Low Exposure Group Research Articles

Involvement of MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway in manganese-induced cell injury in dopaminergic MN9D cells

BackgroundOver-exposure to manganese (Mn) causes irreversible movement disorders with signs and symptoms similar, but not identical, to idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Recent data suggest that Mn toxicity occurs in dopaminergic (DA) neurons, although the mechanism remains elusive. This study was designed to investigate whether Mn interfered the apoptotic signaling transduction cascade in DA neurons. MethodsMouse midbrain dopaminergic MN9D cells were exposed to Mn in a concentration range of 0, 400, 800, or 1200 μM as designated as control, low, medium, and high exposure groups, respectively. The flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the apoptosis. ResultsData indicated that Mn exposure caused morphological alterations typical of apoptosis, increased apoptotic cells by 2–8 fold, and produced reactive oxidative species (ROS) by 1.5–2.2 fold as compared to controls (p < 0.05). Studies by qPCR and Western blot revealed that Mn exposure significantly increased the protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-5 (ERK5) and mitogen-activated ERK kinase-5 (MEK5) (p < 0.05). The presence of BIX02189, a specific inhibitor of MER/ERK, caused a much greater cytotoxicity, i.e., higher cell death, more ROS production, and worsened apoptosis, than did the treatment with Mn alone. Following Mn exposure, the expression of a downstream effector Bcl- 2 was reduced by 48 % while those of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased by 266.7 % and 90.1 %, respectively, as compared to controls (p < 0.05). ConclusionTaken together, these data provide the initial evidence that the signaling transduction cascade mediated by MEK5/ERK5 is responsible to Mn-induced cytotoxicity; Mn exposure, by suppressing anti-apoptotic function while facilitating pro-apoptotic activities, alters neuronal cell’s survival and functionally inhibits DA production by MN9D cells.

‘Web of Violence’, Depression, and Impairment in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents

Youth exposure to ‘web of violence’ is associated with impairments in mental and physical health. The current study aimed to identify subgroups of violent events, such as maltreatment, bullying perpetration and peer victimization and explore how these relate to depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and impairment among a sample of clinically-referred youth. A sample of 151 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years was evaluated at a mood disorders program in an outpatient hospital-based clinic. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups based on ‘web of violence’ experiences. Group differences were then analyzed by demographics and clinical variables. Overall, rates of exposure to maltreatment, peer victimization and bullying perpetration were high. Cluster analysis identified two subgroups of adolescents which can be characterized as low versus high exposure groups. The high exposure group reported more severe depressive symptoms, greater hopelessness, and more impairment than the low exposure group. Among this clinical sample, distinct subgroups of youth were identified that differed based exposure to maltreatment and peer fighting and victimization. Adolescents in the high exposure group showed significantly worse clinical outcomes compared to the low exposure group. These findings further highlight the importance of a comprehensive assessment for involvement in violence when evaluating adolescents with depression.

Relationship between gestational acrylamide exposure and offspring's growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

To estimate the current evidence regarding the association between gestational acrylamide (AA) exposure and offspring's growth. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search for relevant publications was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases from inception to 26 April 2019. The standardised mean difference (SMD) or OR with 95 % CI was selected as the effect sizes and was calculated using a random effects model. Five cohort studies including 54728 participants were identified. Offspring's birth weight was significantly lower in high AA exposure group than in low AA exposure group (SMD -0·05, 95 % CI -0·09, -0·02, P = 0·005). There was also an association between maternal AA exposure and small for gestational age (OR 1·14, 95 % CI 1·06, 1·23, P < 0·001). In addition, pooled ORs suggested that children had a high risk of developing overweight/obesity in the future in maternal high AA exposure group (OR 1·14, 95 % CI 1·08, 1·21, P < 0·001 at age 3; OR 1·13, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·19, P < 0·001 at age 5; OR 1·09, 95 % CI 1·02, 1·16, P = 0·020 at age 8). These findings have important implications for conducting health education, providing guidance on maternal diet and developing an appropriate dietary strategy for pregnant women to reduce dietary AA exposure.

Respiratory Health in a Community Living in Close Proximity to Gold Mine Waste Dumps, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The effects on respiratory health in populations living close to silica-rich gold mine dumps are unknown. This pilot study related respiratory health and exposure to mine dump dust using two measures of exposure: exposure group, based on distance lived from the mine dump—high (n = 93) (home <500 m from a mine dump), moderate (n = 133) (500–1.5 km), and low (n = 84) (>15 km, control group); and cumulative exposure index (CEI) derived from exposure group and number of years of residence in each exposure group. Participants were interviewed about respiratory symptoms and had chest X-rays and spirometry. We adjusted for key respiratory confounders. No subject had radiological features of silicosis. The high relative to low exposure group had significantly elevated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for upper respiratory symptoms (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.28–5.97), chest wheezing (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.60–8.96), and spirometry-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 8.17; 95%CI: 1.01–65.85). These findings were similar for the high relative to medium exposure group, but no significant associations were found for the medium versus low exposure group. Chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis risks did not differ significantly among groups. CEI and exposure group produced similar results. In conclusion, residents residing <500 m from mine dumps had elevated adverse respiratory health effects.

Effect of Sulfur Dioxide Inhalation on Lung Microbiota in Rat Model

Purpose: To investigate the effect of sulfur dioxide on the lung microbiota of healthy rats. Methods Fifteen male rats were randomly divided into high dose and low dose exposure group and control group. After 7 days of SO2 exposure, the lung tissues were obtained and the lung microbiota was identified by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Results The microbial community of lung microbiota was significantly alternated in the exposure group and the dominant phylum changed from Firmicutes to Proteobacteria. In addition, the SO2 exposure caused the bronchial wall thickening and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs of rats in exposure groups. Conclusions The results suggest that SO2 can significantly alter the lung microbiota and pathological structure of the lungs.

Levels and congener profiles of halogenated persistent organic pollutants in human serum and semen at an e-waste area in South China

Typical halogenated persistent organic pollutants (Hal-POPs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), are a group of ubiquitous organic pollutants with an endocrine disrupting effect. This study evaluated the accumulation and congener profiles of Hal-POPs in the bodies of men who live/work in areas of South China where electronic wastes are collected and managed, especially in their semen samples. The results show that the detection frequency and serum concentrations of Hal-POP congeners within the high-exposure group (HEG) were higher than those of the low-exposure group (LEG). Furthermore, an identical trend was observed for the seminal plasma concentrations of Hal-POPs. The distribution characteristics, such as their mean, median, and discrete values, of PBDE congeners in serum and semen samples from the same subjects were consistent with each other. However, the distribution characteristics of PCB congeners in serum samples were different from those in semen samples. BDE153 was one of the most abundant congeners found in the serum and semen samples; hence, it can be identified as an indicator PBDE congener. Further research is needed to explore the mechanism of Hal-POPs distribution in human semen and serum samples.

Relationship between Sleep Duration, Sun Exposure, and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status: A Cross-sectional Study

Normal-range sleep duration is an important factor for general health and metabolism, and insufficient or excessive sleep is associated with chronic metabolic disease. Among the many factors that affect sleep duration, sun exposure plays an important role in maintaining regular circadian rhythm and is also involved in the production and activation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which regulates various functions in the body. However, 25(OH)D is available through food and various nutritional supplements without sun exposure, so it is important to find out the complex relationship among sun exposure, vitamin D status, and sleep duration. The relationship between sun exposure, vitamin D status, and sleep duration was analyzed in the nationwide survey and examination of 25,534 study populations, after adjusting for demographic characteristics, physical characteristics, lifestyle status, and socio-demographic variables. Vitamin D status alone did not show the relationship with sleep duration, although there were statistical relationships in the various factors including sun exposure with sleep duration. There was a statistical difference in 25(OH)D according to sleep duration, only in low sun exposure group. Subjects with low sun exposure and excessive sleep duration comparatively lower 25(OH)D than those with normal-range sleep, even after adjustment for potentially confounding factors. Individuals with limited exposure to sunlight should maintain adequate vitamin D status to have an appropriate sleep duration for health.

Children's Exposure to Violence across Contexts in Relation to Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms.

Children in low-income, urban neighborhoods are at high risk of exposure to violence (ETV) across settings and subsequent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Little research has examined how multiple forms of ETV co-occur and relate to variations in children's posttraumatic responses. Furthermore, previous research primarily uses variable-centered methods, which can obscure person-level differences. The current study used person-centered methods to derive commonly occurring patterns of ETV by examining frequency of witnessing and victimization across family, school, and community contexts. The current study related profiles of ETV to demographic variables and PTSS, with the goal of obtaining nuanced representations of urban children's experiences of, risk factors for, and responses to violence. Patterns of ETV were examined in a sample of 239 African American 7th grade youth using latent profile analysis. Profiles were related to demographic variables and PTSS using logistic regression. Results showed three profiles: Low (N = 130, 54.4%), Moderate (N = 87; 36.4%), and High (N = 22; 9.2%) Exposure groups. The High Exposure group showed the highest levels of PTSS. The Moderate group showed the lowest levels of all PTSS, except dissociation. In contrast, the Low Exposure group showed significantly higher numbing and hypervigilance than the Moderate Exposure group. Results support a dose-response model of ETV and PTSS, but implicate situational factors (e.g., setting) as important in understanding posttraumatic responses. The systematic variation in ETV and subsequent differences in PTSS expression illustrate the need for individualized trauma-informed intervention and thorough screenings in low-income, urban neighborhoods.

Occupational exposure to manganese and risk of creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB elevation among ferromanganese refinery workers.

Elevated exposure to manganese (Mn) could induce cardiovascular dysfunction. However, limited research is available on the effects of occupational Mn exposure on myocardial enzymes. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between Mn exposure and myocardial enzyme elevation among Mn-exposed workers. Data were from a follow-up investigation of a Mn-exposed workers healthy cohort in 2017. A total of 744 workers were divided into low-exposure and high-exposure groups according to Mn time-weighted average (Mn-TWA) of less than or equal to 0.15 mg/m3 or greater than 0.15 mg/m3 , respectively. Serum levels of myocardial enzymes, including creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactic dehydrogenase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and aspartate transaminase, were assessed, as well as airborne Mn exposure levels. After adjustment for sex, body mass index, seniority, education, current smoking status, current drinking status, and hypertension, Mn-TWA levels were positively associated with the risk of CK elevation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.83) per interquartile range [IQR] increase), and risk of CK-MB elevation [OR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.03-2.38) per IQR increase]. In a stratified analysis, Mn-TWA levels were positively correlated with CK elevation in workers of seniority greater than 19 years, male workers, current smokers, and drinkers. Our results suggest that occupational exposure to Mn is associated with increased risk of CK and CK-MB elevation. The potential mechanisms of the associations between airborne exposure to Mn and increased risk of these myocardial enzyme elevations warrant further investigation.

Glucose Exposure in Peritoneal Dialysis Is a Significant Factor Predicting Peritonitis

Introduction: Loss of residual renal function (RRF) as well as high peritoneal glucose exposure are associated with increased peritonitis frequency in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Our objective was to investigate the contribution of RRF and peritoneal glucose exposure to peritonitis in PD patients. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, 105 incident end-stage renal disease patients that started PD between January 2006 and 2015 were studied. Follow-up was 5 years with censoring at death or switch to another treatment modality. Cox regression models were used to calculate the association between glucose exposure, RRF, and peritonitis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to examine the difference in occurrence of peritonitis between patients with high and low glucose exposure and between those with and without residual diuresis. Results: One hundred and five patients were followed for a mean of 23 months. Fifty-one patients developed a peritonitis. Cox regression models at 6 months showed that glucose exposure and not residual diuresis significantly predicted PD peritonitis. Kaplan-Meier analysis after 6 months of follow-up showed that time to first PD peritonitis was significantly longer in the low glucose exposure group. Similarly, patients with RRF had a significantly longer interval to first peritonitis compared to patients without RRF. Conclusion: A higher exposure to glucose rather than loss of RRF is associated with an increased risk of peritonitis. This confirms the detrimental effects of glycemic harm to the peritoneal host defense on invading microorganisms and argues for the use of the lowest PD glucose concentrations possible.

Effects of heavy metals on the bioaccumulation, excretion and gut microbiome of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens).

The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have become a promising candidate for waste disposal and are an ideal feed source for animal nutrition. The uptake of heavy metals could influence the growth of BSFL, but the effects of heavy metal pressures on the gut microbiota of BSFL are largely uncharacterized. Here, we examine the influences of Cu and Cd on the growth and gut microbiota of BSFL as well as the distribution of accumulated heavy metals in the larvae and their feces. Exposure to Cu (from 100 to 800mg/kg) and Cd (from 10 to 80mg/kg) did not significantly inhibit the weight gain of BSFL. With elevated exposure doses, the contents of both Cu and Cd accumulated in the bodies and feces of BSFL were remarkably increased. In the BSFL feces, Cu mainly existed as residues, while Cd mainly existed as either water-soluble states (in the low-exposure groups) or residues (in the high-exposure groups). Cd was more readily enriched (47.1%-91.3%) than Cu (<30%) in vivo. More importantly, exposure to Cu and Cd remarkably altered the gut microbiota of BSFL, particularly in the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. High exposure to the metals (i.e., Cu-800 and Cd-80 groups) substantially decreased the abundances of most of the dominant families, but significantly stimulated the enrichment of Brucellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Alcaligenaceae, Campylobacteraceae, and Enterococcaceae. Moreover, the bacterial diversity in the BSFL gut was significantly reduced following high exposure to the metals. These results may fill a gap in our knowledge of the effects of heavy metals on the intestinal microbiome of BSFL.

Neurobehavioral performance of PAH exposure in male coal miners in Shanxi, China: a cross-sectional study.

Coal miners are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of neurotoxicants formed and released during incomplete combustion of coal. High levels of anxiety and depression have been reported in coal miners, but little is known about neurobehavioral functions in populations that are occupationally exposed to PAHs. We tested neurobehavioral performance in coal miners and correlated it with levels of urinary markers of PAH exposure. Levels of urinary PAH metabolites were measured in 652 male coal miners as an indicator of exposure. Subjects were divided into a high-exposure group and a low-exposure group based on the median level of total PAH metabolites. A neurobehavioral core test battery and a questionnaire were used to assess neurobehavioral performance and collect demographic information, respectively. The median level of total PAH metabolites in urine was 4.88μmol/mol creatinine. Highly exposed workers exhibited more fatigue-inertia than less-exposed workers (p < 0.05), and had lower scores in forward digit span, digit symbol, and Benton visual retention tests (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression indicated that age, education, and shift work were significantly correlated with test scores. PAH exposure may be associated with neurobehavioral alterations, which should be monitored in coal miners to prevent neurobehavioral disorders.

Bullying at work and work-related stress in healthcare workers: a cross sectional study.

Bullying is a serious and growing problem affecting a significant proportion of healthcare professionals, a professional category exposed to work-related stress. Workplace bullying has been defined as a set of negative behaviours consisting in harassment, offense or negative influence on work that are directed to the members of the organization and that occur regularly and repeatedly over a period, becoming part of the context of work. We performed a cross-sectional study using the HSE questionnaire and defining the sample size considering the number of healthcare workers of a big hospital and then calculating it with EpiInfo™ software. 191 people have been enrolled. The study was divided into three steps. The first one to identify, among the workers, those who were exposed to bullying at work and those who were not. The second one has been aimed at assessing the presence of work-related stress through the administration of the HSE questionnaire. The third step has been aimed at performing the statistical analysis of the data. For each single domain explored by the questionnaire the score obtained was treated as a linear variable and the median and interquartile range (IQR) was calculated. After, a non-parametric analysis (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) was performed in order to define the statistical significance of the observed differences. All the 191 questionnaires were self-administered by the Health Care Workers under study and correctly filled in without any multiple or missing responses. Considering the scores obtained to question n. 21, that investigates "bullying at work", we obtained two groups: High-Exposure Group (total, males and females), and Low-Exposure Group (total, males and females). In the High-Exposure Group, two critical domains were found: Demands and Control (total, male and female samples). The differences with the Low-Exposure Group were statistically significant. In the Low-Exposure Group the critical domain was Manager Support (total and female samples). The differences with the High Exposure Group were not statistically significant. This study aimed to show how the exposure to bullying can influence the perception of psychosocial risks. It seems that the workers most exposed to bullying also have worse scores on the HSE questionnaire, particularly for two domains: Demands and Control. That is consistent with the most recent scientific literature.

Effects of chronic exposure to selenomethionine on social learning outcomes in zebrafish (Danio rerio): serotonergic dysregulation and oxidative stress in the brain

For many species, social learning is crucial for fitness-related activities, but human-induced environmental changes can impair such learning processes. For instance, mining can release the element, selenium (Se), that is vital for physiological functions but also has toxicological properties at elevated concentrations. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to Se on social learning outcomes and potential underlying molecular mechanisms in adult zebrafish. After exposure to different levels of dietary selenomethionine (control, 3.6, 12.8, 34.1 μg Se/g dry weight) for 90 days, we examined the ability of observer fish to follow demonstrators (experienced individuals) in escaping an oncoming trawl. Social learning outcomes were then assessed in the absence of demonstrators. Our results indicated that fish in the highest exposure group (34.1 μg/g) displayed significantly slower escape responses compared to fish in the control and lower exposure groups (3.6 and 12.8 μg Se/g). This impaired behavior was associated with higher oxidative stress and dysregulation in genes that are key in the serotonergic pathway, indicating that oxidative stress and alteration in the serotonergic system lead to impairment of social learning.

Associations between manganese exposure and multiple immunological parameters in manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort

BackgroundManganese (Mn) ions play a crucial role in the immune response. The immunotoxicity of Mn is rarely reported compared with the neurotoxicity of Mn. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between chronic Mn exposure and immunological parameters in occupational Mn-exposed workers. MethodsA total of 538 workers were selected from the follow-up of manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort (MEWHC) in 2017. We divided the workers into the low-exposure group and the high-exposure group by the cutoff of the manganese-time weighted average (Mn-TWA) setting at 0.15 mg/m3. We examined serum immunological parameters by the immunoturbidimetric method and leukocyte counts and ratios in blood routine. Then we used the generalized linear model analyses and spline analyses to explore the associations between external exposure of Mn and multiple immunological parameters adjusted for variables. Based on the epidemiological analyses, we used Elisa (enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay) to detect plasma complement C3 of Mn-exposed rats. ResultsIn male workers, the mean value of complement C3 was 1.20 ± 0.16 g/L in the high-exposure group, which was significantly lower as compared to the low-exposure group (1.25 ± 0.18 g/L, P = 0.023). The generalize linear models’ analyses showed that complement C3 value had a significantly negative association with external exposure of Mn included adjustment for variables (β = -0.04, P = 0.035). Moreover, in male rats, the high-exposure group also had a lower level of complement C3 compared with the low-exposure group (P < 0.001). None significant association was observed in immunological parameters among female workers and rats (all P > 0.05). ConclusionsMn exposure from inhalable dust was associated with decreased complement C3 among occupationally Mn-exposed male individuals but not in female workers, which was further confirmed by the rat model. Further research into the possible mechanism of C3 reduction is needed in the future.

The ACROSS study: Long-term efficacy of fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundIn chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis requiring lifelong treatment, studies on long-term outcomes are important.ObjectiveTo assess disability and magnetic resonance imaging-related outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients from a Phase 2 study of fingolimod 10 or more years after randomization and to compare outcomes in patients who had a higher fingolimod exposure versus those with a lower fingolimod exposure.MethodsACROSS was a cross-sectional follow-up study of patients originally enrolled in a Phase 2 fingolimod proof-of-concept study (NCT00333138). Disability and magnetic resonance imaging-related outcomes were assessed in patients grouped according to fingolimod treatment duration, based on an arbitrary cut-off: ≥8 years (high exposure) and <8 years (low exposure).ResultsOverall, 175/281 (62%) patients participated in ACROSS; 104 (59%) of these were classified “high exposure.” At 10 years, patients in the high-exposure group had smaller increases in Expanded Disability Status Scale (+0.55 vs. +1.21), and lower frequencies of disability progression (34.7% vs. 56.1%), wheelchair use (4.8% vs. 16.9%), or transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (9.6% vs. 22.5%) than those in the low-exposure group. The high-exposure patients also had less progression in most magnetic resonance imaging-related outcomes.ConclusionAfter 10 years of fingolimod treatment, disability progression was lower in the high-exposure group than in the low-exposure group.

Associations between parenting styles and excessive screen usage in preschool children.

Young children and preschoolers are now growing up in settings filled with a variety of technological devices. Despite the recommendation that parents should limit screen time, many preschoolers are exposed to screens at very early ages and for a long time. This study aimed to investigate the associations between parenting styles and the excessive screen time of preschool-aged children. This cross-sectional descriptive study included preschool children with low screen exposure (<1 hour; n=176) and excessive screen exposure (>4 hours; n=74). A self-completion-structured survey form and Parent Attitude Scale were filled by the mothers. More than half (52.0%) of them were male children. Increased number of children, increased household sizes, mothers being unemployed, birth order ≥2, and home-based care were found to be statistically significantly higher in the excessive screen exposure group than in the low screen exposure group. Mothers and fathers in the excessive screen exposure group had lower educational levels compared with their counterparts in the low screen exposure group (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that mothers' high authoritative (democratic) scores were associated with low screen exposure(adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1-0.9). High overprotective and permissive parenting subscale scores were related to excessive screen exposure after adjusting potential confounders (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-6.7; AOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.8-11.6). Excessive screening time may indicate a problematic parent-child relationship. Establishing a positive parent-child relationship can be an effective way of managing screen time in preschool children.

Latentna tuberkulozna infekcija u zdravstvenih radnika povezana je s alergijama i senzibilizacijom na uobičajene inhalacijske alergene

Health care workers (HCW) are at increased risk of a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) due to occupational exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In order to investigate the mutual influence of a TH1 type immune response caused by LTBI and T helper 2 (TH2) type immune response caused by allergy, we conducted a study examining the prevalence of common inhaled allergen sensitization in the HCW population with different levels of exposure to tuberculosis (high and low). HCW with possible exposure to tuberculosis (TB) were tested with QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) and tuberculin skin test (TST), while skin prick test (SPT) was performed for inhaled allergens. The antigen (Ag) response at QFT-G was inversely correlated with participants` allergy anamnesis (p= 0.039). Sensitization to inhaled allergens (positive SPT and number of positive allergens at SPT) was more prominent in the low exposure group (p= 0.006 and p= 0.0065, respectively). Ag response at QFT-G test was significantly higher in participants with no medical history of allergy (p= 0.048). Our results demonstrate that exposure to TB and LTBI are associated with inhaled allergen sensitization in HCW, possibly inhibiting allergic sensitization by mediating the T-helper type 1 (Th1) immune response.

Effect of Particulate Matter 2.5 on Airway Inflammation and Mucus Hyper secretion of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

To study the effect of Particulate Matter 2.5 on airway inflammation and mucus hyper secretion in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Particulate Matter 2.5 was collected by particulate samplers and prepared into 30, 300, 3000 μg/ml Particulate Matter 2.5 solution. Normal human lung epithelial cells were treated with Phosphate-buffered saline solution for 12h, 48h and 96h. The cells viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to measure the Micro Ribonucleic acid contents of Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor-beta in BEAS2B cells after Particulate Matter 2.5 treatment. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients (N=200) from the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University from January 2019 to December 2019 were enrolled and randomly grouped into low exposure group and high exposure group. Before treatment and 6 mo after treatment, forced expiratory volume at 1s/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume 1 % prediction were detected. Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire scale was conduct to assess the mucus hyper secretion of patients. Particulate Matter 2.5 could significantly inhibit the activity of bronchial epithelial cells Normal human lung epithelial cells cells in a time-dependent and concentrationdependent manner (p<0.05). Moreover, Particulate Matter 2.5 could significantly increase the expression of Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor-beta in bronchial epithelial cells Normal human lung epithelial cells cells (p<0.05), and the higher the concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 and the longer the action time, the more significant the proinflammatory effect was. The forced expiratory volume 1/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume 1 % prediction of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients with high Particulate Matter 2.5 exposure were significantly lower than that of patients with low Particulate Matter 2.5 exposure (p<0.05), and the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire scores were significantly increased (p<0.05). High and long-term exposure to Particulate Matter 2.5 can reduce the activity of pulmonary epithelial cells in a time and concentration dependent manner, and significantly increase the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor-beta. The proinflammatory effects showed a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. High exposure to Particulate Matter 2.5 can damage the lung function of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients and increase the secretion of airway mucus.

The Enrichment and Distribution of Trifloxystrobin in Medaka Fish

In order to evaluate the safety of trifloxystrobin in environment and non-target organisms, the enrichment and distribution of trifloxystrobin in Medaka (Oryzias latipes) were studied in this experiment. Medaka were exposed in the water containing 0.1 μg/L, 1 μg/L, 10 μg/L and 100 μg/L trifloxystrobin continuously for 21 days. The results indicated that in female, the concentration order was as follows: fat &gt; liver &gt; intestine &gt; gonad &gt; flesh; in male, the concentration order was as follows: fat &gt; intestine &gt; liver &gt; flesh in the low concentration exposure group with 0.1 μg/L and 1 μg/L, while the concentration order was as follows: fat &gt; liver &gt; intestine &gt; flesh in the high concentration exposure group with 10 μg/L and 100 μg/L. This study provides important data support and theoretical basis for predicting the behavior of trifloxystrobin in the environment, evaluating the environmental safety of trifloxystrobin and guiding the use of drugs.