Long-term Health Risks Research Articles

IPhone App compared with standard blood pressure measurement –The iPARR trial

The possibility to use built-in smartphone-cameras for photoplethysmographic (PPG) recording of pulse waves lead to the release of numerous health apps, claiming to measure blood pressure (BP) based on PPG signals. Even though these apps are highly popular, not a single one is clinically validated. Aim of the current study was to test systolic BP (sBP) estimation by a promising new algorithm in a large clinical setting. The study was designed based on the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010. Each individual received 7 sequential BP measurements, starting with the reference device - an automated oscillometric cuff device - followed by the PPG recording at the patients' index finger. A total 1,036 subjects were recruited of which 965 could be included for final analysis leading to 2,895 pairs of comparison. Mean (±SD) error between test and reference device was -0.41 (±16.52) mmHg. Only 38.1% of all 2,895 BP comparisons reached a delta within ±5 mmHg, while 29.3% reached a delta larger than 15 mmHg. Bland-Altman plot showed an overestimation of smartphone sBP in comparison to reference sBP in low range and an underestimation in high sBP range. According to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010 specifications the algorithm failed validation criteria for sBP measurement and was not commercialized. These findings emphasize that health apps should be rigorously validated according to common guidelines before market release as under- and/or overestimation of BP is potentially exposing persons at health risks in short and long term. ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02552030.

Exposure to Aerosolized Algal Toxins in South Florida Increases Short- and Long-Term Health Risk in Drosophila Model of Aging.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a rising health and environmental concern in the United States, particularly in South Florida. Skin contact and the ingestion of contaminated water or fish and other seafood have been proven to have severe toxicity to humans in some cases. However, the impact of aerosolized HAB toxins is poorly understood. In particular, knowledge regarding either the immediate or long-term effects of exposure to aerosolized cyanotoxins produced by freshwater blue-green algae does not exist. The aim of this study was to probe the toxicity of aerosolized cyanobacterial blooms using Drosophila melanogaster as an animal model. The exposure of aerosolized HABs at an early age leads to the most severe long-term impact on health and longevity among all age groups. Young groups and old males showed a strong acute response to HAB exposure. In addition, brain morphological analysis using fluorescence imaging reveals significant indications of brain degeneration in females exposed to aerosolized HABs in early or late stages. These results indicate that one-time exposure to aerosolized HAB particles causes a significant health risk, both immediately and in the long-term. Interestingly, age at the time of exposure plays an important role in the specific nature of the impact of aerosol HABs. As BMAA and microcystin have been found to be the significant toxins in cyanobacteria, the concentration of both toxins in the water and aerosols was examined. BMAA and microcystin are consistently detected in HAB waters, although their concentrations do not always correlate with the severity of the health impact, suggesting the potential contribution from additional toxins present in the aerosolized HAB. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the health risk of exposure to aerosolized HAB, and further highlights the critical need and importance of understanding the toxicity of aerosolized cyanobacteria HAB particles and determining the immediate and long-term health impacts of HAB exposure.

Increased long-term health risks attributable to select volatile organic compounds in residential indoor air in southeast Louisiana

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a broad class of chemicals, many of which can be found in indoor air including residential indoor air. VOCs derive from a variety of sources including cleaning products, cooking practices, fragrances and fresheners, hobbies and at-home work behaviors. This study examined residential indoor air in homes (n = 99) in southeast Louisiana using passive organic vapor monitors and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to determine if select VOCs were present, at what concentrations, and if those posed any potential long-term health risks. Twenty-nine VOCs were targeted in cross-sectional analyses using a 48-h sampling period. Twelve VOCs were detected in most of the homes sampled including xylenes, pinenes, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, hexane, pentane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. Concentrations of alkanes and BTEX compounds were highly correlated (Spearman’s r > 0.63, p < 0.0001). Using health risk measures (i.e. reference concentrations [RfCs] and inhalation unit risks [IURs]) available from the USEPA non-cancer risk assessments and cancer risk assessments were developed for some of these VOCs. Alkanes and BTEX compounds likely come from the same indoor source(s). Using existing health standards published by the USEPA, no unacceptable non-cancer risks were evident except under extremely high concentrations. Lifetime cancer risks, on the other hand, may well be considered unacceptable for chloroform and benzene (upper IUR) and for the combination of chloroform, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride. These exceeded a 1 in 10,000 cancer risk threshold in 35–50% of our simulations. Further study of residential indoor air in low-income women’s homes in this area is needed. Including a larger number of VOCs may reveal yet more potential health risks.

Endometriosis and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endometriosis is an often chronic, inflammatory gynaecologic condition affecting 190 million women worldwide. Studies have reported an elevated cancer risk among patients with endometriosis. However, prior research has included methodologic issues that impede valid and robust interpretation. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies investigating the association between endometriosis and cancer risk and analysed the results by methodologic characteristics. We discuss the implications of cancer screening in patients and management challenges faced by clinicians. We searched PubMed and Embase databases for eligible studies from inception through 24 October 2019. We included cohort and case-control studies examining the association between endometriosis and cancer risk; cross-sectional studies and case reports were excluded. Publications had to present risk/rate/odds estimates with 95% CI. Random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate summary relative risks (SRR) and CIs. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed by the Q test and I2 statistics, and publication bias using Egger's and Begg's tests. Risk of bias and quality of the included studies were assessed using the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Forty-nine population-based case-control and cohort studies were included. Twenty-six studies were scored as having a 'serious'/'critical' risk of bias, and the remaining 23 'low'/'moderate'. Cancer-specific analyses showed a positive association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer risk (SRR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.68-2.22; n = 24 studies) that was strongest for clear cell (SRR = 3.44, 95% CI = 2.82-4.42; n = 5 studies) and endometrioid (SRR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.82-2.98; n = 5 studies) histotypes (Pheterogeneity < 0.0001), although with significant evidence of both heterogeneity across studies and publication bias (Egger's and Begg's P-values < 0.01). A robust association was observed between endometriosis and thyroid cancer (SRR = 1.39, 95% CI =1.24-1.57; n = 5 studies), a very small association with breast cancer (SRR = 1.04, 95% CI =1.00-1.09; n = 20 studies) and no association with colorectal cancer (SRR = 1.00, 95% CI =0.87-1.16; n = 5 studies). The association with endometrial cancer was not statistically significant (SRR = 1.23, 95% CI =0.97-1.57; n = 17 studies) overall and wholly null when restricted to prospective cohort studies (SRR = 0.99, 95% CI =0.72-1.37; n = 5 studies). The association with cutaneous melanoma was also non-significant (SRR = 1.17, 95% CI =0.97-1.41; n = 7 studies) but increased in magnitude and was statistically significant when restricted to studies with low/moderate risk of bias (SRR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.24-2.36, n = 2 studies). The most robust finding both in terms of statistical significance and magnitude of effect was an inverse association with cervical cancer (SRR = 0.68, 95% CI =0.56-0.82; n = 4 studies); however, this result has a high potential to reflect heightened access to detection of dysplasia for women who reached an endometriosis diagnosis and is thus likely not causal. Several additional cancer types were explored based on <4 studies. Endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian and thyroid, and minimally (only 4% greater risk) with breast cancer, and with a lower risk of cervical cancer. However, this meta-analysis confirms that: a majority of studies had severe/critical risk of bias; there is impactful heterogeneity across studies-and for ovarian cancer, publication bias; and causal inference requires temporality, which in many studies was not considered. We discuss the implications of these potential associations from the perspectives of patients with endometriosis, clinicians involved in their care, and scientists investigating their long-term health risks.

Parental Contributors to the Prevalence and Long-term Health Risks of Family Weight Teasing in Adolescence

PurposeWeight teasing from family members is common during adolescence. However, little is known about parental factors that increase adolescents' risk for family weight teasing and its adverse health sequelae. Using multi-informant data from adolescents, mothers and fathers, the current longitudinal study examined how parental concerns about their child's weight and their own weight contribute to family weight teasing in adolescence and its long-term health consequences. MethodsData were collected in the population-based Project EAT 2010–2018 (Eating and Activity over Time) study, following a longitudinal cohort of young people (N = 2,793). Parental weight concerns for their adolescent and themselves were reported by mothers (N = 2,298) and fathers (N = 1,409) at baseline and examined as a predictor of family weight teasing in adolescence as well as a moderator of family weight teasing effects on health eight years later. ResultsMothers' and fathers' concerns about their child's weight, as well as mothers' dieting frequency, increased the likelihood of adolescents experiencing family weight teasing. Longitudinal analyses revealed that adolescents teased about their weight by family had higher levels of stress (β = .21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .09–.33) and substance use (β = .16, 95% CI = .04–.28), and lower self-esteem (β = −.16, 95% CI = −.28 to −.05) in young adulthood. ConclusionsFindings highlight parent weight concern, particularly concern for their child's weight, as a risk factor for family weight teasing. These findings underscore the importance of encouraging parental attention to health, rather than weight, in family-based treatment and public health initiatives.

Investigating a Potential Map of PM2.5 Air Pollution and Risk for Tourist Attractions in Hsinchu County, Taiwan.

In the past few years, human health risks caused by fine particulate matters (PM2.5) and other air pollutants have gradually received attention. According to the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act of Taiwan’s Government enforced in 2017, “suspended particulate matter” has officially been acknowledged as a disaster-causing hazard. The long-term exposure to high concentrations of air pollutants negatively affects the health of citizens. Therefore, the precise determination of the spatial long-term distribution of hazardous high-level air pollutants can help protect the health and safety of residents. The analysis of spatial information of disaster potentials is an important measure for assessing the risks of possible hazards. However, the spatial disaster-potential characteristics of air pollution have not been comprehensively studied. In addition, the development of air pollution potential maps of various regions would provide valuable information. In this study, Hsinchu County was chosen as an example. In the spatial data analysis, historical PM2.5 concentration data from the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TWEPA) were used to analyze and estimate spatially the air pollution risk potential of PM2.5 in Hsinchu based on a geographic information system (GIS)-based radial basis function (RBF) spatial interpolation method. The probability that PM2.5 concentrations exceed a standard value was analyzed with the exceedance probability method; in addition, the air pollution risk levels of tourist attractions in Hsinchu County were determined. The results show that the air pollution risk levels of the different seasons are quite different. The most severe air pollution levels usually occur in spring and winter, whereas summer exhibits the best air quality. Xinfeng and Hukou Townships have the highest potential for air pollution episodes in Hsinchu County (approximately 18%). Hukou Old Street, which is one of the most important tourist attractions, has a relatively high air pollution risk. The analysis results of this study can be directly applied to other countries worldwide to provide references for tourists, tourism resource management, and air quality management; in addition, the results provide important information on the long-term health risks for local residents in the study area.

Integrated multi-omics reveal epigenomic disturbance of assisted reproductive technologies in human offspring.

BackgroundThe births of more than 8 million infants have been enabled globally through assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with either fresh embryo transfer (ET) or frozen embryo transfer (FET). However, the safety issue regarding ARTs has drawn growing attention with accumulating observations of rising health risks, and underlying epigenetic mechanisms are largely uncharacterized.MethodsIn order to clarify epigenetic risks attributable to ARTs, we profiled DNA methylome on 137 umbilical cord blood (UCB) and 158 parental peripheral blood (PPB) samples, histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K4me1, H3K27me3 and H3K27ac) on 33 UCB samples and transcriptome on 32 UCB samples by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), respectively.FindingsWe revealed that H3K4me3 was the most profoundly impacted by ICSI and freeze-thawing operation compared with the other three types of histone modifications. IVF-ET seemed to introduce less disturbance into infant epigenomes than IVF-FET or ICSI-ET did. ARTs also decreased the similarity of DNA methylome within twin pairs, and we confirmed that ART per se would introduce conservative changes locally through removal of parental effect. Importantly, those unique and common alterations induced by different ART procedures were highly enriched in the processes related to nervous system, cardiovascular system and glycolipid metabolism etc., which was in accordance with those findings in previous epidemiology studies and suggested some unexplored health issues, including in the immune system and skeletal system.InterpretationDifferent ART procedures can induce local and functional epigenetic abnormalities, especially for DNA methylation and H3K4me3, providing an epigenetic basis for the potential long-term health risks in ART-conceived offspring.Funding sourcesThis study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81,730,038; 81,521,002), National Key Research and Development Program (2018YFC1004000; 2017YFA0103801; 2017YFA0105001) and Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA16020703). Yang Wang was supported by Postdoctoral Fellowship of Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science.

Titanium nanoparticles in sedimented dust aggregates from urban children’s parks around coal ashes wastes

Recently, an increased interest in nanoscience applications can be observed in various fields. Soils around coal power plants may contain potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) and nanoparticles (NPs), which can be neo-produced pollutants or can be a product of industrial coal utilization. While titanium (Ti)-NPs contact is a worldwide concern, transference of Ti-NPs to infants as well as their human health impact is still imprecise. In general, the toxicity and the human health risk assessment associated with the presence of some Ti-NPs, needs to be determined with a robust and fast analytical methodology. The mode of occurrences of Ti-NPs in children’s playgrounds were evaluated by advanced electron microscopy techniques (field emission scanning electron microscope-FE-SEM and high resolution transmission electron microscope-HR-TEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system (EDS); Raman Spectroscopy (RS); and X-Ray Diffractions (XRD). The reported data showed that when the size of the NPs reduced, the ability of sedimented dust aggregates to transport PHEs increased. Carbonaceous matter and amorphous silica were the main factors that influenced the distribution of PHEs among the studied Ti-NPs aggregates. Together, the data indicate that the proportions of PHEs in sedimented urban dust in the urban area around coal power plants are mainly due to emissions related to vehicle traffic and the coal industry, representing immediate environmental risks and long-term health risks. Therefore, actions are required to monitor and mitigate the impact of Ti-NPs aggregates in the urban area and nearby ecosystems. Such pollutants are necessary to be observed as children represent a susceptible cluster likened to adults. The currently estimated risk can be influenced by factors such as absorption, form of Ti-NPs, particle fraction, particle size, and physico-geochemical properties in relation to toxicity, among others. Analysis of actual particle concentrations in human organs, as well as organ concentrations and effects in liver and the reproductive system after chronic exposure to well-characterized Ti-NPs in animals are recommended to refine this assessment.

The Promise and Peril of Vaping.

The increasing popularity and prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use in the USA necessitates careful evaluation of their proposed benefits and potential public health harms. This report provides a detailed review of current scientific evidence on potential benefits and health risks associated with e-cigarette use. E-cigarettes were introduced as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarette smoking. However, evidence on their use as effective and safe smoking cessation aids remains inconclusive. Their rapid uptake among tobacco-naive individuals can lead to nicotine addiction and subsequent cigarette smoking. Although e-cigarettes appear to be relatively safer than combustible cigarettes, they expose users to known harmful constituents whose long-term health risks remain unknown. While e-cigarettes have the potential to aid in cessation of cigarette smoking when used as part of a structured cessation program, use among tobacco-naive youth and long-term dual use with combustible cigarettes should be strongly discouraged due to excess risk with dual use.

Perspective of Caesarean section delivery and its health risks on children among Indonesian pediatricians

An increasing trend of C-section delivery In Indonesia was found from 2% in 1986 to 16% in 2012. This delivery method was introduced to save women and their newborn baby’s life. On the other side, it can increase short and long-term health risks for children. This study aims to assess and give an overview of the perspective on pediatrician as medical specialist in managing children of the C-section delivery history. A survey was conducted on 89 Indonesian Pediatricians using an online questionnaire. It was found that most pediatrician chose combination partial hydrolyze milk combined with synbiotic (a combination of prebiotic and probiotic) combination as nutrition intervention to decrease the allergy risk on children with C-section delivery mode, and there is a need to emphasize information about short and long-term health effects of C-section, especially in causing gut dysbiosis and its mechanism, information on non-medical causes of gut dysbiosis to increase awareness of recommending right symbiotic to decrease allergy risk in children with C-section history.

Urgent Need for Studies of the Late Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the Cardiovascular System.

Urgent Need for Studies of the Late Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the Cardiovascular System.

The HARMONIC project: study design for the assessment of radiation doses and associated cancer risks following cardiac fluoroscopy in childhood

The HARMONIC project (Health Effects of Cardiac Fluoroscopy and Modern Radiotherapy in Paediatrics) is a European study aiming to improve our understanding of the long-term health risks from radiation exposures in childhood and early adulthood. Here, we present the study design for the cardiac fluoroscopy component of HARMONIC. A pooled cohort of approximately 100 000 patients who underwent cardiac fluoroscopy procedures in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain or the UK, while aged under 22 years, will be established from hospital records and/or insurance claims data. Doses to individual organs will be estimated from dose indicators recorded at the time of examination, using a lookup-table-based dosimetry system produced using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations and anatomically realistic computational phantom models. Information on beam geometry and x-ray energy spectra will be obtained from a representative sample of radiation dose structured reports. Uncertainties in dose estimates will be modelled using 2D Monte Carlo methods. The cohort will be followed up using national registries and insurance records to determine vital status and cancer incidence. Information on organ transplantation (a major risk factor for cancer development in this patient group) and/or other conditions predisposing to cancer will be obtained from national or local registries and health insurance data, depending on country. The relationship between estimated radiation dose and cancer risk will be investigated using regression modelling. Results will improve information for patients and parents and aid clinicians in managing and implementing changes to reduce radiation risks without compromising medical benefits.

Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles to Teenagers with Mobile Devices: A Case Study in Portugal.

Educating teenagers about nutrition and promoting active lifestyles is essential in reducing the long-term health risks and one idea to achieve this is by using mobile applications. Previous studies showed that the existing mobile applications have similar functionalities, such as intervention with questionnaires, and the use of gamification techniques to improve interactiveness. However, unlike our study, some studies are not validated and verified by healthcare professionals. Additionally, this study intends to promote the interaction between the teenagers and the medical communities. In this study, we analyze the benefits of the proposed mobile application, which features monitoring of physical activity, daily tips and curiosities, questionnaires, and gamification through earning points. Most of the teenagers were satisfied with the physical activity monitoring and found the tips, curiosities, and weekly questionnaires useful. The study started with 26 teenagers from two schools in the center of Portugal that would use the mobile application for five weeks. Still, at the end of the study, only 7 teenagers finalized the study. The decreasing number of teenagers in the study was affected by the lack of social interaction caused by the pandemic situation. During the period, the mobile application would engage the users with notifications on nutrition and physical activity, challenges concerning the number of steps and calories they would have to spend, and questionnaires related to the curiosities and suggestions from the previous week. We used Fisher’s test to investigate the relationship between the assessment obtained in the responses to the questionnaires, and the adoption of healthier eating and sports practices. In summary, participants were satisfied with the mobile application and experienced some improvements in diet and habits.

Workplace violence and all-cause mortality

Abstract Background Research suggests that workplace violence (WPV) increases the risk of psychological and physical health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes). Research further suggests that WPV may affect long-term health; however, there are few studies and it is unclear whether WPV is associated with mortality. This study extends the literature by examining the association between WPV and all-cause mortality and whether workplace support moderates the association. Methods Cox models were estimated using data from the Swedish Work Environment Survey and Swedish registers (≈ N = 82,400). WPV was measured in terms of the frequency of exposure during the previous twelve months. Workplace social support was measured in terms of perceptions of social support from co-workers and/or superiors when work becomes troublesome. All-cause mortality includes death for any reason by the year of 2017. Results Adjusting for demographic and health factors (e.g., sex, education, chronic pain) and workplace support, exposure to WPV more than once per week increased significantly the risk of all-cause mortality. There did not appear to be an increased risk for those exposed less than once per week. While workplace support moderated the association between WPV and all-cause mortality, this was only the case for females who perceived support from superiors. Discussion Increased attention to workplace violence and threats of violence is warranted given the prevalence of these negative social behaviors in the workplace and associated long-term health risks. Our results suggest that workplace social support may buffer the negative health effects of WPV, at least for females. This suggests that policies aimed at reducing exposure to WPV, which simultaneously encourage workplace support, are worth exploring. Key messages Frequent exposure to workplace violence increases the risk of all-cause mortality. Support from superiors may buffer against some of the risk of all-cause mortality among females exposed to violence in the workplace.

Comprehensive analysis of the air quality impacts of switching a marine vessel from diesel fuel to natural gas

New environmental regulations are mandating cleaner fuels and lower emissions from all maritime operations. Natural gas (NG) is a fuel that enables mariners to meet regulations; however, emissions data from maritime operations with natural gas is limited. We measured emissions of criteria, toxic and greenhouse pollutants from a dual-fuel marine engine running either on diesel fuel or NG as well as engine activity and analyzed the impacts on pollutants, health, and climate change. Results showed that particulate matter (PM), black carbon (BC), nitric oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2) were reduced by about 93%, 97%, 92%, and 18%, respectively when switching from diesel to NG. Reductions of this magnitude provide a valuable tool for the many port communities struggling with meeting air quality standards. While these pollutants were reduced, formaldehyde (HCHO), carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) increased several-fold. A health risk assessment of exhaust plume focused on when the vessel was stationary, and at-berth showed the diesel plume increased long-term health risk and the NG plume increased short-term health risk. An analysis of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and BC was performed and revealed that, on a hundred year basis, the whole fuel cycle global warming potential (GWP) per kWh including well-to-tank and exhaust was 50% to few times higher than that of diesel at lower engine loads, but that it was similar at 75% load and lower at higher loads. Mitigation strategies for further reducing pollutants from NG exhaust are discussed and showed potential for reducing short-term health risks and climate impacts.

Vitamin D3 and K2 and their potential contribution to reducing the COVID-19 mortality rate

The world is desperately seeking for a sustainable solution to combat the coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Recent research indicated that optimizing Vitamin D blood levels could offer a solution approach that promises a heavily reduced fatality rate as well as solving the public health problem of counteracting the general vitamin D deficiency. This paper dived into the immunoregulatory effects of supplementing Vitamin D3 by elaborating a causal loop diagram. Together with D3, vitamin K2 and magnesium should be supplemented to prevent long-term health risks. Follow up clinical randomized trials are required to verify the current circumstantial evidence.

Determining the long-term health burden and risk of sequelae for 14 foodborne infections in British Columbia, Canada: protocol for a retrospective population-based cohort study

IntroductionOver one in eight Canadians is affected by a foodborne infection annually; however, the long-term consequences, including the risks and costs of sequelae, are unclear. We aim to estimate the...

Distinct Metabolomic Profile Because of Gestational Diabetes and its Treatment Mode in Women with Overweight and Obesity.

Whether the presence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and its treatment mode influence the serum metabolic profile in women with overweight or obesity was studied. The serum metabolic profiles of 352 women with overweight or obesity participating in a mother-infant clinical study were analyzed with a targeted NMR approach (at 35.1 median gestational weeks). GDM was diagnosed with a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. The metabolomic profile of the women with GDM (n = 100) deviated from that of women without GDM (n = 252). Differences were seen in 70 lipid variables, particularly higher concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein particles and serum triglycerides were related to GDM. Furthermore, levels of branched-chain amino acids and glycoprotein acetylation, a marker of low-grade inflammation, were higher in women with GDM. Compared with women with GDM treated with diet only, the women treated with medication (n = 19) had higher concentrations of severalizes of VLDL particles and their components, leucine, and isoleucine, as well as glycoprotein acetylation. A clearly distinct metabolic profile was detected in GDM, which deviated even more if the patient was receiving medical treatment. This suggests a need for more intense follow-up and therapy for women with GDM during pregnancy and postpartum to reduce their long-term adverse health risks.

Declining health risk exposure among Chicago public high school students: Trends from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 1997-2017.

There have been improvements nationally in teenagers' self-reported health risk since the 1990s. This study provides an overview of trends in substance use, sexual health, violence and victimization, and suicide risk among Chicago Public High School (CPS) students over a 20-year period. We compared responses to 29 identically worded items from the 1997, 2007, and 2017 Chicago Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) in the four domains. We show changes in responses across individual items, mean changes across the four domains, and change in the proportion of students with highest risk exposure (≥10 affirmative responses). Analyses control for CPS students' grade, sex, and race/ethnicity. Reductions in substance use, sexual health risk, and violence and victimization (30, 40% and 40% in the mean number of affirmative responses, respectively) were observed. Suicide risk showed an initial improvement from 1997 to 2007, only to worsen by 2017 and show little difference from 1997. There was an approximate 70% decrease in the likelihood of being in the high multiple risk category (≥10 affirmative responses) in 2017 compared to 1997 (OR 0.33; CI 0.22-0.49). In alignment with national trends, our study documents significant improvement in Chicago public high school students' long-term health risk exposure over the 20-year study period, with the notable exception of suicide risk. This study emphasizes the need to invest in strategies both inside and outside of the classroom to mitigate the effect of adversity and promote protective factors, which are at the root of academic success and overall wellbeing.

An effective approach for size characterization and mass quantification of silica nanoparticles in coffee creamer by AF4-ICP-MS.

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) has been used as a food additive (E551) for decades. However, some safety concerns have been raised recently due to the detection of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) in a variety of foodstuffs and their unknown long-term health risk to humans. In order for risk assessment to be conducted, it is essential to establish a reliable, valid, and pragmatic method for analysis of SiO2 NPs in foods for estimation of exposure. This paper presents an effective approach for both size characterization and mass quantification of SiO2 NPs in commercial high-fat coffee creamer using asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). SiO2 NPs from coffee creamer were well extracted after cleanup with hexane in a two-phase (hexane vs. water) aqueous environment. Size determination of SiO2 NPs was performed by on-line AF4-ICP-MS based on calibration with monodispersed standards. The dominant primary size of SiO2 NPs in the studied sample was 36.5nm. The mass percentages of SiO2 NPs (vs. total SiO2) were 18.6% for the dominant primary nano-silica particles by prechannel calibration and 35.7% for total SiO2 NPs (≤ 100nm) by postchannel calibration, with recoveries of 89-96% for the former and 75% for the latter. The established approach was demonstrated to be efficient and practical for routine analysis of polydispersed SiO2 NPs with wide nano-size distribution in coffee creamer. This method may be extended to monitor the presence of SiO2 NPs in other similar complex food matrices. Graphical abstract.