International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

12 pages, 1603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Open Spaces and Leisure-Time Walking in Brazilian Adults

by Alex Antonio Florindo^1,2,*

, Ligia Vizeu Barrozo³, William Cabral-Miranda³, Eduardo Quieroti Rodrigues², Gavin Turrell⁴

, Moisés Goldbaum⁵, Chester Luiz Galvão Cesar⁶ and Billie Giles-Corti^7,8

¹ School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 03828-000, Brazil

² Graduate Program in Nutrition in Public Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

³ Department of Geography, School of Philosophy, Literature and Human Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-080, Brazil

⁴ Institute for Health and Ageing, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3065, Australia

⁵ Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-903, Brazil

⁶ Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-904, Brazil

⁷ Centre for Urban Research, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne 3000, Australia

⁸ Adjunct, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060553 - 23 May 2017

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6884

Abstract

Access to public open space is important to increase leisure-time walking (LTW) in high-income countries, but there is little evidence in middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine the relationship between LTW and the presence of different public open spaces (parks, [...] Read more.

Access to public open space is important to increase leisure-time walking (LTW) in high-income countries, but there is little evidence in middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine the relationship between LTW and the presence of different public open spaces (parks, bike paths, and squares) and the mix of these recreational destinations near the homes of adults participating in the Sao Paulo Health Survey (n = 3145). LTW was evaluated by a questionnaire. We delineated buffers (500, 1000, and 1500 m) from the geographic coordinates of the adults’ residential addresses using a geographic information system. We used multilevel logistic regression taking account of clustering by census tracts and households, and with adjustment for social, demographics, and health characteristics. The main results showed that the presence of at least two recreational destinations within a 500-m buffer of participants’ homes were associated with an increased odds of LTW compared with no destinations present (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.09–2.55). No associations were found for destinations further away. These results support actions outlined in the new urban plan for Sao Paulo city and could be used to highlight the importance access to a mix of public open spaces to promote physical activity in megacities of middle-income countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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18 pages, 3482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing the Use of Urban Greenways in Developing Countries: A Case Study on Wutong Greenway in Shenzhen, China

by Yiyong Chen^1,2, Weiying Gu³, Tao Liu^4,*, Lei Yuan^1,2 and Mali Zeng¹

¹ School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

² Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Built Environment Optimization, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

³ Pingshan Center for Urban Planning & Land Affairs of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518118, China

⁴ College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060554 - 23 May 2017

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 7052

Abstract

Given the benefits of urban greenways on the health and well-being of urban populations, the increased use of urban greenways has garnered increasing attention. Studies on urban greenways, however, have been mostly conducted in Western countries, whereas there is limited knowledge on greenway [...] Read more.

Given the benefits of urban greenways on the health and well-being of urban populations, the increased use of urban greenways has garnered increasing attention. Studies on urban greenways, however, have been mostly conducted in Western countries, whereas there is limited knowledge on greenway use in urban areas in developing countries. To address this shortcoming, the present study selected Wutong Greenway in Shenzhen, China, as a case study and focused on the use pattern and factors that influence the frequency and duration of urban greenway use in developing countries. An intercept survey of greenway users was conducted, and 1257 valid questionnaires were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between potential predictors and greenway use. Results showed that visitors with a varied sociodemographic background use Wutong Greenway with high intensity. Various factors affect the use of urban greenways, including individual and environmental factors and greenway use patterns. Unlike previous studies, we found that accommodation type, length of stay at present residence and mode of transportation to the greenway are important factors that affect greenway use. In contrast with studies conducted in Western countries, less-educated and low-income respondents visit the Wutong greenway even more frequently than others. Thus, the greenway is an important public asset that promotes social equity and that all residents can freely use. To better serve citizens, we suggest that the greenway network should be extended to other areas and that its environmental quality should be improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Health)

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20 pages, 7194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ephedra-Treated Donor-Derived Gut Microbiota Transplantation Ameliorates High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats

by Jing-Hua Wang^1,2

, Bong-Soo Kim³, Kyungsun Han¹

and Hojun Kim^1,*

¹ Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 814 Siksa, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Korea

² Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan Road 103, Hefei 230038, China

³ Department of Life Sciences, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060555 - 23 May 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7760

Abstract

Changes in gut microbiota (GM) are closely associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes and so on. Several medicinal herbs, including Ephedra sinica (Es), have anti-obesity effects that ameliorate metabolic disorders. Therefore, in this study we evaluated whether Es maintains its anti-obesity [...] Read more.

Changes in gut microbiota (GM) are closely associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes and so on. Several medicinal herbs, including Ephedra sinica (Es), have anti-obesity effects that ameliorate metabolic disorders. Therefore, in this study we evaluated whether Es maintains its anti-obesity effect through Es-altered gut microbiota (EsM) transplantation. GM was isolated from cecal contents of Es treated and untreated rats following repeated transplants into obese rats via oral gavage over three weeks. High-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese rats transplanted with EsM lost significant body weight, epididymal fat, and perirenal fat weight, but no remarkable changes were observed in abdominal fat, liver, cecum weight and food efficiency ratio. In addition, treatment with EsM also significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose, serum insulin level, and insulin resistance index. Meanwhile, EsM transplantation significantly reduced gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Rats treated with EsM also showed changed GM composition, especially blautia, roseburia and clostridium, significantly reduced the level of endotoxin and markedly increased the acetic acid in feces. Overall, our results demonstrated that EsM ameliorates HFD-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders, like hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and is strongly associated with modulating the distribution of GM, enterogenous endotoxin and enteral acetic acid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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13 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

by Abul H. Milton^1,*, Sumaira Hussain²

, Shahnaz Akter³, Mijanur Rahman¹, Tafzila A. Mouly⁴ and Kane Mitchell⁵

¹ Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB), School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

² Mercy Corps, Pak Palace, Murree Road, Rawal Chowk, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

³ School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia

⁴ Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Dhaka 1219, Bangladesh

⁵ Managing Principal, JBS&G, Brisbane 4000, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060556 - 23 May 2017

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 7711

Abstract

Exposure to arsenic has a number of known detrimental health effects but impact on pregnancy outcomes is not as widely recognized. This narrative review examines existing epidemiological evidence investigating the association between arsenic exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed [...] Read more.

Exposure to arsenic has a number of known detrimental health effects but impact on pregnancy outcomes is not as widely recognized. This narrative review examines existing epidemiological evidence investigating the association between arsenic exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed published epidemiological studies from around the world on impact of chronic arsenic exposure on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, post neonatal death, low birth weight and preterm baby. Plausible mechanisms of arsenic toxicity causing adverse pregnancy outcomes were also determined through literature review. There is convincing evidence to support the association between high inorganic arsenic exposure (>50 ppb) and spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and low birth weight. Limitations of certain studies include study design, small sample size, recall constraints and exposure assessment. There needs to be further research investigating the dose metered impact of arsenic exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Further research on impact of low–moderate arsenic concentration exposure on pregnancy outcomes will allow for appropriate public health policy recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Aquatic Microbial and Chemical Contaminants of Concern and Their Impact on Human Health)

21 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Neighbourhoods and the Social Environment on Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults in Three Prospective Cohorts

by Richard J. Shaw^1,*

, Iva Čukić², Ian J. Deary², Catharine R. Gale^2,3, Sebastien F. M. Chastin^4,5

, Philippa M. Dall⁴, Manon L. Dontje^4,6, Dawn A. Skelton⁴

, Laura Macdonald¹ and Geoff Der^1,2

¹ MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G2 3QB, UK

² Department of Psychology Centre for Cognitive Ageing & Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK

³ MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton S016 6YD, UK

⁴ Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK

⁵ Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium

⁶ School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060557 - 24 May 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7476

Abstract

Sedentary behaviour is an emerging risk factor for poor health. This study aimed to identify ecological determinants of sedentary behaviour, for which evidence is currently scarce. The study participants were community dwelling adults from, respectively, the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (n = 271, [...] Read more.

Sedentary behaviour is an emerging risk factor for poor health. This study aimed to identify ecological determinants of sedentary behaviour, for which evidence is currently scarce. The study participants were community dwelling adults from, respectively, the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (n = 271, mean age 79) and the 1930s (n = 119, mean age 83) and 1950s (n = 310, mean age 64) cohorts of the West of Scotland Twenty-07 study. The outcome measure, percentage of waking time spent sedentary (sedentary time), was measured using an activPAL activity monitor worn continuously for seven days. Potential determinants included objective and subjective neighbourhood measures such as natural space, crime, social cohesion and fear of crime. Other determinants included measures of social participation such as social support, social group membership and providing care. Results from multivariable regression analyses indicated that providing care was associated with reduced sedentary time in retired participants in all cohorts. Fear of crime and perceived absence of services were associated with increased sedentary time for retired 1950s cohort members. Higher crime rates were associated with increased sedentary time in all cohorts but this was not significant after adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics. Most other neighbourhood and social participation measures showed no association with sedentary time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

13 pages, 5481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enteric Viruses and Fecal Bacteria Indicators to Assess Groundwater Quality and Suitability for Irrigation

by Osvalda De Giglio^1,*

, Giuseppina Caggiano¹, Francesco Bagordo²

, Giovanna Barbuti¹, Silvia Brigida³, Federica Lugoli², Tiziana Grassi²

, Giuseppina La Rosa⁴

, Luca Lucentini⁴

, Vito Felice Uricchio³, Antonella De Donno²

and Maria Teresa Montagna¹

¹ Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy

² Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, Campus Ecotekne, Monteroni di Lecce, 73047 Lecce, Italy

³ Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Viale Francesco de Blasio 5, 70132 Bari, Italy

⁴ National Institute of Health, Department of Environment and Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00100 Rome, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060558 - 24 May 2017

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5815

Abstract

According to Italian Ministerial Decree No. 185 of 12 June 2003, water is considered suitable for irrigation if levels of fecal bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli and Salmonella) are within certain parameters. The detection of other microorganisms is not required. The aim of [...] Read more.

According to Italian Ministerial Decree No. 185 of 12 June 2003, water is considered suitable for irrigation if levels of fecal bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli and Salmonella) are within certain parameters. The detection of other microorganisms is not required. The aim of this study is to determine the bacteriological quality of groundwater used for irrigation and the occurrence of enteric viruses (Norovirus, Enterovirus, Rotavirus, Hepatovirus A), and to compare the presence of viruses with the fecal bacteria indicators. A total of 182 wells was analyzed. Widespread fecal contamination of Apulian aquifers was detected (141 wells; 77.5%) by the presence of fecal bacteria (i.e., E. coli, Salmonella, total coliforms, and enterococci). Considering bacteria included in Ministerial Decree No. 185, the water from 35 (19.2%) wells was unsuitable for irrigation purposes. Among 147 wells with water considered suitable, Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Enterovirus were detected in 23 (15.6%) wells. No Hepatovirus A was isolated. Consequently, 58 wells (31.9%) posed a potential infectious risk for irrigation use. This study revealed the inadequacy of fecal bacteria indicators to predict the occurrence of viruses in groundwater and it is the first in Italy to describe the presence of human rotaviruses in well water used for irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Aquatic Microbial and Chemical Contaminants of Concern and Their Impact on Human Health)

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10 pages, 1747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Features and Forecast Model Analysis for the Morbidity of Influenza in Ningbo, China, 2006–2014

by Chunli Wang^1,†

, Yongdong Li^2,†, Wei Feng¹, Kui Liu³, Shu Zhang², Fengjiao Hu², Suli Jiao², Xuying Lao², Hongxia Ni² and Guozhang Xu^2,*

¹ Department of Chronic Diseases and Community Health, Fenghua Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo 315500, China

² Department of Virus Research, Ningbo Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo 315010, China

³ Department of Science Research and Information Management, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060559 - 25 May 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5047

Abstract

This study aimed to identify circulating influenza virus strains and vulnerable population groups and investigate the distribution and seasonality of influenza viruses in Ningbo, China. Then, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for prediction was established. Influenza surveillance data for 2006–2014 were [...] Read more.

This study aimed to identify circulating influenza virus strains and vulnerable population groups and investigate the distribution and seasonality of influenza viruses in Ningbo, China. Then, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for prediction was established. Influenza surveillance data for 2006–2014 were obtained for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) (n = 129,528) from the municipal Centers for Disease Control and virus surveillance systems of Ningbo, China. The ARIMA model was proposed to predict the expected morbidity cases from January 2015 to December 2015. Of the 13,294 specimens, influenza virus was detected in 1148 (8.64%) samples, including 951 (82.84%) influenza type A and 197 (17.16%) influenza type B viruses; the influenza virus isolation rate was strongly correlated with the rate of ILI during the overall study period (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). The ARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 0)₁₂ model could be used to predict the ILI incidence in Ningbo. The seasonal pattern of influenza activity in Ningbo tended to peak during the rainy season and winter. Given those results, the model we established could effectively predict the trend of influenza-related morbidity, providing a methodological basis for future influenza monitoring and control strategies in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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10 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Burnout and Its Relationships with Alexithymia, Stress, and Social Support among Romanian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Ovidiu Popa-Velea^*, Liliana Diaconescu, Alexandra Mihăilescu, Mara Jidveian Popescu and George Macarie

Department of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060560 - 25 May 2017

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 7312

Abstract

Medical school students often experience emotional difficulties when handling the challenges of their formation, occasionally leading to burnout. In this study, we measured the prevalence of burnout and its relationships with perceived stress, perceived social support, and alexithymia in medical students from the [...] Read more.

Medical school students often experience emotional difficulties when handling the challenges of their formation, occasionally leading to burnout. In this study, we measured the prevalence of burnout and its relationships with perceived stress, perceived social support, and alexithymia in medical students from the largest academic medical community in Romania. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a randomized sample of 299 preclinical medical students at the University of Medicine in Bucharest. Participants completed four standardized questionnaires. In addition to the assessment of burnout prevalence, stepwise backward regression was used to establish which variables had the highest correlation to burnout components. Further, t-tests were run to assess gender-related differences. Overall, burnout prevalence was 15.05%. Perceived stress was found to be the strongest predictor of emotional exhaustion and lack of accomplishment, while the strongest predictors of depersonalization were low perceived social support (in women) and alexithymia (in men). Women appear to be more vulnerable to two of the components of burnout (emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment) and associate higher perceived stress and alexithymia. These results suggest that interventions addressing academic burnout could benefit from being gender-specific, with focus on key elements, such as perceived stress and alexithymia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

16 pages, 6965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lithium in the Natural Waters of the South East of Ireland

by Laurence Kavanagh^*

, Jerome Keohane, John Cleary, Guiomar Garcia Cabellos

and Andrew Lloyd

EnviroCORE, Department of Science and Health, IT Carlow, Kilkenny road, Co., Carlow R93V960, Ireland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060561 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 9188

Abstract

The South East of Ireland (County Carlow) contains a deposit of the valuable lithium-bearing mineral spodumene (LiAl(SiO₃)₂). This resource has recently attracted interest and abstractive mining in the area is a possibility for the future. The open cast mining [...] Read more.

The South East of Ireland (County Carlow) contains a deposit of the valuable lithium-bearing mineral spodumene (LiAl(SiO₃)₂). This resource has recently attracted interest and abstractive mining in the area is a possibility for the future. The open cast mining of this resource could represent a potential hazard in the form of metalliferous pollution to local water. The population of County Carlow is just under 60,000. The local authority reports that approximately 75.7% of the population’s publicly supplied drinking water is abstracted from surface water and 11.6% from groundwater. In total, 12.7% of the population abstract their water from private groundwater wells. Any potential entry of extraneous metals into the area’s natural waters will have implications for people in county Carlow. It is the goal of this paper to establish background concentrations of lithium and other metals in the natural waters prior to any mining activity. Our sampling protocol totaled 115 sites along five sampling transects, sampled through 2015. From this dataset, we report a background concentration of dissolved lithium in the natural waters of County Carlow, surface water at

\bar{x}

= 0.02, SD = 0.02 ranging from 0 to 0.091 mg/L and groundwater at

\bar{x}

= 0.023, SD = 0.02 mg/L ranging from 0 to 0.097 mg/L. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings from the 3rd International Symposium on Environment and Health)

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13 pages, 604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Jingjing Wang^1,†, Ya Cui^2,†, Lihua He^1,*, Xiangrong Xu¹, Zhiwei Yuan¹, Xianning Jin¹ and Zhimin Li^2,*

¹ Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China

² Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen 518020, China

^† These two authors contributed equally to the article.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060562 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6337

Abstract

Medical staff in the department of obstetrics and gynecology are a group of professionals reportedly at high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), however, little is known about the current status of this problem in China. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.

Medical staff in the department of obstetrics and gynecology are a group of professionals reportedly at high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), however, little is known about the current status of this problem in China. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among this population in China. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed to 1017 obstetrics and gynecology practitioners to collect information on musculoskeletal symptoms and relevant factors. Prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in different parts of the body were calculated and the relationship between personal and ergonomic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed using Chi-square test and unconditional logistic regression models. The results indicated a high prevalence of 85.5% among the subjects, with the shoulder (n = 575, 62.0%), neck (n = 560, 60.3%) and lower back (n = 504, 54.3%) being the three most affected regions. Individual, postural, work-environmental as well as psychosocial factors were recognized to be associated with WMSDs in different body parts. Therefore, attention must be given to the problem of musculoskeletal disorders among Chinese obstetrics and gynecology staff. It is recommended to develop good life habits, improve work environment, adjust work organization as well as train on proper postures in their daily operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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12 pages, 7654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Blue Space Visibility and ‘Blue Recreation’ in the Everyday Lives of Children in a Capital City

by Amber L. Pearson^1,2,3,*

, Ross Bottomley¹, Tim Chambers^2,4

, Lukar Thornton⁵, James Stanley², Moira Smith², Michelle Barr² and Louise Signal²

¹ Department of Geography, Environment & Spatial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

² Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand

³ Environmental Science and Policy Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

⁴ Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA

⁵ School of Exercise and Nutritional Science, Deakin University, Melbourne 3125, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060563 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6219

Abstract

Blue spaces (water bodies) may promote positive mental and physical health through opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and social connections. However, we know little about the nature and extent of everyday exposure to blue spaces, particularly in settings outside the home or among children, [...] Read more.

Blue spaces (water bodies) may promote positive mental and physical health through opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and social connections. However, we know little about the nature and extent of everyday exposure to blue spaces, particularly in settings outside the home or among children, nor whether exposure varies by individual or household characteristics. Wearable cameras offer a novel, reliable method for blue space exposure measurement. In this study, we used images from cameras worn over two days by 166 children in Wellington, New Zealand, and conducted content and blue space quantification analysis on each image (n = 749,389). Blue space was identified in 24,721 images (3.6%), with a total of 23 blue recreation events. Visual exposure and participation in blue recreation did not differ by ethnicity, weight status, household deprivation, or residential proximity to the coastline. Significant differences in both visual exposure to blue space and participation in blue recreation were observed, whereby children from the most deprived schools had significantly higher rates of blue space exposure than children from low deprivation schools. Schools may be important settings to promote equitable blue space exposures. Childhood exposures to blue space may not follow the expected income inequality trends observed among adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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12 pages, 630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Dietary Intake of Cadmium, Lead and Mercury and Its Relationship with Bone Health among Postmenopausal Women in Spain

by Luis M. Puerto-Parejo^†, Ignacio Aliaga^†, María L. Canal-Macias, Olga Leal-Hernandez, Raul Roncero-Martín, Sergio Rico-Martín and Jose M. Moran^*

¹ Metabolic Bone Diseases Research Group, Nursing Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain

^† These two authors contributed equally to this article.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060564 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4882

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, are absorbed through contaminated food sources and water. Few studies have investigated the extent to which dietary heavy metals are associated with low bone mineral density. Aims: We aimed to characterize the dietary intake [...] Read more.

Background: Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, are absorbed through contaminated food sources and water. Few studies have investigated the extent to which dietary heavy metals are associated with low bone mineral density. Aims: We aimed to characterize the dietary intake of the heavy metals lead, cadmium and mercury among healthy, non-smoking postmenopausal women in Spain. Furthermore, we sought to establish a putative relationship between bone health and the intake of these heavy metals in this population. Study Design: The daily intake of the heavy metals considered for the different food groups was calculated by accounting for food content and consumption in 281 postmenopausal women. Bone measurements were performed using a Quantitative Bone Ultrasound (QUS), a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and a Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). Results: The average estimated dietary cadmium exposure among the 281 women studied was 29.87 μg/day (20.41–41.04) and 3.03 μg/kg body weight (b.w.; 2.17–4.40). Dietary lead exposure was 46.24 μg/day (38.11–54.77) and 4.87 μg/kg b.w. (4.00–6.14). The estimated dietary mercury exposure was 11.64 μg/day and 1.19 μg/kg b.w. (0.82–1.76). Participants were classified according to their heavy metal intake (above or below the respective medians). After further adjustment for potential confounding factors, no significant differences were found in all the measured parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We did not find associations between bone health and the dietary intake of three heavy metals in postmenopausal women. Dietary intake of the measured heavy metals were within the recommended values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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8 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences of Arterial Stiffness and Arterial Age in Smokers

by Ioana Mozos^1,2

, Jean Paul Maidana³

, Dana Stoian^4,*

and Milan Stehlik^3,5,6

¹ Department of Functional Sciences, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300173 Timisoara, Romania

² Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300173 Timisoara, Romania

³ Institute of Statistics, University of Valparaiso, 234000 Valparaíso, Chile

⁴ 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300723 Timisoara, Romania

⁵ Department of Applied Statistics, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria

⁶ Linz Institute of Technology, Johannes Kepler University, 4040 Linz, Austria

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060565 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4572

Abstract

The present study aimed to find gender differences for arterial stiffness and arterial aging in smokers. A total of 147 smokers (71 male and 76 female, matched for age) were explored using an Arteriograph in a cross-sectional survey. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to find gender differences for arterial stiffness and arterial aging in smokers. A total of 147 smokers (71 male and 76 female, matched for age) were explored using an Arteriograph in a cross-sectional survey. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), arterial age (AA), brachial and aortic augmentation index (AixBrach, AixAo), and blood pressure variables were assessed. Data about smoking intensity, such as the number of cigarettes smoked daily, smoking period, and smoking pack years (SPY) were used. No significant differences were found for PWV, AA, AixBrach and AixAo. Significant correlations were found between SPY and PWV, augmentation indices, and AA, respectively. The cut-off values for SPY were higher for an increased arterial stiffness in male compared to female smokers (18.5 and 7.5 pack year, respectively). SPY is significantly associated with an increased arterial stiffness in smokers regardless of gender, and with an increased SBPAo only in female smokers. The results of our study indicate gender differences for arterial stiffness and arterial age in smokers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

12 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, Body Mass Index, and Waist Circumference among Young Adults from 24 Low- and Middle-Income and Two High-Income Countries

by Karl Peltzer^1,2,*

and Supa Pengpid^2,3

¹ HIV/AIDS/STIs and TB (HAST), Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

² Department of Research & Innovation, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, South Africa

³ ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060566 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7090

Abstract

Obesity and its comorbidities have emerged as a leading public health concern. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and sleep patterns, including duration and disturbances. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey and anthropometric [...] Read more.

Obesity and its comorbidities have emerged as a leading public health concern. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and sleep patterns, including duration and disturbances. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey and anthropometric measurements were conducted with undergraduate university students that were randomly recruited in 26 universities in 24 low- and middle-income and two high-income countries. The sample included 18,211 (42.1% male and 57.9% female, mean age 21.0 in male and 20.7 years in female students) undergraduate university students. The overall BMI was a mean of 22.5 kg/m² for men and 22.0 kg/m² for women, and the mean WC was 78.4 cm for men and 73.8 cm for women. More than 39% of the students reported short sleep duration (≤6 h/day) and over 30% reported moderate to extreme sleep problems. In a linear multivariable regression, adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, short sleep duration was positively associated with BMI in both men and women, and was positively associated with WC among women but not among men. Sleep quality or problems among men were not associated with BMI, while among women mild sleep problems were inversely associated with BMI, and poor sleep quality or problems were positively associated with WC both among men and women. The study confirmed an association between short sleep duration and increased BMI and, among women, increased WC, and an association between poor sleep quality and increased WC but not BMI. Further, differences in the association between sleep characteristics and BMI and WC were found by region and country income. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Health Behavior and Public Health)

18 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Housing a Health Insult?

by Emma Baker^1,*

, Andrew Beer²

, Laurence Lester¹, David Pevalin³

, Christine Whitehead⁴ and Rebecca Bentley⁵

¹ School of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia

² University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide 5000, Australia

³ School of Health and Human Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK

⁴ Department of Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science, London WC2A 2AE, UK

⁵ Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060567 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 10648

Abstract

In seeking to understand the relationship between housing and health, research attention is often focussed on separate components of people’s whole housing ‘bundles’. We propose in this paper that such conceptual and methodological abstraction of elements of the housing and health relationship limits [...] Read more.

In seeking to understand the relationship between housing and health, research attention is often focussed on separate components of people’s whole housing ‘bundles’. We propose in this paper that such conceptual and methodological abstraction of elements of the housing and health relationship limits our ability to understand the scale of the accumulated effect of housing on health and thereby contributes to the under-recognition of adequate housing as a social policy tool and powerful health intervention. In this paper, we propose and describe an index to capture the means by which housing bundles influence health. We conceptualise the index as reflecting accumulated housing ‘insults to health’—an Index of Housing Insults (IHI). We apply the index to a sample of 1000 low-income households in Australia. The analysis shows a graded association between housing insults and health on all outcome measures. Further, after controlling for possible confounders, the IHI is shown to provide additional predictive power to the explanation of levels of mental health, general health and clinical depression beyond more traditional proxy measures. Overall, this paper reinforces the need to look not just at separate housing components but to embrace a broader understanding of the relationship between housing and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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20 pages, 12330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals and the Environmental Quality of Soil in the Northern Plateau of Spain by Geostatistical Methods

by Fernando Santos-Francés¹

, Antonio Martínez-Graña^2,*

, Carmelo Ávila Zarza³, Antonio García Sánchez⁴ and Pilar Alonso Rojo¹

¹ Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenue Filiberto Villalobos, 119, 37007 Salamanca, Spain

² Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Salamanca, Plaza de la Merced s/n., 37008 Salamanca, Spain

³ Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Salamanca, Avenue Filiberto Villalobos, 119, 37007 Salamanca, Spain

⁴ Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology—IRNASA (C.S.I.C.), Calle Cordel de Merinas 40, 37008 Salamanca, Spain

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060568 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 102 | Viewed by 7073

Abstract

The environmental quality of soil in the central part of the Northern Plateau of Spain has been analyzed by studying the heavy metal content of 166 samples belonging to the horizons A, B and C of 89 soil profiles. The analysis to assess [...] Read more.

The environmental quality of soil in the central part of the Northern Plateau of Spain has been analyzed by studying the heavy metal content of 166 samples belonging to the horizons A, B and C of 89 soil profiles. The analysis to assess the environmental risk of heavy metals in the soil was carried out by means of the spatial distribution of nine heavy metals and the use of several pollution indices. The results showed that the concentration values of heavy metals (x ± S) in the superficial soil horizons were the following: With a total of 6.71 ± 3.51 mg kg −1, the contents of Cd is 0.08 ± 0.06 mg kg−1, Co is 6.49 ± 3.21 mg kg−1, Cu is 17.19 ± 10.69 mg kg−1, Cr is 18.68 ± 12.28 mg kg−1, Hg is 0.083 ± 0.063 mg kg−1, Ni is 12.05 ± 6.76 mg kg−1, Pb is 14.10 ± 11.32 mg kg−1 and Zn is 35.31 ± 14.63 mg kg−1. These nine metals exceed the values of the natural geological background level of Tertiary period sediments and rocks that form part of the Northern Plateau in Spain. Nemerow and Potential Ecological Risk indices were calculated, with the “improved” Nemerow index allowing pollution within the soil superficial horizons to be determined. The data obtained indicated that the majority of the soil (54.61%) showed low to moderate contamination, 22.31% showed moderate contamination and 21.54% of the samples were not contaminated. If we consider the Potential of Ecological Risk Index (RI), the largest percentage of soil samples showed low (70.79%) to moderate (25.38%) ecological risk of potential contamination, where the rest of the soil presented a considerable risk of contamination. The nine trace elements were divided into three principal components: PC1 (Cu, Cr, Ni, Co and Zn), PC2 (As and Hg) and PC3 (Cd). All metals accumulated in the soil came from parent rock, agricultural practices and the run-off of residual waters towards rivers and streams caused by industrial development and an increase in population density. Finally, cartography of the spatial distribution of the heavy metal contents in the soil of the Northern Plateau of Spain was generated using Kriging interpolation methods. Furthermore, the total heavy metal contents in three soil orders present in the area, namely Entisols, Inceptisols, and Alfisols, were analyzed. Other soil parameters, such as the organic matter content, pH, clay content and cation exchange capacity, was measured to determine their influence on and correlation with the heavy metal contents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Pollution and Public Health)

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18 pages, 6892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical Environment Factors and Risk Assessment of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Hulunbuir, Northeastern China

by Yifan Li^1,2, Juanle Wang^1,3,*, Mengxu Gao^1,4, Liqun Fang⁵, Changhua Liu², Xin Lyu¹, Yongqing Bai^1,6

, Qiang Zhao¹, Hairong Li¹, Hongjie Yu⁷, Wuchun Cao⁵, Liqiang Feng², Yanjun Wang² and Bin Zhang²

¹ State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, China

² Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China

³ Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing 210023, China

⁴ National Science and Technology Infrastructure Center, Beijing 100862, China

⁵ State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China

⁶ University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

⁷ School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060569 - 26 May 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5597

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of natural foci diseases transmitted by ticks. Its distribution and transmission are closely related to geographic and environmental factors. Identification of environmental determinates of TBE is of great importance to understanding the general distribution of existing and potential [...] Read more.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of natural foci diseases transmitted by ticks. Its distribution and transmission are closely related to geographic and environmental factors. Identification of environmental determinates of TBE is of great importance to understanding the general distribution of existing and potential TBE natural foci. Hulunbuir, one of the most severe endemic areas of the disease, is selected as the study area. Statistical analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis, and regression methods were applied to detect the spatiotemporal characteristics, compare the impact degree of associated factors, and model the risk distribution using the heterogeneity. The statistical analysis of gridded geographic and environmental factors and TBE incidence show that the TBE patients mainly occurred during spring and summer and that there is a significant positive spatial autocorrelation between the distribution of TBE cases and environmental characteristics. The impact degree of these factors on TBE risks has the following descending order: temperature, relative humidity, vegetation coverage, precipitation and topography. A high-risk area with a triangle shape was determined in the central part of Hulunbuir; the low-risk area is located in the two belts next to the outside edge of the central triangle. The TBE risk distribution revealed that the impact of the geographic factors changed depending on the heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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12 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Prenatal Organophosphate Pesticide Exposures on Thai Infant Neurodevelopment

by Pornpimol Kongtip^1,*, Benyachalee Techasaensiri², Noppanun Nankongnab¹, Jane Adams³, Akkarat Phamonphon¹, Anu Surach¹, Supha Sangprasert⁴, Aree Thongsuksai⁵, Prayoon Srikumpol⁶ and Susan Woskie⁷

¹ Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

² Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

³ Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, USA

⁴ Sawanpracharak Hospital, 43 Autakavee Road, Paknumpo, Muang, Nakhon Sawan 60000, Thailand

⁵ Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital, 572 Sangchuto Road, Ban Tai, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

⁶ Amnatcharoen Hospital, 291 Arunprasert Road, Muang, Amnatcharoen 37000, Thailand

⁷ College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854-2867, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060570 - 27 May 2017

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6792

Abstract

A birth cohort was begun to investigate the levels and sources of pesticide exposure in pregnant women living in Thailand, and to examine the effects of pesticide exposure on infant neurodevelopment at five months of age. Subjects were interviewed using questionnaires regarding their [...] Read more.

A birth cohort was begun to investigate the levels and sources of pesticide exposure in pregnant women living in Thailand, and to examine the effects of pesticide exposure on infant neurodevelopment at five months of age. Subjects were interviewed using questionnaires regarding their demographic characteristics, educational background, and work and home activities related to pesticide exposures. Spot urine samples were collected at 28 weeks gestation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine maternal metabolite levels of organophosphate pesticides including dimethyl phosphate (DMP); total DEP (diethyl phosphate (DEP), diethyl thiophosphate (DETP), and diethyl dithiophosphate (DEDTP), and total DAP (the sum of all metabolite levels). At five months of age, infant development was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (Bayley-III). Higher total DEP and total DAP metabolite levels from the mother at 28 weeks’ gestation were significantly associated with reduced motor composite scores on the Bayley-III at five months of age. The total DEP levels were also significantly associated with reduced cognitive composite scores. Prenatal concentrations of maternal urinary metabolites were associated with infant cognitive and motor development. The results of several studies now suggest the need for public health intervention to reduce prenatal pesticide exposures from both agricultural and domestic use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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12 pages, 4238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of a Blue Zone in a Typical Chinese Longevity Region

by Yi Huang^1,2,* and Geoffrey Mark Jacquez^2,3

¹ School of Geographic Science, Nantong University, Nantong 226000, China

² Department of Geography, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA

³ BioMedware, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060571 - 28 May 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7202

Abstract

Influenced by a special local environment, the proportion of centenarians is particularly high in some places, known as “blue zones”. Blue zones are mysterious regions that continue to attract research. This paper explores the spatial distribution of the longevity population in a typical [...] Read more.

Influenced by a special local environment, the proportion of centenarians is particularly high in some places, known as “blue zones”. Blue zones are mysterious regions that continue to attract research. This paper explores the spatial distribution of the longevity population in a typical Chinese longevity region. Longevity evaluation indexes are used to analyze the longevity phenomenon in 88 towns between 2011 and 2015. Our research findings show that longevity is more important than birth rate and migration in shaping the degree of deep aging in the research region. Fluctuations in the proportion of centenarians are much higher than for nonagenarians, both in relation to towns and to years. This is because there are so few centenarians that data collected over a short time period cannot accurately represent the overall degree of longevity in a small region; data and statistics must be collected over a longer time period to achieve this. GIS analysis revealed a stable longevity zone located in the center of the research region. This area seems to help people live more easily to 90–99 years old; however, its ability to help nonagenarians live to 100 is a weaker effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageing Well: The Role of Age-Friendly Environments)

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11 pages, 429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FADS Gene Polymorphisms, Fatty Acid Desaturase Activities, and HDL-C in Type 2 Diabetes

by Meng-Chuan Huang^1,2, Wen-Tsan Chang^3,4, Hsin-Yu Chang¹, Hsin-Fang Chung⁵

, Fang-Pei Chen⁶, Ya-Fang Huang⁷, Chih-Cheng Hsu^7,8,* and Shang-Jyh Hwang⁹

¹ Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan

² Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan

³ Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan

⁴ Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan

⁵ School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia

⁶ Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Chang-Jung Christian University, Tainan 71101, Taiwan

⁷ Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan

⁸ Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan

⁹ Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University and University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060572 - 28 May 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5029

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) correlate with risk of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) modulate circulating PUFA concentrations. This study examined influence of FADS1 and FADS2 genetic variants on desaturase activities and blood lipid concentrations [...] Read more.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) correlate with risk of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) modulate circulating PUFA concentrations. This study examined influence of FADS1 and FADS2 genetic variants on desaturase activities and blood lipid concentrations in type 2 diabetes patients, and further assessed their interrelationships. Selected SNPs (FADS1: rs174547, rs174548, rs174550; FADS2: rs174575, rs174576, rs174583, rs498793 and rs2727270) were genotyped in 820 type 2 diabetes patients and compared with those reported in the HapMap. Patient subgroups (n = 176) without taking lipid-lowering medicine were studied to assess influence of tag SNPs including rs174547, rs174575, rs498793 and rs2727270 on delta-5 desaturase (D5D: 20:4 (n-6)/20:3 (n-6)) and delta-6 desaturase (D6D:18:3 (n-6)/18:2 (n-6)) activities, and blood lipids. FADS1 rs174547 TT/TC/CC and FADS2 rs2727270 CC/CT/TT were significantly (p for trend < 0.05) associated with reduced HDL-C, D5D and D6D activities. Upon adjustment for confounders, D5D (p = 0.006) correlated significantly and D6D marginally (p = 0.07) correlated with increased HDL-C levels, whereas rs174547 and rs2727270 polymorphisms were not associated. D6D andD5D activities may play a role in modulating HDL-C levels in type 2 diabetes. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate how FADS genetic variations interact with desaturase activities or PUFAs in the metabolism of lipoproteins in diabetic patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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15 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic, Geospatial, and Geopolitical Disparities in Access to Health Care in the US 2011–2015

by Samuel D. Towne Jr.

Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77846, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060573 - 29 May 2017

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6939

Abstract

Individuals forgoing needed medical care due to barriers associated with cost are at risk of missing needed care that may be necessary for the prevention or maintenance of a chronic condition among other things. Thus, continued monitoring of factors associated with forgone medical [...] Read more.

Individuals forgoing needed medical care due to barriers associated with cost are at risk of missing needed care that may be necessary for the prevention or maintenance of a chronic condition among other things. Thus, continued monitoring of factors associated with forgone medical care, especially among vulnerable populations, is critical. National survey data (2011–2015) for non-institutionalized adults residing in the USA were utilized to assess forgone medical care, defined as not seeking medical care when the individual thought it was necessary because of cost in the past 12 months. Logistic regression was used to predict forgone medical care vs. sought medical care. Racial/ethnic minority working-age adults, those with lower incomes, those with lower educations, those residing in the South, and those residing in states that failed to participate in Medicaid Expansion in 2014 were more likely (p < 0.01) to forgo medical care due to cost in the past year. Policy makers seeking to reduce barriers to forgone medical care can use this information to tailor their efforts (e.g., mechanisms targeted to bridge gaps in access to care) to those most at-risk and to consider state-level policy decisions that may impact access to care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

13 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

A Three-Year Follow-Up Study of Antibiotic and Metal Residues, Antibiotic Resistance and Resistance Genes, Focusing on Kshipra—A River Associated with Holy Religious Mass-Bathing in India: Protocol Paper

by Vishal Diwan^1,2,3,*, Manju Purohit^2,4, Salesh Chandran^2,5, Vivek Parashar¹, Harshada Shah⁵, Vijay K. Mahadik⁶, Cecilia Stålsby Lundborg²

and Ashok J. Tamhankar^2,7

¹ Department of Public Health and Environment, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain 456006, India

² Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health, Health Systems and Policy (HSP): Medicines focusing on antibiotics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden

³ International Centre for Health Research, Ujjain Charitable Trust Hospital and Research Centre, Ujjain 456001, India

⁴ Department of Pathology, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain 456006, India

⁵ Department of Microbiology, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain 456003, India

⁶ R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain 456006, India

⁷ Indian Initiative for Management of Antibiotic Resistance, Department of Environmental Medicine, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain 456006, India

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060574 - 29 May 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6094

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the major health emergencies for global society. Little is known about the ABR of environmental bacteria and therefore it is important to understand ABR reservoirs in the environment and their potential impact on health. Method/Design: Quantitative [...] Read more.

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the major health emergencies for global society. Little is known about the ABR of environmental bacteria and therefore it is important to understand ABR reservoirs in the environment and their potential impact on health. Method/Design: Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected during a 3-year follow-up study of a river associated with religious mass-bathing in Central India. Surface-water and sediment samples will be collected from seven locations at regular intervals for 3 years during religious mass-bathing and in absence of it to monitor water-quality, antibiotic residues, resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes and metals. Approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, India (No. 2013/07/17-311). Results: The results will address the issue of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance with a focus on a river environment in India within a typical socio-behavioural context of religious mass-bathing. It will enhance our understanding about the relationship between antibiotic residue levels, water-quality, heavy metals and antibiotic resistance patterns in Escherichia coli isolated from river-water and sediment, and seasonal differences that are associated with religious mass-bathing. We will also document, identify and clarify the genetic differences/similarities relating to phenotypic antibiotic resistance in bacteria in rivers during religious mass-bathing or during periods when there is no mass-bathing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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12 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Coping Dynamics and Experiential Avoidance in a Community Sample with No Self-Injury vs. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Only vs. Those with Both Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidal Behaviour

by Emma Nielsen^1,*

, Kapil Sayal² and Ellen Townsend¹

¹ Self-Harm Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham , NG7 2RD, UK

² Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Innovation Park, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060575 - 29 May 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6647

Abstract

Although emotional avoidance may be a critical factor in the pathway from psychological distress to self-injury and/or suicidality, little is known about the relative importance of differing functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance between people with self-injury histories of differing intent (e.g., Non-Suicidal [...] Read more.

Although emotional avoidance may be a critical factor in the pathway from psychological distress to self-injury and/or suicidality, little is known about the relative importance of differing functional coping dynamics and experiential avoidance between people with self-injury histories of differing intent (e.g., Non-Suicidal Self-Injury only vs. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury plus Suicidal Behaviour; NSSI vs. NSSI + SB). A community-based survey (N = 313; female, 81%; ages 16–49 years, M = 19.78, SD = 3.48) explored self-reported experiential avoidance and functional coping dynamics in individuals with (i) no self-injury history (controls); (ii) a history of NSSI only; and (iii) a history of NSSI + SB. Jonckheere-Terpstra trend tests indicated that avoidance coping was higher in the NSSI and NSSI + SB groups than in controls. Emotion regulation was higher in controls than those with a history of self-injury (NSSI and NSSI + SB). Approach and reappraisal coping demonstrated significant ordered effects such that control participants were higher in these coping dynamics than those with a history of NSSI only, who, in turn, were higher than those with a history of NSSI + SB (Control > NSSI > NSSI + SB). Endorsement of the reappraisal/denial facet of experiential avoidance was most pronounced in those with a history of NSSI + SB (Control < NSSI < NSSI + SB). No significant ordered effects were observed for other dimensions of experiential avoidance. Understanding how the endorsement of functional coping dynamics and which components of experiential avoidance vary between groups with differing self-injury intent histories has important implications for treatment planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Understanding Suicide Risk to Preventing Suicide)

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10 pages, 1837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Occurrence of the Colistin Resistance Gene mcr-1 in the Haihe River (China)

by Dong Yang¹

, Zhigang Qiu¹, Zhiqiang Shen¹, Hong Zhao², Min Jin¹, Huaying Li³, Weili Liu¹ and Jun-Wen Li^1,*

¹ Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, No.1, Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, China

² Animals, Plants and Food Testing Center of Tianjin Exit-Entry Inspection & Quarantine Bureau, Tianjin 300461, China

³ Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental Hazards, Logistics University of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces, No. 1, Hui-Zhi Ring Road, Tianjin 300309, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060576 - 29 May 2017

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 6388

Abstract

Antibiotic failure is occurring worldwide. In a routine surveillance study on antibioticresistance genes (ARGs) in natural water bodies, we noted the detection of colistin-resistance gene mcr-1, previously identified in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from human beings and animals in several countries. [...] Read more.

Antibiotic failure is occurring worldwide. In a routine surveillance study on antibioticresistance genes (ARGs) in natural water bodies, we noted the detection of colistin-resistance gene mcr-1, previously identified in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from human beings and animals in several countries. The mcr-1 gene might be present in water environments, because aquatic ecosystems are recognized as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and ARGs. In this study, a qPCR assay was developed to monitor and quantify the mcr-1 gene in the Haihe River, China. The results showed that all 18 samples collected from different locations over 6 months along the Haihe River were positive for the mcr-1 gene, and the highest level of mcr-1 reached 3.81 × 105 gene copies (GC) per liter of water. This is the first study to quantify mcr-1 in a natural water system by qPCR. Our findings highlight the potential for this antibiotic resistance determinant to spread extensively, suggesting a significant health and ecological impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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10 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life in Women with Stage 1 Stress Urinary Incontinence after Application of Conservative Treatment—A Randomized Trial

by Magdalena Ptak^1,*, Agnieszka Brodowska², Sylwester Ciećwież² and Iwona Rotter¹

¹ Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, 71-210, Poland

² Department of Gynaecology, Endocrinology and Gynaecologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Police, 72-010, Poland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060577 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6465

Abstract

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) influences quality of life in female patients. In this study, we used ICIQ LUTS QoL (The International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms quality of life) to determine the quality of life (QoL) in various domains in patients [...] Read more.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) influences quality of life in female patients. In this study, we used ICIQ LUTS QoL (The International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms quality of life) to determine the quality of life (QoL) in various domains in patients with stage 1 SUI. The study included 140 perimenopausal women subjected to urodynamic tests at the Department of Gynaecology, Endocrinology and Gynaecologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Police (Poland) in 2013–2015. The study subjects were divided into two groups, A and B. Each patient completed two questionnaires, an original survey developed by the authors and the validated ICIQ LUTS QoL. Two exercise programs, each lasting for 3 months and consisting of 4 weekly sessions, were recommended to the study subjects. The program for Group A included exercises for pelvic floor muscles (PFM) with simultaneous tension of the transverse abdominal muscle (TrA), and the program for Group B, PFM exercises without TrA tension. After completing the exercise programs, patients with stage 1 SUI, both from Group A and from Group B, showed a significant improvement in most QoL domains measured with ICIQ LUTS QoL. However, more beneficial effects of the training were observed in the group subjected to PFM exercises with TrA tension. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

25 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive-Motivational Determinants of Residents’ Civic Engagement and Health (Inequities) in the Context of Noise Action Planning: A Conceptual Model

by Natalie Riedel^1,*

, Irene Van Kamp², Heike Köckler³, Joachim Scheiner⁴

, Adrian Loerbroks⁵, Thomas Claßen⁶ and Gabriele Bolte¹

¹ University of Bremen, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Department of Social Epidemiology, Grazer Straße 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany

² Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment RIVM, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands

³ Hochschule für Gesundheit (University of Applied Science), Department of Community Health, Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801 Bochum, Germany

⁴ TU Dortmund University, Faculty of Spatial Planning, Department of Transport Planning, August-Schmidt-Str. 10, 44221 Dortmund, Germany

⁵ University of Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany

⁶ Centre for Health NRW (North Rhine Westphalia), Section “Health Assessments and Forecasting”, Westerfeldstr. 35/37, 33611 Bielefeld, Germany

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060578 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5576

Abstract

The Environmental Noise Directive expects residents to be actively involved in localising and selecting noise abatement interventions during the noise action planning process. Its intervention impact is meant to be homogeneous across population groups. Against the background of social heterogeneity and environmental disparities, [...] Read more.

The Environmental Noise Directive expects residents to be actively involved in localising and selecting noise abatement interventions during the noise action planning process. Its intervention impact is meant to be homogeneous across population groups. Against the background of social heterogeneity and environmental disparities, however, the impact of noise action planning on exposure to traffic-related noise and its health effects is unlikely to follow homogenous distributions. Until now, there has been no study evaluating the impact of noise action measures on the social distribution of traffic-related noise exposure and health outcomes. We develop a conceptual (logic) model on cognitive-motivational determinants of residents’ civic engagement and health (inequities) by integrating arguments from the Model on household’s Vulnerability to the local Environment, the learned helplessness model in environmental psychology, the Cognitive Activation Theory of Stress, and the reserve capacity model. Specifically, we derive four hypothetical patterns of cognitive-motivational determinants yielding different levels of sustained physiological activation and expectancies of civic engagement. These patterns may help us understand why health inequities arise in the context of noise action planning and learn how to transform noise action planning into an instrument conducive to health equity. While building on existing frameworks, our conceptual model will be tested empirically in the next stage of our research process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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15 pages, 4031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrafine Particle Distribution and Chemical Composition Assessment during Military Operative Trainings

by Marcello Campagna¹, Ilaria Pilia^1,*

, Gabriele Marcias¹, Andrea Frattolillo², Sergio Pili¹, Manuele Bernabei³, Ernesto D’Aloja¹

, Pierluigi Cocco¹ and Giorgio Buonanno^4,5,6

¹ Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy

² Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy

³ Chemistry Department, Test Flight Centre, IAF, Pratica di Mare AFB, 00040 Pomezia, Italy

⁴ Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, I-03043, Cassino, Italy

⁵ International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 4001, Brisbane, Australia

⁶ Department of Engineering, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133, Naples, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060579 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4637

Abstract

(1) Background: The assessment of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in battlefield scenarios is a topic of particular concern; (2) Methods: Size distribution, concentration, and chemical composition of UFPs during operative military training activities (target drone launches, ammunition blasting, and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The assessment of airborne particulate matter (PM) and ultrafine particles (UFPs) in battlefield scenarios is a topic of particular concern; (2) Methods: Size distribution, concentration, and chemical composition of UFPs during operative military training activities (target drone launches, ammunition blasting, and inert bomb impact) were investigated using an electric low-pressure impactor (ELPI+) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS); (3) Results: The median of UFPs, measured for all sampling periods and at variable distance from sources, was between 1.02 × 10³ and 3.75 × 10³ particles/cm³ for drone launches, between 3.32 × 10³ and 15.4 × 10³ particles/cm³ for the ammunition blasting and from 7.9 × 10³ to 1.3 × 10⁴ particles/cm³ for inert launches. Maximum peak concentrations, during emitting sources starting, were 75.5 × 10⁶ and 17.9 × 10⁶ particles/cm³, respectively. Particles from the drone launches were predominantly composed of silicon (Si), iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca), and those from the blasting campaigns by magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), barium (Ba) and silicon (Si); (4) Conclusions: The investigated sources produced UFPs with median values lower than other anthropogenic sources, and with a similar chemical composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

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12 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of the Global Economic Recession and a Reduced Alcohol Tax on Hospitalizations Due to Alcohol-Attributed Diseases in Taiwan

by Chen-Mao Liao¹ and Chih-Ming Lin^2,*

¹ Department of Applied Statistics and Information Science, Ming Chuan University, Taipei 333, Taiwan

² Department of Healthcare Information and Management, Ming Chuan University, Taipei 333, Taiwan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060580 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4716

Abstract

This study is to assess the effects of the 2008 economic crisis and a 2009 alcohol tax reduction on alcohol-related morbidity for men of different socioeconomic statuses in Taiwan. Admissions data for the period from 2007 to 2012 for men aged 24–59 years [...] Read more.

This study is to assess the effects of the 2008 economic crisis and a 2009 alcohol tax reduction on alcohol-related morbidity for men of different socioeconomic statuses in Taiwan. Admissions data for the period from 2007 to 2012 for men aged 24–59 years in 2007 was retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database. With stratification over three income levels, an interrupted time-series analysis examining the effects of the crisis and taxation reduction on incidence rates of hospitalization for alcohol-attributed diseases (AADs) was employed. The low income group showed a significant (p < 0.05) change in the rate of AAD-related hospitalizations in July 2008; specifically, an abrupt 7.11% increase that was then sustained for several months thereafter. In contrast, while the middle income group exhibited a significant 22.9% decline in the rate of AAD-related hospitalizations over the course of the crisis, that downward trend was gradual. The reduction of the alcohol tax resulted in increased rates of AADs among both the low and high income groups. The economic recession and the reduction of the alcohol tax resulted in an increased rate of AAD among low income men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Health)

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15 pages, 642 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transtheoretical Model of Change during Travel Behavior Interventions: An Integrative Review

by Margareta Friman^*

, Jana Huck

and Lars E. Olsson

SAMOT/CTF Service Research Center, Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad 651 88, Sweden

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060581 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 19697

Abstract

This study aims to identify the relevant empirical work, to synthesize its findings, and to thus attain a general understanding of the application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in transport behavior research. An integrative literature review was used to determine whether or not [...] Read more.

This study aims to identify the relevant empirical work, to synthesize its findings, and to thus attain a general understanding of the application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in transport behavior research. An integrative literature review was used to determine whether or not the implemented interventions impact the stages and processes of travel behavior change. Data was collected from different databases. English language articles published between 2002 and 2017 were included. After sequentially narrowing the search and removing duplicates, 53 relevant papers remained, 13 of which fulfilled the stated criteria of constituting a transport intervention study using the TTM as a reference frame. The final 13 studies were classified and categorized according to stages and processes in the TTM. Findings showed that none of the interventions met the method requirements for a proper evaluation of design and outcome measurement. Reporting did not follow a standardized structure desirable when enabling comparative analyses. Allowing for these shortcomings, it is inferred that positive travel behavior changes have been obtained during some interventions. Importantly, although it was stated that the empirical studies were based on the TTM, the included interventions were implemented irrespective of the individual’s stage of change. For future research, it will be necessary to conduct evaluations of higher quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Health)

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20 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heterogeneous Trajectories of Physical and Mental Health in Late Middle Age: Importance of Life-Course Socioeconomic Positions

by Eunsun Kwon^1,* and Sojung Park²

¹ Center for Social Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea

² George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63105, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060582 - 30 May 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5164

Abstract

Drawing on life course and cumulative disadvantage theory, this study examines heterogeneous trajectories of functional limitations and depressive symptoms among late middle-aged individuals. This study used prospective data from 6010 adults, 51 to 64 years old, collected over a 12-year-period from the Health [...] Read more.

Drawing on life course and cumulative disadvantage theory, this study examines heterogeneous trajectories of functional limitations and depressive symptoms among late middle-aged individuals. This study used prospective data from 6010 adults, 51 to 64 years old, collected over a 12-year-period from the Health and Retirement Study. Considering the empirical proposition that several physical and mental trajectories may exist, Latent Class Growth Modeling was used. Five heterogeneous patterns of joint trajectories (Relatively healthy, Moderately improving, Steadily deteriorating, Steeply deteriorating, and Persistently high comorbid) were identified. Early life adversity was related to an increasing risk of declines in physical and mental health. The Persistently high comorbid class was characterized by a concentration of disadvantages over the life course. The development of public health interventions could help reduce co-existing physical and mental health problems, especially during late middle-age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

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11 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Consumption in European Children: Associations with Intake of Fruit Juices, Soft Drinks and Related Parenting Practices

by Krystallia Mantziki^*, Carry M. Renders and Jaap C. Seidell

Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth & Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060583 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5600

Abstract

Background: High intake of fruit juices and soft drinks contributes to excessive weight gain and obesity in children. Furthermore, parenting practices play an important role in the development of children’s dietary habits. The way parents play this role in the development of [...] Read more.

Background: High intake of fruit juices and soft drinks contributes to excessive weight gain and obesity in children. Furthermore, parenting practices play an important role in the development of children’s dietary habits. The way parents play this role in the development of their children’s choices of beverages is still unclear. Objectives: To study the associations: (1) of both fruit juices and soft drinks consumption with water consumption of children and (2) The associations between parenting practices towards fruit juices and soft drinks and water consumption of children. Design: Cross-sectional data from 6 to 8 year old children from seven European communities (n = 1187) were collected. Associations among fruit juices, soft drinks, the respective parenting practices and the child’s water consumption were assessed by parental questionnaires. Results: The consumption of water was inversely associated with that of soft drinks but not with the consumption of fruit juices. The child’s water intake was favorably influenced when stricter parenting practices towards soft drinks were adopted (e.g., less parental allowance, low home availability and high parental self-efficacy in managing intake). There was less influence observed of parenting practices towards fruit juices. Fruit juices were consumed more often than soft drinks. Conclusions: Low consumption of soft drinks—and not of fruit juices—was associated with high water consumption in children in the current study. Moreover, parenting practices towards both fruit juices and soft drinks were associated with the water intake of the children, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Health Behavior and Public Health)

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20 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health, Well-Being and Energy Poverty in Europe: A Comparative Study of 32 European Countries

by Harriet Thomson^1,*, Carolyn Snell² and Stefan Bouzarovski¹

¹ School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

² Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060584 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 284 | Viewed by 15839

Abstract

Despite growing pan-European interest in and awareness of the wide-ranging health and well-being impacts of energy poverty—which is characterised by an inability to secure adequate levels of energy services in the home—the knowledge base is largely British-centric and dominated by single-country studies. In [...] Read more.

Despite growing pan-European interest in and awareness of the wide-ranging health and well-being impacts of energy poverty—which is characterised by an inability to secure adequate levels of energy services in the home—the knowledge base is largely British-centric and dominated by single-country studies. In response, this paper investigates the relationship between energy poverty, health and well-being across 32 European countries, using 2012 data from the European Quality of Life Survey. We find an uneven concentration of energy poverty, poor health, and poor well-being across Europe, with Eastern and Central Europe worst affected. At the intersection of energy poverty and health, there is a higher incidence of poor health (both physical and mental) amongst the energy poor populations of most countries, compared to non-energy poor households. Interestingly, we find the largest disparities in health and well-being levels between energy poor and non-energy poor households occur within relatively equal societies, such as Sweden and Slovenia. As well as the unique challenges brought about by rapidly changing energy landscapes in these countries, we also suggest the relative deprivation theory and processes of social comparison hold some value in explaining these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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21 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Low-Cost Mitigation Measures Implemented to Improve Air Quality in Nursery and Primary Schools

by Juliana P. Sá, Pedro T. B. S. Branco

, Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, Fernando G. Martins and Sofia I. V. Sousa^*

LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060585 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8445

Abstract

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery [...] Read more.

Indoor air pollution mitigation measures are highly important due to the associated health impacts, especially on children, a risk group that spends significant time indoors. Thus, the main goal of the work here reported was the evaluation of mitigation measures implemented in nursery and primary schools to improve air quality. Continuous measurements of CO₂, CO, NO₂, O₃, CH₂O, total volatile organic compounds (VOC), PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, Total Suspended Particles (TSP) and radon, as well as temperature and relative humidity were performed in two campaigns, before and after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures. Evaluation of those mitigation measures was performed through the comparison of the concentrations measured in both campaigns. Exceedances to the values set by the national legislation and World Health Organization (WHO) were found for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO₂ and CH₂O during both indoor air quality campaigns. Temperature and relative humidity values were also above the ranges recommended by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). In general, pollutant concentrations measured after the implementation of low-cost mitigation measures were significantly lower, mainly for CO₂. However, mitigation measures were not always sufficient to decrease the pollutants’ concentrations till values considered safe to protect human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality and Health)

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17 pages, 1942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extending Participatory Sensing to Personal Exposure Using Microscopic Land Use Regression Models

by Luc Dekoninck^1,*

, Dick Botteldooren¹ and Luc Int Panis^2,3

¹ Information Technology, Research Group WAVES, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium

² Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium

³ Traffic Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Diepenbeek, Belgium

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060586 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4396

Abstract

Personal exposure is sensitive to the personal features and behavior of the individual, and including interpersonal variability will improve the health and quality of life evaluations. Participatory sensing assesses the spatial and temporal variability of environmental indicators and is used to quantify this [...] Read more.

Personal exposure is sensitive to the personal features and behavior of the individual, and including interpersonal variability will improve the health and quality of life evaluations. Participatory sensing assesses the spatial and temporal variability of environmental indicators and is used to quantify this interpersonal variability. Transferring the participatory sensing information to a specific study population is a basic requirement for epidemiological studies in the near future. We propose a methodology to reduce the void between participatory sensing and health research. Instantaneous microscopic land-use regression modeling (µLUR) is an innovative approach. Data science techniques extract the activity-specific and route-sensitive spatiotemporal variability from the data. A data workflow to prepare and apply µLUR models to any mobile population is presented. The µLUR technique and data workflow are illustrated with models for exposure to traffic related Black Carbon. The example µLURs are available for three micro-environments; bicycle, in-vehicle, and indoor. Instantaneous noise assessments supply instantaneous traffic information to the µLURs. The activity specific models are combined into an instantaneous personal exposure model for Black Carbon. An independent external validation reached a correlation of 0.65. The µLURs can be applied to simulated behavioral patterns of individuals in epidemiological cohorts for advanced health and policy research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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13 pages, 1213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Associations between Air Pollution Concentrations and Respiratory Health—Comparing Primary Health Care Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Emergency Department Visits in a Multi-Municipality Study

by Tahir Taj^1,*, Ebba Malmqvist¹, Emilie Stroh¹, Daniel Oudin Åström^2,3, Kristina Jakobsson¹ and Anna Oudin^1,3

¹ Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden

² Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Science, Malmö, Lund University, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden

³ Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060587 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5333

Abstract

Acute effects of air pollution on respiratory health have traditionally been investigated with data on inpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and mortality. In this study, we aim to describe the total acute effects of air pollution on health care use for respiratory symptoms [...] Read more.

Acute effects of air pollution on respiratory health have traditionally been investigated with data on inpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and mortality. In this study, we aim to describe the total acute effects of air pollution on health care use for respiratory symptoms (ICD10-J00-J99). This will be done by investigating primary health care (PHC) visits, inpatient admissions, and emergency room visits together in five municipalities in southern Sweden, using a case-crossover design. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 81,019 visits to primary health care, 38,217 emergency room visits, and 25,271 inpatient admissions for respiratory symptoms in the study area. There was a 1.85% increase (95% CI: 0.52 to 3.20) in the number of primary health care visits associated with a 10 µg/m³ increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in Malmö, but not in the other municipalities. Air pollution levels were generally not associated with emergency room visits or inpatient admissions, with one exception (in Helsingborg there was a 2.52% increase in emergency room visits for respiratory symptoms associated with a 10 µg/m³ increase in PM₁₀). In conclusion, the results give weak support for short-term effects of air pollution on health care use associated with respiratory health symptoms in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution and Human Health Risk)

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14 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic Disparity in Later-Year Group Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms: Role of Health and Social Engagement Change

by Hyunjoo Lee^1,*, Sojung Park², Eunsun Kwon³ and Joonyoung Cho²

¹ Department of Social Welfare, Daegu University, 201 Deagudae-ro, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Korea

² George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in Saint Louis, One Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA

³ Center for Social Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060588 - 1 Jun 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4124

Abstract

This study explored heterogeneous change patterns of South Korean older adults’ depressive symptoms by poverty status, focusing on health status and social engagement changes. We used data from four waves (2006–2012) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Our sample contained 2461 [...] Read more.

This study explored heterogeneous change patterns of South Korean older adults’ depressive symptoms by poverty status, focusing on health status and social engagement changes. We used data from four waves (2006–2012) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Our sample contained 2461 poor and 1668 non-poor individuals. All were 65 years old or older at baseline. We used latent class growth analysis to identify trajectory groups’ depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine how a range of changes in health conditions and social engagement was associated with trajectories among poor and non-poor participants. Among the poor, five heterogeneous trajectories with clear patterns were identified: high-to-moderate, stable-high, slightly-increasing, steeply-increasing, and stable-low. Among non-poor, high-to-moderate, steeply-increasing, and stable-low groups were found. A decrease in health conditions was the most vulnerable subgroup’s (steeply-increasing) primary risk factor. Poor older adults who reduced participation in, or decreased contact with, social networks were likely to belong to the steeply-increasing group. Our study provides impetus for organizational and/or environmental support systems to facilitate social engagement among poor older adults. Future research should examine whether the significance of social engagement among poor elders applies in less-developed and developed countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

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14 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interventions Aimed at the Prevention of Childhood Injuries in the Indigenous Populations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand in the Last 20 Years: A Systematic Review

by Alyssa Margeson^* and Selena Gray

Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060589 - 2 Jun 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4993

Abstract

Globally, Indigenous children are found to be at a significantly higher risk of injury compared to non-Indigenous children. It has been suggested that mainstream injury prevention strategies are ineffective within Indigenous communities. The aim of this review is to identify existing interventions aimed [...] Read more.

Globally, Indigenous children are found to be at a significantly higher risk of injury compared to non-Indigenous children. It has been suggested that mainstream injury prevention strategies are ineffective within Indigenous communities. The aim of this review is to identify existing interventions aimed at preventing injury in Indigenous children in the hope that it guides future strategies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior systematic reviews exist looking at interventions specifically aimed at preventing injury in Indigenous child populations in the three chosen countries. Electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant childhood interventions aimed at the prevention of injuries in Indigenous populations based in Canada, Australia and New Zealand from 1996 to 2016. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant articles and a manual search of relevant websites were also completed. After 191 records were screened, six interventions were identified meeting the criteria for inclusion. Eligible papers underwent a quality appraisal using adapted assessment checklists and key information was extracted. Findings were then synthesized using a narrative approach. The interventions mainly promoted child safety through activities focusing on education and awareness. Only three of the six studies measured changes in injury hospitalization rates, all but one evaluation reporting a significant decrease. Studies which measured awareness all demonstrated positive changes. Results suggest that interventions delivered in a culturally appropriate manner acted as a main success factor. Barriers identified as hindering intervention success included lack of cohesion within the intervention due to staff turnover and lack of experienced staff with Indigenous knowledge. This review revealed a limited amount of evaluated interventions for the prevention of Indigenous childhood injuries. Conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of existing interventions is lacking due to the predominantly small-scale evaluations of pilot interventions. Future research is needed to provide more rigorous evidence of the mechanisms driving the successful implementation, delivery and uptake of such strategies tailored to Indigenous children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child Injury Prevention 2017)

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13 pages, 516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnic Groups Differences in Domestic Recovery after the Catastrophe: A Case Study of the 2008 Magnitude 7.9 Earthquake in China

by Ying Wang^1,2,*, Yingqi Zhu^1,2 and Qi Sui^1,2

¹ Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disaster of Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

² Academy of Disaster Reduction and Emergency Management, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060590 - 2 Jun 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4490

Abstract

This research examined the ethnic differences in domestic recovery after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China. In 2014, 866 valid questionnaires were collected. Han and Qiang & Zang households were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the factors influencing household recovery. It was [...] Read more.

This research examined the ethnic differences in domestic recovery after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China. In 2014, 866 valid questionnaires were collected. Han and Qiang & Zang households were analyzed using logistic regression to determine the factors influencing household recovery. It was found that the householder of the Qiang & Zang group played a more important role in household recovery. Different from the Han, females from Qiang & Zang households had negative attitudes on recovery, and Qiang & Zang households did not believe in the effectiveness of public donations for post-quake recovery. The study also showed that local workers in a household were more helpful for household recovery than were migrant workers in a household, regardless of ethnicity. Therefore, the government should create more local jobs in Han and Qiang & Zang households and pay more attention to women in Qiang households. Assistance should be established specifically for the psychological recovery of Qiang women and family recovery projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Health, Risk Analysis and Environmental Hazards)

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15 pages, 1915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Dietary Selenium Impairs Vascular Function by Increasing Oxidative Stress in Sprague-Dawley Rat Aortas

by Ana Stupin¹

, Anita Cosic¹, Sanja Novak¹, Monika Vesel¹, Ivana Jukic¹

, Brigita Popovic², Krunoslav Karalic², Zdenko Loncaric²

and Ines Drenjancevic^1,*

¹ Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10E, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia

² Department of Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060591 - 2 Jun 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5753

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether low dietary Se content affects the function and mechanisms mediating the vascular relaxation of rat aortas, and to test the role of oxidative stress in observed differences. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were maintained for 10 weeks [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine whether low dietary Se content affects the function and mechanisms mediating the vascular relaxation of rat aortas, and to test the role of oxidative stress in observed differences. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were maintained for 10 weeks on low Se (low-Se group; N = 20) or normal Se content (norm-Se group; N = 20) rat chow. Dose responses to acetylcholine (ACh; 10⁻⁹–10⁻⁵M) and the response to reduced pO₂ were tested in noradrenaline-precontracted aortic rings in the absence/presence of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), the cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1, 2) inhibitor Indomethacin, and the antioxidative agent Tempol in tissue bath. mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), catalase (CAT), and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured in rat aortas. Oxidative stress (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; TBARS), antioxidative plasma capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma assay; FRAP), and protein levels of GPx1 were measured in plasma and serum samples, respectively. Reduced ACh-induced relaxation (AChIR) (dominantly mediated by NO) in the low-Se group compared to the norm-Se group was restored by Tempol administration. Hypoxia-induced relaxation (HIR) (dominantly mediated by COX-1, 2), TBARS, and FRAP as well as GPx1 serum concentrations were similar between the groups. mRNA GPx1 expression in rat aortas was significantly decreased in the low-Se compared to the norm-Se group. These data suggest that low dietary Se content increases the local oxidative stress level, which subsequently affects the NO-mediated vascular response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Public Health)

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16 pages, 6770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Quercetin on Maternal Immunity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Mice with Exposure of Fine Particulate Matter during Gestation

by Wei Liu¹, Minjia Zhang¹, Jinqiu Feng¹, Aiqin Fan¹, Yalin Zhou¹ and Yajun Xu^1,2,*

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

² Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060592 - 2 Jun 2017

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 6257

Abstract

The objective is to investigate the influence of PM_2.5 exposure on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in pregnant mice and the antagonism of quercetin on adverse effects induced by PM_2.5 exposure. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into control group, PM_2.5 model [...] Read more.

The objective is to investigate the influence of PM_2.5 exposure on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in pregnant mice and the antagonism of quercetin on adverse effects induced by PM_2.5 exposure. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into control group, PM_2.5 model group and 3 quercetin intervention groups. Dams in all groups except the control group were exposed to PM_2.5 suspension by intratracheal instillation on gestational day (GD) 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15. Meanwhile, each dam was given 0.15% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMCS) (control group & PM_2.5 model group) and different doses of quercetin (quercetin intervention groups) by gavage once a day from GD0 to GD17. The percentage of lymphocyte subsets, Biomarkers of systemic inflammation injuries (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 & TNF-α) and oxidative stress indicators (CAT, GSH & HO-1) in peripheral blood of the dams were analyzed. The number of T cells increased, accompanied by increased level of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and HO-1 due to PM_2.5 exposure. Less CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were counted in 100 mg/kg quercetin intervention group, compared with PM_2.5 model group. Quercetin may inhibit cytokine production, especially in IL-6 and IL-8 and may upgrade the level of HO-1. Our findings indicate that PM_2.5 could significantly influence the distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets, activate inflammatory reaction and elevate oxidative stress level in peripheral blood of pregnant mice. Certain dose of quercetin administration during pregnancy may protect the dams against the adverse effects through various ways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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12 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Neighborhood Walkable Environments: A Comparison of Three Approaches

by Yen-Cheng Chiang^1,*, William Sullivan² and Linda Larsen³

¹ Department of Landscape Architecture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan

² Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA

³ Department of Rhetoric and Composition Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060593 - 3 Jun 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6702

Abstract

Multiple studies have revealed the impact of walkable environments on physical activity. Scholars attach considerable importance to leisure and health-related walking. Recent studies have used Google Street View as an instrument to assess city streets and walkable environments; however, no study has compared [...] Read more.

Multiple studies have revealed the impact of walkable environments on physical activity. Scholars attach considerable importance to leisure and health-related walking. Recent studies have used Google Street View as an instrument to assess city streets and walkable environments; however, no study has compared the validity of Google Street View assessments of walkable environment attributes to assessments made by local residents and compiled from field visits. In this study, we involved nearby residents and compared the extent to which Google Street View assessments of the walkable environment correlated with assessments from local residents and with field visits. We determined the assessment approaches (local resident or field visit assessments) that exhibited the highest agreement with Google Street View. One city with relatively high-quality walkable environments and one city with relatively low-quality walkable environments were examined, and three neighborhoods from each city were surveyed. Participants in each neighborhood used one of three approaches to assess the walkability of the environment: 15 local residents assessed the environment using a map, 15 participants made a field visit to assess the environment, and 15 participants used Google Street View to assess the environment, yielding a total of 90 valid samples for the two cities. Findings revealed that the three approaches to assessing neighborhood walkability were highly correlated for traffic safety, aesthetics, sidewalk quality, and physical barriers. Compared with assessments from participants making field visits, assessments by local residents were more highly correlated with Google Street View assessments. Google Street View provides a more convenient, low-cost, efficient, and safe approach to assess neighborhood walkability. The results of this study may facilitate future large-scale walkable environment surveys, effectively reduce expenses, and improve survey efficiency. Full article

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18 pages, 1773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Chemoprophylaxis after Floods to Reduce the Occurrence and Impact of Leptospirosis Outbreaks

by Maria Cristina Schneider^1,*, Jorge Velasco-Hernandez², Kyung-duk Min¹, Deise Galan Leonel¹, David Baca-Carrasco², Matthew E. Gompper³, Rudy Hartskeerl⁴ and Claudia Munoz-Zanzi⁵

¹ PAHO Health Emergencies Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC 20037, USA

² Instituto de Matematicas, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Juriquilla 76230, Mexico

³ School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA

⁴ WHO/FAO/OIE and National Leptospirosis Reference Centre, Amsterdam 1105, The Netherlands

⁵ Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060594 - 3 Jun 2017

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11092

Abstract

Record-breaking and devastating rainfall events have occurred in the past decade. Rain and floods are considered the main risk factors for leptospirosis and several outbreaks have been reported following extreme weather events. In such situations, one possible intervention to prevent leptospirosis cases in [...] Read more.

Record-breaking and devastating rainfall events have occurred in the past decade. Rain and floods are considered the main risk factors for leptospirosis and several outbreaks have been reported following extreme weather events. In such situations, one possible intervention to prevent leptospirosis cases in high-risk groups is the use of chemoprophylaxis. However, not enough evidence of its effect is available. The objectives of this study were to review the literature on the current practices of chemoprophylaxis for leptospirosis and to explore, using a mathematical model, how various chemoprophylaxis scenarios may affect the progression of a leptospirosis outbreak. Twenty-six peer-reviewed publications were selected (10 quantitative studies, two systematic reviews and 14 articles of other types). Oral doxycycline was the most used antibiotic for chemoprophylaxis of leptospirosis. Post-exposure prophylaxis was assessed in four studies following a natural disaster. Although evidence of the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis is inconsistent, the direction of association supported a protective effect for morbidity and mortality. The theoretical model showed how the assumed benefit of chemoprophylaxis was influenced by the time and rate of administration. Future models should consider the heterogeneity of affected communities, improved estimates of the effect of chemoprophylaxis on leptospirosis infection and disease, as well as potential detrimental impacts. Additional research is critical to provide clear evidence-based recommendations for leptospirosis control during an outbreak. The results of this study suggest that chemoprophylaxis may provide some protection in reducing the number of leptospirosis cases after a high-risk exposure; however, the effective benefit may depend on a variety of factors such as the timing and coverage of prophylaxis. The information summarized can be used to support decision-making during a high-risk event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Weather and Public Health)

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13 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glyphosate Residues in Groundwater, Drinking Water and Urine of Subsistence Farmers from Intensive Agriculture Localities: A Survey in Hopelchén, Campeche, Mexico

by Jaime Rendon-von Osten^* and Ricardo Dzul-Caamal

Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campus VI, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, 24070 Campeche, Mexico

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060595 - 3 Jun 2017

Cited by 172 | Viewed by 16055

Abstract

The use of pesticides in Mexican agriculture creates an interest in learning about the presence of these substances in different environmental matrices. Glyphosate (GLY) is an herbicide widely used in the state of Campeche, located in the Mayan zone in the western Yucatan [...] Read more.

The use of pesticides in Mexican agriculture creates an interest in learning about the presence of these substances in different environmental matrices. Glyphosate (GLY) is an herbicide widely used in the state of Campeche, located in the Mayan zone in the western Yucatan peninsula. Despite the fact that GLY is considered a non-toxic pesticide to humans, its presence in water bodies through spillage, runoff, and leaching are a risk to human health or biota that inhabit these ecosystems. In the present study, glyphosate residues were determined in groundwater, bottled drinking water, and the urine of subsistence farmers from various localities of the Hopelchén municipality in Campeche. Determination of GLY was carried out using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The highest concentrations of GLY were observed in the groundwater (1.42 μg/L) of Ich-Ek and urine (0.47 μg/L) samples of subsistence farmers from the Francisco J. Mújica communities. The glyphosate concentrations in groundwater and bottled drinking water indicate an exposure and excessive use of glyphosate in these agricultural communities. This is one of the first studies that reports glyphosate concentration levels in human urine and bottled drinking water in México and in the groundwater in the Yucatan Peninsula as part of a prospective pilot study, to which a follow-up will be performed to monitor this trend over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Human-Health Effects of Pesticides in the Environment)

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15 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations among Screen Time and Unhealthy Behaviors, Academic Performance, and Well-Being in Chinese Adolescents

by Hanyi Yan^1,†, Rui Zhang^2,†, Theresa M. Oniffrey³, Guoxun Chen⁴, Yueqiao Wang¹, Yingru Wu¹, Xinge Zhang¹, Quan Wang¹, Lu Ma¹

, Rui Li^1,*

and Justin B. Moore^5,6

¹ School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China

² College of Life Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China

³ Cerus Consulting LLC, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

⁴ Department of Nutrition, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA

⁵ Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA

⁶ Department of Epidemiology & Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060596 - 4 Jun 2017

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 24286

Abstract

Screen time is negatively associated with markers of health in western youth, but very little is known about these relationships in Chinese youth. Middle-school and high-school students (n = 2625) in Wuhan, China, completed questionnaires assessing demographics, health behaviors, and self-perceptions in [...] Read more.

Screen time is negatively associated with markers of health in western youth, but very little is known about these relationships in Chinese youth. Middle-school and high-school students (n = 2625) in Wuhan, China, completed questionnaires assessing demographics, health behaviors, and self-perceptions in spring/summer 2016. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether, after adjustment for covariates, screen time was associated with body mass index (BMI), eating behaviors, average nightly hours of sleep, physical activity (PA), academic performance, and psychological states. Watching television on school days was negatively associated with academic performance, PA, anxiety, and life satisfaction. Television viewing on non-school days was positively associated with sleep duration. Playing electronic games was positively associated with snacking at night and less frequently eating breakfast, and negatively associated with sleep duration and self-esteem. Receiving electronic news and study materials on non-school days was negatively associated with PA, but on school days, was positively associated with anxiety. Using social networking sites was negatively associated with academic performance, but positively associated with BMI z-score, PA and anxiety. Screen time in adolescents is associated with unhealthy behaviors and undesirable psychological states that can contribute to poor quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

10 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Factors Associated with Risk Assessment Competencies of Public Health Emergency Responders

by Jiejing Hao^1,†, Jiaojiao Ren^1,†, Qunhong Wu^1,2,*, Yanhua Hao^1,2, Hong Sun¹, Ning Ning^1,2,* and Ding Ding¹

¹ Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150000, China

² The Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Shanghai 200032, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060597 - 4 Jun 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4151

Abstract

This study aimed to better understand the current situation of risk assessment and identify the factors associated with competence of emergency responders in public health risk assessment. The participants were selected by a multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling method in Heilongjiang Centers for Disease [...] Read more.

This study aimed to better understand the current situation of risk assessment and identify the factors associated with competence of emergency responders in public health risk assessment. The participants were selected by a multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling method in Heilongjiang Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The questionnaires that measured their perceptions on risk assessment competences were administered through the face-to-face survey. A final sample of 1889 staff was obtained. Of this sample, 78.6% of respondents rated their own risk assessment competences as “relatively low”, contrasting with 21.4% rated as “relatively high”. Most of the respondents (62.7%) did not participate in any risk assessment work. Only 13.7% and 42.7% of respondents reported participating in risk assessment training and were familiar with risk assessment tools. There existed statistical significance between risk assessment-related characteristics of respondents and their self-rated competences scores. Financial support from the government and administrative attention were regarded as the important factors contributing to risk assessment competences of CDC responders. Higher attention should be given to risk assessment training and enhancing the availability of surveillance data. Continuous efforts should be made to remove the financial and technical obstacles to improve the competences of risk assessment for public health emergency responders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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15 pages, 485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in the Association of Urinary Concentrations of Phthalates Metabolites with Self-Reported Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases in Shanghai Adults

by Ruihua Dong¹, Shanzhen Zhao², Han Zhang¹, Jingsi Chen¹, Meiru Zhang¹, Min Wang², Min Wu¹, Shuguang Li^1,*

and Bo Chen^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200000, China

² Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Shanghai 200000, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060598 - 5 Jun 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5150

Abstract

Phthalate exposure was reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet, reported associations and the potential sex differences are inconsistent. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2330 participants in the Fall of 2012. Urinary metabolites of 10 phthalates [...] Read more.

Phthalate exposure was reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet, reported associations and the potential sex differences are inconsistent. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2330 participants in the Fall of 2012. Urinary metabolites of 10 phthalates were measured. The status of having DM and CVD-related outcomes were self-reported. In the overall study population, the logistic regression analyses showed that the urinary levels of mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyphthalate (MEOHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexylphthalate(MEHHP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentylphthalate (MECPP) were positively associated with DM. Higher urinary levels of monomethyl phthalate (MMP) and mono-2-carboxymethyl-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) were associated with increased odds of hyperlipidemia, while mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate (MEHP) was significantly inverse-associated with hyperlipidemia. We did not observe significant associations for other CVD-related outcomes with phthalate metabolites. When stratifying by sex, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MCMHP and the micromolar sums of the oxidative metabolites of DEHP (ΣDEHP_ox) were all significantly related to DM in males, but not in females. No significant sex differences were found in CVD-related outcomes, except the sporadic associations between phthalates and hyperlipidemia. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the sex-specific relationship between phthalates exposure and DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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10 pages, 426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Pediatric and Adolescent Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Victoria, Australia 2005–2015

by Louise Shaw and Caroline F. Finch^*

Australian Collaboration for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention, Federation University Australia, Ballarat 3353, Victoria, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060599 - 5 Jun 2017

Cited by 98 | Viewed by 9141

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children and adolescents have been the focus of recent media attention and parental concern, given their potential for adverse long-term health outcomes and healthcare costs. However, there is limited formal evidence on trends in the incidence of [...] Read more.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children and adolescents have been the focus of recent media attention and parental concern, given their potential for adverse long-term health outcomes and healthcare costs. However, there is limited formal evidence on trends in the incidence of ACL injuries in children. This study utilizes the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED) to characterize epidemiologic trends of hospital-admitted ACL injuries in those aged 5 to 14 years over a period of 10 years from 2005 to 2015. There was a total of 320 cases and the overall annual rate of ACL injuries increased by 147.8% from 2.74 per 100,000 population in 2005/2006 to 6.79 per 100,000 in 2014/2015. The majority (96.9%) of these injuries were in 10- to 14-year-olds. The main in-hospital procedure provided to over 80% of the hospitalized cases involved ACL reconstruction. Sporting activities accounted for 56.6% of ACL injuries. For females, over half (52.4%) of ACL injuries occurred whilst playing ball sports, compared to 35.4% of males. The large increase in ACL injuries in 5- to 14-year-olds in the state of Victoria, Australia over a 10-year period indicates they are a significant and emerging health burden. Population-wide ACL prevention policies are required to halt these trends. Cost effective prevention programs that involve neuromuscular training must be implemented in schools and junior sports teams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child Injury Prevention 2017)

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18 pages, 3486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Perceptions on Hurricanes: Evidence from the U.S. Stock Market

by José Manuel Feria-Domínguez^1,*

, Pilar Paneque²

and María Gil-Hurtado³

¹ Department of Financial Economics, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain

² Department of Geography, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain

³ EY Climate Change and Sustainability Assurance, 41013 Seville, Spain

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060600 - 5 Jun 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5256

Abstract

This article examines the market reaction of the main Property and Casualty (P & C) insurance companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to seven most recent hurricanes that hit the East Coast of the United States from 2005 to 2012. [...] Read more.

This article examines the market reaction of the main Property and Casualty (P & C) insurance companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to seven most recent hurricanes that hit the East Coast of the United States from 2005 to 2012. For this purpose, we run a standard short horizon event study in order to test the existence of abnormal returns around the landfalls. P & C companies are one of the most affected sectors by such events because of the huge losses to rebuild, help and compensate the inhabitants of the affected areas. From the financial investors’ perception, this kind of events implies severe losses, which could influence the expected returns. Our research highlights the existence of significant cumulative abnormal returns around the landfall event window in most of the hurricanes analyzed, except for the Katrina and Sandy Hurricanes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Health, Risk Analysis and Environmental Hazards)

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9 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life of Post-Mastectomy Women Living in a Semi-Arid Region of Brazil

by Emídio A. Araújo Neto¹, Beatriz C. A. Alves¹, Flávia De S. Gehrke¹, Ligia A. Azzalis², Virginia C. B. Junqueira², Luiz Vinicius de A. Sousa³, Fernando Adami³ and Fernando L. A. Fonseca^1,2,*

¹ Laboratório de Análises Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, CEP 09060-650 Santo André, Brazil

² Departamento de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Rua Professos Artur Riedel, 275, CEP 09972-270 Diadema, Brazil

³ Laboratório de Epidemiologia da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Av. Príncipe de Gales, 821, CEP 09060-650 Santo André, Brazil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060601 - 5 Jun 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4706

Abstract

Health is the major reference regarding quality of life; when it comes to breast cancer in particular, the loss of a breast traumatically affects a woman’s life, reflecting on her quality of life. Recognizing this problem, our aim was to investigate the quality [...] Read more.

Health is the major reference regarding quality of life; when it comes to breast cancer in particular, the loss of a breast traumatically affects a woman’s life, reflecting on her quality of life. Recognizing this problem, our aim was to investigate the quality of life of women who live in a semi-arid region of Brazil after breast cancer mastectomy. In this exploratory, transversal and observational study, a Brazilian variantof the shorter version of the original instrument from the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), applied in the study population, was analyzed and their socio-demographic profile was obtained. The sample was composed of 50 mastectomized women. The 50 included patients comprised women at a mean age of 54 years. Most of them had finished elementary school, and their average income was one Brazilian minimum monthly wage. Regarding the data related to quality of life, the highest score was found in the social relationships domain (4.29) followed by the psychological (4.09) and environmental (3.88) domains. The lowest score observed was for the physical domain (3.48). With these findings we can say that social and psychological parameters are driving factors of the quality of life in post-mastectomy women. Therefore, these results are useful to establish strategies to improve the quality of life of breast cancer mastectomy patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

16 pages, 961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Challenges of Improving Sanitation and Hygiene Outcomes in a Community Based Intervention: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Tanzania

by Joseph Kihika Kamara^1,2,*, Moses Galukande³, Florence Maeda⁴, Sam Luboga⁵ and Andre M. N. Renzaho⁶

¹ School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia

² World Vision International, Southern Africa Regional Office, Mbabane H100, Swaziland

³ Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda

⁴ World Vision Tanzania, Nzega, P.O. Box 614, Tabora, Tanzania

⁵ Sustainable Leadership Institute, P.O. Box 1532, Kampala, Uganda

⁶ Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative, School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060602 - 5 Jun 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 12111

Abstract

Good sanitation and clean water are basic human rights yet they remain elusive to many rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We carried out a cross sectional study to examine the impact of a four-year intervention aimed at improving access to water and [...] Read more.

Good sanitation and clean water are basic human rights yet they remain elusive to many rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We carried out a cross sectional study to examine the impact of a four-year intervention aimed at improving access to water and sanitation and reducing waterborne disease, especially diarrhea in children under five years old. The study was carried out in April and May 2015 in Busangi, Chela and Ntobo wards of Kahama District of Tanzania. The interventions included education campaigns and improved water supply, and sanitation. The percentage of households (HHs) with access to water within 30 min increased from 19.2 to 48.9 and 17.6 to 27.3 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The percentage of HHs with hand washing facilities at the latrine increased from 0% to 13.2%. However, the incidence of diarrhea among children under five years increased over the intervention period, RR 2.91 95% CI 2.71–3.11, p < 0.0001. Availability of water alone may not influence the incidence of waterborne diseases. Factors such as water storage and usage, safe excreta disposal and other hygiene practices are critical for interventions negating the spread of water borne diseases. A model that articulates the extent to which these factors are helpful for such interventions should be explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Justice Research: Contemporary Issues and Emerging Topics)

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10 pages, 1267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Activity and Participation Norms among General Adult Populations in Taiwan

by Chia-Feng Yen¹, Tzu-Ying Chiu², Tsan-Hon Liou^3,4,5

, Wen-Chou Chi^6,*, Hua-Fang Liao⁷, Chung-Chao Liang^8,9 and Reuben Escorpizo^10,11

¹ Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan

² Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10055, Taiwan

³ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 23561, Taiwan

⁴ Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan

⁵ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan

⁶ Department of Occupational Therapy, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

⁷ School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan

⁸ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002, Taiwan

⁹ School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualian 97004, Taiwan

¹⁰ Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

¹¹ Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil 6207, Switzerland

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060603 - 6 Jun 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3992

Abstract

Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), The Functioning Disability Evaluation Scale-Adult version (FUNDES-Adult) began development in 2011. The FUNDES-Adult was designed to assess the difficulty level of [...] Read more.

Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), The Functioning Disability Evaluation Scale-Adult version (FUNDES-Adult) began development in 2011. The FUNDES-Adult was designed to assess the difficulty level of an individual’s activities and participation in daily life. There is a lack of research regarding the profile of activity and participation for the general adult population. The purposes of this study were to establish activity and participation norms for the general adult population in Taiwan and to describe, discuss, and compare the activity and participation profile with other population. Method: A population-based survey was administered in 2013 using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system (CATI system). Using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling and systematic sampling with random digit dialing (RDD), 1500 adults from Taiwan’s general population were selected to participate in the survey. The FUNDES-Adult with six domains and two dimensions (performance and capability) was used to obtain data on activities and participation levels. A higher domain score indicated higher participation restriction. Results: Approximately 50% of the respondents were male, and the average age of the respondents was 45.23 years. There were no significant differences in the demographic features between the sample and the population. Among the six domains, the self-care domain score was the lowest (least restriction) and the participation domain score was the highest (most restriction). Approximately 90% of the sample scored were less than 15, and only 0.1% scored more than 80. This is the first cross-national population-based survey to assess norms of activity and participation relevant to the general population of Taiwan. As such, the results of this survey can be used as a reference for comparing the activity and participation (AP) functioning of other countries and subgroups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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12 pages, 5781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Fabriziomaria Gobba^1,*, Enrico Dall’Olio¹, Alberto Modenese¹

, Michele De Maria², Luca Campi² and Gian Maria Cavallini²

¹ Chair of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy

² Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060604 - 6 Jun 2017

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6771

Abstract

The province of Modena is one of the most industrialized areas of Northern Italy. The medical records of the Ophthalmological Emergency Department (OED) of Modena University Hospital were studied: there were 13,470 OED accesses in 2014 and in 754 cases that an occupational [...] Read more.

The province of Modena is one of the most industrialized areas of Northern Italy. The medical records of the Ophthalmological Emergency Department (OED) of Modena University Hospital were studied: there were 13,470 OED accesses in 2014 and in 754 cases that an occupational eye injury occurred. The frequency of work-related eye injuries (3‰) was lower compared to other published studies, but the absolute number is still relevant, showing the need for more adequate prevention, especially in metal work, construction work, and agriculture, where the worst prognoses were observed. Intervention programs must be implemented as early as possible in the working life, considering that the frequency in younger workers is about double that of the oldest age class (3.5‰ vs. 1.8‰), and special attention should also be given to foreigners, who have a 50% higher injury risk. Furthermore, the planning of specific interventions for eye-injured workers may be useful, considering that a previous injury does not appear to encourage the adoption of preventive interventions, and a subgroup of eye-injured workers have a potential risk for new injuries. Finally, the data presented here indicates how OED records, integrated with specific occupational information, can be applied for studies on work-related eye injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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8 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibodies and Predictors for Seropositivity among Chinese Children

by Xiaoqin Wang¹, Mei Ma¹, Zhaozhao Hui¹, Paul D. Terry², Yue Zhang¹, Rui Su³, Mingxu Wang^1,*, Wei Gu¹ and Ling Li¹

¹ Department of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China

² Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA

³ Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Qian County, Xianyang 713300, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060605 - 6 Jun 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3898

Abstract

Background: Supplementary measles immunization has been implemented since 2010 throughout China, yet few studies have reported its effect in the northwest regions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 to 4 years old (n = 755) from February [...] Read more.

Background: Supplementary measles immunization has been implemented since 2010 throughout China, yet few studies have reported its effect in the northwest regions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 2 to 4 years old (n = 755) from February to September 2014 in 25 towns of Qian County, Shaanxi Province. Blood samples were analyzed for measles antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent immunoglobulin G (IgG) assays. Socio-demographic factors were assessed by questionnaire. Data on vaccine dose were collected from town medical records. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with measles antibody seropositivity. Results: Measles antibody seroprevalence was 91.13% (95% CI: 89.52–92.83) in our sample. Compared with children whose mother’s highest education was primary school, seroprevalence was higher in children whose maternal education was middle school (adjusted OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7–2.8), high school (adjusted OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–7.7), and college/university (adjusted OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2–9.3). Vaccine dose was positively associated with seropositivity. Conclusions: Measles seroprevalence is high in China and is associated with the mother’s education and vaccine dose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

13 pages, 7730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment of Face Skin Exposure to UV Irradiance from Different Rotation Angle Ranges

by Fang Wang¹, Qian Gao¹, Yan Deng², Rentong Chen¹ and Yang Liu^1,*

¹ School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China

² Chinese Journal of Health Statistics Magazine, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060606 - 6 Jun 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4385

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) is one of the environmental pathogenic factors causing skin damage. Aiming to assess the risk of face skin exposure to UV irradiance from different rotation angles, a rotating model was used to monitor the exposure of the skin on the face [...] Read more.

Ultraviolet (UV) is one of the environmental pathogenic factors causing skin damage. Aiming to assess the risk of face skin exposure to UV irradiance from different rotation angles, a rotating model was used to monitor the exposure of the skin on the face to UV irradiance, with skin damage action spectra used to determine the biologically effective UV irradiance (UVBE_skin) and UVBE_skin radiant exposure (HBE_skin) causing skin damage. The results indicate that the UVBE_skin is directly influenced by variations in rotation angles. A significant decrease of approximately 52.70% and 52.10% in UVBE_skin was found when the cheek and nose measurement sites was rotated from 0° to 90°, while a decrease of approximately 62.70% was shown when the forehead measurement sites was rotated from an angle of 0° to 108°. When HBE_skin was compared to the exposure limits (ELs; 30 J·m⁻²), the maximum relative risk ratios (RR) for cheek, nose, and forehead were found to be approximately 2.01, 2.40, and 2.90, respectively, which were all measured at a rotation angle of 0°. The maximal increase in the percentage of the average HBE_skin for rotation angles of 60°, 120°, 180°, and 360° facing the sun to ELs were found to be approximately 62.10%, 52.72%, 43.43%, and 26.27% for the cheek; approximately 130.61%, 109.68%, 86.43%, and 50.06% for the nose; and approximately 178.61%, 159.19%, 134.38%, and 83.41% for the forehead, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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21 pages, 2760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Getting to Know a Place: Built Environment Walkability and Children’s Spatial Representation of Their Home-School (h–s) Route

by Mika R. Moran^*, Efrat Eizenberg and Pnina Plaut

Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060607 - 6 Jun 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6918

Abstract

The literature on environmental walkability to date has mainly focused on walking and related health outcomes. While previous studies suggest associations between walking and spatial knowledge, the associations between environmental walkability and spatial knowledge is yet to be explored. The current study addresses [...] Read more.

The literature on environmental walkability to date has mainly focused on walking and related health outcomes. While previous studies suggest associations between walking and spatial knowledge, the associations between environmental walkability and spatial knowledge is yet to be explored. The current study addresses this lacuna in research by exploring children’s mental representations of their home-school (h–s) route, vis- Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Environmental Influences on Physical Activity Behaviours)

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2 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Vialard, L., et al. Toward a Socio-Territorial Approach to Health: Health Equity in West Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 106

by Lucie Vialard¹, Clara Squiban¹, Gilles Riveau², Emmanuel Hermann³, Doudou Diop², Florence Fournet⁴, Gérard Salem^1,5 and Ellen E. Foley^6,*

¹ Laboratoire Dynamiques Sociales et Recomposition des Espaces (LADYSS), Université Paris Ouest Nanterre, 92000 Nanterre, France

² Biomedical Research Center EPLS, BP 226, Saint-Louis, Senegal

³ Institut Pasteur of Lille, University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 8204-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France

⁴ Unité Mixte de Recherche Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 34394 Montpellier, France

⁵ Centre Population et Développement (CEPED), Université Paris Descartes-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 75006 Paris, France

⁶ International Development and Social Change, IDCE, Clark University, Worcester, MA 01610, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060608 - 8 Jun 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

In the original version of our article [1], insufficient acknowledgement was given to the organizers of the medical survey. [...]
Full article

8 pages, 2175 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Volatile Organic Compounds in Anatomical Pathology Wards: Comparative and Qualitative Assessment of Indoor Airborne Pollution

by Massimo Cipolla¹, Alberto Izzotti^1,2

, Filippo Ansaldi^2,3, Paolo Durando^2,4 and Maria Teresa Piccardo^1,*

¹ Mutagenesis Unit, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, Genoa 16132, Italy

² Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa 16132, Italy

³ Hospital Direction, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, Genoa 16132, Italy

⁴ Occupational Medicine Unit, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, Genoa 16132, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060609 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5375

Abstract

The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on indoor air quality and on human health is widely recognized. However, VOC contamination in hospital indoor air is rarely studied and chemical compounds that singularly do not show high toxicity are not submitted to any [...] Read more.

The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on indoor air quality and on human health is widely recognized. However, VOC contamination in hospital indoor air is rarely studied and chemical compounds that singularly do not show high toxicity are not submitted to any regulation. This study aimed to compare VOC contamination in two different anatomical pathology wards in the same hospital. Hydrocarbons, alcohols, and terpenes were sampled by passive diffusive samplers. Analytical tests were performed by thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detector. Results highlighted a different VOC pollution in the two wards, due to the structural difference of the buildings and different organizational systems. The scarcity of similar data in the literature shows that the presence of VOCs in pathology wards is an underestimated problem. We believe that, because of the adverse effects that VOCs may have on the human health, this topic is worth exploring further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Quality and Health 2016)

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10 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Smoking Behavior over Family Transitions: Evidence for Anticipation and Adaptation Effects

by Damien Bricard^1,2,*, Stéphane Legleye^3,4 and Myriam Khlat²

¹ Institut de Recherche et Documentation en Économie de la Santé (Irdes), 117 bis rue Manin, 75019 Paris, France

² Institut National d’Études Démographiques (Ined), 133 boulevard Davout, 75020 Paris, France

³ Institut National de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (Insee), 6 Rue Legrand, 92240 Malakoff, France

⁴ Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Faculté de Médecine—Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine—UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060610 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5414

Abstract

The study of changes in smoking behaviors over the life course is a promising line of research. This paper aims to analyze the temporal relation between family transitions (partnership formation, first childbirth, separation) and changes in smoking initiation and cessation. We propose a [...] Read more.

The study of changes in smoking behaviors over the life course is a promising line of research. This paper aims to analyze the temporal relation between family transitions (partnership formation, first childbirth, separation) and changes in smoking initiation and cessation. We propose a discrete-time logistic model to explore the timing of changes in terms of leads and lags effects up to three years around the event in order to measure both anticipation and adaptation mechanisms. Retrospective biographical data from the Santé et Itinéraires Professionnels (SIP) survey conducted in France in 2006 are used. Partnership formation was followed for both genders by a fall in smoking initiation and an immediate rise in smoking cessation. Childbirth was associated with increased smoking cessation immediately around childbirth, and additionally, females showed an anticipatory increase in smoking cessation up to two years before childbirth. Couple separation was accompanied by an anticipatory increase in smoking initiation for females up to two years prior to the separation, but this effect only occurred in males during separation. Our findings highlight opportunities for more targeted interventions over the life course to reduce smoking, and therefore have relevance for general practitioners and public policy elaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Health Behavior and Public Health)

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15 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘Hidden Habitus’: A Qualitative Study of Socio-Ecological Influences on Drinking Practices and Social Identity in Mid-Adolescence

by Stephanie Scott^1,*, Janet Shucksmith², Rachel Baker³ and Eileen Kaner¹

¹ Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK

² Health and Social Care Institute, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK

³ Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060611 - 8 Jun 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6752

Abstract

This study explored mid-adolescents’ views and experiences of socio-ecological influences on their drinking practices in order to help inform the development of interventions to reduce alcohol-related risk. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews with young people aged 13–17 in North East England. Verbatim interview [...] Read more.

This study explored mid-adolescents’ views and experiences of socio-ecological influences on their drinking practices in order to help inform the development of interventions to reduce alcohol-related risk. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews with young people aged 13–17 in North East England. Verbatim interview transcripts and field notes were coded systematically and analysed thematically, following the principles of constant comparison. We adopted Bourdieu’s idea of social game-playing and elements of his conceptual toolkit (particularly habitus, capital and field) during analysis. Analysis yielded three intersecting themes: (1) ‘drinking etiquette’: conveying taste and disgust; (2) ‘playing the drinking game’: demonstrating cultural competency; (3) ‘hidden habitus’—the role of alcohol marketing. Our work demonstrates that there is a nexus of influential factors which come together to help shape and reinforce mid-adolescents’ behaviour, norms and values in relation to alcohol consumption. Drinking practices are not just formed by friendships and family traditions, these are also subject to wider cultural shaping including by the alcohol industry which can encourage brand identification, and gear specific products to add ‘distinction’. However young people are not inactive players and they use aspects of capital and social games to help cement their identity and present themselves in particular ways which in turn are influenced by age, gender and social status. Guided by promising work in the tobacco field, interventions which focus on critical awareness of the framing of alcohol products by key stakeholders, such as policymakers, commercial industry and public health professionals, and by wider society may facilitate behaviour change among young people. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Health)

13 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

High Manifestations of Mental Distress in Arabic Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Collective Centers for Refugees in Germany

by Ekaterini Georgiadou, Eva Morawa and Yesim Erim^*

Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060612 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 8440

Abstract

The number of asylum seekers in Germany has significantly increased in the last two years. Coming from regions of political conflict and war, the refugees have often experienced traumatic events which designate them as a high risk group for mental disorders. In a [...] Read more.

The number of asylum seekers in Germany has significantly increased in the last two years. Coming from regions of political conflict and war, the refugees have often experienced traumatic events which designate them as a high risk group for mental disorders. In a sample of Arabic speaking asylum seekers in collective accommodation centers in Erlangen, Germany, we estimated the extent of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. A further objective of the study was to test the comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness of the Arabic translations of the questionnaires in this sample. Between August and September 2016, 56 Arabic speaking asylum seekers placed among three collective accommodation centers in Erlangen completed self-report questionnaires assessing posttraumatic stress disorder (Essen Trauma-Inventory, ETI), and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire—depression module, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7). The prevalence of participants with personally and/or witnessed traumatic events was 80.4% (n = 45). About one-third of the examinees (35.7%, n = 20) endorsed symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). The total score for depression in this sample was M = 11.9 (SD = 7.9, range: 0–27). Moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 15) was found in 35.7% (n = 20) of our sample and severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 20) was found in 23.2% (n = 13). The total score for anxiety was M = 8.8 (SD = 6.9, range: 0–21), with 26.8% (n = 15) of the sample showing symptoms of severe anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 15). No significant difference between women and men with respect to frequency and symptom scores of PTSD, depression, and anxiety was found. Amongst asylum seekers of the presented sample, the rates of traumatic events as well as the prevalence of possible PTSD, depression, and anxiety were significantly higher than in the German population. This indicates that the refugee population is in need of culturally sensitive psychological interventions. However, more studies are required to improve the understanding of mental health among this particularly vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Refugee Health)

10 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumers’ Preferences for Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Product Features: A Structured Content Analysis

by Christine E. Kistler^1,2,*, Trisha M. Crutchfield^2,3

, Erin L. Sutfin⁴, Leah M. Ranney^1,2

, Micah L. Berman⁵, Gary A. Zarkin⁶ and Adam O. Goldstein^1,2

¹ Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 590 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA

² Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA

³ UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA

⁴ Department of Social Science and Health Policy, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27599, USA

⁵ College of Public Health & Moritz College of Law, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

⁶ Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Research Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27599, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060613 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5817

Abstract

To inform potential governmental regulations, we aimed to develop a list of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) product features important to U.S. consumers by age and gender. We employed qualitative data methods. Participants were eligible if they had used an ENDS at least [...] Read more.

To inform potential governmental regulations, we aimed to develop a list of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) product features important to U.S. consumers by age and gender. We employed qualitative data methods. Participants were eligible if they had used an ENDS at least once. Groups were selected by age and gender (young adult group aged 18–25, n = 11; middle-age group aged 26–64, n = 9; and women’s group aged 26–64, n = 9). We conducted five individual older adult interviews (aged 68–80). Participants discussed important ENDS features. We conducted a structured content analysis of the group and interview responses. Of 34 participants, 68% were white and 56% were female. Participants mentioned 12 important ENDS features, including: (1) user experience; (2) social acceptability; (3) cost; (4) health risks/benefits; (5) ease of use; (6) flavors; (7) smoking cessation aid; (8) nicotine content; (9) modifiability; (10) ENDS regulation; (11) bridge between tobacco cigarettes; (12) collectability. The most frequently mentioned ENDS feature was modifiability for young adults, user experience for middle-age and older adults, and flavor for the women’s group. This study identified multiple features important to ENDS consumers. Groups differed in how they viewed various features by age and gender. These results can inform ongoing regulatory efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

17 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Perceived Neighbourhood Environments on Self-Rated Health among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese

by Moses Wong^1,2, Ruby Yu^1,2,* and Jean Woo^1,2

¹ Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

² CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060614 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6270

Abstract

In response to the growing number of older people living in cities, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of “Age-Friendly Cities” (AFC) to guide the way in designing physical and social environments to encourage active ageing. Limited research has studied the [...] Read more.

In response to the growing number of older people living in cities, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of “Age-Friendly Cities” (AFC) to guide the way in designing physical and social environments to encourage active ageing. Limited research has studied the effects of neighbourhood age-friendliness on elderly health outcomes. Using the example of a highly urbanized city in Asia, this study examined the effects of perceived age-friendliness of neighbourhood environments on self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older Chinese. A multi-stage sampling method was used to collect views of community-dwelling older people from two local districts of Hong Kong. A structured questionnaire covering the WHO’s eight AFC domains was developed to collect information on the perceived neighbourhood environments, SRH and individual characteristics. Age-friendliness of neighbourhood was assessed by mean scores of AFC domains, which was used to predict SRH with adjustment for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics. Furthermore, 719 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the questionnaire, of which 44.5% reported good SRH. Independent of individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics, multiple logistics regressions showed that higher satisfaction on outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, and respect and social inclusion was significantly associated with increased odds of reporting good SRH by more than 20% (p < 0.05). Individuals aged 70–79 years, being female, lower education and residents of public or subsidized housing were less likely to report good SRH, after controlling for individual and neighbourhood characteristics. In addition to age, gender, education and housing type, AFC environments have important contributive influence on SRH, after controlling for individual and objective neighbourhood characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageing Well: The Role of Age-Friendly Environments)

9 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes Development: A Case Control Study in Egypt

by Nabil J. Awadalla^1,2,*

, Amal A. Hegazy^3,4, Manal Abd El-Salam⁵ and Marwa Elhady⁵

¹ Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia

² Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 3551, Egypt

³ Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

⁴ Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (for girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt

⁵ Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine (for girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 615; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060615 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5745

Abstract

Uncertainty still exists regarding the role of some environmental risk in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) both globally and in Egypt. The objective here was to explore the potential environmental risk factors associated with the development of T1DM among children [...] Read more.

Uncertainty still exists regarding the role of some environmental risk in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) both globally and in Egypt. The objective here was to explore the potential environmental risk factors associated with the development of T1DM among children in Egypt. A case-controlled study of 204 T1DM children and an equal number of age and sex-matched controls was conducted in Assiut, Egypt. Data regarding the parental, gestational, neonatal, and childhood possible risk factors for T1DM were evaluated. The final sex adjusted multivariable logistic regression model revealed that the risk for T1DM was significantly higher among rural residents (aOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.30–4.25), those with parental history of T1DM (aOR = 9.03, 95% CI: 1.02–83.32), birth through cesarean section (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.09–5.03), and having history of early introduction of cow milk in the first year of life (aOR = 19.49, 95% CI: 8.73–45.53). On the other hand, a protective effect was observed between at least six months’ breastfeeding, vitamin D supplementation in the first year of life, high physical activity, and the development of T1DM. Educational programs should be adopted to improve awareness and knowledge of the parents to avoid the increased risk factors and encourage protective practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

10 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of X-ray Induced Apoptosis by Mobile Phone-Like Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in Mouse Spermatocyte-Derived Cells

by Ke-Ying Zhang^1,†, Hui Xu^2,†, Le Du¹, Jun-Ling Xing¹, Bin Zhang³, Qiang-Shan Bai³, Yu-Qiao Xu⁴, Yong-Chun Zhou⁵, Jun-Ping Zhang¹, Yan Zhou^1,* and Gui-Rong Ding^1,*

¹ Department of Radiation Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# ChangLe West Road, Xi’an 710032, China

² Radiological College, Taishan Medical University, Taian 271000, China

³ Student Brigade, Fourth Military Medical University,169# ChangLe West Road, Xi’an 710032, China

⁴ Department of Pathology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# ChangLe West Road, Xi’an 710032, China

⁵ Department of Radiation Oncology, Fourth Military Medical University, 169# ChangLe West Road, Xi’an 710032, China

^† These authors contributed equally to the work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060616 - 7 Jun 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4553

Abstract

To explore the combined effects of environmental radio-frequency (RF) field and X-ray, mouse spermatocyte-derived (GC-1) cells were exposed to 1950 MHz RF field at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3 W/kg for 24 h combined with or without X-ray irradiation at 6 Gy. [...] Read more.

To explore the combined effects of environmental radio-frequency (RF) field and X-ray, mouse spermatocyte-derived (GC-1) cells were exposed to 1950 MHz RF field at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3 W/kg for 24 h combined with or without X-ray irradiation at 6 Gy. After treatment, the cell proliferation level was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay and 5-Bromo-2-deoxy Uridine (BrdU) enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA) Assay. The apoptosis level was detected by annexin V flow cytometry assay, transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) Assay and Caspase-3 Activity Assay. It was found that the proliferation and apoptosis level did not change in GC-1 cells after RF exposure alone. However, compared with the X-ray group, the proliferation level significantly decreased and the apoptotic rate significantly increased in the RF+X-ray group. Moreover, a significant decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression and increase in Bax protein expression were observed. The findings suggested that RF exposure at SAR of 3 W/kg did not affect apoptosis and proliferation in GC-1 cells by itself, but that it did enhance the effects of X-ray induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, in which B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) might be involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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15 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Technology Acceptance of a TV Platform for the Elderly Living Alone or in Public Nursing Homes

by Pedro C. Santana-Mancilla^1,2,*

and Luis E. Anido-Rifón¹

¹ School of Telecommunications Engineering, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain

² School of Telematics, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060617 - 8 Jun 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6715

Abstract

In Mexico, many seniors are alone for most of the day or live in public nursing homes. Simple interaction with computer systems is required for older people. This is why we propose the exploration of a medium well known by seniors, such as [...] Read more.

In Mexico, many seniors are alone for most of the day or live in public nursing homes. Simple interaction with computer systems is required for older people. This is why we propose the exploration of a medium well known by seniors, such as the television (TV). The primary objective of this study is to improve the quality of life of seniors through an easier reminder system, using the television set. A technological platform was designed based on interactive television, through which seniors and their caregivers can have a better way to track their daily activities. Finally, an evaluation of the technology adoption was performed with 50 seniors living in two public nursing homes. The evaluation found that the elderly perceived the system as useful, easy to use, and they had a positive attitude and good intention to use it. This helped to generate initial evidence that the system supported them in achieving a better quality of life, by reminding them to take their medications and increasing their rate of attendance to their medical appointments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ageing Well: The Role of Age-Friendly Environments)

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15 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Health Impact of Exposure to Neighbourhood Green Space Differ between Population Groups? An Explorative Study in Four European Cities

by Annemarie Ruijsbroek^1,*, Mariël Droomers², Hanneke Kruize³, Elise Van Kempen³, Christopher J. Gidlow⁴, Gemma Hurst⁴, Sandra Andrusaityte⁵, Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen^6,7,8, Jolanda Maas⁹, Wim Hardyns^10,11, Karien Stronks² and Peter P. Groenewegen^12,13

¹ Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands

² Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands

³ Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands

⁴ Centre for Sport, Health and Exercise Research, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK

⁵ Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas, 44248 Kaunas, Lithuania

⁶ ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), E-08003 Barcelona, Spain

⁷ University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain

⁸ CIBER Epidemiology y Salud Publica (CIBERESP), 08036 Barcelona, Spain

⁹ Department of Social and Organisational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Vrije Universiteit (VU), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

¹⁰ Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

¹¹ Faculty of Law, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

¹² NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands

¹³ Department of Human Geography and Department of Sociology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060618 - 8 Jun 2017

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9679

Abstract

It has been suggested that certain residents, such as those with a low socioeconomic status, the elderly, and women, may benefit more from the presence of neighbourhood green space than others. We tested this hypothesis for age, gender, educational level, and employment status [...] Read more.

It has been suggested that certain residents, such as those with a low socioeconomic status, the elderly, and women, may benefit more from the presence of neighbourhood green space than others. We tested this hypothesis for age, gender, educational level, and employment status in four European cities. Data were collected in Barcelona (Spain; n = 1002), Kaunas (Lithuania; n = 989), Doetinchem (The Netherlands; n = 847), and Stoke-on-Trent (UK; n = 933) as part of the EU-funded PHENOTYPE project. Surveys were used to measure mental and general health, individual characteristics, and perceived neighbourhood green space. Additionally, we used audit data about neighbourhood green space. In Barcelona, there were positive associations between neighbourhood green space and general health among low-educated residents. In the other cities and for the other population groups, there was little evidence that the association between health and neighbourhood green space differed between population groups. Overall, our study does not support the assumption that the elderly, women, and residents who are not employed full-time benefit more from neighbourhood green space than others. Only in the highly urbanised city of Barcelona did the low-educated group benefit from neighbourhood green spaces. Perhaps neighbourhood green spaces are more important for the health of low-educated residents in particularly highly urbanised areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

13 pages, 4277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Niche Modeling Identifies Fine-Scale Areas at High Risk of Dengue Fever in the Pearl River Delta, China

by Qiaoxuan Li^1,2

, Hongyan Ren^2,*, Lan Zheng^2,3, Wei Cao², An Zhang²

, Dafang Zhuang², Liang Lu⁴ and Huixian Jiang^1,*

¹ College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, No. 8 Shangsan Road, Fuzhou 350007, China

² State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China

³ Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Sciences, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, No. 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China

⁴ State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, No.5 Changbai Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060619 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6782

Abstract

Dengue fever (DF) is one of the most common and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. In recent years, this imported disease has posed a serious threat to public health in China, especially in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). [...] Read more.

Dengue fever (DF) is one of the most common and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in tropical and subtropical regions. In recent years, this imported disease has posed a serious threat to public health in China, especially in the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Although the severity of DF outbreaks in the PRD is generally associated with known risk factors, fine scale assessments of areas at high risk for DF outbreaks are limited. We built five ecological niche models to identify such areas including a variety of climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic variables, as well as, in some models, extracted principal components. All the models we tested accurately identified the risk of DF, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were greater than 0.8, but the model using all original variables was the most accurate (AUC = 0.906). Socioeconomic variables had a greater impact on this model (total contribution 55.27%) than climatic and environmental variables (total contribution 44.93%). We found the highest risk of DF outbreaks on the border of Guangzhou and Foshan (in the central PRD), and in northern Zhongshan (in the southern PRD). Our fine-scale results may help health agencies to focus epidemic monitoring tightly on the areas at highest risk of DF outbreaks. Full article

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13 pages, 982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RF EMF Risk Perception Revisited: Is the Focus on Concern Sufficient for Risk Perception Studies?

by Peter M. Wiedemann^1,2,3, Frederik Freudenstein^1,2,3,4,*, Christoph Böhmert⁵, Joe Wiart⁶ and Rodney J. Croft^1,2,3,4

¹ School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia

² Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong Campus, NSW 2522, Australia

³ Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, NH&MRC Centre of Research Excellence, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia

⁴ Centre for Population Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia

⁵ Department of Science Communication, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Englerstr. 2 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

⁶ Chaire C2M, LTCI Telecom ParisTech, Paris Saclay University, 46 Rue Barrault, 75013 Paris, France

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060620 - 8 Jun 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6920

Abstract

An implicit assumption of risk perception studies is that concerns expressed in questionnaires reflect concerns in everyday life. The aim of the present study is to check this assumption, i.e., the extrapolability of risk perceptions expressed in a survey, to risk perceptions in [...] Read more.

An implicit assumption of risk perception studies is that concerns expressed in questionnaires reflect concerns in everyday life. The aim of the present study is to check this assumption, i.e., the extrapolability of risk perceptions expressed in a survey, to risk perceptions in everyday life. To that end, risk perceptions were measured by a multidimensional approach. In addition to the traditional focus on measuring the magnitude of risk perceptions, the thematic relevance (how often people think about a risk issue) and the discursive relevance (how often people think about or discuss a risk issue) of risk perceptions were also collected. Taking into account this extended view of risk perception, an online survey was conducted in six European countries with 2454 respondents, referring to radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) risk potentials from base stations, and access points, such as WiFi routers and cell phones. The findings reveal that the present study’s multidimensional approach to measuring risk perception provides a more differentiated understanding of RF EMF risk perception. High levels of concerns expressed in questionnaires do not automatically imply that these concerns are thematically relevant in everyday life. We use thematic relevance to distinguish between enduringly concerned (high concern according to both questionnaire and thematic relevance) and not enduringly concerned participants (high concern according to questionnaire but no thematic relevance). Furthermore, we provide data for the empirical value of this distinction: Compared to other participants, enduringly concerned subjects consider radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure to a greater extent as a moral and affective issue. They also see themselves as highly exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. However, despite these differences, subjects with high levels of thematic relevance are nevertheless sensitive to exposure reduction as a means for improving the acceptance of base stations in their neighborhood. This underlines the value of exposure reduction for the acceptance of radio frequency electromagnetic field communication technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impact Assessment (HIA))

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8 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occlusal Features and Caries Experience of Hong Kong Chinese Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Shinan Zhang¹, Edward Chin Man Lo²

and Chun Hung Chu^2,*

¹ School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan 650031 China

² Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060621 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5685

Abstract

Objective: To study occlusal features and their relation to caries experience in Hong Kong Chinese preschool children. Methods: Seven kindergarten classes in Hong Kong were selected using a stratified random sampling method, and the 4- and 5-year-old Chinese kindergarten children were invited to [...] Read more.

Objective: To study occlusal features and their relation to caries experience in Hong Kong Chinese preschool children. Methods: Seven kindergarten classes in Hong Kong were selected using a stratified random sampling method, and the 4- and 5-year-old Chinese kindergarten children were invited to join the survey. Two calibrated dentists performed the clinical examinations in the kindergartens. Occlusion features, including incisal overjet; canine and molar relationship; median diastema; and primate space as well as malocclusion features, including crossbite; anterior open bite; and scissor bite, were recorded. Caries experience was recorded with the dmft index. Results: A total of 538 children were invited to participate in the study, and finally 495 children were examined (92%). Approximately half (52%) had a normal incisor relationship. Most children had a class I canine relationship (left-79%; right-75%). Approximately two-thirds had a flush terminal plane (left-64%; right-65%). Most children (76%) had a maxillary primate space, and 47% had a mandibular primate space. The prevalence of median diastema, anterior crossbite, and unilateral posterior crossbite was 30%, 12% and 1%, respectively. No bilateral posterior crossbite or scissor bite was found. Approximately half (49%) had caries experience. The mean dmft score was 2.1. Gender and age were not associated with either the studied occlusal features or the mean dmft score (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Approximately half of the Hong Kong preschool children studied had a normal occlusion, and two-thirds of them had a flush terminal plane. About three-quarters of them had a maxillary primate space, and half of them had a mandibular primate space. Their occlusal traits were not associated with caries experience and prevalence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Determinants of Dental Caries in Children)

11 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Social Reactions to Alcohol-Related Facial Flushing Are Affected by Gender, Relationship, and Drinking Purposes: Implications for Education to Reduce Aerodigestive Cancer Risks

by Ian M. Newman^1,*

, Lanyan Ding¹, Duane F. Shell¹ and Lida Lin²

¹ Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA

² Department of Psychology in Education, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060622 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

Alcohol-related facial flushing is a sign of compromised alcohol metabolism and increased risk of certain cancers. This project examined how facial flushing might be used to reduce alcohol use to lower cancer risks. Interviews with Chinese university students identified gender, friendship, and drinking [...] Read more.

Alcohol-related facial flushing is a sign of compromised alcohol metabolism and increased risk of certain cancers. This project examined how facial flushing might be used to reduce alcohol use to lower cancer risks. Interviews with Chinese university students identified gender, friendship, and drinking purpose as important variables related to whether someone would encourage a person who flushes when drinking alcohol to stop or reduce their drinking. A questionnaire was developed that incorporated these variables into 24 drinking scenarios in which someone flushed while drinking. Students responded whether they would (a) encourage the flusher to stop or drink less; (b) do nothing while wishing they could; or (c) do nothing because there was no need. Analysis of survey responses from 2912 university students showed a three-way interaction of the variables and implied that the probability students will intervene when a drinker flushes was highest when the flusher was a female, a close friend, and the drinking purpose was for fun and lowest if the flusher was a male, the friendship was general, and the drinking purpose was risky. The results provide important details about the social factors affecting how other people respond to a person who flushes when drinking alcohol. This information is useful for those considering ways to reduce and prevent aerodigestive cancers through education and information programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

9 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stock Market Fluctuations and Self-Harm among Children and Adolescents in Hong Kong

by Wilfred Hing-Sang Wong, James Chun-Yin Lee, Frederick Ka-Wing Ho, Tim Man-Ho Li, Patrick Ip and Chun-Bong Chow^*

Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060623 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5108

Abstract

Although a few studies investigated the impact of stock market fluctuations on population health, the question of whether stock market fluctuations have an impact on self-harm in children and adolescents remain unanswered. This study therefore investigated the association between stock market fluctuations and [...] Read more.

Although a few studies investigated the impact of stock market fluctuations on population health, the question of whether stock market fluctuations have an impact on self-harm in children and adolescents remain unanswered. This study therefore investigated the association between stock market fluctuations and self-harm among children and adolescents in Hong Kong. Daily self-harm attendance records were retrieved from all 18 local Accident and Emergency Departments (AED) from 2001 to 2012. 4931 children and adolescents who committed self-harm were included. The results indicated positive correlation between daily change in stock market index, Hang Seng Index (∇HSI, per 300 points), and daily self-harm incident risk of children and adolescents, without time lag between the two. The incident risk ratio for ∇HSI was 1.09 (p = 0.0339) in children and 1.06 (p = 0.0246) in adolescents. Importantly, non-trading days were found to impose significant protective effect in both groups against self-harm risk. Our results showed that stock market fluctuations were related to self-harm behaviors in children and adolescents. Parents and professionals should be educated about the potential harm of stock market fluctuations and the importance of effective parenting in reducing self-harm among children and adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Psychology and Crime)

7 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of DESS as a DNA Preservation Method for the Detection of Strongyloides spp. in Canine Feces

by Meruyert Beknazarova^1,*

, Shelby Millsteed¹, Gemma Robertson², Harriet Whiley¹

and Kirstin Ross¹

¹ School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia

² Melbourne Pathology, Collingwood and James Cook University, Collingwood, VIC 3066, Australia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060624 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4176

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a gastrointestinal parasitic nematode with a life cycle that includes free-living and parasitic forms. For both clinical (diagnostic) and environmental evaluation, it is important that we can detect Strongyloides spp. in both human and non-human fecal samples. Real-time PCR is [...] Read more.

Strongyloides stercoralis is a gastrointestinal parasitic nematode with a life cycle that includes free-living and parasitic forms. For both clinical (diagnostic) and environmental evaluation, it is important that we can detect Strongyloides spp. in both human and non-human fecal samples. Real-time PCR is the most feasible method for detecting the parasite in both clinical and environmental samples that have been preserved. However, one of the biggest challenges with PCR detection is DNA degradation during the postage time from rural and remote areas to the laboratory. This study included a laboratory assessment and field validation of DESS (dimethyl sulfoxide, disodium EDTA, and saturated NaCl) preservation of Strongyloides spp. DNA in fecal samples. The laboratory study investigated the capacity of 1:1 and 1:3 sample to DESS ratios to preserve Strongyloides ratti in spike canine feces. It was found that both ratios of DESS significantly prevented DNA degradation compared to the untreated sample. This method was then validated by applying it to the field-collected canine feces and detecting Strongyloides DNA using PCR. A total of 37 canine feces samples were collected and preserved in the 1:3 ratio (sample: DESS) and of these, 17 were positive for Strongyloides spp. The study shows that both 1:1 and 1:3 sample to DESS ratios were able to preserve the Strongyloides spp. DNA in canine feces samples stored at room temperature for up to 56 days. This DESS preservation method presents the most applicable and feasible method for the Strongyloides DNA preservation in field-collected feces. Full article

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13 pages, 876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Magnitude of Occupational Class Differences in Sickness Absence: 15-Year Trends among Young and Middle-Aged Municipal Employees

by Hilla Sumanen^*, Eero Lahelma, Olli Pietiläinen and Ossi Rahkonen

Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8B), FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060625 - 9 Jun 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to examine the magnitude of relative occupational class differences in sickness absence (SA) days over a 15-year period among female and male municipal employees in two age-groups. Methods: 18–34 and 35–59-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki [...] Read more.

Background: Our aim was to examine the magnitude of relative occupational class differences in sickness absence (SA) days over a 15-year period among female and male municipal employees in two age-groups. Methods: 18–34 and 35–59-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki from 2002 to 2016 were included in our data (n = ~37,500 per year). Occupational class was classified into four groups. The magnitude of relative occupational class differences in SA was studied using the relative index of inequality (RII). Results: The relative occupational class differences were larger among older than younger employees; the largest differences were among 35–59-year-old men. Among women in both age-groups the relative class differences remained stable during 2002–2016. Among younger and older men, the differences were larger during the beginning of study period than in the end. Among women in both age-groups the RII values were between 2.19 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.98, 2.42) and 3.60 (95% CI 3.28, 3.95). The corresponding differences varied from 3.74 (95% CI 3.13, 4.48) to 1.68 (95% CI 1.44, 1.97) among younger and from 6.43 (95% CI 5.85, 7.06) to 3.31 (95% CI 2.98, 3.68) among older men. Conclusions: Relative occupational class differences were persistent among employees irrespective of age group and gender. Preventive measures should be started at young age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work Stress and the Development of Chronic Diseases)

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10 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solidification and Biotoxicity Assessment of Thermally Treated Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Fly Ash

by Bing Gong^1,†, Yi Deng^1,†

, Yuanyi Yang², Swee Ngin Tan³, Qianni Liu¹ and Weizhong Yang^1,*

¹ School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China

² Department of Materials Engineering, Sichuan College of Architectural Technology, Deyang 618000, China

³ National Sciences and Science Education, National Institute of Education, Singapore 637616, Singapore

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060626 - 10 Jun 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5290

Abstract

In the present work, thermal treatment was used to stabilize municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, which was considered hazardous waste. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results indicated that, after the thermal process, the leaching concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn decreased [...] Read more.

In the present work, thermal treatment was used to stabilize municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, which was considered hazardous waste. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results indicated that, after the thermal process, the leaching concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn decreased from 8.08 to 0.16 mg/L, 0.12 to 0.017 mg/L and 0.39 to 0.1 mg/L, respectively, which well met the limits in GB5085.3-2007 and GB16689-2008. Thermal treatment showed a negative effect on the leachability of Cr with concentrations increasing from 0.1 to 1.28 mg/L; nevertheless, it was still under the limitations. XRD analysis suggested that, after thermal treatments, CaO was newly generated. CaO was a main contribution to higher Cr leaching concentrations owing to the formation of Cr (VI)—compounds such as CaCrO₄. SEM/EDS tests revealed that particle adhesion, agglomeration, and grain growth happened during the thermal process and thus diminished the leachability of Pb, Cu, and Zn, but these processes had no significant influence on the leaching of Cr. A microbial assay demonstrated that all thermally treated samples yet possessed strong bactericidal activity according to optical density (OD) test results. Among all samples, the OD value of raw fly ash (RFA) was lowest followed by FA700-10, FA900-10, and FA1100-10 in an increasing order, which indicated that the sequence of the biotoxicity for these samples was RFA > FA700-10 > FA900-10 > FA1100-10. This preliminary study indicated that, apart from TCLP criteria, the biotoxicity assessment was indispensable for evaluating the effect of thermal treatment for MSWI fly ash. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metals: Environmental and Human Health)

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13 pages, 1907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lithium in Drinking Water and Incidence of Suicide: A Nationwide Individual-Level Cohort Study with 22 Years of Follow-Up

by Nikoline N. Knudsen¹, Jörg Schullehner^2,3,4

, Birgitte Hansen²

, Lisbeth F. Jørgensen⁵, Søren M. Kristiansen⁶, Denitza D. Voutchkova^2,6,7, Thomas A. Gerds⁸, Per K. Andersen⁸, Kristine Bihrmann¹, Morten Grønbæk¹, Lars V. Kessing^9,† and Annette K. Ersbøll^1,*,†

¹ National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2nd Floor, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark

² Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Department of Groundwater and Quaternary Geology Mapping, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, Aarhus, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

³ Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

⁴ National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Fuglesangs Allé 4, 8210 Aarhus, Denmark

⁵ Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Hydrological Department, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark

⁶ Department of Geoscience, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

⁷ Current affiliation (DDV): Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, AS2, #03-01, 1 Arts Link, Kent Ridge, 117570 Singapore, Singapore

⁸ Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014 Copenhagen, Denmark

⁹ Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

^† Shared Last Authorship.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060627 - 10 Jun 2017

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 17810

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health concern. High-dose lithium is used to stabilize mood and prevent suicide in patients with affective disorders. Lithium occurs naturally in drinking water worldwide in much lower doses, but with large geographical variation. Several studies conducted at an [...] Read more.

Suicide is a major public health concern. High-dose lithium is used to stabilize mood and prevent suicide in patients with affective disorders. Lithium occurs naturally in drinking water worldwide in much lower doses, but with large geographical variation. Several studies conducted at an aggregate level have suggested an association between lithium in drinking water and a reduced risk of suicide; however, a causal relation is uncertain. Individual-level register-based data on the entire Danish adult population (3.7 million individuals) from 1991 to 2012 were linked with a moving five-year time-weighted average (TWA) lithium exposure level from drinking water hypothesizing an inverse relationship. The mean lithium level was 11.6 μg/L ranging from 0.6 to 30.7 μg/L. The suicide rate decreased from 29.7 per 100,000 person-years at risk in 1991 to 18.4 per 100,000 person-years in 2012. We found no significant indication of an association between increasing five-year TWA lithium exposure level and decreasing suicide rate. The comprehensiveness of using individual-level data and spatial analyses with 22 years of follow-up makes a pronounced contribution to previous findings. Our findings demonstrate that there does not seem to be a protective effect of exposure to lithium on the incidence of suicide with levels below 31 μg/L in drinking water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Proceedings from the 3rd International Symposium on Environment and Health)

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10 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Health Literacy: A Community-Based Study in Shanghai, China

by Ying Wu^1,†, Lu Wang^2,†, Zhongyuan Cai², Luqi Bao², Pu Ai³ and Zisheng Ai^4,*

¹ Postdoctoral Research Station of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China

² Baoshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Shanghai, Baoshan 201900, China

³ Department of Clinic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China

⁴ Department of Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200092, China

^† Ying Wu and Lu Wang contributed equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060628 - 12 Jun 2017

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 8193

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is an increasingly important public health concern. However, little is known about the health literacy of general public in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low health literacy and demographic associations in Shanghai, China. [...] Read more.

Background: Health literacy is an increasingly important public health concern. However, little is known about the health literacy of general public in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low health literacy and demographic associations in Shanghai, China. Methods: This study was a community-based cross-sectional health survey utilizing a multi-stage random sampling design. The sample consisted of 1360 individuals aged 15–69 years with the total community-dwelling Chinese as the sample frame. Health literacy was measured by a questionnaire developed on the basis of a national health literacy manual released by the Chinese Ministry of Health. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify whether common socio-demographic features were associated with health literacy level. Results: The prevalence of low health literacy was 84.49% (95% CI, 82.56% to 86.41%). The prevalence of low health literacy was negatively associated with the level of education, occupation, and annual household income, but was not associated with gender, age, or the presence of non-communicable chronic disease. Conclusions: Simplifying health services, enhancing health education, and promoting interventions to improve health literacy in high-risk populations should be considered as part of the strategies in the making of health policy in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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19 pages, 2968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transportation Matters: A Health Impact Assessment in Rural New Mexico

by Michelle Del Rio^1,*, William L. Hargrove¹, Joe Tomaka² and Marcelo Korc³

¹ Center for Environmental Resource Management, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968, USA

² College of Health and Social Services, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA

³ Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, 525 23rd St., Washington, DC 20037, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060629 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7747

Abstract

This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) informed the decision of expanding public transportation services to rural, low income communities of southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico on the U.S./Mexico border. The HIA focused on impacts of access to health care services, education, and economic [...] Read more.

This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) informed the decision of expanding public transportation services to rural, low income communities of southern Doña Ana County, New Mexico on the U.S./Mexico border. The HIA focused on impacts of access to health care services, education, and economic development opportunities. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from surveys of community members, key informant interviews, a focus group with community health workers, and passenger surveys during an initial introduction of the transit system. Results from the survey showed that a high percentage of respondents would use the bus system to access the following: (1) 84% for health services; (2) 83% for formal and informal education opportunities; and (3) 81% for economic opportunities. Results from interviews and the focus group supported the benefits of access to services but many were concerned with the high costs of providing bus service in a rural area. We conclude that implementing the bus system would have major impacts on resident’s health through improved access to: (1) health services, and fresh foods, especially for older adults; (2) education opportunities, such as community colleges, universities, and adult learning, especially for young adults; and (3) economic opportunities, especially jobs, job training, and consumer goods and services. We highlight the challenges associated with public transportation in rural areas where there are: (1) long distances to travel; (2) difficulties in scheduling to meet all needs; and (3) poor road and walking conditions for bus stops. The results are applicable to low income and fairly disconnected rural areas, where access to health, education, and economic opportunities are limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Impact Assessment (HIA))

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8 pages, 1077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of the Refugee Crisis on Age Estimation Analysis over the Past 10 Years: A 16-Country Survey

by Leanne Sykes¹, Ahmed Bhayat^2,* and Herman Bernitz³

¹ Departments of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa

² Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa

³ Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060630 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5573

Abstract

Dental age estimation (AE) tests are routinely done on living and deceased persons. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting an increase in age estimations due to the refugee crisis. Our aim is to determine the reasons and methods for performing dental AE tests in [...] Read more.

Dental age estimation (AE) tests are routinely done on living and deceased persons. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting an increase in age estimations due to the refugee crisis. Our aim is to determine the reasons and methods for performing dental AE tests in both living and deceased individuals. Global trends in AE over the past 10 years were also investigated. A database of all forensic laboratories was obtained and an electronic questionnaire was sent to all of them. The questionnaire was self-developed and included questions on the reasons for performing AE tests, the preferred methods used in living and deceased individuals, and the people/organizations who requested these AE tests. The number of tests performed annually varied between 0 and 500 and the majority were on asylum seekers, refugees, and for adoption cases. Most units used multiple techniques to determine the age among the living, but seldom used more than three techniques for the deceased. The majority of tests were requested by coroners and the legal fraternity. There has been an increase in the number of dental AEs carried out and this has been mostly due to asylum seekers and refugees. The most common techniques for the living were variations of Demirjian’s technique while country specific techniques were used for the deceased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Refugee Health)

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13 pages, 1037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Community Water Fluoridation with Caries Prevalence and Oral Health Inequality in Children

by Han-Na Kim^1,†, Jeong-Hee Kim^2,†, Se-Yeon Kim^2,3 and Jin-Bom Kim^2,3,*,†

¹ Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Sciences, Cheongju University, 298, Daesung-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju 28503, Korea

² Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, 49, Busandaehak-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Korea

³ BK 21 PLUS Project, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea

^† These authors contribute equally to this work.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060631 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7837

Abstract

This study aimed to confirm the association between the community water fluoridation (CWF) programme and dental caries prevention on permanent teeth, comparing to a control area, neighbouring population without the programme, and verifying whether the programme can reduce the socio-economic inequality related to [...] Read more.

This study aimed to confirm the association between the community water fluoridation (CWF) programme and dental caries prevention on permanent teeth, comparing to a control area, neighbouring population without the programme, and verifying whether the programme can reduce the socio-economic inequality related to the oral health of children in Korea. Evaluation surveys were conducted among 6-, 8-, and 11-year-old children living in Okcheon (CWF) and neighbouring Yeongdong (non-CWF, control area) towns in South Korea. Data on monthly family income, caregiver educational level, and Family Affluence Scale scores were evaluated using questionnaires that were distributed to the parents. The effectiveness of CWF in caries reduction was calculated based on the differences in decayed, missing, and filled teeth and decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces indices between the two towns. The data were analysed using logistic regression and univariate analysis of variance. Both 8- and 11-year-old children living in the CWF area had lower dental caries prevalence than those living in the non-CWF community. Differences in dental caries prevalence based on educational level were found in the control area but not in the CWF area. Socio-economic factor-related inequality in oral health were observed in the non-CWF community. Additionally, 8- and 11-year-old children living in the CWF area displayed lower dental caries prevalence in the pit-and-fissure and smooth surfaces than those living in the non-CWF community. These results suggest that CWF programmes are effective in the prevention of caries on permanent teeth and can reduce oral health inequalities among children. The implementation of CWF programmes should be sustained to overcome oral health inequalities due to socio-economic factors and improve children’s overall oral health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Determinants of Dental Caries in Children)

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20 pages, 1724 KiB

Open AccessReview

Occurrence, Toxicity, and Analysis of Major Mycotoxins in Food

by Ahmad Alshannaq^1,2 and Jae-Hyuk Yu^2,3,*

¹ Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA

² Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA

³ Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060632 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 957 | Viewed by 36843

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi (molds). These low molecular weight compounds (usually less than 1000 Daltons) are naturally occurring and practically unavoidable. They can enter our food chain either directly from plant-based food components contaminated with mycotoxins or [...] Read more.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi (molds). These low molecular weight compounds (usually less than 1000 Daltons) are naturally occurring and practically unavoidable. They can enter our food chain either directly from plant-based food components contaminated with mycotoxins or by indirect contamination from the growth of toxigenic fungi on food. Mycotoxins can accumulate in maturing corn, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, and other food and feed crops in the field and in grain during transportation. Consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated food or feed can cause acute or chronic toxicity in human and animals. In addition to concerns over adverse effects from direct consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated foods and feeds, there is also public health concern over the potential ingestion of animal-derived food products, such as meat, milk, or eggs, containing residues or metabolites of mycotoxins. Members of three fungal genera, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, are the major mycotoxin producers. While over 300 mycotoxins have been identified, six (aflatoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxins, and patulin) are regularly found in food, posing unpredictable and ongoing food safety problems worldwide. This review summarizes the toxicity of the six mycotoxins, foods commonly contaminated by one or more of them, and the current methods for detection and analysis of these mycotoxins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycotoxins in the Agri-Food Chain)

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15 pages, 2036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Recreovía of Bogotá, a Community-Based Physical Activity Program to Promote Physical Activity among Women: Baseline Results of the Natural Experiment Al Ritmo de las Comunidades

by Olga L. Sarmiento^1,*

, Ana Paola Rios¹

, Diana C. Paez¹, Karoll Quijano¹ and Rogério César Fermino^2,3

¹ Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1, nº 18A-12. Centro, Bogotá CEP 111711, DC, Colombia

² Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Technology—Brazil, Pedro Gusso St, 2.601, Neoville, Curitiba CEP 81310-900, PR, Brazil

³ Research Group of Physical Activity and Quality of Life (GPAQ), Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Imaculada Conceição St, 1.155, Prado Velho, Curitiba CEP 80215-901, PR, Brazil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060633 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6372

Abstract

Community-based physical activity (PA) programs in Latin America have been recognized because of the use of available environmental resources to offer PA classes. Yet, the evaluation of programs focused on PA classes involving dancing in public spaces is limited. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Community-based physical activity (PA) programs in Latin America have been recognized because of the use of available environmental resources to offer PA classes. Yet, the evaluation of programs focused on PA classes involving dancing in public spaces is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity levels, park use, and the contextual characteristics of public parks with and without the Recreovía in Bogotá in Colombia. Al Ritmo de las Comunidades is a natural experiment conducted in nine parks (3 parks implementing new Recreovías, 3 control parks and 3 parks with existing Recreovías) during 2013. We used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities to evaluate park use (gender, age, and physical activity level) and target areas. A total of 4925 people were observed during 702 observation visits to parks. The percentage of women was higher in parks with Recreovía, compared to parks without Recreovía (53% vs. 40% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). Women using parks with Recreovía compared to women in parks without Recreovía were less likely to be sedentary (25% vs. 39%; p < 0.0001) and more likely to engage in moderate-to-vigorous activity (75% vs. 61%; p < 0.0001). Among men, the activity pattern was the opposite. The Recreovía is a promising strategy to promote park use and PA, especially among women who are less likely to meet PA recommendations during their leisure time. The provision of a cost-free community program may be an effective approach and a good investment for health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social and Environmental Influences on Physical Activity Behaviours)

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11 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Providing a Clean Environment for Adolescents: Evaluation of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan

by Min-Li Chen¹

, Li-Na Chou^2,*

and Ya-Cheng Zheng³

¹ Department of Respiratory Care and Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus, Puzi City 61363, Chiayi, Taiwan

² Nursing Department, National Tainan Junior College of Nursing, Tainan 700, Taiwan

³ Graduate Institute of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi Campus and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City 61363, Chiayi, Taiwan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060634 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5272

Abstract

Cigarette smoking not only damages the health of adolescents, but also contributes to air pollution. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan stipulates that cigarettes should not be sold to persons younger than 18 years. Therefore, schools should actively educate students and raise [...] Read more.

Cigarette smoking not only damages the health of adolescents, but also contributes to air pollution. The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan stipulates that cigarettes should not be sold to persons younger than 18 years. Therefore, schools should actively educate students and raise awareness of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act to reduce the level of damage to the health of adolescents and maintain good air quality. This study had two main goals: (1) to evaluate the stipulation that no person shall provide tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 and the effects of counseling strategies on store managers confirming customer ages before tobacco sale in southern Taiwan; and (2) to evaluate the situation of tobacco hazard prevention education conducted by school in southern Taiwan. A cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. Study I: The investigation involved an analysis of 234 retailers including convenience stores (n = 70), grocery stores (n = 83), and betel nut stalls (n = 81). The results indicated that among the 234 retailers, 171 (73.1%) of them routinely failed to confirm the buyers’ ages before allowing them to purchase tobacco. The number of retailers who exhibited failure to confirm customer ages before selling tobacco products had decreased from 171 (73.1%) to 59 (25.2%) and that of those who confirmed customer ages before selling tobacco products had increased from 63 (26.9%) to 175 (74.8%) after counseling strategies had been provided, thereby revealing statistical significance (χ² = 11.26, p < 0.001). Study II: A total of 476 (89.1%) participants had received tobacco hazards prevention education and 58 (10.9%) had not. Among the various residential areas, the highest percentage of participants that did not received tobacco hazards prevention education located in the plane regions (8.4%). The government organizations should continue to adopt counseling strategies to reduce the rate of disobedience of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act by selling tobacco products to minors. Schools should pay close attention to tobacco hazard prevention education for junior high school students to ensure that such students are adequately educated about tobacco hazard prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Health Behavior and Public Health)

20 pages, 1805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers of Microbial Risk for Direct Potable Reuse and de Facto Reuse Treatment Schemes: The Impacts of Source Water Quality and Blending

by Rabia M. Chaudhry^1,2, Kerry A. Hamilton^3,*

, Charles N. Haas³ and Kara L. Nelson^1,2

¹ Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

² Engineering Research Center for Re-Inventing the Nation’s Urban Water Infrastructure (ReNUWIt), Berkeley, CA 94720-1710, USA

³ Drexel University Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060635 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 7757

Abstract

Although reclaimed water for potable applications has many potential benefits, it poses concerns for chemical and microbial risks to consumers. We present a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) Monte Carlo framework to compare a de facto water reuse scenario (treated wastewater-impacted surface water) [...] Read more.

Although reclaimed water for potable applications has many potential benefits, it poses concerns for chemical and microbial risks to consumers. We present a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) Monte Carlo framework to compare a de facto water reuse scenario (treated wastewater-impacted surface water) with four hypothetical Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) scenarios for Norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella. Consumer microbial risks of surface source water quality (impacted by 0–100% treated wastewater effluent) were assessed. Additionally, we assessed risks for different blending ratios (0–100% surface water blended into advanced-treated DPR water) when source surface water consisted of 50% wastewater effluent. De facto reuse risks exceeded the yearly 10⁻⁴ infections risk benchmark while all modeled DPR risks were significantly lower. Contamination with 1% or more wastewater effluent in the source water, and blending 1% or more wastewater-impacted surface water into the advanced-treated DPR water drove the risk closer to the 10⁻⁴ benchmark. We demonstrate that de facto reuse by itself, or as an input into DPR, drives microbial risks more so than the advanced-treated DPR water. When applied using location-specific inputs, this framework can contribute to project design and public awareness campaigns to build legitimacy for DPR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Aquatic Microbial and Chemical Contaminants of Concern and Their Impact on Human Health)

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44 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperPerspective

Fungal Contaminants in Drinking Water Regulation? A Tale of Ecology, Exposure, Purification and Clinical Relevance

by Monika Novak Babič^1,*

, Nina Gunde-Cimerman¹

, Márta Vargha², Zsófia Tischner³, Donát Magyar⁴, Cristina Veríssimo⁵, Raquel Sabino^5,6

, Carla Viegas⁶

, Wieland Meyer⁷ and João Brandão^8,*

¹ Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

² Department of Water Hygiene, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary

³ Department of Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István utca 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary

⁴ Department of Air Hygiene and Aerobiology, National Public Health Center, Albert Flórián út 2-6, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary

⁵ Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal

⁶ GIAS, ESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal

⁷ Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Sydney Medical School, Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Level 4, Room 0.4.04, 176 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia

⁸ Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060636 - 13 Jun 2017

Cited by 134 | Viewed by 15673

Abstract

Microbiological drinking water safety is traditionally monitored mainly by bacterial parameters that indicate faecal contamination. These parameters correlate with gastro-intestinal illness, despite the fact that viral agents, resulting from faecal contamination, are usually the cause. This leaves behind microbes that can cause illness [...] Read more.

Microbiological drinking water safety is traditionally monitored mainly by bacterial parameters that indicate faecal contamination. These parameters correlate with gastro-intestinal illness, despite the fact that viral agents, resulting from faecal contamination, are usually the cause. This leaves behind microbes that can cause illness other than gastro-intestinal and several emerging pathogens, disregarding non-endemic microbial contaminants and those with recent pathogenic activity reported. This white paper focuses on one group of contaminants known to cause allergies, opportunistic infections and intoxications: Fungi. It presents a review on their occurrence, ecology and physiology. Additionally, factors contributing to their presence in water distribution systems, as well as their effect on water quality are discussed. Presence of opportunistic and pathogenic fungi in drinking water can pose a health risk to consumers due to daily contact with water, via several exposure points, such as drinking and showering. The clinical relevance and influence on human health of the most common fungal contaminants in drinking water is discussed. Our goal with this paper is to place fungal contaminants on the roadmap of evidence based and emerging threats for drinking water quality safety regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Aquatic Microbial and Chemical Contaminants of Concern and Their Impact on Human Health)

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13 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dietary Calcium Intake and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Children: The ANIVA Study

by Nuria Rubio-López^1,2, Agustín Llopis-González^1,2, Yolanda Picó^2,3,4 and María Morales-Suárez-Varela^1,2,*

¹ Unit of Public Health, Hygiene and Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology and Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100 Valencia, Spain

² Biomedical Research Center Network on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain

³ Environmental and Food Safety Research Group (SAMA-UV), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Valencia, Spain

⁴ Research Center on Desertification (CIDE, UV-CSIC-GV), Carretera Moncada-Náquera, 46113 Moncada, Spain

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060637 - 14 Jun 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7380

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of dietary calcium intake with anthropometric measures, physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in 1176 Spanish children aged 6–9 years. Data were obtained from “Antropometría y Nutrición Infantil de Valencia” [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of dietary calcium intake with anthropometric measures, physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in 1176 Spanish children aged 6–9 years. Data were obtained from “Antropometría y Nutrición Infantil de Valencia” (ANIVA), a cross-sectional study of a representative sample. Dietary calcium intake assessed from three-day food records was compared to recommended daily intakes in Spain. Anthropometric measures (weight and height) were measured according to international standards and adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) test. For the total sample of children, 25.8% had inadequate calcium intake, a significantly higher prevalence in girls (p = 0.006) and inadequate calcium intake was associated with lower height z-score (p = 0.001) for both sexes. In girls, there was an inverse relationship between calcium intake and body mass index (p = 0.001) and waist/hip ratio (p = 0.018). Boys presented a polarization in physical activity, reporting a greater level of both physical and sedentary activity in comparison with girls (p = 0.001). Children with poor adherence to MedDiet, even if they consume two yogurts or cheese (40 g) daily, adjusted by gender, age, total energy intake, physical activity and father’s level of education, are at risk of inadequate total calcium intake (odds ratio adjusted [ORa]: 3.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–9.94, p = 0.001). The intake of these dairy products was insufficient to cover calcium intake recommendations in this age group (6–9 years). It is important to prioritize health strategies that promote the MedDiet and to increase calcium intake in this age group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Public Health)

14 pages, 1870 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Dissemination of Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Programs in the United States: Intervention Delivery by Rurality

by Matthew Lee Smith^1,2,*, Samuel D. Towne², Angelica Herrera-Venson³, Kathleen Cameron³, Kristie P. Kulinski⁴, Kate Lorig⁵, Scott A. Horel² and Marcia G. Ory²

¹ College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA

² School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77844, USA

³ National Council on Aging, Arlington, VA 22202, USA

⁴ Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, USA

⁵ School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060638 - 14 Jun 2017

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6894

Abstract

Background: Alongside the dramatic increase of older adults in the United States (U.S.), it is projected that the aging population residing in rural areas will continue to grow. As the prevalence of chronic diseases and multiple chronic conditions among adults continues to [...] Read more.

Background: Alongside the dramatic increase of older adults in the United States (U.S.), it is projected that the aging population residing in rural areas will continue to grow. As the prevalence of chronic diseases and multiple chronic conditions among adults continues to rise, there is additional need for evidence-based interventions to assist the aging population to improve lifestyle behaviors, and self-manage their chronic conditions. The purpose of this descriptive study was to identify the geospatial dissemination of Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Programs across the U.S. in terms of participants enrolled, workshops delivered, and counties reached. These dissemination characteristics were compared across rurality designations (i.e., metro areas; non-metro areas adjacent to metro areas, and non-metro areas not adjacent to metro areas). Methods: This descriptive study analyzed data from a national repository including efforts from 83 grantees spanning 47 states from December 2009 to December 2016. Counts were tabulated and averages were calculated. Results: CDSME Program workshops were delivered in 56.4% of all U.S. counties one or more times during the study period. Of the counties where a workshop was conducted, 50.5% were delivered in non-metro areas. Of the 300,640 participants enrolled in CDSME Programs, 12% attended workshops in non-metro adjacent areas, and 7% attended workshops in non-metro non-adjacent areas. The majority of workshops were delivered in healthcare organizations, senior centers/Area Agencies on Aging, and residential facilities. On average, participants residing in non-metro areas had better workshop attendance and retention rates compared to participants in metro areas. Conclusions: Findings highlight the established role of traditional organizations/entities within the aging services network, to reach remote areas and serve diverse participants (e.g., senior centers). To facilitate growth in rural areas, technical assistance will be needed. Additional efforts are needed to bolster partnerships (e.g., sharing resources and knowledge), marketing (e.g., tailored material), and regular communication among stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Health Promotion)

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15 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Food for Life, a Whole Setting Healthy and Sustainable Food Programme, and Primary School Children’s Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables: A Cross-Sectional Study in England

by Mat Jones^1,*

, Hannah Pitt²

, Liz Oxford¹, Issy Bray¹, Richard Kimberlee¹ and Judy Orme¹

¹ Public Health and Wellbeing Research Group, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

² Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3BA, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060639 - 14 Jun 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7197

Abstract

The promotion of dietary health is a public health priority in England and in other countries. Research shows that the majority of children do not consume the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables (F&V). There has been relatively little research on the impact [...] Read more.

The promotion of dietary health is a public health priority in England and in other countries. Research shows that the majority of children do not consume the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables (F&V). There has been relatively little research on the impact of programmes, such as Food for Life, that (a) integrate action on nutrition and food sustainability issues, and (b) are delivered as commissions in a local authority area. The study sought to assess pupil F&V in schools engaged with the Food for Life (FFL) programme. The design was a cross-sectional study comparing pupils in FFL engaged (n = 24) and non-engaged (n = 23) schools. A total of 2411 pupils aged 8–10 completed a validated self-report questionnaire. After adjusting for confounders, pupils in schools engaged with FFL consumed significantly more servings of F&V compared to pupils in comparison schools (M = 2.03/1.54, p < 0.001). Pupils in FFL schools were twice as likely to eat five or more portions of F&V per day (Odds Ratio = 2.07, p < 0.001, Confidence Interval = 1.54, 2.77). Total F&V consumption was significantly higher (p < 0.05) amongst pupils in schools with a higher level FFL award. Whilst limitations include possible residual confounding, the study suggests primary school engagement with the FFL programme may be an effective way of improving children’s dietary health. Full article

13 pages, 1271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of the Proposed Worker Protection Standard with Respect to Pesticide Exposure and Parkinson’s Disease

by Alica Stubnova Sparling¹, David W. Martin^2,*

and Lillian B. Posey³

¹ Department of Economics, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035, USA

² Departments of Economics and Environmental Studies, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035, USA

³ Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute, Washington, DC 20037, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060640 - 14 Jun 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4577

Abstract

Citing a lack of information, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prudently did not account for the benefits of averting many chronic diseases in analyzing the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) revisions. We demonstrate that sufficient information can exist, using the example of the benefits [...] Read more.

Citing a lack of information, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prudently did not account for the benefits of averting many chronic diseases in analyzing the Worker Protection Standards (WPS) revisions. We demonstrate that sufficient information can exist, using the example of the benefits to agricultural workers of reduced Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to reduced pesticide exposure. We define the benefits as the monetary value gained by improving quality of lives of people who would otherwise develop PD, plus the value of medical care cost averted and income not lost due to being healthy. For estimation, we use readily available parameters and obtain odds ratios of developing PD by conducting a meta-analysis of studies linking pesticide exposure to PD. The sensitivity analysis varies the number of agricultural workers affected by the regulation, the probability of being diagnosed with PD, the measurement and the timing of the benefits. Our initial assessment is that the reduced PD benefits would be a small fraction of the total WPS revision costs. However, if we define benefits as the common environmental economics willingness to pay to avoid PD incidence, then they become a substantial fraction of the costs. Our analysis demonstrates that the benefits of averting PD from the WPS revisions can be estimated using existing information, and that the results are most sensitive to the choice of valuation of benefits to the worker. We encourage other researchers to extend our framework to other chronic ailments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Economics)

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15 pages, 4737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Acute Pulmonary Deficits Associated with Biomass Fuel Cookstove Emissions in Rural Bangladesh

by Danielle N. Medgyesi¹, Heather A. Holmes² and Jeff E. Angermann^1,*

¹ School of Community Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA

² Atmospheric Sciences Program, Department of Physics, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060641 - 15 Jun 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5575

Abstract

The use of solid biomass fuels in cookstoves has been associated with chronic health impacts that disproportionately affect women worldwide. Solid fuel stoves that use wood, plant matter, and cow dung are commonly used for household cooking in rural Bangladesh. This study investigates [...] Read more.

The use of solid biomass fuels in cookstoves has been associated with chronic health impacts that disproportionately affect women worldwide. Solid fuel stoves that use wood, plant matter, and cow dung are commonly used for household cooking in rural Bangladesh. This study investigates the immediate effects of acute elevated cookstove emission exposures on pulmonary function. Pulmonary function was measured with spirometry before and during cooking to assess changes in respiratory function during exposure to cookstove emissions for 15 females ages 18–65. Cookstove emissions were characterized using continuous measurements of particulate matter (PM_2.5—aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) concentrations at a 1 s time resolution for each household. Several case studies were observed where women ≥40 years who had been cooking for ≥25 years suffered from severe pulmonary impairment. Forced expiratory volume in one second over forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was found to moderately decline (p = 0.06) during cooking versus non-cooking in the study cohort. The study found a significant (α < 0.05) negative association between 3- and 10-min maximum PM_2.5 emissions during cooking and lung function measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC obtained during cooking intervals. This study found that exposure to biomass burning emissions from solid fuel stoves- associated with acute elevated PM_2.5 concentrations- leads to a decrease in pulmonary function, although further research is needed to ascertain the prolonged (e.g., daily, for multiple years) impacts of acute PM_2.5 exposure on immediate and sustained respiratory impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Quality and Health 2016)

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13 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Perceptions of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs

by Regina Schoenfeld-Tacher^1,*

, Peter Hellyer², Louana Cheung³ and Lori Kogan²

¹ Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607-7302, USA

² Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

³ College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060642 - 15 Jun 2017

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 39865

Abstract

As service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs have become more prevalent in the USA, so too has the controversy surrounding their legitimacy. Yet, there is a lack of objective data regarding the public’s understanding of the role played by each of [...] Read more.

As service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs have become more prevalent in the USA, so too has the controversy surrounding their legitimacy. Yet, there is a lack of objective data regarding the public’s understanding of the role played by each of these types of animals, as well as their perceptions regarding the legitimacy of their integration. An anonymous, online survey was distributed to examine the perceptions of US adults who do not own any type of assistance animal. A total of 505 individuals responded to the online survey, yielding 284 usable responses. Results suggest widespread misconceptions about definitions, rules, regulations, and rights associated with each type of assistance dog. In general, service dogs are more likely to be perceived as helping with a legitimate need, and their access to public spaces is viewed favorably. While there are some concerns about the legitimacy and necessary access rights for emotional support dogs, members of the public correctly identified the roles and rights of therapy dogs. Despite the media’s focus on abuses and false representation of these dogs, most participants reported feeling the majority of people are not taking advantage of the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Assisted Interventions and Activities for Health and Wellbeing)

20 pages, 5287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Ecological Security Simulation and Prediction Using an Improved Cellular Automata (CA) Approach—A Case Study for the City of Wuhan in China

by Yuan Gao¹, Chuanrong Zhang², Qingsong He^1,*

and Yaolin Liu^1,3,4,*

¹ School of Resource and Environmental Science, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430079, China

² Department of Geography and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-4148, USA

³ Key Laboratory of Geographic Information System, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430079, China

⁴ Collaborative Innovation Center for Geospatial Information Technology, Wuhan 430079, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060643 - 15 Jun 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6245

Abstract

Ecological security is an important research topic, especially urban ecological security. As highly populated eco-systems, cities always have more fragile ecological environments. However, most of the research on urban ecological security in literature has focused on evaluating current or past status of the [...] Read more.

Ecological security is an important research topic, especially urban ecological security. As highly populated eco-systems, cities always have more fragile ecological environments. However, most of the research on urban ecological security in literature has focused on evaluating current or past status of the ecological environment. Very little literature has carried out simulation or prediction of future ecological security. In addition, there is even less literature exploring the urban ecological environment at a fine scale. To fill-in the literature gap, in this study we simulated and predicted urban ecological security at a fine scale (district level) using an improved Cellular Automata (CA) approach. First we used the pressure-state-response (PSR) method based on grid-scale data to evaluate urban ecological security. Then, based on the evaluation results, we imported the geographically weighted regression (GWR) concept into the CA model to simulate and predict urban ecological security. We applied the improved CA approach in a case study—simulating and predicting urban ecological security for the city of Wuhan in Central China. By comparing the simulated ecological security values from 2010 using the improved CA model to the actual ecological security values of 2010, we got a relatively high value of the kappa coefficient, which indicates that this CA model can simulate or predict well future development of ecological security in Wuhan. Based on the prediction results for 2020, we made some policy recommendations for each district in Wuhan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Health, Risk Analysis and Environmental Hazards)

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12 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Associations of Environmental Characteristics with Recreational Cycling Behaviour by Street-Level Strava Data

by Yeran Sun^1,*

, Yunyan Du², Yu Wang³ and Liyuan Zhuang³

¹ Urban Big Data Centre, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK

² State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences & Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

³ Urban Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RS, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060644 - 15 Jun 2017

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 9602

Abstract

Policymakers pay much attention to effectively increasing frequency of people’s cycling in the context of developing sustainable and green cities. Investigating associations of environmental characteristics and cycling behaviour could offer implications for changing urban infrastructure aiming at encouraging active travel. However, earlier examinations [...] Read more.

Policymakers pay much attention to effectively increasing frequency of people’s cycling in the context of developing sustainable and green cities. Investigating associations of environmental characteristics and cycling behaviour could offer implications for changing urban infrastructure aiming at encouraging active travel. However, earlier examinations of associations between environmental characteristics and active travel behaviour are limited by low spatial granularity and coverage of traditional data. Crowdsourced geographic information offers an opportunity to determine the fine-grained travel patterns of people. Particularly, Strava Metro data offer a good opportunity for studies of recreational cycling behaviour as they can offer hourly, daily or annual cycling volumes with different purposes (commuting or recreational) in each street across a city. Therefore, in this study, we utilised Strava Metro data for investigating associations between environmental characteristics and recreational cycling behaviour at a large spatial scale (street level). In this study, we took account of population density, employment density, road length, road connectivity, proximity to public transit services, land use mix, proximity to green space, volume of motor vehicles and traffic accidents in an empirical investigation over Glasgow. Empirical results reveal that Strava cyclists are more likely to cycle for recreation on streets with short length, large connectivity or low volume of motor vehicles or on streets surrounded by residential land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion)

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17 pages, 1625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental, Human Health and Socio-Economic Effects of Cement Powders: The Multicriteria Analysis as Decisional Methodology

by Laura Moretti^1,*

, Paola Di Mascio¹

and Simona Bellagamba²

¹ Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy

² Consulting Engineer, Rome, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060645 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5981

Abstract

The attention to sustainability-related issues has grown fast in recent decades. The experience gained with these themes reveals the importance of considering this topic in the construction industry, which represents an important sector throughout the world. This work consists on conducting a multicriteria [...] Read more.

The attention to sustainability-related issues has grown fast in recent decades. The experience gained with these themes reveals the importance of considering this topic in the construction industry, which represents an important sector throughout the world. This work consists on conducting a multicriteria analysis of four cement powders, with the objective of calculating and analysing the environmental, human health and socio-economic effects of their production processes. The economic, technical, environmental and safety performances of the examined powders result from official, both internal and public, documents prepared by the producers. The Analytic Hierarchy Process permitted to consider several indicators (i.e., environmental, human health related and socio-economic parameters) and to conduct comprehensive and unbiased analyses which gave the best, most sustainable cement powder. As assumed in this study, the contribution of each considered parameter to the overall sustainability has a different incidence, therefore the procedure could be used to support on-going sustainability efforts under different conditions. The results also prove that it is not appropriate to regard only one parameter to identify the ‘best’ cement powder, but several impact categories should be considered and analysed if there is an interest for pursuing different, often conflicting interests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Health, Risk Analysis and Environmental Hazards)

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16 pages, 1494 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide and Respiratory Disease in China

by Jiyao Sun¹

, Andrew J. Barnes², Dongyang He¹, Meng Wang¹ and Jian Wang^1,*

¹ School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, National Health and Family Planning Commission of People’s Republic of China (NHFPC), Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, China

² Department of Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 830 E Main St., Richmond, VA 23219, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060646 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5758

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quantitative effects of short-term exposure of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on respiratory disease (RD) mortality and RD hospital admission in China through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A total of 29 publications were finally [...] Read more.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quantitative effects of short-term exposure of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on respiratory disease (RD) mortality and RD hospital admission in China through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A total of 29 publications were finally selected from searches in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases. Generic inverse variance method was used to pool effect estimates. Pooled estimates were used to represent the increased risk of RD mortality and RD hospital admission per 10 μg/m³ increase in NO₂ concentration. Results: Positive correlations were found between short-term NO₂ exposure and RD in China. RD mortality and RD hospital admission respectively increased by 1.4% (95% CI: 1.1%, 1.7%) and 1.0% (95% CI: 0.5%, 1.5%) per 10 μg/m³ increase in NO₂ concentration. Differences were observed across geographic regions of China. The risk of RD mortality due to NO₂ was higher in the southern region (1.7%) than in the north (0.7%). Conclusions: Evidence was found that short-term exposure to NO₂ was associated with an increased risk of RD mortality and RD hospital admission in China and these risks were more pronounced in the southern regions of the country, due in part to a larger proportion of elderly persons with increased susceptibility to NO₂ in the population compared with the north. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion)

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12 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Why Don’t More Smokers Switch to Using E-Cigarettes: The Views of Confirmed Smokers

by Neil McKeganey^* and Tiffany Dickson

Centre for Substance Use Research, Block 3/2 West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow G20 O6P, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060647 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 16031

Abstract

Whilst e-cigarettes have been characterised by Public Health England as being around 95% less harmful than combustible tobacco products, only a minority of current smokers (around 16% within the UK) are using these devices. In this paper we report the results of an [...] Read more.

Whilst e-cigarettes have been characterised by Public Health England as being around 95% less harmful than combustible tobacco products, only a minority of current smokers (around 16% within the UK) are using these devices. In this paper we report the results of an online survey of 650 smokers in contact with a smokers’ rights group in the UK. A total of 91% of the smokers surveyed were smoking on a daily basis. Fifty nine percent reported having used electronic nicotine delivery systems, the majority of whom reported having used e-cigarettes. Those smokers that had not used these devices principally explained this in terms of the pleasure they derived from smoking. The features smokers’ liked most about e-cigarette had to do with the range of settings in which they could be used, the lack of an offensive smell associated with their use, the available flavours and the reduced level of harm. The elements which smokers liked least about e-cigarettes had to do with the vaping experience, the technology, the chemical nature of e-liquids and the complex technology that was associated with these devices. If a greater number of smokers are to be encouraged to take up e-cigarettes, it will be necessary not only to convey accurate information on the relative harm of these devices (compared to combustible tobacco products), but to ensure that they are able to be used in a wider range of settings than those within which smoking can currently occur and that the vaping experience more closely resembles the smoking experience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic Cigarette Use and Public Health)

13 pages, 1824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographic Variations in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Luxembourg

by Ala’a Alkerwi¹, Illiasse El Bahi¹, Saverio Stranges^1,2, Jean Beissel³, Charles Delagardelle³, Stephanie Noppe³ and Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala^1,4,5,*

¹ Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Department of Population Health, Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit EPHRU, Strassen, L-1445 Strassen Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

² Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada

³ Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, 1210 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

⁴ Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK

⁵ Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Postboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060648 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5846

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated behavioural and metabolic risk factors constitute a major public health concern at a global level. Many reports worldwide have documented different risk profiles for populations with demographic variations. The objective of this study was to examine geographic variations [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated behavioural and metabolic risk factors constitute a major public health concern at a global level. Many reports worldwide have documented different risk profiles for populations with demographic variations. The objective of this study was to examine geographic variations in the top leading cardio metabolic and behavioural risk factors in Luxembourg, in order to provide an overall picture of CVD burden across the country. The analysis conducted was based on data from the nationwide ORISCAV-LUX survey, including 1432 subjects, aged 18–69 years. A self-reported questionnaire, physical examination and blood sampling were performed. Age and sex-adjusted risk profile maps were generated using multivariate Bayesian geo-additive regression models, based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques and were used to evaluate the significance of the spatial effects on the distribution of a range of cardio metabolic risk factors, namely smoking, high body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose, alcohol use, high total cholesterol, low glomerular filtration rate, and physical inactivity. Higher prevalence of smoking was observed in the northern regions, higher overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity clustered in the central belt, whereas hypertension was spotted particularly in the southern part of the country. Maps revealed that subjects residing in Luxembourg canton were significantly less likely to be hypertensive or overweight/obese, whereas they were less likely to practice physical activity of ≥8000 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-min/week. These patterns were also observed at the municipality level in Luxembourg. Statistically, there were non-significant spatial patterns regarding smoking, diabetes, total serum cholesterol and low glomerular filtration rate risk distribution. This comprehensive risk profile mapping showed remarkable geographic variations in cardio metabolic and behavioural risk factors. Considering the prominent burden of CVD this research provides opportunities for tailored interventions and may help to better fight against this escalating public health problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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9 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Service Dogs on Engagement in Occupation among Females with Mobility Impairments: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

by Ellen Herlache-Pretzer^1,*, Melissa Y. Winkle², Rachel Csatari³, Alyssa Kolanowski^1,†, Amy Londry⁴ and Rachel Dawson⁵

¹ Department of Occupational Therapy, Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw, MI 48663, USA

² Dogwood Therapy Services, Albuquerque, NM 87114, USA

³ Medilodge of Capital Area Lansing, Genesis Rehab, Lansing, MI 48910, USA

⁴ Encore! Rehabilitation, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, USA

⁵ Munson Grayling Rehabilitation Services, Grayling, MI 49738, USA

^† Graduate student of the Department of Occupational Therapy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060649 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7397

Abstract

It is becoming more common for people with disabilities to procure service dogs as a form of assistive technology (AT). However, there is little qualitative research examining the impact of service dogs on engagement in valued daily activities (occupations) among persons with mobility [...] Read more.

It is becoming more common for people with disabilities to procure service dogs as a form of assistive technology (AT). However, there is little qualitative research examining the impact of service dogs on engagement in valued daily activities (occupations) among persons with mobility impairments. This study used a qualitative descriptive methodology to learn about the experiences of four female service dog owners with mobility impairments, with a focus on the impact of service dog use on the performance of daily occupations and participation in social activities, and their experiences utilizing a service dog as a form of AT. Data analysis indicated that each participant’s service dog made a significant impact on their everyday lives and their ability to independently perform everyday activities; however, there are also unique challenges associated with service dog ownership that must be considered when evaluating benefits of service dog partnership. Overall, the positive outcomes reported by participants indicate that service dogs can be considered a beneficial, adaptable form of AT for some persons with mobility impairments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Assisted Interventions and Activities for Health and Wellbeing)

13 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Media Coverage of Alcohol Issues: A Critical Political Economy Framework—A Case Study from Ireland

by Julien Mercille

School of Geography, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060650 - 16 Jun 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6645

Abstract

There is a growing literature on news media representations of alcohol-related issues. However, current scholarship has neglected critical political economic frameworks to interpret media coverage of alcohol. This paper presents such a framework that conceives of news organisations as corporations that share the [...] Read more.

There is a growing literature on news media representations of alcohol-related issues. However, current scholarship has neglected critical political economic frameworks to interpret media coverage of alcohol. This paper presents such a framework that conceives of news organisations as corporations that share the values and interests of political and economic elites. The media are thus expected to present viewpoints that are more aligned with the alcohol industry than the scientific consensus on public health policy would warrant. The media are also expected, but to a lesser extent, to present a certain amount of support for public health perspectives because these are supported by a few socioeconomic elite groups (the medical professions, progressive politicians). The case of Ireland from 2012 to 2017 illustrates the framework empirically. Four main newspapers’ coverage of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and related policies is examined. Results show that, overall, 44.0% of articles support public health measures and 56.0% are opposed or remain neutral. It is argued that the media are not strong proponents of public health for multiple reasons: there are more articles opposed to or neutral toward public health measures than supporting them; the number of supportive articles remains relatively small and there are still many pieces presenting drinks industry views; there are virtually no calls in the media for stronger measures; supportive coverage is partially explained by the pub owners lobby’s support for minimum unit pricing; the media often downplay or ignore the negative consequences of alcohol, such as its role in accidents; many news articles normalise drinking and promote events sponsored by the industry; there is not a single Irish journalist covering alcohol issues systematically; and other policy issues that are prioritised by elites receive multiple times more media coverage than public health measures. In short, the media reflect the views of the political and economic establishment on public health measures: there is some support from the medical professions and progressive politicians, but overall, there is a clear reluctance to support strong public health strategies. One main recommendation for public health advocates to promote their perspectives is to diversify the mass media and make them less commercial in nature, as well as to engage with non-corporate, so-called progressive “alternative media” outlets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alcohol and Health)

9 pages, 460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lower Physical Performance in Colder Seasons and Colder Houses: Evidence from a Field Study on Older People Living in the Community

by Yukie Hayashi^1,*, Steven M. Schmidt²

, Agneta Malmgren Fänge²

, Tanji Hoshi³

and Toshiharu Ikaga¹

¹ School of Science for Open and Environmental Systems, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Hiyoshi 3 14 1, Kohoku, Yokohama 2238522, Japan

² Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 157, Lund 22100, Sweden

³ Department of Urban Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Minamiosawa 1 1, Hachioji, Tokyo 1920397, Japan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060651 - 17 Jun 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5332

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to explore the effect of seasonal temperature differences and cold indoor environment in winter on the physical performance of older people living in the community based on a field study. We recruited 162 home-dwelling older people from [...] Read more.

The aim of this paper was to explore the effect of seasonal temperature differences and cold indoor environment in winter on the physical performance of older people living in the community based on a field study. We recruited 162 home-dwelling older people from a rehabilitation facility in the Osaka prefecture, Japan; physical performance data were available from 98/162 (60.5%). At the same time, for some participants, a questionnaire survey and a measurement of the indoor temperature of individual houses were conducted. The analysis showed that there were seasonal trends in the physical performance of older people and that physical performance was worse in the winter compared with the autumn. Furthermore, people living in colder houses had worse physical performance. The findings indicate that keeping the house warm in the winter can help to maintain physical performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Housing and Health)

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15 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structured Additive Quantile Regression for Assessing the Determinants of Childhood Anemia in Rwanda

by Faustin Habyarimana^1,*, Temesgen Zewotir² and Shaun Ramroop¹

¹ School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa

² School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060652 - 17 Jun 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5140

Abstract

Childhood anemia is among the most significant health problems faced by public health departments in developing countries. This study aims at assessing the determinants and possible spatial effects associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. The 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data [...] Read more.

Childhood anemia is among the most significant health problems faced by public health departments in developing countries. This study aims at assessing the determinants and possible spatial effects associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. The 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data was used. The analysis was done using the structured spatial additive quantile regression model. The findings of this study revealed that the child’s age; the duration of breastfeeding; gender of the child; the nutritional status of the child (whether underweight and/or wasting); whether the child had a fever; had a cough in the two weeks prior to the survey or not; whether the child received vitamin A supplementation in the six weeks before the survey or not; the household wealth index; literacy of the mother; mother’s anemia status; mother’s age at the birth are all significant factors associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. Furthermore, significant structured spatial location effects on childhood anemia was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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14 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Six CETP Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome in Uyghur Adults from Xinjiang, China

by Huixian Hou^†, Rulin Ma^†, Heng Guo, Jia He, Yunhua Hu, Lati Mu, Yizhong Yan, Jiaolong Ma, Shugang Li, Jingyu Zhang, Yusong Ding, Mei Zhang, Qiang Niu, Jiaming Liu and Shuxia Guo^*

¹ Department of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases of the Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi 832002, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060653 - 18 Jun 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5981

Abstract

Objective: To explore the association between CETP gene polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as the relationship between the CETP gene polymorphisms and each component of MS. Methods: A total of 571 individuals which were randomly selected from 5692 Uyghur adults were [...] Read more.

Objective: To explore the association between CETP gene polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as the relationship between the CETP gene polymorphisms and each component of MS. Methods: A total of 571 individuals which were randomly selected from 5692 Uyghur adults were subdivided into two groups, including 280 patients with MS and 291 control subjects, using the group-matching method after matching for gender. We detected CETP polymorphisms (rs5882, rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272) by using the Snapshot method. Results: (1) Significant differences were found involving the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles of rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 between the control and MS groups (all p < 0.05). (2) rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 polymorphisms were significantly related to the risk of MS (all p < 0.05). (3) The rs1800775 polymorphism was associated with high fasting blood glucose levels and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); rs3764261 and rs12149545 polymorphisms were associated with all components of MS except high blood pressure; rs711752 and rs708272 polymorphisms were associated with low HDL-C (all p < 0.05). (4) Complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) was identified for two pairs of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3764261 and rs12149545 (D’ = 1.000, r² = 0.931), rs711752 and rs708272 (D’ = 1.000, r² = 0.996)). (5) The A-G-G-G-C (p = 0.013, odds ratio [OR] = 0.622, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.427–0.906) and A-T-A-A-T (p < 0.001, OR = 0.519, 95% CI = 0.386–0.697) haplotypes were more frequent in the control group than in the case group. Conclusions: The rs1800775, rs3764261, rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272 polymorphisms of CETP were associated with MS and its components among the Uyghur ethnic group. Complete LD was found between two pairs of SNPs (rs3764261 and rs12149545, rs711752, and rs708272). The A-G-G-G-C and A-T-A-A-T haplotypes might be protective factors for MS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

16 pages, 5499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Statistically Significant Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Abandoned Mine Areas via Hot Spot Analysis of Portable XRF Data

by Sung-Min Kim¹ and Yosoon Choi^2,*

¹ Energy Resources Institute, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea

² Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060654 - 18 Jun 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6206

Abstract

To develop appropriate measures to prevent soil contamination in abandoned mining areas, an understanding of the spatial variation of the potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in the soil is necessary. For the purpose of effective soil sampling, this study uses hot spot analysis, [...] Read more.

To develop appropriate measures to prevent soil contamination in abandoned mining areas, an understanding of the spatial variation of the potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in the soil is necessary. For the purpose of effective soil sampling, this study uses hot spot analysis, which calculates a z-score based on the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify a statistically significant hot spot sample. To constitute a statistically significant hot spot, a feature with a high value should also be surrounded by other features with high values. Using relatively cost- and time-effective portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) analysis, sufficient input data are acquired from the Busan abandoned mine and used for hot spot analysis. To calibrate the PXRF data, which have a relatively low accuracy, the PXRF analysis data are transformed using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) data. The transformed PXRF data of the Busan abandoned mine are classified into four groups according to their normalized content and z-scores: high content with a high z-score (HH), high content with a low z-score (HL), low content with a high z-score (LH), and low content with a low z-score (LL). The HL and LH cases may be due to measurement errors. Additional or complementary surveys are required for the areas surrounding these suspect samples or for significant hot spot areas. The soil sampling is conducted according to a four-phase procedure in which the hot spot analysis and proposed group classification method are employed to support the development of a sampling plan for the following phase. Overall, 30, 50, 80, and 100 samples are investigated and analyzed in phases 1–4, respectively. The method implemented in this case study may be utilized in the field for the assessment of statistically significant soil contamination and the identification of areas for which an additional survey is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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9 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Education and Smoking Status on Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

by Jin-Hyeong Kim¹, Juhwan Noh², Jae-Woo Choi³ and Eun-Cheol Park^2,4,*

¹ Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea

² Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea

³ Busan Public Health Policy Institute, Busan 47527, Korea

⁴ Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060655 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6513

Abstract

Background: Exposure to smoke, including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a well-known risk factor for diabetes. Low socioeconomic status, especially lack of education, is also a risk factor for diabetes. Therefore, we assessed the association of demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and behavior risk factor-related [...] Read more.

Background: Exposure to smoke, including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a well-known risk factor for diabetes. Low socioeconomic status, especially lack of education, is also a risk factor for diabetes. Therefore, we assessed the association of demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and behavior risk factor-related variables and smoking status, including ETS exposure, with the prevalence of diabetes. Methods: Data were from the 2007–2013 Korea National Health and Nutritional Evaluation Survey (KNHANES). Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between various lifestyle and health factors and the prevalence of diabetes while controlling for potential confounding variables. Subgroup analysis was performed according to smoking status to determine factors associated with diabetes. Results: Of 19,303 individuals analyzed, 1325 (11.4%) had diabetes. Greater average age, male sex, lower educational level, unemployment, and coexisting health problems were significantly associated with diabetes. Individuals with only elementary, middle, or high school level education had significantly greater odds ratios (p < 0.05) compared to college graduates; smokers and nonsmokers exposed to ETS had significantly greater OR (p < 0.05) than nonsmokers unexposed to ETS. Subgroup analysis of diabetics according to smoking status revealed significant associations (p < 0.05) for diabetic nonsmokers exposed to ETS with female sex, single status, elementary level education, urban residence, National Health Insurance (NHI), hypertension, a lack of alcohol intake, and a lack of moderate physical activity. For diabetic smokers, there were significant associations (p < 0.05) with elementary education, urban residence, a lack of moderate physical activity, a lack of alcohol intake, and NHI. Conclusions: The results suggested that smoking status, as well as ETS exposure, was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, especially in populations with less education. Thus, we should direct efforts for controlling diabetes toward individuals with lower levels of education and those who are smokers and nonsmokers exposed to ETS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Physical Activity on Chronic Disease Prevention and Population Health)

20 pages, 1188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Long-Term Strategy for Voluntary-Based Internal Radiation Contamination Monitoring: Representativeness of the Monitoring Results in Fukushima, Japan

by Shuhei Nomura^1,2,*, Masaharu Tsubokura³

, Michio Murakami^4,5, Kyoko Ono⁶, Yoshitaka Nishikawa⁷ and Tomoyoshi Oikawa³

¹ Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan

² Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK

³ Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takami-cho, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima 975-0033, Japan

⁴ Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan

⁵ Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan

⁶ Research Institute of Science for Safety & Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan

⁷ Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060656 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5219

Abstract

Following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, voluntary participation, rather than mandatory, was adopted as the default scenario for individual radiation monitoring. We evaluated the representativeness of the internal monitoring results from voluntary participants in Minamisoma City, which is located 10–40 km from the [...] Read more.

Following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, voluntary participation, rather than mandatory, was adopted as the default scenario for individual radiation monitoring. We evaluated the representativeness of the internal monitoring results from voluntary participants in Minamisoma City, which is located 10–40 km from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Of approximately 70,000 individuals who were residing in Minamisoma City before the incident, a total of 19,263 residents (aged ≥21 years) participated in the monitoring from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2015. Based on regression projection techniques with the available data obtained from the voluntary participants, the modeled probabilities of radiocesium (Cs) detection in October 2011 for Cs-137 and Cs-134 were 66.9% and 52.9%, respectively, which declined dramatically within a year following the incident. The rate of decline had stagnated since mid-2012, and the probability was close to zero after mid-2014. Sufficient agreement between the modeled probabilities of Cs detection (for the whole population) versus the measured Cs levels (for voluntary participants) was observed, except for Cs-134 in October 2011, indicating that the voluntary monitoring participant group was a good representative sample. Our findings affirmed the clinical importance of voluntary-based monitoring as a screening and dose-assessment tool in a post-nuclear incident. Our study informs societal decision-making regarding the long-term maintenance of the monitoring program under the current low exposure levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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12 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Paternal Risk Factors for Oral Clefts in Northern Africans, Southeast Asians, and Central Americans

by Stephanie Ly^1,2

, Madeleine L. Burg³, Ugonna Ihenacho⁴, Frederick Brindopke¹, Allyn Auslander¹, Kathleen S. Magee⁵, Pedro A. Sanchez-Lara⁶, Thi-Hai-Duc Nguyen⁷, Viet Nguyen⁷, Maria Irene Tangco^8,9, Angela Rose Hernandez^8,9, Melissa Giron¹⁰, Fouzia J. Mahmoudi¹¹, Yves A. DeClerck¹², William P. Magee III¹ and Jane C. Figueiredo^4,13,*

¹ Division of Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

² Department of Community Health Sciences and California Center for Population Research (CCPR), UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

³ Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

⁴ Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

⁵ Operation Smile Inc., Virginia Beach, VA 23453 USA

⁶ Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

⁷ Operation Smile Vietnam, Hanoi 100803, Vietnam

⁸ Operation Smile Philippines, Makati City 1209, Philippines

⁹ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila 1008, Philippines

¹⁰ Operación Sonrisa Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras

¹¹ Operation Smile Morocco, Casablanca 20 000, Morocco

¹² Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

¹³ Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 8700 Beverly Blvd, Room AC1072, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060657 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5207

Abstract

While several studies have investigated maternal exposures as risk factors for oral clefts, few have examined paternal factors. We conducted an international multi-centered case–control study to better understand paternal risk exposures for oral clefts (cases = 392 and controls = 234). Participants were [...] Read more.

While several studies have investigated maternal exposures as risk factors for oral clefts, few have examined paternal factors. We conducted an international multi-centered case–control study to better understand paternal risk exposures for oral clefts (cases = 392 and controls = 234). Participants were recruited from local hospitals and oral cleft repair surgical missions in Vietnam, the Philippines, Honduras, and Morocco. Questionnaires were administered to fathers and mothers separately to elicit risk factor and family history data. Associations between paternal exposures and risk of clefts were assessed using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. A father’s personal/family history of clefts was associated with significantly increased risk (adjusted OR: 4.77; 95% CI: 2.41–9.45). No other significant associations were identified for other suspected risk factors, including education (none/primary school v. university adjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.74–2.24), advanced paternal age (5-year adjusted OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.84–1.16), or pre-pregnancy tobacco use (adjusted OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.67–1.37). Although sample size was limited, significantly decreased risks were observed for fathers with selected occupations. Further research is needed to investigate paternal environmental exposures as cleft risk factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

8 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attachment Style Is Related to Quality of Life for Assistance Dog Owners

by Naomi White

, Daniel Mills

and Sophie Hall^*

School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060658 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7752

Abstract

Attachment styles have been shown to affect quality of life. Growing interest in the value of companion animals highlights that owning a dog can also affect quality of life, yet little research has explored the role of the attachment bond in affecting the [...] Read more.

Attachment styles have been shown to affect quality of life. Growing interest in the value of companion animals highlights that owning a dog can also affect quality of life, yet little research has explored the role of the attachment bond in affecting the relationship between dog ownership and quality of life. Given that the impact of dog ownership on quality of life may be greater for assistance dog owners than pet dog owners, we explored how anxious attachment and avoidance attachment styles to an assistance dog affected owner quality of life (n = 73). Regression analysis revealed that higher anxious attachment to the dog predicted enhanced quality of life. It is suggested that the unique, interdependent relationship between an individual and their assistance dog may mean that an anxious attachment style is not necessarily detrimental. Feelings that indicate attachment insecurity in other relationships may reflect more positive aspects of the assistance dog owner relationship, such as the level of support that the dog provides its owner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Assisted Interventions and Activities for Health and Wellbeing)

13 pages, 471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Level of Sedentary Behavior and Its Associated Factors among Saudi Women Working in Office-Based Jobs in Saudi Arabia

by Nada M. Albawardi^1,*, Hoda Jradi¹, Abdulla A. Almalki² and Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa³

¹ King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Community and Environmental Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia

² Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia

³ Emeritus Professor and Former Director of Pediatric Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory, King Saud University, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060659 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5834

Abstract

Research in Saudi Arabia has revealed a shocking level of insufficiently physically active adults, particularly women. The risk of sedentary behavior will likely increase as the number of women with office-based jobs increases. The aim of this study is to determine the level [...] Read more.

Research in Saudi Arabia has revealed a shocking level of insufficiently physically active adults, particularly women. The risk of sedentary behavior will likely increase as the number of women with office-based jobs increases. The aim of this study is to determine the level of sedentary behavior, and its associated factors, among Saudi women working office-based jobs in the city of Riyadh. A cross-sectional study of 420 Saudi female employees at 8 office-based worksites were measured to determine body mass index and were given a self-administered survey to evaluate their level of physical activity and sedentary behavior. Median sitting time on work days was 690 min per day (interquartile range, IQR 541–870), with nearly half accumulated during work hours, and 575 min per day (IQR 360–780) on non-work days. Predictors of work day sitting time were level of education, number of children, and working in the private sector. Number of children, whether they were single, and whether they lived in a small home were found to predict non-work day sitting time. This study identifies Saudi women in office-based jobs as a high-risk group for sedentary behavior. There is a need to promote physical activity at worksites and reduce prolonged sitting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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10 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Sulfate, Chloride, and Bicarbonate on Iron Stability in a PVC-U Drinking Pipe

by Jiaying Wang, Tao Tao^* and Hexiang Yan

College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060660 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4638

Abstract

In order to describe iron stability in plastic pipes and to ensure the drinking water security, the influence factors and rules for iron adsorption and release were studied, dependent on the Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) drinking pipes employed in this research. In [...] Read more.

In order to describe iron stability in plastic pipes and to ensure the drinking water security, the influence factors and rules for iron adsorption and release were studied, dependent on the Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) drinking pipes employed in this research. In this paper, sulfate, chloride, and bicarbonate, as well as synthesized models, were chosen to investigate the iron stability on the inner wall of PVC-U drinking pipes. The existence of the three kinds of anions could significantly affect the process of iron adsorption, and a positive association was found between the level of anion concentration and the adsorption rate. However, the scaling formed on the inner surface of the pipes would be released into the water under certain conditions. The Larson Index (LI), used for a synthetic consideration of anion effects on iron stability, was selected to investigate the iron release under multi-factor conditions. Moreover, a well fitted linear model was established to gain a better understanding of iron release under multi-factor conditions. The simulation results demonstrated that the linear model was better fitted than the LI model for the prediction of iron release. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Science and Engineering)

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10 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Atrial Fibrillation

by Angelo G. Solimini^1,* and Matteo Renzi²

¹ Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazza A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy

² Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Rome 1, 00147 Rome, Italy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060661 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 4919

Abstract

Despite the large prevalence in the population, possible factors responsible for the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) events in susceptible individuals remain incompletely understood. We investigated the association between air pollution levels and emergency department admissions for AF in Rome. We conducted a [...] Read more.

Despite the large prevalence in the population, possible factors responsible for the induction of atrial fibrillation (AF) events in susceptible individuals remain incompletely understood. We investigated the association between air pollution levels and emergency department admissions for AF in Rome. We conducted a 14 years’ time-series study to evaluate the association between the daily levels of air pollution (particulate matter, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, and nitrogen dioxide, NO₂) and the daily count of emergency accesses for AF (ICD-9 code: 427.31). We applied an over-dispersed conditional Poisson model to analyze the associations at different lags after controlling for time, influenza epidemics, holiday periods, temperature, and relative humidity. Additionally, we evaluated bi-pollutant models by including the other pollutant and the influence of several effect modifiers such as personal characteristics and pre-existing medical conditions. In the period of study, 79,892 individuals were admitted to the emergency departments of Rome hospitals because of AF (on average, 15.6 patients per day: min = 1, max = 36). Air pollution levels were associated with increased AF emergency visits within 24 h of exposure. Effect estimates ranged between 1.4% (0.7–2.3) for a 10 µg/m³ increase of PM₁₀ to 3% (1.4–4.7) for a 10 µg/m³ increase of PM_2.5 at lag 0–1 day. Those effects were higher in patients ≥75 years for all pollutants, male patients for PM₁₀, and female patients for NO₂. The presence of previous cardiovascular conditions, but not other effect modifiers, increase the pollution effects by 5–8% depending on the lag. This study found evidence that air pollution is associated with AF emergency visits in the short term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

10 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Food Access: The Impact of Parent-, Home-, and Neighborhood-Level Factors on Children’s Diets

by Lauren Futrell Dunaway^1,2

, Thomas Carton³, Ping Ma⁴

, Adrienne R. Mundorf⁵, Kelsey Keel¹ and Katherine P. Theall^1,2,*

¹ Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

² Mary Amelia Douglas Whited Community Women’s Health Education Center and Prevention Research Center (PRC), Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

³ Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

⁴ Children’s Health^SM, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA

⁵ Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060662 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6906

Abstract

Despite the growth in empirical research on neighborhood environmental characteristics and their influence on children’s diets, physical activity, and obesity, much remains to be learned, as few have examined the relationship between neighborhood food availability on dietary behavior in children, specifically. This analysis [...] Read more.

Despite the growth in empirical research on neighborhood environmental characteristics and their influence on children’s diets, physical activity, and obesity, much remains to be learned, as few have examined the relationship between neighborhood food availability on dietary behavior in children, specifically. This analysis utilized data from a community-based, cross-sectional sample of children (n = 199) that was collected in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2010. This dataset was linked to food environment data to assess the impact of neighborhood food access as well as household and parent factors on children’s diets. We observed a negligible impact of the neighborhood food environment on children’s diets, except with respect to fast food, with children who had access to fast food within 500 m around their home significantly less likely (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8) to consume vegetables. Key parental and household factors did play a role in diet, including receipt of public assistance and cooking meals at home. Children receiving public assistance were 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.1, 5.4) more likely to consume fruit more than twice per day compared with children not receiving public assistance. Children whose family cooked dinner at home more than 5 times per week had significantly more consumption of fruit (64% vs. 58%) and vegetables (55% vs. 39%), but less soda (27% vs. 43%). Findings highlight the need for future research that focuses on the dynamic and complex relationships between built and social factors in the communities and homes of children that impact their diet in order to develop multilevel prevention approaches that address childhood obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Influences on Maternal and Child Health)

34 pages, 11611 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Community Response to Multiple Sound Sources: Integrating Acoustic and Contextual Approaches in the Analysis

by Peter Lercher^1,*, Bert De Coensel²

, Luc Dekonink²

and Dick Botteldooren²

¹ Medical University Innsbruck, Christoph-Probst-Platz, Innrain 52, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria

² Waves Research Group, Department of Information Technology, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 15, Ghent B-9052, Belgium

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060663 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6150

Abstract

Sufficient data refer to the relevant prevalence of sound exposure by mixed traffic sources in many nations. Furthermore, consideration of the potential effects of combined sound exposure is required in legal procedures such as environmental health impact assessments. Nevertheless, current practice still uses [...] Read more.

Sufficient data refer to the relevant prevalence of sound exposure by mixed traffic sources in many nations. Furthermore, consideration of the potential effects of combined sound exposure is required in legal procedures such as environmental health impact assessments. Nevertheless, current practice still uses single exposure response functions. It is silently assumed that those standard exposure-response curves accommodate also for mixed exposures—although some evidence from experimental and field studies casts doubt on this practice. The ALPNAP-study population (N = 1641) shows sufficient subgroups with combinations of rail-highway, highway-main road and rail-highway-main road sound exposure. In this paper we apply a few suggested approaches of the literature to investigate exposure-response curves and its major determinants in the case of exposure to multiple traffic sources. Highly/moderate annoyance and full scale mean annoyance served as outcome. The results show several limitations of the current approaches. Even facing the inherent methodological limitations (energy equivalent summation of sound, rating of overall annoyance) the consideration of main contextual factors jointly occurring with the sources (such as vibration, air pollution) or coping activities and judgments of the wider area soundscape increases the variance explanation from up to 8% (bivariate), up to 15% (base adjustments) up to 55% (full contextual model). The added predictors vary significantly, depending on the source combination. (e.g., significant vibration effects with main road/railway, not highway). Although no significant interactions were found, the observed additive effects are of public health importance. Especially in the case of a three source exposure situation the overall annoyance is already high at lower levels and the contribution of the acoustic indicators is small compared with the non-acoustic and contextual predictors. Noise mapping needs to go down to levels of 40 dBA,Lden to ensure the protection of quiet areas and prohibit the silent “filling up” of these areas with new sound sources. Eventually, to better predict the annoyance in the exposure range between 40 and 60 dBA and support the protection of quiet areas in city and rural areas in planning sound indicators need to be oriented at the noticeability of sound and consider other traffic related by-products (air quality, vibration, coping strain) in future studies and environmental impact assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Combined Health Effects of Environmental Exposures)

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21 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Fitness, Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, or Diet—What Are the Correlates of Obesity in Polish School Children?

by Stanisław H. Czyż^1,2,*

, Abel L. Toriola³, Wojciech Starościak²

, Marek Lewandowski⁴, Yvonne Paul³ and Adewale L. Oyeyemi⁵

¹ Physical Activity, Sport, and Recreation Focus Area, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa

² Department of Sport Didactics, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland

³ Department of Sport, Rehabilitation and Dental Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa

⁴ Department of Pedagogy, College of Management Edukacja, 50-001 Wroclaw, Poland

⁵ Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri P.M.B 1069, Nigeria

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060664 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7143

Abstract

There is substantial evidence of rising prevalence of overweight and obesity and its co-morbidities among children in western-high income developed countries. In the European Union, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing fastest among Polish children. Yet, there is paucity of evidence [...] Read more.

There is substantial evidence of rising prevalence of overweight and obesity and its co-morbidities among children in western-high income developed countries. In the European Union, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing fastest among Polish children. Yet, there is paucity of evidence on the relationship of behavioral factors with body weight status of children in Poland. This study examined the association of obesity with physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet among Polish children. A total of 641 children (10–15 years) recruited from the Lower Silesia region of Poland participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants’ anthropometrics, physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and dietary intake were assessed. Outcome variables were weight categories (according to body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], and percentage body fat [% BF]). The strongest negative correlation was found between VO₂max and %BF (r = −0.39, p <0.05). Significant negative correlation was also found between VO₂max and weight categories (r = −0.15). Results of the multinomial logit analysis showed that VO₂max increased in groups of overweight, normal weight and underweight children by 13%, 26% and 19%, respectively as compared to the group of obese children. VO₂max and weight and obesity indices were strongly correlated in both gender and age groups. Education and intervention programs to increase physical fitness (VO₂max) through aerobic training are recommended for Physical Education teachers, parents and children in order to reduce the rate of overweight and obesity among children in the Lower Silesia region of Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impacts of Physical Activity on Chronic Disease Prevention and Population Health)

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12 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coverage and Influencing Determinants of Influenza Vaccination in Elderly Patients in a Country with a Poor Vaccination Implementation

by Maria Ganczak^1,*, Karolina Gil², Marcin Korzeń³

and Marta Bażydło⁴

¹ Department of Epidemiology and Management, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

² Students’ Scientific Association, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

³ Department of Methods of Artificial Intelligence and Applied Mathematics, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

⁴ Department of Public Health, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060665 - 20 Jun 2017

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5215

Abstract

The seasonal influenza vaccination uptake of the elderly in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe. Objective: to assess the vaccination coverage and influencing determinants in patients ≥65 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2015–April 2016) among [...] Read more.

The seasonal influenza vaccination uptake of the elderly in Poland is one of the lowest in Europe. Objective: to assess the vaccination coverage and influencing determinants in patients ≥65 years of age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2015–April 2016) among consecutive patients admitted to a municipal hospital located in the city of Szczecin, North-west Poland. Patients completed researcher-administered, anonymous questionnaires on socio- demographic data/factors related to the vaccination. Results: The response rate: 92.0%. Among 230 patients (79.6% women, median of age 69 years, range 65–89) who agreed to participate, 34.8% (95% Confidence Interval: 28.6–41.0%) were vaccinated. About 15.7% of respondents had not previously heard about the vaccination; 41.3% of those who stated they were vaccinated or planned on being vaccinated the following year, compared to 19.3% of respondents who stated they were not currently vaccinated (p < 0.001). A multivariable regression analysis revealed that patient factors, such as younger age (Odds Ratio, OR = 7.69), living in the urban area (OR = 7.69), having comorbidities (OR = 2.70), having a vaccinated family member (OR = 3.57), and being informed about vaccination (OR = 5.00) were each associated with greater odds of being immunized. Willingness for vaccination the next year was strongly associated (OR = 8.59) with vaccination status. Conclusions: The influenza vaccination uptake in the elderly population in Poland is disturbingly low. Improved education strategies are needed to increase the uptake. Vaccinated respondents are more likely to plan on being vaccinated the following year. Future interventions related to maximizing vaccination coverage should be more tailored, focusing especially on older patients living in rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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13 pages, 4300 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Fate of Pollutants in Porous Asphalt Pavements, Laboratory Experiments to Investigate Their Potential to Impact Environmental Health

by Susanne M. Charlesworth^1,*, Jamie Beddow² and Ernest O. Nnadi³

¹ Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK

² Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK

³ Hidrolef, Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo-SP-264, CEP 18.052-780 Brazil

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060666 - 21 Jun 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5243

Abstract

Pervious Paving Systems (PPS) are part of a sustainable approach to drainage in which excess surface water is encouraged to infiltrate through their structure, during which potentially toxic elements, such as metals and hydrocarbons are treated by biodegradation and physical entrapment and storage. [...] Read more.

Pervious Paving Systems (PPS) are part of a sustainable approach to drainage in which excess surface water is encouraged to infiltrate through their structure, during which potentially toxic elements, such as metals and hydrocarbons are treated by biodegradation and physical entrapment and storage. However, it is not known where in the PPS structure these contaminants accumulate, which has implications for environmental health, particularly during maintenance, as well as consequences for the recycling of material from the PPS at the end-of-life. A 1 m³ porous asphalt (PA) PPS test rig was monitored for 38 months after monthly additions of road sediment (RS) (367.5 g in total) and unused oil (430 mL in total), characteristic of urban loadings, were applied. Using a rainfall simulator, a typical UK rainfall rate of 15 mm/h was used to investigate its efficiency in dealing with contamination. Water quality of the effluent discharged from the rig was found to be suitable for discharge to most environments. On completion of the monitoring, a core was taken down through its surface, and samples of sediment and aggregate were taken. Analysis showed that most of the sediment remained in the surface course, with metal levels lower than the original RS, but higher than clean, unused aggregate or PA. However, even extrapolating these concentrations to 20 years’ worth of in-service use (the projected life of PPS) did not suggest their accumulation would present an environmental pollution risk when carrying out maintenance of the pavement and also indicates that the material could be recycled at end-of-life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metals: Environmental and Human Health)

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10 pages, 5168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicity of Naphthalene and Benzene on Tribollium castaneum Herbst

by Nerlis Pajaro-Castro^1,2

, Karina Caballero-Gallardo¹

and Jesus Olivero-Verbel^1,*

¹ Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, Campus of Zaragocilla, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130001, Colombia

² Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Group, School of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Sucre, Sincelejo 700003, Colombia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14(6), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14060667 - 21 Jun 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5998

Abstract

Naphthalene and benzene are widely-used volatile organic compounds. The aim of this research was to examine the toxicological effects of naphthalene and benzene against Tribolium castaneum as an animal model. Adult insects were exposed to these aromatic compounds to assess mortality after 4–48 [...] Read more.

Naphthalene and benzene are widely-used volatile organic compounds. The aim of this research was to examine the toxicological effects of naphthalene and benzene against Tribolium castaneum as an animal model. Adult insects were exposed to these aromatic compounds to assess mortality after 4–48 h of exposure. The lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀) for naphthalene, naphthalin, and benzene were 63.6 µL/L, 20.0 µL/L, and 115.9 µL/L in air, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed expression changes in genes related to oxidative stress and metabolism [Glutathione S-Transferase (Gst), and Cytochrome P450 6BQ8 (Cyp6bq8)]; reproduction and metamorphosis [Hormone receptor in 39-like protein (Hr39), Ecdysone receptor: (Ecr), and Chitin synthase 2 (Chs2)]; and neurotransmission [Histamine-gated chloride channel 2 (Hiscl2)] in insects exposed for 4 h to 70.2 µL/L naphthalene. Adults exposed to benzene (80 µL/L; 4 h) overexpressed genes related to neurotransmission [GABA-gated anion channel (Rdl), Hiscl2, and GABA-gated ion channel (Grd)]; reproduction and metamorphosis [Ultraspiracle nuclear receptor (USP), Ecr; and Hr39]; and development (Chs2). The data presented here provides evidence that naphthalene and benzene inhalation are able to induce alterations on reproduction, development, metamorphosis, oxidative stress, metabolism, neurotransmission, and death of the insect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)

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