High Exposure Research Articles

Quieting the neonatal intensive care unit: A quality improvement initiative.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is vital for preterm infants but is often plagued by harmful noise levels. Excessive noise, ranging from medical equipment to conversations, poses significant health risks, including hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends strict sound limits to safeguard neonatal well-being. Strategies such as education, environmental modifications, and quiet hours have shown to reduce noise levels. However, up to 60% of the noises remain avoidable. High noise exposure exacerbates physiological disturbances, impacting vital functions and long-term neurological outcomes. Effective noise reduction in the NICU is crucial for promoting optimal neonatal development. To measure the sound levels in a NICU and reduce ambient sound levels by at least 10% from baseline. A quasi-experimental quality improvement project was conducted over 4 mo in a 20-bed level 3 NICU in a tertiary care medical college. Baseline noise levels were recorded continuously using a sound level meter. The interventions included targeted education, environmental modifications, and organizational changes, and were implemented through three rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Weekly feedback and monitoring were conducted, and statistical process control charts were used for analysis. The mean noise values were compared using the paired t-test. The baseline mean ambient noise level in the NICU was 67.8 dB, which decreased to 50.5 dB after the first cycle, and further decreased to 47.4 dB and 51.2 dB after subsequent cycles. The reduction in noise levels was 21% during the day and 28% at night, with an overall decrease of 25% from baseline. The most significant reduction occurred after the first PDSA cycle (mean difference of -17.3 dB, P < 0.01). Peak noise levels decreased from 110 dB to 88.24 dB after the intervention. A multifaceted intervention strategy reduced noise in the NICU by 25% over 4 months. The success of this initiative emphasizes the significance of comprehensive interventions for noise reduction.

Template models of silicon carbide JFETs and their practical applications in high-temperature analog chip design problems in LTspice environment

Modern achievements of leading microelectronic firms in the field of designing operational amplifiers (Op-Amp) and their functional units based on silicon carbide, designed for operation in the temperature range up to 300-600 °C, are analyzed. Numerical values of the parameters of existing high-temperature operational amplifiers, created for space missions of NASA Research Center named after Gallen, on the open-circuit voltage gain, the systematic component of the zero offset voltage, the frequency of single gain, the maximum rate of increase of the output voltage, the coefficient of attenuation of input in-phase signals and the coefficient of suppression of interference on the power supply rails, as well as information on the experimental characteristics of Op-Amps during long-term operation at high temperatures and exposure to radiation. To model circuits at temperatures up to 450 °C, template models of SiC transistors (TM) have been developed using the template modeling technique, in which constant model parameters are replaced by fractional-rational functions (Padé approximation), allowing to describe more accurately the physical processes in JFETs without violating the nature of their changes. For the freely distributable modeling environment LTspice the instruction for application of the TM is developed. Circuit solutions of high-temperature basic analog functional units realized on the basis of silicon carbide field-effect transistors are considered. The basic characteristics of SiC source repeaters, SiC differential stages and the simplest SiC operational amplifiers based on them at temperatures of 25 °C and 452 °C are investigated. The obtained results are recommended to be used in the design of high-temperature operational and instrumental amplifiers in space instrumentation, deep well drilling, automotive industry, nuclear reactors, etc.

A sidewalk-level urban heat risk assessment framework using pedestrian mobility and urban microclimate modeling

Climate change and the associated increase in heat-related hazards pose a pressing threat to urban residents’ health and well-being. People, when walking in particular, are at risk of experiencing heat stress as they navigate urban environments. This study proposes a novel heat risk assessment framework combining pedestrian mobility modeling with urban microclimate modeling. Using this framework, we assessed pedestrian heat-related exposure and risk in urban areas by integrating the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as the hazard and pedestrian trips to critical destinations as exposure. We considered temporal variation, in both hazard and exposure, by examining different time periods during the day—morning peak, midday, and evening peak. In addition to hazard and exposure, we also considered vulnerability by focusing on young children and older adults. We contribute to improving the spatial resolution of heat risk assessment by analyzing the hazard for pedestrian trips between home locations and five critical destinations—bus stops, rail stations, parks, schools, and commercial amenities—at the address-point level and using a pedestrian network comprising sidewalks and crosswalks. Our framework helps identify sidewalks with high heat exposure levels as well as home locations with high cumulative heat risk, accounting for walking trips to critical destinations along feasible routes. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this framework by applying it to a 36-square-kilometer area of central Los Angeles, CA. Our findings offer valuable information to urban planners and policy-makers, supporting evidence-based prioritization of intervention sites, climate adaptation strategies, and policy decisions essential for climate-proof planning. By implementing targeted interventions in areas where heat hazard is expected to affect the most vulnerable pedestrians, planners can create heat-resilient, pedestrian-friendly environments while prioritizing the health and well-being of vulnerable groups. This study contributes to the growing knowledge of robust risk assessment methodologies for climate-proof planning, specifically with regard to addressing outdoor heat-related risks during extreme heat events.

Evaluation of Soldiers' Knowledge and Sense of Threats Regarding Exposure to Biological Risk Factors at the Place of Service.

Exposure to harmful biological agents and the level of knowledge about specific risk factors are extremely important topics, especially among military personnel. This study evaluates the knowledge and perceptions of soldiers regarding exposure to biological risk factors during their service. This research was conducted using an online survey distributed through the WBBS research panel, in which 1331 soldiers from various demographic groups and ranks participated. The survey assessed awareness of biological threats, the level of knowledge about preventive measures, and the perceived adequacy of occupational health and safety training. The findings reveal that over 80% of respondents possess some level of knowledge about the types of biological agents they may encounter, yet significant gaps remain, particularly in training related to region-specific infectious diseases, with more than 75% of participants having not received such training. Additionally, approximately 5% of respondents reported high exposure, and around 4% reported very high exposure to harmful biological agents, highlighting the need for enhanced educational programs and preventive measures in military contexts. The study underscores the importance of continuous education and training to mitigate risks associated with biological hazards in military environments.

Chinese Multinationals and Europe’s Geoeconomic Turn: The De‐Globalization of the Chinese ICT and Automotive Industry?

Amid increasing geopolitical tensions between Western powers and China over the alleged state-capitalist nature of Chinese corporate internationalization, European governments have introduced a set of political measures tightening their trade and investment regimes on grounds of national security and economic competitiveness. This article analyzes how this “geoeconomic turn” in Europe affected the internationalization of (state-backed) Chinese firms into Europe and hence the establishment of Sino-European corporate relations. With a focus on the Chinese ICT and automotive industries, we zoom in on corporate internationalization by distinguishing two modes: (a) outward foreign direct investments (greenfield investments and mergers and acquisitions) and (b) the formation of collaborative ties (strategic alliances and joint ventures) with European companies—a hitherto underexplored form of Sino-European corporate relations. Our analysis is predicated on a comprehensive dataset consolidating information on both modes of internationalization for the period 2000–2023. We show that, in relation to investment numbers, Chinese companies continue to expand into Europe, even if values are decreasing. We also find that the formation of collaborative ties (strategic alliances and joint ventures) has not halted but increased in the wake of Europe’s geoeconomic turn, indicating a further intensification of Sino-European corporate relations, though under the radar of tightening investment policies and mechanisms. When unpacking the variegated impact of the geoeconomic turn on Chinese companies’ internationalization strategies in Europe, our study also finds, however, that its ramifications vary substantively—not only per sector but also among companies exposed to varying degrees of party-state permeation. Applying a novel fine-grained measure to party-state permeation, the article shows that the geoeconomic turn seems to have affected predominantly those leading Chinese firms with a high party-state exposure.

Image Quality of Cardiac Silicon Photomultiplier PET/CT Using an Infant Phantom of Extremely Low Birth Weight.

The lack of pediatrics-specific equipment for nuclear medicine imaging has resulted in insufficient diagnostic information for newborns, especially low-birth-weight infants. Although PET offers high spatial resolution and low radiation exposure, its use in newborns is limited. This study investigated the feasibility of cardiac PET imaging using the latest silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) PET technology in infants of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) using a phantom model. Methods: The study used a phantom model representing a 500-g ELBW infant with brain, cardiac, liver, and lung tissues. The cardiac tissue included a 3-mm-thick defect mimicking myocardial infarction. Organ tracer concentrations were calculated assuming 18F-FDG myocardial viability scans and 18F-flurpiridaz myocardial perfusion scans and were added to the phantom organs. Imaging was performed using an SiPM PET/CT scanner with a 5-min acquisition. The data acquired in list mode were reconstructed using 3-dimensional ordered-subsets expectation maximization with varying iterations. Image evaluation was based on the depiction of the myocardial defect compared with normal myocardial accumulation. Results: Increasing the number of iterations improved the contrast of the myocardial defect for both tracers, with 18F-flurpiridaz showing higher contrast than 18F-FDG. However, even at 50 iterations, both tracers overestimated the defect accumulation. A bull's-eye image can display the flow metabolism mismatch using images from both tracers. Conclusion: SiPM PET enabled cardiac PET imaging in a 500-g ELBW phantom with a 1-g heart. However, there were limitations in adequately depicting these defects. Considering the image quality and defect contrast,18F-flurpiridaz appears more desirable than 18F-FDG if only one of the two can be used.

Transmission-blocking activities of artesunate, chloroquine, and methylene blue on Plasmodium vivax gametocytes.

Plasmodium vivax is now the main cause of malaria outside Africa. The gametocytocidal effects of antimalarial drugs are important to reduce malaria transmissibility, particularly in low-transmission settings, but they are not well characterized for P. vivax. The transmission-blocking effects of chloroquine, artesunate, and methylene blue on P. vivax gametocytes were assessed. Blood specimens were collected from patients presenting with vivax malaria, incubated with or without the tested drugs, and then fed to mosquitos from a laboratory-adapted colony of Anopheles dirus (a major malaria vector in Southeast Asia). The effects on oocyst and sporozoite development were analyzed under a multi-level Bayesian model accounting for assay variability and the heterogeneity of mosquito Plasmodium infection. Artesunate and methylene blue, but not chloroquine, exhibited potent transmission-blocking effects. Gametocyte exposures to artesunate and methylene blue reduced the mean oocyst count 469-fold (95% CI: 345 to 650) and 1,438-fold (95% CI: 970 to 2,064), respectively. The corresponding estimates for the sporozoite stage were a 148-fold reduction (95% CI: 61 to 470) and a 536-fold reduction (95% CI: 246 to 1,311) in the mean counts, respectively. In contrast, high chloroquine exposures reduced the mean oocyst count only 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.64) and the mean sporozoite count 1.34-fold (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.66). This suggests that patients with vivax malaria often remain infectious to anopheline mosquitos after treatment with chloroquine. Use of artemisinin combination therapies or immediate initiation of primaquine radical cure should reduce the transmissibility of P. vivax infections.

Serum levels of perchlorate and chlorate in pregnant women from south China and the related health risk with thyroid function

Perchlorate and chlorate are recognized as ubiquitously inorganic pollutants inenvrionment owing to their high solubility in water and resistance to degradation. Previous studies have confirmed the potential adverse effects of perchlorate and chlorate on human thyroid function, along with implications for fetal growth and development. The fetus grows and develops pregnant women's womb and absorbs nutrients from her body. However, there is still limited information on prenatal exposure to perchlorate and chlorate and the related health risks, especially in China. In this study, a total of 430 serum specimens obtained from pregnant females residing in Southern China were analyzed to ascertain the levels of perchlorate and chlorate, and explore the relationship between perchlorate and chlorate and thyroid function by linear regression, WQS, and QGC. The measured serum levels of perchlorate and chlorate were comparatively elevated, demonstrating median values of 0.693 μg/L and 1.36 μg/L, respectively. The estimated exposure dose of perchlorate in 19.7% of pregnant women exceeded the USEPA reference dose, indicating potential health risks. Although no significant association was found between serum perchlorate and thyroid hormone levels, the exposure to perchlorate for pregnant women in Southern China is cause for concern given their sensitivity to chemicals during pregnancy and the relatively high internal exposure levels.

Structural Optimization and Structure-Activity Relationship of 1H-Pyrazole-4-carboxylic Acid Derivatives as DNA 6mA Demethylase ALKBH1 Inhibitors and Their Antigastric Cancer Activity.

DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) demethylase ALKBH1 plays an important role in various cellular processes. Dysregulation of ALKBH1 is associated with the development of some cancer types, including gastric cancer, implicating a potential therapeutic target. However, there is still a lack of potent ALKBH1 inhibitors. Herein, we report the discovery of a highly potent ALKBH1 inhibitor, 1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid derivative 29. The structure-activity relationship of this series of compounds was also discussed. Because of the poor cell membrane permeability of 29, we prepared a prodrug of 29 (29E), which showed excellent cellular activities. In gastric cancer cell lines HGC27 and AGS, 29E treatment significantly increased the abundance of 6mA, inhibited cell viability, and upregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. In addition, the hydrolysis product 29 showed high exposure in mice after administration of 29E. Collectively, this research provides a new potent ALKBH1 inhibitor, which could serve as a lead compound for subsequent drug development.

579. DUPILUMAB IMPROVES ENDOSCOPIC FEATURES OF EOSINOPHILIC OESOPHAGITIS IN CHILDREN WITH EOSINOPHILIC OESOPHAGITIS: 52-WEEK ANALYSIS OF THE EOE KIDS STUDY

Abstract Introduction Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic type 2 inflammatory disease. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks drivers of type 2 inflammation, is approved in the USA for EoE patients aged ≥1 year, weighing ≥15 kg, and in the EU for adult and adolescent EoE patients aged ≥12 years, weighing ≥40 kg. The EoE-Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS) is a validated tool for assessing oesophageal features of EoE, with subscores for inflammation and remodelling. This study assessed the impact of dupilumab on EREFS in children aged 1–&amp;lt;12 years with active EoE in the phase 3 EoE KIDS trial. Methods In Part A, 102 patients (mean [SD] age: 7.1 [3.05] years) were randomised 2:2:1:1 to receive weight-tiered dupilumab higher-exposure (HE) or lower-exposure, or placebo (two groups) for 16 weeks. In Part B, all patients received dupilumab at their preassigned dupilumab regimen for a further 36 weeks. This analysis focused on the dupilumab HE and placebo groups. EREFS were scored centrally by reviewers blinded to both treatment allocation and time point. Absolute change from baseline in EREFS total score (0−18), and EREFS inflammation (0−10) and remodelling (0−8) subscores were assessed at Weeks 16 and 52. Results A total of 37 and 34 patients received dupilumab HE and placebo, respectively; baseline mean EREFS scores were similar across treatment groups (6.8 vs 7.3) with EREFS inflammation subscores higher than remodelling subscores (6.0 vs 0.9 in the total population). EREFS total score was significantly reduced at Week 16 with dupilumab HE versus placebo (LS mean difference -3.8 [95% CI: -4.9, -2.6], P&amp;lt;0.0001), with improvement sustained through Week 52 in the dupilumab HE group (figure). Similar improvements were observed for EREFS inflammation subscore. Assessment of changes in remodelling was limited by low prevalence of fibrostenotic features in young children. Conclusion Dupilumab HE led to significant improvement in EREFS total score at Week 16 versus placebo, which was sustained through Week 52. Dupilumab HE also improved EREFS inflammation subscore.

Climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Tanzania

Climate change vulnerability assessment is an essential tool for identifying regions that are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change and designing effective adaptation actions that can reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term resilience of these regions. This study explored a framework for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process in Jangwani Ward, Tanzania. Specifically, taking flood as an example, this study highlighted the steps and methods for climate change vulnerability assessment in the new urban planning process. In the study area, 95 households were selected and interviewed through purposeful sampling. Additionally, 10 respondents (4 females and 6 males) were interviewed for Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and 3 respondents (1 female and 2 males) were selected for Key Informant Interviews (KII) at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development. This study indicated that climate change vulnerability assessment framework involves the assessment of climatic hazards, risk elements, and adaptive capacity, and the determination of vulnerability levels. The average hazard risk rating of flood was 2.3. Socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructures both had the average risk element rating of 3.0, and ecosystems had the average risk element rating of 2.9. Adaptive capacity ratings of knowledge, technology, economy or finance, and institution were 1.6, 1.9, 1.4, and 2.2, respectively. The vulnerability levels of socioeconomic and livelihood activities and physical infrastructure were very high (4.0). Ecosystems had a high vulnerability level (3.8) to flood. The very high vulnerability level of socioeconomic and livelihood activities was driven by high exposure and sensitivity to risk elements and low adaptive capacity. The study recommends adoption of the new urban planning process including preparation, planning, implementation, and monitoring-evaluation-review phases that integrates climate change vulnerability assessment in all phases.

Influence of chia and flaxseeds on acrylamide formation in sweet bakery products

Despite potential health benefits of cookies with seeds, e.g., antioxidant and anticholesterolemic activity, their baking may lead to processing contaminants. This study investigated the acrylamide formation in cookies containing chia and flaxseeds (13 samples) in various formats and amounts by LC–MS/MS using stable isotope dilution analysis. Furthermore, the impact of different factors was studied. Cookies with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) exhibit increased acrylamide contents from whole (112–286 μg/kg) to milled seeds (252–649 μg/kg). Acrylamide contents of cookies with whole or milled flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) (204–516 μg/kg) were comparable to those with chia seeds, while cookies with flaxseed flour had the highest exposure (790 μg/kg). Adding baking agents to cookies with chia seeds increased acrylamide by 20 %, while organic acids significantly lowered it (up to 78 %). The sugar source affected acrylamide in cookies with chia seeds, with brown sugar resulting in the highest content (213 μg/kg).

Temporal trends in the visual impairment burden attributable to high fasting plasma glucose levels: a population-based study.

Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels have been associated with visual impairment. Recognising global patterns of high FPG level exposure can facilitate the prevention and treatment of related visual impairment. We aimed to assessthe trendsof the visual impairmentburden attributable to high FPG levels globally, regionally, nationally, and by income level. We obtained data on the visual impairment burden attributable to high FPG levels from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We evaluated the trends of related disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 through joinpoint regression analysis and calculated the annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Countries/territories were categorised into high-, upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income groups based on the 2019 World Bank criteria. The age-standardised rate of DALYs due to visual impairment attributable to high FPG levels significantly increased globally, from 6.75 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 1.55-15.79) in 1990 to 8.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 2.00-19.63) in 2019 (AAPC, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.89; p < 0.001). The largest increases were observed in high-income (AAPC, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.85) and lower-middle-income countries/territories (AAPC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.73). In 2019, lower-middle-income countries/territories had the highest age-standardised DALY rate (18.94 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 4.39-43.98), whereas high-income countries/territories had the lowest (2.97 per 100,000 population; 95% UI, 0.75-6.74). The visual impairment burden associated with elevated FPG levels has increased significantly, necessitating enhanced public health prevention measures, clinical management, and treatment to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Higher maternal bread and thiamine intakes are associated with increased infant allergic disease.

A mother's diet during pregnancy may influence her infant's immune development. However, as potential interactions between components of our dietary intakes can make any nutritional analysis complex, here we took a multi-component dietary analysis approach. Nutritional intake data was collected from 639 pregnant women using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to reflect their dietary intakes during 32-36 weeks of gestation. To investigate their dietary intake pattern, we calculated Dietary Inflammatory Index scores. Maternal consumption of 12 food groups, 20 individual whole foods, and 18 specific nutrient intakes, along with any vitamin and mineral supplementation, were determined. Infant outcomes included eczema, allergen sensitization, and IgE-mediated food allergy. Regression-based analyses with covariates adjustment were applied. Women with higher white bread consumption were more likely to have an infant with doctor-diagnosed eczema (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.24; p < .001) and IgE-mediated food allergy (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28; p = .02). Higher maternal intakes of fiber-rich bread (aRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.04, 1.25; p = .01) and legumes (aRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02, 1.21; p = .02) were also associated with infant doctor-diagnosed eczema. Higher maternal thiamine intakes were associated with increased parent-reported infant eczema (aRR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03, 1.12; p < .001). In Australia, where bread flour is fortified with thiamine, we identified consistent links between higher maternal thiamine-rich diets and increased risk of infant eczema and food allergy. Our results highlight a need for further investigation of potential effects of high thiamine exposures on immune development, especially in-utero.

The microbiome at the interface between environmental stress and animal health: an example from the most threatened vertebrate group.

Nitrate pollution and global warming are ubiquitous stressors likely to interact and affect the health and survival of wildlife, particularly aquatic ectotherms. Animal health is largely influenced by its microbiome (commensal/symbiotic microorganisms), which responds to such stressors. We used a crossed experimental design including three nitrate levels and five temperature regimes to investigate their interactive and individual effects on an aquatic ectotherm, the European common frog. We associated health biomarkers in larvae with changes in gut bacteria diversity and composition. Larvae experienced higher stress levels and lower body condition under high temperatures and nitrate exposure. Developmental rate increased with temperature but decreased with nitrate pollution. Alterations in bacteria composition but not diversity are likely to correlate with the observed outcomes in larvae health. Leucine degradation decreased at higher temperatures corroborating accelerated development, nitrate degradation increased with nitrate level corroborating reduced body condition and an increase in lysine biosynthesis may have helped larvae deal with the combined effects of both stressors. These results reinforce the importance of associating traditional health biomarkers with underlying microbiome changes. Therefore, we urge studies to investigate the effects of environmental stressors on microbiome composition and consequences for host health in a world threatened by biodiversity loss.

Global, regional, and national burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer and its risk factors from 1990 to 2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021

Studies from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 can guide screening and prevention strategies for tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer. We aim to provide global, regional, and national estimates of the TBL cancer burden and its attributable risk from 1990 to 2021, including during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Incidence, age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), deaths, age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardised rate of DALYs (ASDR), and the burden due to risk factors associated with TBL cancer were analysed from 1990 to 2021. Trends in ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of TBL cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) were also determined. All statistical analyses were performed using Join-point software (version 4.9.1.0). Between 1990 and 2021, the global incidence, deaths, and DALYs of TBL cancer to varying degrees. However, the ASIR (Average Annual Percent Change [AAPC],-0.3 [-0.4 to-0.2]), ASMR (AAPC,-0.5 [-0.7 to-0.4]), and ASDR (AAPC,-0.9 [-1.0 to-0.7]) all showed a decreasing trend. However, the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of TBL cancer in males all showed a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2021. In contrast, the ASIR and ASMR of TBL cancer in females showed an increasing trend, while the ASDR showed a relatively stable trend. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trends for ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR remained stable across both sexes combined, females, males, five socio-demographic index (SDI) quintiles, and the 21 GBD regions. In 2021, smoking was a major risk factor for TBL cancer DALYs, but the attributable ASDR for smoking decreased from 1990 to 2021 in both sexes combined, as well as individually for males and females. Conversely, the attributable ASDR for secondhand smoke, high fasting plasma glucose and occupational exposure factors increased primarily among females. Furthermore, the attributable ASDR for ambient particulate matter pollution, household air pollution from solid fuels, and low-fruit diets increased primarily in regions with lower SDI quintiles from 1990 to 2021. The burden attributable to TBL cancer has increased in some populations from 1990 to 2021, highlighting the importance of implementing targeted measures to mitigate this trend. No significant change in the burden of TBL cancer was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, post-COVID-19 rates still require further observation. This study was supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFC3503300, 2023YFC3503305), and High Level Chinese Medical Hospital Promotion Project (HLCMHPP2023085, HLCMHPP2023001, HLCMHPP2023097).

Short-term effects of wildfire-specific fine particulate matter and its carbonaceous components on perinatal outcomes: A multicentre cohort study in New South Wales, Australia

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence on the association between wildfire-specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its carbonaceous components with perinatal outcomes is limited.We aimed to examine the short-term effects of wildfire-specific PM2.5 and its carbonaceous components on perinatal outcomes. MethodsA multicentre cohort of 9743 singleton births during the wildfire seasons from 1 September 2009 to 31 December 2015 across six cities in New South Wales, Australia were linked with daily wildfire-specific PM2.5 and carbonaceous components (organic carbon and black carbon). Adjusted distributed lag Cox regression models with spatial clustering were performed to estimate daily and cumulative adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) during the last four gestational weeks for preterm birth, stillbirth, nonvertex presentation, low 5-min Apgar score, special care nursery/neonatal intensive care unit (SCN/NICU) admission, and caesarean section. ResultsDaily aHRs per 10 µg/m3 PM2.5 showed nearly inverted ‘U’-shaped positive associations and daily cumulative aHRs that increased with increasing duration of the exposures. The aHRs for lag 0–6 days were 1.17 (95 % CI: 1.04, 1.32) for preterm birth, 1.40 (95 % CI: 1.11, 1.78) for stillbirth, 1.20 (95 % CI: 1.08, 1.33) for nonvertex presentation, 1.12 (95 % CI: 0.93, 1.35) for low 5-min Apgar score, 0.99 (95 % CI: 0.83, 1.19) for SNC/NICU admission, and 1.01 (95 % CI: 0.94, 1.08) for caesarean section. Organic carbon and black carbon components for lag 0–6 days showed positive associations. The highest component-specific aHRs were 1.09 (95 % CI: 1.03, 1.15) and 4.57 (95 % CI: 1.96, 10.68) for stillbirth per 1 µg/m3 organic carbon and black carbon, respectively. The subgroups identified as most vulnerable were female births, births to mothers with low socioeconomic status, and births to mothers with high biothermal exposure. ConclusionsPositive associations of short-term wildfire-specific PM2.5 exposure and its carbonaceous components with adverse perinatal outcomes suggest that policies to reduce exposure would benefit public health.

Occurrences and migration characteristics of photoinitiators in paper food packaging: Implication for human exposure

Photoinitiators (PIs), as an important component of UV inks, are widely used in the printing of paper food packaging. Nevertheless, there is limited information concerning the identification of PIs in food packaging and their potential migration rules under natural storage condition. In this study, 23 target PIs detected in paper food packaging were dominated by benzophenones (BZPs), followed by amine co-initiators (ACIs), thioxanthones (TXs) and phosphine oxides (POs). The concentration of ΣPIs ranged between 48.3 and 1.11 × 105 ng/g. Meanwhile, the concentration of ΣPIs were found to be significantly higher in Corrugated paper compared to Polyethylene (PE) coated paper, Composite paper and White card paper. Benzophenone (BP) was found as the dominant PI congener in Corrugated paper, with the concentration ranging from 923-3.66 × 104 ng/g. The migration quantity of ΣPIs increased in a time-dependent manner in the first 13 days and then eventually reached equilibrium. Low temperatures had a certain inhibitory effect on the migration of PIs from paper packaging to food. Under high exposure scenario, the EDIs of ΣPIs for children, adolescents, and adults were 31.4 ng/(kg bw·day), 17.2 ng/(kg bw·day), and 14.4 ng/(kg bw·day), respectively, all of which did not exceed the reference dose, indicating that dietary intake of PIs does not pose any health risks to the human body.

P17-05 The T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in adults with high exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances from Ronneby, Sweden

P17-05 The T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in adults with high exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances from Ronneby, Sweden

Livelihood Vulnerability from Drought among Smallholder Livestock Farmers in South Africa

The impacts of drought and climate change on agriculture have become increasingly apparent, and affect smallholder livestock farmers. Farmers’ livelihoods rely on agriculture; thus, they are vulnerable to the primary and secondary impacts of climate change. In South Africa, policies for increasing the resilience of smallholder livestock farmers who have suffered from agricultural drought have not paid sufficient attention to the level of livelihood vulnerability. This study assessed the level of livelihood vulnerability of smallholder livestock farmers in the drought-stricken Frances Baard District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The livelihood vulnerability of 217 randomly selected farmers from the municipality were determined using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC), which includes seven components and 34 subcomponents addressing livelihood. A high level of livelihood vulnerability, with an LVI score of 0.436, was determined and attributed to high-risk livelihood strategies, food, social networks, health, water, sociodemographics, natural disasters, and climate change. The LVI-IPCC of 0.04 also showed moderate vulnerability due to high exposure, high sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity, especially for the Phokwane, Dikgatlong, and Magareng districts in the Frances Baard municipality. Given continued drought recurrences, it is crucial for the government and other stakeholders to implement strategic and targeted sustainable interventions. The resilience of smallholder livestock farmers should be enhanced by increasing their adaptive capacity through diversified livelihood options while decreasing exposure and sensitivity to agricultural drought risks.