Reduction of Glyoxalase 1 Expression Links Fetal Methylmercury Exposure to Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathogenesis.

Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is an essential enzyme to detoxify methylglyoxal (MGO), a cytotoxic byproduct of glycolysis. Accumulating studies have shown an important role of Glo1 in regulating cortical development and neurogenesis, potentially contributing to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when impaired. We have previously shown that prenatal exposure to non-apoptotic low-dose methylmercury (MeHg), an environmental pollutant, induces premature cortical neurogenesis and ASD-like behaviors in a rodent model. In this study, we aimed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate prenatal MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation and abnormal neurodevelopment. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found that prenatal MeHg exposure at a non-apoptotic dose significantly reduced Glo1 gene expression in embryonic cultured radial glia precursors (RGPs). In cultured RGPs, the knockdown of Glo1 expression increased neuronal production at the expense of the cultured RGPs population, while overexpression of Glo1 restored MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation back to normal levels. Furthermore, we found that co-treatment with both MeHg and multiple MGO scavengers or a CREB inhibitor (iCREB) mitigated MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation, reinforcing the role of Glo1 and CREB in mediating MeHg-induced neuronal differentiation. Our findings demonstrate a direct link between MeHg exposure and expression of an ASD risk gene Glo1 in cortical development, supporting the important role of gene-environment interaction in contributing to the etiology of neural developmental disorders, such as ASD.

Omega-3 world map: 2024 update.

In 2016, the first worldwide n3 PUFA status map was published using the Omega-3 Index (O3I) as standard biomarker. The O3I is defined as the percentage of EPA + DHA in red blood cell (RBC) membrane FAs. The purpose of the present study was to update the 2016 map with new data. In order to be included, studies had to report O3I and/or blood EPA + DHA levels in metrics convertible into an estimated O3I, in samples drawn after 1999. To convert the non-RBC-based EPA + DHA metrics into RBC we used newly developed equations. Baseline data from clinical trials and observational studies were acceptable. A literature search identified 328 studies meeting inclusion criteria encompassing 342,864 subjects from 48 countries/regions. Weighted mean country O3I levels were categorized into very low ≤4%, low >4-6%, moderate >6-8%, and desirable >8%. We found that the O3I in most countries was low to very low. Notable differences between the current and 2016 map were 1) USA, Canada, Italy, Turkey, UK, Ireland and Greece (moving from the very low to low category); 2) France, Spain and New Zealand (low to moderate); and 3) Finland and Iceland (moderate to desirable). Countries such as Iran, Egypt, and India exhibited particularly poor O3I levels.

Exploring practices, challenges, and priorities for human health and ecological risk assessments in Indigenous communities in Canada.

Indigenous peoples in Canada are disproportionately exposed to environmental contaminants and may face elevated health risks related to their unique cultural, spiritual, and economic relationships with the land, including the use of traditional food systems. However, to date, institutionalized approaches to assess risks to human and ecological health from contaminants have not been well developed or implemented with Indigenous community contexts in mind. There is regulatory interest in developing new approach methods for risk assessment, and thus an opportunity to increase their relevance to Indigenous communities in which they will be ultimately applied. Therefore, we conducted an anonymous mixed-methods survey of those involved with risk assessment in Indigenous communities in Canada to: (1) understand risk assessment practice in Indigenous communities, (2) explore challenges with conventional assessment methods and compare these across sectors, and (3) gather perspectives on the development of new approaches. In all, 38 completed survey responses were received (14% response rate). Respondents were from Indigenous community environment and health offices (21% of respondents), Indigenous governments (8%), federal and provincial governments (21%), and academia (45%). Risk communication was seen as the most challenging part of risk assessment (71% responded "difficult"), and nearly all respondents agreed that time (86%), cost (76%), and resource availability (86%) were "moderate" to "serious" problems. Few respondents (16%) had heard of "new approach methods" for risk assessment, and 76% of respondents (and 100% of community-based respondents) agreed on the need to develop improved risk assessment approaches. To modernize risk assessment, respondents recommended advancing cumulative risk assessment methods, improving risk communication, and promoting Indigenous leadership and Traditional Knowledge in assessment activities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1677-1692. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Micro-distribution of arsenic in toenail clippings using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: implications for biomonitoring.

Toenails are a common monitoring tool for arsenic exposure, but the risk of external contamination of toenails has cast doubt on its usefulness. The main objective of this study is to investigate the micro-distribution of arsenic through the dorsoventral plane of nail clippings to understand endogenous vs exogenous sources. We used laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure arsenic through a dorsoventral cross-section of the nail plate collected from reference (N = 17) and exposed individuals (N = 35). Our main results showed (1) bulk toenail concentrations measured using ICP-MS in this study ranged from 0.54 to 4.35 µg/g; (2) there was a double-hump pattern in arsenic concentrations, i.e., dorsal and ventral layers had higher arsenic than the inner layer; (3) the double-hump was more pronounced in the exposed group (ventral: 6.25 µg/g; inner: 0.75 µg/g; dorsal: 0.95 µg/g) than the reference group (ventral: 0.58 µg/g; inner: 0.15 µg/g; dorsal: 0.29 µg/g) on average; (4) the distribution was, in part, associated with different binding affinity of nail layers (i.e., ventral > dorsal > inner); (5) most individuals in the higher exposure group showed > 25% contamination in ventral and dorsal nail layers; and (6) there were no statistically significant correlations between LA-ICP-MS arsenic with either bulk toenail arsenic or urine arsenic from the same individuals. Our results on micro-distribution and binding affinity provide insight into the impact of external contamination on arsenic concentrations and show how LA-ICP-MS can access the protected inner nail layer to provide a more accurate result.

Effects of low doses of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on definitive endoderm cell differentiation in human embryonic stem cells.

Fetal development is one of the most sensitive windows to methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity. Laboratory and epidemiological studies have shown a dose-response relationship between fetal MeHg exposure and neuro performance in different life stages from infants to adults. In addition, MeHg exposure has been reported to be associated with disorders in endoderm-derived organs, such as morphological changes in liver cells and pancreatic cell dysfunctions. However, the mechanisms of the effects of MeHg on non-neuronal organs or systems, especially during the early development of endoderm-derived organs, remain unclear. Here we determined the effects of low concentrations of MeHg exposure during the differentiation of definitive endoderm (DE) cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). hESCs were exposed to MeHg (0, 10, 100, and 200 nM) that covers the range of Hg concentrations typically found in human maternal blood during DE cell induction. Transcriptomic analysis showed that sub-lethal doses of MeHg exposure could alter global gene expression patterns during hESC to DE cell differentiation, leading to increased expression of endodermal genes/proteins and the over-promotion of endodermal fate, mainly through disrupting calcium homeostasis and generating ROS. Bioinformatic analysis results suggested that MeHg exerts its developmental toxicity mainly by disrupting ribosome biogenesis during early cell lineage differentiation. This disruption could lead to aberrant growth or dysfunctions of the developing endoderm-derived organs, and it may be the underlying mechanism for the observed congenital diseases later in life. Based on the results, we proposed an adverse outcome pathway for the effects of MeHg exposure during human embryonic stem cells to definitive endoderm differentiation.

Prenatal low-dose methylmercury exposure causes premature neuronal differentiation and autism-like behaviors in a rodent model.

Aberrant neurodevelopment is a core deficit of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we ask whether a non-genetic factor, prenatal exposure to the environmental pollutant methylmercury (MeHg), is a contributing factor in ASD onset. We showed that adult mice prenatally exposed to non-apoptotic MeHg exhibited key ASD characteristics, including impaired communication, reduced sociability, and increased restrictive repetitive behaviors, whereas in the embryonic cortex, prenatal MeHg exposure caused premature neuronal differentiation. Further single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis disclosed that prenatal exposure to MeHg resulted in cortical radial glial precursors (RGPs) favoring asymmetric differentiation to directly generate cortical neurons, omitting the intermediate progenitor stage. In addition, MeHg exposure in cultured RGPs increased CREB phosphorylation and enhanced the interaction between CREB and CREB binding protein (CBP). Intriguingly, metformin, an FDA-approved drug, can reverse MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation via CREB/CBP repulsion. These findings provide insights into ASD etiology, its underlying mechanism, and a potential therapeutic strategy.

Characterizing variability in total mercury hair:blood ratio in the general Canadian population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The body burden of mercury in humans can be measured through hair or blood biomarkers. To compare results from different studies, it is often required to convert mercury in hair to an equivalent level in blood, using a default hair:blood ratio of 250:1 by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the actual ratio may vary within and between populations. The objectives of this study were to analyze the hair:blood mercury ratio in the general Canadian population, explore factors associated with higher/lower ratios, and determine if the standard ratio of 250:1 is supported. METHODS: The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Cycle 5 (2016-2017) measured total mercury (THg) in both hair and blood of 1168 participants 20-59 years of age. We calculated geometric mean (GM) concentrations of THg for this entire sample and subgroups. The subgroups included biological sex, women of childbearing age, race, hair treatments, categories of blood and hair selenium, urinary arsenobetaine/arsenocholine, categories of blood and hair mercury, and food consumption. We calculated a hair:blood ratio for each participant and determined population-level ratios from the GMs of the distributions. Differences by subgroups, and agreement with the WHO ratio of 250:1, were tested. The combined effect of factors on the THg hair:blood ratio was explored using staged regression analysis. RESULTS: For participants with paired hair and blood mercury measurements, the GM of the hair:blood THg ratio was 293 (95%CI:273-316), and significantly >250. In women of childbearing age, the ratio did not differ from 250. The GMs of the ratio were higher (i.e.>300) for second tertile blood selenium (365, 95%CI:307-433), third and fourth quartiles hair mercury (347, 95%CI:308-390 and 376, 95%CI:336-422), and consumers of shellfish (338, 95%CI:308-371). Shellfish consumption was the only statistically significant factor associated with the hair:blood ratio as identified in the regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The mean hair:blood THg ratio among Canadians generally exceeded the default ratio of 250:1. Higher ratios were observed in certain subgroups, such as seafood consumers, and shellfish consumption was the most important variable associated with the ratio. Our results suggest that population-specific hair:blood THg ratios be considered, if possible, when converting mercury levels from hair to blood to better characterize the variation around the conversion.

Improving urban flood resilience via GDELT GKG analyses in China's Sponge Cities.

Urban floods are the most severe disaster in most Chinese cities due to rapid urbanisation and climate challenges. Recently, media data analytics has become prominent in enhancing urban flood resilience. In this study, news media data from the GKG of the GDELT project was innovatively used to examine the pattern of news media responses towards urban flooding in China's Sponge City Programme (SCP) pilot cities. We find that public sentiments toward urban flood events have been more positive in SCP pilot cities from 2015 to 2021. News media responses towards urban floods exhibit strong seasonality, which is significantly connected with rainfall patterns. Most of the media articles were posted during the urban flood event. Finally, we suggest the opportunities and challenges in applying GKG data analytics and new technologies for urban flood resilience. The results can provide beneficial references to urban flood management strategies in China's Sponge Cities for associated policymakers and stakeholders.

An overview of flood-induced transport disruptions on urban streets and roads in Chinese megacities: Lessons and future agendas.

Urban road transport disruptions caused by urban floods have become severe in the Chinese megacities due to climate change and urbanisation. Urban road planning, design, and land drainage systems are insufficiently coping with intense rainstorms, especially in the wet season. This is reflected in more research findings on urban flood impacts and road transport disruption over the past decade. Here we provide a critical overview of current research on urban road inundation, road traffic delays, and accessibility losses under flood conditions, and illustrate up-to-date practices with the relevant governmental institutions. Our review implies that urban flood management in road design is still at an embryonic stage in the Chinese megacities. Hence, we review the lessons and experiences of urban flood impacts on roads in the global context. We argue that it is essential to enhance better co-production practices on emergency responses and recovery measures between authorities, which is vital to improving flood resilience in uncertain climates.

Associations between extreme precipitation, drinking water, and protozoan acute gastrointestinal illnesses in four North American Great Lakes cities (2009-2014).

Climate change is already impacting the North American Great Lakes ecosystem and understanding the relationship between climate events and public health, such as waterborne acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGIs), can help inform needed adaptive capacity for drinking water systems (DWSs). In this study, we assessed a harmonized binational dataset for the effects of extreme precipitation events (≥90th percentile) and preceding dry periods, source water turbidity, total coliforms, and protozoan AGIs - cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis - in the populations served by four DWSs that source surface water from Lake Ontario (Hamilton and Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and Lake Michigan (Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) from January 2009 through August 2014. We used distributed lag non-linear Poisson regression models adjusted for seasonality and found extreme precipitation weeks preceded by dry periods increased the relative risk of protozoan AGI after 1 and 3-5 weeks in three of the four cities, although only statistically significant in two. Our results suggest that the risk of protozoan AGI increases with extreme precipitation preceded by a dry period. As extreme precipitation patterns become more frequent with climate change, the ability to detect changes in water quality and effectively treat source water of varying quality is increasingly important for adaptive capacity and protection of public health.

Development of an optimal grocery list based on actual intake from a cross-sectional study of First Nations adults in Ontario, Canada.

A multi-stage sampling strategy selected 1387 on-reserve First Nations adults in Ontario. Foods from a 24-hour dietary recall were assigned to the 100 most common food groups for men and women. Nutrients from market foods (MF) and traditional foods (TF) harvested from the wild as well as MF costs were assigned based on the proportions of total grams consumed. Linear programming was performed imposing various constraints to determine whether it was possible to develop diets that included the most popular foods while meeting Institute of Medicine guidelines. Final models were obtained for both sexes with the top 100 food groups consumed while limiting the nutrient-poor foods to no more than the actual observed intake. These models met all nutrient constraints for men but those for dietary fibre, linoleic acid, phosphorus, and potassium were removed for women. MF costs were obtained from community retailers and online resources. A grocery list was then developed and MF were costed for a family of 4. The grocery list underestimated the actual weekly food cost because TF was not included. Contemporary observed diets deviated from healthier historic First Nations diets. A culturally appropriate diet would include more traditional First Nations foods and fewer MF. Novelty: Linear programming is a mathematical approach to evaluating the diets of First Nations. The grocery list is representative of food patterns within Ontario First Nations and can be used as an alternative to the nutritious food basket used for public health food costing.

Correction: Yuan et al. Sub-Micromolar Methylmercury Exposure Promotes Premature Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Neural Precursor at the Expense of Their Proliferation. Toxics 2018, 6, 61.

In the original article [...].

Fishing trip cost modeling using generalized linear model and machine learning methods - A case study with longline fisheries in the Pacific and an application in Regulatory Impact Analysis.

Fishing trip cost is an important element in evaluating economic performance of fisheries, assessing economic effects from fisheries management alternatives, and serving as input for ecosystem and bioeconomic modeling. However, many fisheries have limited trip-level data due to low observer coverage. This article introduces a generalized linear model (GLM) utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques to develop a modeling approach to estimate the functional forms and predict the fishing trip costs of unsampled trips. GLM with Lasso regularization and ML cross-validation of model are done simultaneously for predictor selection and evaluation of the predictive power of a model. This modeling approach is applied to estimate the trip-level fishing costs using the empirical sampled trip costs and the associated trip-level fishing operational data and vessel characteristics in the Hawaii and American Samoa longline fisheries. Using this approach to build models is particularly important when there is no strong theoretical guideline on predictor selection. Also, the modeling approach addresses the issue of skewed trip cost data and provides predictive power measurement, compared with the previous modeling efforts in trip cost estimation for the Hawaii longline fishery. As a result, fishing trip costs for all trips in the fishery can be estimated. Lastly, this study applies the estimated trip cost model to conduct an empirical analysis to evaluate the impacts on trip costs due to spatial regulations in the Hawaii longline fishery. The results show that closing the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) could induce an average 14% increase in fishing trip costs, while the trip cost impacts of the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) closures could be lower.

Characterizing the Low-Dose Effects of Methylmercury on the Early Stages of Embryo Development Using Cultured Human Embryonic Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Global concerns of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure have been raised, especially on its effects on pregnant women. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed associations between maternal blood/hair MeHg concentrations, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we characterized the effects of MeHg exposure on undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and extrapolated the effects to human embryonic development. METHODS: hESCs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 or 200nM MeHg for 24 h or 6 d. Cell adherence and colony formation and expansion were examined under the microscope. Cell attachment, viability/proliferation, apoptosis, stress response, cell cycle, autophagy, and expression of cell lineage marker genes and proteins were measured at the end of exposures. RESULTS: Our results indicated that exposure to nanomolar concentrations of MeHg was associated with a) higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), suggesting increased stress and adaptive responses; b) lower cellular adhesion, viability/proliferation, and colony formation and expansion; c) higher levels of apoptosis, reflected by higher cleaved caspase-3 expression and Annexin V binding; d) higher levels of cytoskeleton protein α-tubulin expression; e) higher rates of G1/S phase cell cycle arrest; and f) autophagy inhibition, as shown by a lower LC3BII/LC3BI ratio and accumulation of SQSTM1 (p62). These outcomes were accompanied by higher expressions of self-renewal genes or proteins or both, including OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and cytokine receptor IL6ST, as well as pluripotency and the cell fate regulator cyclin D1. DISCUSSION: These results revealed that under the selection pressure of exposure to low doses of MeHg, some hESCs underwent apoptosis, whereas others adapted and survived with enhanced self-renewal gene expression and specific morphological phenotypes. Findings from the present study provide in vitro evidence that low doses of MeHg adversely affect hESCs when exposed during a period of time that models embryonic pre-, during, and early postimplantation stages. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7349.

Variation in biomarker levels of metals, persistent organic pollutants, and omega-3 fatty acids in association with genetic polymorphisms among Inuit in Nunavik, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Biomarker measures of contaminant exposure and nutrient status can help increase understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the consumption of traditional foods by Inuit. While gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions may help explain variations in biomarker measures, the role of genetic polymorphisms is largely understudied especially for vulnerable sub-populations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key genes and blood concentrations of environmental chemicals and nutrients among Inuit. METHODS: Blood samples from 665 individuals who participated in the Qanuippitaa Survey (Nunavik, Canada) in 2004 were analyzed for toxicants and nutrients. DNA was extracted and 140 SNPs in classes relevant to the toxicokinetics and/or toxicodynamics of the target contaminants and nutrients, and/or are involved in cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism were genotyped using the Sequenom iPLEX Gold platform. RESULTS: Geometric means (µg/L) of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), DDE, PCB-153, and selenium (Se) were 11.1, 2.8, 39.9, 2.9, 1.1 and 301.2, respectively. Red blood cell membrane levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were 5.1%/total fatty acid (TFA) and 1.3%/TFA respectively. Out of 106 SNPs which met our inclusion criteria, biomarker levels for Hg, Cd, Pb, DDE, PCB-153, DHA, and EPA differed (p < 0.05) by genotype for 20, 13, 12, 19, 21, 9 and 8 SNPs, respectively. Following Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0005), only 9 SNPs remained significant (rs2274976 in MTHFR, rs174602 in FADS2, rs7115739 and rs74771917 in FADS3, rs713041 in GPX4, rs2306283 and rs4149056 in SLCO1B1, rs1885301 in ABCC2/MRP2, and rs4244285 in CYP2C19; 5 associated with Hg, 2 with Pb, 2 with DDE, 4 with PCB-153, 1 with DHA). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that polymorphisms in environmentally-responsive genes can influence biomarker levels of key toxicants and nutrients. While there are no immediate clinical or public health implications of these findings, we believe that such gene-environment and gene-nutrient studies provide a foundation that will inform and provide direction to future studies.

Mapping the Clinical Experience of a New York City Residency Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted the educational experience of medical trainees. However, a detailed characterization of exactly how trainees' clinical experiences have been affected is lacking. Here, we profile residents' inpatient clinical experiences across the four training hospitals of NYU's Internal Medicine Residency Program during the pandemic's first wave. We mined ICD-10 principal diagnosis codes attributed to residents from February 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. We translated these codes into discrete medical content areas using a newly developed "crosswalk tool." Residents' clinical exposure was enriched in infectious diseases (ID) and cardiovascular disease content at baseline. During the pandemic's surge, ID became the dominant content area. Exposure to other content was dramatically reduced, with clinical diversity repopulating only toward the end of the study period. Such characterization can be leveraged to provide effective practice habits feedback, guide didactic and self-directed learning, and potentially predict competency-based outcomes for trainees in the COVID era.

Imaging of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy and is a heterogeneous tumor of biliary epithelium. We discuss the risk factors, anatomic classification of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) as well as the different morphologic subtypes of CC. Imaging findings of CC on different modalities are described, focusing on intrahepatic CC. Recently recognized imaging features that carry prognostic significance, such as a worse prognosis in tumors that have more desmoplastic stroma, are detailed. Other benign and malignant entities that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CC will also be discussed.

The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (2008-2018)-rationale, design, methods and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rationale, the participatory nature of the methodology, and the lessons learned during the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (FNFNES), a community-based participatory research project implemented in eight Assembly of First Nations regions, which includes the entirety of Canada south of the 60th parallel. METHODS: FNFNES respected the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®) ( https://fnigc.ca/ocap ). A random sampling strategy based on an ecosystem framework comprising 11 ecozones was adopted to collect representative nutritional and environmental health results for all First Nations adults living on-reserve south of the 60th parallel. Data collection occurred during the fall months from 2008 to 2016. Respective First Nations were involved in the planning and implementation of data collection for the five principal components: household interviews, tap water sampling for metals, surface water sampling for pharmaceuticals, hair sampling for mercury, and traditional food sampling for contaminants. RESULTS: A total of 6487 adults from 92 First Nations participated in the Study (participation rate 78%). A higher percentage of females (66%) participated than males (34%). The average age of males and females was similar (44 and 45 years, respectively). This study offers a novel body of coherent and regionally representative evidence on the human dimension of the ongoing environmental degradation affecting First Nations. CONCLUSION: FNFNES serves as a good example of participatory research. We encourage public health professionals to develop policy and programs building on the participatory dimension of the research as well as on its results. The information collected by the FNFNES is also important for community empowerment, environmental stewardship and the general promotion of good health by and for First Nations peoples in Canada.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Décrire la justification, la nature participative de la méthodologie et les leçons apprises dans le cadre de l'Étude sur l'alimentation, la nutrition et l'environnement des Premières Nations (EANEPN), un projet de recherche participative communautaire mis en œuvre dans huit régions de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations, qui comprend l'ensemble du Canada au sud du 60e parallèle. MéTHODES: L'EANEPN a respecté les principes de propriété, de contrôle, d'accès et de possession des Premières Nations (PCAP®) ( https://fnigc.ca/ocap ). Une stratégie d'échantillonnage aléatoire basée sur un cadre écosystémique composé de 11 écozones a été adoptée pour recueillir des résultats représentatifs de la santé nutritionnelle et environnementale pour tous les adultes des Premières Nations vivant dans les réserves au sud du 60e parallèle. La collecte de données a eu lieu au cours des mois d'automne de 2008 à 2016. Les Premières Nations respectives ont participé à la planification et à la mise en œuvre de la collecte de données pour les cinq principales composantes : entrevues avec les ménages, échantillonnage de l'eau du robinet pour les métaux, échantillonnage de l'eau de surface pour les produits pharmaceutiques, échantillonnage des cheveux pour le mercure, et échantillonnage des aliments traditionaux pour les contaminants. RéSULTATS: Au total, 6 487 adultes de 92 Premières Nations ont participé à l'étude (taux de participation de 78 %). Un pourcentage plus élevé de femmes (66 %) a participé que d'hommes (34 %). L'âge moyen des hommes et des femmes était similaire (44 et 45 ans, respectivement). Cette étude offre pour la première fois un ensemble de preuves cohérentes et représentatives à l'échelle régionale sur la dimension humaine de la dégradation continue de l'environnement affectant les Premières Nations. CONCLUSION: L'EANEPN est un bon exemple de recherche participative. Nous encourageons les professionnels de la santé publique à élaborer des politiques et des programmes en s'appuyant sur la dimension participative de la recherche ainsi que sur ses résultats. Les informations recueillies par L'EANEPN sont également importantes pour l'autonomisation des communautés, la gestion de l'environnement et la promotion générale de la santé par et pour les peuples des Premières Nations au Canada.

Importance of the traditional food systems for First Nations adults living on reserves in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the traditional food (TF) systems of First Nations in Canada, including intake, barriers and promoters. METHODS: The First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study is a cross-Canada participatory study of First Nations adults below the 60th parallel that obtained data for communities excluded from other national studies. A food frequency questionnaire was used to establish frequency of TF intake (number of days in a year) to allow comparisons across ecozones/regions in Canada. Grams of TF intake were also calculated using frequency multiplied by average portions from 24-h recalls. Closed- and open-ended questions attempted to identify some of the key barriers and concerns regarding TF access and use. Multivariable analyses were run to determine what factors are associated with increased TF consumption. RESULTS: Across communities, there is a strong preference by adults to have TF in the diet more often. Consumption of land animals was most frequently reported in most ecozones except for the Pacific Maritime and Mixedwood Plains, where fish and plants, respectively, were more frequently consumed. First Nations identified structural and environmental challenges such as development, government regulations and climate change, along with household barriers such as insufficient capital for equipment and transportation, lack of time and absence of a hunter in the household. Multivariable analyses revealed that the highest intake of TF occurred in the Taiga Plains ecozone, and for older individuals and men. CONCLUSION: Identifying solutions that empower First Nations at all levels is required to overcome the multiple challenges to the inclusion of TF in the diet.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIFS: Décrire les systèmes alimentaires traditionnels (AT) des adultes provenant des Premières Nations du Canada, y compris la consommation, les barrières et les promoteurs. MéTHODE: L'Étude sur l'alimentation, la nutrition et l'environnement chez les Premières Nations est une étude participative pancanadienne avec les Premières Nations demeurant dans les réserves au sud du 60e parallèle et qui a permis d'obtenir des données sur les communautés exclues d'autres études nationales. Un questionnaire sur la fréquence des aliments fut utilisé pour établir la fréquence de l'apport en AT (nombre de jours par année) afin de permettre des comparaisons entre les ecozones et régions du Canada. Les grammes d'apport en AT furent également calculés en utilisant la fréquence multipliée par les portions moyennes provenant des rappels de 24 heures. Des questions fermées et ouvertes ont tenté d'identifier certains des principaux obstacles et préoccupations concernant l'accès et l'utilisation des AT. Des analyses multivariées furent effectuées pour identifier quels facteurs sont associés à une consommation plus élevée des AT. RéSULTATS: Dans toutes les communautés, les adultes préfèrent avoir un apport plus fréquent des AT. La consommation des animaux terrestres a été mentionnée le plus souvent dans la plupart des écozones, sauf dans les Maritimes Pacifiques et les Plaines Boismixtes, où les poissons et les plantes, respectivement, étaient plus fréquemment consommés. Les Premières Nations ont identifié des défis structurels et environnementaux tels que le développement, la réglementation gouvernementale et les changements climatiques, ainsi que des obstacles pour les ménages comme l'insuffisance de capitaux pour l'équipement et le transport, le manque de temps et l'absence de chasseur dans le ménage. Une analyse multivariée a révélé que la consommation la plus élevée d'AT avait lieu dans l'écozone de la Taïga des Plaines, ainsi que pour les personnes plus âgées et les hommes. CONCLUSION: Il est important d'identifier des solutions qui renforcent le pouvoir des Premières Nations à surmonter les défis multiples qui entravent la consommation des AT.