Framing the debate: How interest groups influence draft rules at the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Abstract

Scholars have identified that interest groups can be most influential on regulatory outcomes during the preproposal stage of the rulemaking process, yet this stage is notoriously understudied. Recently, Rinfret concluded that interest groups use three frames (expertise, fiscal feasibility and instructive) to influence agency personnel at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Of the three, the expertise frame was considered most effective. This work confirms these findings across three more significant rulemakings at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and builds on Rinfret's framework in two ways. First, this analysis adds a relevant fourth frame to the model, the legal frame. Second, this research addresses why interest groups use all four frames, when the expertise frame is considered most impactful. Simply stated, interest groups use each frame to complement the expertise frame and build a coherent story that justifies their preferred solution. Thus, understanding how interest groups use each of the four frames can inform our understanding of why two groups that both use the expertise frame may have varying impacts on the agency.

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First evidence of anticoagulant rodenticides in fish and suspended particulate matter: spatial and temporal distribution in German freshwater aquatic systems

Abstract

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) have been used for decades for rodent control worldwide. Research on the exposure of the environment and accumulation of these active substances in biota has been focused on terrestrial food webs, but few data are available on the impact of ARs on aquatic systems and water organisms. To fill this gap, we analyzed liver samples of bream (Abramis brama) and co-located suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB). An appropriate method was developed for the determination of eight different ARs, including first- and second-generation ARs, in fish liver and SPM. Applying this method to bream liver samples from 17 and 18 sampling locations of the years 2011 and 2015, respectively, five ARs were found at levels above limits of quantifications (LOQs, 0.2 to 2 μg kg⁻¹). For 2015, brodifacoum was detected in 88% of the samples with a maximum concentration of 12.5 μg kg⁻¹. Moreover, difenacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and flocoumafen were detected in some samples above LOQ. In contrast, no first generation AR was detected in the ESB samples. In SPM, only bromadiolone could be detected in 56% of the samples at levels up to 9.24 μg kg⁻¹. A temporal trend analysis of bream liver from two sampling locations over a period of up to 23 years revealed a significant trend for brodifacoum at one of the sampling locations.

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Special issue: developments in water management technologies and systems

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Ecotoxicological assessment of oil-based paint using three-dimensional multi-species bio-testing model: pre- and post-bioremediation analysis

Abstract

The present study validates the oil-based paint bioremediation potential of Bacillus subtilis NAP1 for ecotoxicological assessment using a three-dimensional multi-species bio-testing model. The model included bioassays to determine phytotoxic effect, cytotoxic effect, and antimicrobial effect of oil-based paint. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of pre- and post-bioremediation samples was also detected to confirm its detoxification. Although, the pre-bioremediation samples of oil-based paint displayed significant toxicity against all the life forms. However, post-bioremediation, the cytotoxic effect against Artemia salina revealed substantial detoxification of oil-based paint with LD₅₀ of 121 μl ml⁻¹ (without glucose) and > 400 μl ml⁻¹ (with glucose). Similarly, the reduction in toxicity against Raphanus raphanistrum seeds germination (%FG = 98 to 100%) was also evident of successful detoxification under experimental conditions. Moreover, the toxicity against test bacterial strains and fungal strains was completely removed after bioremediation. In addition, the post-bioremediation samples showed reduced antioxidant activities (% scavenging = 23.5 ± 0.35 and 28.9 ± 2.7) without and with glucose, respectively. Convincingly, the present multi-species bio-testing model in addition to antioxidant studies could be suggested as a validation tool for bioremediation experiments, especially for middle and low-income countries.

Graphical abstract

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Correction to: Effects-based spatial assessment of contaminated estuarine sediments from Bear Creek, Baltimore Harbor, MD, USA

Abstract

The authors of the article have informed the Journal that an author, Dr. Sacoby Wilson of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, was inadvertently omitted from the published version of their manuscript due to a miscommunication regarding authorship criteria.

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Adverse Outcome Pathway Networks II: Network Analytics

Abstract

Toxicological responses to stressors are more complex than the simple one biological perturbation to one adverse outcome model portrayed by individual adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Consequently, the AOP framework was designed to facilitate de facto development of AOP networks that can aid understanding and prediction of pleiotropic and interactive effects more common to environmentally realistic, complex exposure scenarios. The present paper introduces nascent concepts related to the qualitative analysis of AOP networks. First, graph theory-based approaches for identifying important topological features are illustrated using two example AOP networks derived from existing AOP descriptions. Second, considerations for identifying the most significant path(s) through an AOP network from either a biological or risk assessment perspective are described. Finally, approaches for identifying interactions among AOPs that may result in additive, synergistic, or antagonistic responses, or previously undefined emergent patterns of response, are introduced. Along with a companion article (Knapen et al. part I), these concepts set the stage for development of tools and case studies that will facilitate more rigorous analysis of AOP networks, and the utility of AOP network-based predictions, for use in research and regulatory decision-making. Collectively, this work addresses one of the major themes identified through a SETAC Horizon Scanning effort focused on advancing the AOP framework. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Coal-derived compounds and their potential impact on groundwater quality during coalbed methane production

Abstract

Coalbed methane (CBM) is an important unconventional energy source and accounts for a substantial portion of the overall natural gas production in the USA. The extraction of CBM generates significant amounts of produced water, where the withdrawal of groundwater may disturb the subsurface environment and aquifers. The release of toxic recalcitrant compounds from the coal seam is of great concern for those who use groundwater for irrigation and potable water sources. Experiments were conducted that determined a small fraction of coal carbon can be extracted and solubilized in water during the CBM formation and production. These soluble components included long-chain alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and humic compounds. Biometer flask assays demonstrated that these compounds are bioamenable and can be potentially degraded by microorganisms to produce methane and carbon dioxide, where these biodegradation processes may further impact groundwater quality in the coal seam.

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Cumulative effects of cascade hydropower stations on total dissolved gas supersaturation

Abstract

Elevated levels of total dissolved gas (TDG) may occur downstream of dams during the spill process. These high levels would increase the incidence of gas bubble disease in fish and cause severe environmental impacts. With increasing numbers of cascade hydropower stations being built or planned, the cumulative effects of TDG supersaturation are becoming increasingly prominent. The TDG saturation distribution in the downstream reaches of the Jinsha River was studied to investigate the cumulative effects of TDG supersaturation resulting from the cascade hydropower stations. A comparison of the effects of the joint operation and the single operation of two hydropower stations (XLD and XJB) was performed to analyze the risk degree to fish posed by TDG supersaturation. The results showed that water with supersaturated TDG generated at the upstream cascade can be transported to the downstream power station, leading to cumulative TDG supersaturation effects. Compared with the single operation of XJB, the joint operation of both stations produced a much higher TDG saturation downstream of XJB, especially during the non-flood discharge period. Moreover, the duration of high TDG saturation and the lengths of the lethal and sub-lethal areas were much higher in the joint operation scenario, posing a greater threat to fish and severely damaging the environment. This work provides a scientific basis for strategies to reduce TDG supersaturation to the permissible level and minimize the potential risk of supersaturated TDG.

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Fabrication and characterization of β-cypermethrin-loaded PLA microcapsules prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation: loading and release properties

Abstract

Microcapsulses can be designed to effectively encapsulate, protect, and control the release of pesticides. In this study, emulsion-solvent evaporation method was used to fabricate microcapsules using dichloromethane as the solvent, polylactic acid (PLA) as the carrier materials, poly(vinyl alcohol) as the emulsifier, and β-cypermethrin as the entrapped pesticide. The effects of process parameters on the microcapsules characteristics (size, loading content, and encapsulation efficiency) were investigated. Also, the release behavior of the β-cypermethrin was measured experimentally and modeled mathematically. Kinetic analysis indicated that release mechanism of β-cypermethrin was compatible to Fickian diffusion. By optimizing the process parameters, β-cypermethrin-loaded microcapsules were successfully produced with spherical shape, smooth surface, high encapsulation efficiency (> 80%), and a range of pesticide contents. These parameters could be adjusted to achieve delivery systems with desirable release profiles. The results are beneficial to develop delivery systems for rational and effective usage of pesticides.

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Experimental investigation on emission reduction in neem oil biodiesel using selective catalytic reduction and catalytic converter techniques

Abstract

In the present study, non-edible seed oil namely raw neem oil was converted into biodiesel using transesterification process. In the experimentation, two biodiesel blends were prepared namely B25 (25% neem oil methyl ester with 75% of diesel) and B50 (50% neem oil methyl ester with 50% diesel). Urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technique with catalytic converter (CC) was fixed in the exhaust tail pipe of the engine for the reduction of engine exhaust emissions. Initially, the engine was operated with diesel as a working fluid and followed by refilling of biodiesel blends B25 and B50 to obtain the baseline readings without SCR and CC. Then, the same procedure was repeated with SCR and CC technique for emission reduction measurement in diesel, B25 and B50 sample. The experimental results revealed that the B25 blend showed higher break thermal efficiency (BTE) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) with lower break-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) than B50 blend at all loads. On comparing with biodiesel blends, diesel experiences increased BTE of 31.9% with reduced BSFC of 0.29 kg/kWh at full load. A notable emission reduction was noticed for all test fuels in SCR and CC setup. At full load, B25 showed lower carbon monoxide (CO) of 0.09% volume, hydrocarbon (HC) of 24 ppm, and smoke of 14 HSU and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) of 735 ppm than diesel and B50 in SCR and CC setup. On the whole, the engine with SCR and CC setup showed better performance and emission characteristics than standard engine operation.

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Impact of military on biofuels consumption and GHG emissions: the evidence from G7 countries

Abstract

It was aimed to test the relation among the greenhouse gases emissions, economic growth, biofuels consumption, and militarization in G7 countries during the 1985–2015 period by Pedroni 1995 and panel Johansen tests and two long-run estimators—dynamic OLS and fully modified OLS. Long-run estimators found that economic growth and militarization have statistically significant positive impact on CO₂ emission of G7 countries. Furthermore, the panel causality tests were applied: Dumitrescu and Hurlin (Econ Model 29(4):1450–1460, 2012) and panel Granger causality. These tests determined the causal relationship between the variables. The results of this paper implied that economic growth and biofuels consumption depend on militarization, and economic growth and militarization are granger causes of the greenhouse gases emissions.

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Removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water using granular activated carbon: kinetic and equilibrium adsorption studies

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a group of highly persistent, toxic and widespread environmental micropollutants that are increasingly found in water. A study was conducted in removing five PAHs, specifically naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene and phenanthrene, from water by adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC). The pseudo-first-order (PFO) model satisfactorily described the kinetics of adsorption of the PAHs. The Weber and Morris diffusion model's fit to the data showed that there were faster and slower rates of intra-particle diffusion probably into the mesopores and micropores of the GAC, respectively. These rates were negatively related to the molar volumes of the PAHs. Batch equilibrium adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models, of which the Freundlich model exhibited the best fit. The adsorption affinities were related to the hydrophobicity of the PAHs as determined by the log K_ow values. Free energies of adsorption calculated from the Dubinin–Radushkevich model and the satisfactory kinetic data fitting to the PFO model suggested physical adsorption of the PAHs. Adsorption of naphthalene, acenaphthylene and acenaphthene in fixed-bed columns containing a mixture of GAC (0.5 g) + sand (24.5 g) was satisfactorily simulated by the Thomas model.

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Assessment and identification of nitrogen pollution sources in the Cheongmi River with intensive livestock farming areas, Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to develop methods for assessing and identifying nitrogen sources in the Cheongmi River, Korea, that has intensive livestock farming areas (ILFA) in its watershed. The assessment focused on the feasibility of the simultaneous use of stable isotopic compositions of ammonium (δ¹⁵N_NH4) and nitrate (δ¹⁵N_NO3) for identifying the main nitrogen pollution sources in the Cheongmi River watershed. Our results suggested that the organic nitrogen (Org-N) to total nitrogen (T-N) ratio could be used as an indicator for assessing the effect of livestock excreta on waterways in ILFA. We observed that the T-N concentration was much more strongly affected by livestock excreta than the T-P concentration in the mainstream of the Cheongmi River. The positive correlation was more significant between δ¹⁵N_NH4 and NH₄-N than that between δ¹⁵N_NO3 and NO₃-N for river water samples. Furthermore, the use of δ¹⁵N_NH4 was more effective than that of δ¹⁵N_NO3 in evaluating nitrogen variations between May and August in the Cheongmi River because the differences in δ¹⁵N_NH4 between May and August were more remarkable compared to those in δ¹⁵N_NO3. Finally, the simultaneous use of δ¹⁵N_NH4 and δ¹⁵N_NO3 showed that the dominant nitrogen source at sites M3, M4, M5, and M6, specifically in May, was livestock excreta in the Cheongmi River. The results of this study could be used for sustainable water quality management in the Cheongmi River watershed.

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Polychlorinated biphenyls in the Yellow River of Henan section: occurrence, composition, and impact factors

Abstract

The levels, spatial variation, congener profiles, impact factors, and ecological risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the sediment from the Yellow River of Henan section, China, were investigated in this paper. Total concentration of 31 PCBs and seven indicator PCBs varied from ND to 1015 pg g⁻¹ and ND to 423 pg g⁻¹, respectively. Compared with other aquatic environments around China, PCB levels in the studied area were relatively low. Spatial variations revealed that tributaries possessed higher PCB levels, in comparison to mainstream, which acted as input sources of PCBs in the mainstream. The homolog profiles were dominated by lighter PCBs (Tri–PentaCBs), contributing above 70% of total PCBs. Correlation analysis between PCB concentrations and total organic carbon indicated that local input or atmospheric deposition was the primary controls of spatial variation of PCBs. According to simple sediment quality guidelines (SQG), the risks posed by PCBs in the sediments might be negligible.

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Reduction of N-nitrosodimethylamine formation from ranitidine by ozonation preceding chloramination: influencing factors and mechanisms

Abstract

Formation of toxic N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) by chloramination of ranitidine, a drug to block histamine, was still an ongoing issue and posed a risk to human health. In this study, the effect of ozonation prior to chloramination on NDMA formation and the transformation pathway were determined. Influencing factors, including ozone dosages, pH, hydroxyl radical scavenger, bromide, and NOM, were studied. The results demonstrated that small ozone dosage (0.5 mg/L) could effectively control NDMA formation from subsequent chloramination (from 40 to 0.8%). The NDMA molar conversion was not only influenced by pH but also by ozone dosages at various pre-ozonation pH (reached the highest value of 5% at pH 8 with 0.5 mg/L O₃ but decreased with the increasing pH with 1 mg/L O₃). The NDMA molar yield by chloramination of ranitidine without pre-ozonation was reduced by the presence of bromide ion due to the decomposition of disinfectant. However, due to the formation of brominated intermediate substances (i.e., dimethylamine (DMA), dimethyl-aminomethyl furfuryl alcohol (DFUR)) with higher NDMA molar yield than their parent substances, more NDMA was formed than that without bromide ion upon ozonation. Natural organic matter (NOM) and hydroxyl radical scavenger (tert-butyl alcohol, tBA) enhanced NDMA generation because of the competition of ozone and more ranitidine left. The NDMA reduction mechanism by pre-ozonation during chloramination of ranitidine may be due to the production of oxidation products with less NDMA yield (such as DMA) than parent compound. Based on the result of Q-TOF and GC-MS/MS analysis, three possible transformation pathways were proposed. Different influences of oxidation conditions and water quality parameters suggest that strategies to reduce NDMA formation should vary with drinking water sources and choose optimal ozone dosage.

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Behavioral and neurochemical consequences of perinatal exposure to lead in adult male Wistar rats: protective effect by Centella asiatica

Abstract

The present study evaluated the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) leaf extract on behavioral deficits and neurotoxicity in adult rat exposed to lead during perinatal period. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to 0.15% lead acetate (Pb) from gestation day 6 through drinking water and the pups were exposed lactationally to Pb till weaning. Significant perturbations in locomotor activity and exploratory behavior were observed in rats exposed to Pb during perinatal period. The levels of lipid peroxidation increased significantly with a reduction in levels of glutathione and activity levels of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes in hippocampus, cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla of brains excised from Pb-exposed rats. Oral supplementation of CA during postweaning period provided significant protection against Pb-induced behavioral impairments and neurotoxicity, without chelating tissue Pb levels. The possible neuroprotective efficacy of CA may be due to its antioxidant potential but not by lowering effects of brain Pb content.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 422: Suicidal Ideation among the Chinese Elderly and Its Correlates: A Comparison between the Rural and Urban Populations

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 422: Suicidal Ideation among the Chinese Elderly and Its Correlates: A Comparison between the Rural and Urban Populations

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030422

Authors: Jianwen Wei Jie Zhang Yuping Deng Long Sun Ping Guo

Background: As China is going through a profound aging process, the mental health of the elderly is becoming an issue. As in many other societies, the elderly in China is a population at high risk of suicide; Methods: Data for the study were taken from the Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban/Rural China (SSAPUR) accomplished in 2010 by the China Ministry of Civil Affairs. The valid sample for this study was composed of 18,683 individuals, including 9416 urban residents and 9267 rural residents both aged 60 or more years; Results: Logistic regression analyses showed that household income and expenditure, the number of children, chronic diseases, disability of daily living, depression, the frequency of visiting neighbors and having friends or relatives who can help or not had remarkable effects on the suicidal ideation among urban and rural old people. Gender, education, political affiliation, marital status and self-rated health status did not work on the dependent variable. However, some risk factors for suicidal ideation among the Chinese elderly were different between rural and urban regions; Conclusions: We should take different measures when facing the different groups of the elderly.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 426: Evaluation of the Quebec Healthy Enterprise Standard: Effect on Adverse Psychosocial Work Factors and Psychological Distress

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 426: Evaluation of the Quebec Healthy Enterprise Standard: Effect on Adverse Psychosocial Work Factors and Psychological Distress

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030426

Authors: Marie-Claude Letellier Caroline Duchaine Karine Aubé Denis Talbot Marie-Michèle Mantha-Bélisle Hélène Sultan-Taïeb France St-Hilaire Caroline Biron Michel Vézina Chantal Brisson

Adverse psychosocial work factors are recognized as a significant source of psychological distress, resulting in a considerable socioeconomic burden. The impact of occupational health standards that aim to reduce these adverse work factors, such as the Quebec Healthy Enterprise Standard (QHES), is of great interest for public health. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of QHES interventions targeting adverse psychosocial work factors on the prevalence of these factors and of psychological distress among ten Quebec organizations. These outcomes were assessed by questionnaire using validated instruments before (T1, n = 2849) and 2–3 years following (T2, n = 2560) QHES implementation. Beneficial effects of interventions were observed for two adverse psychosocial work factors: low rewards (ratio of prevalence ratios (PRs) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.66–0.91) and low social support at work (ratio of PRs = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.77–1.03). Moreover, beneficial effects of interventions were also observed on the prevalence of high psychological distress (ratio of PRs = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75–0.998). Psychosocial interventions implemented in the context of this standard improved the psychosocial work environment and had beneficial effects on workers' mental health.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 423: Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Aerosol Delivery for Preterm Infants

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 423: Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Aerosol Delivery for Preterm Infants

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030423

Authors: Iñigo Aramendia Unai Fernandez-Gamiz Alberto Lopez-Arraiza Carmen Rey-Santano Victoria Mielgo Francisco Basterretxea Javier Sancho Miguel Gomez-Solaetxe

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) represents one of the major causes of mortality among preterm infants, and the best approach to treat it is an open research issue. The use of perfluorocarbons (PFC) along with non-invasive respiratory support techniques has proven the usefulness of PFC as a complementary substance to achieve a more homogeneous surfactant distribution. The aim of this work was to study the inhaled particles generated by means of an intracorporeal inhalation catheter, evaluating the size and mass distribution of different PFC aerosols. In this article, we discuss different experiments with the PFC perfluorodecalin (PFD) and FC75 with a driving pressure of 4–5 bar, evaluating properties such as the aerodynamic diameter (Da), since its value is directly linked to particle deposition in the lung. Furthermore, we develop a numerical model with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The computational results showed an accurate prediction of the airflow axial velocity at different downstream positions when compared with the data gathered from the real experiments. The numerical validation of the cumulative mass distribution for PFD particles also confirmed a closer match with the experimental data measured at the optimal distance of 60 mm from the catheter tip. In the case of FC75, the cumulative mass fraction for particles above 10 µm was considerable higher with a driving pressure of 5 bar. These numerical models could be a helpful tool to assist parametric studies of new non-invasive devices for the treatment of RDS in preterm infants.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 424: Epidemiological Study on Metal Pollution of Ningbo in China

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 424: Epidemiological Study on Metal Pollution of Ningbo in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030424

Authors: Zhou Li Hong Su Li Wang Danbiao Hu Lijun Zhang Jian Fang Micong Jin Samuel Fiati Kenston Xin Song Hongbo Shi Jinshun Zhao Guochuan Mao

Background: In order to search for effective control and prevention measures, the status of metal pollution in Ningbo, China was investigated. Methods: Nine of the most common contaminating metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) in samples of vegetables, rice, soil, irrigation water, and human hair were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Three different districts including industrial, suburban and rural areas in Ningbo were studied through a stratified random sample method. Results: (1) Among all of the detected vegetable samples, Cd exceeded the standard limit rates in industrial, suburban and rural areas as high as 43.9%, 27.5% and 5.0%, respectively; indicating the severity of Cd pollution in Ningbo. (2) The pollution index (PI) of Cd and Zn in soil (1.069, 1.584, respectively) suggests that soil is slightly polluted by Cd and Zn. Among all samples, metal contamination levels in soil were all relatively high. (3) A positive correlation was found between the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cu in vegetables and soil; Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni in vegetables and irrigation water, as well as, Cu and Ni in rice and irrigation water; and, (4) Higher Pb and Cd concentrations were found in student scalp hair in both industrial and suburban areas compared to rural areas. (5) Hg and Pb that are found in human scalp hair may be more easily absorbed from food than any of the other metals. Conclusions: In general, certain harmful metal pollutions were detected in both industrial and suburban areas of Ningbo in China.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 425: The Impact of Ambient Air Pollution on Daily Hospital Visits for Various Respiratory Diseases and the Relevant Medical Expenditures in Shanghai, China

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 425: The Impact of Ambient Air Pollution on Daily Hospital Visits for Various Respiratory Diseases and the Relevant Medical Expenditures in Shanghai, China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030425

Authors: Hao Zhang Yue Niu Yili Yao Renjie Chen Xianghong Zhou Haidong Kan

The evidence concerning the acute effects of ambient air pollution on various respiratory diseases was limited in China, and the attributable medical expenditures were largely unknown. From 2013 to 2015, we collected data on the daily visits to the emergency- and outpatient-department for five main respiratory diseases and their medical expenditures in Shanghai, China. We used the overdispersed generalized additive model together with distributed lag models to fit the associations of criteria air pollutants with hospital visits, and used the linear models to fit the associations with medical expenditures. Generally, we observed significant increments in emergency visits (8.81–17.26%) and corresponding expenditures (0.33–25.81%) for pediatric respiratory diseases, upper respiratory infection (URI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for an interquartile range increase of air pollutant concentrations over four lag days. As a comparison, there were significant but smaller increments in outpatient visits (1.36–4.52%) and expenditures (1.38–3.18%) for pediatric respiratory diseases and upper respiratory infection (URI). No meaningful changes were observed for asthma and lower respiratory infection. Our study suggested that short-term exposure to outdoor air pollution may induce the occurrences or exacerbation of pediatric respiratory diseases, URI, and COPD, leading to considerable medical expenditures upon the patients.

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Adverse Outcome Pathway Networks I: Development and Applications

Abstract

Based on the results of a SETAC-sponsored Horizon Scanning exercise focused on advancing the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, the development of guidance related to AOP network development was identified as a critical need. This not only included questions focusing directly on AOP networks, but also on related topics such as mixture toxicity assessment and the implementation of feedback loops within the AOP framework. A set of two papers has been developed to begin exploring these concepts. In the present paper (part I), derivation of AOP networks is considered in the context of how it differs from development of individual AOPs. We then propose the use of filters and layers to tailor AOP networks to suit the needs of a given research question or application. We briefly introduce a number of analytical approaches that may be used to characterize the structure of AOP networks. These analytical concepts are further described in a dedicated, complementary paper (part II). Finally, we present a number of case studies that illustrate concepts underlying development, analysis and application of AOP networks. The concepts described in this paper, and in its companion paper focused on AOP network analytics, are intended to serve as a starting point for further development of the AOP network concept, but also to catalyze AOP network development and application by the different stakeholder communities. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in afterbirth and their relations with various factors

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate Hg and Se concentrations and Se:Hg molar ratios in the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes, and to examine the relationship between the concentrations of the elements and selected factors. The study material consisted of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes obtained from 91 healthy women from northwestern and central Poland. In our study mean Hg and Se concentrations in afterbirth were ~ 0.01 mg/kg dry weight (dw) and ≤ 0.5 mg/kg dw, respectively. Correlation analysis showed negative relationships between placenta weight and Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord, as well as between placenta length and Se levels in the umbilical cord. We found negative correlations between THg concentration in the placenta and birth weight and between Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord and the morphological parameters of the placenta. Furthermore, we noted new types of interactions in specific parts of the afterbirth. In our study, Se:THg molar ratios ranged from 5 to 626; these values indicate protection against Hg toxicity.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 421: Global Evidence on the Association between Cigarette Graphic Warning Labels and Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Consumption

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 421: Global Evidence on the Association between Cigarette Graphic Warning Labels and Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Consumption

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030421

Authors: Anh Ngo Kai-Wen Cheng Ce Shang Jidong Huang Frank Chaloupka

Background: In 2011, the courts ruled in favor of tobacco companies in preventing the implementation of graphic warning labels (GWLs) in the US, stating that FDA had not established the effectiveness of GWLs in reducing smoking. Methods: Data came from various sources: the WHO MPOWER package (GWLs, MPOWER policy measures, cigarette prices), Euromonitor International (smoking prevalence, cigarette consumption), and the World Bank database (countries' demographic characteristics). The datasets were aggregated and linked using country and year identifiers. Fractional logit regressions and OLS regressions were applied to examine the associations between GWLs and smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption, controlling for MPOWER policy scores, cigarette prices, GDP per capita, unemployment, population aged 15–64 (%), aged 65 and over (%), year indicators, and country fixed effects. Results: GWLs were associated with a 0.9–3 percentage point decrease in adult smoking prevalence and were significantly associated with a reduction of 230–287 sticks in per capita cigarette consumption, compared to countries without GWLs. However, the association between GWLs and cigarette consumption became statistically insignificant once country indicators were included in the models. Conclusions: The implementation of GWLs may be associated with reduced cigarette smoking.

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Source apportionments of PM 2.5 organic carbon during the elevated pollution episodes in the Ordos region, Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

The Ordos region in the southwestern part of Inner Mongolia experiences frequent PM concentrations in excess of the national PM_2.5 air quality standards. In order to determine the key sources of PM_2.5 contributing to these pollution episodes, the main sources of PM_2.5 OC during elevated PM episodes in the Inner Mongolia were analyzed and compared with non-polluted days. This will provide insight to the main sources of particulate matter pollution during the high-pollution episodes and the effective seasonal strategies to control sources of particulate matter during months and with the highest PM concentrations that need to be controlled. The PMF source contributions to OC demonstrated that the industrial/coal combustion (4762.77 ± 1061.54 versus 2726.49 ± 469.75 ng/m³; p < 0.001) and mobile source factors (4651.14 ± 681.82 versus 2605.55 ± 276.50 ng/m³; p value < 0.001) showed greater contributions to the elevated concentrations during the episode. The spatial analysis of secondary organic carbon (SOC) factors, regional biomass burning, and biogenic sources did not show significant difference in the pollution episodes and the non-polluted months. In addition, the bivariate polar plots and CWT maps of the industrial/coal combustion and mobile illustrated a regional long-range transport patterns from the external sources to the study area, however, adjacent areas were mostly controlling the contributions of these factors during the PM elevated episodes. The SOC sources, regional biomass burning, and biogenic sources illustrated a regional long-range transport with similar locations found during the elevated pollution episodes compared to the normal situations.

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Evaluating gas chromatography with a halogen-specific detector for the determination of disinfection by-products in drinking water

Abstract

The occurrence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water has become an issue of concern during the past decades. The DBPs pose health risks and are suspected to cause various cancer forms, be genotoxic, and have negative developmental effects. The vast chemical diversity of DBPs makes comprehensive monitoring challenging. Only few of the DBPs are regulated and included in analytical protocols. In this study, a method for simultaneous measurement of 20 DBPs from five different structural classes (both regulated and non-regulated) was investigated and further developed for 11 DBPs using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography coupled with a halogen-specific detector (XSD). The XSD was highly selective towards halogenated DBPs, providing chromatograms with little noise. The method allowed detection down to 0.05 μg L⁻¹ and showed promising results for the simultaneous determination of a range of neutral DBP classes. Compounds from two classes of emerging DBPs, more cytotoxic than the "traditional" regulated DBPs, were successfully determined using this method. However, haloacetic acids (HAAs) should be analyzed separately as some HAA methyl esters may degrade giving false positives of trihalomethanes (THMs). The method was tested on real water samples from two municipal waterworks where the target DBP concentrations were found below the regulatory limits of Sweden.

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Enhanced algae removal by Ti-based coagulant: comparison with conventional Al- and Fe-based coagulants

Abstract

The water eutrophication caused by cyanobacteria seasonally proliferates, which is a hot potato to be resolved for water treatment plants. This study firstly investigated coagulation performance of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) for Microcystis aeruginosa synthetic water treatment. Results show complete algal cell removal by TiCl₄ coagulation without damage to cell membrane integrity even under harsh conditions; 60 mg/L TiCl₄ was effective in removing the microcystins up to 85%. Furthermore, besides having stronger UV₂₅₄ removal capability and the higher removal of fluorescent substances over Al- and Fe-based coagulants, TiCl₄ coagulant required more compact coagulation and sedimentation tanks due to its significantly improved floc growth and sedimentation speed. Meanwhile, its' short hydraulic retention time avoided algal cell breakage and subsequent algal organic matter release. Microcystin concentrations were kept at a low level during sludge storage period, indicating that the TiCl₄ flocs could prevent algal cells from natural lysis. To facilitate water recycling without secondary contamination, the algae-containing sludge after TiCl₄ coagulation ought to be disposed within 12 days at 20 °C and 8 days at 35 °C.

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Anoxic conditions are beneficial for abiotic diclofenac removal from water with manganese oxide (MnO 2 )

Abstract

This is the first study examining pharmaceutical removal under anoxic conditions with MnO₂. This study compares the abiotic removal of seven pharmaceuticals with reactive MnO₂ particles in the presence of oxygen (oxic conditions) and in the absence of oxygen (anoxic conditions). Due to the novelty of pharmaceutical removal under anoxic conditions, the influence of phosphate buffer, pH, and MnO₂ morphologies is also examined. Results show that over 90% of diclofenac is removed under anoxic conditions. Additionally, we found that (1) anoxic conditions are beneficial for diclofenac removal with MnO₂, (2) phosphate buffer affects the pharmaceutical removal efficiencies, (3) higher pharmaceutical removal is obtained at acidic pH compared to that at neutral or alkaline conditions, and (4) amorphous MnO₂ removes pharmaceuticals better than crystalline MnO₂. The pharmaceutical molecular structure and properties, MnO₂ properties especially reactive sites of the MnO₂ surface, are important for degradation kinetics. This study provides a fundamental basis towards understanding pharmaceutical degradation with MnO₂ under anoxic conditions, and development of a cost-effective, sustainable technology for removal of pharmaceuticals from water.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 420: Food Insecurity in Homeless Families in the Paris Region (France): Results from the ENFAMS Survey

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 420: Food Insecurity in Homeless Families in the Paris Region (France): Results from the ENFAMS Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030420

Authors: Judith Martin-Fernandez Sandrine Lioret Cécile Vuillermoz Pierre Chauvin Stéphanie Vandentorren

The number of families living in shelters in the Paris region (France) has increased by a factor of three in 10 years. In 2013, a survey was performed on homeless families in order to characterize their living conditions, their health needs, and the developmental problems in children. This probability survey was conducted in 17 languages among 801 homeless families sheltered in emergency centers for asylum-seekers, emergency housing centers, social rehabilitation centers, and social hotels in the Paris region. Among the 772 families that provided data on food security only 14.0% were with food security, whereas 43.3% were with low food security and 9.8% with very low food security (a situation where children are also affected). Stratified multivariate robust Poisson models showed that some characteristics are associated with a higher risk of food insecurity and/or of falling into very low food security, such as residential instability, single parenthood, having more than three children, depressive symptoms, housing in social hostels, and difficult access to cheap or free food locally. Given the wealth of the Paris region, resources and programs should be concentrated on improving the living situation of this vulnerable population. It needs better detection of these families, a closer social follow-up, and an increase in food aid.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 419: The National and Regional Prevalence Rates of Disability, Type, of Disability and Severity in Saudi Arabia—Analysis of 2016 Demographic Survey Data

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 419: The National and Regional Prevalence Rates of Disability, Type, of Disability and Severity in Saudi Arabia—Analysis of 2016 Demographic Survey Data

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030419

Authors: Saad Bindawas Vishal Vennu

The prevalence of disability varies between countries ranging from less than 1% to up to 30% in some countries, thus, the estimated global disability prevalence is about 15%. However, it is unknown what the current estimate of disability and its types and severity are in Saudi Arabia. Thus, the objective of this study is to estimate national and regional prevalence rates of any disability, types of disability, and their severity among Saudi populations. Data on disability status were extracted from the national demographic survey conducted in 2016 as reported by the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia (N = 20,064,970). Prevalence rates per a population of 100,000 of any disability, type of disability, and its severity were calculated at the national level and in all 13 regions. Out of 20,064,970 Saudi citizens surveyed, 667,280 citizens reported disabilities, accounting for a prevalence rate of 3326 per a population of 100,000 (3.3%). Individuals aged 60 years and above (11,014) and males (3818) had a higher prevalence rate of disability compared with females (2813). The Tabuk region has the highest rate of reported disability, at 4.3%. The prevalence rates of extreme disabilities in mobility and sight were higher in Madinah (57,343) and Northern border (41,236) regions, respectively. In Saudi Arabia, more than half a million Saudi citizens (1 out of every 30 individuals) reported the presence of disability during the year 2016. A higher prevalence rate of disability was seen among those aged 60 years and above, and males. Targeted efforts are required at the national and regional levels to expand and improve rehabilitation and social services for all people with disabilities.

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Age differences in the association between stressful work and sickness absence among full-time employed workers: evidence from the German socio-economic panel

Abstract

Purpose

We aim to extend current knowledge on associations between stressful work and sickness absence, first, by studying associations between ERI and sickness absence among full-time employees from various occupations, and second, by investigating if associations vary by age.

Methods

We use data from four waves of the German socio-economic panel (GSOEP), collected among men and women between 2006 and 2012, with 9418 observations. Stressful work is measured with a short form of the ERI questionnaire. We investigate an imbalance between effort and reward (ER ratio) as well as the two main components ("high effort" and "low reward"). Sickness absence is measured by self-reported number of sickness days (assessed the following year). After descriptive analyses, we estimate a series of multivariable regressions, including tests for interactions between age and work stress.

Results

Each of the three indicators of stressful work is related to higher number of sickness days, with except of "high effort" in case of men. Findings remain significant after adjusting for social position (income, education and occupational class) and health. In addition, for both men and women, associations were slightly higher among older workers, though interactions did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Our findings support that stressful work is linked to sickness absence across a wide spectrum of jobs with varying incomes and educational levels, and also that associations are slightly more pronounced among older workers.

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Mechanisms of copper stress alleviation in Citrus trees after metal uptake by leaves or roots

Abstract

Nutritional disorders caused by copper (Cu) have affected citrus orchards. Since Cu is foliar sprayed as a pesticide to control citrus diseases, this metal accumulates in the soil. Thereby, we evaluated the effects of Cu leaf absorption after spray of different metal sources, as well as roots absorption on growth, nutritional status, and oxidative stress of young sweet orange trees. Two experiments were carried out under greenhouse conditions. The first experiment was set up with varying Cu levels to the soil (nil Cu, 0.5, 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0 g of Cu per plant as CuSO₄.5H₂O), whereas the second experiment with Cu application via foliar sprays (0.5 and 2.0 g of Cu per plant) and comparing two metal sources (CuSO₄.5H₂O or Cu(OH)₂). Copper was mainly accumulated in roots with soil supply, but an increase of oxidative stress levels was observed in leaves. On the other hand, Cu concentrations were higher in leaves that received foliar sprays, mainly as Cu(OH)₂. However, when sulfate was foliar sprayed, plants exhibited more symptoms of injuries in the canopy with decreased chlorophyll contents and increased hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels. Copper toxicity was characterized by sap leakage from the trunk and twigs, which is the first report of this specific Cu excess symptom in woody trees. Despite plants with 8.0 g of Cu soil-applied exhibiting the sap leakage, growth of new plant parts was more vigorous with lower oxidative stress levels and injuries compared to those with 4.0 g of Cu soil-applied (without sap leakage). With the highest level of Cu applied via foliar as sulfate, Cu was eliminated by plant roots, increasing the rhizospheric soil metal levels. Despite citrus likely exhibiting different mechanisms to reduce the damages caused by metal toxicity, such as responsive enzymatic antioxidant system, metal accumulation in the roots, and metal exclusion by roots, excess Cu resulted in damages on plant growth and metabolism when the metal was taken up either by roots or leaves.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 417: The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 417: The Impact of Active Workstations on Workplace Productivity and Performance: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030417

Authors: Samson Ojo Daniel Bailey Angel Chater David Hewson

Active workstations have been recommended for reducing sedentary behavior in the workplace. It is important to understand if the use of these workstations has an impact on worker productivity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of active workstations on workplace productivity and performance. A total of 3303 articles were initially identified by a systematic search and seven articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion. A quality appraisal was conducted to assess risk of bias, confounding, internal and external validity, and reporting. Most of the studies reported cognitive performance as opposed to productivity. Five studies assessed cognitive performance during use of an active workstation, usually in a single session. Sit-stand desks had no detrimental effect on performance, however, some studies with treadmill and cycling workstations identified potential decreases in performance. Many of the studies lacked the power required to achieve statistical significance. Three studies assessed workplace productivity after prolonged use of an active workstation for between 12 and 52 weeks. These studies reported no significant effect on productivity. Active workstations do not appear to decrease workplace performance.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 416: Biotoxicity of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Raphidocelis subcapitata Microalgae Exemplified by Membrane Deformation

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 416: Biotoxicity of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Raphidocelis subcapitata Microalgae Exemplified by Membrane Deformation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030416

Authors: Merve Ozkaleli Ayca Erdem

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which are mainly used in consumer products (mostly cosmetics), have been found to cause ecotoxic effects in the aquatic environment. The green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata, as a representative of primary producers of the freshwater ecosystem, has been frequently used to study the effects of metal oxide NPs. An ecotoxicity study was conducted herein to investigate the effects of TiO2 NPs on survival and membrane deformation of algal cells. Five different concentrations of nano-TiO2 particles (1, 10, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) were prepared in synthetic surface water samples with five different water quality characteristics (pH 6.4–8.4, hardness 10–320 mg CaCO3/L, ionic strength 0.2–8 mM, and alkalinity 10–245 mg CaCO3/L). Results showed a significant increase in the hydrodynamic diameter of NPs with respect to both NP concentrations and ionic content of the test system. A soft synthetic freshwater system at pH 7.3 ± 0.2 appeared to provide the most effective water type, with more than 95% algal mortality observed at 50, 100 and 500 mg/L NP concentrations. At high exposure concentrations, increased malondialdehyde formations were observed. Moreover, due to membrane deformation, TEM images correlated the uptake of the NPs.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 415: Predicting Circulatory Diseases from Psychosocial Safety Climate: A Prospective Cohort Study from Australia

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 415: Predicting Circulatory Diseases from Psychosocial Safety Climate: A Prospective Cohort Study from Australia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030415

Authors: Harry Becher Maureen Dollard Peter Smith Jian Li

Circulatory diseases (CDs) (including myocardial infarction, angina, stroke or hypertension) are among the leading causes of death in the world. In this paper, we explore for the first time the impact of a specific aspect of organizational climate, Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC), on CDs. We used two waves of interview data from Australia, with an average lag of 5 years (excluding baseline CDs, final n = 1223). Logistic regression was conducted to estimate the prospective associations between PSC at baseline on incident CDs at follow-up. It was found that participants in low PSC environments were 59% more likely to develop new CD than those in high PSC environments. Logistic regression showed that PSC at baseline predicts lower CD risk at follow-up (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and this risk remained unchanged even after additional adjustment for known job design risk factors (effort reward imbalance and job strain). These results suggest that PSC is an independent risk factor for CDs in Australia. Beyond job design this study implicates organizational climate and prevailing management values regarding worker psychological health as the genesis of CDs.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 414: Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Supported Nanocomposite as Drug Carrier System for Controlled Delivery of Ondansetron

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 414: Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Supported Nanocomposite as Drug Carrier System for Controlled Delivery of Ondansetron

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030414

Authors: Gaurav Sharma Mu. Naushad Bharti Thakur Amit Kumar Poonam Negi Reena Saini Anterpreet Chahal Ashok Kumar Florian Stadler U.M.H. Aqil

Sodium dodecyl sulphate-supported iron silicophosphate (SDS/FeSP) nanocomposite was successfully fabricated by the co-precipitation method. The SDS/FeSP nanocomposite was investigated as a drug carrier for ondansetron. The cumulative drug release of ondansetron was observed at various pH values for different time intervals, i.e., from 20 min to 48 h. A ranking of the drug release was observed at different pHs; pH 2.2 &gt; saline (pH 5.5) &gt; pH 7.4 &gt; pH 9.4 &gt; distilled water. Maximum release of encapsulated drug was found to be about 45.38% at pH 2.2. The cell viability tests of SDS/FeSP nanocomposite concluded that SDS/FeSP nanocomposite was non-cytotoxic in nature.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 413: Valuing a Lifestyle Intervention for Middle Eastern Immigrants at Risk of Diabetes

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 413: Valuing a Lifestyle Intervention for Middle Eastern Immigrants at Risk of Diabetes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030413

Authors: Sanjib Saha Ulf-G. Gerdtham Faiza Siddiqui Louise Bennet

Willingness-to-pay (WTP) techniques are increasingly being used in the healthcare sector for assessing the value of interventions. The objective of this study was to estimate WTP and its predictors in a randomized controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention exclusively targeting Middle Eastern immigrants living in Malmö, Sweden, who are at high risk of type 2 diabetes. We used the contingent valuation method to evaluate WTP. The questionnaire was designed following the payment-scale approach, and administered at the end of the trial, giving an ex-post perspective. We performed logistic regression and linear regression techniques to identify the factors associated with zero WTP value and positive WTP values. The intervention group had significantly higher average WTP than the control group (216 SEK vs. 127 SEK; p = 0.035; 1 U.S.$ = 8.52 SEK, 2015 price year) per month. The regression models demonstrated that being in the intervention group, acculturation, and self-employment were significant factors associated with positive WTP values. Male participants and lower-educated participants had a significantly higher likelihood of zero WTP. In this era of increased migration, our findings can help policy makers to take informed decisions to implement lifestyle interventions for immigrant populations.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 418: Impact of Sexual Dimorphism on Trauma Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with a High-Risk Score of the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 418: Impact of Sexual Dimorphism on Trauma Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with a High-Risk Score of the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030418

Authors: Chien-En Tang Hang-Tsung Liu Pao-Jen Kuo Yi-Chun Chen Shiun-Yuan Hsu Chih-Che Lin Ching-Hua Hsieh

The Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) is a validated index based on age and weight to predict the risk of osteoporosis in women. This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the impact of sexual dimorphism on the trauma patterns and the clinical outcomes of patients with high-risk OSTA scores. Trauma data of patients with high-risk OSTA scores between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015 were retrieved from the trauma registry system of a level I trauma center. A total of 2248 patients including 1585 women and 663 men were included in this study. In-hospital mortality was assessed as the primary outcome in the propensity score-matched analyses of the female and male patients, which were created in a 1:1 ratio under the adjustment of potential confounders, including age, co-morbidity, mechanism and injury-severity score (ISS). Female patients with a high-risk OSTA score had significantly lower mortality rates than their male counterparts. Among the propensity score-matched population, female patients had lower odds of having cerebral contusion and pneumothorax, but higher odds of presenting with radial, ulnar and femoral fractures than male patients. In addition, the female patients still had significantly lower odds of mortality (odds ratio (OR), 0.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29–0.90; p = 0.019) than the male patients. However, no significant differences were noted in the length of stay (LOS) in hospital, intensive-care unit (ICU) admission, and LOS in the ICU between the sexes. Female patients with high-risk OSTA scores showed different injury patterns and significantly lower mortality rates than their male counterparts, even after controlling for potential confounding factors.

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Hydrological and flood hazard assessment using a coupled modelling approach for a mountainous catchment in Portugal

Abstract

Floods may lead to destruction of property, to damage to the environment and ultimately to loss of lives. Although it is not possible to avoid them, they are enhanced by human activities that increase the probability of occurrence of these natural events. Preliminary flood risk assessment and determination of areas of potential significant flood risk is mandatory according to the European Floods Directive (2007). In order to meet the established legislation, a methodology was developed that couples two modelling approaches: the Hydrological Simulation Program—FORTRAN (HSPF) and IBER. A target watershed, with complex orography and known to be vulnerable to flood hazards, is selected: the Vez River (northern Portugal). The performance of the HSPF model, driven by a climate gridded dataset, was assessed, followed by the reconstruction of the flow rate in the catchment for the period from 1950 to 2015. The results hint at an agreement between simulated and observed daily flow rates, with high coefficient of determination value and of the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (> 0.7 daily timescale). A satisfactory performance was also found in reproducing flood peak events. An average deviation of 10% was found between observed and simulated flood peaks. The output of HSPF was subsequently used to drive IBER, thus determining flood hazard areas for a 10, 50 and 100-year return periods. The methodology presented here provides basic tools for decision-makers to evaluate hydrologic responses to climate data, namely the determination of flood hazard maps, but also risk assessment, water management, environmental protection and sustainability.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 412: Individual and School Correlates of Adolescent Leisure Time Physical Activity in Quebec, Canada

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 412: Individual and School Correlates of Adolescent Leisure Time Physical Activity in Quebec, Canada

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030412

Authors: José Massougbodji Alexandre Lebel Philippe De Wals

Background: Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) correlates have been mostly studied in relation to adolescents' home neighbourhoods, but not so much in relation to the environment of their schools' neighbourhoods. We sought to investigate how objective environmental measures of the schools' vicinity are related to adolescents' self-reported LTPA. Methods: Individual data from the Quebec High School Students Health Survey (QHSSHS) were matched with schools' socioeconomic indicators, as well as geographic information system-based indicators of their built environments. Self-reported levels of LTPA during the school year were assessed according to intensity, frequency and index of energy expenditure. Associations per gender between covariates and LTPA were estimated using ordinal multilevel regression with multiple imputations. Results: Boys (21% of which were highly active) were more active than girls (16% of which were highly active) (p ≤ 0.01). The incremental variance between schools explained by the contextual variables in the final models was higher among girls (7.8%) than boys (2.8%). The number of parks or green spaces within 750 m around their schools was positively associated with student LTPA in both genders. Conclusions: The promotion of parks around schools seems to be an avenue to be strengthened.

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Less ice, more fire: Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions

Print section Print Rubric:  Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions Print Headline:  Less ice, more fire Print Fly Title:  Volcanology and glaciology UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  How—and why—to end the war in Yemen Fly Title:  Less ice, more fire Main image:  Hot to trot Hot to trot AT THE end of the last ice age, around 11,700 years ago, Earth's climate began warming rapidly. As the planet heated up, its vast glaciers fell back. Almost immediately afterwards (in geological terms, at least) volcanic activity surged. That was nothing new. The geological record has plenty of evidence of big glacial retreats that are followed by more frequent volcanic eruptions. Glaciers, in other words, seem to suppress volcanoes, which, by the same token, flourish in their absence. This, at least, is the case for really big climatic swings. What ...

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Calculating behaviour: The EPA is rewriting the most important number in climate economics

Print section Print Rubric:  The EPA is rewriting the most important number in climate economics Print Headline:  Calculating Print Fly Title:  Environmental policy UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  The army sidelines Robert Mugabe, Africa's great dictator Fly Title:  Calculating behaviour Location:  WASHINGTON, DC Main image:  20171118_USP504.jpg CLIMATE economists refer to it as "the most important number you've never heard of". The social cost of carbon (SCC) tries to capture the cost of an additional ton of carbon-dioxide pollution in a single number—around $47 in present dollars. Using it, more than $1trn worth of benefits have been calculated in economic-impact assessments that accompany environmental regulations. But now that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is headed by ...

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Negative-emissions technology: What they don’t tell you about climate change

Print section Print Rubric:  Stopping the flow of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is not enough. It has to be sucked out, too Print Headline:  What they don't tell you Print Fly Title:  Negative-emissions technology UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  The army sidelines Robert Mugabe, Africa's great dictator Fly Title:  Negative-emissions technology Main image:  20171118_LDD002_0.jpg TWO years ago the world pledged to keep global warming "well below" 2°C hotter than pre-industrial times. Climate scientists and campaigners purred. Politicians patted themselves on the back. Despite the Paris agreement's ambiguities and some setbacks, including President Donald Trump's decision to yank America out of the deal, the air of self-congratulation was still on show among those who gathered in Bonn this month for a follow-up summit. Yet the most damaging thing ...

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Sucking up carbon: Greenhouse gases must be scrubbed from the air

Print section Print Rubric:  Cutting emissions will not be enough to keep global warming in check. Greenhouse gases must also be scrubbed from the air Print Headline:  Sucking up carbon Print Fly Title:  Combating climate change UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  The army sidelines Robert Mugabe, Africa's great dictator Fly Title:  Sucking up carbon Location:  BONN Main image:  20171118_FBP001_5.jpg SWEDEN'S parliament passed a law in June which obliges the country to have "no net emissions" of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by 2045. The clue is in the wording. This does not mean that three decades from now Swedes must emit no planet-heating substances; even if all their electricity came from renewables and they only drove Teslas, they would presumably still want to fly in ...

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Huffing and puffing: Germany is missing its emissions targets

Print section Print Rubric:  As climate talks open in Bonn, Germany's green credentials suffer Print Headline:  Huffing and puffing Print Fly Title:  Climate-change policy in Germany UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  America's global influence has dwindled under Donald Trump Fly Title:  Huffing and puffing Location:  BERLIN THE PR arm of Germany's environment ministry has had a busy autumn. Over the past two weeks, colourful posters advertising the government's global initiatives against climate change have gone up all over the country. In Bonn, where thousands of delegates gathered this week for the COP23 round of international climate-change talks, journalists are being encouraged to tour the area's green projects. Barbara Hendricks, the environment minister, opened proceedings by pledging additional funds to help developing countries adjust to global ...

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New Green advocates: Climate-change lawsuits

Print section Print Rubric:  The battle against global warming is increasingly being waged in courtrooms Print Headline:  New green advocates Print Fly Title:  Lawsuits against climate change UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  Do social media threaten democracy? Fly Title:  New Green advocates Main image:  20171104_IRP001_0.jpg IN FEBRUARY a tribunal in Kirkenes, in Norway's far north, ruled that oil extraction in the Barents Sea was illegal. The courtroom—an auditorium sculpted from 190 tonnes of ice, pictured above—and the verdict were fictitious, staged as part of a festival. But the legal question is real. On November 14th a district court in Oslo, Norway's capital, will begin hearing the case that inspired the theatrics. Greenpeace and another pressure group, Nature and Youth, allege that by issuing licences to explore for oil in the Arctic, ...

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Above boards: Scott Pruitt seeks to weaken independent scientific review at the EPA

Main image:  TWO days ago, October 23rd, three scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were to present at a conference on the health of the Narragansett Bay estuary (pictured). They were to unveil a 500-page report, which found that "stressors associated with climate change are increasing rapidly"—but the agency abruptly cancelled the presentation without explanation. Critics pointed to it as the latest example of meddling and muzzling by the agency's new leadership. Scott Pruitt, the industry-friendly administrator, is sceptical of the scientific consensus on climate change. The agency has also furiously scrubbed references to climate change from its website, and encouraged the creation of a "red team" to play devil's advocate to established climate science. Mr Pruitt is set to continue his campaign against science he does not much like, by upending several critical advisory boards that the EPA relies on for independent scientific advice.Mr Pruitt is expected to announce today that scientists who currently receive research grants from the EPA will be barred from sitting on important committees like the Science Advisory Board, which reviews the scientific evidence used to undergird environmental regulations. The professed aim is to prevent conflicts of interest. But the proposal ...

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Up in smoke: Scott Pruitt signs a measure to repeal the Clean Power Plan

Main image:  TIE off and collar open, Scott Pruitt unveiled his plan to repeal the Clean Power Plan to loud applause in Hazard, Kentucky, a sleepy coal town in the state's mountainous south-east. "The war on coal is over," said Mr Pruitt, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on October 9th. The next day, in Washington, DC he signed a rule aimed at rescinding the Obama-era policy, which seeks to curb carbon emissions from power plants by 32% in 2030, compared to 2005 levels. But far from being the end of the Clean Power Plan, Mr Pruitt's announcement is an opening salvo in a battle which could last for years.The plan, which was drawn up more than three years ago, has never gone into effect. Just days after it was finalised, energy companies marshalled an impressive legal offensive, even recruiting Mr Obama's mentor at Harvard Law School to claim that his protégé  was "burning the constitution". A federal court delayed implementing it until the EPA, now under new management, could issue a revised plan. Mr Pruitt's move is also likely to prompt legal action. The attorneys-general of New York and Massachusetts have already announced plans to sue the agency. That could spell years of regulatory uncertainty for energy firms; a greener candidate could occupy the White House before the ...

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Germany’s Greens: “I don’t want the last car made in Germany to end up in a museum”

Main image:  LAST week I caught up with Cem Özdemir, lead candidate of Germany's Green Party, to talk about his country's future. The latest polls put his party at about 8%. Mr Özdemir's perspective matters, for two reasons.First, the polls suggest that Angela Merkel may have to choose between another "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats (SPD)—who are fed up with governing with her—and a three-way coalition with the centre-left Greens and the right-liberal Free Democrats (FDP). In the latter scenario (called "Jamaica" as the colours of the parties match those of country's flag) Mr Özdemir might well become Germany's foreign minister. That would make him the second Green to hold that job after Joschka Fischer and the first Turkish-German to hold any major government rank (his father moved to Germany from Tokat, north-east of Ankara).Second, Mr Özdemir is actually willing to discuss the big challenges facing Germany. Whether or not you agree with him, this is welcome in an election campaign marked and marred by the big parties' inability to talk what Germans call Klartext, or frank sense, about the big issues. How should the Euro zone advance? What are Germany's international responsibilities? How can the country's business model be made fit for the future? How can the country's car industry get ...

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Climate change: There is still no room for complacency in matters climatic

Print section Print Rubric:  Changed estimates of how much carbon dioxide can still be emitted to meet climate targets leave no room for complacency Print Headline:  Breathing space Print Fly Title:  Carbon budgets UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  Jeremy Corbyn: Britain's most likely next prime minister Fly Title:  Climate change Main image:  20170923_STD001_0.jpg IN JUNE Christiana Figueres, the UN's former climate chief who helped broker the Paris agreement in 2015, warned that the world has "three years to safeguard our climate". It was a hyperbolic claim, even then. New research makes it seem even more of one today. An analysis published in Nature Geoscience on September 18th, by Richard Millar of Oxford University and his colleagues, suggests that climate researchers have been underestimating the carbon "budget" compatible with the ambitions ...

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Paradise lost: How Hurricane Irma will change the Caribbean

Print section Print Rubric:  After one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the Caribbean, the region will have to change the way it plans for disasters Print Headline:  Paradise lost Print Fly Title:  Hurricane Irma (1) UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  Closing in on cancer Fly Title:  Paradise lost Main image:  20170916_AMP001_0.jpg FOR three days in early September Hurricane Irma ground through the eastern Caribbean like a bulldozer made out of wind and rain. Tropical breezes became 300kph (185mph) blasts, turning "tin roofs into flying razor blades", as Maarten van Aalst of the Red Cross put it. Placid seas reared up in giant waves and rainwater coursed through streets. Even when the sun eventually came out the nightmare did not end. Shortages of food and water sparked looting on some islands. Survivors were grateful that fewer than 50 ...

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Religion and climate change: The Dalai Lama’s planet

Main image:  WHEN religious leaders speak out on matters of global policy, they often stick to lofty generalities and avoid making direct challenges to those who wield earthly power. Not so this week. In the space of barely 24 hours, Donald Trump and his perceived indifference to environmental concerns were the object of stern rebukes from two spiritual champions.One was the Dalai Lama, who was visiting one of his favourite charities (Children in Crossfire, which helps kids in war zones), based in Northern Ireland's second city, known officially as Derry-Londonderry. Asked if he had a message to send to Mr Trump, he replied, "His view about ecology…he does not consider it important, and with that I disagree." The Tibetan spiritual leader added, "Now I think America is learning lessons on the importance of ecology…on the east coast, floods, and on the west coast, [forest] fires. The most industrialised nation and the leading nation of the free world should [have] more respect regarding ecology."The Dalai Lama said America's withdrawal from the Paris climate accord made him "quite sad". He was particularly concerned by the threat to the snows of the Tibetan plateau, one of the earth's natural water tables, which are sometimes said to be as ecologically sensitive as the two polar regions.An almost ...

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Daily chart: Hurricanes in America have become less frequent

Main image:  HURRICANE IRMA tore through Florida on September 10th, causing widespread flooding and wind damage. Although the unusually large storm unleashed its fury on the entire peninsula, its centre moved up the state's west coast, striking the mainland with the greatest force when it made landfall at Marco Island, near the city of Naples. Preparations for Irma's arrival were unusually frantic, with Gulf Coast residents given just two days' warning that they would bear the brunt of the hurricane. It had previously been forecast to hug Florida's Atlantic coast, and a week before was projected to take a more northerly track that could have missed the state entirely. The one-two punch delivered within the space of a few weeks by Irma and Hurricane Harvey, which deposited a whopping 33 trillion gallons of rain over four states, has sparked renewed interest in the relationship between climate change and extreme weather. Climate models predict that man-made global warming will not lead to a greater number of tropical cyclones overall, but will make those that do occur more intense. Tying such long-run trends to individual weather events is difficult, although the great amount of precipitation generated by Harvey may allow scientists to establish a direct link in its case. The average number of ...

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Frequency modulation: The likelihood of floods is changing with the climate

Print section Print Rubric:  Centuries ain't what they used to be Print Headline:  Frequency modulation Print Fly Title:  The chances of disaster UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  How government policy exacerbates hurricanes like Harvey Fly Title:  Frequency modulation IN 1979 it was Claudette; in 2001 it was Allison; now it is Harvey: in 50 years, the city of Houston has been hit by three separate "500-year floods". A 500-year flood does not have to happen only twice a millennium. But a run of three in one place does make it feel as if the past climate were no longer a reliable guide to the present—as if the climate itself were changing. So, of course, it is. The world's average temperature is between 0.6 and 0.7°C (1.1- 1.3°F) higher than it was in 1979. Scientists have understood since the 1850s that hotter air holds more water vapour; a law known as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation states that for every degree Celsius of ...

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Natural disasters: How government policy exacerbates hurricanes like Harvey

Print section Print Rubric:  The to-do list goes far beyond getting to grips with climate change Print Headline:  How to cope with floods Print Fly Title:  Natural disasters UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  How government policy exacerbates hurricanes like Harvey Fly Title:  Natural disasters Main image:  20170902_LDD001_0.jpg THE extent of the devastation will become clear only when the floodwater recedes, leaving ruined cars, filthy mud-choked houses and the bloated corpses of the drowned. But as we went to press, with the rain pounding South Texas for the sixth day, Hurricane Harvey had already set records as America's most severe deluge (see Briefing). In Houston it drenched Harris County in over 4.5trn litres of water in just 100 hours—enough rainfall to cover an eight-year-old child. The fate of America's fourth-largest city holds the world's ...

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Coastal erosion: Louisiana fights the sea, and loses

Print section Print Rubric:  Republican politicians are much better at responding to environmental disasters than trying to prevent them Print Headline:  Mississippi blues Print Fly Title:  Coastal erosion in Louisiana UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  Blanket repression is the wrong way to deal with political Islamists Fly Title:  Coastal erosion Location:  BATON ROUGE AND ISLE DE JEAN CHARLES Main image:  Hanging on to the Isle Hanging on to the Isle WHEN Roosevelt Falgout was a boy, the brackish water that now laps within a few feet of his three-room cabin at Isle de Jean Charles was miles off. "There were only trees all around, far as you could see," recalls the 81-year-old former oyster fisherman, at home on the Isle, a sliver of land in the vast marsh that covers much of southern ...

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Externalities: Pigouvian taxes

Print section Print Rubric:  Arthur Pigou thought that taxes could solve a common market failure. The fourth brief in our series on big economic ideas Print Headline:  The lives of others Print Fly Title:  Externalities UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  How Trump has a feeble grasp of what it means to be president Fly Title:  Externalities Main image:  20170819_BBD001_0.jpg LOUD conversation in a train carriage that makes concentration impossible for fellow-passengers. A farmer spraying weedkiller that destroys his neighbour's crop. Motorists whose idling cars spew fumes into the air, polluting the atmosphere for everyone. Such behaviour might be considered thoughtless, anti-social or even immoral. For economists these spillovers are a problem to be solved. Markets are supposed to organise activity in a way that leaves everyone better off. But the ...

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Letters: Letters to the editor

Print section Print Headline:  Letters to the editor UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  The death of the internal combustion engine Fly Title:  Letters Main image:  20170812_LTP001_0.jpg Brexit's new frontier You described vividly the hurdles that the traffic of people and goods would face if a hard border were to be established between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland as a consequence of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union ("The border that isn't—yet", July 15th). Yet this does not need to be so. Article 24 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which lays down the rules to be respected by member countries when they establish customs unions or free-trade areas in order that other countries are not discriminated against, contains a little-used provision on "frontier traffic". It allows members of the World Trade Organisation to deviate from these constraints in respect of "advantages accorded to adjacent countries in order to facilitate frontier traffic". There ...

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Dam bluster: How climate change might affect the Nile

Print section Print Rubric:  The countries in the Nile basin will suffer if they do not learn to co-operate Print Headline:  Flood and famine Print Fly Title:  Climate change and the Nile UK Only Article:  standard article Issue:  How to avoid nuclear war with North Korea Fly Title:  Dam bluster Location:  CAIRO TO THE untrained eye, the satellite photos of north-west Ethiopia on July 10th may have seemed benign. They showed a relatively small pool of water next to an enormous building site on the Blue Nile, the main tributary of the Nile river. But the project under construction is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is more than halfway complete. And the water is why it is so controversial. Since Ethiopia announced its plan to build the dam, it has inspired threats of sabotage from Egypt, which sits downstream and relies on the Nile for electricity, ...

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Can’t stand the heat: Climate change might prevent airlines from flying full planes

Main image:  THIS summer America has experienced some of the most intense heatwaves in decades. In parts of southern Arizona the mercury has climbed to a sweltering 48°C. That has had an impact on the state's infrastructure. Last month, a single day's heatwave grounded dozens of planes. As global temperatures climb higher, such incidents are likely to increase.Climate change could have a dramatic impact on aviation across the world, according to a recently released paper by a team from Columbia University and Logistics Management Institute, a consulting firm. The researchers predict that as early as the middle of the century, some 30% of flights departing during the most blistering parts of the day will not be able to take off at their maximum weight because the hotter, less dense air will not provide enough lift.Of the 19 airports examined, Dubai and LaGuardia in New York are expected to see some of the worst effects. During the harshest hours, some of their aeroplanes could be grounded at their full weight around half the time, according to the paper. On average, airlines may have to cut as much as 4% of passengers or cargo to get their flights into the air at the hottest parts of the day. If carriers are forced to fly emptier planes, expect customers to pick up the tab through higher prices.The ...

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Combined toxicities of copper nanoparticles with carbon nanotubes on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum

Abstract

To investigate the combined toxicities of copper nanoparticles (nano-Cu) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum, algal growth inhibition tests were carried out. Toxicities of nano-Cu with CNTs and without CNTs on microalgae were determined, respectively. Chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency (ΦPSII) were determined to compare negative effects of nano-Cu with CNTs and without CNTs on photosynthesis. The concentration of Cu²⁺ released by nano-Cu into the medium was determined, and interactions between nano-Cu and CNTs were analyzed to study toxic mechanisms of combined toxicities of nano-Cu with CNTs. It was found that both nano-Cu and CNTs could inhibit the growth of the microalgae; however, the toxicity of CNTs on the microalgae was far lower than that of nano-Cu. The maximum growth inhibition ratio (IR) of nano-Cu on the microalgae was 86% appearing at 96 h under 1.0 mg/L nano-Cu treatment, while the maximum IR of CNTs on the microalgae was 58% at 96 h under 200 mg/L CNT treatment. CNTs could reduce the toxicity of nano-Cu on the microalgae in processes of growth and photosynthesis. Adsorption of Cu²⁺ on CNTs and aggregate between Cu and CNTs in the medium were main reasons for attenuation of toxicity of nano-Cu with adding CNTs.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 411: Analysis of Health Behaviors and Personal Values of Childless Women, Pregnant Women and Women Who Recently Delivered

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 411: Analysis of Health Behaviors and Personal Values of Childless Women, Pregnant Women and Women Who Recently Delivered

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030411

Authors: Grzegorz Nowicki Patrycja Misztal-Okońska Barbara Ślusarska Ewa Rudnicka-Drożak Magdalena Młynarska Artur Czekierdowski

Preconception lifestyle modifications and reduction of several known risk factors may have an influence on future pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the study was to analyze health behaviors and personal values as well as to assess the relationship between these factors in women without children, in pregnant women and in women who had already delivered babies. The questionnaire survey included the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), the Personal Value List (PVL) and sociodemographic data and was conducted in 538 women. These women were divided into three groups: women who had recently delivered (n = 235), pregnant women (n = 121) and childless women (n = 182). Pregnant women demonstrated a significantly higher level of declared health behaviors, and also, they rated higher on the subscales values "positive mental attitude" and "health practices", in comparison to women who had recently delivered and to childless women. In all tested groups, the highest rated personal value was "a successful family life", while the most appreciated symbol of happiness was "love and friendship". Our results suggest that the system of values and the perception of happiness symbols may influence women's health behaviors. Positioning "health" in the hierarchy of personal values as the most important one may facilitate the introduction of healthy behaviors. This, in turn, could reduce several adverse pregnancy outcomes that are potentially modifiable with changing preconception health attitudes. Our results also identify several unanswered questions and highlight areas where new research is needed.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 410: Dramatic Reduction in Diarrhoeal Diseases through Implementation of Cost-Effective Household Drinking Water Treatment Systems in Makwane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 410: Dramatic Reduction in Diarrhoeal Diseases through Implementation of Cost-Effective Household Drinking Water Treatment Systems in Makwane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030410

Authors: Resoketswe Moropeng Phumudzo Budeli Lizzy Mpenyana-Monyatsi Maggy Momba

The main purpose of this study was to implement cost-effective household water treatment systems in every household of Makwane Village for the reduction of diarrhoeal diseases. These household water treatment systems were constructed with locally available materials and consisted of the biosand zeolite-silver impregnated granular clay filters and the silver-impregnated porous pot filters. During the study period (April 2015 to September 2015), the entire village had 88 households with a population size of 480. Prior to the implementation, a survey was conducted and results revealed that 75% (360/480) of the Makwane residents suffered from diarrhoeal disease and the majority of the cases were reported in children that were less than five years of age. Out of the 480 participants, 372 (77.5%) from 70 households accepted the installation of the systems (intervention group) and 108 (25.5%) from 18 households were reluctant to use the systems (the control group). To date, in the intervention group, only 3.8% (14/372) of participants reported cases of diarrhoea. In the control group, 57.4% (62/108) participants reported cases of diarrhoea and most of the episodes of diarrhoea were reported in children of less than five years old (85%), followed by the group aged ≥56 years (75%). The findings of the current study unequivocally demonstrated that the BSZ-SICG and SIPP filters were able to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea by 96.2%. These findings further demonstrate the importance of household water treatment systems (HWTS) interventions in rural areas to bring about meaningful reductions in diarrhoeal diseases by providing safe potable water.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 409: Burden of Injuries in Bangladesh: A Population-Based Assessment

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 409: Burden of Injuries in Bangladesh: A Population-Based Assessment

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030409

Authors: Priyanka Agrawal Adnan Hyder

Injuries claim over 5 million lives, with more than 90% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICS) [...]

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 408: Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in the Roma and Non-Roma Inhabitants of Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Seroprevalence Study

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 408: Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in the Roma and Non-Roma Inhabitants of Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Seroprevalence Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030408

Authors: Daniela Antolová Martin Janičko Monika Halánová Peter Jarčuška Andrea Gecková Ingrid Babinská Zuzana Kalinová Daniel Pella Mária Mareková Eduard Veseliny HepaMeta Team

The lifestyle, health and social status of the Roma are generally below the standards characteristic for the non-Roma population. This study aimed to find out the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the population of Roma living in segregated settlements and to compare it with the prevalence of antibodies in the non-Roma population from the catchment area of eastern Slovakia. The seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was significantly higher in the Roma group (45.0%) than in non-Roma inhabitants (24.1%). A statistically significant difference was also recorded between the two non-Roma groups in the study, 30.4% of those from the catchment area and 19.7% from the non-catchment area were seropositive. Univariate logistic regression confirmed poverty and higher age to be significant risk factors influencing the seropositivity to T. gondii. Of the clinical symptoms analyzed in the study, only muscle and back pain were associated with seropositivity to T. gondii. The close contact of Roma with an environment contaminated by different infectious agents and the insufficient hygiene, lower level of education, poverty, lack of water and household equipment and high number of domestic animals increase the risk of infectious diseases in the Roma settlements and subsequently the spread of communicable diseases at the national or even international level.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 407: Resilience of an Earthquake-Stricken Rural Community in Southwest China: Correlation with Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 407: Resilience of an Earthquake-Stricken Rural Community in Southwest China: Correlation with Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030407

Authors: Ke Cui Ziqiang Han Dongming Wang

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities have given growing attention to building community resilience, but the effects of such efforts on community resilience are still under-investigated, especially in China where the concept of community resilience has only just emerged. Using the Communities Advancing Resilience Toolkit Assessment Survey, data on self-perceived community resilience were collected in 2017 from a post-disaster Chinese rural community in Yingxiu Town, which was the epicenter of the Wenchuan earthquake (Magnitude = 8.0) in the year 2008. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the correlations between residents' DRR behaviors and perceived community resilience with the control of their socio-demographic characteristics including age, ethnicity, gender, education, income level, employment status and marital status. Results indicate that residents who volunteered for DRR activities received geological disaster education, participated in evacuation drills, and reported higher income levels had a perception of higher community resilience. Practice research is suggested to help clarify the cause and effect of DRR work on the enhancement of community resilience to disasters in China and abroad. Attention is also called to the development of a Chinese indigenous community resilience concept and assessment instrument.

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UV-irradiated 2-methyl-4′-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone-containing injection solution produced frameshift mutations in the Ames mutagenicity assay

Abstract

In previous studies, we detected the photoinitiators 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (1-HCHPK), methyl 2-benzoylbenzoate (MBB), and 2-methyl-4′-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone (MTMP) in intravenous injection solutions. In addition, we reported that 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP exhibited cytotoxicity towards normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A previous in vitro study reported that a free-radical photoinitiator introduced covalently bound purine residues into DNA. However, little is known about the in vitro mutagenicity of 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP. In the present in vitro study, we evaluated the mutagenicity of 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP using the Ames test. We found that untreated 1-HCHPK, MBB, and MTMP were not mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA97, TA98, TA100, TA102, or TA1535, regardless of the presence/absence of S9 activation. However, ultraviolet (UV) light-irradiated MTMP exhibited mutagenicity in S. typhimurium strain TA97 in the absence of S9 activation. In conclusion, we suggest that exposure to UV-irradiated MTMP, including in intravenous injection solutions, can result in frameshift mutations.

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IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 406: Regional Assessment of Temperature-Related Mortality in Finland

IJERPH, Vol. 15, Pages 406: Regional Assessment of Temperature-Related Mortality in Finland

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph15030406

Authors: Reija Ruuhela Otto Hyvärinen Kirsti Jylhä

The aim of this study was to assess regional differences in temperature–mortality relationships across 21 hospital districts in Finland. The temperature dependence of the daily number of all-cause, all-aged deaths during 2000–2014 was studied in each hospital district by using daily mean temperatures, spatially averaged across each hospital district, to describe exposure to heat stress and cold stress. The relationships were modelled using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM). In a simple model version, no delayed impacts of heat and cold on mortality were taken into account, whereas a more complex version included delayed impacts up to 25 days. A meta-analysis with selected climatic and sociodemographic covariates was conducted to study differences in the relationships between hospital districts. A pooled mortality-temperature relationship was produced to describe the average relationship in Finland. The simple DLNM model version without lag gave U-shaped dependencies of mortality on temperature almost without exception. The outputs of the model version with a 25-day lag were also U-shaped in most hospital districts. According to the meta-analysis, the differences in the temperature-mortality relationships between hospital districts were not statistically significant on the absolute temperature scale, meaning that the pooled mortality–temperature relationship can be applied to the whole country. However, on a relative temperature scale, heterogeneity was found, and the meta-regression suggested that morbidity index and population in the hospital districts might explain some of this heterogeneity. The pooled estimate for the relative risk (RR) of mortality at a daily mean temperature of 24 °C was 1.16 (95% CI 1.12–1.20) with reference at 14 °C, which is the minimum mortality temperature (MMT) of the pooled relationship. On the cold side, the RR at a daily mean temperature of −20 °C was 1.14 (95% CI 1.12–1.16). On a relative scale of daily mean temperature, the MMT was found at the 79th percentile.

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