Association Of Environmental Exposure Research Articles

Metagenomics reveals novel microbial signatures of farm exposures in house dust.

Indoor home dust microbial communities, important contributors to human health, are shaped by environmental factors, including farm-related exposures. Advanced metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing (WGS) improves detection and characterization of microbiota in the indoor built-environment dust microbiome, compared to conventional 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (16S). We hypothesized that the improved characterization of indoor dust microbial communities by WGS will enhance detection of exposure-outcome associations. The objective of this study was to identify novel associations of environmental exposures with the dust microbiome from the homes of 781 farmers and farm spouses enrolled in the Agricultural Lung Health Study. We examined various farm-related exposures, including living on a farm, crop versus animal production, and type of animal production, as well as non-farm exposures, including home cleanliness and indoor pets. We assessed the association of the exposures on within-sample alpha diversity and between-sample beta diversity, and the differential abundance of specific microbes by exposure. Results were compared to previous findings using 16S. We found most farm exposures were significantly positively associated with both alpha and beta diversity. Many microbes exhibited differential abundance related to farm exposures, mainly in the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The identification of novel differential taxa associated with farming at the genera level, including Rhodococcus, Bifidobacterium, Corynebacterium, and Pseudomonas, was a benefit of WGS compared to 16S. Our findings indicate that characterization of dust microbiota, an important component of the indoor environment relevant to human health, is heavily influenced by sequencing techniques. WGS is a powerful tool to survey the microbial community that provides novel insights on the impact of environmental exposures on indoor dust microbiota. These findings can inform the design of future studies in environmental health.

Investigating the association of environmental exposures and all-cause mortality in the UK Biobank using sparse principal component analysis

Multicollinearity refers to the presence of collinearity between multiple variables and renders the results of statistical inference erroneous (Type II error). This is particularly important in environmental health research where multicollinearity can hinder inference. To address this, correlated variables are often excluded from the analysis, limiting the discovery of new associations. An alternative approach to address this problem is the use of principal component analysis. This method, combines and projects a group of correlated variables onto a new orthogonal space. While this resolves the multicollinearity problem, it poses another challenge in relation to interpretability of results. Standard hypothesis testing methods can be used to evaluate the association of projected predictors, called principal components, with the outcomes of interest, however, there is no established way to trace the significance of principal components back to individual variables. To address this problem, we investigated the use of sparse principal component analysis which enforces a parsimonious projection. We hypothesise that this parsimony could facilitate the interpretability of findings. To this end, we investigated the association of 20 environmental predictors with all-cause mortality adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, physiological, and behavioural factors. The study was conducted in a cohort of 379,690 individuals in the UK. During an average follow-up of 8.05 years (3,055,166 total person-years), 14,996 deaths were observed. We used Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Cox models were fitted to the standardised environmental predictors (a) without any transformation (b) transformed with PCA, and (c) transformed with SPCA. The comparison of findings underlined the potential of SPCA for conducting inference in scenarios where multicollinearity can increase the risk of Type II error. Our analysis unravelled a significant association between average noise pollution and increased risk of all-cause mortality. Specifically, those in the upper deciles of noise exposure have between 5 and 10% increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to the lowest decile.

Association of Environmental Exposures in Pregnancy and Early Life with Islet Autoimmunity Development in Children in Bavaria, Germany

Association of Environmental Exposures in Pregnancy and Early Life with Islet Autoimmunity Development in Children in Bavaria, Germany

EXHES study reveals the impact of prenatal exposure to metals, PFASs, organophosphates, and organochlorines on early child development

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Unraveling the exposome may be a cornerstone towards precision prevention in public health. The presented approach was applied to a cohort of 50 mother-child pairs in the framework of HEALS project. METHODS: The links between in utero exposure to metals, PFOS, PFOA, organophosphates, and organochlorines, metabolic pathway deregulation, and clinically observed phenotypes were drawn through a urinary and serum untargeted metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and NMR, followed by integrative bioinformatics and exposome-wide association algorithms. Spectral pre-processing was performed using the Bioconductor R packages XCMS and CAMERA. The databases HMDB, Metlin, and Lipid Maps, were used for metabolites identification. Enrichment and pathway analyses were performed using GeneSpring GX, which mapped significant biomarkers to known biochemical pathways based on the information contained in public databases (MetaCyc, Wikipathways, and KEGG). The Exposome-Wide Association Study (EWAS) approach was adopted to comprehensively and systematically associate multiple exposure factors discovering robust correlations with metabolites levels and dysregulated pathways. RESULTS:Metabolite identification revealed that the total number of unique annotated metabolites in urine and serum samples analysis using LC-HRMS was 751, and 7830, respectively. The detected metabolites on serum samples were mapped on 246 pathways, while urinary metabolites on 163. According to EWAS analysis, birth weight is positively affected by S-Adenosylhomocysteine levels during the first trimester of pregnancy, and negatively associated with the levels of Citrulline, and DEAMPY, at delivery. In addition, higher exposure levels to Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 2,2',4,5,5'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB101) and 2.4’-DDT, can lead to height increasement. The same outcome is associated to citric acid levels. Head circumference is positively associated with exposure to 4.4’-DDT at the first trimester. CONCLUSIONS:Overall, functionally coupling advanced bioinformatics algorithms applied on omics data with exposome-derived information on exposures and health indicators can support the high-dimension-biology-based association of environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes in early life. KEYWORDS: Exposome, Metabolomics, Birth outcomes

Association of Environmental Exposures and Socioeconomic Status with Presymptomatic Type 1 Diabetes Incidence in Children in Bavaria, Germany

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Increasing incidence of early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been reported worldwide. Evidence shows that environmental exposures contribute to developing pancreatic islet autoantibodies in individuals with predisposing genes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of environmental exposures and socioeconomic levels on childhood presymptomatic T1D incidence (defined as having at least 2 islet autoantibodies) in Bavaria, Germany. METHODS: Long-term exposure to air pollution (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3) and particulate matter with a diameter 2.5 μm (PM2.5)) and ambient temperature as well as surrounding greenness and area-level socioeconomic status (SES) were assigned to the residential addresses of 52,636 children (6 years of age) participating in the Fr1da study from 2015 to 2019. Information on demographic characteristics was extracted from self-administered questionnaires. We applied generalized additive models to examine the association of environmental factors and SES with presymptomatic T1D incidence adjusting for sex, age and family history of diabetes. We inspected single as well as multi-exposure models. RESULTS:225 children were diagnosed with presymptomatic T1D. Higher age at the time of diagnosis and having family history of diabetes was related to developing presymptomatic T1D (p0.00). An interquartile range (IQR) increase in O3 was associated with significantly higher odds of developing presymptomatic T1D (IQR: 5.06, Odds ratio (OR): 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.48). One IQR increase in ambient temperature had an inverse association (IQR: 0.92, OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66-0.93). Multi-exposure models indicated similar results, though both effects estimates were slightly shifted to the null. Other exposures were not associated with presymptomatic T1D. CONCLUSIONS:Exposure to higher levels of O3 and low ambient temperature may predispose to T1D development in children. KEYWORDS: Air pollution, Long-term exposure, Ozone, Temperature, Green space, Socio-economic factors

Differences in environmental factors contributing to preterm labor and PPROM – Population based study

BackgroundPrevious reports indicate an association between ambient temperature (Ta) and air pollution exposure during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB). Nevertheless, information regarding the association between environmental factors and specific precursors of spontaneous preterm birth is lacking. We aimed to determine the association between Ta and air pollution during gestation and the precursors of spontaneous preterm parturition, i.e. preterm labor (PTL) and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). MethodsFrom 2003 to 2013 there were 84,476 deliveries of singleton gestation that comprised the study cohort. Exposure data during pregnancy included daily measurements of temperature and particulate matter <2.5 μm and <10 μm, PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. Deliveries were grouped into PPROM, PTL and non-spontaneous preterm and term deliveries. Exposure effect was tested in windows of a week and two days prior to admission for delivery and adjusted to gestational age and socio-economic status. Poisson regression models were used for analyses. ResultsThere is an association of environmental exposure with the precursors of spontaneous preterm parturition; PPROM was more sensitive to Ta fluctuations than PTL. This effect was modified by the ethnicity, Bedouin-Arabs were susceptible to elevated Ta, especially within the last day prior to admission with PPROM (Relative Risk (RR) =1.19 [95% CI, 1.03; 1.37]). Jews, on the other hand, were susceptible to ambient pollutants, two (RR=1.025 [1.010; 1.040]) and one (RR= 1.017 [1.002; 1.033]) days prior to spontaneous PTL with intact membranes resulting in preterm birth. ConclusionHigh temperature is an independent risk factor for PPROM among Bedouin-Arabs; ambient pollution is an independent risk factor for spontaneous PTL resulting in preterm birth. Thus, the precursors of spontaneous preterm parturition differ in their association with environmental factors.

Associations of combined exposures to surrounding green, air pollution and traffic noise on mental health

BackgroundEvidence is emerging that poor mental health is associated with the environmental exposures of surrounding green, air pollution and traffic noise. Most studies have evaluated only associations of single exposures with poor mental health. ObjectivesTo evaluate associations of combined exposure to surrounding green, air pollution and traffic noise with poor mental health. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we linked data from a Dutch national health survey among 387,195 adults including questions about psychological distress, based on the Kessler 10 scale, to an external database on registered prescriptions of anxiolytics, hypnotics & sedatives and antidepressants. We added data on residential surrounding green in a 300 m and a 1000 m buffer based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and a land-use database (TOP10NL), modeled annual average air pollutant concentrations (including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) and modeled road- and rail-traffic noise (Lden and Lnight) to the survey. We used logistic regression to analyze associations of surrounding green, air pollution and traffic noise exposure with poor mental health. ResultsIn single exposure models, surrounding green was inversely associated with poor mental health. Air pollution was positively associated with poor mental health. Road-traffic noise was only positively associated with prescription of anxiolytics, while rail-traffic noise was only positively associated with psychological distress. For prescription of anxiolytics, we found an odds ratio [OR] of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.92) per interquartile range [IQR] increase in NDVI within 300 m, an OR of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.19) per IQR increase in NO2 and an OR of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.11) per IQR increase in road-traffic noise. In multi exposure analyses, associations with surrounding green and air pollution generally remained but attenuated. Joint odds ratios [JOR], based on the Cumulative Risk Index (CRI) method, of combined exposure to air pollution, traffic noise and decreased surrounding green were higher than the ORs of single exposure models. Associations of environmental exposures with poor mental health differed somewhat by age. ConclusionsStudies including only one of these three correlated exposures may overestimate the influence of poor mental health attributed to the studied exposure, while underestimating the influence of combined environmental exposures.

Association of environmental exposure with hematological and oxidative stress alteration in gasoline station attendants.

Gasoline station attendants spend a great deal of their time in the direct exposure to noxious substances such as benzene and byproducts of gasoline combustion. Such occupational exposure increases the risk of oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate hematological and biochemical alterations among petrol station workers. Forty gas station attendants and 39 non-attendants were recruited as exposed and control subjects, respectively. Plasma samples were evaluated for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count via the Sysmex KX-21 analyzer. Then, oxidized hemoglobin, methemoglobin, and hemichrome were measured spectrophotometrically. Moreover, serum antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation were evaluated. The means ± SD of hemoglobin (16.76 ± 0.14g/dl vs 15.25 ± 0.14g/dl), hematocrit (49.11 ± 0.36% vs 45.37 ± 0.31%), RBC count (5.85 ± 0.06mil/μl vs 5.33 ± 0.06mil/μl), Met-HB (1.07 ± 0.07g/dl vs 0.39 ± 0.04g/dl), and hemichrome (0.80 ± 0.07g/dl vs 0.37 ± 0.02g/dl) in the exposed group were significantly greater than the control group (P < 0.001). The results of the independent-sample t test illustrated that the FRAP test value in the exposed group (0.23 ± 0.01mM) was significantly lower than the control group (0.34 ± 0.01mM), while the value of the plasma protein carbonyl test in the exposed group (7.47 ± 0.33mmol/mg protein) was meaningfully greater than the control group (5.81 ± 0.19mmol/mg protein) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, gas station attendants suffer from higher levels of oxidative stress, and they need to take antioxidants in order to minimize the effects of oxidative stress.

Association of environmental exposure to heavy metals and eczema in US population: Analysis of blood cadmium, lead, and mercury

ABSTRACTObjectives: We aim to explore the association between blood heavy metal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury with ever-report of eczema in the US population.Methods: We used NHANES cross-sectional data from 2005–2006. Eczema was measured among 4509 adults and 3898 non-adults. The association between eczema and tertiles of concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury was estimated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for different confounding variables. The estimation was also stratified by gender.Results: The prevalence of ever-report of eczema was 7.63% in adults and 13.42% in non-adults. None of the heavy metals was significantly associated with increased ORs of eczema after potential confounding variables were adjusted in the models. Our results remained null after stratifying for gender.Conclusions: Blood cadmium, lead, and mercury were not associated with reports of eczema in general US population.

86 Association of Environmental Exposures With the Composition and Diversity of the Human Gut Microbiome in Healthy First Degree Relatives (FDR) of Crohn's Patients

86 Association of Environmental Exposures With the Composition and Diversity of the Human Gut Microbiome in Healthy First Degree Relatives (FDR) of Crohn's Patients

Effect of residential proximity to major roadways on cystic fibrosis exacerbations

Ambient air pollution has been attributed with an increase in exacerbation frequencies among the cystic fibrosis (CF) population. This study correlates exacerbation frequency with proximity to roadways and two criteria air pollutants. Clinical data was extracted from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Patient Registry and Electronic Medical Records at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Average annual air pollutant levels were obtained from selected US Environmental Protection Agency's monitoring stations. Geographic proximity to monitoring stations and roadways were analyzed using spatial mapping software. A total of 145 patients from the CHLA's CF center were characterized by a dichotomous exacerbation category. No significant association was determined between the frequency of exacerbations and exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone levels. Residential proximity to US-designated highways and freeways also did not achieve significance (p = 0.3777) but was noted to be correlated with major arterial roadways (p = 0.0420). Associations of environmental exposures may have important implications for future predictive models of CF clinical outcomes.

Invited Commentary: Epidemiologic Studies of the Health Associations of Environmental Exposures With Preterm Birth

In this issue of the Journal, two different articles present epidemiologic evidence supporting the hypotheses that environmental exposures to particulate air pollution or higher temperatures modestly increase the risk of preterm birth. In this commentary, the author discusses environmental epidemiologic methods through the lens of these two papers with respect to the causal question, measurements, and quantification and interpretation of the evidence. Both groups of investigators present results from exploratory analyses that are at the hypothesis-generating end of the research spectrum as opposed to the confirmatory end. The present author describes in qualitative terms a method for decomposing evidence about the association of environmental exposures with prematurity into components representing different temporal and spatial scales. Finally, reproducible epidemiologic research methodology for studies like these is offered as one way to speed the transition from exploratory studies to confirmatory studies.