Perceptual confirmation bias and decision bias underlie adaptation to sequential regularities.

Our perception does not depend exclusively on the immediate sensory input. It is also influenced by our internal predictions derived from prior observations and the temporal regularities of the environment, which can result in choice history biases. However, it is unclear how this flexible use of prior information to predict the future influences perceptual decisions. Prior information may bias decisions independently of the current sensory input, or it may modulate the weight of current sensory input based on its consistency with the expectation. To address this question, we used a visual decision-making task and manipulated the transitional probabilities between successive noisy grating stimuli. Using a reverse correlation analysis, we evaluated the contribution of stimulus-independent decision bias and stimulus-dependent sensitivity modulations to choice history biases. We found that both effects coexist, whereby there was increased bias to respond in line with the predicted orientation alongside modulations in perceptual sensitivity to favor perceptual information consistent with the prediction, akin to selective attention. Furthermore, at the individual differences level, we investigated the relationship between autistic-like traits and the adaptation of choice history biases to the sequential statistics of the environment. Over two studies, we found no convincing evidence of reduced adaptation to sequential regularities in individuals with high autistic-like traits. In sum, we present robust evidence for both perceptual confirmation bias and decision bias supporting adaptation to sequential regularities in the environment.

Effects of a household air pollution intervention using liquefied petroleum gas stoves, continuous fuel distribution and behavioural messaging on dietary and sodium intake of adult women in Puno, Peru: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Household air pollution (HAP) is a widespread environmental exposure worldwide. While several cleaner fuel interventions have been implemented to reduce personal exposures to HAP, it is unclear if cooking with cleaner fuels also affects the choice of meals and dietary intake. DESIGN: Individually randomised, open-label controlled trial of a HAP intervention. We aimed to determine the effect of a HAP intervention on dietary and Na intake. Intervention participants received a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove, continuous fuel delivery and behavioural messaging during 1 year whereas control participants continued with usual cooking practices that involved the use of biomass-burning stoves. Dietary outcomes included energy, energy-adjusted macronutrients and Na intake at baseline, 6 months and 12 months post-randomisation using 24-h dietary recalls and 24-h urine. We used t-tests to estimate differences between arms in the post-randomisation period. SETTING: Rural settings in Puno, Peru. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred women aged 25-64 years. RESULTS: At baseline, control and intervention participants were similar in age (47·4 v. 49·5 years) and had similar daily energy (8894·3 kJ v. 8295·5 kJ), carbohydrate (370·8 g v. 373·3 g) and Na intake (4·9 g v. 4·8 g). One year after randomisation, we did not find differences in average energy intake (9292·4 kJ v. 8788·3 kJ; P = 0·22) or Na intake (4·5 g v. 4·6 g; P = 0·79) between control and intervention participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our HAP intervention consisting of an LPG stove, continuous fuel distribution and behavioural messaging did not affect dietary and Na intake in rural Peru.

Phthalate biomarkers and associations with respiratory symptoms and healthcare utilization among low-income urban children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Phthalates are synthetic chemicals present in building materials, personal care products and other consumer goods. Limited studies link phthalates to pediatric asthma incidence; however, their effects on respiratory-related outcomes among those with pre-existing asthma remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We examined associations between phthalates and asthma symptoms, healthcare use, lung function, and lung inflammation among children with asthma. METHODS: We collected repeated measures of urinary biomarkers for select phthalates and phthalate replacements (MBzP, MCINP, MCIOP, MCPP, MECPTP, MEHHTP, molar sum of DEHP biomarkers [MECPP, MEHHP, MEHP, MEOHP], MEP, MiBP, MnBP) and asthma symptoms, healthcare utilization, lung function, and inflammation among 148 predominantly low-income Black children (5-17 years) with persistent asthma every 3 months for one year. We used generalized estimating equations to assess associations between biomarker concentrations and asthma-related measures adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, caregiver's education level, presence of smokers in the home, and season. We also considered co-exposures to other contaminants previously associated with asthma morbidity. RESULTS: We observed consistent positive associations with individual DEHP biomarkers, the molar sum of DEHP, and BBzP with increased odds of asthma symptoms and with healthcare utilization (adjusted Odds Ratio for general asthma symptoms: ΣDEHP:1.49,95% Confidence Interval, CI:1.08-2.07; BBzP:1.34, CI:1.04-1.73). We observed similar associations between the DEHP phthalate replacement biomarker MEHHTP and most asthma symptoms evaluated; and with select low molecular weight phthalates (DiBP, DBP) and healthcare utilization. Results were similar when controlling for other environmental exposures (e.g., PM2.5, BPA). No associations were observed with lung function or inflammation, and overall, we did not observe consistent evidence of sexually dimorphic effects. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we found evidence to suggest that exposure to select phthalates may be associated with asthma symptoms and healthcare utilization. These findings warrant confirmation given the high asthma burden and widespread and disparate phthalate exposures reported among select populations of color.

Microbiome alterations associated with phthalate exposures in a US-based sample of Latino workers.

Low-wage service sector jobs are largely occupied by racial/ethnic minority workers who often experience an increased risk of elevated chemical exposures, including chemicals like phthalates, compared to the general public. Phthalates have been linked with adverse health effects, including increased risk of atopy and asthma. An important etiological component in respiratory disease, including asthma, is the role of the upper respiratory microbiota in atopic disease development. However, it is unclear how the upper respiratory microbiome is affected by chemical exposures, and how this may impact respiratory outcomes. As Latino workers are often disproportionately exposed to increased concentrations of chemicals and Hispanics have higher rates of adverse respiratory health conditions such as asthma, the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of 10 unique phthalate urinary biomarkers on the 16S rRNA nasal microbiome. Nasal and urinary samples were collected from 20 facility workers (plumbers, landscapers, electricians) and 20 custodial workers. Our analysis revealed altered microbial composition and diversity according to phthalate urinary biomarker concentration within the two worker groups. Higher urinary biomarker concentrations of select phthalates (MBP, MBIP, and ∑DEHP) were associated with increased Moraxella relative abundance, which has been positively associated with asthma. Within-sample alpha diversity levels were decreased in facility workers and were generally inversely associated with most phthalate urinary biomarker concentrations. Our research suggests that exposure to chemicals in this vulnerable worker group may impact the respiratory microbiome, which may increase risk of development of adverse health conditions. Further research is warranted to refine the mechanistic pathways that underpin the relationships between phthalate exposures and respiratory microbial communities to provide key insights on respiratory pathologies and, most importantly, to identify modifiable risk factors that can be used to direct mitigation efforts aimed at ameliorating the harmful effects of chemical exposures in this understudied occupational population.

Microbiome alterations from volatile organic compounds (VOC) exposures among workers in salons primarily serving women of color.

Salon workers, especially those serving an ethnically and racially diverse clientele (i.e., Black/Latina), may experience disparately high levels of workplace exposures to respiratory irritants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Salon workers are also reported to have a greater risk of developing respiratory conditions compared to the general population. Emerging evidence suggests that occupational chemical exposures may alter the human microbiome and that these alterations may be an important mechanism by which workplace VOC exposures adversely impact respiratory health. This preliminary research investigated the potential effects of 28 VOC urinary biomarkers on the 16S rRNA nasal microbiome in 40 workers from salons primarily serving women of color (Black and Dominican salons) compared to office workers. Our exploratory analysis revealed significant differences in microbial composition by worker group; namely dissimilar levels of Staphylococcus species (S. epidermidis and S. aureus, specifically) in salon workers compared to office workers, and higher alpha diversity levels in workers in Dominican salons compared to workers in Black salons. Within-sample alpha diversity levels tended to be decreased with higher VOC urinary biomarker concentrations, significantly for carbon disulfide, acrolein, acrylonitrile, crotonaldehyde, and vinyl chloride biomarkers. Our research highlights that occupational exposures, particularly to chemicals like VOCs, can impact the respiratory microbiome in the vulnerable salon worker group. Further understanding of the potential effects of chemical mixtures on microbial composition may provide key insights to respiratory health and other adverse health outcomes, as well as direct prevention efforts in this largely historically understudied occupational population.

Effects of a Household Air Pollution Intervention with Liquefied Petroleum Gas on Cardiopulmonary Outcomes in Peru. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Approximately 40% of people worldwide are exposed to household air pollution (HAP) from the burning of biomass fuels. Previous efforts to document health benefits of HAP mitigation have been stymied by an inability to lower emissions to target levels. Objectives: We sought to determine if a household air pollution intervention with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) improved cardiopulmonary health outcomes in adult women living in a resource-poor setting in Peru. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled field trial in 180 women aged 25-64 years living in rural Puno, Peru. Intervention women received an LPG stove, continuous fuel delivery for 1 year, education, and behavioral messaging, whereas control women were asked to continue their usual cooking practices. We assessed for stove use adherence using temperature loggers installed in both LPG and biomass stoves of intervention households. Measurements and Main Results: We measured blood pressure, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and respiratory symptoms using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire at baseline and at 3-4 visits after randomization. Intervention women used their LPG stove exclusively for 98% of days. We did not find differences in average postrandomization systolic blood pressure (intervention - control 0.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -2.1 to 3.4), diastolic blood pressure (0.3 mm Hg; -1.5 to 2.0), prebronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.14 L/s/m2; -0.02 to 0.29), postbronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.11 L/s/m2; -0.05 to 0.27), or St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (-1.4; -3.9 to 1.2) over 1 year in intention-to-treat analysis. There were no reported harms related to the intervention. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a difference in blood pressure, lung function, or respiratory symptoms during the year-long intervention with LPG. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02994680).

Size distribution and lung-deposited doses of particulate matter from household exposure to biomass smoke.

Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) is associated with a number of adverse health effects. However, it is unclear which aspects of PM are most hazardous, and a better understanding of particle sizes and personal exposure is needed. We characterized particle size distribution (PSD) from biomass-related pollution and assessed total and regional lung-deposited doses using multiple-path deposition modeling. Gravimetric measurements of kitchen and personal PM2.5 (<2.5 µm in size) exposures were collected in 180 households in rural Puno, Peru. Direct-reading measurements of number concentrations were collected in a subset of 20 kitchens for particles 0.3-25 µm, and the continuous PSD was derived using a nonlinear least-squares method. Mean daily PM2.5 kitchen concentration and personal exposure was 1205 ± 942 µg/m3 and 115 ± 167 µg/m3 , respectively, and the mean mass concentration consisted of a primary accumulation mode at 0.21 µm and a secondary coarse mode at 3.17 µm. Mean daily lung-deposited surface area (LDSA) and LDSA during cooking were 1009.6 ± 1469.8 µm2 /cm3 and 10,552.5 ± 8261.6 µm2 /cm3 , respectively. This study presents unique data regarding lung deposition of biomass smoke that could serve as a reference for future studies and provides a novel, more biologically relevant metric for exposure-response analysis compared to traditional size-based metrics.

Household air pollution and blood markers of inflammation: A cross-sectional analysis.

Household air pollution (HAP) from biomass stoves is a leading risk factor for cardiopulmonary outcomes; however, its toxicity pathways and relationship with inflammation markers are poorly understood. Among 180 adult women in rural Peru, we examined the cross-sectional exposure-response relationship between biomass HAP and markers of inflammation in blood using baseline measurements from a randomized trial. We measured markers of inflammation (CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) with dried blood spots, 48-h kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ), black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO), and 48-h kitchen concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) in a subset of 97 participants. We conducted an exposure-response analysis between quintiles of HAP levels and markers of inflammation. Markers of inflammation were more strongly associated with kitchen area concentrations of BC than PM2.5 . As expected, kitchen area BC concentrations were positively associated with TNF-α (pro-inflammatory) concentrations and negatively associated with IL-10, an anti-inflammatory marker, controlling for confounders in single- and multi-pollutant models. However, contrary to expectations, kitchen area BC and NO2 concentrations were negatively associated with IL-1ß, a pro-inflammatory marker. No associations were identified for IL-6 or CRP, or for any marker in relation to personal exposures.

Household air pollution exposure and associations with household characteristics among biomass cookstove users in Puno, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from combustion of biomass fuel, such as wood and animal dung, is among the leading environmental risk factors for preventable disease. Close to half of the world's population relies on biomass cookstoves for their daily cooking needs. Understanding factors that affect HAP can inform measures to maximize the effectiveness of cookstove interventions in a cost-effective manner. However, the impact of kitchen and household characteristics, as well as the presence of secondary stoves, on HAP concentrations is poorly understood in Puno, Peru. OBJECTIVE: To explore how household characteristics explain variability of kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to CO, PM2.5 and BC from biomass cookstoves among women in rural Peru. METHODS: Household characteristics (including kitchen materials and layout, wealth, and cooking behaviors) and HAP measurements were collected from 180 households in Puno, Peru, from baseline measurements of a randomized trial. Kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to carbon monoxide (CO), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) were sampled for 48 h. We implemented simple and multivariable linear regression models to determine the associations between household characteristics and both kitchen area concentration and personal exposure to each pollutant. RESULTS: Mean daily kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to HAP were, on average, 48 times above World Health Organization indoor guidelines for PM2.5. We found that roof type explained the most variability in HAP and was strongly associated with both kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures for all pollutants after adjusting for other household variables. Personal exposures were 27%-36% lower for PM2.5, CO and BC, in households with corrugated metal roofs, compared to roofs made of natural materials (straw, totora or reed) after adjusting for other factors. Higher kitchen area concentrations were also associated with less wealth, owning more animals, or sampling during the dry season in multivariable models. Having a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove and having a chimney were associated with lower personal exposures, but were not associated with kitchen area concentrations. Personal exposures were lower by 21% for PM2.5 and 28% for CO and BC concentrations among participants who had both LPG and biomass stoves compared to those with only biomass cookstoves adjusting for other household factors. CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing HAP within different settings can help identify effective and culturally-relevant solutions to reduce HAP exposures. We found that housing roof type is strongly related to kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to HAP, perhaps because of greater ventilation in kitchens with metal roofs compared to those with thatch roofs. Although HAP concentrations remained above guidelines for all households, promoting use of metal roof materials and LPG stoves may be actionable interventions that can help reduce exposures to HAP in high-altitude rural Peru and similar settings.

Indoor air pollution concentrations and cardiometabolic health across four diverse settings in Peru: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Indoor air pollution is an important risk factor for health in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We measured indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in 617 houses across four settings with varying urbanisation, altitude, and biomass cookstove use in Peru, between 2010 and 2016. We assessed the associations between indoor pollutant concentrations and blood pressure (BP), exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO), C-reactive protein (CRP), and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) using multivariable linear regression among all participants and stratifying by use of biomass cookstoves. RESULTS: We found high concentrations of indoor PM2.5 across all four settings (geometric mean ± geometric standard deviation of PM2.5 daily average in µg/m3): Lima 41.1 ± 1.3, Tumbes 35.8 ± 1.4, urban Puno 14.1 ± 1.7, and rural Puno 58.8 ± 3.1. High indoor CO concentrations were common in rural households (geometric mean ± geometric standard deviation of CO daily average in ppm): rural Puno 4.9 ± 4.3. Higher indoor PM2.5 was associated with having a higher systolic BP (1.51 mmHg per interquartile range (IQR) increase, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.86), a higher diastolic BP (1.39 mmHg higher DBP per IQR increase, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.25), and a higher eCO (2.05 ppm higher per IQR increase, 95% CI 0.52 to 3.57). When stratifying by biomass cookstove use, our results were consistent with effect measure modification in the association between PM2.5 and eCO: among biomass users eCO was 0.20 ppm higher per IQR increase in PM2.5 (95% CI - 2.05 to 2.46), and among non-biomass users eCO was 5.00 ppm higher per IQR increase in PM2.5 (95% CI 1.58 to 8.41). We did not find associations between indoor air concentrations and CRP or HbA1c outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive indoor concentrations of PM2.5 are widespread in homes across varying levels of urbanisation, altitude, and biomass cookstove use in Peru and are associated with worse BP and higher eCO.

Nitrogen dioxide exposures from biomass cookstoves in the Peruvian Andes.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution from biomass cookstoves is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, yet little is known about exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ). OBJECTIVE: To characterize NO2 kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures among women with biomass cookstoves in the Peruvian Andes. METHODS: We measured kitchen area NO2 concentrations at high-temporal resolution in 100 homes in the Peruvian Andes. We assessed personal exposure to NO2 in a subsample of 22 women using passive samplers. RESULTS: Among 97 participants, the geometric mean (GM) highest hourly average NO2 concentration was 723 ppb (geometric standard deviation (GSD) 2.6) and the GM 24-hour average concentration was 96 ppb (GSD 2.6), 4.4 and 2.9 times greater than WHO indoor hourly (163 ppb) and annual (33 ppb) guidelines, respectively. Compared to the direct-reading instruments, we found similar kitchen area concentrations with 48-hour passive sampler measurements (GM 108 ppb, GSD 3.8). Twenty-seven percent of women had 48-hour mean personal exposures above WHO annual guidelines (GM 18 ppb, GSD 2.3). In univariate analyses, we found that roof, wall, and floor type, as well as higher SES, was associated with lower 24-hour kitchen area NO2 concentrations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to NO2 from biomass cookstoves in the Peruvian Andes far exceed WHO guidelines. More research is warranted to understand the role of this understudied household air pollutant on morbidity and mortality and to inform cleaner-cooking interventions for public health.

Comparison of next-generation portable pollution monitors to measure exposure to PM2.5 from household air pollution in Puno, Peru.

Assessment of personal exposure to PM2.5 is critical for understanding intervention effectiveness and exposure-response relationships in household air pollution studies. In this pilot study, we compared PM2.5 concentrations obtained from two next-generation personal exposure monitors (the Enhanced Children MicroPEM or ECM; and the Ultrasonic Personal Air Sampler or UPAS) to those obtained with a traditional Triplex Cyclone and SKC Air Pump (a gravimetric cyclone/pump sampler). We co-located cyclone/pumps with an ECM and UPAS to obtain 24-hour kitchen concentrations and personal exposure measurements. We measured Spearmen correlations and evaluated agreement using the Bland-Altman method. We obtained 215 filters from 72 ECM and 71 UPAS co-locations. Overall, the ECM and the UPAS had similar correlation (ECM ρ = 0.91 vs UPAS ρ = 0.88) and agreement (ECM mean difference of 121.7 µg/m3 vs UPAS mean difference of 93.9 µg/m3 ) with overlapping confidence intervals when compared against the cyclone/pump. When adjusted for the limit of detection, agreement between the devices and the cyclone/pump was also similar for all samples (ECM mean difference of 68.8 µg/m3 vs UPAS mean difference of 65.4 µg/m3 ) and personal exposure samples (ECM mean difference of -3.8 µg/m3 vs UPAS mean difference of -12.9 µg/m3 ). Both the ECM and UPAS produced comparable measurements when compared against a cyclone/pump setup.

Neural dynamics of breaking continuous flash suppression.

Sensory input to the human visual system often becomes accessible to cognition and overt report during processing. We investigated neural precursors of conscious vision using EEG recordings and the popular breaking continuous flash suppression (bCFS) paradigm. In this technique, a mask consisting of high-contrast dynamic patterns is presented to one eye, predominating over a target stimulus presented to the other eye. The time needed for the target stimulus to overcome the suppression is thought to reflect the transition from unconscious to conscious perception. In bCFS trials with slow responses, indicative of potent suppression, a time-frequency analysis showed reduced occipital gamma power (33-38 Hz) contralaterally to the visual hemifield where the target was presented 0.27 to 0.21 s prior to the behavioral response. This neural activity was concurrent with a local phase reset and enhanced long-range phase synchronization in the theta band (7 Hz). Such a pattern did not arise in a control condition in which suppression was not induced. Thus, the theta phase reset and synchronization in bCFS trials precede a break from suppression, likely initiating a re-routing of information such that the neural representation of the target is updated more efficiently than that of the competing mask. Overall, these findings mark the emergence of a binocularly integrated percept that can be consciously selected for a behavioral response.

The mechanisms underlying conditioning of phantom percepts differ between those with hallucinations and synesthesia.

There are many different kinds of 'phantom' percepts but it is unknown whether they are united by common mechanisms. For example, synaesthesia (e.g., numbers evoking colour) and hallucinations appear conceptually and phenomenologically similar: both result in a percept that does not have an environmental correlate. Here, people with synaesthesia (n = 66) performed a conditioned hallucinations paradigm known to be sensitive to hallucination susceptibility, and we asked whether synaesthetes would show the same behavioural profile as hallucinators in this task. Repeated pairing of checkerboards with tones, and gratings with colours encourages the participant to draw on prior knowledge when asked to report on the presence of the difficult-to-detect target stimulus. Synaesthetes show increased modelled expectancies for the stimulus association across the board, resulting in a higher number of detections at all stimulus intensities. This is in contrast to the pattern observed in hallucinators, who weigh their prior beliefs more strongly than controls, giving rise to more conditioned hallucinations. Results indicate that fundamentally different perceptual processes may be at the core of these seemingly similar experiences.

Recent use of consumer and personal care products and exposures to select endocrine disrupting chemicals among urban children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Emerging studies suggest that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in personal care and other consumer products are linked with various adverse health effects, including respiratory and reproductive effects. Despite Black persons using more personal care products than other demographic groups and having a high asthma burden, little is known regarding their consumer product use patterns and associated EDC exposures. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between recent exposure to select EDCs with specific consumer products and behaviors in a cohort of 110 predominantly Black children with asthma, ages 8-17 years, living in Baltimore City, Maryland. METHODS: We quantified concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F, two dichlorophenols, four parabens, triclosan, benzophenone-3, and triclocarban in spot urine samples. Questionnaires were used to capture recent (last 24-h) consumer product use and behaviors. Associations between EDCs and consumer product uses/behaviors were assessed using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and caregiver income level. Effect estimates were expressed as geometric mean ratios of biomarker concentrations of product-users vs non-users. RESULTS: Increased concentrations to select EDCs were associated with recent use of air freshener (ratios; BPA: 1.9, 95%CI 1.4-2; BPS 1.7, 95%CI 1-2.97; propyl paraben: 3.0, 95%CI 1.6-5.6), scented candles (methyl paraben: 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.1), and scented carpet powder (2,5-dichlorophenol: 2.8, 95%CI 1.2-6.3). Additionally, consuming canned food was associated with some increased biomarker concentrations (ratios: BPA: 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.4; BPS: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.6). SIGNIFICANCE: These findings add to the body of evidence suggesting that recent use of select consumer products in Black children contributes to exposure of chemicals of concern and could potentially inform exposure mitigation interventions. Findings have broad potential health implications for pediatric populations and Black children who may face exposure and health disparities. IMPACT: Little is known about how children's personal care product use and consumer behaviors affect their exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This is particularly true for Black children who often experience a disparate exposure burden to many EDCs. This is a significant knowledge gap among children that are uniquely vulnerable to EDCs as they undergo critical windows of growth and development. Our findings show associations between consumer products and EDC exposures in predominantly Black children in low-income settings. Identifying EDC exposure determinants has broad health implications as many of these chemicals have been associated with adverse health risks.

Sustained use of liquefied petroleum gas following one year of free fuel and behavioral support in Puno, Peru.

Background: Existing efforts to promote cleaner fuels have not achieved exclusive use. We investigated whether receiving 12 months of free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and behavioral support could motivate continued purchase and use. Methods: The Cardiopulmonary outcomes and Household Air Pollution (CHAP) trial enrolled 180 women. Half were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which included free LPG delivered in months 1-12 followed by a post-intervention period in which they no longer received free fuel (months 13-24). For the purposes of comparison, we also include months 1-12 of data from control participants. We tracked stove use with temperature monitors, surveys, and observations, and conducted in-depth interviews with 19 participants from the intervention group at the end of their post-intervention period. Results: Participants from the intervention group used their LPG stove for 85.4 % of monitored days and 63.2 % of cooking minutes during the post-intervention months (13-24) when they were not receiving free fuel from the trial. They used a traditional stove (fogón) on 45.1 % of days post-intervention, which is significantly lower than fogón use by control participants during the intervention period (72.2 % of days). In months 13-24 post-intervention, participants from the intervention group purchased on average 12.3 kg and spent 34.1 soles (10.3 USD) per month on LPG. Continued LPG use was higher among participants who said they could afford two tanks of LPG per month, did not cook for animals, and removed their traditional stove. Women described that becoming accustomed to LPG, support and training from the project, consistent LPG supply, choice between LPG providers, and access to delivery services facilitated sustained LPG use. However, high cost was a major barrier to exclusive use. Conclusion: A 12-month period of intensive LPG support achieved a high level of sustained LPG use post-intervention, but other strategies are needed to sustain exclusive use.

Higher Sensory Sensitivity is Linked to Greater Expansion Amongst Functional Connectivity Gradients.

Insofar as the autistic-like phenotype presents in the general population, it consists of partially dissociable traits, such as social and sensory issues. Here, we investigate individual differences in cortical organisation related to autistic-like traits. Connectome gradient decomposition based on resting state fMRI data reliably reveals a principal gradient spanning from unimodal to transmodal regions, reflecting the transition from perception to abstract cognition. In our non-clinical sample, this gradient's expansion, indicating less integration between visual and default mode networks, correlates with subjective sensory sensitivity (measured using the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, GSQ), but not other autistic-like traits (measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient, AQ). This novel brain-based correlate of the GSQ demonstrates sensory issues can be disentangled from the wider autistic-like phenotype.

Household Air Pollution Concentrations after Liquefied Petroleum Gas Interventions in Rural Peru: Findings from a One-Year Randomized Controlled Trial Followed by a One-Year Pragmatic Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from biomass fuel combustion remains a leading environmental risk factor for morbidity worldwide. OBJECTIVE: Measure the effect of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) interventions on HAP exposures in Puno, Peru. METHODS: We conducted a 1-y randomized controlled trial followed by a 1-y pragmatic crossover trial in 180 women age 25-64 y. During the first year, intervention participants received a free LPG stove, continuous fuel delivery, and regular behavioral messaging, whereas controls continued their biomass cooking practices. During the second year, control participants received a free LPG stove, regular behavioral messaging, and vouchers to obtain LPG tanks from a nearby distributor, whereas fuel distribution stopped for intervention participants. We collected 48-h kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to fine particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5µm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO) at baseline and 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post randomization. RESULTS: Baseline mean [±standard deviation (SD)] PM2.5 (kitchen area concentrations 1,220±1,010 vs. 1,190±880 µg/m3; personal exposure 126±214 vs. 104±100 µg/m3), CO (kitchen 53±49 vs. 50±41 ppm; personal 7±8 vs. 7±8 ppm), and BC (kitchen 180±120 vs. 210±150 µg/m3; personal 19±16 vs. 21±22 µg/m3) were similar between control and intervention participants. Intervention participants had consistently lower mean (±SD) concentrations at the 12-month visit for kitchen (41±59 µg/m3, 3±6 µg/m3, and 8±13 ppm) and personal exposures (26±34 µg/m3, 2±3 µg/m3, and 3±4 ppm) to PM2.5, BC, and CO when compared to controls during the first year. In the second year, we observed comparable HAP reductions among controls after the voucher-based intervention for LPG fuel was implemented (24-month visit PM2.5, BC, and CO kitchen mean concentrations of 34±74 µg/m3, 3±5 µg/m3, and 6±6 ppm and personal exposures of 17±15 µg/m3, 2±2 µg/m3, and 3±4 ppm, respectively), and average reductions were present among intervention participants even after free fuel distribution stopped (24-month visit PM2.5, BC, and CO kitchen mean concentrations of 561±1,251 µg/m3, 82±124 µg/m3, and 23±28 ppm and personal exposures of 35±38 µg/m3, 6±6 µg/m3, and 4±5 ppm, respectively). DISCUSSION: Both home delivery and voucher-based provision of free LPG over a 1-y period, in combination with provision of a free LPG stove and longitudinal behavioral messaging, reduced HAP to levels below 24-h World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Moreover, the effects of the intervention on HAP persisted for a year after fuel delivery stopped. Such strategies could be applied in LPG programs to reduce HAP and potentially improve health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10054.

Nitrogen dioxide exposures from LPG stoves in a cleaner-cooking intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stoves have been promoted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as a clean energy alternative to biomass burning cookstoves. OBJECTIVE: We sought to characterize kitchen area concentrations and personal exposures to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) within a randomized controlled trial in the Peruvian Andes. The intervention included the provision of an LPG stove and continuous fuel distribution with behavioral messaging to maximize compliance. METHODS: We measured 48-hour kitchen area NO2 concentrations at high temporal resolution in homes of 50 intervention participants and 50 control participants longitudinally within a biomass-to-LPG intervention trial. We also collected 48-hour mean personal exposures to NO2 among a subsample of 16 intervention and 9 control participants. We monitored LPG and biomass stove use continuously throughout the trial. RESULTS: In 367 post-intervention 24-hour kitchen area samples of 96 participants' homes, geometric mean (GM) highest hourly NO2 concentration was 138 ppb (geometric standard deviation [GSD] 2.1) in the LPG intervention group and 450 ppb (GSD 3.1) in the biomass control group. Post-intervention 24-hour mean NO2 concentrations were a GM of 43 ppb (GSD 1.7) in the intervention group and 77 ppb (GSD 2.0) in the control group. Kitchen area NO2 concentrations exceeded the WHO indoor hourly guideline an average of 1.3 h per day among LPG intervention participants. GM 48-hour personal exposure to NO2 was 5 ppb (GSD 2.4) among 35 48-hour samples of 16 participants in the intervention group and 16 ppb (GSD 2.3) among 21 samples of 9 participants in the control group. DISCUSSION: In a biomass-to-LPG intervention trial in Peru, kitchen area NO2 concentrations were substantially lower within the LPG intervention group compared to the biomass-using control group. However, within the LPG intervention group, 69% of 24-hour kitchen area samples exceeded WHO indoor annual guidelines and 47% of samples exceeded WHO indoor hourly guidelines. Forty-eight-hour NO2 personal exposure was below WHO indoor annual guidelines for most participants in the LPG intervention group, and we did not measure personal exposure at high temporal resolution to assess exposure to cooking-related indoor concentration peaks. Further research is warranted to understand the potential health risks of LPG-related NO2 emissions and inform current campaigns which promote LPG as a clean-cooking option.

The mechanisms of sensory sensitivity: A response to commentaries on Ward (2019).

A recent framework has been proposed for understanding individual differences in sensory sensitivity in terms of whether increased neural responsiveness to sensory stimuli reflects increased responses to sensory signals or increased neural noise. This has different implications for behavioral performance. In this commentary, we discuss some related concepts including responsivity and perceptual expertise. We consider in more detail the role of attention including exogenous factors (altered bottom-up salience) and endogenous ones (indiscriminately assigning higher attentional priority), and the role that emotion may play in this process.