Contaminación microbiana durante la atención odontológica por la producción de aerosoles y salpicaduras / Microbial contamination during dental care due to aerosol and splash production

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la contaminación microbiana durante la atención odontológica por la producción de aerosoles y salpicaduras. Metodología: De tipo documental, bibliográfica. La búsqueda se realizó a través de las bases de datos PubMed y Scopus. Considerando los lineamientos de la declaración PRISMA obteniendo un total de 221 artículos. Posteriormente se aplicaron los criterios de exclusión como de inclusión, obteniendo un total de 25 artículos. Resultados: La carga microbiana presente en el ambiente odontológico ha sido analizada de manera cuantitativa a través de las Unidades Formadoras de Colonias (UFC) en diferentes espacios y superficies de las clínicas dentales. En conclusión: La contaminación microbiológica asociada con la generación de aerosoles es una problemática que se experimenta en la consulta diaria, relacionándose principalmente con procedimientos asociados con equipos como las piezas de mano de alta velocidad, el equipo ultrasónico y la jeringa triple.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze microbial contamination during dental care due to the production of aerosols and splashes. Methodology: Documentary, bibliographic type. The search was carried out through the Pubmed and SCOPUS databases. Considering the guidelines of the PRISMA declaration, a total of 221 articles were obtained. Subsequently, the exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied, obtaining a total of 25 articles. Results: The microbial load present in the dental environment has been analyzed quantitatively through Colony Forming Units (CFU) in different spaces and surfaces of dental clinics. In conclusion: Microbiological contamination associated with the generation of aerosols is a problem that is experienced in the daily dental practice, mainly related to procedures associated with equipment such as high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic equipment and triple syringe.

Descarte de medicamentos e os impactos ambientais: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Disposal of drugs and the ensuing environmental impacts: an integrative review of the literature

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é investigar as evidências nacionais e internacionais disponíveis sobre o descarte de medicamentos e os impactos em matrizes ambientais. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e que incluiu artigos em inglês, espanhol e português publicados entre 2010 e 2020. Foram selecionados 26 artigos, que evidenciaram o descarte incorreto de medicamentos por profissionais e consumidores devido, principalmente, à falta de conhecimentos sobre os impactos ambientais que esses podem ocasionar. Estudos apontaram a contaminação de água, esgoto e sedimentos por fármacos descartados de forma incorreta. Além disso, observou-se que seres vivos aquáticos podem ser impactados pela presença de medicamentos em matrizes ambientais. O descarte de medicamentos incorreto ainda é uma realidade nas evidências avaliadas, que promove a contaminação de matrizes ambientais e muitas vezes não é removido por estações de tratamento de águas residuárias e interfere no equilíbrio da vida ambiental.

Abstract The scope of this article is to investigate the national and international evidence available on the forms of drug disposal and the presence of drugs in environmental matrices. It involved an integrative review of the literature conducted in the PubMed, SciELO and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, which included articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese published between 2010 and 2020. Twenty-six articles were selected, which revealed the incorrect disposal of medicines by professionals and consumers due mainly to the lack of knowledge about the environmental impacts that they may cause. Studies have highlighted the contamination of water, sewage and sediments by incorrectly discarded drugs. Furthermore, it was observed that aquatic living creatures can be impacted by the presence of drugs in environmental matrices. The incorrect disposal of drugs continues to be a reality in the evidence assessed, which leads to the contamination of environmental matrices and is often not removed by wastewater treatment plants and interferes with the equilibrium of environmental life.

Contaminación microbiana durante la atención odontológica por la producción de aerosoles y salpicaduras / Microbial contamination during dental care due to aerosol and splash production

Analizar la contaminación microbiana durante la atención odontológica por la producción de aerosoles y salpicaduras. Metodología: De tipo documental, bibliográfica. La búsqueda se realizó a través de la en las bases de datos Pubmed y SCOPUS. Considerando los lineamientos de la declaración PRISMA obteniendo un total de 221 artículos. Posteriormente se aplicó los criterios de exclusión como de inclusión, obteniendo un total de 25 artículos. Resultados: La carga microbiana presente en el ambiente odontológico ha sido analizada de manera cuantifica a través de Unidades Formadoras de Colonias (UFC) en diferentes espacios y superficies de las clínicas dentales. En conclusión: La contaminación microbiológica asociada con la generación de aerosoles es una problemática que se experimenta en la consulta diaria, relacionándose principalmente con procedimientos asociados con equipos como las piezas de mano de alta velocidad, el equipo ultrasónico y la jeringa triple.

To analyze microbial contamination during dental care due to the production of aerosols and splashes. Methodology: Documentary, bibliographic type. The search was carried out through the Pubmed and SCOPUS databases. Considering the guidelines of the PRISMA declaration, a total of 221 articles were obtained. Subsequently, the exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied, obtaining a total of 25 articles. Results: The microbial load present in the dental environment has been analyzed quantitatively through Colony Forming Units (CFU) in different spaces and surfaces of dental clinics. In conclusion: Microbiological contamination associated with the generation of aerosols is a problem that is experienced in the daily dental practice, mainly related to procedures associated with equipment such as high-speed handpieces, ultrasonic equipment and triple syringe.

Research progress on the role of environmentally induced DNA methylation in congenital cleft lip and/or palate / 口腔疾病防治

@#Congenital cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a common malformation of maxillofacial development. At present, it is believed that the etiology of congenital cleft lip and palate mainly results from genetic factors and environmental factors. Epigenetic changes induced by environmental factors may be the key factor in the occurrence of fetal congenital malformations. As one of the important epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation has been widely and deeply studied in many fields, but as a link between the individual and the environment, its application in CL/P is limited. Existing studies have shown that DNA methylation is closely related to the occurrence of cleft lip and palate. Stimulation of folate deficiency, smoking, pollutant exposure and other environmental factors can induce changes in the state of DNA methylation, thus affecting gene expression in the development of lip and palate and leading to the occurrence of deformities.

Poluição do ar e saúde respiratória / Air pollution and respiratory health

O aumento da prevalência de doenças respiratórias crônicas coincide com o da exposição aos poluentes atmosféricos pelo crescente processo de industrialização, aumento do tráfego veicular e migração da população para áreas urbanas. A poluição do ar é uma mistura complexa de poluentes e outros compostos químicos tóxicos e não tóxicos, e o efeito na saúde pode derivar dessa mistura e da interação com parâmetros meteorológicos. Apesar disso, busca-se estabelecer o papel de um poluente específico em separado e consideram-se os parâmetros meteorológicos como fatores de confusão. Há evidências de que a exposição aos poluentes contribui para maior morbidade e mortalidade por doenças respiratórias, especialmente nas crianças, mesmo em concentrações dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação. Identificar os efeitos dos poluentes no sistema respiratório, isoladamente e em associação, é um desafio, e os estudos têm limitações devido à variabilidade de resposta individual, a presença de doenças pré-existentes, aos fatores socioeconômicos, às exposições a poluentes intradomiciliares, ocupacionais e ao tabaco. A maioria das evidências sobre o efeito dos poluentes no sistema respiratório de crianças deriva de estudos que incluem desfechos de função pulmonar. Entretanto, esses estudos têm diferenças quanto ao desenho, ao método de avaliação de exposição aos poluentes, às medidas de função pulmonar, às covariáveis consideradas como capazes de alterar a resposta aos poluentes e aos tipos de modelos utilizados na análise dos dados. Considerar todas essas diferenças é fundamental na interpretação e comparação dos resultados dessas pesquisas com os dados já existentes na literatura.

The increase in the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases coincides with that of exposure to air pollutants due to the growing industrialization process, increased vehicular traffic and population migration to urban areas. Air pollution is a complex mixture of pollutants and other toxic and non-toxic chemical compounds and its effect on health can derive from this mixture and the interaction with meteorological parameters. Despite this, it seeks to establish the role of a specific pollutant separately and considers the meteorological parameters as confounding factors. There is evidence that exposure to pollutants contributes to greater morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases, especially in children, even at concentrations within the standards established by legislation. Identifying the effects of pollutants on the respiratory system, alone and in association, is a challenge and studies have limitations due to the variability of individual response, the presence of pre-existing diseases, socioeconomic factors, exposure to indoor, occupational and environmental pollutants as well tobacco. Most of the evidence on the effect of pollutants on the respiratory system of children comes from studies that include lung function outcomes. However, these studies differ in terms of design, method of assessing exposure to pollutants, measures of lung function, covariates considered capable of altering the response to pollutants, and types of models used in data analysis. Considering all these differences is fundamental in interpreting and comparing the results of these researches with data already existing in the literature.

La obesidad y su relación con los contaminantes ambientales, la alimentación y los mecanismos epigenéticos / Obesity related to environmental pollutants, diet and epigenetic mechanisms

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease resulting from environmental, psychological and genetic factors. The objective was to carry out a bibliometry of the scientific literature on this pathology related to environmental pollutants, food and epigenetics, to elucidate lines of research. Materials and method: The documents were managed from the Web of Science database. The search strategy was Obesity AND (pollution OR contamination) in the Titles field, AND (epigenetic * OR obesity OR food OR nutrition OR diet) in Themes. 654 articles were found: 577 original investigations and 77 reviews. The articles were exported in BibTeX format to be analyzed with the Bibliometrix program. Results: The evolution of the production of reports per year has been upward. In 2020, the average number of references of the original articles was 38 and of the review articles, 200. Based on the Lotka index combined with the h index, the most prominent author was Joel Schwartz. The United States concentrated the largest production of scientific articles, which coincides with the location of the institutions with the highest affiliation of the authors. The 5 most frequent keywords were: air pollution, particulate matter, obesity, pollution and epigenetics. Conclusions: A line of research on obesity linked to DNA methylation, oxidative stress and PM2.5 is proposed; which will contribute to reducing this pandemic and, therefore, will impact the morbidity and mortality profiles of non-communicable diseases and COVID-19.

Introducción: La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica resultante de factores ambientales, psicológicos y genéticos. El objetivo fue realizar una bibliometría de la literatura científica sobre esta patología relacionada con contaminantes ambientales, alimentación y epigenética, para dilucidar líneas de investigación. Materiales y método: Los documentos se gestionaron de la base de datos Web of Science. La estrategia de búsqueda fue Obesity AND (pollution OR contamination) en el campo Titles, AND (epigenetic* OR obesity OR alimentation OR nutrition OR diet) en Themes. Se encontraron 654 artículos: 577 investigaciones originales y 77 revisiones. Los artículos se exportaron en formato BibTeX para ser analizados con el programa Bibliometrix. Resultados: La evolución que ha tenido la producción de infrmes por año ha sido ascendente. En 2020, el promedio del número de referencias de los artículos originales fue de 38 y de los artículos de revisión, 200. Con base en el índice de Lotka aunado con el índice h, el autor más destacado fue Schwartz. Estados Unidos concentró la mayor producción de artículos científicos, lo que coincide con la ubicación de las instituciones con más adscripción de los autores. Las cinco palabras clave más frecuentes fueron: contaminación del aire, material particulado, obesidad, contaminación y epigenética. Conclusiones: Se propone una línea de investigación sobre la obesidad vinculada con la metilación del ADN, estrés oxidativo y material particulado fino; lo que contribuirá a reducir esta pandemia y por lo tanto, impactará en los perfiles de morbimortalidad de las enfermedades no transmisibles y de la COVID-19.

Impact of environmental microplastics on maternal and fetal health / 中华围产医学杂志

Microplastics refer to plastic fibers, particles, or films with a particle size less than 5 mm, and microplastics pollution has become one of the major global environmental problems. Microplastics can be exposed to the human body through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact, affecting maternal and fetal health through mechanisms such as cytotoxicity and signal transduction, energy homeostasis and metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, and as carriers of microorganisms or toxic chemicals. The purpose of this paper is to review the physical and chemical properties of microplastics, human exposure pathways, maternal-fetal effects, and its mechanisms.

Avaliação da implantação do Protocolo de Vigilância e Atenção à Saúde de ex-trabalhadores e da população expostos a chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco em Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brasil / Assessing the implementation of the Surveillance and Health Care Protocol of former workers and the population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil

Resumo Objetivo: aferir o grau de implantação do Protocolo de Vigilância e Atenção à Saúde de ex-trabalhadores e da população expostos a chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco em Santo Amaro, Bahia, no período de 2010 a 2015. Métodos: foram elaborados modelo lógico de avaliação e instrumentos de coleta de dados a fim de avaliar a estrutura, o processo e o resultado da implantação do Protocolo. O método Delphi adaptado foi utilizado como técnica de consenso para garantir a validade do conteúdo e da matriz de julgamento. Resultados: o escore final da avaliação foi de 22,3%, considerado insatisfatório, segundo a escala adotada. A "estrutura" obteve 38 pontos do total de 100; o "processo", baseado na dimensão "organização e execução das atividades previstas no Protocolo", obteve 25 pontos de 100; e a abordagem "resultados" alcançou 4 pontos de 100. Apenas 2,5% da população prevista pelo Protocolo teve as fichas de atendimento preenchidas, porém com falhas no atendimento, na realização de exames e nas notificações ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Conclusão: o processo de implantação do Protocolo necessita de maior empenho da gestão pública de saúde, e de melhoria na infraestrutura, nas estratégias de orientação das equipes de saúde e na participação do usuário.

Abstract Objective: to assess the implementation of the Surveillance and Health Care Protocol for former workers and population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, between 2010 and 2015. Methods: we designed a logical evaluation model and data collection instruments to assess the structure, process and results of the protocol implementation. We used the adapted Delphi method as a consensus technique to ensure the validity of content and the judgment matrix. Results: the evaluation final score was 22.3%, considered not satisfactory according to the adopted scale. The "structure" rendered 38 points out of 100; the "process" (related to the dimension "organization and execution of the activities foreseen by the protocol") rendered 25 points out of 100; and "results" rendered 4 points out of 100. Only 2.5% of the Protocol covered population had assistance forms filled. Moreover, there were failures in attendance, exams and notifications to the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação [National Disease Notification System]. Conclusion: the protocol implementation process needs greater commitment from the public health management, improved infrastructure, and better strategies for health care teams and for the population participation.

Asociación entre los niveles de NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 en el aire y las tasas de hospitalización del Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero durante los años 2012 al 2018 / Association between levels of NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CH4 in the air and hospitalization rates at Hospital Adriana Cousiño de Quintero during the years 2012 to 2018

En el sector de Quintero, desde los últimos 50 años han existido diversos hitos relacionados con la contaminación medioambiental. Iniciando con la instauración de la termoeléctrica "Ventanas" en 1950, Chilectra en 1958. En el año 1993 el ministerio de Agricultura de Chile declaró a Puchuncaví y Quintero como una "zona saturada de contaminación" por dióxido de azufre (SO2) y material particulado (MP10). En el año 2011, 135 trabajadores del complejo Ventana fallecieron producto del cáncer. Durante el 2014 hubo un derrame de petróleo en la Bahía de Quintero, 2015 un informe del Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP) arrojó cifras de arsénico que superan 23 veces la norma establecida por el Código Sanitario de Alimentos. Frente a dicho escenario, se hace evidente la necesidad de comprender cómo es la situación de los pobladores de dichas comunas. La presente investigación busca asociar los niveles de contaminación de las comuna de Quintero y el número de hospitalizaciones durante los años 2012 hasta el 2018.

In Quintero, since the last 50 years there have been various milestones related to environmental pollution. Starting with the installation of the "Ventanas" thermoelectric plant in 1950, Chilectra in 1958. In 1993, the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture declared Puchuncaví and Quintero as a "zone saturated with contamination" by sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (MP10). In 2011, 135 workers at the Ventana complex died of cancer. During 2014 an oil spill emerged in Quintero Bay, 2015 a report by the Institute for Fisheries Development (IFOP) showed arsenic figures that exceed 23 times the norm established by the Sanitary Food Code. Faced with this scenario, the need to understand what the situation of the residents of said communes is like is evident. The present investigation seeks to associate the levels of contamination of the commun of Quintero and the number of hospitalizations during the years 2012 to 2018.

Las investigaciones de salud pública en Latinoamérica. Reflexiones desde el Sur global / Research on public health in Latin America. Reflections from the global South / As investigações de saúde pública na Latino américa. Reflexões desde o Sul global

Resumen Este artículo es un ensayo reflexivo sobre las investigaciones de salud pública en Latinoamérica, como resultado de la intervención del mercado en la forma de hacer investigación. En este sentido, los conflictos de interés global, generados por las empresas farmacéuticas, agroindustriales y extractivas, influyen en la homogeneización de las investigaciones que se realizan en el campo de la salud. De esta manera, la educación médica, los artículos científicos y el marketing sirven para insertar y estandarizar los formatos investigativos. Asimismo, los tratados de libre comercio aparecen como una de las estrategias de la ideología global, que intervienen en el qué, el por qué y el cómo se investiga. Estas estrategias tienden a anular el pensamiento crítico, necesario para tratar aspectos ausentes en la mayoría de investigaciones de salud pública, como es la influencia de la contaminación ambiental en la salud humana, uno de los problemas más preocupantes en los pueblos latinoamericanos.

Abstract This paper is a reflexive essay on public health research in Latin America, which is a result of the market's intervention in the manner in which research is conducted. In this regard, global conflicts of interest -caused by pharmaceutical, agroindustrial and extraction companies- influence the homogenization of the research conducted in the field of health. This is how medical education, scientific papers and marketing are useful for inserting and standardizing research formats. Likewise, free trade agreements appear as one of the strategies of the global ideology influencing the object of research, the reasons behind it and how it is conducted. These strategies tend to nullify critical thinking, which is necessary for discussing aspects that are absent from most studies on public health. An example of this would be the influence of environmental pollution on human health, one of the most concerning issues for the Latin American population.

Resumo Este artigo é um ensaio cogitativo concernente com as investigações da saúde pública na Latino américa, como resultante da intervenção do mercado no jeito de fazer investigação. Neste sentido, os conflitos de interesse globalizado, gerados pelos laboratórios farmacêuticos, agroindustriais e extrativos, influem na homogeneização das investigações que se realizam no campo da saúde. Desta maneira, a educação médica, os artigos científicos e o marketing servem para inserir e padronizar os miolos investigativos. Assim mesmo, os tratados de livre comércio aparecem como uma das estratégias da ideologia globalizada, que intervém no qué, ou por qué e o como se investiga. Estas estratégias tendem a anular o pensamento da criticidade, quesito para tratar aspectos sumidos na maioria das pesquisas da saúde pública, como é a influência da poluição ambiental na saúde das pessoas, um dos atrapalhos mais preocupantes nos povos latino-americanos.

The human exposome unraveling the impact of environment on health: promise or reality? / O expossoma humano desvendando o impacto do ambiente sobre a saúde: promessa ou realidade?

ABSTRACT Considering the innovative nature of the approach to human exposome, we present the state of the art of studies on exposome, and discuss current challenges and perspectives in this area. Several reading and discussion activities were conducted by the Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador (eXsat - Group Exposome and Worker's Health), with systematization of the literature in the area published between January 2005 and January 2017, available in the databases PubMed and Web of Science. This comment brings a thematic analysis to encourage the dissemination of the exposome approach for studies in the Public Health area.

RESUMO Levando em consideração a natureza inovadora da abordagem do expossoma humano, apresentamos o estado da arte dos estudos sobre expossoma, e discutimos os desafios e perspectivas atuais nessa área. Foram realizadas diversas atividades de leitura e discussão pelo grupo eXsat (Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador), com sistematização da literatura da área publicada entre janeiro de 2005 e janeiro de 2017, disponíveis nas bases de dados PubMed e Web of Science. O presente comentário traz uma análise da temática de forma a incentivar a disseminação da abordagem do expossoma nos estudos da área de Saúde Pública.

Implantação de protocolo de vigilância e atenção à saúde de ex-trabalhadores e população exposta a chumbo, cádmio, cobre e zinco em Santo Amaro, Bahia / Implementation of a guideline for surveillance and health care of ex-workers and the population exposed to lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil

Resumo Introdução: ao longo de 40 anos, estudos evidenciam a contaminação da cidade de Santo Amaro por elevados níveis de chumbo e outros metais. Estudos epidemiológicos revelaram altas concentrações de chumbo e cádmio em amostras de sangue de pescadores, trabalhadores e em compartimentos ambientais. Em 2010, foi instituído um protocolo para orientar o desenvolvimento de ações de assistência, acompanhamento e vigilância da saúde da população exposta. Objetivo: identificar as dificuldades e avanços na implantação das estratégias preconizadas pelo protocolo sob a perspectiva dos gestores e profissionais da Saúde. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, utilizando pesquisa documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Resultados: a falta de compromisso e as mudanças de gestores na saúde, a carência de infraestrutura, a rotatividade de pessoal e o não cumprimento de acordos entre Município e Estado contribuíram para que as ações de assistência e vigilância à saúde da população exposta não fossem cumpridas. Conclusão: a implantação efetiva das ações propostas requer unidade na concepção do que seria a melhor estratégia para atenção à saúde, um maior compromisso das instâncias envolvidas e o engajamento dos usuários do SUS a fim de que reconheçam a relevância do protocolo para a melhoria da qualidade de vida da população.

Abstract Introduction: throughout 40 years studies have emphasized the contamination of the city of Santo Amaro by high levels of lead and other metals. Epidemiological studies have revealed high concentrations of lead and cadmium in blood samples of fishermen, workers and in environmental compartments. In 2010, a guideline was established to rule the development of assistance actions, monitoring and health surveillance of the exposed population. Objective: to identify the difficulties and progress in the implementation of the strategies proposed by the guideline under the perspective of the managers and healthcare professionals. Methods: qualitative study, using documental research and semi-structured interviews. Results: the lack of commitment and the change of healthcare managers, the lack of infrastructure, the staff turnover and the non-compliance of agreements between the local and state administration have contributed to the non-execution of assistance actions and health surveillance of the exposed population. Conclusion: the effective implementation of the proposed actions requires unit in the conception of what would be the best strategy for the healthcare, a bigger commitment of the instances concerned with it, and the involvement of the national health service users in order to recognize the relevance of the guideline for the improvement of the population quality of life.

Mitochondrial Toxins and Healthy Lifestyle Meet at the Crossroad of Hormesis

Mitochondrial function is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis under physiological and stress conditions. Thus, chronic exposure to environmental chemicals that affect mitochondrial function can have harmful effects on humans. We argue that the concept of hormesis should be revisited to explain the non-linear responses to mitochondrial toxins at a low-dose range and develop practical methods to protect humans from the negative effects of mitochondrial toxins. Of the most concern to humans are lipophilic chemical mixtures and heavy metals, owing to their physical properties. Even though these chemicals tend to demonstrate no safe level in humans, a non-linear dose-response has been also observed. Stress response activation, i.e., hormesis, can explain this non-linearity. Recently, hormesis has reemerged as a unifying concept because diverse stressors can induce similar stress responses. Besides potentially harmful environmental chemicals, healthy lifestyle interventions such as exercise, calorie restriction (especially glucose), cognitive stimulation, and phytochemical intake also activate stress responses. This conceptual link can lead to the development of practical methods that counterbalance the harm of mitochondrial toxins. Unlike chemical hormesis with its safety issues, the activation of stress responses via lifestyle modification can be safely used to combat the negative effects of mitochondrial toxins.

Effect of air pollutants on salivary lysozyme of pupils in Hangzhou / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the effect of air pollutants on salivary lysozyme of pupils in Hangzhou,and to provide a reference for effectively improving health index of primary school students.@*Methods@#A total of 248 healthy pupils from one primary school in Xiacheng district, Xihu district and Chun’an county of Hangzhou were selected with cluster random sampling methods during October 2015 to March 2016. Meteorological and air quality data near the three schools during the same period were collected. Mixed linear model was used to analyze the influence of air pollutants on salivary lysozyme of pupils.@*Results@#There was significant difference in the content of salivary enzymes between Xihu District and Xiacheng District (t=-4.49, 2.75, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in salivary lysozyme among pupils of different sex and age. Mixed linear model suggested that for 1 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO, salivary lysozyme increased by 1.75, 0.82, 6.12, 1.05 and 70.73 μg/L,respectively. Salivary lysozyme increased by 8.17 μg/L for 1 μg/m3 increase of SO2 the day before the test.@*Conclusion@#The level of salivary lysozyme in pupils is positively correlated with the concentration of air pollutants with a lagging effect.

Evaluación de la exposición de ciclistas a la contaminación del aire: una revisión de la literatura / Evaluation of cyclists exposure to air pollution: a literature review

RESUMEN Objetivos Describir e interpretar las metodologías y resultados de los principales estudios relacionados con el monitoreo de contaminación atmosférica en ciclistas. Métodos Se buscaron y analizaron las investigaciones a nivel nacional e internacional de los últimos diez años en las bases de datos Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct y Pubmed. La búsqueda se realizó de Agosto a Septiembre del año 2017 usando los siguientes descriptores de búsqueda para MeSH: air pollution, bicycling, environmental exposure, enviromental health, inhalation exposure, environmental pollutants, transportation, public health y toxicology, y para DeCS: contaminación del aire, ciclismo, exposición a riesgos ambientales, contaminantes ambientales, inhalación, transportes, salud pública y toxicología. Resultados Se identificaron diecinueve artículos publicados elegibles. La mayoría de los estudios se realizaron en Europa y Estados Unidos. En Latinoamérica se han reportado cuatro estudios. Otros estudios buscaban comparar la exposición en distintas rutas en bicicleta, comparar trayectos de una misma ruta, y otros determinar la relación distancia vs exposición. De igual manera, variables como el tráfico vehicular, la distancia a las fuentes de emisión y el tipo de ciclorruta, juegan un papel fundamental en la exposición a contaminantes en ciclistas. Conclusiones Se encontraron diversas variables que influyen de forma directa o indirectamente en la exposición a la contaminación del aire de los usuarios de bicicleta, así como algunos factores que pueden reducir la exposición a estos contaminantes.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe and interpret the methodologies and results of the main studies related to the monitoring of exposure of cyclists to air pollution. Methods Research and analysis of national and international research of the last ten years in the Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct and Pubmed databases. The search was conducted in August and September 2017 using the following search descriptors for MeSH: air pollution, bicycle riding, environmental exposure, environmental health, exposure by inhalation, environmental pollutants, transportation, public health and toxicology. For DeCS: air Pollution, cycling, exposure to environmental risks, environmental pollutants, inhalation, transportation, public health and toxicology. Results Nineteen eligible published articles were identified. Most studies were conducted in Europe and the United States. Four studies have been reported in South America. Other studies seek comparisons on different bicycle routes, compare exposure during variations of the same route, and others determine the distance-exposure relationship. In the same way, variables such as vehicular traffic, distance to the emission sources and the type of bike path, play a fundamental role in the exposure to pollutants in cyclists. Conclusions Several variables were found that influence, directly or indirectly, the cyclists exposure to air pollution, as well as some factors that can reduce this exposure.(AU)

Residential NO₂ exposure is associated with urgent healthcare use in a thunderstorm asthma cohort

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in allergic airway diseases. Few studies investigate the relationship between TRAP exposure and acute exacerbations of asthma. OBJECTIVE: The 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic provided an opportunity to investigate the relationship between proxies of TRAP exposure and asthma exacerbation requiring urgent healthcare in the previous 12 months. METHODS: Current asthmatics who presented to the 3 Emergency Departments of Melbourne's second-largest health service with epidemic thunderstorm asthma in November 2016 were identified and completed a standard questionnaire. Their residential addresses were geocoded and the annual average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure for each patient was assigned using a validated satellite-based land use regression model. Residential distance to the nearest major road was calculated using ArcGIS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between each TRAP proxy and healthcare use, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: From 263 thunderstorm asthma patients, 88 patients identified with current asthma were analysed. Those with higher mean annual residential NO2 exposure had greater odds of urgent healthcare use in the previous year (odds ratio [OR], 3.45 per one interquartile-range increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–9.10; p = 0.01), however distance from major road (OR, 0.95 per 100-m increase; 95% CI, 0.80–1.13; p = 0.57) and living < 200 m from a major road (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.29–7.45; p = 0.64) were not significantly associated. CONCLUSION: In current asthmatics who presented during an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event, greater exposure to residential NO2 was significantly associated with greater odds of asthma exacerbations requiring urgent healthcare in the previous 12 months.

Evaluation of the Exposure to Environmental Pollutants Emanating from National Industrial Complexes

The industrial complexes built during the course of economic development in South Korea played a pivotal role in the country's rapid economic growth. However, this growth was accompanied by health problems due to the pollutants released from the industrial complexes inevitably located near residential areas, given the limited land area available in South Korea. This study was conducted to evaluate the exposure to each pollutant emanating from industrial complexes for residents living in nearby areas, and to determine the substances requiring priority attention in future surveys. Pollutants were comprehensively categorized according to their emission and exposure levels based on data previously collected from the study areas. The emission, ambient concentration, and biomarker concentration levels of major pollutants emitted from eight national industrial complexes (Ulsan, Pohang, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Chungju, Daesan, Sihwa, and Banwol) were determined and tabulated. Each of the values was compared with the national/local average values, reference values, or control area concentrations depending on availability. Substances with completed exposure pathways and with high values for emissions, ambient concentrations, and biomarker concentrations were considered the substances posing exposure risks to the residents living near the corresponding industrial complex. The substances requiring continuous monitoring or supplementary exposure investigation were also categorized and presented. Lead and benzene had higher values for emissions, ambient concentrations, and biomarker concentrations in the Ulsan Industrial Complex area; thus, they were most likely to pose exposure risks to residents living in the area's neighborhoods. In other areas, styrene, xylene, cadmium, nitrogen oxide, trichloroethylene, nickel, manganese, and chromium required continuous monitoring, and arsenic, nickel, manganese, and chromium required biomarker measurements. In conclusion, the substances identified and categorized in this study need to be given appropriate attention in future surveys on exposure risks and health effects related to industrial complexes.

Evaluation of the Exposure to Environmental Pollutants Emanating from National Industrial Complexes

The industrial complexes built during the course of economic development in South Korea played a pivotal role in the country's rapid economic growth. However, this growth was accompanied by health problems due to the pollutants released from the industrial complexes inevitably located near residential areas, given the limited land area available in South Korea. This study was conducted to evaluate the exposure to each pollutant emanating from industrial complexes for residents living in nearby areas, and to determine the substances requiring priority attention in future surveys. Pollutants were comprehensively categorized according to their emission and exposure levels based on data previously collected from the study areas. The emission, ambient concentration, and biomarker concentration levels of major pollutants emitted from eight national industrial complexes (Ulsan, Pohang, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Chungju, Daesan, Sihwa, and Banwol) were determined and tabulated. Each of the values was compared with the national/local average values, reference values, or control area concentrations depending on availability. Substances with completed exposure pathways and with high values for emissions, ambient concentrations, and biomarker concentrations were considered the substances posing exposure risks to the residents living near the corresponding industrial complex. The substances requiring continuous monitoring or supplementary exposure investigation were also categorized and presented. Lead and benzene had higher values for emissions, ambient concentrations, and biomarker concentrations in the Ulsan Industrial Complex area; thus, they were most likely to pose exposure risks to residents living in the area's neighborhoods. In other areas, styrene, xylene, cadmium, nitrogen oxide, trichloroethylene, nickel, manganese, and chromium required continuous monitoring, and arsenic, nickel, manganese, and chromium required biomarker measurements. In conclusion, the substances identified and categorized in this study need to be given appropriate attention in future surveys on exposure risks and health effects related to industrial complexes.

Decabromodiphenyl ethane: a review of its pollution levels and toxicity / 中华预防医学杂志

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) is a kind of new brominated flame retardants, which is widely used as a replace of decabromodiphenyl ether in electronic appliances, textiles and other goods. This review summarizes environmental levels and body burden of human beings of DBDPE in recent years. The data shows that the concentration of DBDPE in the environment and human tissues shows an upward trend. According to limited experiments about its toxicity, DBDPE shows similar toxicity to decabromodiphenyl ether. DBDPE can interfere thyroid hormones balance, and cause damage to liver, reproductive development, kidney, et al, which implies that DBDPE might be another new persistent organic pollutant. Further researches are needed.

Potential health effects of emerging environmental contaminants perfluoroalkyl compounds / 영남의대학술지

Environmental contaminants are one of the important causal factors for development of various human diseases. In particular, the perinatal period is highly vulnerable to environmental toxicants and resultant dysregulation of fetal development can cause detrimental health outcomes potentially affecting life-long health. Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs), emerging environmental pollutants, are man-made organic molecules, which are widely used in diverse industries and consumer products. PFCs are non-degradable and bioaccumulate in the environment. Importantly, PFCs can be found in cord blood and breast milk as well as in the general population. Due to their physicochemical properties and potential toxicity, many studies have evaluated the health effects of PFCs. This review summarizes the epidemiological and experimental studies addressing the association of PFCs with neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. While the relationships between PFC levels and changes in neural and immune health are not yet conclusive, accumulative studies provide evidence for positive associations between PFC levels and the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and reduced immune response to vaccination both in children and adults. In conclusion, PFCs have the potential to affect human health linked with neurological disorders and immunosuppressive responses. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the effects of PFCs on human health is still in its infancy. Therefore, along with efforts to develop methods to reduce exposure to PFCs, studies on the mode of action of these chemicals are required in the near future.