Medium-term Exposure Research Articles

Is Medium-term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution a Risk Factor for Parkinson’s Disease?

ObjectivesThis study used Census data from Northern Ireland linked to administrative data on prescriptions between 2010 and 2016, to examine the association between ambient air pollution exposure and the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) onset. It contributes to this literature by providing new evidence in a comparatively low pollution context, using rich and nationally representative cohort data with comprehensive information on Parkinson’s Disease medications dispensed over an extended period. ApproachWe estimated Cox Proportional Hazards models for the association between pollution exposure and PD onset as proxied by first receipt of PD medication, controlling extensively for potentially confounding factors at the neighbourhood, household, and individual levels. Estimates are presented in the form of hazard ratios for the effect of medium-term PM2.5 exposure on the risk of PD onset. ResultsThere was a clear unadjusted association between medium-term exposure to ambient pollution and the risk of developing PD, with those experiencing higher exposures being at greater risk. Once individual, household and neighbourhood confounders were adjusted for, however, we found no evidence supporting such associations. However, there was evidence of a positive association with both PM2.5 and NO2 exposure for sub-samples by age and education. ConclusionsThis study contributes to an emerging literature examining the association between ambient PM2.5 pollution and onset of PD. Despite finding an unconditional association, we find no evidence for an association once individual, family and contextual characteristics are controlled for, at least in the relatively low-pollution context of Northern Ireland.

TDAH : quels sont les effets cardiovasculaires du méthylphénidate et quelles sont les conséquences éventuelles pour la pratique clinique ?

ContextMethylphenidate is the first-line pharmacological treatment for ADHD, and its prevalence continues to grow, with an increase of 116% over the last ten years in France. Its use in hospitals has been extended to neurologists, psychiatrists and pediatricians, and its prescription can be renewed by a general practitioner. Cardiovascular complications are rare, but life-threatening. Management practices currently vary widely from one medical center or doctor to another. ObjectivesReviewing the cardiovascular effects of methylphenidate in adults and children with ADHD, aiming to propose a practical management plan without intending to replace existing recommendations. MethodsThe subject under study aimed to answer the following PICO question “What are the cardiovascular consequences (outcomes) when using MPH (intervention) for an ADHD population (population) regardless of age”. We carried out systematic review of international reviews and meta-analyses, selected using the PRISMA methodology via the PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. Their methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 scale. Cardiovascular events considered were the adrenergic effects of MPH on the cardiovascular system, looking for changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and the serious cardiovascular effects represented by sudden death/arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and stroke. A total of 17 systematic reviews and meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria. ResultsOf the 734 articles found, twelve were finally selected. Four concerned a population of children, five a mixed population of adults and children and three a population of adults only. They included two systematic reviews and ten meta-analyses. Three reviews included cohort studies and nine included randomized controlled trials. Three clinical situations can be distinguished depending on the age of the patient and the length of exposure to methylphenidate. The first, on initiation of treatment, there was a marked by a short-term increase in blood pressure and heart rate. The second involves a patient under the age of 35 with short- to medium-term exposure to MPH. A persistent adrenergic effect tends to increase the risk of sudden death by 12% (if the resting heart rate increases by ten beats per minute). This risk is further increased if the patient has psychiatric comorbidities and their associated treatments, congenital heart disease and uses recreational substances. Finally, the last situation involves a patient exposed to MPH for several years and aged over 35, whose main risk is the onset of atheromatous disease with myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmia. In this case, a comprehensive approach is required, identifying risk factors and behavioral factors likely to exacerbate the risk of CV disease. ConclusionsThe short-term cardiovascular effects of MPH are well documented and statistically significant, with a moderate but significant increase in blood pressure (+2mmHg) and heart rate (+5bpm). Longer-term cardiovascular safety data are often lacking, leading to conflicting conclusions. Meta-analyses of cohort studies conclude that there is an increase in cardiovascular risk, while meta-analyses of randomized trials find no significant statistical association. This means that patients and their families need to be made aware of this lack of data. Personalized management based on age, duration of exposure to MPH and the clinical profile of patients as defined by cohort studies seems to us to be the most appropriate approach. In people under 35, the main risk is sudden death. In this population, it is important to identify any congenital heart disease and to look for psychiatric comorbidities, and by assessing the substance abuse. For people over 35, the main risk is coronary heart disease. In this case, a comprehensive approach is required, identifying risk factors and behavioral factors likely to exacerbate the risk of CV disease. Our daily practice is more in line with cohort studies including patients with co-morbidities associated with their ADHD, as well as a significant risk of having risky behaviors, depressive episodes, heart disease and prolonged exposure to MPH and other drugs. Prescribing MPH in this context is tricky, with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Close clinical monitoring is therefore necessary, and specialist advice may be required.

Short- and medium-term exposure to ambient air pollution and periodontal status

ABSTRACT We investigated the association between ambient air pollutant exposure and periodontal health using data from 17,271 adults in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012–2015). Participants’ periodontal status was categorized based on their community periodontal index (CPI) scores. Using multiple logistic regression models, we examined the relationship between air pollutant levels and poor periodontal status at various lag periods. After adjusting for potential confounders, PM10 exposure was associated with a poor periodontal status (short-term: 0–1 and 0–2 lag days; medium-term: 0–1 and 0–2 lag months). SO2 exposure showed similar associations (short-term, 0–2 to 0–7 lag days; medium-term, 0–4 to 0–6 lag months). Only increased medium-term O3 exposure (0–2 to 0–6 lag months) was associated with a poor periodontal status. NO2 exposure was inversely associated with poor periodontal status for both short- and medium-term durations.

Response of anammox to organics with different degradation characteristics and exposure time: Performance, sludge characteristics and bacterial community

The effects of typical organic compounds including easily degradable organic matters sodium acetate, yeast and methanol, and refractory organic matter (ROM) humic acid on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) systems in short-term and medium-term exposure time were studied. During short-term experiments, nitrogen removal activity (NRA) was inhibited at sodium acetate level of 150 mg L−1 total organic carbon (TOC) and methanol level of 30–150 mg L−1 TOC, but humic acid and yeast (≤150 mg L−1 TOC) enhanced nitrogen removal in anammox systems. The greatest NRA of 30.10 mg TN g−1 VSS h−1 was recorded at yeast level of 90 mg L−1 TOC. In medium-term experiments, organics significantly inhibited the nitrogen removal ability. As a ROM, humic acid enhanced sludge aggregation and biological diversity, but decreased the bioactivity and extracellular polymeric substances levels. Due to the endogenous denitrification, the relative abundance of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) was decreased. Candidatus Kuenenia is still dominant in sludge with methanol and humid acid, but AnAOB are not dominant due to the addition of sodium acetate and yeast. This research would be beneficial for the full-scale application of the anammox process in treating real wastewater with organics and ammonia.

Integration of ecological indicators to assess a multitemporal impact of cement industries

The present study evaluated an integrated biomonitoring approach based on three different bioindicators: tree rings, lichens, and beetles in a complex environment (urban-industrial-forest). In Central Italy, four sampling sites were selected to assess the anthropogenic impact of cement plants taking into account (1) long-term exposure (1988–2020) through the analysis of trace elements in tree rings of Quercus pubescens; (2) medium-term exposure (2020–2021) through the analysis of trace elements in thalli (outermost portions) of the lichen Xanthoria parietina; (3) short-term exposure in spring 2021 through the bioaccumulation and evaluation of sample vitality in transplants of the lichen Evernia prunastri and a periodic survey of entomological biodiversity carried out during spring and summer 2021. Trace elements of industrial origin were found in tree rings, with different levels of accumulation between 1988 and 2020 and a maximum in 2012. Native thalli of the lichen X. parietina showed an overall low bioaccumulation of trace elements except for Cr, probably reflecting the influence of national lockdown measures. The transplants of E. prunastri showed a weak stress response in the industrial and urban sites, but not in the forest, and identified Tl and V as the main elements contributing to atmospheric contamination, with peaks at the industrial sites. Concerning the beetles, a significantly lower number of species was found at the Semonte industrial site.

Internal exposure to heat-induced food contaminants in omnivores, vegans and strict raw food eaters: biomarkers of exposure to acrylamide (hemoglobin adducts, urinary mercapturic acids) and new insights on its endogenous formation

The urinary mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA) are short-term biomarkers of exposure from acrylamide and its metabolite glycidamide, respectively. The medium-term exposure to acrylamide and glycidamide is monitored by the adducts N-(2-carbamoylethyl)-Val (AA-Val) and N-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-Val (GA-Val) in hemoglobin (Hb), respectively. Three questions were addressed by application of these biomarkers in two diet studies including 36 omnivores, 36 vegans and 16 strict raw food eaters (abstaining from any warmed or heated food for at least four months): first, what is the internal acrylamide exposure following a vegan or a raw food diet in comparison to that in omnivores? Second, did the exposure change between 2017 and 2021? And third, what is the stability over time of AAMA/GAMA excretion compared to that of AA-Val/GA-Val levels in Hb between both time points? Median urinary AAMA excretion per day in non-smoking omnivores, vegans and raw food eaters were 62.4, 85.4 and 15.4 µg/day, respectively; the corresponding median AA-Val levels were 27.7, 39.7 and 13.3 pmol/g Hb, respectively. Median levels in strict raw food eaters were about 25% (AAMA excretion) and 48% (AA-Val) of those in omnivores. In comparison to 2017, AAMA and GAMA excretion levels were hardly altered in 2021, however, levels of AA-Val and GA-Val in 2021 slightly increased. There was a weak correlation between AAMA excretion levels determined four years apart (rS = 0.30), and a moderate correlation between levels of AA-Val (rS = 0.55) in this timeframe. Our data in strict raw food eaters confirm a significant endogenous formation to acrylamide in a size range, which is—based on the levels of AA-Val—distinctly higher than reported previously based on levels of urinary AAMA excretion. The relatively lower AAMA excretion in raw food eaters likely represents a lower extent of glutathione conjugation due to missing hepatic first-pass metabolism in case of endogenous formation of acrylamide, which leads to a higher systemic exposure.

Time-dependent Changes in Shrimp Armor and Escape Kinematics under Ocean Acidification and Warming.

Pandalid shrimp use morphological and behavioral defenses against their numerous fish and invertebrate predators. Their rapid tail-flip escape and rigid exoskeleton armor may be sensitive to changes in ocean temperature and carbon chemistry in ways that alter their efficacy and impact mortality. Here we tested the hypothesis that ocean warming and acidification conditions affect the antipredator defenses of Pandalus gurneyi. To test this hypothesis, we exposed shrimp to a combination of pH (8.0, 7.7, 7.5) and temperature (13°C, 17°C) treatments and assessed their tail-flip escape and exoskeleton armor after short-term (2 weeks) and medium-term (3 months) exposure. Results revealed complex effects on escape kinematics, with changes in different variables explained by either pH, temperature, and/or their interaction; decreased pH, for instance, primarily explains reduced acceleration while cold temperature explains increased flexion duration. Carapace mineral content (Ca and Mg) was unaffected, but warmer temperatures primarily drove enhanced mechanical properties (increased hardness and stiffness). No effects were observed in the stiffness and strength of the rostrum. Furthermore, most of the observed effects were temporary, as they occurred after short-term exposure (2 weeks), but disappeared after longer exposure (3 months). This demonstrates that P. gurneyi defenses are affected by short-term exposure to temperature and pH variations; however, they can acclimate to these conditions over time. Nonetheless, changes in the tail-flip escape kinematics may be disadvantageous when trying to flee predators and the enhanced exoskeleton armor could make them more resistant to predation during short periods of environmental change.

Association between short- and medium-term exposure to air pollutants and depressive episode using comprehensive air quality index among the population in South Korea

BackgroundCurrently, air pollution is suggested as a risk factor for depressive episodes. Our study aimed to consider multiple air pollutants simultaneously, and continuously evaluate air pollutants using comprehensive air quality index (CAI) with depressive episode risk. MethodsUsing a nationally representative sample survey from South Korea between 2014 and 2020, 20,796 participants who underwent health examination and Patient Depression Questionnaire-9 were included in the study. Six air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2, NO2) were measured for the analysis. Every air pollutant was standardized by air quality index (AQI) and CAI was calculated for universal representation. Using logistic regression, short- and medium-term exposure by AQI and CAI with the risk of depressive episode was calculated by odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, consecutive measurements of CAI over 1-month time intervals were evaluated with the risk of depressive episodes. Every analysis was conducted seasonally. ResultsThere were 950 depressive episodes occurred during the survey. An increase in AQI for short-term exposure (0–30 days) showed higher risk of depressive episode in CO, while medium-term exposure (0–120 days) showed higher risk of depressive episode in CO, SO2, PM2.5, and PM10. During the cold season, the exposure to at least one abnormal CAI within 1-month intervals over 120 days was associated with a 68 % (95 % CI 1.11–2.54) increase in the risk of depressive episode. ConclusionsShort- and medium-term exposure of air pollution may be associated with an increased risk of depressive episodes, especially for cold season.

Medium-term exposure to size-fractioned particulate matter and asthma exacerbations in China: A longitudinal study of asthmatics with poor medication adherence

BackgroundStudies have shown that short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) can increase the risk of asthma morbidity and mortality. However, the effect of medium-term exposure remains unknown. We aim to examine the effect of medium-term exposure to size-fractioned PM on asthma exacerbations among asthmatics with poor medication adherence. MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study in China based on the National Mobile Asthma Management System Project that specifically and routinely followed asthma exacerbations in asthmatics with poor medication adherence from April 2017 to May 2019. High-resolution satellite remote-sensing data were used to estimate each participant's medium-term exposure (on average 90 days) to size-fractioned PM (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) based on the residential address and the date of the follow-up when asthma exacerbations (e.g., hospitalizations and emergency room visits) occurred or the end of the follow-up. The Cox proportional hazards model was employed to examine the hazard ratio of asthma exacerbations associated with each PM after controlling for sex, age, BMI, education level, geographic region, and temperature. ResultsModelling results revealed nonlinear exposure-response associations of asthma exacerbations with medium-term exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. Specifically, for emergency room visits, we found an increased hazard ratio for PM1 above 22.8 µg/m3 (1.060, 95 % CI: 1.025–1.096, per 1 µg/m3 increase), PM2.5 above 38.2 µg/m3 (1.032, 95 % CI: 1.010–1.054), and PM10 above 78.6 µg/m3 (1.019, 95 % CI: 1.006–1.032). For hospitalizations, we also found an increased hazard ratio for PM1 above 20.3 µg/m3 (1.055, 95 % CI: 1.001–1.111) and PM2.5 above 39.2 µg/m3 (1.038, 95 % CI: 1.003–1.074). Furthermore, the effects of PM were greater for a longer exposure window (90–180 days) and among participants with a high BMI. ConclusionThis study suggests that medium-term exposure to PM is associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations in asthmatics with poor medication adherence, with a higher risk from smaller PM.

Air pollution and bronchiolitis: a case-control study in Antwerp, Belgium.

This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between short-term (1 to 5days) and medium-term (31days) exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, BC, NO2) at home/daycare and the risk of 'severe bronchiolitis' (defined as 'requiring hospitalization for bronchiolitis') in children under 2years in Antwerp, Belgium. We included 118 cases and 79 controls admitted to three general hospitals from October 2020 to June 2021. Exposure levels were predicted using an interpolation model based on fixed measuring stations. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis to assess associations, with adjustment for potential confounders. There were hardly any significant differences in the day-to-day air pollution values between cases and controls. Medium-term (31days) exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 was however significantly higher in cases than controls in univariate analysis. Logistic regression revealed an association between severe bronchiolitis and interquartile range (IQR) increases of PM2.5 and PM10 at home and in daycare, as well asIQR increases of NO2 in daycare. Controls were however overrepresented in low pollution periods. Time-adjustment reduced the odds ratios significantly at home for PM2.5 and PM10 (aOR 1.54, 95%CI 0.51-4.65; and 2.69, 95%CI 0.94-7.69 respectively), and in daycare for. PM2.5 (aOR 2.43, 95%CI 0.58-10.1). However, the association between severe bronchiolitis and medium-term air pollution was retained in daycare for IQR increases of PM10 (aOR 5.13, 95%CI 1.24-21.28) and NO2 (aOR 3.88, 95%CI 1.56-9.61) in the time-adjusted model. Conclusion: This study suggests a possible link between severe bronchiolitis and medium-term (31days) air pollution exposure (PM10 and NO2), particularly in daycare. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings. What is Known: • Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants globally and causes a yearly seasonal wave of admissions in paediatric departments worldwide. • Existing studies, mainly from the USA, show heterogeneous outcomes regarding the association between air pollution and bronchiolitis. What is New: • There is a possible link between severe bronchiolitis and medium-term (31 days) air pollution exposure (PM10 and NO2), particularly in daycare. • Larger studies are needed to validate these trends.

Review on Toxicity, Mechanisms and Health Effects of Herbicides and Prevention Mechanisms

In agricultural crop production, herbicides are typically used to prevent or control weeds and other plant pathogens by reducing crop losses and maintaining high product quality. This brief overview sheds light on the level of toxicity, mechanisms of toxicity, health effects and prevention strategies. Three main levels of toxicity have been identified in herbicides: acute (short-term exposure), sub-chronic (medium-term exposure), and chronic (long-term exposure). These levels of toxicity have detrimental effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Herbicides must be handled and administered appropriately to minimize or completely prevent their negative side effects. It is recommended to manage herbicide to its minimum residue level while using them in agriculture. On the hand, certain mechanisms of action must be followed including contact, absorption, movement, toxicity, and death in order to be effective in management of weed by herbicides. This mechanism of actions of herbicides are also applied to humans and animals too. Improper usage of herbicides has adverse health effects on humans such as carcinogenic, cardiovascular, respiratory, hormonal, metabolic, cellular and neurological effects. In order to eliminate or minimize their effect the preventive safety mechanisms/strategies such as employing alternative and less herbicide-dependent cropping systems, properly using all certified personal protective equipment (PPE), proper packaging and package leaflet, proper labeling and giving general awareness about the use or handle of herbicide for farmers or any others who are not familiar with the use of herbicides must applied before or after handling of herbicides. In order to minimize or totally avoid the negative impacts of herbicides on humans, animals, and the environment, it is not just the responsibility of farmers but also of other stakeholders (agricultural experts, policymakers, etc.).

Analysis of short- and medium-term influence of Polish smog on atherothrombotic cardiovascular diseases in 709 counties in Eastern Europe - preliminary results (EP-Particles study)

Abstract Background Polish smog is a specific type of air pollution characterized by high concentrations of particulate matters (PMs) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), which causes exceptionally adverse cardiovascular effects. In Eastern Europe, this is a problem in large cities and also small towns, where residents’ suboptimal heating choices lead to poor air quality. Moreover, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke (IS) are one of the most common causes of emergency hospitalizations in this area. Purpose We aimed to assess the short- and medium-term impact of multiple air pollutants on the incidence of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and IS. Methods We collected data on hospitalizations due to IS and STEMI in the years 2011-2020 from National Health Fund. Effects of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, CO and BaP were calculated using time-stratified panel data Poisson regression. Results are reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) associated with an increase of the interquartile range (IQR) in a daily concentration of air pollutants on the day of exposure (LAG 0), during the week (LAG 0-6) and month (LAG 0-30) after exposure. The study covered 709 counties located in Eastern Europe with 90 million person-years of follow-up. Results We recorded 159,952 and 68,251 cases of IS and STEMI, respectively. The mean age of patients in IS groups was 73.78 years old and 48.46% of them were men. In the STEMI group mean age was 67.52 years old and males accounted for 64.38%. In the figures, we presented the influence of all analyzed air pollutants on IS (Figure 1) and STEMI (Figure 2) incidence. Exposure to PMs was associated with the highest STEMI (PM2.5: OR=1.086, 95%CI 1.074-1.099, p<0.001; PM10: OR=1.091, 95%CI 1.078-1.104, p<0.001) and IS (PM2.5: OR=1.027, 95%CI 1.019-1.035, p<0.001; PM10: OR=1.028, 95%CI 1.02-1.036, p<0.001) occurrence on LAG 0, and this effect increased during the following month. The IQR increase in BaP concentration was associated with increased IS incidence on LAG 0 (OR=1.009, 95%CI 1.002-1.016, p=0.01), LAG 0-6 (OR=1.012, 95%CI 1.004-1.021, p=0.004) and LAG 0-30 (OR=1.016, 95%CI 1.007-1.026, p=0.001). A similar effect was noted on STEMI occurrence. Exposure to CO was associated with increased IS incidence on all analyzed LAGs, whereas in STEMI it only affected LAG 0-30. The IQR increase in O3 had a protective effect on IS occurrence on LAG 0-6 (OR=0.974, 95%CI 0.962-0.987, p<0.001) and LAG 0-30 (OR=0.967, 95%CI 0.952-0.983, p<0.001), while it had a negative effect on STEMI incidence on LAG 0 (OR=1.023; 95%CI 1.006-1.04, p=0.008). Conclusions Polish smog has a detrimental influence on the incidence of atherothrombotic diseases as a result of the toxic effects of mainly PMs and also other air pollutants. Exposure to air pollution can act as a trigger for STEMI and IS. Furthermore, medium-term exposure also increases the risk of STEMI and IS occurrence, most likely due to cumulative doses of air pollutants.

Balanced Anti-Corrosion Action of Reduced Graphene Oxide in Zn-Al Coating during Medium-Term Exposure to NaCl Solution

Considering the electronegativity and shielding anti-sepsis characteristic of reduced graphene oxide (G), we design a Zn-Al coating with embedded G (Zn-G/Al) on low-carbon steel using the low-pressure cold spray (LPCS) method. In this method, G-coated Al powders (G/Al) prepared using in situ reduction and Zn powders were mixed as a raw material for spraying. Embedding G could boost the cathodic protection performance of Zn-Al (70 wt.% zinc and 30 wt.% aluminum) coating, as has been confirmed in previous work. In this work, the microstructure, composition and electrochemical parameters of Zn-G/Al coating during full immersion were measured to investigate G’s effect on the corrosion protection properties of the Zn-Al coating. The test results showed that embedded G could facilitate the generation of many corrosion products and pile on the coating surface to form a corrosion product film during full immersion. The corrosion product film on the Zn-0.2 wt.%G/Al coating surface demonstrated an excellent protective property, which reflects the fact that the Ecorr and icorr values for Zn-0.2 wt.%G/Al after 20d immersion (Ecorr = −1.143 Vvs.SCE, icorr= 49.96 μA/cm2) were lower than the initial value (Ecorr = −1.299 Vvs.SCE, icorr = 82.16 μA/cm2). It can be concluded that adding an appropriate amount of G to the coating can balance the cathodic protection and shielding property of the coating. The equilibrium mechanism was also analyzed in this work.

Chronic exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) and mortality: Evidence from Chile.

A negative binomial regression model was used to study the association between 3-year average PM2.5 concentrations and age-adjusted mortality rates for 105 of the 345 municipalities in Chile. Models were fitted for all (ICD10 A to Q codes), cardiopulmonary (I and J), cardiovascular (I), pulmonary (J), cancer (C), and lung cancer (C33-C34) causes; controlling for meteorological, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics. A significant association of PM2.5 exposure with cardiopulmonary (relative risk for 10 µg/m3 PM2.5: 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.00, 1.13) and pulmonary (1.11; 1.02, 1.20) age-adjusted mortality rates was found. Cardiovascular (1.06; 0.99, 1.13) and all causes (1.02; 0.98, 1.07) were positive, but not significant. No significant association was found between cancer and lung cancer. The positive associations remained even when controlling for multiple confounding factors, model specifications, and when considering different methods for exposure characterization. These estimates are in line with results from cohort studies from the United States and European studies. Three-year average PM2.5 exposure is positively associated with the age-adjusted mortality rate for cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular causes in Chile. This provides evidence of the medium-term exposure effect of fine particles on long-term mortality rates.

Longitudinal associations between metabolites and immediate, short- and medium-term exposure to ambient air pollution: Results from the KORA cohort study

BackgroundShort-term exposure to air pollution has been reported to be associated with cardiopulmonary diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate changes in serum metabolites associated with immediate, short- and medium-term exposures to ambient air pollution. MethodsWe used data from the German population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) S4 survey (1999–2001) and two follow-up examinations (F4: 2006–08 and FF4: 2013–14). Mass-spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics was used to quantify metabolites among serum samples. Only participants with repeated metabolites measurements were included in this analysis. We collected daily averages of fine particles (PM2.5), coarse particles (PMcoarse), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) at urban background monitors located in Augsburg, Germany. Covariate-adjusted generalized additive mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between immediate (2-day average of same day and previous day as individual's blood withdrawal), short- (2-week moving average), and medium-term exposures (8-week moving average) to air pollution and metabolites. We further performed pathway analysis for the metabolites significantly associated with air pollutants in each exposure window. ResultsOf 9,620 observations from 4,261 study participants, we included 5,772 (60.0%) observations from 2,583 (60.6%) participants in this analysis. Out of 108 metabolites that passed quality control, multiple significant associations between metabolites and air pollutants with several exposure windows were identified at a Bonferroni corrected p-value threshold (p < 3.9 × 10−5). We found the highest number of associations for NO2, particularly at the medium-term exposure windows. Among the identified metabolic pathways based on the metabolites significantly associated with air pollutants, the glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most robust pathway in different air pollutants exposures. ConclusionsOur study suggested that short- and medium-term exposure to air pollution might induce alterations of serum metabolites, particularly in metabolites involved in metabolic pathways related to inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Associations between air pollution, intracellular-to-extracellular water distribution, and obstructive sleep apnea manifestations.

Exposure to air pollution may be a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because air pollution may alter body water distribution and aggravate OSA manifestations. This study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of air pollution on the exacerbation of OSA severity through body water distribution. This retrospective study analyzed body composition and polysomnographic data collected from a sleep center in Northern Taiwan. Air pollution exposure was estimated using an adjusted nearest method, registered residential addresses, and data from the databases of government air quality motioning stations. Next, regression models were employed to determine the associations between estimated air pollution exposure levels (exposure for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months), OSA manifestations (sleep-disordered breathing indices and respiratory event duration), and body fluid parameters (total body water and body water distribution). The association between air pollution and OSA risk was determined. Significant associations between OSA manifestations and short-term (1 month) exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were identified. Similarly, significant associations were identified among total body water and body water distribution (intracellular-to-extracellular body water distribution), short-term (1 month) exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, and medium-term (3 months) exposure to PM10. Body water distribution might be a mediator that aggravates OSA manifestations, and short-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 may be a risk factor for OSA. Because exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 may be a risk factor for OSA that exacerbates OSA manifestations and exposure to particulate pollutants may affect OSA manifestations or alter body water distribution to affect OSA manifestations, mitigating exposure to particulate pollutants may improve OSA manifestations and reduce the risk of OSA. Furthermore, this study elucidated the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between air pollution, body fluid parameters, and OSA severity.

Assessing the timing and the duration of exposure to air pollution on cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients suspected of coronary artery disease

Air pollution can affect cardiometabolic biomarkers in susceptible populations, but the most important exposure window (lag days) and exposure duration (length of averaging period) are not well understood. We investigated air pollution exposure across different time intervals on ten cardiometabolic biomarkers in 1550 patients suspected of coronary artery disease. Daily residential PM2.5 and NO2 were estimated using satellite-based spatiotemporal models and assigned to participants for up to one year before the blood collection. Distributed lag models and generalized linear models were used to examine the single-day-effects by variable lags and cumulative effects of exposures averaged over different periods before the blood draw. In single-day-effect models, PM2.5 was associated with lower apolipoprotein A (ApoA) in the first 22 lag days with the effect peaking on the first lag day; PM2.5 was also associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with significant exposure windows observed after the first 5 lag days. For the cumulative effects, short- and medium-term exposure was associated with lower ApoA (up to 30wk-average) and higher hs-CRP (up to 8wk-average), triglycerides and glucose (up to 6 d-average), but the associations were attenuated to null over the long term. The impacts of air pollution on inflammation, lipid, and glucose metabolism differ by the exposure timing and durations, which can inform our understanding of the cascade of underlying mechanisms among susceptible patients.

Abstract 14572: Exposure to Multiple Size Fractions of Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Sudden Cardiac Death

Introduction: Recent literature has suggested an association between short-term exposures to air pollution and sudden cardiac death (SCD). There is little known on the relationship between medium- and long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution (PM) and SCD. Moreover, most studies focus on PM less than 2.5μm in diameter (PM 2.5 ) and have not considered larger coarse particles (PM 2.5-10 ) or the effect of combined exposures. Methods: 117,358 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, a nationwide prospective cohort, returned biannual questionnaires to update health status and risk factors. Suspected and definite SCD cases from 1988 to 2013 were identified by medical records and next of kin reports. Spatiotemporal models estimated the monthly exposures to PM at each residence. We calculated time-varying 12 month moving averages as a measure of long-term exposure and the difference between 12- and 3-month moving average and the difference between 3-month and 1-month moving averages as measures of medium-term exposure for both PM 2.5 and PM 2.5-10 . Time-varying Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between all size fractions and time windows and SCD, and to calculate hazard ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The basic model was adjusted for age, year, season, and region, and a full model also considered demographics, medication use, health history, and socioeconomic status. Results: During 2,070,408 person-years of follow-up, there were total 351 definite and probable SCDs. Medium term exposures to both PM 2.5 and PM 2.5-10 were associated with risk of SCD, although the specific time windows of greatest risk varied ( Table 1 ). Notably, in our full model, exposure to PM 2.5-10 was associated with SCD (Hazard Ratio: 1.07; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.02, 1.13). Conclusions: PM air pollution in the past month or season may be an important contributor to the population level risk of SCD.

Effect of triclosan exposure on ovarian hormones, trace elements and growth in female rats

Triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial compound used mainly in personal care products. Its widespread use for decades has made it one of the most widely detected compounds in environmental matrices and in biological fluids. Although it has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor in rats and aquatic species, its safe use by humans is unclear.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to TCS in female rats. To this end, 14 rats were divided into two groups and fed daily as follows: the control group with sesame oil and the TCS group at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Any signs of toxicity in the rats were observed daily, and the weight and phase of the estrous cycle were recorded. At the end, the rats were decapitated, the serum and ovaries were collected. The levels of testosterone and progesterone in serum were determined by immunoassay and mass spectrometry. Estradiol (in serum) and kisspeptin-10 (in serum and ovary) were measured only by immunoassays. Trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS).The weight gain study of the rats showed a significant decrease by exposure to TCS, while the estrous cycle was not significantly affected compared to the control. The optimized methods based on mass spectrometry showed a significant decrease in the levels of progesterone and testosterone due to exposure to TCS. In addition, elements determined by ICP–MS in rat serum showed significant changes in calcium, lithium and aluminum due to TCS treatment. Finally, the kisspeptin-10 levels did not show a negative effect due to the treatment by TCS. The results suggest that medium-term exposure to TCS did not significantly alter estrous cyclicity but caused alterations in growth, sex hormone levels and some elements in the rat serum.

Synthesized effects of medium-term exposure to seawater acidification and microplastics on the physiology and energy budget of the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus

Ocean acidification (OA) and microplastics (MPs) contamination are two results of human excises. In regions like estuarine areas, OA and MPs exposure are happening at the same time. The current research investigated the synthesized effects of OA and MPs exposure for a medium-term duration on the physiology and energy budget of the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. Mussels were treated by six combinations of three MPs levels (0, 10 and 1000 items L−1) × two pH levels (7.3, 8.1) for 21 d. As a result, under pH 7.3, clearance rate (CR), food absorption efficiency (AE), respiration rate (RR), and scope for growth (SFG) significantly decreased, while the fecal organic dry weight ratio (E) significantly increased. 1000 items L−1 MPs led to decrease of CR, E, SFG and increase of AE under pH 8.1. Interactive effects from combination of pH and MPs were found in terms of CR, AE, E and RR, but not for SFG of M. coruscus.