Associations between solar and geomagnetic activity and cognitive function in the Normative Aging study.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that changes in solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) influence melatonin secretion and the autonomic nervous system. We evaluated associations between solar and geomagnetic activity and cognitive function in the Normative Aging Study from 1992 to 2013. METHODS: We used logistic and linear generalized estimating equations and regressions to evaluate the associations between moving averages of sunspot number (SSN) and Kp index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) and a binary measure for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (≤25 or > 25) and six other cognitive tests as continuous measures, combined into one global composite score and considered separately. RESULTS: A one-IQR increase in same-day SSN and Kp index were associated with 17% (95% CI: 3%, 34%) and 19% (95% CI: 4%, 36%) increases in the odds of low MMSE score. We observed small increases in the global cognitive score with increasing SSN, although we observed decreases specifically in relation to the backwards digit span test. CONCLUSIONS: Periods of high SGA were associated with cognitive function. SGA may not equally impact all aspects of cognitive function, as evidenced by differences in associations observed for the MMSE, global cognitive score, and individual cognitive tests. Given that much of the pathology of cognitive decline in the elderly remains unexplained, studies specifically targeting decline and with longer follow-up periods are warranted.

Particle radioactivity from radon decay products and reduced pulmonary function among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Radon (222Rn) decay products can attach to particles in the air, be inhaled, and potentially cause airway damage. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is short-term exposure to particle radioactivity (PR) attributable to radon decay products emitted from particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) associated with pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this cohort study, 142 elderly, predominantly male patients with COPD from Eastern Massachusetts each had up to 4 one-week long seasonal assessments of indoor (home) and ambient (central site) PR and PM2.5 over the course of a year (467 assessments). Ambient and indoor PR were measured as α-activity on archived PM2.5 filter samples. Ratios of indoor/ambient PR were calculated, with higher ratios representing PR from an indoor source of radon decay. We also considered a measure of outside air infiltration that could dilute the concentrations of indoor radon decay products, the indoor/ambient ratio of sulfur concentrations in PM2.5 filter samples. Spirometry pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were conducted following sampling. Generalized additive mixed models were adjusted for meteorologic variables, seasonality, and individual-level determinants of pulmonary function. We additionally adjusted for indoor PM2.5 and black carbon (BC). RESULTS: PR exposure metrics indicating radon decay product exposure from an indoor source were associated with a reduction in FEV1 and FVC. Patients in homes with high indoor PR (≥median) and low air infiltration (

The role of solar and geomagnetic activity in endothelial activation and inflammation in the NAS cohort.

This study investigated the associations between solar and geomagnetic activity and circulating biomarkers of systemic inflammation and endothelial activation in the Normative Aging Study (NAS) cohort. Mixed effects models with moving day averages from day 0 to day 28 were used to study the associations between solar activity (sunspot number (SSN), interplanetary magnetic field (IMF)), geomagnetic activity (planetary K index (Kp index), and various inflammatory and endothelial markers. Biomarkers included intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. After adjusting for demographic and meteorological variables, we observed significant positive associations between sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 concentrations and solar and geomagnetic activity parameters: IMF, SSN, and Kp. Additionally, a negative association was observed between fibrinogen and Kp index and a positive association was observed for CRP and SSN. These results demonstrate that solar and geomagnetic activity might be upregulating endothelial activation and inflammation.

Solar and geomagnetic activity reduces pulmonary function and enhances particulate pollution effects.

BACKGROUND: Increased solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) may alter sympathetic nervous system activity, reduce antioxidant activity, and modulate physiochemical processes that contribute to atmospheric aerosols, all which may reduce pulmonary function. OBJECTIVES: Investigate associations between forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) with SGA, and assess whether SGA enhances adverse effects of particulate pollution, black carbon (BC) and particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5). METHODS: We conducted a repeated measures analysis in 726 Normative Aging Study participants (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) between 2000 and 2017, using interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), planetary K index (Kp), and sunspot number (SSN) as SGA measures. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess exposure moving averages up to 28 days for both SGA and pollution. RESULTS: Increases in IMF, Kp Index and SSN from the day of the pulmonary function test averaged through day 28 of were associated with a significant decrement in FEV1 and FVC, after adjusting for potential confounders. There were greater effects for longer moving averages and enhanced effects of PM2.5 and BC on FEV1 and FVC with increased SGA. For example, for each inter-quartile increase (4.55 µg/m3) in average PM2.5 28 days before testing, low IMF (10th percentile: 3.2 nT) was associated with a -21.4 ml (95 % CI: -60.8, 18.1) and -7.1 ml (95 % CI: -37.7, 23·4) decrease in FVC and FEV1, respectively; high IMF (90th percentile: 9.0 nT) was associated with a -120.7 ml (95 % CI:-166.5, -74.9) and -78.6 ml (95 % CI: -114.3, -42·8) decrease in FVC and FEV1, respectively. DISCUSSION: Increased periods of solar and geomagnetic activity may directly contribute to impaired pulmonary function and also enhance effects of PM2.5 and BC. Since exposure to solar activity is ubiquitous, stricter measures in reducing air pollution exposures are warranted, particularly in elderly populations.

Associations between solar and geomagnetic activity and peripheral white blood cells in the Normative Aging Study.

It has been hypothesized that solar and geomagnetic activity can affect the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and melatonin secretion, both of which may influence immune response. We investigated the association between solar geomagnetic activity and white blood cell counts in the Normative Aging Study (NAS) Cohort between 2000 and 2013. Linear mixed effects models with moving day averages ranging from 0 to 28 days were used to evaluate the effects of solar activity measures, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and sunspot number (SSN), and a measure of geomagnetic activity, K Index (K), on total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocytes, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and basophil concentrations. After adjusting for demographic and health-related factors, there were consistently significant associations between IMF, SSN, and Kp index, with reductions in total WBC, neutrophils, and basophil counts. These associations were stronger with longer moving averages. The associations were similar after adjusting for ambient air particulate pollution and particle radioactivity. Our findings suggest that periods of increased solar and geomagnetic activity result in lower WBC, neutrophil, and basophil counts that may contribute to mil mild immune suppression.

Predicting Monthly Community-Level Domestic Radon Concentrations in the Greater Boston Area with an Ensemble Learning Model.

Inhaling radon and its progeny is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, previous studies of the health effects of residential exposure to radon in the United States were commonly based on a county-level temporally invariant radon model that was developed using measurements collected in the mid- to late 1980s. We developed a machine learning model to predict monthly radon concentrations for each ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) in the Greater Boston area based on 363,783 short-term measurements by Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc., during the period 2005-2018. A two-stage ensemble-based model was developed to predict radon concentrations for all ZCTAs and months. Stage one included 12 base statistical models that independently predicted ZCTA-level radon concentrations based on geological, architectural, socioeconomic, and meteorological factors for each ZCTA. Stage two aggregated the predictions of these 12 base models using an ensemble learning method. The results of a 10-fold cross-validation showed that the stage-two model has a good prediction accuracy with a weighted R2 of 0.63 and root mean square error of 22.6 Bq/m3. The community-level time-varying predictions from our model have good predictive precision and accuracy and can be used in future prospective epidemiological studies in the Greater Boston area.

Sources of indoor PM2.5 gross α and ß activities measured in 340 homes.

Particle radioactivity (PR) exposure has been linked to adverse health effects. PR refers to the presence of α- and ß-emitting radioisotopes attached to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This study investigated sources contributing to indoor PM2.5 gross α- and ß-radioactivity levels. We measured activity from long-lived radon progeny radionuclides from archived PM2.5 samples collected in 340 homes in Massachusetts during the period 2006-2010. We analyzed the data using linear mixed effects models and positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis. Indoor PM2.5 gross α-activity levels were correlated with sulfur (S), iron (Fe), bromine (Br), vanadium (V), sodium (Na), lead (Pb), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), titanium (Ti), radon (222Rn) and black carbon (BC) concentrations (p <0.05). Indoor PM2.5 ß-activity was correlated with S, As, antimony (Sb), Pb, Br and BC. We identified four indoor PM2.5 sources: outdoor air pollution (62%), salt aerosol source (14%), fireworks and environmental tobacco smoke (7%) and indoor mixed dust (17%). Outdoor air pollution was the most significant contributor to indoor PM2.5 α- and ß-activity levels. The contributions of this source were during the summer months and when windows were open. Indoor mixed dust was also found to contribute to PM2.5 α-activity. PM2.5 α-activity was further associated with radon during winter months, showing radon's important role as an indoor source of ionizing radiation.

Residential radon exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Massachusetts, USA: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ionizing radiation has been associated with hypertension, but the relationship between residential radon exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) has not been examined. METHODS: We used the Massachusetts Birth Registry of Vital Records from 2001 to 2015 including women with a singleton pregnancy without prior hypertension. The binary outcome (HDP) included gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia cases and was assessed using birth certificate data. We obtained 141,665 basement radon measurements from Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc. and modeled the monthly zip code basement radon level. We used a logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic covariates, maternal comorbidities, PM2.5, season, temperature, and relative humidity. We examined effect modification by maternal age, race, and maternal education as an indicator of socio-economic status. RESULTS: Of 975,528 women, 3.7% (36,530) of them developed HDP. Zip code level radon ranged from 22 to 333 mBq/m3. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in zip code radon level throughout pregnancy was associated with a 15% increase in the odds of HDP (95% CI 13% to 18%). In women less than 20 years old, an IQR increase in zip code level radon was associated with 38% increase in the odds of HDP (95% CI 24% to 50%), while the effect was smaller in older women. There was no effect modification by maternal race or education. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, higher levels of residential radon are associated with increased odds of HDP. After stratifying by age, this effect was stronger in participants younger than 20 years old. Since the burden of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increasing and affects women's future cardiovascular health, identification of modifiable risk factors is of great importance.

Effects of particulate matter gamma radiation on oxidative stress biomarkers in COPD patients.

Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) radioactivity is an important pathway of ionizing radiation exposure. We investigated the associations between short-term exposures to PM gamma radioactivity with oxidative stress in COPD patients. Urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of 81 COPD patients from Eastern Massachusetts were measured 1-4 times during 2012-2014. Daily ambient and indoor PM gamma activities (gamma-3 through gamma-9) were calculated based on EPA RadNet data and indoor-outdoor infiltration ratios. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between biomarkers with PM gamma activities for moving averages from urine collection day to 7 days before. Our results indicate that ambient and indoor PM gamma activities were positively associated with 8-OHdG, with stronger effects for exposure windows closer to urine collection day. For per interquartile range increase in indoor PM gamma activities averaged over urine collection day and 1 day before, 8-OHdG increased from 3.41% (95% CI: -0.88, 7.88) to 8.87% (95% CI: 2.98, 15.1), adjusted for indoor black carbon. For MDA, the timing of greatest effects across the exposure week varied but was nearly all positive. These findings provide insight into the toxigenic properties associated with PM radioactivity and suggest that these exposures promote systemic oxidative stress.

Association between ambient beta particle radioactivity and lower hemoglobin concentrations in a cohort of elderly men.

Although ionizing radiation is known to have detrimental effects on red blood cells, the effect of environmental radioactivity associated with ambient particulate matter (PM) is unknown. We hypothesized that exposure to ambient PM-associated beta particle radioactivity (PRß) would be associated with a lower hemoglobin concentration. We studied 1.704 participants from the Normative Aging Study (NAS) over 36 years (1981-2017) who lived in Eastern, MA and the surrounding area. Exposures to PRß was assessed using USEPA's RadNet monitoring network that measures gross beta radiation associated with ambient PM. Mixed effect models with a random intercept adjusting for potential confounders was used, including ambient black carbon (BC) and particulate matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) concentrations. Greater cumulative PRß activities at 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-days before the hemoglobin determination were associated with lower hemoglobin concentrations. The greatest effect was for a 28-day moving average. An IQR of 0.83 × 10-4 Bq/m3 of ambient PRß was associated with a 0.12 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin concentration (95%CI: -0.18 to -0.05). The effects of PRß were similar when the models were adjusted for ambient BC or PM2.5. This is the first study to demonstrate an association between environmental ionizing radiation released from particulate matter with a lower hemoglobin concentration, suggesting that ambient radiation may contribute to the development of anemia.

Short-term exposure to ambient particle gamma radioactivity is associated with increased risk for all-cause non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have found that particulate matter (PM) attached radioactivity was associated with certain adverse health effects including increased blood pressure and lung dysfunction. However, there has been no investigation on the direct effect of PM radioactivity on mortality. METHODS: Exposures to ambient PM gamma activities were determined using U.S. EPA RadNet data. Data on daily deaths were obtained from individual state Departments of Public Health. We used a generalized additive quasi-Poisson model to estimate the associations between two-day average ambient PM gamma activities (gamma2 through gamma9) with all-cause non-accidental and cardiovascular daily deaths for each of 18 US cities, for each season, adjusting for two-day average PM2.5 exposure, temperature, relative humidity, day of week and long-term trends. Subsequently, we used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the overall effect in the 18 cities for each season. RESULTS: We found that all-cause non-accidental daily mortality in spring season was positively associated with two-day average ambient PM gamma activities in spring, with significant results for gamma2, gamma5 and gamma6. Similarly, cardiovascular daily mortality was positively associated with two-day average ambient PM gamma activities, with significant results for gamma2, gamma4, gamma5, gamma6, gamma7 and gamma9. For the spring season, each interquartile range (IQR) increase of two-day averaged ambient PM gamma activity was associated with increase in all-cause daily deaths, ranging from 0.15% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.36%, 0.65%) to 1.03 (95%CI: 0.18%, 1.89%). Each IQR was also associated with increase in cardiovascular daily deaths, ranging from 0.01% (95%CI: -0.89, 0.92) to 2.95% (95%CI: 1.33, 4.59). For other seasons overall we found statistically insignificant associations of PM radioactivity with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that there are potential systemic toxic effects of inhalation of radionuclides attached to ambient air particles.

Short-term exposures to particulate matter gamma radiation activities and biomarkers of systemic inflammation and endothelial activation in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that particulate matter (PM) gamma activity (gamma radiation associated with PM) is associated with systemic effects. OBJECTIVE: Examine short-term relationships between ambient and indoor exposures to PM gamma activities with systemic inflammation and endothelial activation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. METHODS: In 85 COPD patients from Eastern Massachusetts, USA from 2012 to 2014, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured seasonally up to four times. We used US EPA RadNet data measuring ambient gamma radiation attached to PM adjusted for background radiation, and estimated in-home gamma radiation exposures using the ratio of in-home-to-ambient sulfur in PM2.5. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to determine associations between moving averages of PM gamma activities through the week before phlebotomy with these biomarkers. We explored ambient and indoor PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and NO2 as confounders. RESULTS: Ambient and indoor PM gamma activities measured as energy spectra classes 3 through 9 were positively associated with CRP and IL-6. For example, averaged from phlebotomy day through previous 6 days, each IQR increase in indoor PM gamma activity for each spectra class, was associated with an CRP increase ranging from 7.45% (95%CI: 2.77, 12.4) to 13.4% (95%CI: 5.82, 21.4) and for ambient exposures were associated with an increase of 8.75% (95%CI: -0.57, 18.95) to 14.8% (95%CI: 4.5, 26.0). Indoor exposures were associated with IL-6 increase of 3.56% (95%CI: 0.31, 6.91) to 6.46% (95%CI:1.33, 11.85) and ambient exposures were associated with an increase of 0.03% (95%CI: -6.37, 6.87) to 3.50% (95%CI: -3.15, 10.61). There were no positive associations with sVCAM-1. Sensitivity analyses using two-pollutant models showed similar effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that short-term exposures to environmental PM gamma radiation activities were associated with systemic inflammation in COPD patients.

Method of ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation to prepare graphene.

Graphene is a two-dimensional material with unique structure and excellent properties. After first being successfully prepared in 2004, it rapidly became a research hotspot in the fields of materials, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Currently, there are many methods for preparing graphene, such as ball milling method, chemical oxidation-reduction, chemical vapor deposition, and liquid-phase exfoliation. Among these methods, liquid-phase exfoliation is the most important preparation method. In this paper, ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation is systematically studied. The output power and frequency of the ultrasonic crusher used in the experiment are 100 W and 20 kHz, respectively. Results show that ultrasonic waves can affect the size and thickness distribution of graphene sheets; ultrasound-assisted deoxycholic acid sodium aqueous solution has a good exfoliation effect. In addition, the effects of the 3 liquid-phase systems on preparing graphene are studied, including organic solvent system, aqueous surfactant system, and ionic liquids system; the improvement efforts for ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation method are discussed including the exploration of new solvents and optimization of exfoliation process. The application of auxiliary agent-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation method is also discussed.

Short-term effects of particle gamma radiation activities on pulmonary function in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether environmental gamma radiation measured in US cities has detectable adverse health effects. We assessed whether short-term exposure to gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles [gamma particle activity (PRγ)] is associated with reduced pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that the inhalation of gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles may be associated with reduced pulmonary function in individuals with COPD. METHODS: In 125 patients with COPD from Eastern Massachusetts who had up to 4 seasonal one-week assessments of particulate matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and sulfur followed by spirometry. The US EPA continuously monitors ambient gamma (γ) radiation including γ released from radionuclides attached to particulate matter that is recorded as 9 γ-energy spectra classes (i = 3-9) in counts per minute (CPMγ) in the Boston area (USA). We analyzed the associations between ambient and indoor PRγi (up to one week) and pre and post-bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and with forced vital capacity (FVC) using mixed-effects regression models. We estimated indoor PRγi using the ratio of the indoor-to-outdoor sulfur in PM2.5 as a proxy for infiltration of ambient radionuclide-associated particles. RESULTS: Overall, exposures to ambient and indoor PRγi were associated with a similar decrease in pre- and post-BD FEV1 and FVC. For example, ambient PRγ3 exposure averaged from the day of pulmonary function testing through the previous 3 days [IQR of 55.1 counts per minute (CPMγ)] was associated with a decrease in pre-BD FEV1 of 21.0 ml (95%CI: -38.5 to -3.0 ml; p < 0.01) and pre-BD FVC of 27.5 ml [95% confidence interval (CI): -50.7 to -5.0 ml; p < 0.01] with similar effects adjusting for indoor and outdoor BC and PM2.5. CONCLUSION: Our results show that short-term ambient and indoor exposures to environmental gamma radiation associated with particulate matter are associated with reduced pre- and post-BD pulmonary function in patients with COPD.

Review on the treatment of organic pollutants in water by ultrasonic technology.

The application of ultrasonic technology in the treatment of organic pollutants in water has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Compared with conventional treatment, ultrasonic treatment is more efficient and time saving. Ultrasonic technology is effective for the degradation of many refractory organic pollutants. In this paper, the principle, influencing factors and various methods of ultrasonic degradation of organic pollutants are studied in view of ultrasonic treatment alone, ultrasound treatment methods combined with biocatalysts, chemical oxidation and adsorption techniques, respectively. In addition, the problems existing in the treatment of organic pollutants in water by ultrasonic technology are analyzed and the development direction is put forward.

Effect modification of ambient particle mortality by radon: A time series analysis in 108 U.S. cities.

Numerous studies have reported a positive association between ambient fine particles and daily mortality, but little is known about the particle properties or environmental factors that may contribute to these effects. This study assessed potential modification of radon on PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm)-associated daily mortality in 108 U.S. cities using a two-stage statistical approach. First, city- and season-specific PM2.5 mortality risks were estimated using over-dispersed Poisson regression models. These PM2.5 effect estimates were then regressed against mean city-level residential radon concentrations to estimate overall PM2.5 effects and potential modification by radon. Radon exposure estimates based on measured short-term basement concentrations and modeled long-term living-area concentrations were both assessed. Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality in both the spring and the fall. In addition, higher mean city-level radon concentrations increased PM2.5-associated mortality in the spring and fall. For example, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 in the spring at the 10th percentile of city-averaged short-term radon concentrations (21.1 Bq/m3) was associated with a 1.92% increase in total mortality (95% CI: 1.29, 2.55), whereas the same PM2.5 exposure at the 90th radon percentile (234.2 Bq/m3) was associated with a 3.73% increase in total mortality (95% CI: 2.87, 4.59). Results were robust to adjustment for spatial confounders, including average planetary boundary height, population age, percent poverty and tobacco use. While additional research is necessary, this study suggests that radon enhances PM2.5 mortality. This is of significant regulatory importance, as effective regulation should consider the increased risk for particle mortality in cities with higher radon levels. Implications: In this large national study, city-averaged indoor radon concentration was a significant effect modifier of PM2.5-associated total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality risk in the spring and fall. These results suggest that radon may enhance PM2.5-associated mortality. In addition, local radon concentrations partially explain the significant variability in PM2.5 effect estimates across U.S. cities, noted in this and previous studies. Although the concept of PM as a vector for radon progeny is feasible, additional research is needed on the noncancer health effects of radon and its potential interaction with PM. Future air quality regulations may need to consider the increased risk for particle mortality in cities with higher radon levels.

Recent exposure to particle radioactivity and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation: The Framingham Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Decay products of radioactive materials may attach to ambient fine particles and form radioactive aerosol. Internal ionizing radiation source from inhaled radioactive aerosol may contribute to the fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-inflammation pathway. However, few studies in humans have examined the associations. OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between particle radioactivity and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation among participants from the Framingham Offspring and Third Generation cohorts. METHODS: We included 3996 participants who were not current smokers and lived within 50 km from our central air pollution monitoring station. We estimated regional mean gross beta radioactivity from monitors in the northeastern U.S. as a surrogate for ambient radioactive particles, and calculated the 1- to 28-day moving averages. We used linear regression models for fibrinogen, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and myeloperoxidase which were measured once, and linear mixed effect models for 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, C-reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), P-selectin, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 that were measured up to twice, adjusting for demographics, individual- and area-level socioeconomic positions, time, meteorology, and PM2.5. We also examined whether the associations differed by median age, sex, diabetes status, PM2.5 levels, and black carbon levels. RESULTS: The mean age was 54 years and 54% were women. An interquartile range (3 × 10-3 pCi/m3) higher beta radioactivity level at the 7-day moving average was associated with 5.09% (95% CI: 0.92, 9.43), 2.65% (1.10, 4.22), and 4.71% (95% CI: 3.01, 6.44) higher levels of interleukin-6, MCP-1, and P-selectin, but with 7.01% (95% CI: -11.64, -2.15) and 2.70% (95% CI: -3.97, -1.42) lower levels of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α and ICAM-1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Regional mean particle radioactivity was positively associated with interleukin-6, MCP-1, and P-selectin, but negatively with ICAM-1 and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α among our study participants.

Association of dental infections with systemic diseases in Brazilian Native Indigenous: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between dental infections and systemic diseases in the Indigenous population of Brazil. A representative sample of 225 Indigenous (≥19 years) was assessed. The T-test and bivariate and logistic models were used to assess the associations of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity with dental caries and destructive periodontal disease. After adjustments for covariates, dental caries were associated with hypertension (odds ratio = 1.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.66; P = .04). Individuals with destructive periodontal disease had a higher systolic blood pressure (124 ± 20.34 mm Hg) than those without destructive periodontal disease (117.52 ± 16.54 mm Hg; P = .01). In conclusion, dental infections were found to be associated with hypertension in the present population. Thus, patients diagnosed with hypertension should be referred for dental evaluation and vice versa.