Circulating lung-cancer-related non-coding RNAs are associated with occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium - A cross-sectional study within the SafeChrom project.

BACKGROUND: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(Ⅵ)) is classified as a group 1 human carcinogen and increases the risk of lung cancer. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have key regulatory roles in lung cancer, but less is known about their relation to Cr(Ⅵ) exposure. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to 1) measure the expression of lung cancer-related circulating ncRNAs in exposed workers and controls; 2) assess associations between ncRNAs expression and Cr concentrations in red blood cells (RBC) and urine; and 3) evaluate correlations between the ncRNAs. METHODS: The study included 111 Cr(VI) exposed workers and 72 controls recruited from the SafeChrom project. Cr concentrations were measured in RBC (biomarker of long-term exposure) and urine (biomarker of short-term exposure) samples. Long ncRNA (lncRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) were extracted from plasma followed by deoxyribonuclease treatment, complementary DNA synthesis, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using target-specific assays for three lncRNAs (H19, MALAT1, NORAD), and four miRNAs (miR-142-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-3940-5p, miR-451a). RESULTS: Expression levels of lncRNAs MALAT1 and NORAD, and all four miRNAs, were significantly lower in Cr(VI) exposed workers compared with controls, and correlated significantly with RBC-Cr concentrations (rS = -0.16 to -0.38). H19 was non-significantly increased in exposed workers but significantly correlated with miR-142-3p (rS = -0.33) and miR-15b-5p (rS = -0.30), and NORAD was significantly positively correlated with all four miRNAs (rS = 0.17 to 0.46). In multivariate regression models adjusting for confounders, expressions of lncRNAs MALAT1 and NORAD and all miRNAs were still significantly lower in the exposed group compared with controls, and the expression decreased with increasing RBC-Cr concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Cr(VI) exposure was inversely and in a dose-response manner associated with the expression of circulating non-coding RNA, which suggests ncRNAs as potential biomarkers for Cr(VI)-induced toxicity. Correlations between miRNAs and lncRNAs suggest that they participate in the same lncRNA-miRNA-messenger RNA regulatory axes, which may play important roles in Cr(VI) carcinogenesis.

"When we have served meat, my husband comes first": A qualitative analysis of child nutrition among urban and rural communities of Rwanda.

BACKGROUND: Stunting among children under five years of age is a global public health concern, especially in low-and middle-income settings. Emerging evidence suggests a gradual reduction in the overall prevalence of stunting in Rwanda, necessitating a qualitative understanding of the contributing drivers to help develop targeted and effective strategies. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of women and men to identify key issues that influence childhood nutrition and stunting as well as possible solutions to address the problem. METHODS: Ten (10) focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with fathers and mothers of children under five years of age from five districts, supplemented by forty (40) in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Nurses and Community Health Workers (CHWs). Transcripts were coded inductively and analysed thematically using Dedoose (version 9.0.86). RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) Awareness of a healthy diet for pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes Knowledge about maternal and child nutrition and feeding practices; (2) Personal and food hygiene is crucial while handling, preparing, and eating food with subthemes, food preparation practices and the feeding environment (3) factors influencing healthy eating among pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes; Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among pregnant women and children. CONCLUSION: Several factors influence child stunting, and strategies to address them should recognise the cultural and social contexts of the problem. Prioritisation of nutrition-based strategies is vital and should be done using a multifaceted approach, incorporating economic opportunities and health education, especially among women, and allowing CHWs to counsel households with conflicts.

Long-term exposure to transportation noise and obesity: A pooled analysis of eleven Nordic cohorts.

Background: Available evidence suggests a link between exposure to transportation noise and an increased risk of obesity. We aimed to assess exposure-response functions for long-term residential exposure to road traffic, railway and aircraft noise, and markers of obesity. Methods: Our cross-sectional study is based on pooled data from 11 Nordic cohorts, including up to 162,639 individuals with either measured (69.2%) or self-reported obesity data. Residential exposure to transportation noise was estimated as a time-weighted average Lden 5 years before recruitment. Adjusted linear and logistic regression models were fitted to assess beta coefficients and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for body mass index, overweight, and obesity, as well as for waist circumference and central obesity. Furthermore, natural splines were fitted to assess the shape of the exposure-response functions. Results: For road traffic noise, the OR for obesity was 1.06 (95% CI = 1.03, 1.08) and for central obesity 1.03 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.05) per 10 dB Lden. Thresholds were observed at around 50-55 and 55-60 dB Lden, respectively, above which there was an approximate 10% risk increase per 10 dB Lden increment for both outcomes. However, linear associations only occurred in participants with measured obesity markers and were strongly influenced by the largest cohort. Similar risk estimates as for road traffic noise were found for railway noise, with no clear thresholds. For aircraft noise, results were uncertain due to the low number of exposed participants. Conclusion: Our results support an association between road traffic and railway noise and obesity.

Longitudinal changes in cardiovascular disease-related proteins in welders.

OBJECTIVE: Occupational exposure to welding fumes is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the threshold exposure level is unknown. Here, we aimed to identify changes in proteins associated with cardiovascular disease in relation to exposure to welding fumes. METHODS: Data were obtained from two timepoints six years apart for 338 non-smoking men (171 welders, 167 controls); of these, 174 (78 welders, 96 controls) had measurements available at both timepoints. Exposure was measured as personal respirable dust (adjusted for personal protective equipment), welding years, and cumulative exposure. Proximity extension assays were used to measure a panel of 92 proteins involved in cardiovascular processes in serum samples. Linear mixed models were used for longitudinal analysis. The biological functions and diseases related to the identified proteins were explored using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. RESULTS: At both timepoints, the median respirable dust exposure was 0.7 mg/m3 for the welders. Seven proteins were differentially abundant between the welders and controls and increased incrementally with respirable dust: FGF23, CEACAM8, CD40L, PGF, CXCL1, CD84, and HO1. CD84 was significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. These proteins have been linked to disorders of blood pressure, damage related to clogged blood vessels, and chronic inflammatory disorders. CONCLUSION: Exposure to mild steel welding fumes below current occupational exposure limits for respirable particles and welding fumes in Europe and the US (1-5 mg/m3) was associated with changes in the abundance of proteins related to cardiovascular disease. Further research should evaluate the utility of these proteins as prospective biomarkers of occupational cardiovascular disease.

A call from 40 public health scientists for an end to the continuing humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in Gaza.

An under-recognised aspect of the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the impact of the war on the environment and the associated risks for human health. This commentary contextualises these impacts against the background of human suffering produced by the overwhelming violence associated with the use of military force against the general population of Gaza. In calling for an immediate cessation to the violence, the authors draw attention to the urgent need to rebuild the health care system and restore the physical and human infrastructure that makes a liveable environment possible and promotes human health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable in the population. Environmental remediation should therefore form one of the most important parts of international efforts to assist reconstruction, through which we hope Palestinians and Israelis will achieve lasting peace, health, and sustainable development, all as part of accepted international human rights obligations.

Narrative review of occupational exposures and noncommunicable diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Within the scope of the Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research on applying the exposome concept to working life health, we aimed to provide a broad overview of the status of knowledge on occupational exposures and associated health effects across multiple noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to help inform research priorities. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of occupational risk factors that can be considered to have "consistent evidence for an association," or where there is "limited/inadequate evidence for an association" for 6 NCD groups: nonmalignant respiratory diseases; neurodegenerative diseases; cardiovascular/metabolic diseases; mental disorders; musculoskeletal diseases; and cancer. The assessment was done in expert sessions, primarily based on systematic reviews, supplemented with narrative reviews, reports, and original studies. Subsequently, knowledge gaps were identified, e.g. based on missing information on exposure-response relationships, gender differences, critical time-windows, interactions, and inadequate study quality. RESULTS: We identified over 200 occupational exposures with consistent or limited/inadequate evidence for associations with one or more of 60+ NCDs. Various exposures were identified as possible risk factors for multiple outcomes. Examples are diesel engine exhaust and cadmium, with consistent evidence for lung cancer, but limited/inadequate evidence for other cancer sites, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. Other examples are physically heavy work, shift work, and decision latitude/job control. For associations with limited/inadequate evidence, new studies are needed to confirm the association. For risk factors with consistent evidence, improvements in study design, exposure assessment, and case definition could lead to a better understanding of the association and help inform health-based threshold levels. CONCLUSIONS: By providing an overview of knowledge gaps in the associations between occupational exposures and their health effects, our narrative review will help setting priorities in occupational health research. Future epidemiological studies should prioritize to include large sample sizes, assess exposures prior to disease onset, and quantify exposures. Potential sources of biases and confounding need to be identified and accounted for in both original studies and systematic reviews.

Successful prevention of organic solvent induced disorders: history and lessons.

In this discussion paper, we describe the history of the science and societal action resulting in the mitigation of neurotoxic disorders from exposure to organic solvents at the workplaces in Sweden. When alkyd paints were introduced in large scale in construction painting in the 1960s and 1970s, Scandinavian unions voiced increasing concern as members reported symptoms like headache and vertigo, supported by participatory studies and case studies. Although acute and chronic neurotoxic effects were established for some specific solvents such as carbon disulphide, this was not the case for those used in the new paints. Union advocacy promoted formal epidemiological studies, providing increasing evidence for chronic neurotoxicity at levels far below current occupational exposure levels. The results were widely disseminated and accepted and led to concerted action with preventive measures, most importantly substitution of the organic solvents in paints for indoor use, but also drastic reductions in occupational exposure limits. The findings also resulted in funding of further research on solvent toxicity and the establishment of expert groups to advice authorities on occupational standards for exposure to chemicals. The substitution strategy was subsequently adopted in many other countries and occupational exposure limits were lowered, although several years or even decades later. While the societal context in Sweden was unique in many ways, we conclude that there are lessons to be learned from this preventive success when addressing current challenges.

Cocientes urinarios Proteína-Creatinina y Albúmina-Creatinina en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Urinary Protein/Creatinine ratio and Albumin/Creatinine ratio in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / Quocientes urinários Proteína-Creatinina e Albumina- Creatinina em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico

El objetivo del trabajo consistió en analizar las correlaciones entre: cociente Proteína/Creatinina en la primera orina de la mañana y Proteinuria de 24 horas (P/C-P24h); y cociente Albúmina/Creatinina en la primera orina de la mañana y Albuminuria de 24 horas (A/C-A24h) en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico y también evaluar la influencia del Clearance de Creatinina (ClCr) sobre la correlación P/C-P24h. Fue un estudio observacional, transversal y prospectivo. Se estudiaron 80 muestras de 52 pacientes lúpicos ambulatorios, entre marzo de 2013 y agosto de 2014. Se evaluaron mediante coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (CCS), las correlaciones P/C-P24h y A/C-A24h en distintos rangos de proteinuria y la influencia del ClCr sobre P/C-P24h. Para P/C-P24h cuando P24h<300 mg/24h CCS=0,6169 (n=52); cuando P24h≥300 mg/ 24h CCS=0,7461 (n=28). Para P/C-P24h en pacientes con ClCr<60 mL/ min CCS=0,9016 (n=12), y con ClCr>60 mL/min CCS=0,8689 (n=66). Para A/C-A24h a P24h<300 mg/24h CCS=0,8082 (n=37). Todos con p<0,0001. Este estudio mostró buena correlación P/C-P24h para P24h≥300 mg/24h y A/C-A24h para P24h<300 mg/24h. No se observó influencia del ClCr en la correlación P/C-P24h. Estos resultados sumados a los obtenidos por otros autores apoyan el uso del cociente A/C a P24h<300 mg/24h y P/C a P24h≥300 mg/24h para el seguimiento del compromiso renal en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico utilizando la primera orina de la mañana.

The objective of the present work was to analyze the correlation between: protein/creatinine ratio in first-morning urine and 24-hour urine protein (P/C-P24h), and albumin/creatinine ratio in first-morning urine and 24-hour urine albumin (A/C-A24h) in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and to evaluate the influence of creatinine clearance (CrCl) on the P/C-P24h correlation.It was a prospective cross-sectional study in which 80 samples of 52 outpatients with lupus were studied between March 2013 and August 2014. They were evaluated by Spearman Correlation Coefficient (CCS), the P/C-P24h and A/C-A24h correlations in different ranges of proteinuria and the influence of ClCr on P/C-P24h.This study showed a good correlation P/C-P24h for P24h≥300 mg/24h and A/C-A24h for P24h<300 mg/24h. No influence of ClCr in the P/C-P24h correlation was observed. These results and those obtained by other authors support the use of the A/C to P24h<300 mg/24h ratio and P/C to P24h≥300 mg/24h ratio to monitor renal involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using the first-morning urine.

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar as correlações entre quociente Proteína/Creatinina na primeira urina da manhã e Proteinúria de 24 horas (P/C-P24h); e quociente Albumina/Creatinina na primeira urina da manhã e Albuminuria de 24 horas (A/C-A24h) em paciêntes com Lupus Eritematoso Sistêmico e também avaliar a influência do Clearance de Creatinina (ClCr) sobre a correlação P/C-P24h. Foi um estudo observacional transversal e prospectivo. Foram estudadas 80 amostras de 52 pacientes ambulatórios com lúpus, entre março de 2013 e agosto de 2014. Avaliaram-se através do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (CCS), as correlações P/C-P24h e A/C-A24h em diferentes níveis de proteinúria e a influência do ClCr sob P/C-P24h. Para P/C-P24h quando P24h<300 mg/24h CCS=0,6169 (n=52); quando P24h≥300 mg/24h CCS=0,7461 (n=28). Para P/C-P24h em pacientes com ClCr<60 mL/min CCS=0,9016 (n=12), e com ClCr>60mL/min CCS=0,8689 (n=66). Para A/C-A24h a P24h<300 mg/24h CCS=0,8082 (n=37). Em todos os casos, p<0,0001. Este estudo mostrou boa correlação P/C-P24h para P24h≥300 mg/24h y A/C-A24h para P24h<300 mg/24h. Não foi observada influência do ClCr na correlação P/C-P24h. Estes resultados, somados aos obtidos por outros autores, apoiam o uso do quociente A/C a P24h<300 mg/24h e P/C a P24h≥300 mg/24h para o seguimento do compromisso renal em pacientes com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico utilizando a primeira urina da manhã.