Trap Exposure Research Articles

First described case of self-inflicted injury in a brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758) following capture with an Aldrich snare

Trapping bears (Ursidae) with Aldrich leg snares has established itself as one of the most successful methods of trapping live animals with minimal injury. Most documented injuries are related to damage caused by the trap and prolonged exposure to it. Various physiological and behavioural responses have been observed, however self-eating of the toes of the captured foot has not been described so far. In November 2017 an adult male brown bear was caught with a standard Aldrich type leg snare. When the research team arrived, the bear teared off and swallowed phalanges of the first toe of its rear left foot before it could be sedated. The bear was measured and marked with GPS-GSM collar. Following the instalment of the collar, the animal was monitored for the duration of 23 months when the drop-off mechanism of the collar was activated. This rule out the possibility that a serious life threatening complications arised from the trauma.

Intra-articular distal humerus fracture – TRAP or olecranon osteotomy

: Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: one with olecranon osteotomy and other with triceps-lifting approach; for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.: In this study, 10 patients in Group A were compared with 10 patients in Group B. Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, duration of injury and degree of comminution of the fracture. Results were compared in terms of operative time, hospital stay, union, range of motion and complications. Functional evaluation was done using the Mayos’ elbow performance score (MEPS).: Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Fracture union was seen at or before 4 months in all the patients of both the groups, except in 1 case of Group A where it was seen at 7 months. Average time to union was comparable in both the groups. In Group A, mean range of flexion was found to be 118 degrees (SD 7.33) and extension lag was found to be 11 degrees (SD 3.84). In Group B, mean degree of flexion was found to be 118.25 (SD 4.94) and extension loss of 12 degrees (SD 4.70). Average range of motion was comparable in both groups. There were no significant differences noted between the two groups in terms of mean MEPS (p= 0.573). The overall complication rate was 40% in the TRAP group and 30% in the olecranon osteotomy group.: Intra-articular distal humerus fractures mandate surgical fixation for best functional outcomes. Although technically demanding, TRAP exposure can prove to be as effective as olecranon osteotomy approach. Both approaches appear to yield no significant differences in clinical and functional results for intra-articular distal humerus fracture management.

Associations of prenatal exposure to NO2 and near roadway residence with placental gene expression

IntroductionTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP), a common exposure, potentially impacts pregnancy through altered placental function. We investigated associations between prenatal TRAP exposure and placental gene expression. MethodsWhole transcriptome sequencing was performed on placental samples from CANDLE (Memphis, TN) (n = 776) and GAPPS (Seattle and Yakima, WA) (n = 205), cohorts of the ECHO-PATHWAYS Consortium. Residential NO2 exposures were computed via spatiotemporal models for full-pregnancy, each trimester, and the first/last months of pregnancy. Individual cohort-specific, covariate-adjusted linear models were fit for 10,855 genes and respective exposures (NO2 or roadway proximity [≤150 m]). Infant-sex/exposure interactions on placental gene expression were tested with interaction terms in separate models. Significance was based on false discovery rate (FDR<0.10). ResultsIn GAPPS, final-month NO2 exposure was positively associated with MAP1LC3C expression (FDR p-value = 0.094). Infant-sex interacted with second-trimester NO2 on STRIP2 expression (FDR interaction p-value = 0.011, inverse and positive associations among male and female infants, respectively) and roadway proximity on CEBPA expression (FDR interaction p-value = 0.045, inverse among females). In CANDLE, infant-sex interacted with first-trimester and full-pregnancy NO2 on RASSF7 expression (FDR interaction p-values = 0.067 and 0.013, respectively, positive among male infants and inverse among female infants). DiscussionOverall, pregnancy NO2 exposure and placental gene expression associations were primarily null, with exception of final month NO2 exposure and placental MAP1LC3C association. We found several interactions of infant sex and TRAP exposures on placental expression of STRIP2, CEBPA, and RASSF7. These highlighted genes suggest influence of TRAP on placental cell proliferation, autophagy, and growth, though additional replication and functional studies are required for validation.

Living in environmental justice areas worsens asthma severity and control: Differential interactions with disease duration, age at onset, and pollution

Impoverished and historically marginalized communities often reside in areas with increased air pollution. We evaluated the association between environmental justice (EJ) track and asthma severity and control as modified by traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). We performed a retrospective study of 1526 adult asthma patients in Allegheny County, Pa, enrolled in an asthma registry during 2007-20. Asthma severity and control were determined using global guidelines. EJ tract designation was based on residency in census tracts with ≥30% non-White and/or ≥20% impoverished populations. TRAP exposures (NO2 and black carbon) for each census tract were normalized into pollution quartiles. Generalized linear model analyses determined the effect of EJ tract and TRAP on asthma. TRAP exposure in the highest quartile range was more frequent among patients living in an EJ tract (66.4% vs 20.8%, P< .05). Living in an EJ tract increased the odds of severe asthma in later onset asthma. The odds of uncontrolled asthma increased with disease duration in all patients living in EJ tracts (P< .05). Living in the highest quartile of NO2 also increased the odds of uncontrolled asthma in patients with severe disease (P< .05), while there was no effect of TRAP on uncontrolled asthma in patients with less severe disease (P> .05). Living in an EJ tract increased the odds of severe and uncontrolled asthma and was influenced by age at onset, disease duration, and potentially by TRAP exposure. This study underscores the need to better understand the complex environmental interactions that affect lung health in groups that have been economically and/or socially marginalized.

Effects of short-term and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and temperature on long recovery duration in COVID-19 patients

BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world since December 8, 2019. However, the key factors affecting the duration of recovery from COVID-19 remain unclear. ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of long recovery duration of COVID-19 patients with ambient air pollution, temperature, and diurnal temperature range (DTR) exposure. MethodsA total of 427 confirmed cases in Changsha during the first wave of the epidemic in January 2020 were selected. We used inverse distance weighting (IDW) method to estimate personal exposure to seven ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) at each subject's home address. Meteorological conditions included temperature and DTR. Multiple logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship of air pollution exposure during short-term (past week and past month) and long-term (past three months) with recovery duration among COVID-19 patients. ResultsWe found that long recovery duration among COVID-19 patients was positively associated with short-term exposure to CO during past week with OR (95% CI) = 1.42 (1.01–2.00) and PM2.5, NO2, and CO during past month with ORs (95% CI) = 2.00 (1.30–3.07) and 1.95 (1.30–2.93), and was negatively related with short-term exposure to O3 during past week and past month with ORs (95% CI) = 0.68 (0.46–0.99) and 0.41 (0.27–0.62), respectively. No association was observed for long-term exposure to air pollution during past three months. Furthermore, increased temperature during past three months elevated risk of long recovery duration in VOCID-19 patients, while DTR exposure during past week and past month decreased the risk. Male and younger patients were more susceptible to the effect of air pollution on long recovery duration, while female and older patients were more affected by exposure to temperature and DTR. ConclusionOur findings suggest that both TRAP exposure and temperature indicators play important roles in prolonged recovery among COVID-19 patients, especially for the sensitive populations, which provide potential strategies for effective reduction and early prevention of long recovery duration of COVID-19.

Traffic-related air pollution and genome-wide DNA methylation: A randomized, crossover trial

BackgroundTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been associated with changes in gene-specific DNA methylation. However, few studies have investigated impact of TRAP exposure on genome-wide DNA methylation in circulating blood of human. ObjectiveTo explore the association between TRAP exposure and genome-wide DNA methylation. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, crossover exposure trial among 35 healthy adults in Shanghai, China. All subjects were randomly allocated to a traffic-free park or a main road for consecutive 4 h, respectively. Blood genome-wide DNA methylation after each exposure session was measured by the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip (850K). The differentially methylated CpGs loci associated with TRAP exposure were identified using linear mixed-effect model. ResultsThe average concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants including black carbon, ultrafine particles, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide were 2–3 times higher in the road compared to those in the park. Methylation levels of 68 CpG loci were significantly changed (false discovery rate < 0.05) following TRAP exposure, among which 49 were hypermethylated and 19 were hypomethylated. The annotated genes based on the differential CpGs loci were related to pathways in cardiovascular signaling, cytokine signaling, immune response, nervous system signaling, and metabolism. ConclusionsWe found that TRAP exposure was associated with DNA methylation in dozens of genes concerning cardiometabolic health. This trial for the first-time profiled genome-wide methylation changes induced by TRAP exposure using the 850K assay, providing epigenetic insights in understanding the cardiometabolic effects of TRAP exposure.

Association between traffic related air pollution exposure and direct health care costs in Northern California

BackgroundTraffic related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with a complex and diverse array of health effects. It is unknown whether these effects may be reflected by higher health care costs. ObjectivesEvaluate the association between TRAP exposure and direct health care costs in an elderly population. MethodsThis multi-ethnic population-based cohort of 25,684 elderly subjects, served by Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), were followed between 2013 and 2017. Hyperlocal long-term pollutant concentrations for nitrogen dioxide [NO2], nitric oxide [NO], and black carbon [BC] were measured at a resolution of 30 m using repeated street-level mobile measurements and linked to residential addresses. Health care utilization and costs were derived from KPNC databases and were used to calculate individual annual total health care, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room (ER) and pharmacy costs. The associations between TRAP exposures and health care costs were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models adjusted for age, sex, race, BMI, smoking, SES and comorbidities. Subgroup analyses and interaction models were used to assess differences among specific susceptible population subgroups. ResultsAn IQR difference (10.1 ppb vs 4.2 ppb) in NO2 concentration was associated with a 3% (95% CI: -1%, 6%), 22% (95% CI:11%, 35%), and 5% (95% CI:1%, 8%) increase in annual total health care, ER and outpatient costs in the baseline model. Associations with black carbon showed similar patterns but were smaller in magnitude. Among those with cardiovascular diseases, an IQR increase in NO2 was associated with a 7% (95% CI: 1%, 13%) increase in total annual health care cost and 23% (95% CI: 17%, 29%) increase in ER costs. DiscussionHigher long-term TRAP exposure was associated with higher direct annual health care cost in this elderly cohort. Those with existing cardiovascular disease had particularly strong associations between TRAP exposure and direct annual health care costs.

Using Malaise Traps and Metabarcoding for Biodiversity Assessment in Vineyards: Effects of Weather and Trapping Effort.

Simple SummaryA strong decline in insect biomass and biodiversity has been observed in the past decades. Long-term monitoring programs are important to understand the reasons for changes in species occurrence, which are mostly attributed to habitat destruction, intensified agriculture, invasive organisms, and climate change. Metabarcoding, a procedure for identifying insect species in bulk samples based on their DNA sequences, provides a method to replace otherwise time-consuming species identification in a time- and cost-efficient way. In this study, we examined how weather and trapping effort affect biomass and biodiversity of Malaise trap catches in vineyards using metabarcoding. Most insects were caught during warm and hot weather. We observed that, as the number of trapping days and sites increased, there was a very high accumulation of taxa due to species with low abundance. The results can help in developing monitoring programs. Common species can be extensively surveyed with less effort, whereas rare taxa require excessive effort to be completely surveyed due to a lack of saturation. Thus, metabarcoding can play an important role in conducting monitoring by offsetting the additional effort required to detect rare species by making identification less time consuming and costlyMetabarcoding is a powerful tool for ecological studies and monitoring that might provide a solution to the time-consuming taxonomic identification of the vast diversity of insects. Here, we assess how ambient weather conditions during Malaise trap exposure and the effort of trapping affect biomass and taxa richness in vineyards. Biomass varied by more than twofold with weather conditions. It increased with warmer and drier weather but was not significantly related with wind or precipitation. Taxa richness showed a saturating relationship with increasing trapping duration and was influenced by environmental and seasonal effects. Taxa accumulation was high, increasing fourfold from three days of monthly trap exposure compared to continuous trapping and nearly sixfold from sampling at a single site compared to 32 sites. The limited saturation was mainly due to a large number of singletons, such as rare species, in the metabarcoding dataset. Metabarcoding can be key for long-term insect monitoring. We conclude that single traps operated for up to ten days per month are suitable to monitor the presence of common species. However, more intensive trapping is necessary for a good representation of rare species in biodiversity monitoring. The data collected here can potentially guide the design of monitoring studies.

Influence of the color of semi-funnel traps on Xylophagous coleoptera capture efficiency in forest fragments

Bark and ambrosia beetles, mainly the ones belonging to groups Scolytinae, Bostrichidae and Platypodinae, can kill trees from reforestation areas or native forests and damage the wood. Population monitoring and the identification of quarantine species are carried out by assembling ethanol-baited traps. The aims of the current study are to evaluate the influence of the color of ethanol-baited traps on the efficient capture of these insects, as well as to measure changes in colorimetric variables based on trap exposure in the field and to investigate whether these changes affect capture efficiency. Eight ethanolic traps (red, yellow, black and transparent traps - two of each color) were installed in a forest fragment in the first experimental stage – samples were collected on a weekly basis, for 11 months. New and used transparent traps were installed in the field in the second experimental stage - samples were collected for additional 11 months. A portable spectrophotometer was used to measure the colorimetric variables in these traps. The mean number of Scolytinae individuals (± SD) captured in transparent traps (48±50) was significantly higher than that of individuals captured in black (24±25), yellow (23±21) and red (22±21) traps. However, transparent traps subjected to field conditions were colonized by such as fungi, bacteria and mosses, which changed the transparent state of the traps into a darkened color and significantly affected their capture efficiency. The total number of 6,268 Scolytinae individuals were collected at this experimental stage: 4,977 of them were captured in new traps, whereas 1,291 were captured in the old ones. Based on the herein measured colorimetric variables, such color change got significantly intensified as transparent traps remained under field conditions. In conclusion, transparent traps were more efficient in capturing Scolytinae individuals than the black, yellow and red traps. In addition, the exposure to field conditions has progressively changed equipment color and decreased its capture efficiency.

Using the health beliefs model to explore children's attitudes and beliefs on air pollution

ObjectivesTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP) negatively impacts children's health. Self-protective measures are available, but population uptake is variable. It is essential to understand human beliefs and behaviours related to air pollution in order to understand the lack of self-protection in communities.As a prelude to undertaking a comprehensive assessment of children's attitudes and beliefs on the health effects of TRAP exposure, we sought to develop and validate an appropriate instrument. Study designThis study used exploratory sequential mixed methods. MethodsThis instrument, based on the constructs of the health belief model (HBM), aimed to determine factors predicting wearing a mask to protect against TRAP exposure. An initial literature-based questionnaire was modified using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a quantitative survey pilot. This study included 121 school students and nine professional experts in Vietnam. The questionnaire was tested for content validity, agreement, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency. ResultsThe concordance of questionnaire items between two repeated assessments ranged from 47.2% to 78.3%, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.16 to 0.87 and Cronbach's internal reliability coefficient for the instrument was 0.60. ConclusionThe self-administered instrument, based on the HBM, is suitable to understand health attitudes and beliefs related to self-protective behaviours to reduce TRAP exposure.

Health Lens Analysis: A Strategy to Engage Community in Environmental Health Research in Action.

Health Lens Analysis is a tool to facilitate collaboration among diverse community stakeholders. We employed HLA as part of a community based participatory research (CBPR) and action study to mitigate the negative health effects of TRAP and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in Somerville, MA. HLA is a Health in All Policies tool with previously limited implementation in a North American context. As part of the HLA, community and academic partners engaged residents from across near-highway neighborhoods in a series of activities designed to identify health concerns and generate recommendations for policies and projects to improve health over an 18-month planning period. Noise barriers, which may reduce TRAP exposure among residents in addition to reducing traffic noise, were seen as an acceptable solution by community stakeholders. We found HLA to be an effective means to engage stakeholders from across sectors and diverse community residents in critical discourse about the health impacts of near-roadway exposures. The iterative process allowed the project team to fully explore the arguments for noise barriers and preferred health interventions, while building a stakeholder base interested in the mitigation of TRAP, thus, creating a shared language and understanding of the issue.

Estimasi Emisi Kendaraan Bermotor dan Tampakan Lumut Kerak untuk Memprediksi Paparan Traffic-Related Air Pollution pada Sekolah Dasar di Kota Kendari

Increasing the number of vehicles in Kendari could has the potential to increase TRAP exposure in elementary schools located on the side of the highway. The purpose of this study was to describe the emission load of vehicles, the appearance of lichens and to predict exposure to TRAP in Sekolah Dasar Negeri (SDN) on the side of the highway in Kendari City. This study uses a quantitative approach, survey methods with sampling techniques in three different locations. The results showed that the emission burden of vehicles at SDN 6 Kendari and SDN 25 Kendari was higher, the percentage of lichens present was lower and the appearance was duller than SDN 92 Kendari. This condition can be predicted as an initial indication of a decline in air quality at that location due to periodic exposure to TRAP.

Management of intercondylar fractures of the humerus by triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) and olecranon osteotomy approaches- A comparative study

IntroductionIntercondylar fractures of distal humerus are uncommon and pose a considerable challenge to even the most experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Our study aimed at comparing one described surgical approach to fix them, the TRAP approach (Group TR), which involves elevation of a flap comprising of triceps and anconeus from distal to proximal, with the more popular olecranon osteotomy approach (Group O). Material and methodIn this study, 35 patients in Group O were compared with 32 patients in Group TR. Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, duration of injury and degree of comminution of the fracture. Results were compared in terms of union, arc of motion, flexion contracture, overall flexion achieved and triceps strength. Functional evaluation was done using the Mayos’ elbow performance score (MEPS). ResultsPatients were followed for a minimum of 18 months. Fracture union was seen at or before 6 months in all the patients of both the groups except in 3 cases of Group O and 2 of Group TR where it was seen at 9 months. Average time to union was comparable in both the groups. In all of them except 3 in group O and 4 in Group TR, the fractures united with intraarticular step off of less than 2 mm. In Group TR, the average arc of motion was 114.5 (SD 14.6) with a mean degree of flexion of 121.9 (SD 12.1) and extension of 7.3 (SD 5.6). In Group O, the arc of motion averaged 113.6 (SD 18.9) with a mean degree of flexion of 124.1 (SD 13.3) and extension of 10.6 (SD 7.3). ConclusionAlthough technically demanding, TRAP exposure can prove to be as effective as olecranon osteotomy approach and can be used as an approach of choice for fixation of these fractures.

New insights into the life history of Monochamus galloprovincialis can enhance surveillance strategies for the pinewood nematode

Pinewood nematode [Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer, 1934)] is considered a significant threat to European forests. Functional monitoring of its vector, the longhorn beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier, 1795), represents an efficient method of pinewood nematode detection and needs to be adopted across European countries. Hence, the effectiveness of M. galloprovincialis trapping under different attractants and trap heights above the ground was investigated at four forest study sites in the Czech Republic in 2015–2016. Additionally, the effects of the calendar week and meteorological variables were assessed. In total, 24 Teflon-coated cross-vane traps (Crosstrap® traps) captured 1524 M. galloprovincialis individuals and 36,896 nontarget insects. Traps placed in the canopy (18–24 m above the ground) captured sevenfold more M. galloprovincialis individuals than those installed 2 m above the ground, and the Spanish attractant Galloprotect Pack® resulted in three times more catches than the Austrian attractant Gallopro Pinowit®. The highest maximum daily temperature during trap exposure was also an important factor, with most catches occurring above 27 °C. The results showed that Teflon-coated cross-vane traps with Galloprotect Pack® attractant are efficient tools for M. galloprovincialis monitoring in Central European forests when installed in the tree canopy. Additionally, we suggest using traps with larger sieve mesh sizes at the bottom to enable the escape of small nontarget taxa. During the 2-year study, the pinewood nematode was not found. However, 38 specimens of M. galloprovincialis were shown to be vectors of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Mamiya & Enda, 1979) dauers.

Drug-induced lupus: Traditional and new concepts.

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) includes a spectrum of drug-induced reactions often characterised by a clinical phenotype similar to that of idiopathic systemic lupus eruthematosus (SLE) but usually lacking major SLE complications. Different drugs may be associated with distinct clinical and serological profiles, and early recognition is crucial. Drugs traditionally associated with DIL include procainamide, hydralazine, quinidine and others, but strong associations with newer agents, such as TNF α (TNFα) inhibitors, are increasingly recognised. The pathogenic mechanisms explaining how drugs that have heterogeneous chemical structure and function lead to autoimmunity are only partially understood. However, it is likely that traditional DIL-associated agents can boost innate immune responses, particularly neutrophil responses, with neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and exposure of autoantigens. Research in the field of DIL is evolving and may provide interesting models for the study of autoimmunity.

Traffic related air pollution and development and persistence of asthma and low lung function

Background and aimsTraffic Related Air Pollution (TRAP) exposure is known to exacerbate existing respiratory diseases. We investigated longer term effects of TRAP exposure for individuals with or without existing asthma, and with or without lower lung function. MethodsAssociations between TRAP exposure and asthma (n = 689) and lung function (n = 599) were investigated in the prospective Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS). TRAP exposure at age 45 years was measured using two methods based on residential address: mean annual NO2 exposure; and distance to nearest major road. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression was used to model the association between exposure to TRAP at 45 years and changes in asthma and lung function, using three follow ups of TAHS (45, 50 and 53 years). ResultsFor those who never had asthma by 45, living <200 m from a major road was associated with increased odds of new asthma that persisted from 50 to 53 years (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 5.20; 95% CI 1.07, 25.4). Asthmatic participants at 45 had an increased risk of persistent asthma up to 53 years if they were living <200 m from a major road, compared with asthmatic participants living >200 m from a major road (aOR = 5.21; 95% CI 1.54, 17.6). ConclusionFor middle aged adults, living <200 m for a major road (a marker of TRAP exposure) influences both the development and persistence of asthma. These findings have public health implications for asthma prevention strategies in primary and secondary settings.

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution and the composition of the gut microbiota in overweight and obese adolescents

BackgroundTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure has been linked to type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction in humans. Animal studies suggest that air pollutants may alter the composition of the gut microbiota, which may negatively impact metabolic health through changes in the composition and/or function of the gut microbiome. ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to determine whether elevated TRAP exposure was correlated with gut bacterial taxa in overweight and obese adolescents from the Meta-AIR (Metabolic and Asthma Incidence Research) study. The secondary aim was to examine whether gut microbial taxa correlated with TRAP were also correlated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes (e.g., fasting glucose levels). We additionally explored whether correlations between TRAP and these metabolic risk factors could be explained by the relative abundance of these taxa. MethodsParticipants (17–19 years; n=43) were enrolled between 2014 and 2016 from Southern California. The CALINE4 line dispersion model was used to model prior year residential concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) as a marker of traffic emissions. The relative abundance of fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing and spearman partial correlations were examined after adjusting for body fat percent. ResultsFreeway TRAP was correlated with decreased Bacteroidaceae (r=−0.48; p=0.001) and increased Coriobacteriaceae (r=0.48; p<0.001). These same taxa were correlated with fasting glucose levels, including Bacteroidaceae (r=−0.34; p=0.04) and Coriobacteriaceae (r=0.41; p<0.01). Further, freeway TRAP was positively correlated fasting glucose (r=0.45; p=0.004) and Bacteroidaceae and Coriobacteriaceae explained 24% and 29% of the correlation between TRAP and fasting glucose levels. ConclusionsIncreased TRAP exposure was correlated with gut microbial taxa and fasting glucose levels. Gut microbial taxa that were correlated with TRAP partially explained the correlation between TRAP and fasting glucose levels. These results suggest that exposure to air pollutants may negatively impact metabolic health via alterations in the gut microbiota.

Hydrogen sulfide measurements in air by passive/diffusive samplers and high-frequency analyzer: A critical comparison

In this study, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) measurements in air carried out using (a) passive/diffusive samplers (Radiello® traps) and (b) a high-frequency (60 s) real-time analyzer (Thermo® 450i) were compared in order to evaluate advantages and limitations of the two techniques. Four different sites in urban environments (Florence, Italy) and two volcanic areas characterized by intense degassing of H2S-rich fluids (Campi Flegrei and Vulcano Island, Italy) were selected for such measurements. The concentrations of H2S generally varied over 5 orders of magnitude (from 10−1–103 μg/m3), the H2S values measured with the Radiello® traps (H2SR) being significantly higher than the average values measured by the Thermo® 450i during the trap exposure (H2STa), especially when H2S was <30 μg/m3. To test the reproducibility of the Radiello® traps, 8 passive/diffusive samplers were contemporaneously deployed within an 0.2 m2 area in an H2S-contaminated site at Mt. Amiata (Tuscany, Italy), revealing that the precision of the H2SR values was ±49%. This large uncertainty, whose cause was not recognizable, is to be added to that related to the environmental conditions (wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature), which are known to strongly affect passive measurements. The Thermo® 450i analyzer measurements highlighted the occurrence of short-term temporal variations of the H2S concentrations, with peak values (up to 5732 μg/m3) potentially harmful to the human health. The Radiello® traps were not able to detect such temporal variability due to their large exposure time. The disagreement between the H2SR and H2STa values poses severe concerns for the selection of an appropriate methodological approach aimed to provide an accurate measurement of this highly toxic air pollutant in compliance with the WHO air quality guidelines. Although passive samplers may offer the opportunity to carry out low-cost preliminary surveys, the use of the high-frequency H2S analyzer is preferred when an accurate assessment of air quality is required. In fact, the latter provides precise real-time measurements for a reliable estimation of the effective exposure to hazardous H2S concentrations, giving insights into the mechanisms regulating the dispersion of this air pollutant in relation to the meteorological parameters.

Residential proximity to traffic and female pubertal development

BackgroundTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been linked with several adverse health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, which are both related to onset of puberty. No studies to date have investigated the association between TRAP and altered pubertal timing. ObjectiveDetermine the association between residential proximity to traffic, as a marker of long-term TRAP exposure, and age at pubertal onset in a longitudinal study of girls. MethodsWe analyzed data for 437 girls at the CYGNET study site of the Breast Cancer and Environment Research Program. TRAP exposure was assessed using several measures of residential proximity to traffic based on address at study entry. Using accelerated failure time models, we calculated time ratios (TRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for specified traffic metrics and pubertal onset, defined as stage 2 or higher for breast or pubic hair development (respectively, B2+ and PH2+). Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, household income, and cotinine levels. ResultsAt baseline, 71% of girls lived within 150m of a major road. The median age of onset was 10.3years for B2+ and 10.9years for PH2+. Living within 150m downwind of a major road was associated with earlier onset of PH2+ (TR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 0.99). Girls in the highest quintile of either distance-weighted traffic density, annual average daily traffic, and/or traffic density also reached PH2+ earlier than girls in the lowest quintiles. ConclusionsIn this first study to assess the association between residential proximity to traffic and pubertal onset we found girls with higher exposure reached one pubertal milestone several months earlier than low exposed girls, even after consideration of likely confounders. Results should be expanded in larger epidemiological studies, and with measured levels of air pollutants.

Abstract B024: Single-chain traps targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) home to tumors and reduce tumor growth and metastasis by counteracting TGF-beta-mediated immunosuppression

Abstract The TGF-beta superfamily includes a large number of ligands with physiological and pathological significance. In particular, elevated TGF-beta in the tumor microenvironment markedly augments cancer progression by inducing metastasis and angiogenesis and by suppressing the immune system. Therapeutic agents targeting TGF-beta, such as antibodies or IgG-Fc-fused receptor ectodomains, have been developed, however these agents are relatively large molecules, which may restrict tumor penetration. We have computationally designed single-chain traps that are comprised of tandemly-fused TGF-beta receptor domains. These traps are approximately one third the size of monoclonal antibodies which would potentially facilitate a better tumor penetration. The homobivalent TGF-beta RII-RII traps (i.e. T22d35 and T22d60) neutralize TGF-beta isoforms 1 and 3 and the heterovalent TGF-beta RI-RII based traps (i.e. T12d and T122bt) are pan-specific and neutralize all three isoforms (TGF-beta 1, 2 and 3). Both the T22d35 and T12d trap blocked TGF-beta 1 and 3, induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and motility of mouse mammary tumor cells (JM01). Heterovalent T12d also blocked TGF-beta2 effects on these phenotypes. In vivo comparison of T22d35 trap and the pan-neutralizing TGF-beta antibody 1D11 indicated that T22d35 treatment but not 1D11 reduced the growth of established primary 4T1 mammary tumors, suggesting better neutralization of TGF-beta due to a better tumor penetration of the T22d35 trap (Mol. Cancer Ther. 11:1477, 2012). Trap treatment significantly increased T lymphocyte infiltration and cytotoxic activity within the tumors. Biodistribution studies demonstrated that the T22d35 trap, although eliminated rapidly from the circulating blood and other tissues (within 24 hours), localized and was retained within primary 4T1 tumors. Furthermore, a single injection of trap per week reduced 4T1 metastatic lesions by more than 80%, relative to saline controls, indicating that a short-term trap exposure in the host is sufficient to trigger long-lasting effects. Together, our results indicate that the TGF-beta traps readily home to tumors, antagonize immunosuppression and reduce metastatic spread. Citation Format: John Zwaagstra, Traian Sulea, Anne E.G. Lenferink, Jason Baardsnes, Catherine Collins, Christiane Cantin, Lucie Couture, Limei Tao, Yves Durocher, Maureen O'Connor-McCourt. Single-chain traps targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) home to tumors and reduce tumor growth and metastasis by counteracting TGF-beta-mediated immunosuppression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B024.