The estrous cycle modulates rat caudate-putamen medium spiny neuron physiology.

The neuroendocrine environment in which the brain operates is both dynamic and differs by sex. How differences in neuroendocrine state affect neuron properties has been significantly neglected in neuroscience research. Behavioral data across humans and rodents indicate that natural cyclical changes in steroid sex hormone production affect sensorimotor and cognitive behaviors in both normal and pathological contexts. These behaviors are critically mediated by the caudate-putamen. In the caudate-putamen, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the predominant and primary output neurons. MSNs express membrane-associated estrogen receptors and demonstrate estrogen sensitivity. However, how the cyclical hormone changes across the estrous cycle may modulate caudate-putamen MSN electrophysiological properties remains unknown. Here, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on male, diestrus female, proestrus female, and estrus female caudate-putamen MSNs. Action potential, passive membrane, and miniature excitatory post-synaptic current properties were assessed. Numerous MSN electrical properties robustly differed by cycle state, including resting membrane potential, rheobase, action potential threshold, maximum evoked action potential firing rate, and inward rectification. Strikingly, when considered independent of estrous cycle phase, all but one of these properties do not significantly differ from male MSNs. These data indicate that female caudate-putamen MSNs are sensitive to the estrous cycle, and more broadly, the importance of considering neuroendocrine state in studies of neuron physiology.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological literature evaluating the association between exposure to man-made vitreous fibers and respiratory tract cancers.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies that evaluated occupational exposure to man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) including glass, rock, and slag wools, and respiratory tract cancers (RTC) including cancers of the larynx, trachea, bronchus, and lung. The MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in order to identify epidemiological studies that evaluated the association between occupational MMVF exposure and RTCs. We performed random-effects meta-analyses of relevant studies identified by our literature search, and evaluated sources of between-study heterogeneity. The pooled relative risk (RR) of RTC among workers exposed to MMVFs was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.97, 1.22). The RR was closer to 1.0 when limiting the analysis to effect estimates from studies that accounted for the main a priori risk factors for RTC, asbestos exposure and smoking (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.18). Overall, our synthesis of the epidemiological literature suggests that occupational MMVF exposure is not associated with risk of RTC.

Asthma Mortality Among Persons Aged 15-64 Years, by Industry and Occupation - United States, 1999-2016.

In 2015, an estimated 18.4 million U.S. adults had current asthma, and 3,396 adult asthma deaths were reported (1). An estimated 11%-21% of asthma deaths might be attributable to occupational exposures (2). To describe asthma mortality among persons aged 15-64 years,* CDC analyzed multiple cause-of-death data† for 1999-2016 and industry and occupation information collected from 26 states§ for the years 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2007-2012. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs)¶ for asthma among persons aged 15-64 years were calculated. During 1999-2016, a total of 14,296 (42.9%) asthma deaths occurred among males and 19,011 (57.1%) occurred among females. Based on an estimate that 11%-21% of asthma deaths might be related to occupational exposures, during this 18-year period, 1,573-3,002 asthma deaths in males and 2,091-3,992 deaths in females might have resulted from occupational exposures. Some of these deaths might have been averted by instituting measures to prevent potential workplace exposures. The annual age-adjusted asthma death rate** per 1 million persons aged 15-64 years declined from 13.59 in 1999 to 9.34 in 2016 (p<0.001) among females, and from 9.14 (1999) to 7.78 (2016) (p<0.05) among males. The highest significantly elevated asthma PMRs for males were for those in the food, beverage, and tobacco products manufacturing industry (1.82) and for females were for those in the social assistance industry (1.35) and those in community and social services occupations (1.46). Elevated asthma mortality among workers in certain industries and occupations underscores the importance of optimal asthma management and identification and prevention of potential workplace exposures.

Association between full service and fast food restaurant density, dietary intake and overweight/obesity among adults in Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND: The food environment has been implicated as an underlying contributor to the global obesity epidemic. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between the food environment, dietary intake, and overweight/obesity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to assess the association of full service and fast food restaurant density with dietary intake and overweight/obesity in Delhi, India. METHODS: Data are from a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in Delhi. Using multilevel cluster random sampling, 5364 participants were selected from 134 census enumeration blocks (CEBs). Geographic information system data were available for 131 CEBs (n = 5264) from a field survey conducted using hand-held global positioning system devices. The number of full service and fast food restaurants within a 1-km buffer of CEBs was recorded by trained staff using ArcGIS software, and participants were assigned to tertiles of full service and fast food restaurant density based on their resident CEB. Height and weight were measured using standardized procedures and overweight/obesity was defined as a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. RESULTS: The most common full service and fast food restaurants were Indian savory restaurants (57.2%) and Indian sweet shops (25.8%). Only 14.1% of full service and fast food restaurants were Western style. After adjustment for age, household income, education, and tobacco and alcohol use, participants in the highest tertile of full service and fast food restaurant density were less likely to consume fruit and more likely to consume refined grains compared to participants in the lowest tertile (both p < 0.05). In unadjusted logistic regression models, participants in the highest versus lowest tertile of full service and fast food restaurant density were significantly more likely to be overweight/obese: odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.44 (1.24, 1.67). After adjustment for age, household income, and education, the effect was attenuated: 1.08 (0.92, 1.26). Results were consistent with further adjustment for tobacco and alcohol use, moderate physical activity, and owning a bicycle or motorized vehicle. CONCLUSIONS: Most full service and fast food restaurants were Indian, suggesting that the nutrition transition in this megacity may be better characterized by the large number of unhealthy Indian food outlets rather than the Western food outlets. Full service and fast food restaurant density in the residence area of adults in Delhi, India, was associated with poor dietary intake. It was also positively associated with overweight/obesity, but this was largely explained by socioeconomic status. Further research is needed exploring these associations prospectively and in other LMICs.

Life-Course Mobility in Socioeconomic Position and High Depressive Symptoms Among Young Black Women: The SELF Study.

BACKGROUND: Current literature on the association between mobility in socioeconomic position (SEP) and depression demonstrates mixed findings, with variation in the benefits of upward SEP by racial group and ethnic background. No study has examined life-course SEP mobility and depressive symptoms among Black women in the United States. METHODS: Our cohort included 1,612 Black women enrolled in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids between 2010 and 2012 and followed for 5 years. We used data on socioeconomic indicators at childhood and adulthood and used latent class analysis to create a life-course SEP mobility measure (persistently low, downward, upward, and persistently high). Using the 11-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), we assessed high (≥9) versus low depressive symptoms. Multivariable log risk models were used to produce risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of the participants, 37% had high depressive symptoms. Persistently low (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.31-1.86) and downward (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.14-1.63) SEP mobility was associated with high depressive symptoms after adjustment for age, adult social support, and marital status. There was evidence of an effect measure modification by adult social support, with a stronger association among those who reported high adult social support compared with low adult social support. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest directing mental health resources to people experiencing low SEP at any stage in life, especially those with low SEP in adulthood, to aid in the management of depressive symptoms.

Neighborhood disadvantage and immune-related illnesses among residents living in the US Gulf States.

PURPOSE: Neighborhood disadvantage has been associated with increased risk for pneumonia and influenza-associated hospitalizations. Few studies, however, have investigated how neighborhood disadvantage may influence immune-related illnesses. The aim of this study was to examine the association between neighborhooddisadvantage and immune-related illnesses. METHODS: We used data from the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study (n = 32,608). Our analytic sample included home visit participants (n = 11,193) who had complete information on exposure and covariates (n = 10,543). Neighborhood disadvantage was assessed using the 2013 Area Deprivation Index (ADI), which assigns a ranking of 1 to 100 for lowest to highest disadvantage. We linked ADI to participants' geocoded enrollment addresses at the census block group level. ADI was categorized into quartiles based on the national distribution with the first quartile as the referent. Immune-related illnesses self-reported at the home visit (May 2011-May 2013) included occurrence of shingles, pneumonia, cold sores, flu, and colds since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (April 2010). Frequent colds and frequent flu were defined as ≥4 colds and ≥2 episodes of flu since the spill. An aggregated outcome, based on occurrence of any pneumonia, cold sores, flu, and ≥4 colds since the spill, was also examined. We assessed the association of each outcome with ADI using multivariable log-binomial regression adjusting for individual-level demographics, behavioral factors, kids at home, and season of interview completion. RESULTS: We found elevated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pneumonia associated with ADI in the third (PR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.02) and fourth (PR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.98) quartiles. PRs for frequent colds were also elevated for increasing ADI quartiles, but with confidence intervals including the null value. CONCLUSIONS: The observed associations of frequent colds and pneumonia with increasing neighborhood disadvantage may warrant further research on this topic.

Pesticide use, allergic rhinitis, and asthma among US farm operators.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to examine associations between use of specific pesticides and lifetime allergic rhinitis and current asthma in US primary farm operators. METHODS: The 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety Survey data from 11,210 primary farm operators were analyzed. Pesticide use on the farm was determined using an affirmative response to the question of whether the operator ever mixed, loaded, or applied pesticides on their farm in the 12 months prior to the interview. Operators who answered "yes" were further asked about the specific trade name and formulation identifiers of the product they used and personal protective equipment (PPE) used. Data were weighted to produce national estimates. Adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORs) were calculated using logistic regression. The referent group included operators who did not use any pesticides in the 12 months prior to the interview. RESULTS: Of an estimated 2.1 million farm operators, 40.0% used pesticides, 30.8% had lifetime allergic rhinitis, and 5.1% had current asthma. Insecticide and herbicide use were significantly associated with lifetime allergic rhinitis and current asthma. The use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (POR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.9) and carbaryl (POR = 2.3; 1.4-3.7) was significantly associated with lifetime allergic rhinitis. Of operators using pesticides, 64.9% used PPE the last time they mixed, loaded, or applied pesticides. CONCLUSIONS: Pesticide use was associated with lifetime allergic rhinitis and current asthma among farm operators. Further studies are needed to clarify the dose-response relationship between pesticide use and adverse respiratory health effects.