restriction of mandatory and AgNP-specific regulation, another group of more heterogeneous actors, identified with the interests of workers and consumers, demanded more scientific and technical information and stricter health protection measures.

Objective Nursing profession is subject to occupational stress, which can be a trigger for headaches. Our study aimed to study the prevalence of migraine, its characteristics, triggers, and relieving factors among nursing students in a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods This study was performed in a super-specialty hospital in South India. A structured questionnaire captured data on the occurrence of headache, demographics, aura, triggering factors, relieving factors, and lifestyle habits. Results are presented in numbers and percentage. Results A total of 20% of nursing students in the study had headache of which 85% had migraine. Weekly and daily attacks were reported in 12 and 4% students, respectively. Twenty-two percent had headache severity of more than 5 visual analogue scale. Most common accompanying symptoms were photophobia (80%), phonophobia (70%), nausea (75%), vomiting (71%), neck pain (25%), and vertigo (20%). Thirty-nine percent had auras. Ninety-five percent reported triggers with 70% students having more than one trigger. Sleep was the relieving factor in 69%, head massage in 50%, and relaxing from work in 48%. Conclusion The most common type of primary headache in nurses in our study was migraine. More than three-fourths nurses reported triggers and relieving factors. Addressing these factors could help in managing migraines and help in improving the quality of life and increased work productivity of nurses.

Researchers are using huge data sets to link changes in mental health to coronavirus-response measures. Researchers are using huge data sets to link changes in mental health to coronavirus-response measures.

Introduction: The large number of passengers, limited space and shared surfaces can transform public transportation into a hub of epidemic spread. This study was conducted to investigate whether proximity to railway stations, a proxy for utilization, was associated with higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection across small-areas of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Portugal). Methods: The number of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed infections from March 2 until July 5, 2020 at the parish-level was obtained from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. A Geographic Information System was used to estimate proximity to railway stations of the six railway lines operating in the area. A quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression model was fitted to estimate the relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Between May 2 and July 5, 2020, there were a total of 17,168 SARS-CoV-2 infections in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, with wide disparities between parishes. Overall, parishes near any of the railway stations of the Sintra line presented significantly higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates (RR = 1.42, 95%CI 1.16, 1.75) compared to parishes located farther away from railway stations, while the opposite was observed for parishes near other railway stations (Sado and Fertagus lines), where infection rates were significantly lower than those observed in parishes located farther away from railway stations (RR = 0.66, 95%CI 0.50, 0.87). The associations varied according to the stage of the epidemic and to the mitigation measures enforced. Regression results also revealed an increasing influence of socioeconomic deprivation on SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conclusions: No consistent association between proximity to railway stations and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in the most affected metropolitan area of Portugal was observed, suggesting that other factors (e.g., socioeconomic deprivation) may play a more prominent role in the epidemic dynamics. This study was funded by FEDER through the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Internationalization and national funding from the Foundation for Science and Technology—FCT (Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education) under the Unidade de Investigação em Epidemiologia—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (EPIUnit) (info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/6817 - DCRRNI ID/UIDB/04750/2020/PT). AR was supported by National Funds through FCT, under the programme of Stimulus of Scientific Employment—Individual Support within the contract info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/CEEC IND 2018/CEECIND/02386/2018/CP1538/CT0001/PT.

There is evidence linking air pollutants associated with vehicular traffic such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with breast carcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results regarding air pollution and breast cancer risk, which could be explained by the multitude of other risk factors that could affect the association. In Chile, air pollution has reached alarming levels, either due to motorised vehicle traffic or the combustion of wood for heating; therefore, our objective was to evaluate the association between the incidence of breast cancer and the concentration of the main air pollutants monitored in the country. We carried out a cross-sectional ecological study that evaluated the association between the average incidence of breast cancer in years (2016 to 2018) and the average annual concentration of six atmospheric pollutants in the 5 years prior to the estimation of the rate in communes of Chile, using the population of beneficiaries of Instituto Oncologico Fundacion Arturo Lopez Perez. The annual incidence of breast cancer was 72.21 cases per 100,000 women and it varied significantly in the communes studied compared to the human development index (HDI) and to the proportion of women in the age group at highest risk. Assessing the relationship between the incidence of breast cancer and the average concentration of atmospheric pollutants, we only found a direct correlation between the level of nitrogen dioxide and the rate (R = 0.82; p = 0.044), whose significance tends to be lost when age and the communal HDI are included in a regression model.

Vinyl floors are widely used in public areas for their low cost and easy cleaning. From 1960 to 1980, asbestos was often added to improve vinyl floor performances. The Italian Ministerial Decree (M.D.) 06/09/94 indicates asbestos vinyl tiles as non-friable materials and, therefore, few dangerous to human health. This work aims to check through three different experimental tests if asbestos floor tiles, after decades of use, maintain their characteristics of compactness and non-friability. The effect of a small stone fragment stuck in the sole of rubber shoes was reproduced by striking the vinyl floor with a crampon. A vinyl tile was broken into smaller pieces with the aid of pliers to simulate what normally happens when workers replace the floors or sample it to verify the presence of asbestos. The third test reproduced the abrasion of the tile surface due to the dragging of furniture or heavy materials or sand grains that remain attached to the soles of shoes. The tests were carried out in safe conditions, working under an extractor hood with a glove box. Airborne sampling in the hood obtained the concentration of asbestos fibers produced in each test. The simulation tests performed confirms the possible release of fibers if the vinyl tiles are cut, abraded or perforated, as indicated by the Italian M.D.

[EN] In Spain, a new challenge is emerging due to the increase of many recreational bicyclists on two-lane rural roads. These facilities have been mainly designed for motorized vehicles, so the coexistence of cyclists and drivers produces an impact, in terms of road safety and operation. In order to analyze the occurrence of crashes and enhance safety for bicycling, it is crucial to know the cycling volume. Standard procedures recommend using data from permanent stations and temporary short counts, but bicycle volumes are rarely monitored in rural roads. However, bicyclists tend to track their leisure and exercise activities with fitness apps that use GPS. In this context, this research aims at analyzing the daily and seasonal variability of the Strava Usage Rate (SUR), defined as the proportion of bicyclists using the Strava app along a certain segment on rural highways, to estimate the Annual Average Daily Bicycle (AADB) volume on rural roads. The findings of this study offer possible solutions to policy makers in terms of planning and design of the cycling network. Moreover, the use of crowdsourced data from the Strava app will potentially save costs to public agencies, since public data could replace costly counting campaigns., This research was funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, grant number TRA2016-80897-R and the General Directorate of Education, Research, Culture and Sport of the Valencian Government, grant number GV/2017/038

Climate change increasingly affects every aspect of human life. Recent studies report a close correlation with human health and it is estimated that global death rates will increase by 73 per 100,000 by 2100 due to changes in temperature. In this context, the present work aims to study the correlation between climate change and human health, on a global scale, using artificial intelligence techniques. Starting from previous studies on a smaller scale, that represent climate change and which at the same time can be linked to human health, four factors were chosen. Four causes of mortality, strongly correlated with the environment and climatic variability, were subsequently selected. Various analyses were carried out, using neural networks and machine learning to find a correlation between mortality due to certain diseases and the leading causes of climate change. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic climate change is strongly correlated with human health, some diseases are mainly related to risk factors while others require a more significant number of variables to derive a correlation. In addition, a forecast of victims related to climate change was formulated. The predicted scenario confirms that a prevalently increasing trend in climate change factors corresponds to an increase in victims.

Diisononyl adipate (DINA) is a plasticizer used in PVC products as an alternative for restricted phthalate plasticizers. With this study, we provide first data on human DINA metabolism and excretion. We postulated mono(hydroxy-isononyl) adipate (OH-MINA), mono(oxo-isononyl) adipate (oxo-MINA), and mono(carboxy-isooctyl) adipate (cx-MIOA) as specific DINA metabolites based on the known human metabolism of structurally similar adipates and phthalates. Urinary excretion was quantitatively investigated after a single oral dose (113 to 145 µg/kg body weight) to three healthy volunteers using a newly developed online-SPE-LC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution and LOQs between 0.3 – 0.6 µg/L. OH-MINA turned out to be the major of the three metabolites with consistent urinary excretion fractions (FUEs) of 0.020-0.023 % among all volunteers. Oxo-MINA and cx-MIOA were excreted with lower shares (mean: 0.003 % and 0.009 %, respectively). For all three metabolites, urinary concentrations peaked quickly between 1.4 and 2.3 h post dose with maximum concentrations of 23.1 (OH-MINA), 2.87 (oxo-MINA) and 9.83 µg/L (cx-MIOA). Thus, FUEs and urinary concentrations were rather low for these specific metabolites, with the major share of the dose presumably being excreted as non-specific metabolites such as adipic acid. In a pilot population (n=35) of German adults without known DINA exposure, we could not detect any of the three metabolites, contrary to the dosage study, indicating to population exposures lower than 50 µg/kg body weight/day. The new HBM method in conjunction with the new FUEs can be used for objective DINA exposure and risk assessment especially in populations with potentially higher DINA exposures., EXCLI Journal; 20:Doc412; ISSN 1611-2156