ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8530-4809
Current Organisations
University of occupational and environmental health
,
National Taiwan University
,
National Health Research Institutes
,
Murdoch Children's Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit
,
University of Sydney
,
National Taiwan University Hospital Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Related Links
Publications
Association Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption as Meal Substitutes, Workload, and Obesity in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-12-2019
Abstract: Background: High occupational stress has been associated with altered eating behaviors and obesity. Occupational stress is reported to be high in Asian countries. Furthermore, many Asian countries are increasingly consuming Western-type foods (e.g., incorporating drinks with meals) which collectively may also be contributing to obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine (a) associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption as meal replacement and obesity and (b) associations between workload and substituting meals with SSB in nurses. Methods: A representative s le of 854 hospital-based nurses completed a structured questionnaire about SSB consumption, workload, and body mass index (BMI). Log binomial regression models were employed to test associations between SSBs and obesity rates and associations between workload and SSBs. Results: Most participants (57.6%) consumed SSBs as meal replacements during work. This was related to high workloads during shifts. Substituting SSBs for meals was significantly associated with increased likelihood of obesity (aPRR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.1, 1.7)). Workload was positively associated with SSB intake as meal substitutes (aPRR = 1.4, 95% CI (1.2, 1.6)). Conclusions: Our findings show that SSBs are used as meal substitutes and is due to the workload demands. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is also positively associated with the increased likelihood of obesity. Interventions that modify workloads and decrease SSB consumption may improve workers’ eating behaviors and health.
Occupational medicine in Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-10-1999
Effects of PM2.5 on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Body Fat Mass of the Elderly in Taipei, Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-47576-9
Abstract: Loss of skeletal muscle mass is common with aging and can cause morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The effects of particulate air pollution on skeletal muscle mass is not known. The study aims to assess the chronic effects of ambient fine particulates (PM 2.5 ) on the body composition of the elderly. From October 2015 to November 2016, a cross-sectional survey on 530 elderly (age = 65 years) was conducted in the Taipei Basin, Taiwan. The body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 120). One year exposure to air pollution was estimated using the Kriging method at the participant’s residence. Multiple linear regression analysis, after adjustments for demographics and co-pollutants, was used to examine the effects of PM 2.5 on body composition indices and force of handgrip. Changes in body composition for an interquartile (1.4 μm/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 concentration included a 0.4 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.31, −0.58 p 0.0001) decrease in skeletal muscle mass (2.0%) and a 0.7 kg (95% CI: 0.47, 0.91 p 0.0001) increase in body fat mass (3.6%). While PM 2.5 reduced fat free mass in the upper extremities and trunk, but not in the lower extremities, it increased body fat mass in the three parts. There was no significant effect of PM 2.5 on handgrip force. Higher physical activity (versus lower than median) was associated with less detrimental effect of PM 2.5 on skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass (p values for interaction term: 0.009 and 0.013, respectively). Long-term PM 2.5 exposure is associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass and increased body fat mass in the elderly, which can be ameliorated by physical activity.
Human PCDD/PCDF levels near a pentachlorophenol contamination site in Tainan, Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2006.01.063
Abstract: A pentachlorophenol (PCP) manufacturing plant in southern Taiwan discontinued production in 1989. The site of the abandoned plant was heavily contaminated by PCDD/PCDFs, impurities formed in the PCP production process. Serum s les collected from 27 residents living near the deserted plant were evaluated to determine whether this contamination had associated serum levels of PCDD/PCDFs in local residents. The average level of 17 tested congeners ranged from 556 to 5240 pg/g lipid (mean, 1670 pg/g lipid). The corresponding 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxicity equivalent quotient values calculated by international toxicity equivalent factors (I-TEFs) and those recommended by WHO (WHO-TEFs) were 47.2 pg I-TEQ/g lipid and 53.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. Levels in other parts of Taiwan typically range from 15 to 20 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid therefore, it is likely that the heavily contaminated plant site caused these unusually high serum levels. The average PCDD/PCDF levels of 29 fish-tissue and nine soil s les collected from the sea reservoir surrounding the abandoned PCP plant were also abnormally high: 8630 pg/g lipid (985 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid) and 606000 pg/g-s le (922 pg WHO-TEQ/g-s le), respectively. Factor analysis indicated that the congener pattern of human serum s les collected from residents living near the abandoned PCP plant different from s les collected from other areas in Taiwan without known PCDD/PCDF pollution. Similar results were observed for the fish tissue and soil s les. The current study may have discovered a "hot spot" for elevated dioxin human exposure in Taiwan. The preliminary finding has raised a public health concern in the inspected area and requires further investigations to clarify the nature of the contamination and potential impact on the local environment and human health.
Interactive Effects Between CYP1A1 Genotypes and Environmental Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans Exposures on Liver Function Profile
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2006
DOI: 10.1080/15287390500227456
Abstract: Previous studies reported that polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) induced hepatic cytochrome P-4501A1 (CYP1A1). The aim of this study was to examine the interactive influence of CYP1A1 genotypes and PCDD/Fs exposure on liver function profile. PCDD/Fs levels and liver function parameters were determined in serum and correlated with genetic polymorphism of CYP1A1/Msp 1 in 225 human volunteers who had no or minimal occupational exposure to PCDD/F. The results showed that the highest glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity levels were found in subjects with homozygous variant CYP1A1/Msp 1, followed by heterozygous variant, and finally homozygous wild type for those in iduals whose serum PCDD/Fs levels were higher than 17.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid. Data suggest that GPT activity levels may be modified by interaction of CYP1A1/Msp 1 genotype with dioxin after adjustment for age, alcohol consumption, and history of liver illness. Further studies are needed to characterize the variation in other related genes to verify whether a correlation exists between serum PCDD/Fs levels and adverse health effects.
Risk factors for asthma occurrence in children with early‐onset atopic dermatitis: An 8‐year follow‐up study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2017
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12835
Abstract: Children with early-onset atopic dermatitis (AD) are at substantial risk of developing asthma later in life, and identifying the critical window of detrimental exposure is advantageous for implementing preventive actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of exposure to environmental modifiers during pregnancy and early childhood in asthma occurrence in an infantile AD cohort. Eligible study participants were selected from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study, which enrolled 24 200 newborns in 2005. We enrolled those cases who had been diagnosed as having AD before 3 years of age and followed them up till age 8. We excluded those ever diagnosed with asthma before AD onset. The dependent variable was defined in terms of whether the participant was diagnosed as having asthma before 8 years of age. We applied logistic regression models to evaluate the risks of exposure to different determinants in asthma occurrence. A total of 1549 children with AD had completed the 8-year follow-up, and 334 (21.6%) of them had asthma. The results revealed that male sex, lower birth order, maternal asthma history, maternal obesity before pregnancy, and environmental tobacco smoke exposure before 3 years of age were significant risk factors for further development of asthma. Furthermore, food allergy during early life, lower respiratory tract infection, and longer durations of symptomatic AD influenced asthma development later in life. The findings confirmed the critical determinants for asthma occurrence in infantile AD, which may enable a more personalized approach to the prevention of asthma.
Serum concentrations and profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls in Taiwan Yu-cheng victims twenty years after the incident
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2004.12.001
Abstract: In 1979, about 2000 people in central Taiwan were intoxicated via rice oil consumption that was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This "Yu-cheng" incident was one of the two known major human PCB intoxication episodes. Twenty years after the intoxication, serum s les of 435 Yu-cheng victims, 414 adults and 21 children, were collected. Sixteen PCB congeners were analyzed with a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector. We found the median concentration of total PCBs in the adult serum was 1500 ng/g lipid, still substantially higher than that of the general population in Taiwan (3.7-fold) and most seafood consumers in the world. Most of analyzed PCB congeners in children were below or around the detection limits. Congener #138, however, had the highest concentrations, approximately accounting for 55% and 29% in the child and adult groups, respectively. Given that PCBs are persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors, the concentrations and congener-specific profiles regarding the Yu-cheng victims provide valuable information for the investigation of such chemicals in humans.
Accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome using rest and grasp positions of the hands
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHSA.2012.04.040
Abstract: To compare the accuracy of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in both the rest and grasp positions. We postulated that the diagnostic accuracy could be improved by imaging hands in the grasp position rather than in the rest position. Fifty patients with CTS and 45 healthy volunteers received a package of questionnaires and had a physical examination and a nerve conduction study. Ultrasonography and MRI images were recorded in both the rest and grasp positions for each participant. There were significant differences between the patients and the healthy volunteers regarding patient-reported outcomes, the results of physical examinations, the nerve conduction studies, and the ultrasonography and MRI imaging. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ultrasonography was significantly improved by measuring the bowing of the flexor retinaculum in the grasp position than by measuring that in the rest position. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was similar to that of MRI when we used a combination of the measurements of the cross-sectional area of the median nerve in the rest position and the bowing of the flexor retinaculum in the grasp position. The accuracies of MRI and ultrasonography for diagnosing CTS were improved by measuring the bowing of the flexor retinaculum in the grasp position. Ultrasonography can be an adequate screening method for CTS if clinicians combine the cross-sectional area of the median nerve in the rest position and the bowing of the flexor retinaculum in the grasp position. Diagnostic I.
Gender-related decrease in Raven's progressive matrices scores in children prenatally exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and related contaminants
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-1995
DOI: 10.1007/BF00212382
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children related to maternal job stress during pregnancy in Taiwan: a prospective cohort study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-021-01821-9
Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorders. Although studies have suggested relationships between ADHD in children and maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy, little is known about the effects of work-related mental stress. Considering the increasing number of pregnant women who continue to work during the gestation period, this study investigated whether work-related stress during pregnancy is related to offspring ADHD. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study followed selected representative mother-infant pairs in a face-to-face interview since a child was 6 months old. A total of 10,556 working pregnant women who completed follow-up 8 years later were included. Whether the 8-year-old child had ever received a diagnosis of ADHD were inquired. Self-reported job stress during pregnant period was obtained 6 months after delivery. Factors including perinatal and socioeconomic factors as well as the mother's job conditions were further analyzed with logistic regression. Among those who continued working during pregnancy, 3850 (36.5%) mothers reported having job stress during pregnancy, and 210 (2.0%) of the children were diagnosed as having ADHD before 8 years of age. Compared with mothers who reported no job stress, the adjusted odds ratio of child ADHD was 1.91 (95% CI 1.21-3.07) for mothers with "very stressful" jobs during pregnancy and 1.53 (95% CI 1.04-2.25) for mothers with "rather stressful" jobs. Among pregnant female workers, higher levels of job stress were related to the higher occurrence of ADHD in their children.
Increased Risk of Diabetes and Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dioxins
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.2337/DC07-2449
Abstract: OBJECTIVE—Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are important and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in humans. Recent cross-sectional studies have detected increased concentrations of serum POPs in diabetic patients. We aimed to examine the association between previous high exposures to PCBs and PCDFs and the cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—During the late 1970s, the consumption of rice-bran oil laced with PCBs poisoned thousands of Taiwanese. Between 1993 and 2003, we examined 1,054 Yucheng (“oil disease”) victims against neighborhood reference subjects using a protocol blinded for POP exposure. Here, we report the results derived from 378 Yucheng subjects and 370 matched references. RESULTS—The diabetes risk to members of the Yucheng cohort relative to their reference subjects was significantly increased for women (odds ratio [OR] 2.1 [95% CI 1.1–4.5]) but not for men after considering age, BMI, cigarette smoking, and alcohol intake. Yucheng women diagnosed with chloracne had adjusted ORs of 5.5 (95% CI 2.3–13.4) for diabetes and 3.5 (1.7–7.2) for hypertension compared with those who were chloracne free. CONCLUSIONS—Yucheng women, who had endured previous exposure to PCBs and PCDFs, suffered from increased incidences of diabetes, particularly those who had retained significant levels of pollutant as evident from chloracne. When planning treatments against diabetes, the body burden of PCBs and dioxins should be carefully considered, especially for women.
Occupational hand dermatitis in a tertiary referral dermatology clinic in Taipei
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-1995
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0536.1995.TB02077.X
Abstract: Occupational skin disease is one of the most common occupational diseases. The hand is the most frequent site of involvement in occupational skin disease. We interviewed and examined patients seen in the Contact Dermatitis Clinic of the National Taiwan University Medical Center, a tertiary referral center in Taipei City. For patients suspected of having allergic skin diseases, patch testing was carried out using the European standard series and suspected allergens. Occupational hand dermatitis (OHD) was diagnosed according to medical history, work exposure, physical examination, and patch test findings. 36% of patients seen were diagnosed as having OHD. Electronics, hairdressing, medical, chemical, and construction were the most important industries causing OHD. In the 164 patients with OHD, 58.5% had irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and 41.5% allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Dorsal fingers, nail folds, and dorsal hands were most frequently involved in patients with ACD dorsal fingers, volar fingers and fingertips were most frequently involved in those with ICD. Using logistic regression analysis, we were able to identify the most important clinical presentations that predicted the types of OHD, ACD versus ICD. Patients with atopic history and palm involvement were more likely to have ICD, and those with nail fold involvement more likely to have ACD. In patients with ACD, the most important allergens were dichromate, nickel, cobalt, fragrance mix, epoxy resin, thiuram mix, and p-phenylenediamine. In this study, we identified the important industries and causal agents for OHD. Future preventive measures focused on these industries and agents to reduce OHD will be warranted.
Time trend of asthma prevalence among school children in Taiwan: ISAAC phase I and III surveys*
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-01-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2006.00504.X
Abstract: The standardized International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) is a valid tool in assessing prevalence of asthma indices. In order to determine the time trends of childhood asthma in Taiwan, we compared data from nationwide ISAAC surveys from a very large s le of Taiwanese 12- to 15-year-old school children, using ISAAC core written and video questionnaires. The number of participants was 44,104 in 1995-96 (phase I) and 11,048 in 2001 (phase III). We found a general tendency towards an increase in lifetime prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma and asthma symptoms between two surveys, more marked for girls than for boys. Most of the 12-month prevalence of asthma symptoms decreased among boys but stabilized among girls. When comparing different severity levels, we also noted that the decreasing trends of current symptoms were more marked with regard to severe symptoms than mild symptoms in both sexes. A combination of both improved awareness and management of asthma might in part explain this circumstance. Over the past decade in Taiwan, the lifetime prevalence of childhood asthma was increasing, more marked among girls however, the 12-month prevalence of asthma symptoms was decreasing, mostly among boys. The exact reasons for such trends remain to be explored.
Challenges and Opportunities for Occupational Epidemiology in the Twenty-first Century
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-08-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S40572-017-0154-Z
Abstract: There are many opportunities and challenges for conducting occupational epidemiologic studies today. In this paper, we summarize the discussion of a symposium held at the Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPICOH) conference, Chicago 2014, on challenges for occupational epidemiology in the twenty-first century. The increasing number of publications and attendance at our conferences suggests that worldwide interest in occupational epidemiology has been growing. There are clearly abundant opportunities for new research in occupational epidemiology. Areas ripe for further work include developing improved methods for exposure assessment, statistical analysis, studying migrant workers and other vulnerable populations, the use of biomarkers, and new hazards. Several major challenges are also discussed such as the rapidly changing nature and location of work, lack of funding, and political/legal conflicts. As long as work exists there will be occupational diseases that demand our attention, and a need for epidemiologic studies designed to characterize these risks and to support the development of preventive strategies. Despite the challenges and given the important past contribution in this field, we are optimistic about the importance and continued vitality of the research field of occupational epidemiology.
Biochemistry examinations and health disorder evaluation of Taiwanese living near incinerators and with low serum PCDD/Fs levels
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2005.11.004
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to establish background levels of serum PCDD/Fs and biochemistry of residents living near municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) which had been operating between 1 and 8 years, and also to examine the association between the serum PCDD/Fs levels and health outcomes of interest. Information on medical history, life-style, and dietary habits was obtained by questionnaire interview. Significantly elevated levels of glucose and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were found in those with low to high serum PCDD/Fs levels (p<0.05), and PCDD/Fs levels were found to be positively associated with glucose levels, and marginally with GGT levels even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and smoking status. Although no conclusive findings on health disorder were associated with the accumulation of serum PCDD/Fs in our study participants, we suggest that the current biochemistry examinations only reflect partially the physiological change in glucose modulation and liver function. However, the low serum PCDD/Fs level does not seem to be sufficient in eliciting pathological process for diabetes or liver-related diseases. The findings suggest that the human body's biochemistry functions such as liver and glucose modulation were affected by PCDD/Fs exposure at even these low serum PCDD/Fs levels found in the general population. Other biochemical functions therefore should be further analyzed, especially for hormone-related and immune functions.
Atrial fibrillation hospitalization is associated with exposure to fine particulate air pollutants
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S12940-019-0554-7
Abstract: Although air pollutants have been associated with cardiopulmonary mortality, their effects on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (Afib) remain unclear. This study examined the association between ambient air pollutants and Afib occurrence. Using a representative s le from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan, we applied a case–crossover study design to explore the associations between air pollutants and patients hospitalized with Afib from 2006 to 2011. The event day was when a patient was hospitalized with Afib, and the control days were the same days of the following weeks of the same month. The association between Afib occurrence and levels of ambient air pollutants (including particulate matter [PM] 2.5 PM 10 , NO 2 , SO 2 , and O 3 ) was examined after adjusting for temperature and relative humidity. A two-pollutant model was used to examine the effect of the second pollutant when the first pollutant was determined to be significantly related to Afib. During 2006–2011, 670 patients hospitalized with the first onset of Afib were identified. The occurrence of Afib was associated with PM 2.5 , in which a 22% (95% confidence interval = 3–44%) increase was related to an interquartile range increase (26.2 μg/m3) on the same day and a 19% (95% confidence interval = 0–40%) increase on the second day. A two-pollutant model was applied, and the results indicated that the effect of PM 2.5 was significantly associated with the occurrence of Afib. Patients aged over 65 years with DM and with hyperlipidemia were more susceptible to the effect of PM 2.5 . In conclusion, the occurrence of Afib was associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollutants in the general population.
Early-life or lifetime sun exposure, sun reaction, and the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in an Asian population
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-01-2010
Incomplete off-duty work hours and sleep quality among firefighters: a cross-sectional study, Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-09-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-022-01918-9
Abstract: We examined whether firefighters in Taiwan have a sleep problem and investigated the related factors of poor sleep quality. In this cross-sectional study, 2123 male shift firefighters in the Greater Taipei area were invited, and 37.7% of them satisfactorily completed the questionnaire online. The Chinese version of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations among demographic characteristics, work-related characteristics, and poor sleep quality. As revealed by 801 valid questionnaires, 77.2% were poor sleepers (PSQI cutoff score > 6), and 61.2% reported incomplete off-duty in the past month. Moreover, 42.6% of incomplete off-duty workers reported extended overtime of more than 5 h on off-duty days in the past month. Poor sleep quality was associated with the following factors: (1) demographic characteristics: age, working tenure, having children, and chronotype and (2) work-related characteristics: shift schedule and incomplete off-duty. The final model for poor sleep quality as per PSQI included age, chronotype, shift schedule, and incomplete off-duty hours in the past month. Longer hours of incomplete off-duty work were associated with increased risks of overall poor sleep quality and of poor subjective sleep quality, long sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction. Firefighters are advised to have a complete off-duty day to avoid poor sleep quality, long sleep latency, short sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction. Our results confirm the need for implementing appropriate shift schedules to ensure adequate rest time for firefighters.
Economic status and temperature-related mortality in Asia
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-01-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00484-014-0950-1
Abstract: In developed countries, low latitude and high temperature are positively associated with the population's ability to adapt to heat. However, few studies have examined the effect of economic status on the relationship between long-term exposure to high temperature and health. We compared heterogeneous temperature-related mortality effects relative to the average summer temperature in high-socioeconomic-status (SES) cities to temperature-related effects in low-SES cities. In the first stage of the research, we conducted a linear regression analysis to quantify the mortality effects of high temperature (at or above the 95th percentile) in 32 cities in Taiwan, China, Japan, and Korea. In the second stage, we used a meta-regression to examine the association between mortality risk with average summer temperature and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. In cities with a low GDP per capita (less than 20,000 USD), the effects of temperature were detrimental to the population if the long-term average summer temperature was high. In contrast, in cities with a high GDP per capita, temperature-related mortality risk was not significantly related to average summer temperature. The relationship between long-term average summer temperature and the short-term effects of high temperatures differed based on the city-level economic status.
Exposure in utero to 2,2′,3,3′,4,6′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 132) impairs sperm function and alters testicular apoptosis-related gene expression in rat offspring
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 15-05-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.TAAP.2007.01.027
Abstract: Toxicity of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) depends on their molecular structure. Mechanisms by prenatal exposure to a non-dioxin-like PCB, 2,2',3,4',5',6-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 132) that may act on reproductive pathways in male offspring are relatively unknown. The purpose was to determine whether epididymal sperm function and expression of apoptosis-related genes were induced or inhibited by prenatal exposure to PCB 132. Pregnant rats were treated with a single dose of PCB 132 at 1 or 10 mg/kg on gestational day 15. Male offspring were killed and the epididymal sperm counts, motility, velocity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR), testicular histopathology, apoptosis-related gene expression and caspase activation were assessed on postnatal day 84. Prenatal exposure to PCB 132 with a single dose of 1 or 10 mg/kg decreased cauda epididymal weight, epididymal sperm count and motile epididymal sperm count in adult offspring. The spermatozoa of PCB 132-exposed offspring produced significantly higher levels of ROS than the controls ROS induction and SOPR reduction were dose-related. In the low-dose PCB 132 group, p53 was significantly induced and caspase-3 was inhibited. In the high-dose group, activation of caspase-3 and -9 was significantly increased, while the expressions of Fas, Bax, bcl-2, and p53 genes were significantly decreased. Gene expression and caspase activation data may provide insight into the mechanisms by which exposure to low-dose or high-dose PCB 132 affects reproduction in male offspring in rats. Because the doses of PCB 132 administered to the dams were approximately 625-fold in low-dose group and 6250-fold higher in high-dose group than the concentration in human tissue levels, the concentrations are not biologically or environmentally relevant. Further studies using environmentally relevant doses are needed for hazard identification.
Effects of acute postnatal exposure to 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl on sperm function and hormone levels in adult rats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2004
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2003.09.006
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to act as estrogens, antiestrogens and goitrogens. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether acute postnatal treatment with 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (CB 77) affects sperm function and hormone levels in adult rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received CB 77 by ip injection of 2 or 20 mg/kg at day 21 and sacrificed at day 112. At day 112, right and left testis weights were significantly increased, whereas sperm count, motility, total motile sperm count, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, straight-line velocity, and beat-cross frequency for motile sperm were significantly decreased in rats treated with 20 mg/kg CB 77. Sperm-oocyte penetration rate was significantly reduced in rats treated with either 2 or 20 mg/kg CB 77. There was high sperm acrosome reaction rate (ARR) in the 20 mg/kg CB 77-treated rats. There was a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone level in the 20 mg/kg CB 77 group. However, no changes were seen in serum testosterone, thyroid hormones, or prolactin concentrations at day 112. In summary, this study showed that postnatal exposure to CB 77 might affect spermatogenesis, motility, ARR, and ability of fertilizing oocytes in mature rats. These results suggest that the sperm functions may be more susceptible or adapt less readily than the thyroid functions to endocrine disruption caused by dioxin-like PCB congeners.
Two UVC-induced stress response pathways in HeLa cells identified by cDNA microarray
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1002/EM.10097
Abstract: Environmental toxins induce multiple effects in vivo, involving various molecular pathways. The ultraviolet C (UVC, 254 nm) component of sunlight can cause strong cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. In this study, UVC-induced stress response factors were analyzed by cDNA microarray, using the Millennium(R) Nylon membrane chip system. HeLa cells were irradiated with 30 Joule/m(2)/sec UVC, incubated for 30 or 60 minutes and then subjected to the analysis. Multiple chips were used for each experimental condition so that the data could be analyzed statistically. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify groups of genes whose expression changed in a similar manner with time post-UVC irradiation. Three major factors were identified, depending on the directionality of expression changes in each gene. The factor loadings in all three identified gene groups were high, indicating that genes within each group were highly correlated. Two factors exhibited significantly changed expression patterns after 30 minutes of incubation but in the opposite direction. This indicates that the "immediate early" UVC-induced stress response was elicited by two major pathways. Interestingly, expression of the genomic damage-inducible GADD genes, as well as p53, was initially decreased, unlike the "immediate early" genes Fos/Jun and Egr-1, which were strongly increased after 30 minutes of incubation. The results indicate that PCA used in the analysis of pre-hypothesized, functionally related genes can identify the potential subpathways in a group. This method provides a novel approach for identifying functionally-related genes in microarray studies.
Land-use regression with long-term satellite-based greenness index and culture-specific sources to model PM2.5 spatial-temporal variability
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.01.074
Abstract: This study utilized a long-term satellite-based vegetation index, and considered culture-specific emission sources (temples and Chinese restaurants) with Land-use Regression (LUR) modelling to estimate the spatial-temporal variability of PM
Asian Culturally Specific Predictors in a Large-Scale Land Use Regression Model to Predict Spatial-Temporal Variability of Ozone Concentration
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-04-2019
Abstract: This paper developed a land use regression (LUR) model to study the spatial-temporal variability of O3 concentrations in Taiwan, which has typical Asian cultural characteristics with erse local emission sources. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) data of O3 concentrations from 2000 and 2013 were used to develop this model, while observations from 2014 were used as the external data verification to assess model reliability. The distribution of temples, cemeteries, and crematoriums was included for a potential predictor as an Asian culturally specific source for incense and joss money burning. We used stepwise regression for the LUR model development, and applied 10-fold cross-validation and external data for the verification of model reliability. With the overall model R2 of 0.74 and a 10-fold cross-validated R2 of 0.70, this model presented a mid-high prediction performance level. Moreover, during the stepwise selection procedures, the number of temples, cemeteries, and crematoriums was selected as an important predictor. By using the long-term monitoring data to establish an LUR model with culture specific predictors, this model can better depict O3 concentration variation in Asian areas.
Comprehensive approach to understand the association between diurnal temperature range and mortality in East Asia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2015.08.134
Abstract: An adverse association between diurnal temperature range (DTR) and mortality has been suggested, but with variable relationships in different cities. Comprehensive approaches to understanding the health effects of DTR using multinational data are required. We investigated the association between DTR and cause-specific mortality in an age-specific population and assessed the dependency of the health effects of DTR on geographic and climatic factors. Poisson generalized linear regression analyses with allowances for over-dispersion were applied to daily DTR and cause-specific mortality data from 30 cities in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan between 1979 and 2010, adjusted for various climatic and environmental factors. City-specific effects of DTR were estimated and summarized for the overall effects using geographic and climatic determinants in a meta-analysis. For all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory mortality, the greatest city-specific effects per 1°C DTR were found in Tianjin, China (1.80% 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48, 3.14) Tangshan, China (2.25% 95% CI: 0.65, 3.87) and Incheon, Korea (2.84% 95% CI: 0.04, 5.73), respectively, and overall effects across 30 cities were 0.58% (95% CI: 0.44, 0.72), 0.81% (95% CI: 0.60, 1.03), and 0.90% (95% CI: 0.63, 1.18), respectively. Using quartile cutoff values for climatic (DTR, and mean temperature) and geographic (latitude, and longitude) characteristics, we ided the 30 cities into 4 different groups and conducted a meta-analysis within the groups using either a random or fixed effects model. Adverse effects of DTR were more pronounced for those aged ≥65years and varied according to geographic, longitudinal (0.07% 95% CI: 0.05, 0.10), and climatic characteristics and the scale of DTR (0.33% 95% CI: 0.12, 0.55) for overall all-cause mortality. The DTR is a risk factor affecting human health, depending on geographic location and the temperature variation, with particular vulnerability in aged populations.
Short term associations of ambient nitrogen dioxide with daily total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality: multilocation analysis in 398 cities
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 24-03-2021
DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.N534
Abstract: To evaluate the short term associations between nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality across multiple countries/regions worldwide, using a uniform analytical protocol. Two stage, time series approach, with overdispersed generalised linear models and multilevel meta-analysis. 398 cities in 22 low to high income countries/regions. Daily deaths from total (62.8 million), cardiovascular (19.7 million), and respiratory (5.5 million) causes between 1973 and 2018. On average, a 10 μg/m 3 increase in NO 2 concentration on lag 1 day (previous day) was associated with 0.46% (95% confidence interval 0.36% to 0.57%), 0.37% (0.22% to 0.51%), and 0.47% (0.21% to 0.72%) increases in total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, respectively. These associations remained robust after adjusting for co-pollutants (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm or ≤2.5 μm (PM 10 and PM 2.5 , respectively), ozone, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide). The pooled concentration-response curves for all three causes were almost linear without discernible thresholds. The proportion of deaths attributable to NO 2 concentration above the counterfactual zero level was 1.23% (95% confidence interval 0.96% to 1.51%) across the 398 cities. This multilocation study provides key evidence on the independent and linear associations between short term exposure to NO 2 and increased risk of total, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality, suggesting that health benefits would be achieved by tightening the guidelines and regulatory limits of NO 2 .
Associations of FcɛRIβ E237G polymorphism with wheezing in Taiwanese schoolchildren
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-12-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2222.2007.02916.X
Abstract: The beta-chain of a high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRIbeta) has been proposed as a candidate gene for atopic diseases, but previous studies have come to inconsistent conclusions. Because some air pollutants would produce oxidative stress, increase serum IgE, and trigger T-helper type 2 (Th2)-type airway inflammation, the associations of FcepsilonRIbeta polymorphism with wheezing illness may vary by their exposures and variants of oxidant defence genes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of FcepsilonRIbeta E237G polymorphism with wheezing illness and to determine whether these associations vary with air pollution and glutathione S-transferase (GST) P1-105 and M1 genotypes. In 2001, we conducted a case-control study comprised of 214 children with any history of wheezing and 185 non-wheezing controls, all of whom were selected from 2558 fourth- to ninth-grade schoolchildren in southern Taiwan. We examined differences in associations with ambient air pollution and by GST genotypes. Compared with the FcepsilonRIbeta EE genotype, children with the G allele had a significantly reduced risk of lifetime wheezing with low-ozone exposure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-0.69]. The risk was not reduced in children living in high-ozone communities (aOR=0.98, 95% CI 0.57-1.67). This difference in genotypic effects between low- and high-pollution environments was statistically significant. The reduction of the protective effect from the G allele with higher air pollution was most marked in the GSTP1-105 Ile/Val or Val/Val and GSTM1 null groups. The FcepsilonRIbeta E237G allele may have a protective role in wheezing illness among Taiwanese schoolchildren, depending on airway oxidative stress levels.
Hepatic Enzyme Induction and Acute Endocrine Effects of 2,2',3,3',4,6'-Hexachlorobiphenyl and 2,2',3,4',5',6-Hexachlorobiphenyl in Prepubertal Female Rats
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2001
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with the liable 2,3,6-substitution are important components of certain commercial mixtures and frequently detected in biota, but little is known about their enzyme induction abilities and possible endocrine-disrupting effects. CB 132 (2,2',3,3',4,6'-hexachlorophenyl) and CB 149 (2,2'3,4',5',6-hexachlorophenyl) were investigated in weanling female rats dosed intraperitoneally on days 21 and 22 and killed on day 24 of age. Uterotropic response, serum thyroid hormone, and hepatic enzyme induction were examined in prepubertal female rats treated with these two environmentally relevant 2,3,6-substituted chlorobiphenyl (CB) congeners from 8 mg/kg to 96 mg/kg. The readily metabolized CB 132 did not cause any significant increase in all endpoints measured in the present study. On the other hand, CB 149 was a weak PROD and BROD inducer and a modest depleter of serum thyroxine in prepubertal female rats. The finding of thyroid hormone disruption by CB 149 may lead to biologically significant neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in developing animals via milk lactation.
Neonatal and childhood teeth in relation to perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans: observations of the Yucheng children in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0013-9351(03)00040-9
Abstract: In order to determine the effect of perinatal polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans (PCBs/PCDFs) exposure on neonatal and childhood teeth in Yucheng children, we carried out complete dental examinations on 73 Yucheng children born to mothers who ingested high levels of PCBs/PCDFs and 75 matched controls, aged 7-11 years, in 1992. Ten of 73 (10%) exposed children were reported to have borne teeth during the neonatal period, while none of the controls did. The exposed group also had a significantly higher percentage of teeth with congenitally missing tooth germ compared to the controls (29 vs 2.7%) or rotation (19 vs 2.7%). The percentages of developmental defects increased significantly with increasing maternal serum PCB levels, childhood PCB and PCDF levels, and the duration of breast feeding. The maternal PCB level clearly played a more important role in an increased risk of neonatal teeth and developmental defects. The defects were apparent from the lowest tertile, with a total PCB level of <10 ppb in maternal serum measured nearest to childbirth. The number of permanent teeth tended to be less in exposed children than in the control group from the age of 11 years onwards. Our present study has demonstrated for the first time a dose-response relationship between perinatal PCBs/PCDFs exposure and dental defects.
Periconceptional exposure to air pollution and congenital hypospadias among full-term infants
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2020.109151
Abstract: Evidence regarding whether prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of hypospadias remains limited. The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between exposure to ambient air pollution during early pregnancy and the incidence of hypospadias. We conducted a 1:10 case-control study using the Taiwanese Birth Registry database. Male full-term infants reported to have hypospadias were defined as cases, and controls were randomly selected from male full-term infants without any congenital anomaly. The monthly average of ambient air pollutants, including PM A total of 200 hypospadias cases, with 2000 healthy controls s led, were reported during 2007-2014. The results revealed that PM The results of the study suggest that early gestational exposure to ambient air pollution increases the risk of hypospadias among full-term infants.
Blood lead levels in the general population of Taiwan, Republic of China
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-1994
DOI: 10.1007/BF00454364
Different seasonal effect on asthma trajectories: A population‐based birth cohort study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12973
Changing prevalence of asthma in Taiwanese adolescents: two surveys 6 years apart
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-02-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2005.00211.X
Abstract: This study compared the prevalence of asthma among Taiwanese adolescents with in idual-level risk factors and municipal-level air pollution and meteorology data to determine whether changes in these factors could explain the observed change in prevalence. We conducted two national surveys of respiratory illness and symptoms in Taiwanese middle-school students in 1995-96 and 2001. The effects of personal and environmental factors were assessed and temporal changes of outdoor monitoring data were also compared with asthma prevalence difference. A total of 44,104 children from the 1995-96 survey and 11,048 children from the 2001 survey attended schools located within 1 km of 22 monitoring stations. Lifetime prevalences of physician-diagnosed and questionnaire-determined asthma increased during this period. After adjustment for potential risk factors, the prevalence differences were statistically unchanged. Although parental education level contributed most, changes in investigated personal and environmental factors might not explain the observed changes in asthma prevalence. Municipalities with higher temperature increase were significantly associated with prevalence difference in questionnaire-determined asthma. We concluded that correlates of the investigated in idual-level factors, which have changed over time, still underlie changes in asthma prevalence. Increasing temperature might be the main reason for the rising trends of asthma in Taiwanese adolescents.
Asthma: Environmental and occupational risk factors
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2019
Perfluoroalkyl substances in cord blood and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in seven-year-old children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2016.04.102
Abstract: The effect of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on the development of neurotoxicity in children is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between in utero exposure to four PFASs and the development of neurobehavioral symptoms related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in early childhood. Eligible study subjects were selected from the Taiwan Birth Panel Study and the Taiwan Early-Life Cohort, which enrolled a total of 1526 mother-infant pairs during 2004 and 2005. We collected umbilical cord blood and analyzed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) levels. When a child was 7 years old, to evaluate ADHD related neurobehavioral symptoms, their parents completed the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV scale (SNAP-IV), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) questionnaires. We used linear regression models with inverse probability weighting to explore the association between prenatal exposure to four PFASs and ADHD rating scores. A total of 282 subjects have completed the PFASs analysis and questionnaire survey. After adjusted for potential confounders, we observed that PFNA is inversely associated with inattention and oppositional defiant disorder of SNAP-IV, and hyperactivity/inattention of SDQ. No association between PFOA, PFOS, or PFUA and ADHD symptoms was found. Prenatal exposure to PFNA was found to associate with neurobehavioral symptoms related to ADHD among Asian seven-year-old children. Further studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship.
Tropical cyclone and daily respiratory mortality across East Asia: a time series study
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 25-05-2023
Quality of life at 6 years after occupational injury
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-12-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-017-1772-5
Abstract: Occupational injuries have considerable impact on workers' lives. However, data regarding workers' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at several years after the injury are lacking. This study assessed workers' HRQOL at 6 years after occupational injury and determined related factors in each HRQOL domain. Workers who sustained an occupational injury in 2009 and who responded to a previous survey at 3 or 12 months after their injury were followed up in 2015. A total of 1715 participants were candidates for this study. The Taiwanese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale-abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess their HRQOL. Multiple linear regression analysis identified predictive factors for HRQOL at 6 years after occupational injury. A total of 563 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate, 32.8%). Adverse life events and additional severe occupational injuries that occurred within the follow-up period, and decreased salary after the injury were significant factors for low scores in all domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. In addition, unmarried participants had low scores in the social relationship domain. Workers with family members requiring care scored low in the physical and environment domains. Workers whose injuries had major effects on their physical appearance had low scores in the physical and psychological domains. Workers with unstable employment had low scores in physical, psychological, and environment domains. At 6 years after occupational injury, workers' HRQOL was poor among those whose salaries decreased after the injury, after adjustment for other factors.
Mortality risk attributable to wildfire-related PM2·5 pollution: a global time series study in 749 locations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Ambient Particulate Air Pollution and Daily Mortality in 652 Cities
Publisher: Massachusetts Medical Society
Date: 22-08-2019
Short-term exposure to fine and coarse particles and mortality: A multicity time-series study in East Asia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2015.08.036
Abstract: Few studies on size-specific health effects of particulate matter have been conducted in Asia. We examined the association between both fine and coarse particles (PM2.5 and PM10-2.5) and mortality across 11 East Asian cities from 4 countries (Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China). We performed a two-stage analysis: we generated city-specific estimates using a time-series analysis with a generalized additive model (Quasi-Poisson distribution), and estimated the overall effects by conducting a meta-analysis. Each 10-μg/m(3) increase in PM2.5 (lag01) was associated with an increase of 0.38% (95% confidence interval = 0.21%-0.55%) in all causes mortality, 0.96% (0.46%-1.46%) in cardiovascular mortality, and 1% (0.23%-1.78%) in respiratory mortality. Each 10-μg/m(3) increase in PM10-2.5 (lag01) was associated with cardiovascular mortality (0.69%, [0.05%-1.33%]), although this association attenuated after controlling for other pollutants, especially PM2.5. Increased mortality was associated with increasing PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 concentrations over 11 East Asian cities.
Association between maternal shift work and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes: results from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study with propensity-score-matching analysis
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-03-2019
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYZ045
Abstract: Maternal shift work is associated with preterm delivery, small-for-gestational-age new-borns, childhood obesity and future behavioural problems. However, the adverse effects on and interactions of maternal shift work with infant neurodevelopment remain uncertain. Therefore, we examined the associations between maternal-shift-work status and infant neurodevelopmental parameters. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study is a nationwide birth cohort study following representatively s led mother–infant pairs in 2005. The participants’ development and exposure conditions were assessed by home interviews with structured questionnaires at 6 and 18 months of age. Propensity scores were calculated with predefined covariates for 1:1 matching. Multivariate conditional logistic regression and the Cox proportional-hazards model were used to examine the association between maternal-shift-work status and infant neurodevelopmental-milestone-achievement status. In this study, 5637 term singletons were included, with 2098 cases selected in the propensity-score-matched subpopulation. Persistent maternal shift work was associated with increased risks of delays in gross-motor neurodevelopmental milestones [aOR = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.76 for walking steadily], fine-motor neurodevelopmental milestones (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07–1.80 for scribbling) and social neurodevelopmental milestones (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.03–1.76 for coming when called upon). Moreover, delayed gross-motor and social development were identified in the propensity-score-matched sub-cohort. This study shows negative associations between maternal shift work and delayed neurodevelopmental-milestone achievement in the gross-motor, fine-motor and social domains at 18 months. Future research is necessary to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms and long-term health effects.
Incorporating satellite-derived data with annual and monthly land use regression models for estimating spatial distribution of air pollution
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans increased abnormal sperm morphology without alterations in aneuploidy: The Yucheng study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2016.09.035
Abstract: In 1979, more than 2000 persons ingested rice oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans this event was called the "Yucheng accident." An increased percentage of oligospermia, reduced ability of sperm to penetrate oocytes, and reduced percentage of male offspring were reported in Yucheng men. This study examined whether the sperm sex ratio and chromosome aneuploidy are responsible for our observed findings in Yucheng men. In 1999-2000, Yucheng men and their neighborhood referents aged 37-50 years were recruited for physical examination, followed by semen analysis. The semen s les were analyzed for chromosomal aneuploidy through fluorescent in situ hybridization according to an established procedure in our laboratory. A total of 50 Yucheng men and 34 neighborhood referents volunteered to participate in the study. Although abnormal morphology was mildly increased, no differences were observed in sperm percentages, with normal numbers of chromosomes X, Y, and 8 in the two groups. The percentage of sperm with aneuploidy of the sex chromosomes or chromosome 8 and of that with diploidy did not vary between both groups. The normal X/Y sperm ratio was not different between the groups. However, among Yucheng men, 8% had a normal X/Y sperm ratio of >1.4, and no neighborhood referent showed such an elevated X/Y ratio. Chromosomal aneuploidy was not elevated in Yucheng men. The mechanisms underlying the reduced sperm capability of oocyte penetration and changed offspring sex ratio in Yucheng men remain undetermined.
Associations of caesarean delivery and the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood based on Taiwan birth cohort study
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-017086
Abstract: Whether birth by caesarean section (CS) increases the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood is controversial. We tried to demonstrate the association between children born by CS and the occurrence of the above three diseases at the age of 5.5 years. The database of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study which was designed to assess the developmental trajectories of 24 200 children born in 2005 was used in this study. Associations between children born by CS and these three diseases were evaluated before and after controlling for gestational age (GA) at birth, children’s characteristics and disease-related predisposing factors. Children born by CS had significant increases in neurodevelopmental disorders (20%), asthma (14%) and obesity (18%) compared with children born by vaginal delivery. The association between neurodevelopmental disorders and CS was attenuated after controlling for GA at birth (OR 1.15 95% CI 0.98 to 1.34). Occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders steadily declined with increasing GA up to ≤40–42 weeks. CS and childhood asthma were not significantly associated after controlling for parental history of asthma and GA at birth. Obesity in childhood remained significantly associated with CS (OR 1.13 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24) after controlling for GA and disease-related factors. Our results implied that the association between CS birth and children’s neurodevelopmental disorders was significantly influenced by GA. CS birth was weakly associated with childhood asthma since parental asthma and preterm births are stronger predisposing factors. The association between CS birth and childhood obesity was robust after controlling for disease-related factors.
Interactive Effect of Diurnal Temperature Range and Temperature on Mortality, Northeast Asia
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2019
Contribution of obesity to breathlessness in a large nationally representative sample of Australian adults.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/RESP.14400
Abstract: Breathlessness is prevalent and associated with medical consequences. Obesity is related to breathlessness. However, the magnitude of its contribution has not been clearly documented. This investigation aimed to determine the contribution of obesity to breathlessness by estimating the population attributable fraction (PAF) in a representative s le of Australian adults. A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of Australian residents aged ≥18 years was conducted in October 2019. Breathlessness was defined as modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale grade ≥2. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) were estimated using a generalized linear model with Poisson distribution, adjusted for age group and/or participant-reported diagnosed illnesses. Adjusted PAFs were estimated using aRR and obesity prevalence in Australian adults. Among those who completed the National Breathlessness Survey, 9769 participants (51.4% female) were included in the analysis 28.1% of participants were obese. The prevalence of breathlessness was 9.54%. The aRR of obesity for breathlessness was 2.04, adjusted for age. Adjusting for various co-morbid conditions, the aRR was slightly attenuated to around 1.85-1.98. The PAF, adjusted only for age, was 24.6% (95% CI 20.1-29.1) and after further adjustment for co-morbid conditions, the PAF ranged from 21.1% to 23.6%. Obesity accounted for a higher proportion of breathlessness in women than in men. Our results demonstrate that obesity accounts for around a quarter of breathlessness symptoms in Australian adults. This has important implications for health policy in light of the global trend in increasing obesity.
Occupational hand dermatitis among cement workers in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMA.2011.11.008
Abstract: Occupational dermatitis among cement workers is a major occupational health concern. The two most important occupational hazards for cement workers are irritant and allergic cement contact dermatitis. The objective of this study was to investigate the severity of occupational cement contact dermatitis and the common allergens among cement workers in Taiwan. A total of 97 cement workers from the Cement Workers' Association of Tainan City and County participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the demographic data and work-related activities of these cement workers. A complete skin examination was conducted, and skin manifestations were assessed by a dermatologist. Allergens from European Standard Tray (Chemotechnique Diagnostic AB, Sweden) with a total of 25 substances were used for patch testing. Our results showed that 65 out of 97 cement workers were suffering from occupational cement hand contact dermatitis. The most affected skin area was the hand. Thickening of the dorsal surface of the hand, especially around the metacarpophalangeal joint area, and hyperkeratosis of the palm were the major skin manifestations. The results of the patch test showed that 24 out of 97 were allergic to potassium dichromate, nine were allergic to thiuram mix, nine were allergic to fragrance mix and seven were allergic to cobalt chloride. The final diagnosis, based on the results of the skin examination and the patch test, showed that 43 of 97 cement workers had irritant cement contact dermatitis and 22 had allergic cement contact dermatitis. We conclude that occupational cement hand dermatitis among cement workers is an important and severe issue in Taiwan, and the most common allergens among cement workers are potassium dichromate, thiuram mix, fragrance mix and cobalt chloride. The high positive rate of chromium hypersensitivity among cement workers reflects the urgency to regulate the addition of ferrous sulfate to cement in Taiwan.
Occupational and Non-occupational Injuries Can Result in Prolonged Augmentation of Psychiatric Disorders
Publisher: Japan Epidemiological Association
Date: 05-01-2022
The adverse effects of low-dose exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during adolescence on sperm function in adult rats
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-11-2014
DOI: 10.1002/TOX.22083
Abstract: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most crucial phthalate derivative added to polyvinyl chloride as a plasticizer. This study examined the effects of low-dose exposure to DEHP during adolescence on sperm function in adult rats. The male rats were daily gavaged with 30, 100, 300, and 1000 µg kg(-1) of DEHP or corn oil from postnatal day (PND) 42 until PND 105. The selection of DEHP doses ranged from the mean daily intake by the normal-population exposure levels to no-observed-adverse-effect level of DEHP for the endpoints evaluated until adulthood. Significant increases in the percentage of sperm with tail abnormality, tendency for sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and percentage of sperm with DFI were found in those exposed to 100, 300, and 1000 µg kg(-1) (P < 0.05). We observed a significant increase of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) generation in the sperm of the 1000 µg kg(-1) group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The excessive production of sperm H2 O2 coincided with an increase in sperm DFI. In this study, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level for sperm toxicity was considered to be 100 µg DEHP/kg/day in sperm morphology and chromatin DNA damage. Further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms of DEHP-related sperm ROS generation on sperm DNA damage. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 706-712, 2016.
Pilot study of mold in homes of asthmatic children in Taipei, Taiwan, using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-11-2014
Ambient carbon monoxide and daily mortality: a global time-series study in 337 cities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Work-related and personal factors in shoulder disorders among electronics workers: findings from an electronics enterprise in Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11572-4
Abstract: The electronics industry is one of the largest global industries, and significant numbers of workers are engaged in this industry. Evidence suggests two associations, including one between ergonomic risks and shoulder disorders and another between psychological stress and psychological problems among workers in this industry. Investigations on ergonomic risks, psychological stress, and sex effects for shoulder disorders in this industry are limited. This study aimed to explore personal and work-related factors associated with shoulder disorders and to investigate the combined effect of similar ergonomic risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, 931 workers aged 20 to 58 from an electronics factory in Taiwan were recruited. A Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess shoulder symptoms. Sociodemographic factors and work-related factors, including psychological stress, were assessed. One hundred random s le workers with shoulder symptoms underwent a standardized clinical test for the evaluation of subacromial impingement syndrome. The ergonomic risks were assessed by the risk filter of ‘upper limb disorders in the workplace’, including repetition, posture, force, vibration, and duration of exposure. The prevalence of shoulder symptoms was 30.5, and 19% of those with shoulder symptoms had subacromial impingement syndrome. In multivariable analyses, older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.86), repetition (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.15–2.60) and posture (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.10–3.11) were associated with shoulder symptoms. Regarding the gender effect, older age (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.11), repetition (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.00–2.68), posture (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.01–3.52), and force (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.99–2.85) were associated with shoulder symptoms in men, whereas posture (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI 0.99–4.57) was associated with symptoms in women. This study implies that repetition and posture are important risk factors for shoulder disorders in the electronics industry. The risk exhibited sex differences, and force was more important for shoulder disorders in men. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policy makers conduct preventive programmes on shoulder disorders in this working population. Future longitudinal studies on work-related shoulder disorders are warranted.
Short-term prediction of extremely hot days in summer due to climate change and ENSO and related attributable mortality
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.01.168
Abstract: Summer days with extremely hot temperatures in Taiwan have been increasing for the past few decades, and this continuing trend is expected to worsen heat-related mortality. To mitigate the corresponding health impacts, in this study, we developed a statistical state-space model to predict the number of extremely hot days in June-September for the next year. Based on historical data from 1951 to 2017, we estimated the climate change trend after adjusting for the nonlinear lagged effect of the Niño 3.4 index. We then developed a predictive state-space model using these two primary factors and adjusting for residual autocorrelations. Validation results comparing the extremely hot days observed over 2015-2017 with predictions showed that 86% of the average prediction errors were within 4 days of the observations. To assess the health impacts, we applied the model to the projection of heat-attributable mortality (AM) in 2018 by adopting a comparative risk assessment (CRA) approach with the reference period of 2001-2010. The results showed that the Taipei metropolitan area in northern Taiwan is the most affected region with AM of 1501 deaths from all-causes, followed by Taichung in central Taiwan with 490 deaths. The prediction model and the CRA projection provide both a tool and guidance for public health administrators to address the imminent threat posed by climate change.
Sperm function in workers exposed to N,N-dimethylformamide in the synthetic leather industry
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2004
Suicidality 6 Years After Occupational Injury
Publisher: Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc
Date: 04-09-2018
DOI: 10.4088/JCP.17M11729
Rapid increase in the risk of heat-related mortality
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 14-11-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-2190946/V1
Abstract: Heat-related mortality has been identified as one of the key climate extremes posing a risk to human health. Current research focuses largely on how heat mortality increases with mean global temperature rise, but it is unclear how much climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme summer seasons with high impact on human health. In this probabilistic analysis, we combined empirical heat-mortality relationships for 748 locations from 47 countries with climate model large ensemble data to identify probable past and future highly impactful summer seasons. Across most locations, heat mortality counts of a 1-in-100 year season in the climate of 2000 would be expected once every ten to twenty years in the climate of 2020. These return periods are projected to further shorten under warming levels of 1.5°C and 2°C, where heat-mortality extremes of the past climate will eventually become commonplace if no adaptation occurs. Our findings highlight the urgent need for strong mitigation and adaptation to reduce impacts on human lives.
Susceptibility of endothelial cells to bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 1997
DOI: 10.1016/S0166-0934(96)02132-5
Abstract: The sensitivity of two different types of cells to bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) was compared by median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) assays. The bovine arterial endothelial (BAE) cell culture derived from bovine carotid arteries was 100-1000 times more sensitive to two strains of BHV-4, Movar 33/63 and DN 599, than Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line commonly used for the propagation of these viruses. BAE cell cultures infected with BHV-4 displayed cytopathic effects (CPE) earlier and more prominently than the MDBK cells infected with the same viruses. BAE cells were also more sensitive than MDBK cells in conventional plaque assays in that the former developed well characterized and easily recognized plaques after infection with the viruses. BAE cells, which are proved to be exceptionally susceptible to BHV-4, can be used in the detection and quantitation of BHV-4.
Association between Emotional Symptoms and Job Demands in an Asian Electronics Factory
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-09-2017
Projections of Excessive Mortality Related to Diurnal Temperature Range Under Climate Change Scenarios: A Multi-Country Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3582867
Electronic ventilator temperature sensors as a potential source of respiratory tract colonization withStenotrophomonas maltophilia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
Epidemiology of Congenital Anomalies in a Population-based Birth Registry in Taiwan, 2002
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2009
Pretherapy 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting Disease Relapse in Patients With Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease: A Prospective Study
Publisher: XMLink
Date: 2023
Disordered behavior in the early-born Taiwan Yucheng children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0045-6535(94)90410-3
Abstract: Behavioral problems were evaluated in Taiwanese children who were born between July 1978 and June 1985 to women who had consumed rice oil that was contaminated by heat-degraded polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). One hundred and eighteen such children, referred to as 'the early-born Yucheng children', and matched controls were followed with the Chinese version of Rutter's Child Behavior Scale A annually from 1985 to 1991. At any fixed age, the early-born Yucheng children had mean Rutter behavior scores 1.75 to 2.40 points higher (14-38% worse) than that of their controls. The effects were similar in the health, habit, and behavioral subscores and persistent as the children aged.
Green Bank Telescope Observations of the Water Masers of NGC 3079: Accretion Disk Magnetic Field and Maser Scintillation
Publisher: American Astronomical Society
Date: 10-02-2007
DOI: 10.1086/510515
Antioxidant nutrients and lead toxicity
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 30-10-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(02)00380-3
Abstract: Lead-induced oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of lead poisoning for disrupting the delicate prooxidant/antioxidant balance that exists within mammalian cells. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased after lead treatment in in vitro studies. In vivo studies suggest that lead exposure causes generation of ROS and alteration of antioxidant defense systems in animals and occupationally exposed workers. The mechanisms for lead-induced oxidative stress include the effect of lead on membrane, DNA, and antioxidant defense systems of cells. From low to high doses of lead exposure, there are different responses of lead-induced oxidative stress in various target sites including lung, blood vessels, testes, sperm, liver, and brain in epidemiological as well as animal studies. Therefore, reducing the possibility of lead interacting with critical biomolecules and inducing oxidative damage, or bolstering the cell's antioxidant defenses might be associated with the beneficial role of antioxidant nutrients through exogenous supplementation of antioxidant molecules. Although many researchers have investigated the benefit of antioxidants in preventing lead toxicity, the mechanisms of antioxidant nutrients being effective via rebalancing the impaired prooxidant/antioxidant ratio are not completely clear. Antioxidant nutrients including, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B(6), beta-carotene, zinc, and selenium, are addressed in this review to discuss their beneficial role in lead-induced oxidative stress.
Obliterative bronchiolitis in workers laying up fiberglass-reinforced plastics with polyester resin and methylethyl ketone peroxide catalyst
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-06-2013
0089 Recovery from mental condition: is it different between TBI/non-TBI.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2014
GSTM1, GSTP1, prenatal smoke exposure, and atopic dermatitis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.ANAI.2010.04.017
Abstract: The increase in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is likely to involve changes in specific environmental exposures among genetically susceptible in iduals. To evaluate the effect of glutathione S-transferase (GST) genotype polymorphisms and prenatal smoke exposure on pediatric AD on the basis of the cord blood cotinine levels. We conducted a case-control study composed of 34 children with AD and 106 non-AD controls, all of whom were selected from 483 participants in the Taiwan Birth Panel cohort study. Cord blood s les and information on perinatal factors of children were gathered at birth. At 2 years of age, information about the development of AD and environmental exposures was collected. We compared AD with non-AD children for GTM1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms stratified by the cotinine level. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to estimate the association of genotype polymorphisms and cotinine levels with AD. GSTM1 null and GSTP1 Ile/Ile genotypes showed a significant increase in the risk of AD (odds ratio [OR], 3.61 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-9.31 and OR, 3.11 95% CI, 1.30-7.46 respectively). In children with a cotinine level less than 0.1 ng/mL, the risk of AD increased for those carrying 2 GSTP1 Ile-105 alleles (OR, 6.63 95% CI, 1.46-30.18). In children a with cotinine level of 0.1 ng/mL or greater, the GSTM1 null genotype was significantly related to AD (OR, 5.21 95% CI, 1.32-20.58). Within groups of children, genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTP1 may be responsible for differences in susceptibility to AD with regard to prenatal smoke exposure.
Age of asthma onset and vulnerability to ambient air pollution: an observational population-based study of adults from Southern Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-04-2016
Yucheng: health effects of prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2004
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-003-0487-9
Abstract: Yucheng ("oil-disease") victims were Taiwanese people exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their heat-degradation products, mainly polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), from the ingestion of contaminated rice oil in 1978-1979. Serial studies in Yucheng offspring born between 1978 and 1992 are summarized. Children of the exposed women were born with retarded growth, with dysmorphic physical findings, and, during development, with delayed cognitive development, increased otitis media, and more behavioral problems than unexposed children. Recently, examination of the reproductive system has suggested that prenatal exposure exerts late effects on semen parameters in young men after puberty. Results of the investigation in Yucheng children will provide important information about the human health effects and toxicology of PCB/PCDF exposure. Prenatal exposure to these environmental chemicals causes the fetus to be sensitive to the toxic effects of persistent organic pollutants.
The impact of occupational health service network and reporting system in Taiwan
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2013
Morphology of glass fibers in electronics workers with fiberglass dermatitis – a scanning electron microscopy study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2001
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-4362.2001.00632.X
Abstract: Fiberglass is used as a reinforcement filler material in printed circuit boards (PCBs) which are widely used in the electronics industry. In a recent survey, we demonstrated that fiberglass dermatitis is the most common occupational dermatosis among electronics industry workers in Taiwan. Little is known, however, about the morphologic structures of the glass fibers which induce dermatitis. The purpose of this study was to assess the morphology of fiber spicules and to determine the relationship of this structure to fiberglass dermatitis. Fourteen female patients with a diagnosis of fiberglass dermatitis were selected for study. The diagnosis was confirmed in all patients by positive skin stripping for glass fibers and matching with glass fibers from dust collected in work areas and from s les collected by scraping the edge of PCBs. S les of collected glass fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM of the fiberglass s les revealed that fibers were approximately 10 microm in diameter. In s les from both the edge of PCBs and from dust collected in work areas, SEM revealed that most of the fibers were in bundles of various sizes and lengths. All fibers collected from patients' skin by tape stripping showed a singular spicule, most had a sharp free end, and the lengths were in the range 50-150 microm . Singular glass fibers with a sharp free end and a length of 50-150 microm are most likely to induce fiberglass dermatitis.
The association between postpartum depression and air pollution during pregnancy and postpartum period: a national population study in Taiwan
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 26-07-2021
Abstract: Epidemiological evidence shows the association between air pollutants and several mental health outcomes, including depression, sleep disturbance, dementia, childhood neurodevelopment and suicide. Pregnant women are believed to be more susceptible and vulnerable to environmental pollutants, and postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent debilitating mental disorder. However, data on the effects of exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and postpartum period on the risk of PPD remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy and postpartum period and the incidence of PPD. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study recruited representative 12% of all newborn in 2005 and their mothers by two-stage stratified s ling, including 21 248 mother–infant pairs. The occurrence of PPD was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy and postpartum period was estimated using hybrid kriging/land-use regression (LUR) and integrated LUR-machine learning model based on data from the air monitoring stations. Logistic regression was then conducted to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of PPD in relation to air pollutants. A total of 21 188 women were included in the final analysis, among whom 3,648 (17.2%) developed PPD within 6 months postpartum. The occurrence of PPD was significantly related to exposure to ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) during first trimester after adjustment [aOR: 1.081 per interquartile range (10.67 ppb), 95% confidence interval: 1.003, 1.165], but not to particulate matter ⩽2.5 µ m in diameter or carbon monoxide. Exposure to ambient NO 2 during early pregnancy was significantly related to the occurrence of PPD among the women investigated in this population-based study.
Association between cord blood IgE and genetic polymorphisms of interleukin‐4, the β‐subunit of the high‐affinity receptor for IgE, lymphotoxin‐α, and tumor Necrosis factor‐α
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-10-2006
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2006.00461.X
Abstract: High cord blood immunoglobulin E (cbIgE) is known to be associated with increased risks of atopic diseases in childhood. The relationship between genetic polymorphisms and high cbIgE has not been well documented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between cbIgE and genetic polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-4 -590C/T, the beta-subunit of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI-beta) E237G, lymphotoxin (LT)-alphaNcoI alleles, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha -308G/A. A total of 320 mother-neonate pairs were recruited from four maternity hospitals from different locations of Taiwan. Cord blood was obtained and assayed for cbIgE. Polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to assess the genotypes. Three hundred pairs of mothers and neonates were included in the final analysis. Infants with IL-4 -590 C allele were found to have higher risk of elevated cbIgE (> or =0.35 IU/ml, 24.3%) (p = 0.004). After adjusting for gender, birth order, maternal age, and history of allergic disease in maternal and paternal families, odds ratios for CC and CT genotypes were 4.41 and 3.16 (95% confidence interval 0.78-22.67, and 1.66-6.13), respectively, using TT genotype as reference. The genotypes of FcepsilonRI-beta, LT-alpha, and TNF-alpha were not associated with cbIgE before or after the adjustment. Our finding suggested a significant association of cbIgE with genetic polymorphism of IL-4 -590C/T, but not with the genotypes of FcepsilonRI-beta, LT-alpha, and TNF-alpha.
Increasing prevalence of atopic eczema in Taiwanese adolescents from 1995 to 2001
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2222.2007.02690.X
Abstract: The prevalence of atopic eczema in adolescents has recently been reported as increasing in many countries, a phenomenon yet to be fully explained. This study compared the prevalence of atopic eczema among Taiwanese adolescents with in idual-level risk factors and community-level data of temperature, relative humidity, and air pollutants to determine whether changes in these factors could explain the observed change in prevalence. We conducted two nationwide, cross-sectional surveys of atopic illness and symptoms among Taiwanese 12-15-year-old schoolchildren in 1995-1996 and 2001. The effects of personal and environmental factors were assessed and temporal changes of outdoor monitoring data were also compared with the prevalence difference of atopic eczema. A total of 42 919 adolescents from the 1995 to 1996 survey and 10 215 adolescents from the 2001 survey attended schools located within 1 km of 22 monitoring stations. The 12-month prevalence of atopic eczema increased significantly during this period [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.70 in boys PR=1.77, 95% CI 1.49-2.10 in girls]. After adjustment for potential risk factors, the prevalence differences were statistically unchanged. Although parental education level contributed the most, changes in personal and environmental factors might not explain the observed prevalence increases of atopic eczema. Temporal change in the relative humidity was significantly associated with prevalence increase among boys but its contribution was also small. Correlates of the investigated risk factors that have changed over time still underlie the prevalence increases of atopic eczema in Taiwanese adolescents. The exact reasons for the rising trends remain to be elucidated.
Lipid responses to environmental perfluoroalkyl substance exposure in a Taiwanese Child cohort
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Asthma incidence, remission, relapse and persistence: a population-based study in southern Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-11-2014
Seasonality of suicide: a multi-country multi-community observational study
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 201
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796020000748
Abstract: We aimed to investigate the heterogeneity of seasonal suicide patterns among multiple geographically, demographically and socioeconomically erse populations. Weekly time-series data of suicide counts for 354 communities in 12 countries during 1986–2016 were analysed. Two-stage analysis was performed. In the first stage, a generalised linear model, including cyclic splines, was used to estimate seasonal patterns of suicide for each community. In the second stage, the community-specific seasonal patterns were combined for each country using meta-regression. In addition, the community-specific seasonal patterns were regressed onto community-level socioeconomic, demographic and environmental indicators using meta-regression. We observed seasonal patterns in suicide, with the counts peaking in spring and declining to a trough in winter in most of the countries. However, the shape of seasonal patterns varied among countries from bimodal to unimodal seasonality. The litude of seasonal patterns (i.e. the peak/trough relative risk) also varied from 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–1.62) to 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01–1.1) among 12 countries. The subgroup difference in the seasonal pattern also varied over countries. In some countries, larger litude was shown for females and for the elderly population (≥65 years of age) than for males and for younger people, respectively. The subperiod difference also varied some countries showed increasing seasonality while others showed a decrease or little change. Finally, the litude was larger for communities with colder climates, higher proportions of elderly people and lower unemployment rates ( p -values 0.05). Despite the common features of a spring peak and a winter trough, seasonal suicide patterns were largely heterogeneous in shape, litude, subgroup differences and temporal changes among different populations, as influenced by climate, demographic and socioeconomic conditions. Our findings may help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of seasonal suicide patterns and aid in improving the design of population-specific suicide prevention programmes based on these patterns.
Is 24-hour energy intake greater during night shift compared to non-night shift patterns? A systematic review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2019
Incidence of percutaneous injury in Taiwan healthcare workers
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 12-03-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268815000321
Abstract: Reporting of percutaneous injuries (PIs) to the Chinese Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet) became mandatory for all public and tertiary referral hospitals in Taiwan in 2011. We have estimated the number of microbially contaminated PIs and the national PI incidence using a retrospective secondary data analysis approach to analyse 2011 data from the Chinese EPINet to determine the types of PI, mechanisms of occurrence and associated risks. The results revealed a national estimate of PIs between 6710 and 8319 in 2011. The most common incidents for physicians were disposable syringes, suture needles, and disposable scalpels while for nurses they were disposable syringes, intravenous catheters, and lancets. About 13·0% of the source patients were seropositive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen, 13·8% were seropositive for hepatitis C virus (HCV), and 1·1% seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). From these results we estimate that annually 970 full-time healthcare workers (HCWs) would be exposed to HBV, 1094 to HCV, and 99 to HIV. This study improves our understanding of the mechanisms and risks of PIs and informs the development of more efficient preventive measures to protect HCWs from such injuries.
Changes in the relationship between ambient fine particle concentrations and childhood lung function over 5 years
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108809
Abstract: Exposure to ambient fine particles, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM A nationwide respiratory health survey was conducted among Taiwanese elementary and middle school students in 2011 and again in 2016-2017. A questionnaire was administered to students, for whom forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV In the 2011 survey (mean PM As improvement in air quality over time, the negative relationship between PM
0318 An epidemiologic study of acute coronary syndrome in the working population.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2014
Hexavalent chromium induced ROS formation, Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK activation, and TNF-α and IL-1α production in keratinocytes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.TOXLET.2010.06.024
Abstract: In certain cell types, it has been found that, hexavalent chromium could increase ROS formation, activate cell signaling and stimulate the release of cytokines. But, in keratinocytes, these effects have not yet fully been demonstrated. Our aim is to observe the above effects of hexavalent chromium on keratinocytes. By utilizing HaCaT cells and the skin of albino guinea pigs, we showed that hexavalent chromium could increase ROS formation, activate the Akt, NF-kB, and MAPK pathways as well as increase the production of cytokines, including TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha. The release of these cytokines from keratinocytes is considered to be a key participant in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity. Among cement workers, chromium hypersensitivity is an important occupational skin disease issue. Therefore, the observations of our study help us better understand the role of hexavalent chromium on the development of chromium hypersensitivity, which might provide clues for clinicians in the development of chemopreventative agents for the prevention of chromium hypersensitivity among cement workers.
Chronological changes in compromised olivocochlear activity and the effect of insulin in diabetic Wistar rats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEARES.2010.07.008
Abstract: The aims of the present study were to investigate in diabetic rats: (1) the chronological changes of compromised medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB) activity and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and (2) the effect of insulin on diabetes-related hearing dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Thirty male Wistar rats were ided into three groups: control (C), diabetes with insulin injection (DI), and diabetes without insulin injection (DM). Click-evoked ABR, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and the contralateral suppression (CS) of DPOAE were measured for all animals monthly. Throughout the experiment, the thresholds of click-evoked ABR did not differ among groups. Wave III was delayed and interpeak latency I-III was prolonged in the DM group at the age of 29 weeks (p < 0.05). The litudes of the CS of DPOAE were markedly decreased after the 25th week in the DM group, but not in the C and DI groups. Compared to the C group, the CS in the DI group was not attenuated at any frequency. Dysfunction of auditory efferent olivocochlear activity developed in diabetic rats presenting no evidence of hearing loss. The finding of a significant decrease of the CS of DPOAE could be used as an earlier indicator of diabetes-related hearing impairment than changes of ABRs. The time course of compromised MOCB is positively correlated with the duration of diabetes. Insulin could therefore protect against compromised MOCB.
Subpleural curvilinear lines as an early indicator of silicosis in artificial stone workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Effects of long-term exposure to CO and PM2.5 on microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2018.04.009
Abstract: No study has examined the effects of air pollutants on albuminuria in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the present study investigated this association. This follow-up study enrolled 812 patients with type 2 diabetes between 2003 and 2012. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was recorded annually. Exposure to the air pollutants CO, NO The study objects (mean age: 55.4 years) were followed for 3 or more years (average period: 5.4 years). ACR increase was found to be positively associated with the male sex, baseline hemoglobin A1c, and exposure to CO and PM Exposure to high CO and PM
Rapid increase in the risk of heat-related mortality
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-08-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-023-40599-X
Abstract: Heat-related mortality has been identified as one of the key climate extremes posing a risk to human health. Current research focuses largely on how heat mortality increases with mean global temperature rise, but it is unclear how much climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme summer seasons with high impact on human health. In this probabilistic analysis, we combined empirical heat-mortality relationships for 748 locations from 47 countries with climate model large ensemble data to identify probable past and future highly impactful summer seasons. Across most locations, heat mortality counts of a 1-in-100 year season in the climate of 2000 would be expected once every ten to twenty years in the climate of 2020. These return periods are projected to further shorten under warming levels of 1.5 °C and 2 °C, where heat-mortality extremes of the past climate will eventually become commonplace if no adaptation occurs. Our findings highlight the urgent need for strong mitigation and adaptation to reduce impacts on human lives.
Student Nurses in Taiwan at High Risk for Needlestick Injuries
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S1047-2797(01)00303-9
Abstract: To describe the prevalence and characteristics of needlestick injuries (NSI) in student nurses in Taiwan. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 931 student nurses from 16 hospitals randomly selected from the 132 accredited hospitals. The questionnaire was completed by 708 of 931 students who were contacted for participation in this study. NSI during internship was reported by 61.9% (438/708) of students, of whom 14.2% (62/438) made a formal report. The majority (70.1%) of NSI occurred in the patient's room. Hollow-bored needles contributed to half (219/438) of the NSIs of which 86.8% were syringe needles. Just over half (53.2%) of those items involved in NSIs had been used on patients. Of the hollow-bored needles involved in NSIs, 21.5% had been used on a patient with an infectious disease. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was lacking in 47.6% of students. NSIs and non-reporting of NSIs were highly prevalent in nursing students. More intensive education programs should be directed at students to increase their awareness of and compliance with Universal Precautions (UP) before commencing their practical work experience. Students need to practice prompt post-exposure evaluation so that the need for early intervention can be assessed. In addition, any public health and infection control strategy should include a universal catch-up HBV vaccination program among students before commencement of internship.
Evaluation of PCDD/Fs patterns emitted from incinerator via direct ambient sampling and indirect serum levels assessment of Taiwanese
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2004.12.075
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the PCDD/Fs patterns in ambient air based on data information emitted from incinerator generated from ambient air measurements and those in serum. Four circular zones, namely A, B, C, and D, were identified based on simulated ambient annual average PCDD/Fs concentrations, from a selected municipal waste incinerator. Sixteen ambient s les were taken from the 4 circular zones across 4-seasons. Eighty-nine volunteers were recruited according to the demographic distribution within each zone. PCDD/Fs profiles were documented both for air and serum s les collected. Comparing to the congener patterns from ambient air and serum s les, we found that OCDD, OCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF were the predominant groups among 17 congeners from both the ambient air and serum s le. And, factor analysis showed the distribution patterns of PCDD/Fs from ambient air and serum s les are almost identical across different zones, except for congener patterns of serum s les from residents in zone C. In addition, the average PCDD/Fs level significantly reduced for about 10 folds than those of the other three seasons when the incinerator was shut down in one of s ling periods. We might conclude that ambient air exposure was the most important contributor to PCDD/Fs levels in ambient air but not the single in serum. Therefore, another or more powerful source, such as occupational exposure, dietary intake or the consumption of local food, should be further investigated at the same time.
How urban characteristics affect vulnerability to heat and cold: a multi-country analysis
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 27-02-2019
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYZ008
Abstract: The health burden associated with temperature is expected to increase due to a warming climate. Populations living in cities are likely to be particularly at risk, but the role of urban characteristics in modifying the direct effects of temperature on health is still unclear. In this contribution, we used a multi-country dataset to study effect modification of temperature–mortality relationships by a range of city-specific indicators. We collected ambient temperature and mortality daily time-series data for 340 cities in 22 countries, in periods between 1985 and 2014. Standardized measures of demographic, socio-economic, infrastructural and environmental indicators were derived from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Regional and Metropolitan Database. We used distributed lag non-linear and multivariate meta-regression models to estimate fractions of mortality attributable to heat and cold (AF%) in each city, and to evaluate the effect modification of each indicator across cities. Heat- and cold-related deaths amounted to 0.54% (95% confidence interval: 0.49 to 0.58%) and 6.05% (5.59 to 6.36%) of total deaths, respectively. Several city indicators modify the effect of heat, with a higher mortality impact associated with increases in population density, fine particles (PM2.5), gross domestic product (GDP) and Gini index (a measure of income inequality), whereas higher levels of green spaces were linked with a decreased effect of heat. This represents the largest study to date assessing the effect modification of temperature–mortality relationships. Evidence from this study can inform public-health interventions and urban planning under various climate-change and urban-development scenarios.
Does exposure to phthalates influence thyroid function and growth hormone homeostasis? The Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants (TEST) 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2016.11.014
Abstract: Previous epidemiologic and toxicological studies provide some inconsistent evidence that exposure to phthalates may affect thyroid function and growth hormone homeostasis. To assess the relations between exposure to phthalates and indicators of thyroid function and growth hormone homeostasis disturbances both among adults and minors. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 279 Taiwanese adults (≥18 years old) and 79 minors (<18 years old) in 2013. Exposure assessment was based on urinary biomarkers, 11 phthalate metabolites measured by using online liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Indicators of thyroid function included serum levels of thyroxine (T Among adults, serum T Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to phthalates influences thyroid function and growth hormone homeostasis.
Relationship between life-time exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and carotid artery intima-media thickness in Australian children aged 11–12 years
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Serum Hormones in Boys Prenatally Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dibenzofurans
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2005
DOI: 10.1080/15287390590967360
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are persistent environmental pollutants shown to adversely interact with several functions of the endocrine system. In 1978-1979, over 2000 Taiwanese people ingested rice oil accidentally contaminated with PCBs and PCDFs. This is one of the major toxic exposure episodes that occurred globally and was later called Yucheng (oil disease in Chinese). The children born to exposed Yucheng women were therefore exposed in utero to high doses of PCBs/PCDFs. In 1995, 60 Yucheng and 61 control boys participated in physical examination, and serum hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Age, body weight, body height, Tanner status, testicular size, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were not statistically different between Yucheng and control boys in the subgroups of before and at the age of puberty. However, the serum estradiol (E2) levels were significant higher in Yucheng boys at the age of puberty. Yucheng and control boys were further ided into two subgroups, those before (age or = 13 yr). There was a decrease of serum testosterone (TT) levels and increase of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in Yucheng boys at the age of puberty as compared with controls. There was a significant decrease of the square root of TT/E2 and TT/FSH however, the square root of E2/FSH was increased in Yucheng boys at the age of puberty as compared with controls. Data indicated that prenatal exposure to PCBs and PCDFs may have implications for boys' sex hormone homeostasis at puberty. Further studies are needed to identify the congeners of PCBs/PCDFs responsible for disruption of the endocrine system, as well as the mechanisms of such disruption.
Dermatoses in cement workers in Southern Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 1999
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0536.1999.TB05968.X
Abstract: Construction workers are known to have occupational dermatoses. The prevalence of such dermatoses was unknown in Taiwanese construction workers. The objective of this study was to determine the work exposure, prevalence of skin manifestations, and sensitivity to common contact allergens in cement workers of southern Taiwan. A total of 1147 current regular cement workers were telephone-interviewed about skin problems during the past 12 months, work exposure, and personal protection. Among those interviewed, 166 were examined and patch tested with common contact allergens. A high % of cement workers reported skin problems in the past 12 months. More men (13.9%) reported skin problems possibly related to work than women (5.4%). Prevalence was associated with lower use of gloves, duration of work as cement worker, and more time in jobs involving direct manual handling of cement, especially tiling. A high % of dermatitis was noted in the 166 workers examined, which correlated with reported skin problems. On patch testing, construction workers had a high frequency of sensitivity to chromate. Sensitivity to chromate or cobalt was associated with reported skin problems, or dorsal hand dermatitis on examination. These workers' dermatitis was under-diagnosed and inadequately managed. It is concluded that cement workers in southern Taiwan had a high prevalence of skin problems related to cement use. Protective measures, work practice, and physician education should be improved to prevent or manage such problems.
Associations between petrol-station density and manganese and lead in the cord blood of newborns living in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2011.01.001
Abstract: Although the anti-knocking agents used in Taiwan do not contain manganese, there are relatively high concentrations of the element in diesel fuel. As such, there have been many concerns about the impact of exposure to diesel fuels on health. This study was conducted in Taiwan to investigate the relationship between the concentration of manganese in cord blood of Taiwanese newborns and the geographic density of petrol stations as a surrogate for determining manganese emissions from vehicular traffic. A total of 1526 full-term newborns without major congenital malformations were consecutively recruited from various medical facilities from May 2004 to July 2005. Questionnaires were completed by the newborns' mothers after delivery to collect information on demographic characteristics, medical history, living environment, and other factors. Cord blood s les were collected at birth and analyzed for manganese and lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The geographic density of petrol stations within a 10 km zone around each newborn's residence was calculated for 1343 newborns using the Arc9 Geographic Information System. The geometric means of cord blood manganese and lead concentrations were 47.0 μg/L (GSD=1.42) and 12.6 μg/L (GSD=1.76), respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, including maternal age, and maternal education, the results of a multiple linear regression model indicated that the concentration of cord blood manganese increased monotonically with an increasing density of petrol stations. However, no such association was found for levels of lead in cord blood. Further smoothing spline model analysis indicated that a ten unit increment in petrol station density made cord blood manganese and lead levels change by factors of 1.0092 (95% CI: 1.0058, 1.0127) and 0.9994 (95% CI: 0.9890, 0.9998), respectively. This finding suggests that exposure to manganese-containing fuel from motor vehicles may result in elevated manganese levels in the fetus. Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between traffic-related manganese exposure and potential adverse effects on fetal development.
Associations of glutathione S‐transferase P1, M1, and environmental tobacco smoke with wheezing illness in school children
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-05-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1398-9995.2007.01380.X
Abstract: Polymorphisms at the glutathione S-transferase (GST) were associated with asthma-related phenotypes. We hypothesized that the GSTP1 and GSTM1 genotypes could modify the effects of household environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on childhood wheezing illness. We conducted a case-control study comprised of 216 lifetime wheezing children and 185 nonwheezing controls, all of whom were selected from 2524 fourth- to ninth-grade school children in southern Taiwan. Homozygous GSTP1 Ile-105 was significantly associated with current wheezing (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-3.12), but insignificantly associated with ever wheezing (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.82-1.94). The risks of ever or current wheezing on GSTM1 null genotype were positive but not statistically significant. Although household ETS exposure was not associated with wheezing illness, after excluding subjects having in utero ETS or active smoking habits, the adverse effects of household ETS exposure differed significantly by GSTP1-105 genotypes. In children without any ETS exposure at home, GSTP1 Ile-105 homozygosity was significantly related to increased risks for both ever wheezing (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.17-4.49) and current wheezing (OR = 4.86, 95% CI 1.86-12.70). In children with household ETS exposure, the risks of wheezing illness did not increase for those carrying two GSTP1 Ile-105 alleles. Children carrying any GSTP1 Val-105 allele were at a significantly greater risk of both ever and current wheezing when exposed to ETS, with a clear dose-response relationship to the number of smokers at home. Household ETS exposure is a modifiable cause of wheezing illness in a genetically susceptible subpopulation.
Prevalence of skin disease among nursing home patients in southern Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2002
DOI: 10.1046/J.1365-4362.2002.01425.X
Abstract: Continuing advances in medical care and nutrition have prolonged the lifespan and expanded the elderly demographic world-wide. Despite increasing elderly populations within Taiwanese nursing homes, there has been a lack of dermatologic surveys, and the prevalence of skin conditions within this group is unknown. To establish the prevalence of skin disease within nursing homes in southern Taiwan, we undertook a dermatologic and epidemiologic investigation of 398 patients in Tainan City, southern Taiwan, between November 1999 and February 2000. This study revealed that more than half of all nursing home patients suffered from fungus (61.6%) and xerosis (58.3%), while other pruritic skin diseases, such as dermatitis and scabies, were less prevalent at 7.3% and 3.3%, respectively. Risk factors for fungal infection included bedridden status (risk ratio (RR), 1.2 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-1.4) and male gender (RR, 1.2 95% CI, 1.0-1.3). Xerosis was statistically correlated with an age range of 80-90 years (RR, 1.2 95% CI, 1.0-1.4) when compared to other age ranges. Current scabies diagnosis was strongly associated with a previous history of scabies (RR, 8.9 95% CI, 1.7-21.1). Our study provides clinically relevant data regarding the prevalence of skin diseases in institutionalized Taiwanese patients for the first time. The results suggest that scabies persists within some nursing homes despite treatment, and that some patients remain undiagnosed. The dermatologic needs of these Taiwanese patients are not currently being satisfied.
Menstrual effects among women exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2010.11.011
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) may affect the female reproductive system in humans. A mass poisoning occurred in Taiwan due to PCBs/PCDFs-contaminated cooking oil, and was called the Yucheng (oil-disease in Chinese). We aimed to determine whether Yucheng women were affected in their menstruation. After the event, we followed the exposed in iduals and an age-matched neighborhood reference group. Menstrual cycle characteristics and age at menarche were obtained by a telephone interview. We used multiple linear and logistic regression to examine the association between PCBs/PCDFs and menstrual cycle characteristics, after adjusting for confounding factors. Totally 445 women responded satisfactorily and were included in the analyses of menstrual characteristics. Menstrual cycle irregularity and dysmenorrheal did not differ between Yucheng and referents. Yucheng women's menstrual cycles were 0.5 (95% CI: 0.0-0.5 p=0.03) days shorter than those of the referents. The Yucheng women with skin lesions caused by PCBs/PCDFs were more prominently affected, with the cycles 1.2 days shorter than the referents. Yucheng women exposed to PCBs/PCDFs at the premenacheal period had reduced cycle length (-0.7 day, 95% CI: -1.4 to 0.0 p=0.04) and longer days of menstrual flow (0.5 day, 95% CI: 0.0-1.0 p=0.04). Among those women who were exposed at an age of 5-9 years, menarche started slightly earlier with borderline significance. Shorter menstrual cycle length and a longer duration of bleeding in each cycle were found among women previously exposed to PCBs/PCDFs. These effects were more obviously observed among those exposed at premenarcheal ages.
Associations between household incense burning and delayed motor development among preterm infants modified by gestational age and maternal educational status
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 23-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/INA.12762
Erratum: “The Role of Humidity in Associations of High Temperature with Mortality: A Multicountry, Multicity Study”
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1289/EHP6302
Pre-existing comorbidity modify emergency room visit for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in association with ambient environments
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-09-2018
Predicting risk for early infantile atopic dermatitis by hereditary and environmental factors
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2133.2009.09412.X
Abstract: Hereditary and environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the interaction of these two factors is not totally understood. To evaluate the early risk factors for infantile AD at the age of 6 months and to develop a predictive model for the development of AD. In 2005, a representative s le of mother and newborn pairs was obtained by multistage, stratified systematic s ling from the Taiwan national birth register. Information on hereditary and environmental risk factors was collected by home interview when babies were 6 months old. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the risk factors for AD in the infants. A total of 20 687 pairs completed the study satisfactorily. AD was diagnosed in 7.0% of 6-month-old infants by physicians. Parental asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, and maternal education levels were risk factors for AD in infants. Among environmental factors, fungus on walls at home and renovation ainting in the house during pregnancy were significantly associated with early infantile AD. Using these factors, the probability of having infantile AD was estimated and grouped into low, high and very high. With five runs of tests in mutually exclusive subsets of this population, the likelihood of AD for 6-month-old infants was consistent in all the groups with the predictive model. The highest predicted probability of AD was 70.1%, among boys with maternal education levels > 12 years, both parents with AD, renovation and painting of the house during pregnancy and fungus on walls at home. The lowest probability was 3.1%, among girls with none of the above factors. This investigation provides a technique for predicting the risk of infantile AD based on hereditary and environmental factors, which could be used for developing a preventive strategy against AD, especially among those children with a family history of atopy.
Projections of temperature-related excess mortality under climate change scenarios
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
The Dose-Response Relationship Between Cumulative Lifting Load and Lumbar Disk Degeneration Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.2522/PTJ.20130095
Abstract: Lumbar disk degeneration (LDD) has been related to heavy physical loading. However, the quantification of the exposure has been controversial, and the dose-response relationship with the LDD has not been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship between lifetime cumulative lifting load and LDD. This was a cross-sectional study. Every participant received assessments with a questionnaire, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine, and estimation of lumbar disk compression load. The MRI assessments included assessment of disk dehydration, annulus tear, disk height narrowing, bulging, protrusion, extrusion, sequestration, degenerative and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, foramina narrowing, and nerve root compression on each lumbar disk level. The compression load was predicted using a biomechanical software system. A total of 553 participants were recruited in this study and categorized into tertiles by cumulative lifting load (ie, & .0 × 105, 4.0 × 105 to 8.9 × 106, and ≥8.9 × 106 Nh). The risk of LDD increased with cumulative lifting load. The best dose-response relationships were found at the L5–S1 disk level, in which high cumulative lifting load was associated with elevated odds ratios of 2.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.5, 4.1) for dehydration and 4.1 (95% CI=1.9, 10.1) for disk height narrowing compared with low lifting load. Participants exposed to intermediate lifting load had an increased odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI=1.3, 3.3) for bulging compared with low lifting load. The tests for trend were significant. There is no “gold standard” assessment tool for measuring the lumbar compression load. The results suggest a dose-response relationship between cumulative lifting load and LDD.
Prenatal perfluorooctanoic acid exposure is associated with early onset atopic dermatitis in 5-year-old children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2019.05.100
Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common childhood skin disease and the first step of atopic march. Perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure is associated with atopic diseases, including AD. However, whether PFAS exposure is related to earlier AD onset remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and earlier onset of AD in children in a 5-year follow-up study. From 2001 to 2005, 1264 mother-infant pairs were recruited from eight Taiwanese maternity hospitals. PFAS levels were analyzed from cord blood. Information on children's health status, including AD occurrence, was obtained via phone interviews at multiple time points. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and early onset AD. Overall, 863 mother-infant pairs with complete measurements were recruited. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed AD before 5 years of age was 7.1%. PFOA and PFOS concentrations were grouped based on whether they were above the 75th percentile. PFOA exposure was positively associated with earlier onset of AD (Kaplan-Meier estimate, p = 0.014). In the Cox model, after adjusting for sex, family income, parental atopy, breast feeding, and maternal age at childbirth, significance was observed in children above the upper quartile (≥75th) of the PFOA group (hazard ratio: 1.89 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.16). Our findings suggested that children with higher prenatal PFOA exposure have a higher risk of earlier AD development. Minimizing early life PFAS exposure may help inhibit AD development.
N-Acetyl-cysteine against noise-induced temporary threshold shift in male workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEARES.2010.07.005
Abstract: Previous animal studies showed protective effects of antioxidant medicines against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It is unclear whether antioxidants would protect humans from NIHL. We conducted a study to determine whether N-Acetyl-cysteine (NAC) protected men against noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS), and whether subgroups with genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) T1 and M1 responded to NAC differently. In this prospective, double-blind, crossover study, 53 male workers were randomly assigned to receive either NAC (1200 mg/day, 14 days) during the first period and placebo during the second period, or placebo during the first period and NAC during the second period. Dosing periods were separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. The hearing threshold changes were determined before and after each dosing period. Pre-shift hearing threshold for high frequencies was 19.1 dB. Daily exposure to noise ranged from 88.4 to 89.4 dB. The noise levels of different frequencies ranged from 80.0 to 89.4 dB with a peak-value at 4 kHz. NAC significantly reduced TTS (p = 0.03). When the participants were grouped by GST M1/T1 genotypes, the NAC effect was only significant among workers with null genotypes in both GSTM1 and GSTT1 (p = 0.004). NAC may prevent noise-induced TTS among occupationally noise-exposed men. The protective effect of NAC was more prominent in subjects with both GSTM1-null and GSTT1-null genotypes. (clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00552786).
Projections of excess mortality related to diurnal temperature range under climate change scenarios: a multi-country modelling study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Response to: Evidence of an age-related threshold effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on neuropsychological functioning in a Native American population (Environ. Res. 2009; 109(1):73-85)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2009
A comparison of PCDD/PCDFs exposure in infants via formula milk or breast milk feeding
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2006.04.089
Abstract: Food is the major source for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) accumulation in human body. In infant period, breast milk and formula milk are the major food sources. Congener-specific analyses of 17 PCDD/PCDFs were performed on 10 brands of formula milk s les which were milk-based and 37 breast milk s les collected from women living in southern Taiwan. The levels of 17 PCDD/PCDFs in 10 formula milk s les ranged from 0.468 to 0.962 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, with a mean value of 0.713+/-0.163 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid. For the 37 breast milk s les, their PCDD/PCDF levels were 14.7+/-9.36 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, with a range between 4.21 and 52.8 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid. At 12th month of age for infants, average daily intakes (ADI) of PCDD/PCDFs were 2.1 pg WHO-TEQ/kg/day for the formula-feeding infants, and 13 pg WHO-TEQ/kg/day for the breast-feeding infants. The present data may provide useful information for risk-benefit evaluation of formula- and breast-feeding.
Association of urban particle numbers and sources with lung function among children with asthma or allergies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2015.10.098
Abstract: Previous studies have reported sources of particle number pollution in urban air, but have not evaluated relationships between respiratory health and these sources. We compared, among children with asthma or allergies, the associations of spirometric lung functions with increased exposure to source-specific versus size-segregated particle number concentrations (PNC). Hourly measurements of PNC were acquired from the aerosol Supersite in New Taipei, Taiwan. Spirometry (FVC, FEV1, and FEF) was recorded monthly for 59 children with asthma or allergies at five schools during 2007-2008. After co-pollutant adjustment for ozone, we found a 0.21 and 0.17 L decrease in FVC [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.35, -0.06 L] and FEV1 (95% CI: -0.32, -0.03 L), respectively, with an interquartile range increase (1879.7#/cm(3)) in secondary aerosol contribution observed on the previous day. In addition, we found no significant associations of FVC with accumulation mode (0.1 μm<aerodynamic diameter<2.5 μm) PNC. Our findings suggest that PNC of secondary origin is most responsible for pollution-related respiratory effects among children living in urban Taipei. Studies that rely on exposure to size-segregated PNC may underestimate PM health impacts.
Predicting risk for childhood asthma by pre‐pregnancy, perinatal, and postnatal factors
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12374
Abstract: Symptoms of atopic disease start early in human life. Predicting risk for childhood asthma by early-life exposure would contribute to disease prevention. A birth cohort study was conducted to investigate early-life risk factors for childhood asthma and to develop a predictive model for the development of asthma. National representative s les of newborn babies were obtained by multistage stratified systematic s ling from the 2005 Taiwan Birth Registry. Information on potential risk factors and children's health was collected by home interview when babies were 6 months old and 5 yr old, respectively. Backward stepwise regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of childhood asthma for predictive models that were used to calculate the probability of childhood asthma. A total of 19,192 children completed the study satisfactorily. Physician-diagnosed asthma was reported in 6.6% of 5-yr-old children. Pre-pregnancy factors (parental atopy and socioeconomic status), perinatal factors (place of residence, exposure to indoor mold and painting/renovations during pregnancy), and postnatal factors (maternal postpartum depression and the presence of atopic dermatitis before 6 months of age) were chosen for the predictive models, and the highest predicted probability of asthma in 5-yr-old children was 68.1% in boys and 78.1% in girls the lowest probability in boys and girls was 4.1% and 3.2%, respectively. This investigation provides a technique for predicting risk of childhood asthma that can be used to developing a preventive strategy against asthma.
Temporal changes in mortality attributed to heat extremes for 57 cities in Northeast Asia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.10.258
Abstract: Recent studies have reported that heat-related mortality decreased by adaptation during decades. However, since the frequency of extreme heat events is increasing, it is difficult to conclude with certainty that the heat mortality burden is decreasing. To examine temporal changes in mortality attributed to heat extremes in Northeast Asia, we collected temperature and mortality data covering the years 1972-2012 from 57 cities of 3 countries (Taiwan, Korea, and Japan) in Northeast Asia. Poisson regression curves were fitted to the data from each city. The temporal changes in heat-mortality association were estimated with a time-varying distributed lag non-linear model. Heat extremes were defined as temperatures greater than the 97.5th percentiles of city-specific average temperatures. Attributable deaths were calculated considering temporal variations in exposure and relative risk. The estimates were then pooled through meta-analysis. The results show that the mortality risk on extreme heat days declined during the study period in all countries. However, as summer temperatures in Japan have shown more heat extremes over time, the mortality risk attributed to heat increased during 2003-2012 (0.32%) compared with 1972-1981 (0.19%). Thus, to assess the total health burden due to heat extremes related to climate change, public health strategies should focus on the temporal variation in heat-mortality association as well as changes in the distribution of heat extremes overtime.
Long-Term Psychological Outcome of Workers After Occupational Injury: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S10926-013-9431-3
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the prevalence rates of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression at 12 months in workers experiencing different types of occupational injury in Taiwan. Demographic and injury-related risk factors for psychological symptoms were also evaluated. Our study candidates were injured workers in Taiwan who were hospitalized for 3 days or longer and received hospitalization benefits from the Labor Insurance program. A two-staged survey study was conducted. A self-reported questionnaire including the Brief Symptom Rating Scale and Post-traumatic Symptom Checklist was sent to workers at 12 months after injury. Those who met the criteria were recruited for the second-stage phone interview with a psychiatrist using the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). A total of 1,233 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate 28.0 %). Among them, 167 (13.5 %) fulfilled the criteria for the MINI interview and were invited. A total of 106 (63.5 %) completed the phone interview. The estimated rate of either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression was 5.2 %. The risk factors for psychological symptoms were female gender, lower education level, loss of consciousness after occupational injury, injury affecting physical appearance, occupational injury experience before this event, life experience before and after this injury, length of hospital stay, self-rated injury severity, and percentage of income to the family. These results showed that occupational injury can cause long-term psychological impact in workers. Key demographic and injury characteristics may enhance the identification of at-risk occupational injured workers who would benefit from targeted screening and early intervention efforts.
Air Pollution, Allergic Co-morbidity, and Emergency Department Visit for Pediatric Asthma in Taiwan
Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research
Date: 2013
Haemophilus influenzae type b combination vaccines and atopic disorders: A prospective cohort study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMA.2011.09.022
Abstract: Epidemiologic evidence for an association between vaccinations and atopy development is inconsistent. We evaluated the influence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) combination vaccines in 6-month-old infants on the prevalence of atopic disorders in 18-month-old children. We used multistage, stratified systematic s ling to recruit 24,200 mother-newborn pairs from the Taiwan national birth registration in 2005. Vaccination status was ascertained through official vaccine cards, while risk factors for atopic disorders were gathered by questionnaires at 6 months of age. Information about development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and recurrent wheezing was collected at 18 months of age. The relationship between atopic disorders and Hib combination vaccines, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-Hib and oral poliomyelitis vaccines (DPT-Hib&OPV) and DPT-Hib-inactivated poliomyelitis vaccines (DPT-Hib-IPV), were estimated by multiple logistic regression. A total of 19,968 children completed the follow-up and participated in the study. AD was noted in 1584 (7.9%) infants while recurrent wheezing was found in 1220 (6.1%) infants. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for the development of AD in the DPT-Hib&OPV and DPT-Hib-IPV vaccination groups were given as 1.38 (1.15-1.65) and 1.49 (1.29-1.72), compared to those without Hib vaccination (DTP&OPV vaccination). However, the association between DPT-Hib&OPV and DPT-Hib-IPV vaccinations and recurrent wheezing failed to reach statistical significance. There is a potential risk for AD after receiving Hib combination vaccines. Hib vaccination is important to the public health, and therefore the observation requires further investigations.
The immunologic evaluation of the Yucheng children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-1998
DOI: 10.1016/S0045-6535(98)00251-3
Abstract: The immunologic effects of in utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) olychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were evaluated in the Yucheng children in this study. The study subjects consisted of 105 Yucheng children and 101 control children. The Yucheng children were born, between July 1978 and June 1987, to women who had exposed to high dose of PCBs/PCDFs through consumption of contaminated rice bran oil in 1978-1979. These children had been reported to have higher frequencies of bronchitis than their controls in the first six months of life, and higher frequencies of respiratory tract and ear infection in a 6-year follow-up. The low resistance of the Yucheng children to infection suggested that their immune function was suppressed by the PCBs/PCDFs they had exposed to in utero. In the summer and fall of 1995, a thorough physical examination and blood draw were performed on the study children. The Yucheng children were reported by their parents to have higher frequencies of influenza attacks than the control children during the six months prior to the examination. The frequencies of other symptoms were similar between the two groups. The serum levels of various immunoglobulins were similar between the two groups. Fifty-one serum s les, 29 of Yucheng and 22 of control children, were available for cell-mediated immunologic analysis. The percentages of various T cell markers, CD3, CD4, and CD8, and B cell and NK cell markers were not different between the Yucheng and the control children. No dose-response relationship was found between 27 Yucheng children's serum PCB/PCDF levels and any of their immunologic markers. WE concluded that 16 years after the Yucheng incident, Yucheng children exposed to high dose of PCBs/PCDFs in utero did not show, with the serum immunologic marker analyses, suppressed immunity when compared to their controls. To explain the consistent higher frequencies of upper respiratory tract infection in the Yucheng children, immune functional tests such as delayed hypersensitive skin reaction, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody synthesis following immunization may be necessary.
Global, regional, and national burden of mortality associated with short-term temperature variability from 2000–19: a three-stage modelling study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
Prevalence and risk factors of occupational hand dermatoses in electronics workers
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2004
DOI: 10.1191/0748233704TH193OA
Abstract: The electronics industry is becoming an important mainstream in the workforce in some developed countries and in Taiwan. Among patients with occupational hand dermatitis in northern Taiwan, workers from electronics industries were one of the most important groups. We conducted a field investigation to determine the prevalence, patterns and risk factors of occupational hand dermatoses among electronics workers. The survey was conducted in five electronics plants using a self-administered questionnaire on skin symptoms and risk factors. Skin examination and patch testing were followed for those with symptoms compatible with hand dermatitis. A total of 3070 workers completed the questionnaire. Among them, 302 (9.8%) reported to have symptoms (itching and with either redness/scaling) compatible with contact dermatitis on hands. Hand dermatitis was associated with working in the fabrication unit and personal history of atopy and metal allergy, as well as the following job titles: wafer bonding, cutting, printing hotomasking, softening/degluing, impregnation and tin plating. Among those with reported hand dermatitis, 183 completed skin examination and patch testing, 65/183 (35.5%) were diagnosed as having irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and 7/183 (3.8%) allergic contact dermatitis. The most important allergens were nickel, cobalt and phenylenediamine. In conclusion, Taiwanese electronics workers have a high risk of having hand dermatitis, especially ICD. Preventive efforts should be focused on the workers with risk factors or at certain worksites.
Associations of β2‐adrenergic receptor genotypes and haplotypes with wheezing illness in Taiwanese schoolchildren
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1398-9995.2009.02020.X
Abstract: Background: Increasing attention was focused on the β2‐adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2), whose genetic variability has been implicated as a risk factor for asthma‐related phenotypes. However, only a few studies reported the associations by utilizing haplotypic approaches. We therefore examined the relationship of childhood wheezing illness with polymorphisms at codons 16 and 27, and evaluated the influence of polymorphisms in idually and in combination as haplotypes. Methods: We conducted a genetic case–control study comprising 215 wheezing children and 183 nonwheezing controls, all of whom were selected from 2524 fourth‐ to ninth‐grade schoolchildren in southern Taiwan. Results: All participants were homozygous at the ADRB2 Thr164 locus. After controlling for possible confounders, ADRB2 Glu27 allele was significantly associated with wheezing illness in all genetic models, but the risks on Arg16Gly genotypes were inconclusive. Estimated frequencies for the three main hyplotypes were Arg16/Gln27 57.2%, Gly16/Gln27 35.3%, Gly16/Glu27 7.4% in wheezing children, and Arg16/Gln27 56.3%, Gly16/Gln27 32.2%, Gly16/Glu27 10.4% in controls. The protective effect of Gly16/Glu27 haplotype remained relative to all other ADRB2 haplotypes [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0.58 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.97]. As compared with children without Gly16/Glu27 haplotype, those with Gly16/Glu27 haplotype had a significantly lower risk for wheezing illness (aRR = 0.56 95% CI 0.33–0.99). The copy numbers of Gly16/Glu27 haplotype also showed a clear dose‐response relationship on the decreased risks. No significant association was found with the prevalence of wheezing illness for other haplotypes. Conclusion: We concluded that ADRB2 Glu27 allele and Gly16/Glu27 haplotype were significantly protective factors for wheezing illness in Taiwanese schoolchildren.
Heat-related mortality risk model for climate change impact projection
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2013
Profile of PCDD/F levels in serum of general Taiwanese between different gender, age and smoking status
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2004.06.021
Abstract: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are persistent organic pollutants that are resistant to environmental and biological degradation and disperse into various environmental compartments throughout the atmosphere, water, soil, sediments, and food. Many factors, such as age, sex, lifestyle, and metabolism, can explain the distribution of serum levels after humans exposed to PCDD/Fs. The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the PCDD/Fs distribution and profile of the general population in northern Taiwan. All selected subjects were between 18 and 65 years old and proportionally chosen from five age groups based on population distribution of each district or county. Higher serum PCDD/F levels were found in the elder than in the young, and in females than in males. In addition, nonsmokers and passive smokers showed higher levels of PCDD/Fs than active smokers. The serum concentrations of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD in some subjects seemed to increase with their age, which might have been caused by the longer half-lives of these substances. In future studies, more information about food consumption, occupational exposure, open-combustion, and other potential factors needs to be collected to clarify the most important factors affecting the distribution of serum PCDD/Fs in the general population in Taiwan.
Roles of Genotypes of β2-Adrenergic Receptor in the Relationship Between Eosinophil Counts and Lung Function in Taiwanese Adolescents
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2003
Abstract: To examine the roles of genetic polymorphism of the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) in the relationship between eosinophil (EOS) counts and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) counts and lung function, we recruited a random s le from the 1996 nationwide survey of asthma prevalence in middle school children. A total of 149 subjects--42 asthmatic children, 38 asthmatics in remission (no reported attack for more than 12 months), and 69 nonasthmatics--completed a physical evaluation, pulmonary function test, and determination of EOS, ECP, and beta2AR genotypes at amino acids 16 and 27. Asthmatic children had higher EOS and ECP than did nonasthmatics. No association was found between asthma and beta2AR genotypes. Lung function was significantly and inversely correlated with EOS but not with ECP in asthmatic children. By genotype, an inverse correlation between lung function and EOS was found in asthmatic children with Arg16Arg or Gln27Glu. A nonsignificant but similar inverse correlation was found in asthmatic children with Arg16Gly or Gln27Gln. However, a nonsignificant but positive correlation was found in asthmatic children with Gly16Gly. In conclusion, we suggest that EOS is a better clinical indicator of airway inflammation than ECP when children are not having an asthma attack. The association between an increase of EOS and lower lung function can be differentiated by beta2AR genotypes at amino acid 16.
Short sleep duration is dose-dependently related to job strain and burnout in nurses: A cross sectional survey
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJNURSTU.2014.09.003
Abstract: Lack of sleep is a common problem amongst nurses. Short sleep duration has been related to stress and burnout. However, in nurses, the effects of short sleep duration on job strain and burnout are controversial and a clear relationship has been lacking. This study aims to assess whether short sleep duration is related to job strain and burnout statue, and whether such relationship is in a dose-dependent manner. A cross-sectional survey among female nurses in secondary referral health centers in Taiwan, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Stratified s ling by region and patient bed number category was done to select representative centers for this survey. Approximately 10% of all secondary referral centers were randomly selected from each stratum. Non-linear dose-response relationship between sleep duration and job strain and burnout scores was assessed by general additive models (GAM), adjusting for personal characteristics, work condition, and family situation. Among the 2268 full-time nurses in 39 hospitals invited to participate in this study, 1384 (61%) satisfactorily completed the questionnaire. There were 169 nurses (12.2%) who slept less than 6 h per working day. Among the participants, 37% (n=512) were classified into high strain group. The mean scores of personal, work-related, and client-related burnout were 59.4 (SD=22.0), 54.6 (SD=21.7), and 42.3 (SD=18.6). Compared to those slept longer than 7 h, nurse who slept less than 6 h per working day had higher risk for job strain (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.8, 95% confidence interval, CI=1.2-2.7), personal burnout (AOR=3.0, CI=1.7-5.2), work-related burnout (AOR=3.4, CI=2.0-6.0), and client-related burnout (AOR=2.0, CI=1.2-3.6). GAM analysis found a linear relationship between sleep duration and job strain, and client-related burnout. For personal and work-related burnout, a linear increase in burnout score between 7 h and 5 h of sleep was observed, followed by a leveling off for durations of less than 5 h. Our study found sleep duration at working days was inversely associated with female nurses' job strain and burnout in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies on work factors which affecting sleep duration are warranted.
Household incense burning and infant gross motor development: Results from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.03.005
Abstract: Air pollution from biomass burning were associated with neurodevelopmental deceleration, but limited studies concerned about the effect of indoor biomass burning. Incense burning is a common household ritual practice in Taiwan, while past studies mainly focused on birth weight and allergic disease. We aimed to find the association between incense burning exposure and children's neurodevelopment. In Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), a nationwide representative birth cohort study, children were assessed upon home interview with structured questionnaires upon six and eighteen months old. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting confounding factors were applied to explore the odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) between household incense burning exposure and caregiver-reported neurodevelopment milestones. In this study, 15,310 term singletons were included, and household incense burning was associated with delay in gross motor neurodevelopment milestone, such as walking with support (Occasional incense burning: OR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 1.47, HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11 persistent incense burning: OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.69, HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.16) and walking steadily (Occasional incense burning: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.32, HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.11, persistent incense burning: OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.45, HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.13). Our study suggested household incense burning exposure was associated with delay in gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones. Further research is warranted to elucidate the possible mechanism and causal relationship.
Contribution of gestational exposure to ambient traffic air pollutants to fetal cord blood manganese
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2011.11.006
Abstract: Motor vehicle emissions have become a major source of air pollution. Contributions of motor vehicle emissions to exposure to toxic metals such as manganese remain inconclusive. This study investigates the relationship between the concentration of manganese in cord blood and exposure to criteria air pollutants during pregnancy. A total of 1526 mother-newborn pairs were recruited by stratified s ling between April, 2004 and July, 2005. The newborns' mothers completed questionnaires that collected information on their demographic characteristics, medical histories, and living environments. Cord blood s les were collected at birth and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for manganese. Information about criteria air pollutants which included CO, NO(2), ozone, SO(2), and PM(10) was obtained from monitoring stations run by the Taiwan Environmental Agency. Using the Arc9 Geographic Information System's kriging method, the concentration of each criteria pollutant was estimated at each newborn's residence. The geometric mean for cord blood manganese concentrations was 47.0 μg/L (GSD=1.4). After adjusting for confounding factors such as family income, maternal education, maternal smoking, alcohol drinking during pregnancy, maternal age, child gender, parity, gestational age, and birth season, the results of a multiple linear regression model indicated that cord blood manganese concentration was significantly associated with NO(2) concentration in each trimester, as well as the whole duration of gestation. Between the pregnant women exposed to the highest and those to the lowest quartile of NO(2), a 6 μg/L difference in cord blood manganese concentration was found. This finding suggests that despite other sources of manganese exposure, maternal exposure to ambient NO(2), a surrogate for traffic emission, significantly contributed to fetal cord blood manganese level. Further study is warranted to determine whether the contribution of manganese due to traffic emission causes adverse health effects in fetuses.
Airborne Persistent Organic Pollutants and Male Reproductive Health
Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research
Date: 2014
Gestational diabetes mellitus was related to ambient air pollutant nitric oxide during early gestation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2017.06.005
Abstract: Ambient air pollution has been linked to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, evidence of this association is limited, and no study has examined the effects of nitric oxide (NO). This study investigated the association between air pollution exposure during gestation and GDM. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study database was used to examine the association between the risk of GDM and all routinely monitored air pollutants among 21,248 women who were pregnant during 2004-2005. We further employed a two-pollutant model for confirming the effect of each pollutant on GDM. After the exclusion criteria were applied, 19,606 women were included in the final analysis. Among them, 378 (1.9%) had been diagnosed as having GDM. These women were older and had higher BMIs than the women without GDM. The risks of GDM onset were significantly associated with NO exposure during the first [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.08] and second (aOR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.08) trimesters. Under the two-pollutant model, the effect of NO exposure was also significant during the first (aOR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.08) and second (aOR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.09) trimesters. The results indicated that exposure to higher NO levels during pregnancy increases the risk of GDM.
Prediction of hand function after occupational hand injury by evaluation of initial anatomical severity
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/09638280701419375
Abstract: To examine the relationship between initial anatomic severity evaluated by the Hand Injury Severity Scoring (HISS) system and recovered hand function evaluated by the Purdue Pegboard after occupational hand injury. In the retrospective cohort study, 95 patients hospitalized between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2003 for surgery due to occupational hand injury were recruited. The HISS scores were obtained by chart review by a surgeon. The Purdue Pegboard was performed at least 6 months after the injury by well-trained occupational therapists. The Purdue Pegboard scores were compared with the initial HISS scores by simple regression, multiple regression and logistic regression analysis. The total HISS score was negatively correlated with scores of the Purdue Pegboard subtests, including injured-hand, both-hands, and assembly. The risk of having low injured-hand score ( or= 101), with OR 9.57 (95% CI 1.4-94.8). The risk of having low both-hands score ( or=101), with OR 4.5 (95% CI 1.1-21.8) and OR 25 (95% CI 3.5-263). The risk of having low assembly score ( or= 101), with OR 9.0 (95% CI 1.3-72.5). The study showed that after occupational hand injury, initial anatomic severity evaluated by the HISS system could predict hand function after recovery.
Environmental risk factors for early infantile atopic dermatitis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-07-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2007.00550.X
Abstract: Previous studies of predictors of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Asia have had limited s le size and small numbers of variables focused primarily on family history or dietary exposures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of various environmental risk factors for early infantile AD. We used multistage, stratified systematic s ling to recruit 2048 mother-child pairs from the Taiwan national birth registration in 2003. Information on environmental risk factors for infant AD gathered by questionnaire were available from 1760 infants at 6 months of age. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors for AD after adjusting for potential confounders. AD was noted in 118 of 1760 (6.7%) of the infants. After adjusting for maternal age and education, family history of atopy, infant gender, and gestational age, fungi on walls of the house [aOR 2.14 (95% CI 1.41-3.22)] and frequent use of microwave oven at home [aOR 1.71 (95% CI 1.13-2.58)] increased the risk of early infantile AD. This study suggests that environmental factors do play a role in early infantile AD. Fungi, a kind of aeroallergen, are especially important in humid climate as in Taiwan and their impacts might be felt at the early infant stage. The hazards of microwave use should be paid more attention.
A benchmark dose study of prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and behavioral problems in children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2019.06.002
Abstract: Prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been reported to be associated with adverse effects on neurodevelopment that yield behavior syndromes in young children with an estimated median exposure lower than the currently recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) and reference dose (RfD). Our aim was to derive the benchmark dose for prenatal exposure to DEHP for the neurodevelopmental health in children. A total of 122 mother-child pairs from the Taiwan Maternal and Infant Cohort Study were analyzed for the dose-response relationship between maternal exposure to DEHP and children's behavioral syndromes evaluated at 8 years (n = 122, 2009), 11 years (n = 96, 2012), and 14 years (n = 78, 2015) of age. We employed a multivariate regression model to assess the statistical associations between the estimated maternal average daily intake of DEHP and child's in idual CBCL scores for boys and girls at each separate age, followed by a mixed model for all the children across three ages accounting for in idual variations. We then employed structural equation models by combining the children's specific behavioral problem scores at different ages and obtained a simulated overall latent score in relation to maternal exposure. Based on the established dose-response relationship, we derived the benchmark dose (BMD) and the lower limit (BMDL). Associations of maternal DEHP exposure (median 4.54μg/kg_bw/day) with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores were all significant, except for somatic complaints, adjusting for child's age, gender, IQ, and family income. The BMDL, given a benchmark response of 0.10 (0.05) and a background response of 0.05, was 6.01 (2.16) μg/kg_bw/dayfor an integrated CBCL score. The current TDI (RfD) of 50 (20) μg/kg_bw/day for DEHP might not protect pregnant women for their children from behavioral problems. There remains the lack of comparable toxicological data. Further investigations are needed.
Depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders at six years after occupational injuries
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-01-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00406-016-0762-X
Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates of depressive, anxiety and PTSDs, and the risk factors for psychological symptoms at 6 years after occupational injury. This longitudinal study followed workers who were occupationally injured in 2009. Psychological symptoms and return to work were assessed at 3 and 12 months after injury. Injured workers who had completed the initial questionnaire survey at 3 or 12 months after injury were recruited. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to the participants. For workers with high Brief Symptom Rating Scale and Post-traumatic Symptom Checklist scores, an in-depth psychiatric evaluation was performed using the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview. A total of 570 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate, 28.7%). Among them, 243 (42.6%) had high psychological symptom scores and were invited for a phone interview 135 (55.6%) completed the interview. The estimated rates of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) artial PTSD were 9.2 and 7.2%, respectively, and both these rates were higher at 6 years after injury than at 12 months after injury (2.0 and 5.1%). After adjustment for family and social factors, the risk factors for high psychological scores were length of hospitalization immediately after injury, affected physical appearance, repeated occupational injuries, unemployment, and number of quit jobs after the injury. At 6 years after occupational injury, the re-emergence of psychiatric disorders was observed. Relevant factors for poor psychological health were severity of injury and instability of work. Periodic monitoring of psychological and physical health and economic stability are warranted.
Asthma: Environmental Risk Factors
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2011
A national survey of psychosocial job stressors and their implications for health among working people in Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-2001
Abstract: The prevalence of job stress, distributions of major job stressors, and the associations of job stress with multiple self-reported health complaints were examined in a national survey conducted in 1994 in Taiwan. A total of 9,746 men and 5,599 women who were employed at the time of the survey and aged between 25 and 65-years were studied. Information on employment status, perceived level of job stress, major job stressors, and health complaints were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 7.6% of men and 6.5% of women reported often or always feeling very stressed at work. Higher levels of perceived job stress were found among subjects who were younger, with higher education level, working in a larger firm, working for longer hours per week, and who were administrators or managers. Problems with in idual job content were ranked as the most important job stressor in men across all employment categories and in most women. Other major job stressors included problems with monetary rewards and lack of career prospects. The patterns of major job stressors appear to vary by employment grade and by gender. After adjustment for age and education, employees who perceived higher levels of job stress had significantly increased risks of multiple health problems, including strained eyes, ringing ears, chronic cough with phlegm, chest tightness. stomach problems, headache, and musculoskeletal discomfort. These results suggest that psychosocial stress in the workplace has profound impacts on health. This study identified high-risk groups and major types of job stressors for further investigation.
The burden of heat-related mortality attributable to recent human-induced climate change
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2021
The Taiwan Birth Panel Study: a prospective cohort study for environmentally- related child health
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-08-2011
Contributions of Ergonomics, Psychological Factors, and Sleep Disturbances to Lower Back Pain Among Taiwanese Workers
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-06-2021
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002295
Abstract: We investigated the contributions of ergonomics, psychological factors, and sleep disturbances to lower back pain (LBP). A nationwide survey of s led 27,508 (2.6‰) Taiwanese workers was conducted in 2010. Definition of outcome was LBP affecting work performance in the past year. Predictor variables included age, body mass index, ergonomic factors, job control, psychological demands, and sleep disturbances. Mutually adjusted relative risks were examined using general linear models, followed by aPAR. 18,353 workers were included in the multivariate regression model. The three first significant risk factors to LBP included heavy lifting or awkward posture, sleep disturbances, and high psychological demands (aPAR = 13.5%, 8.7%, 5.7% respectively in men and 6.1%, 11.8%, 5.9% in women). In addition to ergonomic exposure, sleep disturbances and high psychological demands significantly contributed to LBP.
Genetic susceptibility to dioxin-like chemicals’ induction of cytochrome P4501A2 in the human adult linked to specific AhRR polymorphism
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2012.10.026
Abstract: Dioxin-like chemicals are known to exert their effect by binding to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), forming complexes with aryl hydrocarbon nuclear translocator (ARNT), and binding to dioxin responsive elements (DREs) in promoter region to regulate the transcription of specific genes. In a previous study of the Yucheng cohort of humans who were exposed to high toxic levels of dioxin-like chemicals (PCDFs and PCBs), we reported marked induction of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) activity and this induction was an excellent biomarker of the exposure and adverse human health effects seen in the Yucheng cohort. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between inducibility of CYP1A2 and genetic polymorphisms of AhR, ARNT, and AhRR in human. The Yucheng victims who completed blood s le collecting in 1994-1995 for serum concentrations of PCB, PCDF, and PCDD congeners, and also completed the caffeine breath tests for CYP1A2 activity were identified. From the collected blood s les, six single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected for genotyping, including AhR (rs2066853), AhRR (rs2292596), ARNT (rs7517566), ARNT (rs3820541), ARNT (rs3768016), and ARNT (rs2228099). AhRR (rs2292596) polymorphism was significantly related to CYP1A2 inducibility (p=0.01). A linear trend test was observed between people with AhRR (rs2292596) GG, GC, and CC genotype (p=0.0014). Overall, AhRR (rs2292596) genotypes predict the inducibility of CYP1A2 in people highly exposed to toxic dioxin-like chemicals. Future studies and analysis will determine to what degree these polymorphisms can predict a human's susceptibility to dioxin-related adverse human health effects.
Piper betle L. inflorescence causes allergic contact dermatitis of the hands during betel quid assembly
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-05-2008
Are maternal psychosocial factors associated with cord immunoglobulin E in addition to family atopic history and mother immunoglobulin E?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2004
Global, regional, and national burden of mortality associated with non-optimal ambient temperatures from 2000 to 2019: a three-stage modelling study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
High ambient Cladosporium spores were associated with reduced lung function in schoolchildren in a longitudinal study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.01.078
Abstract: In our previous longitudinal study, we found that exposure to current levels of ambient total fungal spores was related to a reduction of childhood lung function. However, the biological properties of various taxa of fungal spores varied greatly, as well as their health effects. In this study, we aimed to determine whether any specific fungal spores were responsible for observed changes in lung function. Measurement of lung function was conducted for 100 elementary and middle-school students on 5-10 occasions from October 2007 to November 2009 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. During the week of each lung function measurement, continuous daily concentrations of fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday. The counts of fungal spores belonging to specific taxa were identified. A mixed-effect model with repeated measurements was used to analyze the association of lung function and exposure to each specific taxon of fungal spores. Forward stepwise regression was applied to determine which specific fungal spores were the most closely related to lung function changes. The non-linear relationship was examined using a generalized additive model. The piecewise linear regression was then applied to determine the threshold value. A total of 824 measurements were obtained from 100 participants. Among all the species of fungal spores, only Cladosporium spores were found to be negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) one day later. This association was stronger than the one between the total spore counts and lung function. The threshold of exposure where lung function effect became observable was approximately 1,500 spores/m(3). This study showed that ambient Cladosporium was most strongly associated with the observed lung function changes among schoolchildren. Replication of these preliminary findings in other geographic areas with different populations would be warranted.
Cognitive development in Yucheng children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0045-6535(94)90409-X
Abstract: We have been following up the biological and mental development of children exposed prenatally to polychlorinated biphenyls and their contaminants (Yucheng children). When we started this 12-year follow-up study in August 1985, 118 Yucheng children we assigned a non-exposed child matched by sex, age, locality of residence, mother's age, socio-economic status of the family. This article reports the cognitive aspect of the development of Yucheng children as compared to their matched controls. A consistent tendency which indicates that Yucheng children score lower in each kind of measurement tool at each age level has been observed. This seems to imply that congenitally exposure to PCBs and their contaminants has long-term adverse effects on the cognitive development of human being.
Schoolchildren's antioxidation genotypes are susceptible factors for reduced lung function and airway inflammation caused by air pollution
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2016.05.007
Abstract: We recently reported the relationship between exposure to ambient air pollutants and changes in lung function and nasal inflammation among schoolchildren. A study was conducted to investigate whether antioxidation genotypes influence these associations. A follow-up study of 97 schoolchildren was conducted in New Taipei City, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly spirometry and measurement of nasal inflammation from October 2007 to November 2009. During the study period, complete daily monitoring data for air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and Aerosol Supersite. The genotypes of glutathione S-transferase (GST) subunits M1, T1, P1 and superoxide dismutases subunit 2 (SOD2) were characterized. Mixed-effects models were used, adjusting for known confounders. GSTM1 null children had significant PM2.5-related increment in leukocyte (8.52% 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.13-13.92%) and neutrophil (9.68% 95% CI: 4.51-14.85%) in nasal lavage. Ozone levels were significantly and inversely associated with forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%) (-0.43L/s 95% CI: -0.58,-0.28L/s) in SOD2 Ala16 variant children. In this longitudinal study of schoolchildren. Our data provide evidence that antioxidation genotype modifies the airway inflammation caused by PM2.5. Antioxidation genotype also acts as an effect modifier, but not strong, in ozone-related small airway function response.
Prevalence of hearing impairment in an adult population in southern Taiwan
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1080/14992020701448986
Abstract: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in a representative adult population in southern Taiwan and compare the results to those of similar studies in other countries. A stratified systematic cluster s le of 1140 residents, aged > or =20 years, of Tainan City was studied from 2001 to 2003. The test battery included otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, and a questionnaire covering relevant personal, occupational, and family history. The hearing threshold level (HTL) was defined as the better ear pure-tone average (BPTA) (i.e. the average of hearing thresholds at frequencies 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). The prevalence of hearing impairment was 21.4% (95% confidence interval: 19.3-23.7%) at BPTA > or =25 dB HTL. Middle ear disease was a significant risk factor for hearing impairment in addition to age and gender. The overall prevalence of hearing impairment may be higher in Taiwan (17.1%) than in western populations (11.5%), but differences in the definition of hearing impairment severity and variation in sex distribution among studies may account for this higher prevalence.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution, Climate, and Prevalence of Eczema in Taiwanese School Children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2008
DOI: 10.1038/JID.2008.110
Abstract: The prevalence of childhood eczema is increasing in many countries. Epidemiological studies, however, say little of its association to outdoor air pollution and climate factors. We conducted a nationwide survey of middle-school students in Taiwan from 1995 to 1996. The 12-month prevalence of eczema was compared with air monitoring station data of temperature, relative humidity, and criteria air pollutants. A total of 317,926 children attended schools located within 2 km of 55 stations. Prevalence rates of recurrent eczema were 2.4 and 2.3% in boys and girls, respectively, with prevalence rates of flexural eczema 1.7% in both sexes. After adjustment for possible confounders, flexural eczema was found to be associated with traffic-related air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Recurrent eczema was associated with traffic-related air pollution only in girls. There were no associations for the highest monthly means of temperature, whereas the annual means and the lowest monthly means of temperature were negatively related to flexural eczema, but only in girls. The lowest monthly mean relative humidity was positively related to eczema. The results suggest that air pollution and climatic factors, which showed stronger associations in girls than boys, may affect the prevalence of childhood eczema.
Increased mortality from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis 13 years after the Taiwan ?yucheng? (?oil disease?) incident
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-1997
DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199702)31:2<172::AID-AJIM6>3.0.CO;2-1
Abstract: In 1979, a mass poisoning involving some 2,000 persons occurred in central Taiwan from cooking oil contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their heat-degraded byproducts, including polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The responsible health department registered cases for clinical purposes between 1979 and 1983. The exposed persons are referred to as the "yucheng" (oil disease) cohort. PCBs and PCDFs are toxic chemicals widely dispersed in the environment and in human tissue, which persist long after exposure. The consequences of exposure to these agents are not well understood. We traced the cohort through December 31, 1991, and compared overall and cause-specific mortality of 1,837 "yucheng" subjects with age, gender, and calendar time-specific mortality rates for the Taiwan general population. Eighty-three deaths were identified from 23,404 observed person-years. Even though the overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-1.0), there was a substantial elevation in the mortality rate for chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (10 deaths, SMR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.3-4.9). Mortality from malignant neoplasms and other causes was not significantly different from that of the Taiwan population. PCB/PCDF exposure appears to promote the development of severe liver disease, perhaps in combination with known risk factors such as infection with hepatitis B virus. Further follow-up of this young cohort is necessary to see if the consequences include hepatic cancer.
Longer-Term Impact of High and Low Temperature on Mortality: An International Study to Clarify Length of Mortality Displacement
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 03-10-2017
DOI: 10.1289/EHP1756
Glutathione S-transferase M1, T1, and P1 polymorphisms as susceptibility factors for noise-induced temporary threshold shift
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEARES.2009.07.008
Abstract: The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to be part of the mechanism underlying noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Glutathione is an important cellular antioxidant that limits cell damage by ROS. We aimed to determine the effect of genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) T1, GSTM1, and GSTP1, on temporary threshold shift (TTS) in 58 noise-exposed male workers from a steel factory. The pre-shift hearing impairment at high frequency (HF, average of 3, 4, and 6kHz) was 30.7dB HL (S.D.=19.3). The amount of daily noise exposure was 83.0dBA (S.D.=5.0). Noise-induced TTS at HF by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was related to the daily noise exposure (p<0.05). Based on combinatory analysis, we found that in iduals carrying all genotypes with GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null, and GSTP1 Ile(105)/Ile(105) were more susceptible to NIHL. These results suggest that pre-shift hearing impairment and daily noise exposure had impacts on TTS at HF by PTA. In addition, GST genetic polymorphisms may modify the susceptibility to noise-induced TTS.
The Role of Humidity in Associations of High Temperature with Mortality: A Multicountry, Multicity Study
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1289/EHP5430
Fatty Liver and Hepatic Function for Residents with Markedly High Serum PCDD/Fs Levels in Taiwan
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2006
DOI: 10.1080/15287390500244972
Abstract: This study was designed to examine the associations between serum polychtorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) levels and adverse hepatic-related health outcomes. Residents living in the vicinity of a closed pentachlorophenol (PCP) manufacturing factory (exposure area) and other areas nearby (control area) were identified from prior investigation of serum PCDD/Fs measurements. A total of 85 subjects were recruited for the study, 52 from exposure area and 33 from control, respectively. Average level of serum PCDD/Fs was 80.1 6 50.9 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid for those residing in exposure area, and 25.5 6 18.2 in control area. Statistically higher odds ratio (ORs) for fatty liver and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity was found in subjects with higher serum PCDD/Fs levels and high body mass index (BMI) as compared to those with lower PCDD/Fs levels and less BMI. Data suggest that dioxin exposure and high lipid content affect the prevalence of fatty liver in exposed subjects. Future study should be directed to prevent continuous exposure to environmental PCDD/Fs from the defunct PCP factory, and to characterize prospectively, with a larger study s le size, the potential long-term consequences on hepatic function associated with contaminant exposure.
Lifetime exposure to particulate air pollutants is negatively associated with lung function in non-asthmatic children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.10.092
Abstract: Pulmonary function is known to be affected by acute and subacute exposure to ambient air pollution. However, the impacts of lifetime exposure to air pollution on the pulmonary function of children have been inconsistent. The present study investigated the impact of lifetime residential exposure to intermediate levels of air pollution on the pulmonary function of schoolchildren. In 2011, a survey of children aged 6-15 years was conducted in 44 schools in Taiwan. Atopic history, residential history, and environmental factors were recorded. Spirograms were obtained from a random s le of children without asthma. A total of 535 girls and 481 boys without a history of asthma were enrolled. Lifetime residential exposure to air pollutants, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM After adjustment for 7-day average air pollutant levels, a 10 μg/m Lifetime exposure to 25-85 μg/m
Health Effects of Asian Dust: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 06-2020
DOI: 10.1289/EHP5312
Aspergillus sensitization associated with current asthma in children in the United States: an analysis of data from the 2005-2006 NHANES
Publisher: Korean Society of Epidemiology
Date: 28-10-2022
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between allergen sensitization and current asthma in children in the United States using data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).METHODS: Children who participated in the 2005–2006 NHANES, aged 6 years to 19 years, were included in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to assess asthma status (without asthma, asthma in remission, or current asthma). Nineteen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels were measured using the Pharmacia Diagnostics ImmunoCAP 1000 System (Kalamazoo, MI, USA). A machine-learning method was applied to select important sIgEs related to childhood asthma. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test this hypothesis.RESULTS: In total, 2,875 children were recruited. The prevalence of ever having asthma and current asthma was 16.5% and 5.6%, respectively. Six sIgE levels were found to contribute to asthma using bootstrap forest selection. After adjusting for the child’s sex, age, and family income, children with double the sIgE levels of i Dermatophagoides farinae /i , dogs, and i Aspergillus /i were more likely to have current asthma than children without asthma (odds ratio [95% confident interval]: 1.11 [1.04 to 1.19], 1.30 [1.16 to 1.46], and 1.55 [1.39 to 1.72], respectively).CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that allergen sensitization, especially to i Aspergillus /i , is associated with current asthma in children. Strategies to reduce sensitization may help prevent and manage asthma.
Short sleep and chronic neck and shoulder discomfort in nurses
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2021
Abstract: Short sleep duration is common among nurses. Sleep restriction has been associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. However, studies on the effect of short sleep duration on chronic neck and shoulder discomfort in nurses have been lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether short sleep duration is related to chronic neck and shoulder discomfort. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of female nurses in secondary referral health centers in Taiwan. We applied stratified s ling based on region (north, central, south, and east) to select representative centers for this study. A self‐administered structured questionnaire, including demographic data, the psychological working environment, and musculoskeletal symptoms, was administered to nurses. Multiple logistic regression and population attributable risk analyses were performed to assess the effect of average sleeping hours per working day on chronic neck and shoulder discomfort. A total of 1602 (78.9%) questionnaires were eligible for final analysis. The prevalence rates of chronic neck and shoulder discomfort were 33.9% and 34.7%, respectively. Population attributable risk estimation revealed that a sleep duration of hours per working day was the most crucial factor for chronic neck and shoulder discomfort in the nurses, accounting for 8.8% of chronic neck discomfort and 8.6% of chronic shoulder discomfort respectively. Our study found that sleep duration on working days was associated with chronic neck and shoulder discomfort in female nurses. Further interventions are warranted for maintaining nurses’ sleep hygiene.
Prediction of Lumbar Disc Bulging and Protrusion by Anthropometric Factors and Disc Morphology
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-03-2021
Abstract: The relationship between reduced disc height and disc bulging and/or protrusion has been controversial. The purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between disc morphology and disc bulging and protrusion and to establish a model for predicting disc bulging and protrusion. This is a retrospective study. A total of 452 MRI scans from a spine study were analysed, 210 (46.5%) were men. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the association between anthropometric factors, disc morphology factors, and outcome. Model 1 was constructed using anthropometric variables to investigate the capacity for predicting outcomes. Model 2 was constructed using anthropometric and disc morphology variables. Age, body weight, body height, disc height, and disc depth were significantly associated with outcome. The area under the curve (AUC) statistics of Model 2 were significantly better than those of Model 1 at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels but not at the L5-S1 level. The results showed an association between disc morphology and disc bulging and/or protrusion at the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels. The model utilizing both anthropometric factors and disc morphology factors had a better capacity to predict disc bulging and/or protrusion compared with the model using only anthropometric factors.
Mortality risk attributable to high and low ambient temperature: a multicountry observational study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
Early development of Yu-Cheng children born seven to twelve years after the Taiwan PCB outbreak
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0045-6535(94)90408-1
Abstract: In Taiwanese children born seven to twelve years after their mothers' or fathers' intoxication of heat-degraded polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Yu-Cheng mothers or fathers), we measured the development and behavioral problems in 1991-2. The development was assessed with the Chinese Child Developmental Inventory (CCDI), and the behavioral problems with Rutter's Child Behavior Scale A. Children of Yu-Cheng mothers had delayed development on several subscales of CCDI and on the combined general development score. Girls were more affected than boys in their development. Children of Yu-Cheng fathers did not score differently from unexposed controls on this measurement. In Rutter's scale, the scores in Yu-Cheng mothers' children and Yu-Cheng fathers' children were not different from those of their unexposed controls. We conclude that children born seven to twelve years after mothers' exposure to degraded PCBs had delayed development, but they did not show more behavior problems when compared with unexposed controls.
Needlestick and sharps injuries among health-care workers in Taiwan
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-1999
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268899002186
Abstract: Sharps injuries are a major cause of transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus in health-care workers. To determine the yearly incidence and causes of sharps injuries in health-care workers in Taiwan, we conducted a questionnaire survey in a total of 8645 health care workers, including physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, and cleaners, from teaching hospitals of various sizes. The reported incidence of needlestick and other sharps injuries was 1·30 and 1·21 per person in the past 12 months, respectively. Of most recent episodes of needlestick/sharps injury, 52·0% were caused by ordinary syringe needles, usually in the patient units. The most frequently reported circumstances of needlestick were recapping of needles, and those of sharps injuries were opening of oules/vials. Of needles which stuck the health-care workers, 54·8% had been used in patients, 8·2% of whom were known to have hepatitis B or C, syphilis, or human immunodeficiency virus infection. Sharps injuries in health-care workers in Taiwan occur more frequently than generally thought and risks of contracting blood-borne infectious diseases as a result are very high.
Factors Predicting Nurses' Consideration of Leaving their Job During the Sars Outbreak
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2007
Abstract: Taiwan was affected by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in early 2003. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine (1) the perceptions of risk of SARS infection in nurses (2) the proportion of nurses considering leaving their job and (3) work as well as non-work factors related to nurses' consideration of leaving their job because of the SARS outbreak. Nearly three quarters (71.9%) of the participants believed they were 'at great risk of exposure to SARS', 49.9% felt'an increase in workload', and 32.4% thought that people avoided them because of their job 7.6% of the nurses not only considered that they should not care for SARS patients but were looking for another job or considering resignation. The main predictors of nurses' consideration of leaving their job were shorter tenure, increased work stress, perceived risk of fatality from SARS, and affected social relationships. The findings are important in view of potential impending threats of pandemics such as avian influenza.
Prevalence of nonreporting behavior of sharps injuries in Taiwanese health care workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-1999
DOI: 10.1053/IC.1999.V27.A97006
Abstract: Health care workers (HCWs) were surveyed to identify factors associated with nonreporting behavior of sharps injuries (SIs) in Taiwan. We surveyed 10,469 full-time medical, nursing, technical, and supporting personnel employed at 16 randomly selected hospitals from 132 available accredited teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Information about the most recent injury and reporting behavior after an SI were collected from July 1996 to June 1997 by using a pretested structured questionnaire. Eleven categories, including an open-ended option, were provided for participants to explain their nonreporting behavior. Questionnaires were completed by 82.6% (8645) of our s le, of whom 87.3% reported to have experienced a recent SI. A used item was the most commonly (P <. 001) involved item in an SI, and SIs with a used item were significantly more likely (odds ratio 3.6 CI 95%, 3.03-4.26 P <. 001) to be reported compared with an SI that involved unused items. A total of 81.8% of injuries were not reported, with job category significantly affecting reporting behavior (P <.001). Medical staff had the highest nonreporting rate (85.2%). Although attendees of a prevention program were statistically more likely (P <.001) to report an injury compared with nonattendees, the level of reporting in both groups was not encouraging (21.3% and 17.2%, respectively). All reasons given for nonreporting were disconcerting, but none more so than the use of subjective assessment of risk by 21.7% of HCWs who did not report their injuries. Other reasons for not reporting SIs included that the item was unused (34%) and that the HCW was too busy to report the SI (14.9%), unaware of reporting requirements (14. 4%), or immune to hepatitis B virus (12.4%). With 82% of SIs in Taiwanese HCWs going unreported, the expected national incidence will be seriously underestimated and impact the appropriateness of prevention programs. The very low rate of reporting suggests that the current reporting system requires simplification. Because most injuries involved used items, the reporting systems also should include a more responsive management component. The results also suggest that the current prevention programs, currently provided by the general nursing department, require expert content knowledge in infection control if nonreporting and SIs are to be reduced.
Proximity to petrochemical industrial parks and risk of chronic glomerulonephritis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2022.112700
Abstract: This study determined whether in iduals residing near petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs) have a higher risk of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). We performed population-based 1:4 case-control study by using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2016. The subjects were aged 20-65 years, residing in western Taiwan, and did not have a history of any renal or urinary system disease in 2000. The case cohort included those who had at least three outpatient visits or one hospitalization between 2001 and 2016 with codes for CGN as per International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-Ninth and Tenth Revisions. Controls were randomly s led age-, sex-, and urbanization-matched in iduals without renal and urinary system diseases. Petrochemical exposure was evaluated by the distance to the nearest PIP of the residential township, and petrochemical exposure probability was examined considering the monthly prevailing wind direction. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association between petrochemical exposure and CGN risk. A total of 320,935 subjects were included in the final analysis (64,187 cases and 256,748 controls). After adjustment for potential confounders, living in townships within a 3-km radius of PIPs was associated with a higher risk of CGN (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-1.37). Compared with townships more than 20 km away from PIPs, those within 10 km of PIPs were associated with significantly increased risks of CGN in a dose-dependent manner. When prevailing wind was considered, townships with high exposure probability were associated with a significantly increased risk of CGN. We found that those residing near PIPs or with high petrochemical exposure probability had a higher risk of CGN. These findings highlight the need for monitoring environmental nephrotoxic substances and the renal health of residents living near PIPs.
Gestational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans induced asymmetric hearing loss: Yucheng children study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2014.12.002
Abstract: In 1979, approximately 2000 people in central Taiwan were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans (PCBs/PCDFs) due to ingestion of contaminated rice oil. The children born to mothers exposed to PCBs/PCDFs were called Yucheng children. We conducted a follow-up study to examine the association between gestational PCBs/PCDFS exposure and auditory function in Yucheng children's early adulthood. In 1985 and early 1992, Yucheng children and their age, gender, socio-economic matched unexposed referent children were recruited for physical examination and long-term follow-ups. In 2007, Yucheng children and referent children were invited to participate in a health examination, including assessment of pure-tone air-conduction thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) test. Gestational exposure to PCBs/PCDFs in Yucheng children were estimated by back-extrapolation of their mother's serum concentration to the time of childbirth. A total of 86 Yucheng children (51.2% males) and 97 referent children (50.5% males) were included for analysis. No difference was found in demographic characteristics between two groups. Among the Yucheng children, 53 had estimated PCBs/PCDFs concentrations. We found that Yucheng children were at higher risk of having elevated hearing threshold at low frequencies in the right ear. Estimated maternal concentrations of 2,3,4,7,8-pnCDF at the time of birth were associated with increased hearing thresholds and decreased DPOAEs litudes at low frequencies in the right ear. Gestational exposure to PCBs/PCDFs caused adverse asymmetrical hearing effects detectable even in early adulthood.
Cognitive Development of Yu-Cheng ('Oil Disease') Children Prenatally Exposed to Heat-Degraded PCBs
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 09-12-1992
Ambient Fungal Spore Concentration in a Subtropical Metropolis: Temporal Distributions and Meteorological Determinants
Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research
Date: 2017
Snacking among shiftwork nurses related to non‐optimal dietary intake
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.15253
Abstract: To compare nurses’ non‐optimal eating behaviours across different shifts, to examine whether non‐day shifts were related to deviation from optimal dietary behaviours compared with day shifts and whether such deviation was related to non‐optimal macronutrient intake. This is a 4‐day intensive longitudinal study. A convenience s le of hospital nurses was recruited in Taiwan. From September 2018 through January 2019, 120 participants completed 4‐days of 24‐h dietary recalls. One‐way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used to compare differences in energy and macronutrient intake and frequency of meals and snacking, respectively. Generalized linear regressions examined (1) the associations between shiftwork schedules and non‐optimal eating behaviours and (2) associations between non‐optimal eating and high energy contribution of non‐optimal macronutrients. Nurses consumed less energy on evening and night shifts compared with day shifts. However, energy intake from snacking was higher on evening and night shifts relative to day shifts. Nurses consumed less meals but had higher snacking frequency on non‐day shifts. In addition, high energy intake from snacking was positively associated with high energy intake from saturated fat. Nurses were more likely to have non‐optimal eating behaviours on non‐day shifts, which may contribute to an increased intake of saturated fat thus, increasing their risk of chronic diseases. Strategies to improve non‐day shift nurses' non‐optimal eating behaviours may be beneficial to their health. Shiftwork is known to affect nurses' eating behaviours however, which shift is associated with unhealthy eating remains inconclusive. Despite lower energy intakes, nurses had higher intake by snacking on evening and night shifts. High snacking intake was associated with a high intake of saturated fat. Hospitals can increase the availability of healthy foods on evening or night shifts, which may improve non‐day shift nurses' non‐optimal eating behaviours.
Congener profiles of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in Yucheng victims fifteen years after exposure to toxic rice-bran oils and their implications for epidemiologic studies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2005.03.081
Abstract: In 1978-1979, a mass poisoning occurred in central Taiwan from rice-bran oil contaminated by heat-degraded PCBs was later called the Yucheng (oil disease in Chinese). Only a few studies have so far investigated the levels of specific polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) or polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/furan (PCDD/F) congeners in the Yucheng victims. This study aimed to investigate the serum residual levels of thirty-three PCBs and seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F congeners in the Yucheng victims 15 years after the exposure. Forty-one blood s les were collected from in idual Yucheng victims in 1994-1995. The mean levels of total 33 PCBs and 17 PCDD/Fs were 2468 ng/g lipid (13.3 ng/g s le) and 6550 pg/g lipid (30.9 pg/g s le) respectively. The higher levels were found in PCBs #99, #138, #153, #156, #170, #179, and #180 among 33 PCB congeners, while 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, and OCDD had the higher concentrations among 17 PCDD/F congeners. The total TEQ was contributed in decreasing order by 10 PCDFs (44%), three non-ortho-PCBs (24%), six mono-ortho-PCBs (20%), and seven PCDDs (12%). The mean total PCB levels and TEQ value of the 17 PCDD/Fs in the Yucheng victims 15 years after the toxic exposure were still 9 and 46 times higher than those in the general population in Taiwan. Principle component analysis (PCA) indicated that seven PCB congeners, PCBs #99, #138, #153, #156, #170, #179, and #180, accounted for 73% of the total variances in PCBs. On the other hand, six PCDD/F congeners, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, and OCDD, accounted for 97% of the total variances in PCDD/Fs. In addition, PCA revealed that at least three characteristic patterns of congener profiles for PCBs were observed among the Yucheng victims. Similar trend was also observed for PCDD/Fs. These patterns may reflect distinctive exposure scenarios and/or different metabolizing capabilities among the Yucheng victims. We suggest that these patterns, in contrast to total PCB and PCDD/F levels, may be valuable for the future epidemiologic studies when linking exposure with specific health effect.
Neuroimaging signatures of brain plasticity in adults with prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls: Altered functional connectivity on functional MRI
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2019.04.105
Abstract: Prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), persistent organic pollutants in food chains and environment, exerts negative effects on children's cognitive function. To study the long-term effects, we examined cognitive functions in the male children of women with substantial PCB exposure in Taiwan during 1978-1979 and investigated neural basis of cognitive function changes through structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI), which included resting-state and task-activated fMRI with two paradigms: a 2-back task and a picture rotation task. Ten men aged 30.0 ± 3.7 years with prenatal exposure to PCBs and 11 unexposed controls aged 28.1 ± 3.1 years participated. Both groups had similar cognitive phenotypes and behavioral results. Structural MRI analysis results showed that the PCB group had increased cortical thickness over the right inferior parietal lobule. In the resting-state study, the PCB group showed alterations in the default mode network. During the tasks, the PCB group showed decreased task-induced deactivation signals in cognition-associated brain areas during the 2-back task but enhanced deactivations during the picture rotation task. This study demonstrated altered structural MRI as well as resting and task-related fMRI in men with prenatal PCB exposure, suggesting altered brain plasticity and compensatory neuropsychological performance.
Temporal Changes in Mortality Related to Extreme Temperatures for 15 Cities in Northeast Asia: Adaptation to Heat and Maladaptation to Cold
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 21-04-2017
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWW199
Perinatal polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans exposure are associated with DNA methylation changes lasting to early adulthood: Findings from Yucheng second generation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.01.001
Abstract: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation has not been studied in men perinatally exposed to PCBs and dioxins. Therefore, we examined whether perinatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) induces sustained methylation changes lasting to early adulthood. We used the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip to assess DNA methylation in whole blood among Yucheng second generation (people perinatal exposed to high PCBs and PCDFs) compared with referents. Thirty male offspring from the Yucheng cohort were randomly selected and matched with 30 male offspring from the Yucheng' neighborhood referents with similar backgrounds. Methylation differences between the Yucheng second generation and non-exposed referents were identified using a P value < 1.06 × 10
Central neurological abnormalities and multiple chemical sensitivity caused by chronic toluene exposure
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2003
Abstract: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a syndrome in which multiple symptoms occur with low-level chemical exposure whether it is an organic disease initiated by environmental exposure or a psychological disorder is still controversial. We report a 38-year-old male worker with chronic toluene exposure who developed symptoms such as palpitation, insomnia, dizziness with headache, memory impairment, euphoria while working, and depression during the weekend. Upon cessation of exposure, follow-up neurobehavioural tests, including the cognitive ability screening instrument and the mini-mental state examination, gradually improved and eventually became normal. Although no further toluene exposure was noted, non-specific symptoms reappeared whenever the subject smelled automotive exhaust fumes or paint, or visited a petrol station, followed by anxiety with sleep disturbance. During hospitalization for a toluene provocation test, there was no difference between pre-challenge and post-challenge PaCO(2), PaO(2), SaO(2) or pulmonary function tests, except some elevation of pulse rate. The clinical manifestations suggested that MCS was more relevant to psychophysiological than pathophysiological factors.
Fatal acute pulmonary oedema after inhalation of fumes from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Date: 06-1997
DOI: 10.1183/09031936.97.10061408
Abstract: The cases of three patients with acute pulmonary oedema caused by inhalation of fumes from heated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in a plastic factory are described. One patient died from profound hypoxaemia and shock shortly after admission, and the other two patients survived after medical treatment. This is the first report of fatal pulmonary oedema in a worker exposed to PTFE heated in a plastic extruding operation. From this observation, it appears that inhalation exposure to pyrolytic products from polytetrafluoroethylene can cause fatal respiratory complications. Special precautions are warranted in this kind of operation to prevent workers from being exposed to these substances.
Ambient temperature and mortality: An international study in four capital cities of East Asia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2009.09.009
Abstract: Extreme ambient temperature has been associated with increased daily mortality across the world. We describe the ambient temperature-mortality association for four capital cities in East Asia, Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, and Taipei, and identify a threshold temperature for each city and the percent increase in mortality. We adapted generalized linear modeling with natural cubic splines (GLM+NS) to examine the association between daily mean apparent temperature (AT) and total mortality, as well as mortality due to respiratory (RD) and cardiovascular (CVD) causes in a threshold model. We conducted a time-series analysis adjusting for day of the week and long-term time trend. The study period differed by city. The threshold temperature for all seasons was estimated to be 30.1-33.5 degrees C, 31.3-32.3 degrees C, 29.4-30.8 degrees C, and 25.2 degrees -31.5 degrees C for Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, and Taipei, respectively, on the same day. For the mean daily AT increase of 1 degrees C above the thresholds in Seoul, Tokyo, and Taipei, estimated percentage increases in daily total mortality were 2.7 (95% confidence interval (CI)=2.2-3.1), 1.7 (95% CI=1.5-2.0), and 4.3 (95% CI=2.9-5.7), respectively. Beijing provided no total mortality counts. Estimated percentage increases were 2.7-10.5 for RD mortality, 1.1-9.3 for CVD mortality in 4 cities. This study identified increased mortality due to exposure to elevated AT. The importance of effects of AT and city-specific threshold temperatures suggests that analyses of the impact of climate change should take regional differences into consideration.
Author Correction: Comparison of weather station and climate reanalysis data for modelling temperature-related mortality
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-05-2022
Indoor environmental risk factors and seasonal variation of childhood asthma
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-11-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2009.00871.X
Abstract: Seasonality of asthma may result from varying exposures. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between indoor environmental factors and seasonal childhood asthma. Study subjects were participants from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in 2004, a population-based surveillance, which included school children aged 6-15 yr in south Taiwan. Cases included 1725 children who experienced asthma symptoms in the past 12 months and the references consisted of 19,646 children who reportedly have no asthma history. By using a moving average and principal component analysis, asthmatic children were grouped into four asthma subtypes: winter, spring, summer/fall, and perennial. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of indoor environmental factors on seasonality of childhood asthma. For all asthma prevalence, a peak occurred in the winter and a nadir appeared in summer. Contributing factors of asthma for children, regardless of seasonality, included younger age, parental atopy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and perceived air pollution. After adjusted for salient risk factors, water damage was significantly associated with all subtypes of asthma. Presence of cockroaches was related to the summer/fall asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-2.55). Visible mold on the walls was associated with an increased occurrence of winter and spring asthma (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.26-1.85 and aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.10-1.62, respectively). Passive smoking was shown to be related to spring and summer/fall asthma. Water damage is a possible risk for childhood asthma year-round. Cockroaches and visible mold on the walls may play essential roles for seasonality of childhood asthma in Taiwan. Plausible mechanisms and allergic effects should be further determined. Elimination of these allergens is necessary to help prevent the development of asthma.
Global Variation in the Effects of Ambient Temperature on Mortality
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2014
Occupational Stress in Nurses in Psychiatric Institutions in Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2005
DOI: 10.1539/JOH.47.218
Abstract: Nurses are known to be exposed to occupational stress. However, occupational stress is not well documented for nurses in psychiatric institutions in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the work-related stress and risk factors of nurses in psychiatric institutions in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was distributed to nurses at five state-owned psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan in 2001. Demographic information, working environment, and personal health status were inquired. Occupational stress was assessed based on the Chinese version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). General health status and mental health were evaluated by the International Quality of Life Assessment Short Form-36 (IQOLA SF-36). A total of 573 questionnaires were disseminated to nurses and 518 (90.4%) were satisfactorily completed by nurses, including 408 female full-time nurses who had been in their current work for more than 6 months. In the past one month, 17.2% of nurses reported being under significant stress often or always. Assault episodes were reported by 45.1% of nurses in the past 6 months. Among the nurses, 16.9%, 25.2%, 50.0%, and 7.8% belong to the "High strain", "Low strain", "Active", and "Passive" groups, respectively. Perceived occupational stress was associated with young age, widowed/ orced/separated marital status, high psychological demand, low workplace support, and threat of assault at work. Lower general health score was associated with low job control, high psychological demand, and perceived occupational stress. A lower mental health score was associated with low job control, high psychological demand, low workplace support, and perceived occupational stress. We concluded that nurses in psychiatric institutions are under significant stress related to work factors.
Comparison of weather station and climate reanalysis data for modelling temperature-related mortality
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-03-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-022-09049-4
Abstract: Epidemiological analyses of health risks associated with non-optimal temperature are traditionally based on ground observations from weather stations that offer limited spatial and temporal coverage. Climate reanalysis represents an alternative option that provide complete spatio-temporal exposure coverage, and yet are to be systematically explored for their suitability in assessing temperature-related health risks at a global scale. Here we provide the first comprehensive analysis over multiple regions to assess the suitability of the most recent generation of reanalysis datasets for health impact assessments and evaluate their comparative performance against traditional station-based data. Our findings show that reanalysis temperature from the last ERA5 products generally compare well to station observations, with similar non-optimal temperature-related risk estimates. However, the analysis offers some indication of lower performance in tropical regions, with a likely underestimation of heat-related excess mortality. Reanalysis data represent a valid alternative source of exposure variables in epidemiological analyses of temperature-related risk.
Air Pollution and Asthma in Asia
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 2004
Associations between urinary phthalate monoesters and thyroid hormones in pregnant women
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-07-2007
Abstract: Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy can cause adverse effects in the fetus. Scientific evidence has shown that probable thyroid-like function of some phthalates in vitro and in vivo, and phthalates exposure, can begin in utero. This study investigated the association between phthalate exposure and thyroid hormones in pregnant women. Serum and spot urine s les were collected from 76 Taiwanese pregnant women at second trimester. Thyroid hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)) and free T(4) (FT(4)) were analysed in serum s les, and five urinary phthalate monoesters, including mono butyl phthalate (MBP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), were measured. Urinary MBP, MEP and MEHP, the median levels of which were 81.8, 27.7 and 20.6 ng/ml, respectively, were the predominant substances in the urinary phthalate monoesters. Significant mild negative correlations were found between T(4) and urinary MBP (R = -0.248, P < 0.05), and between FT(4) and urinary MBP (R = -0.368, P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, BMI and gestation, urinary MBP levels showed negative associations with FT(4) and T(4) (FT(4): beta = -0.110, P < 0.001 T(4): beta=-0.112, P = 0.003). Exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) may affect thyroid activity in pregnant women, but how DBP affects thyroid function is unclear. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action and to investigate whether any other factors related to DBP exposure alter the thyroid function.
Living proximity to petrochemical industries and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2022.113128
Abstract: Evidence regarding the negative neurodevelopmental effects of compound exposure to petrochemicals remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to petrochemical facilities and generated emissions during early life and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) development in children. We conducted a population-based birth cohort study using the 2004 to 2014 Taiwanese Birth Certificate Database and verified diagnoses of ADHD using the National Health Insurance Database. The level of petrochemical exposure in each participant's residential township was evaluated using the following 3 measurements: distance to the nearest petrochemical industrial plant (PIP), petrochemical exposure probability (accounting for monthly prevailing wind measurements), and monthly benzene concentrations estimated using kriging-based land-use regression models. We applied Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association. During the study period, 48,854 out of 1,863,963 children were diagnosed as having ADHD. The results revealed that residents of townships in close proximity to PIPs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.23, <3 vs. ≥10 km), highly affected by petrochemical-containing prevailing winds (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08-1.16, ≥40% vs. <10%), and with high benzene concentrations (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.23-1.29, ≥0.75 vs. <0.55 ppb) were consistently associated with the increased risk of ADHD development in children. The findings of the sensitivity analysis remained robust, particularly for the 2004 to 2009 birth cohort and for models accounting for a longer duration of postnatal exposure. This work provided clear evidence that living near petrochemical plants increases the risk of ADHD development in children. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Effects of night duty events on blood pressure and autonomic modulation in physicians
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2018
DOI: 10.1002/AJIM.22859
Abstract: The dynamic effects of duty events on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) of physicians on duty are unknown. A study was conducted among 12 physicians on night duty. BP and HRV with and without the effect of a duty event were compared. The risk of higher BP and impaired HRV after a phone call were calculated. Physicians had higher mean BP (122.4 ± 11.1 76.9 ± 7.1 mmHg) within 30 min after a phone calls than without a phone call (113.5 ± 5.3 69.0 ± 3.8) and higher sympathetic tone (low frequency normalized units (LFnu) 68.5 ± 8.9 high frequency normalized units (HFnu) 27.7 ± 8.7) within 10 min of a phone call than without a phone call (62.9 ± 8.51 33.5 ± 8.4). Elevated BP and sympathetic tone recovered to baseline levels 30 min after a phone call. Among physicians on night duty, sympathetic tone and BP might be elevated by clinical events, and these effects last for 30 min.
Glutathione S‐transferase P1 gene polymorphism and air pollution as interactive risk factors for childhood asthma
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2222.2004.02099.X
Abstract: Polymorphisms at the glutathione S-transferase (GST) P1 locus were associated with asthma-related phenotypes and bronchial hyper-responsiveness. This study investigated whether GSTP1 genotypes and outdoor air pollution were interactive risk factors on childhood asthma. Four hundred and thirty-six subjects were recruited for oral mucosa s lings from 2853 fourth- to ninth-grade schoolchildren from three districts with different air pollution levels in southern Taiwan. PCR-based assays were performed by oral mucosa DNA to determine GSTP1 genotypes. We also conducted a nested case-control study comprising 61 asthmatic children and 95 controls confirmed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire results and methacholine challenge test. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding factors. All participants were homozygous at the Ala-114 locus. Although only a marginally significant association existed between the frequency of homozygosity at the Ile-105 locus and asthma when air pollution was not considered, we found a significant gene-environmental interaction between GSTP1-105 alleles and air pollution after adjusting for confounders (P=0.035). Specifically, we found that compared with participants carrying any Val-105 allele in low air pollution, those who are Ile-105 homozygotes in high air pollution district had a significantly increased risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=5.52, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.64-21.25). Compared with participants carrying any Val-105 allele, in high air pollution district, children with Ile-105 homozygotes had a significantly increased risk of asthma (AOR=3.79, 95% CI=1.01-17.08), but those who carried two Ile-105 alleles in low or moderate air pollution districts did not show similar tendencies. The risk of asthma also revealed a clear dose-response relationship with outdoor air pollution in children with Ile-105 homozygotes. Our result suggests a gene-environmental interaction between GSTP1-105 genotypes and outdoor air pollution on childhood asthma.
Hydrogen peroxide induces premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm and reduces their penetration of the zona pellucida
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1999
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(99)00107-9
Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that mammalian sperm are capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that this activity is significantly accelerated in subfertile subjects. The observed decrease in penetration of zona-intact oocyte might be explained by chemical-induced ROS-related early onset of capacitation and premature acrosome reaction, but the mechanism is not clear. We determine whether zona-intact oocyte penetration capability in rat epididymal sperm was affected by premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and calcium ionophore A23187 or H2O2 and lysophosphatidyl choline. Chlortetracycline fluorescence assay was used to study the status of acrosome reaction on epididymal sperm. The sperm-oocyte binding and penetration assay was used to evaluate the capability for zona pellucida penetration. There was a positive linear correlation between the frequency of acrosome-reacted sperm and capability of sperm-oocyte binding and penetration in zona-free oocytes. In the zona-intact oocytes, the sperm-oocyte penetration rate was suppressed as the proportions of acrosome-reacted sperm increased. In summary, this study showed that premature acrosome reaction reduced rat sperm's capability of penetrating zona-intact oocytes. However, this reduction is not seen in zona-free oocytes. These findings may provide a basis for understanding the effects of sperm ROS generation on zona pellucida penetration in male reproductive toxicology.
Lead exposure causes generation of reactive oxygen species and functional impairment in rat sperm
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1997
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(97)00090-5
Abstract: The relationships between blood lead, sperm lead, sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and sperm fertile capability were investigated to understand the effects of lead exposure on sperm function and the mechanism of these effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 weeks old, were randomly ided into control group and lead-treated group. The controls and lead-treated animals received intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate and 10 mg lead acetate/kg body weight, respectively, weekly for 6 or 9 weeks. The blood lead and epididymal sperm lead were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm ROS. Sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) was measured to evaluate sperm function. After 6 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 32 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.67 +/- 0.11 microg/10(9) sperm, unchanged epididymal sperm counts, percent of motile sperms, and motile epididymal sperm counts compared with control animals. However, after 9 weeks of lead exposure, the rats had average blood lead levels of 48.0 +/- 4.3 microg/dl, sperm lead levels of 0.88 +/- 0.16 microg/10(9) sperm, statistically lower epididymal sperm counts, and lower motile epididymal sperm counts. There was a good correlation between the blood lead and sperm lead(r2 = 0.946, P < 0.001). The sperms of lead-exposed rats produced significantly higher counts ofchemiluminescence than did those from the control rats (P < 0.001). The chemiluminescence counts were positively associated with sperm lead level (r2 = 0.613, P < 0.001). Epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts were negatively associated with sperm chemiluminescence (r2 = 0.255, 0.152, and 0.299 P < 0.01, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively). The SOPR were positively associated with epididymal sperm counts, motility and motile epididymal sperm counts (r2 = 0.136, 0.285, and 0.264 P < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively). The sperm chemiluminescence was negatively associated with SOPR (r2 = 0.519, P < 0.001). It is concluded that lead exposure probably affected the sperm function by activating one of the pathways of ROS generation.
Neuro‐mediators as predictors of paediatric atopic dermatitis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2222.2008.03026.X
Abstract: Attempts to identify predictors of atopic dermatitis (AD) have focused on genetic and immunologic factors. However, the role of neuro-mediators remains to be elucidated. To evaluate nerve growth factor (NGF) and vaso-active intestinal peptide (VIP) in predicting paediatric AD and assess their correlation with intrinsic and extrinsic types of AD. We performed a nested case-control study in the prospective Taiwan birth panel cohort study. Cord and maternal plasma and questionnaires were gathered at birth. During follow-up, we identified 40 available AD cases, which were matched to 80 unaffected controls chosen from this cohort. The concentrations of IgE, NGF, and VIP in cord and maternal plasma of these subjects were performed by ELISA. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to see how well each biomarker could predict AD. The NGF levels were significantly higher in AD patients than controls (mean+/-SD: 65.47+/-44.45 vs. 49.21+/-12.18 pg/mL for cord plasma and 89.68+/-41.04 vs. 66.96+/-23.05 pg/mL for maternal plasma) (P<0.05). VIP levels were also higher but not statistically significant. Plasma NGF may be a better biomarker than IgE in detecting paediatric AD (area under the ROC curve=0.65 vs. 0.61 for cord plasma and 0.69 vs. 0.61 for maternal plasma). Maternal NGF levels were significantly higher in patients with both intrinsic (96.18+/-48.15 pg/mL) and extrinsic (86.18+/-37.23 pg/mL) types of AD compared with controls (66.96+/-23.05 pg/mL) (P<0.05). We assessed a significant correlation between self-reported stress during pregnancy and maternal NGF levels (r=0.22, P=0.02). Our results suggest that NGF is a good alternative biomarker in predicting children with a risk of AD.
Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms associated with risk of breast cancer in southern Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.BREAST.2006.03.008
Abstract: In this study, the genetic polymorphisms associated with breast cancer in southern Taiwan were investigated. Two categories of genes were analyzed: (1) BRCA1, BRCA2, and Rad51, the DNA repair factors involved in homologous recombinational repair and (2) CYP1A1, COMT, GST, and NAT2, the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XME) involved in estrogen metabolism. We found that the number of deletions and/or mutations in the GST genes was highly correlated with the occurrence of breast cancer. These data suggest that the GST enzymes, which detoxify the catechol estrogen quinones, are important target molecules for screening in populations at high risk of breast cancer.
Diabetes impairs recovery from noise-induced temporary hearing loss
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-04-2009
DOI: 10.1002/LARY.20221
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether diabetes impairs the recovery from noised-induced temporary hearing loss. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were ided into three groups: control, diabetes with insulin control (DI), and diabetes without insulin control (DM). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. All animals were exposed to white noise at 110 dB SPL for 8 hours. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) litudes were measured for all animals 1 day prior to noise exposure to obtain a baseline for hearing function, and then 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, 7 days, and 14 days after noise exposure. One hour post exposure, ABR thresholds shifted markedly, and DPOAE was reduced similarly in all groups. Both ABR thresholds and DPOAE returned to the baseline in the control group at day 1, but they were not back to the baseline in the DM group even by day 14. Compared with the control group, the ABR threshold shifts and DPOAE returned to baseline more slowly in the DI group. The present study suggests that diabetic patients need proper blood sugar control and probably need more effective preventive measures to preserve their hearing from the effects of noise. Laryngoscope, 2009.
Associations Between Extreme Temperatures and Cardiovascular Cause-Specific Mortality: Results From 27 Countries
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-01-2023
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.061832
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Existing studies on the association between temperatures and cardiovascular deaths have been limited in geographic zones and have generally considered associations with total cardiovascular deaths rather than cause-specific cardiovascular deaths. We used unified data collection protocols within the Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Network to assemble a database of daily counts of specific cardiovascular causes of death from 567 cities in 27 countries across 5 continents in overlapping periods ranging from 1979 to 2019. City-specific daily ambient temperatures were obtained from weather stations and climate reanalysis models. To investigate cardiovascular mortality associations with extreme hot and cold temperatures, we fit case-crossover models in each city and then used a mixed-effects meta-analytic framework to pool in idual city estimates. Extreme temperature percentiles were compared with the minimum mortality temperature in each location. Excess deaths were calculated for a range of extreme temperature days. The analyses included deaths from any cardiovascular cause (32 154 935), ischemic heart disease (11 745 880), stroke (9 351 312), heart failure (3 673 723), and arrhythmia (670 859). At extreme temperature percentiles, heat (99th percentile) and cold (1st percentile) were associated with higher risk of dying from any cardiovascular cause, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure as compared to the minimum mortality temperature, which is the temperature associated with least mortality. Across a range of extreme temperatures, hot days (above 97.5th percentile) and cold days (below 2.5th percentile) accounted for 2.2 (95% empirical CI [eCI], 2.1–2.3) and 9.1 (95% eCI, 8.9–9.2) excess deaths for every 1000 cardiovascular deaths, respectively. Heart failure was associated with the highest excess deaths proportion from extreme hot and cold days with 2.6 (95% eCI, 2.4–2.8) and 12.8 (95% eCI, 12.2–13.1) for every 1000 heart failure deaths, respectively. Across a large, multinational s le, exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures was associated with a greater risk of mortality from multiple common cardiovascular conditions. The intersections between extreme temperatures and cardiovascular health need to be thoroughly characterized in the present day—and especially under a changing climate.
The effects of fine and coarse particulate matter on lung function among the elderly
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-10-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-019-51307-5
Abstract: Impaired lung function is associated with morbidity and mortality in the elderly. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the long-term effects of particulate matter (PM) on lung function among the elderly. This study evaluated the exposure-response relationship between ambient PM and different lung function indices among the elderly in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey of in iduals aged ≥65 years was conducted in Taiwan from October 2015 to September 2016. Those who attended the annual health examination for the elderly in five hospitals of varying background PM concentrations were enrolled. The long-term (2015 annual mean concentration) exposure to air pollution was estimated by the Kriging method at the residence of each subject. The association between ambient PM exposure and lung function was evaluated by linear regression modeling, with adjustments for age, sex, height, weight, educational attainment, presence of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, season, and co-pollutants. There were 1241 subjects (mean age, 70.5 years). The mean residential PM 2.5 and PM 2.5–10 in 2015 was 26.02 and 18.01 μg/m 3 , respectively. After adjustments for confounders and co-pollutants, the FVC decrease was best associated with fine particles (PM 2.5 ), whereas the FEV 1 , FEF 25–75% , FEF 25% and FEF 50% decreases were best associated with coarse particles (PM 2.5–10 ). An IQR (10 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5 decreased FVC by 106.38 ml (4.47%), while an IQR (7.29 μg/m 3 ) increase in PM 2.5–10 decreased FEV 1 and FEF 25–75% by 91.23 ml (4.85%) and 104.44 ml/s (5.58%), respectively. Among the Taiwanese elderly, long-term PM 2.5 exposure mainly decreases the vital capacity of lung function. Moreover, PM 2.5–10 has a stronger negative effect on the function of conductive airways than PM 2.5 .
An Investigation on Attributes of Ambient Temperature and Diurnal Temperature Range on Mortality in Five East-Asian Countries
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-08-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-10433-8
Abstract: Interest in the health effects of extremely low/high ambient temperature and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) on mortality as representative indices of temperature variability is growing. Although numerous studies have reported on these indices independently, few studies have provided the attributes of ambient temperature and DTR related to mortality, concurrently. In this study, we aimed to investigate and compare the mortality risk attributable to ambient temperature and DTR. The study included data of 63 cities in five East-Asian countries/regions during various periods between 1972 and 2013. The attributable risk of non-accidental death to ambient temperature was 9.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.98–9.69%) and to DTR was 0.59% (95% CI: 0.53–0.65%). The attributable cardiovascular mortality risks to ambient temperature (15.63%) and DTR (0.75%) are higher than the risks to non-accidental/respiratory-related mortality. We verified that ambient temperature plays a larger role in temperature-associated mortality, and cardiovascular mortality is susceptible to ambient temperature and DTR.
Author response: Risk of motor vehicle collisions after methadone use
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 23-04-2021
Mortality after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans: 30 years after the “Yucheng Accident”
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2013
Use of Inhalable Cr+6 Exposures to Characterize Urinary Chromium Concentrations in Plating Industry Workers
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1539/JOH.44.46
Projection of future temperature extremes, related mortality, and adaptation due to climate and population changes in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
A Cohort Study of Behavioral Problems and Intelligence in Children With High Prenatal Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 11-2002
DOI: 10.1001/ARCHPSYC.59.11.1061
Abstract: In 1978, about 2000 persons in Taiwan were poisoned when their cooking oil was contaminated during manufacture with heat-degraded polychlorinated biphenyls, which are toxic, very widespread pollutant chemicals. The chemicals cannot be metabolized or excreted, and 8 of the first 39 children born to affected women died. When examined in 1985, 117 surviving children were found to have ectodermal defects, developmental delay, and disordered behavior. We have continued to observe the children. From 1992 through 1995, 118 children born between 1978 and 1985 (during or after their mothers' exposure) and 118 matched neighborhood control children had cognitive function measured yearly with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and behavioral problems measured with the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist and the Rutter Child Behavior Scale A. The exposed children scored 3 points (P =.05) lower than control children for IQ 3 points (P =.002) higher on the Child Behavior Checklist (an effect size similar to the sex difference) and 6 points (P<.001) higher on the Rutter scale (3 times the sex difference). Birth year x exposure interactions, testing whether children born long after the exposure were as affected as those born soon after, were small and not significant. Age x exposure interactions, testing whether the children improved relative to control children as they got older, were significant only for the Rutter scale. Prenatal exposure to these compounds produces long-lasting cognitive and behavioral damage, but there is some evidence of recovery.
Significant effects of exposure to relatively low level ozone on daily mortality in 17 cities from three Eastern Asian Countries
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.09.017
Abstract: Studies have examined the variation in mortality risk associated with ambient ozone. We conducted an international cooperation study for investigating the non-linear ozone-mortality association accounting for lag effect and for examining the ozone level with significant health effect. Daily counts of total non-accidental death and ambient air pollutant concentration were obtained in 17 cities from 3 Eastern Asian countries or regions (Taiwan, Korea, and Japan). The total study period was from 1979 to 2010 and differed by city based on data availability. The ozone-mortality association in each city was estimated by running a time-series quasi-Poisson regression model, allowing for overdispersion. The city-specific estimates were then pooled by country by using multivariate random effects meta-analysis. The non-linear ozone exposure-mortality response curves were generated in 17 cities from Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. The association curves in the three countries all showed increased mortality with elevated ozone, and the significant mortality effects of ozone exposure were observed at level higher than 40, 50, and 40 ppb for Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, respectively. These associations are unaffected by co-pollutant of particulate matter in Taiwan and Japan. But the potential confounding effect of co-pollutant could not be ignorable in Korea. Our study provides evidence that exposure to a relative low level of ambient ozone is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Our results emphasize the continual need to examine the existing standard by documenting potential human adverse effects.
The risk factors and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in relation to seasonal attack patterns
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-3016.2011.01203.X
Abstract: A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine whether risk factors and allergic rhinitis (AR)-related quality of life (QOL) were different among children with different seasonal patterns of AR. Participants were students enrolled in elementary and middle schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. Using moving average and principal component analysis, children with current AR were grouped by attack seasons. The effects of personal and environmental factors on AR seasonality were assessed by logistic regression models. AR severity and AR-related QOL were compared within AR seasonal subtypes. Among 4221 children who completed the questionnaire, 1144 and 1605 children were current AR cases and healthy controls, respectively. Four AR subtypes were categorised as follows: perennial, spring, summer/fall, and winter. Age, gender, parental education, maternal passive smoking during pregnancy, breast feeding, and mouldy walls were found to contribute differentially to different AR subtypes. Children suffering from perennial and winter AR were found to have more severe symptoms and significantly lower QOL score compared with other subtypes. Specific personal and environmental risk factors could contribute to different AR seasonal subtypes. Active allergen avoidance and symptomatic treatment should be the focus of management aiming to improve the QOL among children with perennial and winter subtype.
Differential UVC-induced gadd45 gene expression in xeroderma pigmentosum cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0006-291X(03)00900-8
Abstract: Xeroderma pigmentosum C (XPC) is a DNA repair factor essential for global genome repair (GGR) in nucleotide excision repair (NER). In the present study we screened for factors regulated by XPC after DNA damage. Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation-induced stress response factors were analyzed by a cDNA microarray chip system in HeLa and XP4PA-SV xpc mutant cell lines. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was employed to identify groups of genes with similar expression patterns over time after UVC irradiation. The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene gadd45, as well as a small group of other genes, was found to exhibit an inducible expression pattern after 30min of incubation in xpc mutants but not in HeLa cells. Subsequent studies showed that gadd45 gene expression post-UVC irradiation was also present in the GGR mutant cells xpa and xpd, but not in TCR mutant csb cells. This evidence indicates that gadd45 plays a regulatory role in GGR of NER.
Long-Term Effects of Psychological Symptoms after Occupational Injury on Return to Work: A 6-Year Follow-Up
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-01-2019
Abstract: Psychological factors may compromise return to work among workers with occupational injuries, and little is known about the long-term consequences of psychological symptoms relating to return to work. The study examined the impact of psychological symptoms on return to work as well as exploring factors associated with return to work among injured workers. A total of 572 workers who experienced occupational injuries were recruited in this prospective cohort study. Surveys of the psychological symptoms using the 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) were conducted at 3 and 12 months after the injury. All of the workers were invited to join the study at year 6 after the injury. Sociodemographic factors, psychological symptoms, injury severity, and return-to-work status were collected. Approximately 10% of injured workers could not return to work even 6 years after the injury. Severe psychological symptoms within 1 year after the injury presented a significant risk factor for not returning to work 6 years after the injury (adjusted OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.8). Furthermore, age, education level, length of hospitalization, and injury-induced changes in appearance had significant independent influence on return to work as well. These findings highlight the importance of the effects of mental health within 1 year post injury on return to work, and support the concept of early screening, detection, and intervention in at-risk occupational injured workers with severe psychological symptoms.
Neuroinflammation in Low-Level PM2.5-Exposed Rats Illustrated by PET via an Improved Automated Produced [18F]FEPPA: A Feasibility Study
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 07-06-2022
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1076444
Abstract: Background. [18F]FEPPA is a potent TSPO imaging agent that has been found to be a potential tracer for imaging neuroinflammation. In order to fulfill the demand of this tracer for preclinical and clinical studies, we have developed a one-pot automated synthesis with simplified HPLC purification of this tracer, which was then used for PET imaging of neuroinflammation in fine particulate matter- (PM2.5-) exposed rats. Results. Using this automated synthesis method, the RCY of the [18F]FEPPA was 38 ± 4 % ( n = 17 , EOB) in a synthesis time of 83 ± 8 min from EOB. The radiochemical purity and molar activities were greater than 99% and 209 ± 138 GBq/μmol (EOS, n = 15 ), respectively. The quality of the [18F]FEPPA synthesized by this method met the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) criteria. The stability test showed that the [18F]FEPPA was stable at 21 ± 2 °C for up to 4 hr after the end of synthesis (EOS). Moreover, microPET imaging showed that increased tracer activity of [18F]FEPPA in the brain of PM2.5-exposed rats ( n = 6 ) were higher than that of normal controls ( n = 6 ) and regional-specific. Conclusions. Using the improved semipreparative HPLC purification, [18F]FEPPA has been produced in high quantity, high quality, and high reproducibility and, for the first time, used for PET imaging the effects of PM2.5 in the rat brain. It is ready to be used for imaging inflammation in various clinical or preclinical studies, especially for nearby PET centers without cyclotrons.
Maternal employment and atopic dermatitis in children: a prospective cohort study
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-03-2013
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.12195
Abstract: Considering the early onset of atopic dermatitis (AD), which most often arises in the first year of life, risk factors occurring very early in life must be considered. Little is known about the effects of maternal occupational exposure on the development of atopic disorders in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between maternal employment and childhood AD. We used multistage stratified systematic s ling to recruit 24,200 mother-newborn pairs from the Taiwan national birth register. Information on maternal occupation categories, work stress, working time, shift work and potential confounders during pregnancy was gathered by questionnaires after birth. At 3 years of age, information on the development of AD was assessed by home interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of maternal employment and AD. Overall, 11,962 out of 19,381 mothers (61·7%) worked during pregnancy. The children of mothers who worked during pregnancy had an increased risk of AD compared with those whose mothers did not work [odds ratio (OR) 1·38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·25-1·53]. The children of mothers with a professional or technical occupation had a higher risk of AD (OR 1·64, 95% CI 1·44-1·87). The risk of AD was found to increase with maternal work stress during pregnancy in a dose-response manner (P(trend)<0·01). The mothers of children with AD had a longer working time than those without AD (P<0·0001). However, no significant association between AD and maternal shift work was found. Working in professional or technical occupations increased the risk of childhood AD in addition to work stress during pregnancy.
Induced CYP1A2 Activity as a Phenotypic Biomarker in Humans Highly Exposed to Certain PCBs/PCDFs
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 25-08-2006
DOI: 10.1021/ES0608646
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) continue to be a worldwide public health concern due to their levels in the environment and humans, and associated adverse health effects. In animals, one of the most sensitive effects of physiologically significant body burdens has been the induction of cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) family of enzymes. This study examined the capacity of CYP1 enzyme induction to be a biomarker of exposure to a mixture of PCBs and PCDFs and of adverse human health effects. We followed a group of people highly exposed to PCBs and PCDFs due to accidental ingestion of contaminated rice oil, the Yucheng cohort. A total of 174 Yucheng and 134 control subjects were studied. The caffeine breath test, a monitor of CYP1A2 activity, was conducted, and its results were compared to serum levels of chemicals and the subjects' medical history. Total dioxin serum toxic equivalency (TEQ) in the Yucheng cohort and their controls were 577 +/- 393 ppt lipid and 21 ppt lipid, respectively. CYP1A2 activity was elevated in Yucheng subjects more than 2-fold and correlated with serum TEQ (R2= 0.62). Manifestations like chloracne, fingernail abnormalities, and headaches were well predicted by P4501A2 activity. It is concluded that CYP1A2 induction seen in the Yucheng cohort is an excellent biomarker of exposure and human health effects in in idual subjects and cohort.
Prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalic acid esters and vaccination antibodies in children: A 15-year follow-up birth cohort study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Taiwanese Primipara Human Milk and Associated Factors
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-2003
Global Asthma Network survey suggests more national asthma strategies could reduce burden of asthma
Publisher: Codon Publications
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ALLER.2016.10.013
Abstract: Several countries or regions within countries have an effective national asthma strategy resulting in a reduction of the large burden of asthma to in iduals and society. There has been no systematic appraisal of the extent of national asthma strategies in the world. The Global Asthma Network (GAN) undertook an email survey of 276 Principal Investigators of GAN centres in 120 countries, in 2013-2014. One of the questions was: "Has a national asthma strategy been developed in your country for the next five years? For children? For adults?". Investigators in 112 (93.3%) countries answered this question. Of these, 26 (23.2%) reported having a national asthma strategy for children and 24 (21.4%) for adults 22 (19.6%) countries had a strategy for both children and adults 28 (25%) had a strategy for at least one age group. In countries with a high prevalence of current wheeze, strategies were significantly more common than in low prevalence countries (11/13 (85%) and 7/31 (22.6%) respectively, p<0.001). In 25% countries a national asthma strategy was reported. A large reduction in the global burden of asthma could be potentially achieved if more countries had an effective asthma strategy.
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in an Asian Population
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 26-02-2020
Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific threshold per lifting movement, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, exists or the total lifting load should be considered. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cumulative lifting load was defined as the sum of the time-weighed lumbar load for each job and was calculated using a biomechanical software system. The effectiveness of accumulation above different thresholds in predicting disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For the men, 3000 Newtons for each lifting task was the optimal threshold for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for the women, 2800 Newtons was optimal. Conclusions Our findings suggested that for cumulative lifting exposure, including the total lifting load without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be the optimal thresholds for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be needed for men and women in the workplace for their safety. Keywords: Cumulative, Lifting load, Cross-sectional study, Threshold, Disk protrusion
Employers' awareness and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations in Taiwan
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 1998
Abstract: An investigation of employers' awareness and compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations was conducted in a representative group of employers randomly selected from the manufacturing industry in Taiwan. A total of 1,003 employers were interviewed by trained public health personnel. Ten questions related to perceptions of general OHS and five practices on OHS regulations were measured. The results of this study show that the employers were better aware of their responsibility for posting safety warnings, personal protection and providing safety and health equipment. They were less aware of their responsibility in minimizing injuries and accidents in the workplace and in not hiring someone who was found unfit for a certain job from pre-employment physical examination. Less than half of employers knew about regulations of environmental monitoring and even fewer had heard of Material Safety Data Sheets. Level of education and size of the plant were highly associated with employers' awareness of OHS and the awareness was the most significant predictor in the five practices of OHS regulations in this study. Promotion of employers' awareness of OHS in small sized industries in particular, is warranted to enhance better compliance, and a focus for these efforts is identified by this investigation.
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in an Asian Population
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 27-01-2020
Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific threshold per lifting movement, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, exists or the total lifting load should be considered. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cumulative lifting load was defined as the sum of the time-weighed lumbar load for each job and was calculated using a biomechanical software system. The effectiveness of accumulation above different thresholds in predicting disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For the men, 3000 Newtons for each lifting task was the optimal threshold for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for the women, 2800 Newtons was optimal. Conclusions Our findings suggested that for cumulative lifting exposure, including the total lifting load without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be the optimal thresholds for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be needed for men and women in the workplace for their safety.
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in Asian
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 10-12-2019
Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether if a specific threshold value exists in each lifting load, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, or on the other hand, all lifting load should be accumulated. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifetime lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Lifetime cumulative lifting load was the sum of time-weighed lumbar load for each job using a biomechanical software system. For accumulation above different thresholds, predictive capabilities for disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For men, 3000 Newton for each lifting task was the optimal threshold value for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for women, 2800 Newton was optimal. Our findings suggested that when considering lifetime exposure, including all lifting loads without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. Conclusions: The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be optimal threshold for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be applied to men and women in the workplace for safety.
Suicide and Ambient Temperature in East Asian Countries: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Analysis
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.1409392
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 30-07-2019
Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether if a specific threshold value exists in each lifting load, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, or on the other hand, all lifting load should be accumulated. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects with various lifetime lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Lifetime cumulative lifting load was the sum of time-weighed lumbar load for each job using a biomechanical software system. For accumulation above different thresholds, predictive capabilities for disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For men, 3000 Newton for each lifting task was the optimal threshold value for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for women, 2800 Newton was optimal. Our findings suggested that when considering lifetime exposure, including all lifting loads without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. Conclusions: The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be optimal threshold for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be applied to men and women in the workplace for safety.
Air quality health index (AQHI) based on multiple air pollutants and mortality risks in Taiwan: Construction and validation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
School type, stress and sport-related injuries in middle school students in central Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2001
Different congeners of PCBs/PCDFs may have contributed to different health outcomes in the Yucheng cohort
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-05-1996
The endocrine and reproductive function of the female Yucheng adolescents prenatally exposed to PCBs/PCDFs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2005.02.089
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related compounds such as polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs) alter sexual maturation and endocrine function in animals. In 1978-1979, a mass poisoning occurred in central Taiwan from cooking oil contaminated by heat-degraded PCBs and oxidated compounds PCDFs. We tested the hypothesis that in utero exposed to PCBs/PCDFs alter sexual maturation, endocrine, and reproductive function in the human pubescent females. In 1997-1999, girls aged 13-19 years, born to mothers exposed to PCBs/PCDFs, was invited to participate in the study. Menstruation characteristic was recorded daily for 84 days and serum levels of estradiol, LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured on the 3rd day of menstruation. A total of 17 exposed girls and controls participated, the exposed girls reported shorter mean duration of bleeding per cycle than 16 unexposed (5.5 vs 6.5 days, P=0.0055). There was a higher rate of irregular menstrual cycle in the exposed girls (40% vs 0%, P=0.018). Serum levels of estradiol (P=0.016) and FSH (P=0.061) were higher in exposed girls as compared to controls. We conclude that prenatal exposure to PCBs/PCDFs resulted in abnormal menstruation and higher estradiol and FSH levels in follicular phase of menstrual cycle in adolescent girls.
Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and childhood atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis adopting machine learning approaches: 14-year follow-up birth cohort study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Psychological outcome of injured workers at 3 months after occupational injury requiring hospitalization in Taiwan.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2012
Abstract: After a traumatic event, a significant proportion of victims develop psychiatric disorders. Trauma has been an important ailment among workers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders at three months after occupational injuries. Our study candidates were injured workers in Taiwan who were hospitalized for 3 days or longer and received hospitalization benefits from the Labor Insurance program. A two-staged survey study was conducted. A self-reported questionnaire including the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-50) and Post-traumatic Symptom Checklist (PTSC) was sent to workers at 3 months after injury. Those who met the criteria were recruited for the second stage phone interview with a psychiatrist using the Mini-international Neuropsychiatrie Interview (MINI). A total of 2001 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate 45.5%). Among them, 357 (17.8%) fulfilled the criteria for the MINI interview and were invited. A total of 148 (41.5%) completed the phone interview. The estimated rates of PTSD, partial PTSD (PPTSD), major depression, comorbid PTSD/PPTSD and major depression, and either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression were 2.7, 4.1, 3.0, 2.3, and 7.5%, respectively. The estimated rates of either PTSD/PPTSD or major depression among workers who suffered from intracranial injury, fracture, burn, crushing injury, and open wound of upper limbs were 10.4, 6.9, 5.9, 5.8 and 0%, respectively. At three months after occupational injuries, a significant proportion of workers suffered from psychiatric disorders. The rates of psychiatric disorders occurring after intracranial injuries were significantly higher than those occurring after non-intracranial injuries.
Increased liver and lupus mortalities in 24-year follow-up of the Taiwanese people highly exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2006.12.024
Abstract: A follow-up study was designed to compare the 24-year overall and disease-specific mortality in Yucheng people who were highly exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls/dibenzofurans (PCBs/PCDFs) to that in the background population in Taiwan. In 1979, the Yucheng (oil-disease in Chinese) incident occurred in central Taiwan involving approximately 2000 victims due to ingestion of rice oil contaminated with PCBs/PCDFs. Long-term follow-up of these people has been continued for 24 years. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated using the Taiwan population as comparison group. Overall and disease-specific mortality was compared between Yucheng and background populations. Mortality from chronic liver disease and cirrhoses was increased in the Yucheng men, but not in women, in the early period after exposure. Cancer mortality was not increased in the Yucheng population up to 24 years after exposure. SLE in females was highly increased in the later period after PCB/PCDF exposure. Mortality from disease in any other organ system was not significantly different between Yucheng and background populations. The study provided a long-term mortality picture after the Taiwanese PCB/PCDF exposure incident. In addition to re-confirming the increase in liver mortality, we found high mortality of SLE among exposed population. This finding highlights the importance of further investigating the immunological effects associated with PCB/PCDF exposure.
Effects of gene-environmental interaction on noise-induced hearing threshold levels for high frequencies (HTLHF)
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 02-08-2011
DOI: 10.1021/ES200497V
Abstract: In this study we assessed the interaction between glutathione S-transferase (GST) genetic polymorphisms and noise exposures, with regard to their effect on the hearing threshold levels for high frequencies (HTLHF). Research participants comprised 347 male workers, and each participant's cumulative noise exposure was determined using a job-exposure matrix. Approximately 64.6% of the participants' exposure in L(eq-8 h) was above 90 dBA. The mean HTLHF was 32.1 dB. A significant dose-response relationship was found between noise exposure and HTLHF. We further converted the estimated total noise exposure level over each participant's job history to a noise exposure level that corresponded to a 40-year exposure (L(eq-40y)). After we had adjusted the results for age, we found that workers carrying GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 Ile(105)/Ile(105) genotypes were susceptible to the HTLHF when their L(eq-40y) were above 90 dBA. Therefore, GST genetic polymorphisms might affect HTLHF only when workers are exposed to high noise levels.
Correlation of Return to Work Outcomes and Hand Impairment Measures Among Workers with Traumatic Hand Injury
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2010
DOI: 10.1007/S10926-010-9246-4
Abstract: Hand impairment is a common and serious occupational injury among workers because it can affect the outcome to return to work (RTW) and even cause permanent dysfunction. The hand measures can directly describe the primary hand function and limitation. This study investigated the correlation of RTW and the overall hand impairment measures in the workers with traumatic hand injury. Ninety-six subjects with occupational hand injury were recruited in this study to answer the RTW questionnaire and received the hand evaluation and motion analysis for their affected hands. RTW outcomes assessed whether the subjects successfully returned to work, either from a job change or salary reduction, and the length of the time it took for them to return to work (TRTW). The hand impairment measures included the hand impairment ratio, total active motion loss, motion area loss, grasp power loss, lateral-pinch power loss, and palmar-pinch power loss. A stepwise regression indicated that grasp power loss was a significant predictor for the length of TRTW. The motion area loss was firstly adopted to show statistically significance with RTW outcomes. Besides, the hand impairment ratio was also found to have mild positive correlation with TRTW significantly. This study presented the subtle correlation of RTW outcomes and hand impairment measures. Both the strength loss and the motion area loss of the hand showed the significant correlation with RTW outcomes. The findings can point to some practical focuses in occupational rehabilitation for the workers with hand trauma.
Predictors for suicidal ideation after occupational injury
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2012.02.011
Abstract: Risk of suicide has been associated with trauma and negative life events in several studies. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation, and the population attributable risk among workers after occupational injuries. We investigated workers who had been hospitalized for ≧3 days after occupational injuries between February 1 and August 31, 2009. A self-reported questionnaire including demographic data, injury condition, and the question of suicidal ideation was sent to 4498 workers at 3 months after their occupational injury. A total of 2001 workers (45.5%) completed the questionnaires and were included in final analysis. The prevalence of reporting suicidal ideation was 8.3%. After mutual adjustment, significant risk factors for suicidal ideation higher than "serious" in a self-rated severity scale (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=2.31 adjusted population attributable risk, aPAR=34.7%), total hospital stay for 8 days or longer (OR=1.98 aPAR=20.5%), intracranial injury (OR=2.30 aPAR=10.2%), and marriage status of being orced/separated/widowed (OR=2.70 aPAR=10.0%). Three months after occupational injury, a significant proportion of workers suffered from suicidal ideation. Significant predictors of suicidal ideation after occupational injury included broken marriage, intracranial injury, injury severity, and total hospital stay. Identification of high risk subjects for early intervention is warranted.
Air pollution during the perinatal period and neurodevelopment in children: A national population study in Taiwan.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/DMCN.15430
Abstract: To evaluate the association between ambient particulate matter no larger than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM We conducted a population-based birth cohort study using the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study. Participants were assessed for developmental conditions through home interviews at 6 months and 18 months of age. Exposure to PM A total of 17 683 term singletons without congenital malformations were included in the final analysis. PM Exposure to ambient PM
Transgenerational Effects of Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Anogenital Distance, Sperm Functions and DNA Methylation in Rat Offspring
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-04-2021
DOI: 10.3390/IJMS22084131
Abstract: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of polyvinylchloride plastics and has been associated with concerns regarding male reproductive toxicity. In this study, we hypothesized that maternal exposure to DEHP induces transgenerational inheritance of adult-onset adverse reproductive outcomes through the male germline in the F1, F2, and F3 generations of male offspring. Pregnant rats were treated with 5 or 500 mg of DEHP/kg/day through gavage from gestation day 0 to birth. The offspring body weight, anogenital distance (AGD), anogenital index (AGI), sperm count, motility, and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were measured for all generations. Methyl-CpG binding domain sequencing was performed to analyze sperm DNA methylation status in the F3. DEHP exposure at 500 mg/kg affected AGD, AGI, sperm count, mean DFI, and %DFI in the F1 AGD, sperm count, and mean DFI in the F2 and AGD, AGI, mean DFI, and %DFI in the F3. DEHP exposure at 5 mg/kg affected AGD, AGI, sperm count, and %DFI in the F1 sperm count in the F2 and AGD and AGI in F3. Compared with the control group, 15 and 45 differentially hypermethylated genes were identified in the groups administered 5 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg DEHP, respectively. Moreover, 130 and 6 differentially hypomethylated genes were observed in the groups administered 5 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg DEHP. Overall, these results demonstrated that prenatal exposure to DEHP caused transgenerational epigenetic effects, which may explain the observed phenotypic changes in the male reproductive system.
Fungal Spore Richness in School Classrooms is Related to Surrounding Forest in a Season-Dependent Manner
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-09-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00248-021-01844-2
Abstract: Airborne fungal spores are important aeroallergens that are remarkably erse in terms of taxonomic richness. Indoor fungal richness is dominated by outdoor fungi and is geographically patterned, but the influence of natural landscape is unclear. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between indoor fungal spore richness and natural landscape by examining the amount of surrounding forest cover. Passive s ling of airborne fungal spores was conducted in 24 schools in Taiwan during hot and cool seasons, and licon sequencing was used to study fungal spore (genus) richness targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. In total, 693 fungal genera were identified, 12 of which were ubiquitous. Despite overall similarity of fungal spore richness between seasons, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota richness increased during the hot and cool seasons, respectively. Fungal spore richness in schools had a strong positive correlation with the amount of surrounding forest cover during the cool season, but not during the hot season. Fungal assemblages in schools were more similar during the hot season due to the increased ubiquity of Agaricomycetes genera. These observations indicate dispersal limitation at the kilometer scale during the cool season and increased long-distance dispersal during the hot season. Several allergenic fungi were commonly identified in schools, including some previously overlooked by conventional methods, which may be targeted as sensitizing agents in future investigations into atopic conditions. More generally, the relative importance of fungal spore richness in the development, chronicity, and severity of atopic conditions in children requires investigation.
Effect of gestational smoke exposure on atopic dermatitis in the offspring
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-10-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2008.00759.X
Abstract: The adverse impact of smoking on respiratory diseases and birth outcomes in children is well-known. However, the influence of smoke exposure including environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and maternal smoking during pregnancy on atopic dermatitis (AD) is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of gestational smoke exposure on the development of AD in the offspring on the basis of the maternal and cord blood cotinine. We recruited 261 mother and newborn pairs in 2004. Cord blood and information on perinatal factors of children were gathered at birth. At 2 yr of age, information about development of AD and environmental exposures were collected. We compared AD with non-AD children for the concentration of cotinine in cord and maternal blood measured by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to estimate the relationship of cotinine levels and AD. About 150 mother and child pairs completed the follow-up study and specimen collection with 38 (25.3%) children developing AD. Two (1.3%) out of 150 mothers smoked during pregnancy, while 38 (25.3%) mothers reported having ETS exposure. Cotinine levels in cord blood and maternal blood were highly correlated (r = 0.71, p 75th percentile) had a significantly increased risk of AD. Smoke exposure during pregnancy might increase the risk of AD in children. Avoidance of prenatal smoke exposure may be warranted for early prevention.
Will daytime occupational noise exposures induce nighttime sleep disturbance?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SLEEP.2018.05.025
Abstract: Nighttime environmental noise affects sleep quality. However, the effects of daytime occupational noise remain unclear. A quasi-experiment of 48 participants who had been employed for at least six months in two hospital cafeterias. The participants were randomly designated to be assessed on high- and low-noise workdays for 8 h or low- and high-noise workdays, separated by a washout period of 14 days. Subsequently, pure tone audiometry, autonomic nervous system (ANS) function tests, serum cortisol tests, and polysomnography were conducted. For the 40 participants in the study, the 8-h time-weighted average of personal noise exposed on high- and low-noise workdays was 76.8 dBA (standard deviation, SD: 6.2) and 61.0 dBA (SD: 7.1), respectively. Participants with higher personal noise exposure during the day were found to have a lower percentage of slow wave sleep (percent change of mean value: -1.287% 95% CI: -2.602%, -0.037%) and lower sleep efficiency (-0.267% 95% CI: -0.525%, -0.008%). In addition, after work, personal noise exposure was revealed to be related to increased serum cortisol levels (1.698% 95% CI: 0.887%, 2.528%), and sympathetic activity as measured by low frequency/high frequency (3.000% 95% CI: 1.294%, 4.706%) and blood pressures by cold pressor test (systolic: 5.163% 95% CI: 2.780%, 7.537%) (diastolic: 3.109% 95% CI: 1.604%, 4.614%). Daytime occupational noise exposure had sustained effects on nighttime sleep quality, specifically on slow wave sleep and sleep efficiency. These disturbances could be partially explained by post-shift elevated cortisol and ANS activity. The psychosocial and metabolic consequences of poorer sleep quality induced by occupational noise exposure warrant further investigation.
Number of boys born to men exposed to polychlorinated byphenyls
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2002
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)09386-8
Abstract: We studied the sex of children born to in iduals involved in the Yucheng oil disaster, Taiwan, who were exposed to polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs) after an oil contamination accident in 1979. Men exposed to PCBs before age 20 years had a lower chance of having a baby boy than did age-matched and neighbourhood-matched controls (odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.93). The male-to-female sex ratio of children born to men exposed to PCBs after age 20 years, however, approached that seen in controls (0.90, 0.59-1.35). We noted no significant difference in the birth ratio of infants born to exposed and unexposed mothers (0.93, 0.77-1.12). Our findings suggest that paternal exposure to PCBs before age 20 years affects the sex of a subsequently born child.
Current Asthma in Schoolchildren Is Related to Fungal Spores in Classrooms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
Abstract: The presence of visible mold in households is associated with asthma. However, the role of "classroom fungus" in the development of childhood asthma, as well as the fungal species that may lead to asthma, remains controversial. This nationwide school survey was conducted to investigate the correlation between fungal spores in classrooms and asthma in schoolchildren. From April to May 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess allergic/asthmatic conditions in schoolchildren aged 6 to 15 years old in 44 schools across Taiwan. Personal histories and current asthmatic conditions were collected using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Fungal spores in classroom were collected using a Burkard Personal Air S ler and counted under light microscopy. Three-level hierarchical modeling was used to determine the complex correlation between fungal spores in classrooms and childhood asthma. The survey was completed by 6,346 out of 7,154 parents (88.7%). The prevalences of physician-diagnosed asthma, current asthma, and asthma with symptoms reduced on holidays or weekends (ASROH) were 11.7%, 7.5%, and 3.1%, respectively. The geometric mean spore concentrations of total fungi, Aspergillus/Penicillium, and basidiospores were 2,181, 49, and 318 spores/m3. Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores were significantly correlated with current asthma and ASROH after adjusting for personal and school factors. Of those with current asthma, 41% reported relief of symptoms during weekends. Classroom Aspergillus/Penicillium and basidiospores are significantly associated with childhood asthma and ASROH. Government health policy should explore environmental interventions for the elimination of fungal spores in classrooms to reduce the prevalence of childhood asthma.
Effects of vitamin E and/or C on reactive oxygen species-related lead toxicity in the rat sperm
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-1998
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(98)00068-7
Abstract: This study was undertaken to investigate whether treatment with vitamin E (VE) and/or vitamin C (VC) protects rat sperm by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation induced by lead (Pb) exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following five groups: vitamin-unsupplemented 150 mg VE/kg chow supplemented 300 mg VE/kg chow supplemented 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented and 150 mg VE/kg chow + 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented group. Rats in each group were ided into Pb-unexposed and Pb-exposed subgroups, received weekly intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate or 10 mg Pb acetate/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. The blood and sperm Pb levels were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS). Motility and sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) were measured. In Pb-unexposed rats, epididymal sperm counts, motility, ROS, and SOPR were not different in the five supplemented groups. Lead exposure might decrease the defense capacity of sperm to the oxidative stress and therefore elevate the ROS generation, reduce sperm motility, and reduce SOPR. Supplementation with VE and/or VC reduced ROS generation, prevented loss of motility and capacity of oocyte penetration in Pb-exposed rats. This study suggests that supplementation with VE and/or VC inhibits Pb-related ROS generation, protects spermatozoa from loss of motility and oocyte penetration capability.
Relation between air pollution and allergic rhinitis in Taiwanese schoolchildren
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-02-2006
Abstract: Recent findings suggest that exposure to outdoor air pollutants may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis. The results of these studies are inconsistent, but warrant further attention. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of relation between exposure to urban air pollution and the prevalence allergic rhinitis among school children. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study of 32,143 Taiwanese school children. We obtained routine air-pollution monitoring data for sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O 3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM 10 ). A parent-administered questionnaire provided information on in idual characteristics and indoor environments (response rate 92%). Municipal-level exposure was calculated using the mean of the 2000 monthly averages. The effect estimates were presented as odds ratios (ORs) per 10 ppb change for SO 2 , NOx, and O 3 , 100 ppb change for CO, and 10 μg/m 3 change for PM 10 . In two-stage hierarchical model adjusting for confounding, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was significantly associated with SO 2 (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 1.64), CO (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.07), and NOx (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.15). Contrary to our hypothesis, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was weakly or not related to O 3 (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.12) and PM 10 (aOR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.02). Persistent exposure to NOx, CO, and SO 2 may increase the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children.
Home Exposures, Parental Atopy, and Occurrence of Asthma Symptoms in Adulthood in Southern Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2006
Abstract: Parental atopy and environmental exposures at home have been recognized risk factors for adulthood asthma. However, the relative contributions of specific risk factors and the overall contributions of heredity or home exposure remain unexplored. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors and estimate the population attributable risk (PAR) of each exposure for typical asthma symptoms among 26- to 50-year-old Taiwanese. We also investigated whether an interactive effect existed between parental atopy and home exposures on the occurrence of asthma symptoms in adulthood. A cross-sectional study with retrospective components. Elementary and middle schools in Southern Taiwan. Between March and October 2004, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among schoolchildren's parents from 94 elementary and middle schools in Southern Taiwan. The main outcome measure was typical asthma-like symptoms occurring within the preceding 5 years. Information on hereditary and home exposures was collected by using a self-administered questionnaire. After excluding unqualified questionnaires, data from 24,784 subjects were left for analysis. New-onset asthma was reported for 0.83% of male (n = 80 of 9,662) and 1.36% of female subjects (n = 206 of 15,122). Besides parental atopic factors, environmental tobacco smoke or pet avoidance and visible mold on walls at home were independently associated with the occurrence of asthma symptoms. Mutually adjusted models produced statistically significant associations between any home exposure (odds ratio [OR], 1.80 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 3.23 PAR, 28.04%), parental atopy (OR, 4.47 95% CI, 3.47 to 5.75 PAR, 31.38%), and new-onset asthma. However, there was no interaction between parental atopy and home exposures. Home exposures and parental atopy both increased the risks of new-onset asthma in adulthood but did not show an interactive effect. These two exposure categories approximately contributed equally to the adulthood asthma.
Differential Mortality Risks Associated With PM2.5 Components
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-12-2021
Occurrence of Emerging Contaminants in Aquaculture Waters: Cross-Contamination between Aquaculture Systems and Surrounding Waters
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-07-2018
Establishment of a Work-Related Diseases Surveillance System in Taiwan, Republic of China
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-1996
Abstract: The occurrence of occupational illness and injury has been seriously underestimated in Taiwan, which subsequently contributes to difficulties in performing effective control of occupational hazards and implementing intervention programs for protecting workers. Based on the successful experience of the nationwide blood lead level surveillance program, the Department of Health, the Executive Yuan, Taiwan, Republic of China, has established a work-related diseases surveillance system. This government-administered system requests practicing physicians to report the suspected cases suffering from six categories of work-related disorders. An occupational illness and injury surveillance program in Taiwan has been in operation since June of 1995. Background information of work-related diseases obtained from this surveillance system will be useful for providing better management of available resources for occupational medicine, for preventing hazards, and for enforcing occupational diseases prevention programs. Our experience in establishing this surveillance system will be used in other countries and settings.
Urban air pollution and meteorological factors affect emergency department visits of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2016.12.035
Abstract: Both air pollution and meteorological factors in metropolitan areas increased emergency department (ED) visits from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Few studies investigated the associations between air pollution, meteorological factors, and COPD-related health disorders in Asian countries. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the environmental factors and COPD-associated ED visits of susceptible elderly population in the largest Taiwanese metropolitan area (Taipei area, including Taipei city and New Taipei city) between 2000 and 2013. Data of air pollutant concentrations (PM
Prenatal air pollutant exposure and occurrence of atopic dermatitis
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/BJD.14039
Abstract: Hereditary and environmental factors have been related to the occurrence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood. However, the role of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants has not been totally elucidated. To evaluate the association between prenatal air pollutant exposure and occurrence of AD. In total 24 200 infant-mother pairs were recruited to participate in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study in 2005 using multistage stratified s ling. Medical history, including physician-diagnosed AD, was inquired by questionnaire at the infant's age of 6 months. Monthly averages of five criteria air pollutants - NO2 , CO, O3 , SO2 and PM10 - were retrieved from 66 air-quality-monitoring stations, and interpolated to all administrative districts using the kriging method. Exposure data during each of the three gestational trimesters and three months after birth were calculated for each study subject, and odds ratios (ORs) of AD occurrence were calculated by logistic regression. Among the participants, 16 686 mother-infant pairs were qualified for and included in the analysis. Among them, 1206 infants (7·2%) had been diagnosed as having AD before the age of 6 months, and the prevalence was higher in boys (8·3%) than in girls (6·1%). The occurrence of AD was significantly associated with CO exposure during the whole gestational period [adjusted OR (aOR) 1·37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·06-1·78] and the first trimester (aOR 1·51, 95% CI 1·16-1·97). We did not observe any significant association among the other air pollutants during either the whole gestational period or any period of the three trimesters and 3 months after birth. Our study found a relationship between AD occurrence and gestational exposure to CO, where exposure during the first trimester seemed to be the most important.
Postnatal exposure of 2,2′,3,3′,4,6′-hexachlorobiphenyl and 2,2′,3,4′,5′,6-hexachlorobiphenyl on sperm function and hormone levels in adult rats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0300-483X(03)00057-X
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to affect reproductive system in animals and in accidentally or occupationally exposed humans. Information is lacking on effects of non-dioxin like chlorinated biphenyls (CB) congeners on male reproduction. The aim of this study is to determine whether treatment of postnatal non-dioxin like CB congeners affects sperm function and hormone levels in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either 2,2',3,3',4,6'-hexachlorobiphenyls (CB 132) or 2,2',3,4',5',6-hexachlorobiphenyls (CB 149) by ip injection of 9.6 or 96 mg/kg at day 21. At 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed sperm quality and hormone levels were measured. Body weight, testis and cauda epididymis weights, sperm counts, ROS generation, acrosome reaction rate, serum thyroxine (T(4)), free T(4) and testosterone (TT) concentrations were unaffected. However, treatment of CB 132 and CB 149 caused decreases in sperm motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), litude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF). Serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) level was significantly decreased in CB 132 9.6 mg/kg dose group compared with the controls. On the other hand, a significant decrease was found in free T(3) concentration both in 96 mg/kg of CB 132 and CB 149 groups. In summary, this study showed that CB 132 and CB 149 affects serum levels of triiodothyronine as well as sperm motility, velocity and capability of penetrating oocytes. The mechanism of action and potential effects on human warrant further investigation.
The effect of cumulative noise exposure on distortion product otoacoustic emissions.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-08-2022
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2106450
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) that can be used to differentiate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from age-related hearing loss. A potential index to detect NIHL was defined in terms of its susceptibility to cumulative noise exposure but not to age. In this cross-sectional cohort study, a job-exposure matrix was used to calculate the cumulative noise exposure. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine how age and cumulative noise exposure associated with DPOAEs at in idual frequencies after adjusting for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The pure-tone audiometry and DPOAEs data collected from 239 male workers in a steel factory. DPOAEs and DPOAE signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) at all frequencies were found to be correlated with age, and those at 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz were correlated with both age and noise exposure. The difference between DPOAE SNR at 1 and 3 kHz showed significant correlation with noise exposure but not with age. The results showed that this DPOAE index, the DPOAE SNR at 1 kHz minus the DPOAE SNR at 3 kHz, could add values to audiometric evaluation of NIHL.
In Utero Exposure to Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Its Relations to Thyroid Function and Growth Hormone in Newborns
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.7994
Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the association between transplacental exposure to dioxins olychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and thyroid and growth hormones in newborns. We recruited 118 pregnant women, between 25 and 34 years of age, at the obstetric clinic. Personal data collected included reproductive and medical histories and physical factors. Clinicians gathered placental and umbilical cord serum upon delivery and carefully scored the 118 newborns, making both structural and functional assessments. We analyzed placentas for 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and 12 dioxin-like PCB congeners with the World Health Organization-defined toxic equivalent factors, and six indicator PCBs by high-resolution gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. We analyzed thyroid and growth hormones from cord serum using radioimmunoassay. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-binding globulin-3, and thyroxine x thyroid-stimulating hormone (T4 x TSH) were significantly associated with increased placental weight and Quetelet index (in kilograms per square meter correlation coefficient r = 0.2-0.3 p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed independently and significantly decreased free T4 (FT4) x TSH with increasing non-ortho PCBs (r = -0.2 p < 0.05). We suggest that significant FT4 feedback alterations to the hypothalamus result from in utero exposure to non-ortho PCBs. Considering the vast existence of bioaccumulated dioxins and PCBs and the resultant body burden in modern society, we suggest routine screening of both thyroid hormone levels and thyroid function in newborns.
Birth Cohort Consortium of Asia
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2017
Recent trend of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and their related compounds in the blood and sebum of Yusho and Yu-Cheng patients
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-1999
DOI: 10.1016/S0045-6535(98)00360-9
Abstract: We investigated the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and their related compounds in blood and sebum from Yusho and Yu-Cheng patients and findings compared with those of normal subjects. Concentrations of these compounds in blood and sebum still were obviously reflected the chemical concentration in the causal rice oil ingested 17 or 26 years since the outbreak. In addition, sebum form the body surface was the most useful s le for monitoring the amount of chemicals contaminating the human body.
Air Pollution and Suicide in 10 Cities in Northeast Asia: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Analysis
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 16-03-2018
DOI: 10.1289/EHP2223
Temperature Variability and Mortality: A Multi-Country Study
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1289/EHP149
Changes in the relationship between childhood asthma and ambient air pollution in Taiwan: Results from a nationwide survey repeated 5 years apart
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-11-2018
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12999
Abstract: Childhood asthma is a common disease whose prevalence is changing. Shift in environmental exposure was one of the plausible explanations. This study investigated changes in the association between childhood asthma and ambient air pollution occurring over time. A nationwide questionnaire survey concerning respiratory illness and symptoms was administered to Taiwanese elementary and middle school students in 2011 and repeatedly in 2016-2017. During the study period, the concentrations of ambient air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) monitoring stations. Generalized estimating equation models were applied to examine the association between air pollution in the past year and the risk of current asthma. A total of 6346 children from the 2011 survey and 11 585 children from the 2016-2017 survey attended schools located within a 1-km radius of Taiwan EPA monitoring stations. The prevalence of childhood current asthma (children with physician-diagnosed asthma and persistent asthma symptoms in the past year) increased from 7.5% to 9.6% during this period. The level of exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM Improved air quality has reduced the effect of PM
The Association of Ambient Air Pollution With Airway Inflammation in Schoolchildren
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 09-03-2012
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWR380
Abstract: The biologic mechanisms involved in airway inflammatory response to air pollution are not clearly understood. The authors conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether exposure to ambient air pollutants affected inflammatory cells and mediators from nasal lavage in schoolchildren. Study participants were 100 elementary and middle-school students in New Taipei City, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly measurement of nasal inflammation from October 2007 to November 2009. During the study period, daily concentrations of air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and the Aerosol Supersite. Mixed-effects models were applied to examine the association between air pollution and nasal inflammatory cells and mediators, including percentages of neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes in lavaged cells and interleukin-8. A total of 824 measurements were obtained from 100 participants over a period of 10 months. The level of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM(2.5)) was found to be associated with percentage of neutrophils (β = 3.45%, 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 6.01) and interleukin-8 level (β = 29.98 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval: 3.26, 56.69) in the nasal lavage on the day of exposure. In this longitudinal cohort study of schoolchildren, results indicated that exposure to PM(2.5) might induce nasal inflammation.
Infant exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls (PCDD/Fs, PCBs) - Correlation between prenatal and postnatal exposure
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2004
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2003.08.012
Abstract: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are recognized environmental endocrine disruptors, which are environmentally persistent and may bio-accumulate in human bodies. Pregnant and nursing women may pass these pollutants to their babies both trans-placentally and lactationally. We measured and examined correlations of the levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in perinatal venous serum, placenta, umbilical-cord serum (representing prenatal exposure), and breast milk (postnatal exposure). Subjects included pregnant women without clinical complication between the ages of 25 and 35, who delivered their babies during 2000.12.01 and 2001.11.30 in central Taiwan. A total of 20 participants were randomly selected from those provided the four biological specimens for analysis of 17 PCDD/Fs, and 12 dioxin-like PCBs and six indicator PCBs using high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Higher PCDD/F levels were found in placenta (10.3 TEq-pg/g lipid) and venous serum (9.1 TEq-pg/g lipid) compared to those in breast milk (7.6 TEq-pg/g lipid). Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses showed well association of PCDD/F and PCB levels between different specimens. The total dioxin/PCB level in milk, venous and cord serum can be well predicted by that in placenta through regression functions. This first study of multi-specimen correlation further established rather consistent ratios of these chemical concentrations in various specimens relative to those in venous serum.
Long-term exposure to high temperature associated with the incidence of major depressive disorder
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.12.434
Abstract: Temperature was reported to have acute effects on mental disorders. However, the effect of long-term temperature exposure is unclear, especially in warmer regions. This research aimed to evaluate the association between long-term exposure to temperature and the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD). A retrospective population-based study was conducted using Taiwan nationwide Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005. Subjects without MDD diagnosis were followed from 2003 to 2013 for MDD occurrence. Weather factors including temperature (°C), sunshine duration (hrs/day), and precipitation (mm/day) were 11-year average of daily data collected from weather monitoring stations of Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. Cox proportional hazard model was performed to examine the association between MDD incidence and weather factors. Covariates including age, gender, and insurance amount were adjusted. A total of 9,539,752 person-years were followed. People residing in regions with long-term temperature of 20-23 °C had the lowest risk of developing MDD. Risk for MDD incidence was higher among residents in regions with average temperature > 23 °C, at 7% increase per 1 °C increment (95% CI = 2-12%). The elderly was more vulnerable to such impact of heat exposure. For the elderly, males were more susceptible to heat-related MDD than females (HR = 1.18 vs. 1.14). However, the younger group showed a reverse finding (i.e. females 1.07 > males 1.04). Long-term residence in regions with extreme cold or heat may increase the risk of MDD incidence, especially higher temperature. Under global warming, these findings have great health implications and warrant further confirmation.
Exposure to Air Pollution and Survival in Follow-Up after Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1159/000525346
Abstract: b i Introduction: /i /b Air pollutants are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter with an aerodiameter of 2.5 μm or lower (PM sub .5 /sub ) has been reported to be linked with increased mortality due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effects of air pollutants other than PM sub .5 /sub on HCC-related mortality have not been fully investigated. Accordingly, we conducted this study to assess the effect of long-term exposure to air pollutants (PM sub .5 /sub and nitrogen dioxide [NO sub /sub ]) on HCC-related mortality. b i Method: /i /b In 2005, the Taiwan Liver Cancer Network (TLCN) was established by the National Research Program for Genomic Medicine to recruit liver cancer patients from 5 major medical centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. The TLCN had successfully recruited 9,344 patients by the end of 2018. In this study, we included 1,000 patients randomly s led from the TLCN to assess the effect of exposure to air pollutants on HCC mortality after HCC diagnosis. Daily averages of PM sub .5 /sub and NO sub /sub concentrations were retrieved from 77 air quality-monitoring stations and interpolated to the townships of patients’ residences by using the Kriging method. The effect of air pollutants on HCC survival was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. b i Results: /i /b A total of 940 patients were included in the analysis. After adjusting for potential confounders and mutually adjusting for co-pollutants, we observed that the hazards ratio (95% confidence interval) for HCC-related mortality for every 1-μg/m sup /sup increase in PM sub .5 /sub concentration was 1.11 (1.08–1.14) and that for every 1-ppb increase in NO sub /sub concentration was 1.08 (1.03–1.13). b i Conclusion: /i /b Our study suggests that long-term exposure to PM sub .5 /sub and NO sub /sub was associated with decreased survival time in patients with HCC in Taiwan.
Hyperactivity disorder in children related to traffic-based air pollution during pregnancy
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Associations between dietary intake and serum polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) levels in Taiwanese
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2003
DOI: 10.1016/S0013-9351(02)00058-0
Abstract: The study was conducted to correlate the consumption frequency of different food groups (milk, eggs, fish, and others) and the levels of serum polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations of residents living near a municipal waste incinerator. All selected subjects were between 18 and 65 years old and proportionally chosen from each age group based on population distribution. In addition, they had to have lived within a 5-km radius of the incinerator for at least 5 years. Trained interviewers administered a dietary questionnaire interview. Higher serum PCDD/F levels were found in older than in younger subjects, and higher PCDD/F concentrations were found in females than in males. An analysis between the consumption frequency of different foods and serum PCDD/F levels showed that fish might have contributed the highest quantity of measured serum PCDD/Fs. Yet, the regression coefficient of dietary intake and PCDD/F concentration was only 0.017 before and 0.105 after adjusting for the variables of age, gender, and smoking status of the study subjects. The frequency of fish consumption may be the most significant contributor to serum PCDD/F levels. Further research is needed to quantify the association between the consumption of various food groups and their potential contributions to the corresponding serum PCDD/F concentrations.
0237 Psychosocial impacts of a contaminated needlestick injury or blood and body fluid exposure in health care workers.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2014
Maternal psychologic problems increased the risk of childhood atopic dermatitis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-01-2016
DOI: 10.1111/PAI.12518
Abstract: Little is known about the effect of postnatal maternal psychologic problems on the development of childhood atopic disorders. To assess the association between early life maternal psychologic problems and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children in a national birth cohort. We used multistage, stratified systematic s ling to recruit 24,200 mother-newborn pairs from the Taiwan national birth registration. Maternal psychologic problems and potential confounders were gathered by the standard questionnaire at 6 months old. At 3 years of age, information about the development of AD was assessed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood via home interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of postnatal maternal psychologic problems (postpartum depression (PPD) and maternal mental health index) and AD. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed AD was 10.5%. PPD increased the risk of subsequent physician-diagnosed AD in children after adjusting for potential confounders and other maternal mental health index (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.21-1.66). We observed that the risk of AD associated with PPD was not confounded by other social demographic factors such as maternal AD, maternal education, family income, breastfeeding, day care, and number of siblings. Postpartum depression increased the risk of childhood AD even when other maternal mental health index and social demographic factors are considered. Early intervention of PPD might be helpful for AD prevention.
Development of the Nurses’ Occupational Stressor Scale
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-01-2020
Abstract: Although nurses work in stressful environments, stressors in such environments have yet to be clearly assessed. This study aimed to develop a Nurses’ Occupational Stressor Scale (NOSS) with high reliability and validity. Candidate questions for the NOSS were generated by expert consensus following focus group feedback, and were used to survey in 2013. A shorter version was then developed after examination for validity and reproducibility in 2014. The accuracy of the short version of the NOSS for predicting nurses’ stress levels was evaluated based on receiver operating characteristic curves to compare existing instruments for measuring stress outcomes, namely personal burnout, client-related burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave. Examination for validity and reproducibility yielded a shorter version of NOSS with only 21 items was considered sufficient for measuring stressors in nurses’ work environments. Nine subscales were included: (1) work demands, (2) work–family conflict, (3) insufficient support from coworkers or caregivers, (4) workplace violence and bullying, (5) organizational issues, (6) occupational hazards, (7) difficulty taking leave, (8) powerlessness, and (9) unmet basic physiological needs. The 21-item NOSS proved to have high concurrent and construct validity. The correlation coefficients of the subscales for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.83. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) coefficients ranged from 0.35 to 0.77. The NOSS exhibited accurate prediction of personal burnout, client-related burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave.
Traffic related air pollution as a determinant of asthma among Taiwanese school children
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2005
Genetic polymorphisms in CYP1A1 and GSTM1 predispose humans to PCBs/PCDFs-induced skin lesions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2005.08.012
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are ubiquitous persistent pollutants in humans. Whether people with different genotypes are with different susceptibility to these chemicals are unknown. In a group of people highly exposed to PCBs/PCDFs, we tested the hypothesis that genotypic polymorphisms affected susceptibility for development of skin manifestations. In 1979, approximately 2000 people in central Taiwan ingested cooking oil contaminated with PCBs/PCDFs. Skin disorder such as chloracne, abnormal nail, hyperkeratosis and skin allergy were found in PCBs/PCDFs exposed group. We recruited exposed and community background exposure subjects for blood testing and telephone-interview. Single nucleotide polymorphisms, AhR Arg554Lys, CYP1A1 Ile462Val, CYP1A1 T6235C, and GSTM1/T1 deletion, were determined. Occurrence of skin manifestations was compared among people with different genotypes while stratified by PCB exposure levels by logistic regression. Data on exposure, medical history, and genotypes were obtained from 393 exposed and 181 background exposure groups. Skin manifestations including chloracne, allergy, abnormal nail, and hyperkeratosis were more prevalent in exposed people in a dose-related manner. Among highly exposed in iduals, combined CYP1A1-MspI mutant genotype and GSTM1-null genotype were associated with increased risk of chloracne (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval 1.1-7.6). Among intermediately exposed in iduals, GSTM1 null genotype was associated with skin allergy. AhR Arg554Lys genotype and GSTT1 null genotype were not related to susceptibility to skin manifestations in PCB/PCDF-exposed population. CYP1A1 and GSTM1 genotypic polymorphisms might be related to the susceptibility to PCB/PCDF-induced skin manifestations.
Environmental factors, parental atopy and atopic eczema in primary-school children: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2133.2007.08215.X
Abstract: Parental atopy and environmental exposure are recognized risk factors for atopic eczema (AE) in childhood. However, the relative contributions of specific risk factors and the overall contributions of hereditary and environmental exposure remain unexplored. To identify risk factors, estimate the population attributable risk (PAR) of environmental exposure, and compare the AE data for boys vs. girls in primary-school children. During a February to June 2001 cross-sectional, Taiwan-based questionnaire survey, we investigated 23 980 children from 22 primary schools, all located within 1 km of an air-monitoring station. The 12-month prevalence of AE was reported as 6.1% in boys and 4.9% in girls. In both sexes, the risk of AE was strongly associated with parental atopy and perceived ambient air pollution. The presence of cockroaches [odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.40] and visible mould on walls at home (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.22-1.70) were also significantly related to AE for girls however, only visible mould on walls (and not the presence of cockroaches) at home was related to AE for boys (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.18-1.66). While mutually adjusted models were applied, we found adjusted ORs and PARs were similar in boys and girls in hereditary and outdoor environmental factors. The PAR of indoor environmental factors was higher in girls (8.4%) than in boys (5.5%). There was no interaction between parental atopy and environmental factors. Parental atopy contributed more to AE than indoor or outdoor environmental factors. Girls may be more susceptible to indoor environmental factors than boys.
Prenatal and postnatal risk factors for infantile pneumonia in a representative birth cohort
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 16-09-2011
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268811001890
Abstract: Pneumonia is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in infants. However, information of risk factors for pneumonia in children aged months is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and their contribution to infantile pneumonia in a large population-based survey. Of 24 200 randomly s led main caregivers invited, 21 248 (87·8%) participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the main caregivers. Information regarding whether hospitalization was required, family environment, and medical history were obtained. The prevalence of pneumonia was 0·62% in our study cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preterm birth, congenital cardiopulmonary disease, antibiotic use during pregnancy, maternal overweight, daily prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and visible mould on walls at home are risk factors associated with infantile pneumonia. Further study is warranted to investigate the causality and mechanisms of these novel factors.
Clinical Utility of FDG PET/CT in Patients with Autoimmune Pancreatitis: a Case-Control Study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-02-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-21996-5
Abstract: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) shares overlapping clinical features with pancreatic cancer (PC). Importantly, treatment of the two conditions is different. We investigated the clinical usefulness of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with suspected AIP before treatment. From September 2008 to July 2016, 53 patients with suspected AIP at National Taiwan University Hospital had PET/CT prior to therapy to exclude malignancy and evaluate the extent of inflammation. Their scans were compared with those from 61 PC patients. PET imaging features were analyzed using logistic regression. Significant differences in pancreatic tumor uptake morphology, maximum standardized uptake value, high-order primary tumor texture feature (i.e. high-gray level zone emphasis value), and numbers and location of extrapancreatic foci were found between AIP and PC. Using the prediction model, the area under curve of receiver-operator curve was 0.95 ( P 0.0001) with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of 90.6%, 84.0%, 87.9%, and 87.5% respectively, in differentiating AIP from PC. FDG PET/CT offers high sensitivity, albeit slightly lower specificity in differentiating AIP from PC. Nonetheless, additional systemic inflammatory foci detected by the whole body PET/CT help confirm diagnosis of AIP in these patients before initiating steroid therapy, especially when biopsy is inconclusive.
Risk of motor vehicle collisions after methadone use
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 05-08-2021
DOI: 10.7554/ELIFE.63954
Abstract: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can alleviate opioid dependence. However, MMT possibly increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions. The current study investigated preliminary estimation of motor vehicle collision incidence rates. Furthermore, in this population-based retrospective cohort study with frequency-matched controls, opiate adults receiving MMT (cases) and those not receiving MMT (controls) were identified at a 1:2 ratio by linking data from several nationwide administrative registry databases. From 2009 to 2016, the crude incidence rate of motor vehicle collisions was the lowest in the general adult population, followed by that in opiate adults, and it was the highest in adults receiving MMT. The incidence rates of motor vehicle collisions were significantly higher in opiate users receiving MMT than in those not receiving MMT. Kaplan–Meier curves of the incidence of motor vehicle collisions differed significantly between groups, with a significant increased risk during the first 90 days of follow-up. In conclusion, drivers receiving MMT have higher motor vehicle collision risk than those not receiving MMT in opiate users, and it is worthy of noticing road safety in such drivers, particularly during the first 90 days of MMT.
Hospital factors that predict intention of health care workers to leave their job during the COVID ‐19 pandemic
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JNU.12771
Abstract: To identify factors responsible for hospital health care workers' intention to leave their job during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A cross‐sectional study was performed. A self‐administered questionnaire was delivered to solicit hospital health care workers' demographics, intention to leave, workplace environment, and changes related to COVID‐19 from July to November 2020 in Taiwan. Principal component analysis was performed to compare group‐related factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for the intention of health care workers to leave their job. Among the 1209 health care workers (mean age, 36.3 years) who participated in the study, intention to leave the job was found to be related to factors relating to COVID‐19, including perceived risk, affected social relationships, and increased workload and job stress, after adjustment for demographic and work factors. Supportive administration/management were protective factors against leaving the job. These results were supported by sensitivity analyses. Our findings suggest that the intention of health care workers to leave their job during a pandemic is related to potentially modifiable factors relating to the infection itself and work environment. High perceived risk of COVID‐19, affected social relationaops, and increased workload and job stress were positively associated with the intention of health care workers to leave their job, whereas supportive administration and management were protective factors against leaving the job. Development of workplace strategies is important to help mitigate these above factors, improve psychological wellbeing, and promote workforce stability.
Mortality Related to Extreme Temperature for 15 Cities in Northeast Asia
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2015
Acute Expanded Perlite Exposure with Persistent Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome
Publisher: National Institute of Industrial Health
Date: 2010
Abstract: Expanded perlite has been assumed as simple nuisance, however during an accidental spill out in Taiwan, among 24 exposed workers followed for more than 6 months, three developed persisted respiratory symptoms and positive provocation tests were compatible with reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. During simulation experiment expanded perlite is shown to be very dusty and greatly exceed current exposure permission level. Review of literature and evidence, though exposure of expanded perlite below permission level may be generally safe, precautionary protection of short term heavy exposure is warranted.
Tumour necrotizing factor‐α promoter and GST‐T1 genotype predict skin allergy to chromate in cement workers in Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0536.2007.01242.X
Abstract: Construction workers exposed to cement are known to suffer from occupational contact dermatitis because of chromate sensitization. It is not clear whether certain genotypes are associated with increased susceptibility of chromate sensitization in those workers regularly exposed to cement. The objective of this study was to determine the genotypes predisposing workers to cement-induced contact dermatitis. A total of 153 current cement workers who had regular contact with cement were telephone interviewed for skin problems in the past 12 months, work exposure, and personal protection. A dermatologist examined their skin and conducted patch test with common skin allergens. Blood s les were donated for genotypic determination by polymerase chain reaction-based assays for GST-T1, GST-M1 (null/non-null), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha promoter-308G/A, and interleukin (IL) 4-590C/T. High percentage of dermatitis was noted in the 153 workers examined, which was correlated with reported skin problems. By patch testing, construction workers had a high-prevalence rate (12%) of sensitivity to chromate. Sensitivity to chromate was significantly associated with TNF alpha promoter-308 heterozygous (GA) as compared with GG genotype (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1-13.2), as well as with GST-T1 null genotype (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4-36.2), but neither the GST-M1 nor the IL-4 genotypes. It is concluded that among workers frequently exposed to cement in Southern Taiwan, those with TNF alpha promoter-308 heterozygous (GA) genotype or GST-T1 null genotype had increased risk of chromate sensitization.
Work-Related and Personal Factors in Shoulder Disorders Among Electronics Workers
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 28-09-2020
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-76615/V1
Abstract: Background The electronics industry is one of the largest global industries, and significant numbers of workers are engaged in this industry. Evidence suggests two associations: between ergonomic risks and shoulder disorders, and between psychological stress and psychological problems among workers in this industry. There have been very few investigations on ergonomic risks, psychological stress, and gender effect for shoulder disorders in this industry. This study aimed to explore personal and work-related factors associated with shoulder disorders, and to investigate the combined effect of similar ergonomic risk factors. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 931 workers aged 20 to 58 from an electronics factory were recruited. Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess shoulder symptoms. The socio-demographic factors and work-related factors, including psychological stress, were assessed. 100 random s le workers with shoulder symptoms underwent a standardized clinical test for the evaluation of subacromial impingement syndrome. The ergonomic risks were assessed by the risk filter of “Upper limb disorders in the workplace”, including repetition, posture, force, vibration, and duration of exposure. Results The prevalence of shoulder symptoms was 30.5%, and 19% of those with shoulder symptoms had subacromial impingement syndrome. In multivariable analyses, older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.86), repetition (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.15-2.60) and posture (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.10-3.11) were associated with shoulder symptoms. About the gender effect, older age (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.11), repetition (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.68), posture (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.01-3.52), and force (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.99-2.85) were associated with shoulder symptoms in men, while repetition (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.52-4.93) and posture (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI 0.99-4.57) were associated with the symptoms in women. Conclusions This study implies that repetition and posture were important risk factors for shoulder disorders in the electronics industry. The risk showed gender differences, and force was more important for shoulder disorders in men. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policy makers conduct preventive programs on shoulder disorders in this working population. Future longitudinal studies on work-related shoulder disorders are warranted.
Suicide and Ambient Temperature: A Multi-Country Multi-City Study
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1289/EHP4898
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorder among Workers in Taiwan: A Nationwide Study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2004
DOI: 10.1539/JOH.46.26
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a common problem among workers. In spite of the numerous reports on MSD in various specific groups of workers, few data on the prevalence in the general working population are available except for back pain. We analyzed the information collected through a nationwide survey in Taiwan in 1994 to estimate the prevalence of MSD by age, gender, and education level and identify high-risk industries. In the survey, a standard questionnaire was distributed to a representative s le of 22,475 non-self-employed workers in Taiwan. National estimates were obtained by applying a weight to each participant. Among the s led workers, 18,942 (84.3%) participated, and 37.0% (standard error=0.4%) had MSD. Female workers had a significantly higher overall prevalence than male workers (39.5% vs. 35.2%, p<0.05). Education and age also had significant associations with MSD (p<0.001 in both genders). "Lower back and waist" were the most frequently affected body parts (18.3% among males and 19.7% among females), but the prevalence of MSDs of the neck, shoulders, hands and wrists were also above 10%. The top ten high-risk major industries for MSD of various body parts for each gender were identified, and some industries, including "Basic Metal Industries" and "Buildings Construction," were among the top ten for multiple body parts. Our study showed that MSDs of body parts other than the back are also prevalent, especially in the neck, shoulders, hands and wrists. We also identified high-risk industries for further research and intervention.
Occupational Hazard Exposures and Depressive Symptoms of Pregnant Workers
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2018
Heat Wave and Mortality: A Multicountry, Multicommunity Study
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 16-08-2017
DOI: 10.1289/EHP1026
Global greenness in relation to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases: ischemic heart disease and stroke
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 17-11-2020
Abstract: This ecological study aimed to identify the association between greenness and cardiovascular diseases in terms of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in 183 countries worldwide. The country-level disability-adjusted life year (DALY) database provided by the WHO was used to represent the health burden due to IHD and stroke for the study countries. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI—MOD13A3) was assessed to estimate the greenness in each country. After considering potential covariates, the generalized linear mixed model penalized quasi-likelihood coupled with a sensitivity test was applied to identify the greenness in relation to DALY loss due to IHD and stroke. Stratified analysis was then conducted to determine the effects of greenness among the different levels of gender, age, and economic status. A consistently significant negative association was found between greenness and both IHD and stroke the NDVI coefficients of the main model were −11.245 (95% CI: −16.770, −5.720) and −4.387 (95% CI:−7.926, −0.085), respectively, in the DALY changes based on the increase of NDVI from 0 to 1. The stratified analysis recognized these effects in both females and males. Negative associations between greenness and IHD as well as stroke were also found in various age groups and were confirmed as significant in low and middle-income countries.
The NAT2* slow acetylator genotype is associated with bladder cancer in Taiwanese, but not in the Black Foot Disease endemic area population
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-1998
N‐acetylcysteine inhibits chromium hypersensitivity in coadjuvant chromium‐sensitized albino guinea pigs by suppressing the effects of reactive oxygen species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0625.2009.01045.X
Abstract: Chromium hypersensitivity is an important issue in occupational skin disease. When hexavalent chromium enters the cell, it can be reduced to trivalent chromium, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are considered to play an important role in the progression of allergic contact dermatitis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could increase glutathione levels in the skin and act as an antioxidant. We attempted to demonstrate that NAC could inhibit chromium hypersensitivity in a coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino guinea pig model by counteracting the formation of ROS. We utilized a coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino guinea pig model to evaluate both the severity of the skin reaction by intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation tests and the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity in NAC-treated and NAC-untreated albino guinea pigs (GP). Furthermore, three ROS parameters, including H(2)O(2,) malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in plasma, were analyzed in NAC-treated and NAC-untreated coadjuvant chromium-sensitized albino GP. The severity of the skin reaction in the intradermal and epicutaneous elicitation test significantly diminished when the albino GP were treated with a dose of 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC. This dose also significantly decreased the sensitization rate of chromium hypersensitivity. In addition, treatment with 1200 mg/kg/day of NAC significantly reduced the H(2)O(2) and MDA levels in the skin and significantly increased the ORAC in the plasma of albino GP. Therefore, NAC could be a potential chemopreventative agent to prevent the progression of chromium hypersensitivity.
The association between tumor necrosis factor, HLA‐DR alleles, and IgE‐mediated asthma in Taiwanese adolescents
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-08-2002
DOI: 10.1034/J.1398-9995.2002.23719.X
Abstract: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR genes and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene locus are associated with asthma and IgE production. TNFalpha-308G/A frequencies between Japanese and Caucasians in the UK have been found to be different. The roles of HLA-DRB1 and TNF genotypes are unknown in Taiwanese adolescents with IgE-mediated asthma (I-asthma). From the population of a 1996 nation-wide survey, we recruited a random s le for a physical examination, determination of total serum IgE (sIgE), dust-mite-specific IgE, and HLA-DRB1, TNFalpha-308, and LTalphaNcoI polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 80 I-asthmatics and 69 non-asthmatics completed the study. We suggested that I-asthmatics had a higher frequency of the DR13 gene (OR = 8.6, 95% CI = [1.6-161]). The DR13 gene was associated with high sIgE and high dust-mite-specific IgE, especially Dermatophagoides farinae. No TNF haplotype or genotype was associated with I-asthma. The DR13 gene was linked to the LTalphaNcoI*1 allele. When sIgE was adjusted by multiple logistic regression, the risk of I-asthma was much higher for the DR13(+)/LTalphaNcoI*1 haplotype (OR = 25.6, 95% CI = [2.2-1378]) than for the others. In Taiwanese children sensitized to Der f, the DR13(+)/LTalphaNcoI*1 haplotype was associated with a much higher risk of having clinical asthma than any other DR13/LTalphaNcoI haplotype.
Psychiatric disorders after occupational injury among National Health Insurance enrollees in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2014.06.015
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the incidence rates of psychiatric disorders within 1 year after occupational injury and to examine the association between occupational injury and the incidence of psychiatric disorders using National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). We used cohort approach in this investigation. All eligible subjects were from the NHIRD, and aged 18-65 years old. A total of 542,208 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 1038 patients sustained occupational injury, 6891 patients sustained non-occupational injury. The reference group in this study was 534,279 patients who ever used the NHI for any medical condition in 2001. The incidence rates of any psychiatric disorders within 1 year after occupational injury (inpatient), occupational injury (outpatient), non-occupational injury (inpatient), non-occupational injury (outpatient), and any disease were 9.5%, 2.5%, 7.4%, 1.5%, and 1.1%, respectively. Occupational injury was found as a significant factor for developing psychiatric disorders within 1 year after the target injury. The incidence rate of any psychiatric disorders was higher in patients after occupational injury than those after non-occupational injury and any medical condition.
Reduced expression of von Hippel–Lindau gene in subjects exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2008.07.006
Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are ubiquitous pollutants found in the environment and human tissues. A cohort in Taiwan has undergone follow-up for 24 years after exposure to high levels of PCBs and PCDFs. The incidence of chloracne, hyperkeratosis, and abnormal nail was increased among exposed people. We conducted a study to identify the genes whose expressions were affected by such exposure. A cDNA microarray system consisting of 908 genes was used for pooled serum s les from non-smoking men exposed to PCBs and PCDFs (n=15) and their matched referents (n=15) in triplicate. After adjusting for background and housekeeping genes, genes with different expressions between the exposure and reference groups were determined by both regression and cluster analysis, and further confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. The tumor suppressor gene von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) was found to be down-regulated in the microarray analysis. VHL gene expression levels were also found to be positively associated with age, shown by real-time RT-PCR. Upon age adjustment, VHL gene expression was reduced in Yucheng ("oil disease") subjects as compared to referents. Among Yucheng people, those with abnormal nails had lower VHL expressions than those without abnormal nails. These findings provide new insights into the potential role of VHL in health conditions associated with PCB and PCDF exposures.
Comparing risk changes of needlestick injuries between countries adopted and not adopted the needlestick safety and prevention act: A meta-analysis
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 22-10-2021
DOI: 10.1017/ICE.2021.372
Abstract: To determine whether countries that adopted the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (NSPA) achieved a reduced risk of needlestick injuries (NSIs). In this meta-analysis, 3 international databases (Embase, PubMed, and MEDLINE EBSCO) and 1 Chinese database (Airiti Library) were searched using appropriate keywords to retrieve relevant articles, including multiyear NSI incidences that were published after 2010. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies was used to evaluate article prevalence. A binary random-effects model was used to estimate risk ratio as summary effect. A log scale was used to evaluate differences in risk ratios of NSIs between countries that adopted versus those that did not adopt the NSPA. In total, 11 articles were included in the meta-analysis from 9 countries, and NSI incidence rates were surveyed between 1993 and 2016. The risk ratios of NSIs in countries with and without the NSPA were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67–0.91) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.85–1.12), respectively, and the ratio of risk ratios was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.98). Reduction in NSI incidence was more prominent in nurses than in physicians. Our findings suggest that the mandatory use of safety-engineered medical devices in countries that adopted the NSPA had lower NSI incidence in healthcare workers compared with countries without needlestick safety and prevention regulatory policies. Further studies are needed to develop preventive strategies to protect against NSIs in physicians, which should be incorporated into the standards of care established by national regulatory agencies.
Assaults against nurses of general and psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-12-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-009-0501-Y
Abstract: Nurses are at risk of occupational assaults. However, the incidence and effects have not been documented among nurses in Taiwan. We aimed to study the incidence of assaults and their effects, including quality of life and job-related stress among nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted to understand the incidence of work-related assaults in nurses. Job content questionnaire was used to determine the job control, psychological demands at work, and workplace support in these nurses. Quality of life was assessed by short form-36 (SF-36). A total of 842 nurses satisfactorily completed the questionnaire, including 375 from general hospitals and 467 from psychiatric hospitals. A total of 237 (28.1%) reported to have experienced physical and/or verbal assaults in past 6 months. Experiences of sexual assault or verbal abuse were risk factors for feeling threatened by potential attacks. Nurses who felt threatened by potential attacked scored lower in general health, mental health, and vitality by SF-36, and had higher psychological demands at work, lower job control, and lower workplace support. We conclude that nurses in general and psychiatric hospitals had high risk of assaults. Worksite assaults caused nurses to feel threatened, and such an effect was likely to cause increased job stress and decreased quality of life.
Blood Serum Levels of PCBs and PCDFs in Yucheng Women 14 Years After Exposure to a Toxic Rice Oil
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-1997
Abstract: In 1979, a mass poisoning of more than 2000 people occurred in central Taiwan due to consumption of rice-bran oil contaminated with PCBs and their heat-degraded byproducts. The incident was later referred to as Yucheng (oil disease). Serum s les from 56 women with the 1979 exposure were collected in February 1992 and analyzed for their contaminant content using s le enrichment and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. In most of the s les, levels of PCDFs and PCBs were detectable, and the median values of 2,3,4,7,8-PCDFs and 1,2,3,4,7,8-PCDFs were 1,030 and 2,220 ng/kg serum lipid, respectively. The median level of the total PCBs on a whole weight basis was 8,730 ng/kg. The PCB/PCDF concentrations in Yucheng women 14 years after the toxic exposure were still one to two orders of magnitude higher than controls. Concentrations of PCB levels in 1992 were positively correlated with the 1980-1981 measured PCB levels in these women and both PCBs and PCDFs were negatively correlated with the total duration when these women breast fed their children between 1979 and 1992. It is concluded that serum levels of congener-specific PCBs/PCDFs in exposed women are good indicators of previous exposure and may provide important information for more reliable estimation of dose-response relationship.
Temperature-related mortality impacts under and beyond Paris Agreement climate change scenarios
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-09-2018
Effect of Asian dust storms on mortality in three Asian cities
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2014
Contribution of Visible Surface Mold to Airborne Fungal Concentration as Assessed by Digital Image Quantification
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-08-2021
DOI: 10.3390/PATHOGENS10081032
Abstract: The rapid monitoring of total fungi, including air and surface fungal profiling, is an important issue. Here, we applied air and surface s ling, combined with digital image quantification of surface mold spots, to evaluate the contribution of surface fungi to airborne fungal concentrations. Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and yeast often appeared in the air or on wall surfaces during s ling. The indoor/outdoor concentration ratios (I/O ratios) demonstrated that the airborne concentrations of commonly found fungal genera outdoors were higher than those indoors (median I/O ratio = 0.65–0.91), excluding those of Penicillium and yeast. Additionally, the surface density (fungal concentration/area) of in idual fungi showed no significant correlation with the airborne concentration, excluding that of Geotrichum. However, if a higher surface ratio ( .00031) of mold spots appeared in the total area of an indoor environment, then the concentrations of Aspergillus and Geotrichum in the air increased significantly. Our results demonstrated that the airborne concentration of indoor fungi is significantly correlated with the outdoor concentration. A higher density of surface fungi does not necessarily contribute to a high fungal concentration in the air. In contrast to fungal density, quantification of the surface fungal area is recommended to assess the risk of surface fungi propelling into the air.
Mortality burden of diurnal temperature range and its temporal changes: A multi-country study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2017.10.018
Abstract: Although diurnal temperature range (DTR) is a key index of climate change, few studies have reported the health burden of DTR and its temporal changes at a multi-country scale. Therefore, we assessed the attributable risk fraction of DTR on mortality and its temporal variations in a multi-country data set. We collected time-series data covering mortality and weather variables from 308 cities in 10 countries from 1972 to 2013. The temporal change in DTR-related mortality was estimated for each city with a time-varying distributed lag model. Estimates for each city were pooled using a multivariate meta-analysis. The results showed that the attributable fraction of total mortality to DTR was 2.5% (95% eCI: 2.3-2.7%) over the entire study period. In all countries, the attributable fraction increased from 2.4% (2.1-2.7%) to 2.7% (2.4-2.9%) between the first and last study years. This study found that DTR has significantly contributed to mortality in all the countries studied, and this attributable fraction has significantly increased over time in the USA, the UK, Spain, and South Korea. Therefore, because the health burden of DTR is not likely to reduce in the near future, countermeasures are needed to alleviate its impact on human health.
Effects of particulate air pollution and ozone on lung function in non-asthmatic children
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2014.11.021
Abstract: Information on the long-term effects of different air pollutant levels on lung function is relatively lacking in Asia and still inconclusive in the world. Age differential effects of air pollution are not known. To assess the acute and subchronic effects of ambient air pollution on lung function and compared among children of different ages. From April to May 2011, a nationwide study was conducted on schoolchildren aged 6-15 years in 44 schools of 24 districts in Taiwan. Spirograms were obtained from 1494 non-asthmatic children. Air pollution data were retrieved from air monitoring stations within one kilometre of the schools. Using three-level hierarchical linear models, in idual lung function was fitted to air pollution, with adjustments for demographics, indoor exposures, outdoor activity, and districts. Lung function changes per inter-quartile increase of the past two-months average levels of particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (12 μg/m(3), 32-44 and 6.7 ppb, 32-38, respectively) were -103 and -142 ml on FVC, -86 and -131 on FEV1, and -102 and -188 ml/s on MMEF, respectively. Lag-1-day ozone exposure was associated with decreased MMEF. In children aged 6-10, PM2.5 was associated with decreased FEV1/FVC and MMEF/FVC ratios. In children aged 6-15 years, sub-chronic exposure to ambient PM2.5 and ozone leads to reduced lung capacity, whereas acute exposure to ozone decreases mid-expiratory flow. In children aged 6-10 years, additional airway obstructive patterns in lung function may be associated with PM2.5 exposure.
Health related quality of life and polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans exposure: 30 years follow-up of Yucheng cohort
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2014.11.020
Abstract: Quality of life (QOL) can be affected by diseases, disasters, and exposure events to environmental factors. However, whether health-related QOL (HRQOL) might be adversely affected by exposure to dioxin-like chemicals 30 years ago is unknown. We studied people who were poisoned to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dibebenzofurans (PCDFs) due to ingestion of contaminated rice oil in 1979 in central Taiwan, and were called Yucheng (oil-disease in Chinese) people. In 2008, we conducted a survey in 1305 exposed people by mailed questionnaire, which included HRQOL by World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Taiwanese version. A total of 240 Yucheng subjects aged 18-65 years satisfactorily completed the Questionnaire. For comparison, we obtained information from the database of 2001 National Health Survey conducted by the National Health Research Institute and Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health, Taiwan. Data from age-, sex-, and county-matched background in iduals were extracted using 1:3 match. HRQOL among Yucheng people with/without skin manifestation and unexposed referents were compared, while adjusting for other factors by multiple regression analyzes. The Yucheng people had significantly reduced scores in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains as compared to the referents. Those with skin manifestations were more severely affected than those with no skin manifestations, suggesting a dose-related effect on QOL in exposed people. We show for the very first time that poisoning due to persistent organic pollutants PCBs and PCDFs can affect QOL 30 years after the exposure, especially among those most severely poisoned.
Phthalate esters and childhood asthma: A systematic review and congener-specific meta-analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.06.083
Abstract: Exposure to phthalate esters (PAEs) has been associated with childhood asthma, but the congener-specific effects of PAEs on childhood asthma were unclear. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze observational studies on the associations between specific effects of PAEs and the risk of childhood asthma. Relevant studies were identified by searching three databases up to October 20, 2016. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also reviewed. We included observational studies that reported risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between phthalate exposure and the risk of childhood asthma. Fixed-effects models were generally applied to calculate pooled risk estimates. When heterogeneity was present, random-effects models were applied. A total of nine studies featuring 43 data points were included in our final meta-analyses. Results indicated that the benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP) exposure had a significant association with the risk of childhood asthma. The Odd Ratios (ORs) were from 1.39 to 1.41 for different combination strategies. Subgroup analyses by different exposure period or s les used showed that prenatal exposure to BBzP had a stronger association with the risk of childhood asthma (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.09-1.75), compared to those with postnatal exposure. Besides, the association was evident when the phthalate exposure was measured from dust s les. The OR for the associations between di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in dust and childhood asthma was 2.71 (95% CI = 1.39-5.28), and 2.08 (95% CI = 1.10-3.92) for BBzP. Our study suggested a positive association between DEHP and BBzP exposure and childhood asthma. Future studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanisms of the association.
0233 Long-term styrene exposure impairs colour vision in fibreglass reinforced plastics laminators.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-2014
Ambient air pollution and asthma onset in Taiwanese adults
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Synergic effect between high temperature and air pollution on mortality in Northeast Asia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108735
Abstract: High temperature and air pollutants have been reported as potential risk factors of mortality. Previous studies investigated interaction between the two variables however, the excess death risk due to the synergic effect (i.e. interaction on the additive scale) between the two variables has not been investigated adequately on a multi-country scale. This study aimed to assess the excess death risk due to the synergism between high temperature and air pollution on mortality using a multicity time-series analysis. We collected time-series data on mortality, weather variables, and four air pollutants (PM
The Impact of Psychological Symptoms on Return to Work in Workers After Occupational Injury
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S10926-012-9381-1
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the impact of psychological symptoms on return to work (RTW) in workers after occupational injuries. Our study candidates were injured workers who were hospitalized for 3 days or longer and received hospitalization benefits from the Labor Insurance. A self-reported questionnaire including Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-50) and RTW was sent to workers at 12 weeks after injury. At 1 year, all participants were contacted again to determine whether or not they had RTW. A total of 2001 workers completed the questionnaire (response rate 45.5 %) at 12 weeks after injury, among them, 1,149 had returned to work. Among the 852 who were unable to return to work at 12 weeks after injury, 225 reportedly returned to work by 1 year. A proportional hazards regression indicated that after adjusting for all possible risk factors, higher scores in BSRS-50 and BSRS-5 at 12 weeks after injury were significant risk factors for not return to work (NRTW) at 1 year after injury. Other risk factors were gender, education level, length of hospitalization, affected physical appearance, and injury type. Among 10 psycho-physiological symptoms of BSRS-50, a proportional hazards regression indicated that high score in phobic-anxiety scale was a risk factor for NRTW. After considering all other factors, psychological symptoms further predicted poorer probability of returning to work after occupational injury, and phobic-anxiety was the most significant symptom predicting poor RTW. Development of preventive measures among injured workers according to the risk factors identified in this study is warranted.
The Association Between Glutathione S-Transferase P1, M1 Polymorphisms and Asthma in Taiwanese Schoolchildren
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2005
Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1) and the glutathione S-transferase M1 gene (GSTM1) have been implicated as risk factors for asthma. However, their roles in asthma pathogenesis and the interaction between these two genes have not been extensively investigated. This study, therefore, examined the relationship among GSTP1 and GSTM1 genotypes and childhood asthma, and evaluated their gene-gene interactions. The population from three southern Taiwan communities of a 2001 national survey. Two hundred sixty-six fourth-grade to ninth-grade schoolchildren were recruited for oral mucosa s lings based on questionnaire information. Polymerase chain reaction-based assays were performed to determine GSTP1 and GSTM1 genotypes among asthmatic subjects and nonasthmatic control subjects. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounding factors. All of the participants were homozygous at the GSTP1 Ala-114 locus. After controlling for age, sex, and atopic eczema, compared with participants carrying any Val-105 allele, children who were homozygotic for GSTP1 Ile-105 had a significantly increased risk of physician-diagnosed asthma (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 1.94 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 3.59). A positive risk for childhood asthma was also noted on the GSTM1 null genotype but did not reach statistical significance (adjOR, 1.37 95% CI, 0.80 to 2.38). Among children with GSTM1 present genotypes, GSTP1-105 polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of asthma. However, the reduced and statistically insignificant asthma risk was observed among those with GSTM1 null genotype. We concluded that GSTP1-105 was a predictor for childhood asthma, whereas GSTM1 polymorphism might modify the risk. Our study also suggested a competitive effect for homozygous GSTP1 Ile-105 and GSTM1 null genotypes on childhood asthma.
Chinese herbal medicines used in pregnancy: a population-based survey in Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1002/PDS.1332
Abstract: To explore the use (prevalence and related factors) of Chinese herbal medicines used by pregnant women. We used multistage stratified systematic s ling to recruit 2048 postpartum women from the Taiwan national birth register between November and December 2003. Subjects underwent a home interview 6 months after their deliveries. A structured questionnaire was successfully applied to 87% of the s led population. At least one Chinese herbal medicine was used during pregnancy by 24.1% of the interviewed subjects. Pregnant women with threatened abortion appeared to use more Chinese herbal medicines than other pregnant women. Chinese herbal medicines are frequently used by pregnant women in Taiwan and are very frequently used by those with a threatened abortion.
Increased night duty loading of physicians caused elevated blood pressure and sympathetic tones in a dose-dependent manner
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00420-015-1080-8
Abstract: Night duty has been recognized as a significantly harmful stressor for physicians. However, the relationship between various levels of duty loading and stress response is unknown. This study examined whether duty load increases cardiovascular stress indicators in a dose-dependent manner. An unallocated prospective observational study was conducted among physicians performing various levels of duties in a secondary referral medical center between 2011 and 2012. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and other stress markers of 12 attending physicians were compared during different duty loads: non-duty day (NDD), duty day with one duty area and three wards (1DD), and duty day with two duty areas and six wards (2DD). During the regular sleep time (i.e., 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.), the relative sympathetic modulations measured using the HRV were 59.0 ± 9.3, 61.6 ± 10.4, and 64.4 ± 8.9 for NDD, 1DD, and 2DD, respectively (p = 0.0012) those for relative parasympathetic modulations were 37.4 ± 9.4, 34.8 ± 9.8, and 32.0 ± 8.8 for NDD, 1DD, and 2DD, respectively (p = 0.0015). The percentages of abnormal systolic BPs were 9.7 ± 13.2 %, 25.3 ± 21.8 %, and 31.5 ± 21.0 % for NDD, 1DD, and 2DD, respectively (p = 0.003), and the percentages of abnormal diastolic BP were 6.7 ± 11.0 %, 18.3 ± 11.1 %, and 27.1 ± 30.9 % for NDD, 1DD, and 2DD, respectively (p = 0.002). Total sleep time was negatively associated with sympathetic arasympathetic balance and the percentage of abnormal diastolic BP. Admitting new patients was positively associated with the percentages of abnormal systolic BP. This observational analysis suggests that the dose-dependent stress responses of the cardiovascular system in physicians were caused by the duty load.
Different Severity and Severity Predictors in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Asthma: A Taiwanese Population-Based Study
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1159/000439310
Abstract: b i Background: /i /b Late-onset asthma has been shown to be more severe than early-onset asthma in clinic-based studies. However, population-based studies are scarce, and the predictors of severity have been less studied. b i Objectives: /i /b To determine asthma severity and severity predictors regarding age at onset. b i Methods: /i /b A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of children from 94 schools in Taiwan in 2004. Asthma severity was defined as short-acting β sub /sub -agonist (SABA), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and health care use in the last year. Information on age at onset, demographics, heredity and home exposure was collected. Ordered logistic or logistic regression was used for determining the associations between risk factors and severity. b i Results: /i /b Participants aged 26-50 years were included, resulting in 21,057 (67.8%) participants. Among them, 449 reported ever having had physician-diagnosed asthma, and 381 of those subjects answered the question on age at asthma onset. The risks of rescue SABA, ICS and health care use were generally higher among late-onset (13-50 years) than early-onset (0-12 years) asthmatics. Use of SABA and health care increased from childhood-onset, adolescent- or young adult-onset to adult-onset asthma. Allergic rhinitis was positively associated with SABA use (OR, 9.08 95% CI, 1.06-77.99) and ICS use (OR, 5.08 95% CI, 1.47-17.52) in early-onset asthma. Dehumidifier use was negatively associated with SABA use (OR, 0.50 95% CI, 0.29-0.87) and ICS use (OR, 0.38 95% CI, 0.19-0.78) in late-onset asthma. b i Conclusions: /i /b In adults, late-onset asthma was more severe than early-onset asthma. Severity, as indicated by SABA and ICS use, was positively associated with allergic rhinitis in early-onset asthma and negatively associated with dehumidifier use in late-onset asthma.
Patient–Nurse Ratio is Related to Nurses’ Intention to Leave Their Job through Mediating Factors of Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-11-2019
Abstract: In healthcare settings, nurses’ workload, burnout, and job satisfaction are associated to the patient–nurse ratio. Whether this ratio also affects their intention to leave the nursing profession, along with the underlying stress pathway, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the patient–nurse ratio on nurses’ intention to leave and considering the mediating roles of burnout and job dissatisfaction. The study analyzed the data of two pooled cross-sectional surveys collected in 2013 and 2014. Measures were obtained by a structure questionnaire, which queried the average daily patient–nurse ratio (ADPNR), nurses’ personal burnout, client-related burnout, job dissatisfaction, intention to leave, and other demographics. ADPNRs were standardized according to hospital levels. Multiple regression models examined mediation hypotheses, and a percentile bootstrap confidence interval was applied to determine the significance of indirect effects. A total of 1409 full-time registered nurses in medical and surgical wards of 24 secondary or tertiary hospitals in Taiwan completed self-administered questionnaires. Most of the participants were female (97.2%), and the mean age was 29.9 years. The association between the standardized ADPNR and intention to leave their job was significantly mediated by personal burnout, client-related burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Higher standardized ADPNRs predicted higher levels of personal burnout, client-related burnout, and job dissatisfaction, each of which resulted in higher levels of intention to leave the current job. The results highlight that appropriate patient–nurse ratio standards may be further discussed by selecting personal burnout, client-related burnout, and job dissatisfaction as indicators.
Geographical Variations of the Minimum Mortality Temperature at a Global Scale
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 24-09-2021
Prediction of atopic dermatitis in 2‐yr‐old children by cord blood IgE, genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes, and maternal mentality during pregnancy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-05-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1399-3038.2011.01177.X
Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in childhood and the first step of atopic march. This study aimed to investigate whether AD in children could be better predicted by biologic markers (cord blood IgE [cbIgE], LT-αNcoI alleles, and FcεRI-β E237G genotypes) and maternal mentality during pregnancy, taking into account gender, socio-demographic factors, and parental atopy. From 2001 to 2005, 1264 mother-infant pairs were recruited to participate in a birth cohort study. Prenatal questionnaire was used to collect family history, maternal gestational conditions and mentality, and environmental exposures. Cord blood was collected and assayed for genotypes and IgE levels. Phone interviews at 6 months and 2 yrs of age were conducted to inquire children's health status, including AD occurrence. In addition to the known risk factors such as gender, maternal education, and parental atopy, biomarkers and maternal mentality during pregnancy were screened by logistic regression as candidate predictors of AD. Area-under-curve (AUC) statistic from receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare two predicting models with and without biomarkers and maternal mentality. A total of 730 pairs completed the prenatal questionnaire and phone interview and were included in final analysis. The prevalence of ever having physician-diagnosed AD by 2-yr-olds was 5.9%. Elevated cbIgE levels (≥0.5 kU/l), LT-αNcoI alleles, FcεRI-β E237G genotype, and maternal psychologic stress during pregnancy were significantly associated with AD. Comparison with AUCs of the classic model (including gender, maternal education, and parental atopy), the model adding cbIgE levels, genotypes in cytokine genes, and maternal stress (model 2) showed higher ability to discriminate between children with and without AD (AUC statistics: 0.63 [95% CI = 0.60-0.67] vs. 0.73 [95% CI = 0.70-0.76], respectively model comparison, p = 0.027). We conclude that elevated cbIgE, LT-α and FcεRI-β genotypes, and maternal stress during pregnancy were associated with ever having physician-diagnosed AD in 2-yr-old children and increased the predictive ability for AD after taking into account gender, maternal education, and parental atopic history.
Mortality after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans: A meta-analysis of two highly exposed cohorts
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-03-2015
DOI: 10.1002/IJC.29504
Abstract: Both Yucheng and Yusho were events of accidental exposure to highly doses of polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans in Asian people. Mortality experiences caused by various diseases were reported in both cohorts with similar and dissimilar findings. We thus conducted a meta-analysis of two cohorts to reevaluate the effects of PCBs and PCDFs on major causes of mortalities. Two recently updated Yucheng and Yusho mortality studies were included. For selected diseases, standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were extracted. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model only when heterogeneity (I(2) > 50% and/or p value <0.10 by the Q test) was not found. A total of 1,803 Yucheng subjects (male, N = 830 female, N = 973) with 48,751 person-years of follow-up and 1,664 Yusho subjects (male, N = 860 female, N = 804) with 50,773 person-years are included. An increase in all-cause mortality (pooled SMR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.3, I(2) = 0.0%), all cancers (pooled SMR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6, I(2) = 0.0%), lung cancer (pooled SMR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.3, I(2) =0.0%), heart disease (pooled SMR=1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7, I(2) = 43.4%) and hepatic disease (pooled SMR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8, I(2) = 0.0%) were found in pooled males. Significant elevation from liver cancer was found in pooled females (pooled SMR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6, I(2) = 0.0%). This meta-analysis of Yucheng and Yusho cohorts showed similar elevation from all cancer, lung cancer, heart disease and hepatic disease mortalities in exposed men. Furthermore, a new finding of elevated liver cancer mortality in exposed women was identified.
Incidence and Risk of Fatal Vehicle Crashes Among Professional Drivers: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 08-03-2022
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2022.849547
Abstract: Fatal vehicle crashes (FVCs) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Professional drivers often drive under dangerous conditions however, knowledge of the risk factors for FVCs among professional drivers remain scant. We investigated whether professional drivers have a higher risk of FVCs than non-professional drivers and sought to clarify potential risk factors for FVCs among professional drivers. We analyzed nationwide incidence rates of FVCs as preliminary data. Furthermore, by using these data, we created a 1:4 professionals/non-professionals preliminary study to compare with the risk factors between professional and non-professional drivers. In Taiwan, the average crude incidence rate of FVCs for 2003–2016 among professional drivers was 1.09 per 1,000 person-years professional drivers had a higher percentage of FVCs than non-professional drivers among all motor vehicle crashes. In the 14-year preliminary study with frequency-matched non-professional drivers, the risk of FVCs among professional drivers was significantly associated with a previous history of involvement in motor vehicle crashes (adjustment odds ratio [OR] = 2.157 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.896–2.453), previous history of benzodiazepine use (adjustment OR = 1.385 95% CI, 1.215–1.579), and speeding (adjustment OR = 1.009 95% CI, 1.006–1.013). The findings have value to policymakers seeking to curtail FVCs.
Prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 and Congenital Heart Diseases in Taiwan
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.11.284
Abstract: Gestational exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs). However, only a few studies, with inconsistent results, have investigated the effects of PM
Quantifying excess deaths related to heatwaves under climate change scenarios: A multicountry time series modelling study
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-07-2018
Acute particulate matter exposure is associated with disturbances in heart rate complexity in patients with prior myocardial infarction
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Short term association between ozone and mortality: global two stage time series study in 406 locations in 20 countries
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-02-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.M108
Abstract: To assess short term mortality risks and excess mortality associated with exposure to ozone in several cities worldwide. Two stage time series analysis. 406 cities in 20 countries, with overlapping periods between 1985 and 2015, collected from the database of Multi-City Multi-Country Collaborative Research Network. Deaths for all causes or for external causes only registered in each city within the study period . Daily total mortality (all or non-external causes only). A total of 45 165 171 deaths were analysed in the 406 cities. On average, a 10 µg/m 3 increase in ozone during the current and previous day was associated with an overall relative risk of mortality of 1.0018 (95% confidence interval 1.0012 to 1.0024). Some heterogeneity was found across countries, with estimates ranging from greater than 1.0020 in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Estonia, and Canada to less than 1.0008 in Mexico and Spain. Short term excess mortality in association with exposure to ozone higher than maximum background levels (70 µg/m 3 ) was 0.26% (95% confidence interval 0.24% to 0.28%), corresponding to 8203 annual excess deaths (95% confidence interval 3525 to 12 840) across the 406 cities studied. The excess remained at 0.20% (0.18% to 0.22%) when restricting to days above the WHO guideline (100 µg/m 3 ), corresponding to 6262 annual excess deaths (1413 to 11 065). Above more lenient thresholds for air quality standards in Europe, America, and China, excess mortality was 0.14%, 0.09%, and 0.05%, respectively. Results suggest that ozone related mortality could be potentially reduced under stricter air quality standards. These findings have relevance for the implementation of efficient clean air interventions and mitigation strategies designed within national and international climate policies.
Urinary concentrations of phthalates in relation to circulating fatty acid profile in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2004 and 2011–2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2020
Lumbar Disc Herniation Automatic Detection in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based on Deep Learning
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FBIOE.2021.708137
Abstract: Background: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is among the most common causes of lower back pain and sciatica. The causes of LDH have not been fully elucidated but most likely involve a complex combination of mechanical and biological processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a tool most frequently used for LDH because it can show abnormal soft tissue areas around the spine. Deep learning models may be trained to recognize images with high speed and accuracy to diagnose LDH. Although the deep learning model requires huge numbers of image datasets to train and establish the best model, this study processed enhanced medical image features for training the small-scale deep learning dataset. Methods: We propose automatic detection to assist the initial LDH exam for lower back pain. The subjects were between 20 and 65 years old with at least 6 months of work experience. The deep learning method employed the YOLOv3 model to train and detect small object changes such as LDH on MRI. The dataset images were processed and combined with labeling and annotation from the radiologist’s diagnosis record. Results: Our method proves the possibility of using deep learning with a small-scale dataset with limited medical images. The highest mean average precision (mAP) was 92.4% at 550 images with data augmentation (550-aug), and the YOLOv3 LDH training was 100% with the best average precision at 550-aug among all datasets. This study used data augmentation to prevent under- or overfitting in an object detection model that was trained with the small-scale dataset. Conclusions: The data augmentation technique plays a crucial role in YOLOv3 training and detection results. This method displays a high possibility for rapid initial tests and auto-detection for a limited clinical dataset.
Blood serum levels of PCDFs and PCBs in Yu-Cheng children peri-natally exposed to a toxic rice oil
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1994
DOI: 10.1016/0045-6535(94)90257-7
Abstract: Children secondarily exposed through their mothers to a toxic rice oil containing PCDFs and PCBs in the Yu-cheng incident have shown developmental delay even a decade after the incident. Forty-five serum s les were collected from these children in February 1991 ad small amounts analyzed for their contaminant content using s le enrichment and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. In about one-half the s les, detectable levels of PCDFs and PCBs could still be determined with average values for 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-PnCDF and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-HxCDF of 300 and 620 ng/kg serum lipid, respectively. The mean of the total PCBs on a whole weight basis was 7.5 micrograms/kg. These concentrations of PCDFs and PCBs are still 10 to 25 times higher than those from a matched control population. Although the serum levels did not correlate with developmental delays, those for the two PCDFs but not the total PCBs correlated with duration of breast feeding indicative of postnatal exposure. The results of this study suggest that estimation of past prenatal exposure of children to PCDFs is best carried out using current mother and not current child blood concentrations.
N-acetylcysteine attenuates noise-induced permanent hearing loss in diabetic rats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.HEARES.2010.03.082
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether repeated noise exposure aggravates the level of permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in diabetic rats and whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione, attenuates the level of noise-induced permanent hearing loss in diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were ided into four groups: 12 non-diabetic control rats with saline injection (Control-Saline), 11 non-diabetic control rats with NAC injection (Control-NAC), 13 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with saline injection (Diabetes-Saline) and 14 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with NAC injection (Diabetes-NAC). NAC (325mg/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection twice per day (b.i.d.) for 14 days starting 2 days before noise exposure. All rats were exposed to noise for 8hours per day for 10 consecutive days to develop noise-induced permanent hearing loss. The hearing status of all animals was evaluated with auditory brainstem responses (ABR) evoked by clicks and tone bursts. ABRs were measured before and at 1hour, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after noise exposure. After a recovery time of 4 weeks, animals were decapitated, and the loss of hair cells was assessed microscopically. In all groups, ABR thresholds failed to return to pre-exposure values throughout the experimental period. The ABR threshold to clicks was markedly elevated in the Diabetes-Saline group (36.9+/-2.3dB SPL), less elevated in the Control-Saline and Diabetes-NAC groups and least in the Control-NAC group (19.5+/-2.0dB SPL) at 4 weeks after noise exposure. Diabetes caused increased susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, and NAC treatment reduced the loss in both control and diabetic rats. Cochleograms revealed no gross destruction of hair cells in the non-diabetic groups or the Diabetes-NAC group however, a significant number of outer hair cells (OHCs) were lost in the Diabetes-Saline group. This study demonstrated that diabetics were prone to developing more severe NIHL than non-diabetics and that NAC could preserve most OHCs and attenuate the permanent noise-induced hearing loss in both groups.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors enhance the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on breast cancer
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2012
Emergency room visits for childhood atopic dermatitis are associated with floods?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Association between air pollution exposure and diabetic retinopathy among diabetics
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2019.108960
Abstract: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse effects on vascular diseases. However, the effects of air pollution exposure on diabetic retinopathy (DR), a vascular disease, have not been studied. To determine the association of ambient air pollution exposure with DR risk. Patients newly diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus (DM) during 2003-2012 from Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005), a subset of National Health Insurance Research Database, were included as the study cohort. Newly diagnosed DR patients one year or later after DM diagnosis were identified as cases. Kriging was used to interpolate yearly concentrations of air pollutants at township levels and linked with every in idual's residence in each year average concentrations during the follow-up period were then calculated as personal exposure. Conditional logistic regressions with adjustments for age at DM diagnosis and comorbidities were applied. Of newly diagnosed DM cases during 2003-2012, 579 were newly diagnosed as having DR over a mean follow-up period of 5.6 years. The Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of DR occurrence for every 10-μg/m In patients with DM, the higher particulate matter exposure, the higher is the DR risk.
Neurocognitive Changes among Elderly Exposed to PCBs/PCDFs in Taiwan
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 02-2008
DOI: 10.1289/EHP.10134
Prenatal perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and glutathione s-transferase T1/M1 genotypes and their association with atopic dermatitis at 2 years of age
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-01-2019
2-Naphthol Levels and Allergic Disorders in Children
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-07-2018
Effect of smoking on blood lead levels in workers and role of reactive oxygen species in lead-induced sperm chromatin DNA damage
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2008.01.005
Abstract: To investigate whether cigarette smoking affects the blood lead levels (BLL) and whether exposure to lead introduces sperm chromatin DNA damage in factory workers. Cross-sectional study. A battery plant in Taiwan. Eighty male workers employed within a battery plant. Standard semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Assessment of BLL, sperm chromatin DNA structure, reactive oxygen species generation and other conventional parameters of semen quality. As compared with nonsmoking workers, the BLL were found to be considerably higher among smokers. Statistically significant differences were found in the sperm DNA denaturation (alphaT) induction and the percentage of sperm with increased DNA denaturation (COMP alphaT) in workers with moderate BLL (>or=25 microg/dL). After adjustment for smoking propensity, a positive correlation was discernible between BLL and alphaT, COMP alphaT, and morphologic abnormality. Furthermore, alphaT and COMP alphaT were also found to have positive correlations with sperm superoxide anion production. Workers with higher BLL were found to be at a higher risk of sperm morphologic abnormality and chromatin DNA integrity. These data are significant because they can facilitate the estimation of lead exposure in reproductive toxicology.
Maternal proximity to petrochemical industrial parks and risk of premature rupture of membranes
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
The roles of lumbar load thresholds in cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in an Asian population
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12891-020-3167-Y
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific threshold per lifting movement, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, exists or the total lifting load should be considered. This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cumulative lifting load was defined as the sum of the time-weighed lumbar load for each job and was calculated using a biomechanical software system. The effectiveness of accumulation above different thresholds in predicting disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods. A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For the men, 3000 Newtons for each lifting task was the optimal threshold for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for the women, 2800 Newtons was optimal. Our findings suggested that for cumulative lifting exposure, including the total lifting load without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be the optimal thresholds for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be needed for men and women in the workplace for their safety.
Ozone and Daily Mortality Rate in 21 Cities of East Asia: How Does Season Modify the Association?
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-08-2014
DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWU183
Abstract: Previous studies in East Asia have revealed that the short-term associations between tropospheric ozone and daily mortality rate were strongest in winter, which is opposite to the findings in North America and Western Europe. Therefore, we investigated the season-varying association between ozone and daily mortality rate in 21 cities of East Asia from 1979 to 2010. Time-series Poisson regression models were used to analyze the association between ozone and daily nonaccidental mortality rate in each city, testing for different temperature lags. The best-fitting model was obtained after adjustment for temperature in the previous 2 weeks. Bayesian hierarchical models were applied to pool the city-specific estimates. An interquartile-range increase of the moving average concentrations of same-day and previous-day ozone was associated with an increase of 1.44% (95% posterior interval (PI): 1.08%, 1.80%) in daily total mortality rate after adjustment for temperature in the previous 2 weeks. The corresponding increases were 0.62% (95% PI: 0.08%, 1.16%) in winter, 1.46% (95% PI: 0.89%, 2.03%) in spring, 1.60% (95% PI: 1.03%, 2.17%) in summer, and 1.12% (95% PI: 0.73%, 1.51%) in fall. We found significant associations between short-term exposure to ozone and higher mortality rate in East Asia that varied considerably from season to season with a significant trough in winter.
Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter and Fungal Spores on Lung Function in Schoolchildren
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Date: 03-2011
Abstract: Studies examining the combined health effects of both have been relatively lacking. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether exposure to air pollutants and fungal spores might exacerbate childhood respiratory health. Study participants were 100 elementary and middle-school students in Taipei County, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly spirometry from October 2007 to June 2008. During the study period, complete daily monitoring data for criteria air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and Aerosol Supersite. Fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday in the week when lung-function measurements were made for each study month. Lung-function measurements were compared with air pollutants and fungal spores using mixed-effects models with 1-day-lag modeling. The particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less level 1 day before the lung function measurements was negatively associated with forced vital capacity. The fungal spore level was negatively associated with both forced expiratory vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. O3 level was negatively associated with forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of forced vital capacity, and average expiratory flow over the middle half of forced vital capacity. This study suggested that exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less and fungal spores might cause adverse effects on the vital capacity of schoolchildren. Exposure to O3 adversely affected small airway function.
The combined effect of employment status and transcultural marriage on breast feeding: a population‐based survey in Taiwan
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-06-2007
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-3016.2007.00828.X
Abstract: In recent decades there has been a marked rise in both the labour market participation of women with infants and transcultural marriage in Taiwan. The objectives of this study were to explore the combined effect of employment status and transcultural marriage on the prevalence and factors relating to initiation and continuation of breast feeding in Taiwan. We used multistage stratified systematic s ling to recruit 2048 postpartum women from the Taiwan National Birth Registration database for the period November to December 2003. They were interviewed at home within 6 months of delivery using a structured questionnaire 87% of the s led population completed the interview. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of breast-feeding initiation and Cox regression (survival) analysis to predict continued breast feeding. The prevalences of initial breast feeding for employed Taiwanese mothers, unemployed Taiwanese mothers, employed foreign-born mothers and unemployed foreign-born mothers were 84.4%, 83.7%, 79.1% and 79.7%, respectively. Among the four groups of mothers who initiated breast feeding, 12.9%, 27.2%, 14.7% and 39.7% of their infants, respectively, were still breast feeding at the age of 6 months. Factors associated with initiation of breast feeding were high maternal education (OR 3.80 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.81, 7.98) and normal spontaneous delivery (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.04, 1.78). The main reason for not breast feeding in 52% of the mothers was insufficient or no milk. There existed a combined effect of employment status and transcultural marriage on the continuation of breast feeding. Employed Taiwanese mothers were earlier than others at weaning. Unemployed foreign-born mothers breast fed the longest [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54 95% CI 0.42, 0.70]. Other factors related to late weaning were high maternal education (HR 0.67 95% CI 0.47, 0.96), older maternal age (HR 0.76 95% CI 0.61, 0.94), mother sleeping with baby at night (HR 0.68 95% CI 0.59, 0.78), and no supplemental baby food before the age of 6 months (HR 0.78 95% CI 0.68, 0.90). The initiation of breast feeding was high but it decreased dramatically after the postpartum period in Taiwan. There was a significant combined effect of employment status and transcultural marriage on the continuation of breast feeding. Employment is a persistent barrier to continued breast feeding.
An integrated strategy by using long-term monitoring data to identify volatile organic compounds of high concern near petrochemical industrial parks
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.153345
Abstract: Exposure to ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is associated with a risk of cancer in the residents living near petrochemical facilities. However, research on the contribution of different VOCs to the lifetime cancer risk remains inconclusive. The variability in source emissions, geographical locations, seasons, and meteorological conditions can be assessed through long-term measurement of ambient VOCs with a wide spatial distribution, thus reducing the uncertainty of health risk assessment from source emissions. This study analyzed comprehensive measurement data of 109 VOCs at 17 monitoring stations around petrochemical industrial parks, collected once every six days during 2015-2018 by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency. We calculated the annual mean concentration of selected VOCs and then integrated the probability risk assessment (PRA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models to identify the sources of VOCs of high concern. First, we prioritized 12 out of 23 carcinogenic VOCs based on the PRA results. Further, the results obtained from the PMF model revealed that petrochemical industrial parks contributed to more than 50% of the emissions of six VOCs, namely 1,3-butadiene, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, vinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile, measured at a few monitoring stations. This integrated approach can help regulatory agencies to efficiently propose control strategies on the emissions of VOCs of high concern, thereby reducing the population's health risk.
Predicted temperature-increase-induced global health burden and its regional variability
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2019.105027
Abstract: An increase in the global health burden of temperature was projected for 459 locations in 28 countries worldwide under four representative concentration pathway scenarios until 2099. We determined that the amount of temperature increase for each 100 ppm increase in global CO
Sperm Changes in Men Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Dibenzofurans
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 11-06-2003
Workplace justice and intention to leave the nursing profession
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 18-01-2017
Abstract: Poor psychosocial work environments are considered critical factors of nurses’ intention to leave their profession. Workplace injustice has been proven to increase the incidence of psychiatric morbidity among workers. However, few studies have directly investigated the effect of workplace justice on nurses’ intention to leave their profession and the population attributable risk among nurses. This study identified factors associated with workplace justice and nurses’ intention to leave the profession. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Approximately 10% of all secondary referral centers in Taiwan were stratified and randomly s led. Multiple logistic regression and population attributable risks were preformed to assess the effect of workplace justice on nurses’ intention to leave the nursing profession. This study was approved by the Research and Ethical Committee of National Taiwan University Hospital. Only nurses who consented to the study participated in the survey. A total of 2268 nurses were recruited, of whom 1417 (62.5%) satisfactorily completed the questionnaire. The participants were classified and 342 (24.1%) of them were placed into the low workplace justice group. Nurses with low workplace justice had a higher intention of leaving the profession (adjusted odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.77). “Employees’ opinions are influential in hospital’s decision making” and “employees’ performance is evaluated fairly” were the most influential factors of the participants’ intention to quit. The adjusted population attributable risk was 3.7% for low workplace justice. This study has identified that workplace justice is a protective factor of nurses’ leaving their current profession. A fair performance appraisal system and increased autonomy at work are warranted to dissuade nurses from leaving the nursing profession.
Motor Vehicle Accident Risk after Methadone Use: A Population-Based Study
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3555220
Related Organisations
University Of Occupational And Environmental Health
Location: No location found
Harvard University T H Chan School Of Public Health
Location: United States of America
National Health Research Institutes
Location: Taiwan, Province of China
Murdoch Children's Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology And Biostatistics Unit
Location: Australia
National Taiwan University Hospital Department Of Environmental And Occupational Medicine
Location: Taiwan, Province of China
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Yue Leon GUO.