Lidia Morawska

Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Date: 21-05-2019

DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038908

Abstract: Global dietary recommendations for and cardiovascular effects of linoleic acid, the major dietary omega-6 fatty acid, and its major metabolite, arachidonic acid, remain controversial. To address this uncertainty and inform international recommendations, we evaluated how in vivo circulating and tissue levels of linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) relate to incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) across multiple international studies. We performed harmonized, de novo, in idual-level analyses in a global consortium of 30 prospective observational studies from 13 countries. Multivariable-adjusted associations of circulating and adipose tissue LA and AA biomarkers with incident total CVD and subtypes (coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular mortality) were investigated according to a prespecified analytic plan. Levels of LA and AA, measured as the percentage of total fatty acids, were evaluated linearly according to their interquintile range (ie, the range between the midpoint of the first and fifth quintiles), and categorically by quintiles. Study-specific results were pooled using inverse-variance–weighted meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by age, sex, race, diabetes mellitus, statin use, aspirin use, omega-3 levels, and fatty acid desaturase 1 genotype (when available). In 30 prospective studies with medians of follow-up ranging 2.5 to 31.9 years, 15 198 incident cardiovascular events occurred among 68 659 participants. Higher levels of LA were significantly associated with lower risks of total CVD, cardiovascular mortality, and ischemic stroke, with hazard ratios per interquintile range of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.99), 0.78 (0.70–0.85), and 0.88 (0.79–0.98), respectively, and nonsignificantly with lower coronary heart disease risk (0.94 0.88–1.00). Relationships were similar for LA evaluated across quintiles. AA levels were not associated with higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes in a comparison of extreme quintiles, higher levels were associated with lower risk of total CVD (0.92 0.86–0.99). No consistent heterogeneity by population subgroups was identified in the observed relationships. In pooled global analyses, higher in vivo circulating and tissue levels of LA and possibly AA were associated with lower risk of major cardiovascular events. These results support a favorable role for LA in CVD prevention.

Influence of ventilation and filtration on indoor particle concentrations in urban office buildings

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.06.009

Is PM1 similar to PM2.5? A new insight into the association of PM1 and PM2.5 with children’s lung function

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.106092

Quantification of particle number emission factors for motor vehicles from on-road measurements

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 03-11-2005

DOI: 10.1021/ES050069C

Abstract: The database on particle number emission factors has been very limited to date despite the increasing interest in the effects of human exposure to particles in the submicrometer range. There are also major questions on the comparability of emission factors derived through dynamometer versus on-road studies. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to quantify vehicle number emission factors in the submicrometer (and also supermicrometer) range for stop-start and free-flowing traffic at about 100 km h(-1) driving conditions through extensive road measurements and (2) to compare the emission factors from the road measurements with those obtained previously from dynamometer studies conducted in Brisbane. For submicrometer particles the average emission factors for Tora Street were estimated at (1.89 +/- 3.40) x 10(13) particles km(-1) (mean +/- standard error n = 386) for petrol and (7.17 +/- 2.80) x 10(14) particles km(-1) (diesel n = 196) and for supermicrometer particles at 2.59 x 10(9) particles km(-1) and 1.53 x 10(12) particles km(-1), respectively. The average number emission factors for submicrometer particles estimated for Ipswich Road (stop-start traffic mode) were (2.18 +/- 0.57) x 10(13) particles km(-1) (petrol) and (2.04 +/- 0.24) x 10(14) particles km(-1) (diesel). One implication of the conclusion that emission factors of heavy duty diesel vehicles are over 1 order of magnitude higher than emission factors of petrol-fueled passenger cars is that future control and management strategies should in particular target heavy duty vehicles, as even a moderate decrease in emissions of these vehicles would have a significant impact on lowering atmospheric concentrations of particles. The finding that particle number emissions per vehicle-km are significantly larger for higher speed vehicle operation has an important implication on urban traffic planning and optimization of vehicle speed to lower their impact on airborne pollution. Additionally, statistical analysis showed that neither the measuring method (dynamometer or on-road), nor data origin (Brisbane or elsewhere in the world), is associated with a statistically significant difference between the average values of emission factors for diesel, petrol, and vehicle fleet mix. However, statistical analyses of the effect of fuel showed that the mean values of emission factors for petrol and diesel are different at a 5% significance level.

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global B

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2018

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32279-7

Experimentally determined deposition of ambient urban ultrafine particles in the respiratory tract of children

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.106094

Improved morbidity-based air quality health index development using Bayesian multi-pollutant weighted model

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2022

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2021.112397

Abstract: The widely used Air Quality Index (AQI) has been criticized due to its inaccuracy, leading to the development of the air quality health index (AQHI), an improvement on the AQI. However, there is currently no consensus on the most appropriate construction strategy for the AQHI. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility of AQHIs constructed by different models and health outcomes, and determine a better strategy. Based on the daily time-series outpatient visits and hospital admissions from 299 hospitals (January 2016-December 2018), and mortality (January 2017-December 2019) in Guangzhou, China, we utilized cumulative risk index (CRI) method, Bayesian multi-pollutant weighted (BMW) model and standard method to construct AQHIs for different health outcomes. The effectiveness of AQHIs constructed by different strategies was evaluated by a two-stage validation analysis and examined their exposure-response relationships with the cause-specific morbidity and mortality. Validation by different models showed that AQHI constructed with the BMW model (BMW-AQHI) had the strongest association with the health outcome either in the total population or subpopulation among air quality indexes, followed by AQHI constructed with the CRI method (CRI-AQHI), then common AQHI and AQI. Further validation by different health outcomes showed that AQHI constructed with the risk of outpatient visits generally exhibited the highest utility in presenting mortality and morbidity, followed by AQHI constructed with the risk of hospitalizations, then mortality-based AQHI and AQI. The contributions of NO The BMW model is likely to be more effective for AQHI construction than CRI and standard methods. Based on the BMW model, the AQHI constructed with the outpatient data may be more effective in presenting short-term health risks associated with the co-exposure to air pollutants than the mortality-based AQHI and existing AQIs.

Estimating the global burden of disease from occupational exposures

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 13-02-2020

DOI: 10.1136/OEMED-2019-106349

Is there an Association between ß-Cell Function and Cancer Risk?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.EBIOM.2017.07.006

Ultrafine particles from traffic emissions and children’s health (UPTECH) in Brisbane, Queensland (Australia): Study design and implementation

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 02-02-2015

DOI: 10.3390/IJERPH120201687

Reply to: Comments on “Methylation scores for smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index and risk of seven types of cancer”

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 30-06-2023

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.34644

Meta-analysis on short-term exposure to ambient ultrafine particles and respiratory morbidity

Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Date: 28-10-2020

DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0116-2020

Abstract: There is growing interest in the health effects following exposure to ambient particles with a diameter nm defined as ultrafine particles (UFPs), although studies so far have reported inconsistent results. We have undertaken a systematic review and meta-analysis for respiratory hospital admissions and emergency room visits following short-term exposure to UFPs. We searched PubMed and the Web of Science for studies published up to March 2019 to update previous reviews. We applied fixed- and random-effects models, assessed heterogeneity between cities and explored possible effect modifiers. We identified nine publications, reporting effects from 15 cities, 11 of which were European. There was great variability in exposure assessment, outcome measures and the exposure lags considered. Our meta-analyses did not support UFP effects on respiratory morbidity across all ages. We found consistent statistically significant associations following lag 2 exposure during the warm period and in cities with mean daily UFP concentrations particles·cm ‒3 , which was approximately the median of the city-specific mean levels. Among children aged 0–14 years, a 10 000 particle·cm ‒3 increase in UFPs 2 or 3 days before was associated with a relative risk of 1.01 (95% CI 1.00–1.02) in respiratory hospital admissions. Our study indicates UFP effects on respiratory health among children, and during the warm season across all ages at longer lags. The limited evidence and the large heterogeneity of previous reports call for future exposure assessment harmonisation and expanded research.

Translating Dental Flossing Intentions into Behavior: a Longitudinal Investigation of the Mediating Effect of Planning and Self-Efficacy on Young Adults

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 18-10-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S12529-016-9605-4

Abstract: Although poor oral hygiene practices can have serious health consequences, a large number of adults brush or floss their teeth less than the recommended time or not at all. This study examined the mediating effect of two key self-regulatory processes, self-efficacy and planning, as the mechanisms that translate dental flossing intentions into behavior. Participants (N = 629) comprised young adults attending a major university in Queensland, Australia. A longitudinal design guided by sound theory was adopted to investigate the sequential mediation chain for the effect of dental flossing intentions (time 1) on behavior (time 3) via self-efficacy and planning (time 2). A latent variable structural equation model with standardized parameter estimates revealed the model was a good fit to the data. Controlling for baseline flossing, the effect of intentions on behavior was mediated via self-efficacy and planning, with 64 % of the flossing variance accounted for by this set of predictors. Controlling for age and sex did not change the results. The results extend previous research to further elucidate the mechanisms that help to translate oral hygiene intentions into behavior and make a significant contribution to the cumulative empirical evidence about self-regulatory components in health behavior change.

New Directions: Particle air pollution down under

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2001

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(00)00553-7

Modeling the urban heat island mitigation effect of cool coatings in realistic urban morphology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2020.121560

Combustion sources of particles. 1. Health relevance and source signatures

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2002

DOI: 10.1016/S0045-6535(02)00241-2

Abstract: Combustion processes result in generation of a large number of particle and gaseous products that create health and environmental risks. Of particular importance are the very small particles that are emitted in large quantities from all the combustion sources, and that have been shown to be potentially more significant in terms of their impact on health than larger particles. To control and mitigate the particles with a view of health and environmental risk reduction, a good understanding is necessary of the relative and absolute contribution from the emission sources to the airborne concentrations. This understanding could only be achieved by developing source signature libraries through direct emission measurements from the sources on one hand, and by measuring particle concentrations in the air, and apportioning them to the specific local and distant sources using the signatures, on the other hand. This paper is a review of particle characteristics that are used as source signatures as well as their general advantages and limitations. The second part of the paper reviews source signatures of the most common combustion pollution sources.

Forecasting Urban Air Quality

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 2012

DOI: 10.1155/2012/243603

Food insecurity: a critical public health nutrition concern.

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 09-10-2015

DOI: 10.1017/S136898001500292X

Observations of particles at their formation sizes in Beijing, China

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 20-07-2017

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-17-8825-2017

Abstract: Abstract. New particle formation (NPF) has been observed in many highly polluted environments of South East Asia, including Beijing, where the extent of its contribution to intense haze events is still an open question. Estimated characteristics of NPF events, such as their starting times and formation and growth rates of particles, are more accurate when the detection range of particles extends to smaller sizes. In order to understand the very first steps of particle formation, we used a neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer (NAIS) to investigate particle characteristics at sizes exactly at which atmospheric nucleation and cluster activity occurs. Observations over a continuous 3-month period in Beijing showed 26 NPF events. These events generally coincided with periods with relatively clean air when the wind direction was from the less industrialised north. No NPF events were observed when the daily mean PM2. 5 concentration exceeded 43 µg m−3, which was the upper threshold for particle formation in Beijing. The fraction of particles that are charged in the size range 2–42 nm was normally about 15 %. However, this fraction increased to 20–30 % during haze events and decreased to below 10 % during NPF events. With the NAIS, we very precisely determined the starting times of NPF to a greater accuracy than has been possible in Beijing before and provided a temporal distribution of NPF events with a maximum at about 08:30 LT. Particle formation rates varied between 12 and 38 cm−3 s−1. Particle growth rates were estimated to be in the range of 0.5–9.0 nm h−1. These results are more reliable than previous studies in Beijing as the measurements were conducted for the first time at the exact sizes at which clusters form into particles and provide useful insight into the formation of haze events.

Public health nutrition interventions can be simple and effective

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 29-06-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011001479

Traffic-related fine and ultrafine particle exposures of professional drivers and illness: An opportunity to better link exposure science and epidemiology to address an occupational hazard?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2012.08.013

Abstract: Exposures to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) can be particularly high in transport microenvironments (i.e. in and around vehicles) despite the short durations typically spent there. There is a mounting body of evidence that suggests that this is especially true for fine (<2.5 µm) and ultrafine (<100 nm, UF) particles. Professional drivers, who spend extended periods of time in transport microenvironments due to their job, may incur exposures markedly higher than already elevated non-occupational exposures. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown a raised incidence of adverse health outcomes among professional drivers, and exposure to TRAP has been suggested as one of the possible causal factors. Despite this, data describing the range and determinants of occupational exposures to fine and UF particles are largely conspicuous in their absence. Such information could strengthen attempts to define the aetiology of professional drivers' illnesses as it relates to traffic combustion-derived particles. In this article, we suggest that the drivers' occupational fine and UF particle exposures are an exemplar case where opportunities exist to better link exposure science and epidemiology in addressing questions of causality. The nature of the hazard is first introduced, followed by an overview of the health effects attributable to exposures typical of transport microenvironments. Basic determinants of exposure and reduction strategies are also described, and finally the state of knowledge is briefly summarised along with an outline of the main unanswered questions in the topic area.

A satellite-based model for estimating PM2.5 concentration in a sparsely populated environment using soft computing techniques

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVSOFT.2016.11.017

Dependence of the radon emanation coefficient on radium distribution and internal structure of the material

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-1993

DOI: 10.1016/0016-7037(93)90113-B

New insights into the spatial distribution of particle number concentrations by applying non-parametric land use regression modelling

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.134708

Abstract: Ambient particle number concentration (PNC) varies significantly in time and space within cities, yet complexity and cost prohibit large-scale routine monitoring as a consequence, there is not enough data for assessment of human exposure to, or risk from the particles. The quality of assessments can be augmented by modelling however, models are generally less capable of predicting PNC spatial variation than predicting variations in other ambient pollutants. To advance modelling of PNC, we aimed to develop and compare the performance of parametric and non-parametric machine learning land-use regression (LUR) models to predict hourly average PNC. We used data from 25 short-term stationary c aigns and five long-term sites during 2009-2012 in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area, Australia. We analysed three particle size ranges of total PNC (<30 nm, <414 nm and <3000 nm) as response variables, and over 150 independent variables, including land use, roads and traffic, population, distance, elevation, meteorology and time of day as potential predictors of PNC. The LUR models were developed separately for All Days, Nuc Days (when particle nucleation occurred), and No-nuc Days (when no particle nucleation occurred). We selected two algorithms to develop LUR models for PNC: a random forest (RF) model, and a generalised additive model (GAM) based on the least angle regression (LARS). The best LARS model for <30 nm, <414 nm and <3000 nm explained 30%, 31%, and 34%, respectively, whereas the best RF models were significantly better, explaining 73%, 64%, and 88%, respectively. Using this novel approach, we provided new insights into spatial variation in PNC and also demonstrated that the non-parametric RF model is a better choice for developing a LUR model for PNCs because of its robust predictive performance in comparison with the LARS parametric regression model.

Association between selected dietary scores and the risk of urothelial cell carcinoma: A prospective cohort study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 19-05-2016

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.30175

Efficiency of ionizers in removing airborne particles in indoor environments

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ELSTAT.2017.10.002

High calcium intake in men not women is associated with all-cause mortality risk

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 21-09-2018

DOI: 10.1007/S11657-018-0518-5

Abstract: The risk of mortality associated with high dietary calcium is uncertain. Unlike a highly publicised study in Swedish women, high dietary calcium intake in men-not women-was associated with increased all-cause mortality. The association of dietary calcium with mortality is controversial. A study of women from the Swedish Mammography Cohort (SMC) suggested higher calcium was associated with higher mortality risk, whilst a study of Australian adults from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) suggested higher intakes were associated with lower mortality risk. Thus, we aimed to perform a sex-specific re-analysis of the MCCS to evaluate the association of dietary calcium with mortality outcomes and directly compare hazard estimates (95% confidence intervals) in women with those from the SMC. A prospective cohort study of community-dwelling Australian adults was conducted, in which 34,627 in iduals (women 20,834 (60.2%) mean ± SD, age = 54 ± 8 years) were included at baseline after excluding those with prevalent cardiovascular (CV) disease, cancer or incomplete data. Energy-adjusted dietary calcium was categorised into the following levels of consumption (mg/day): < 600, 600-999, 1000-1399 and ≥ 1400. Mortality from all-causes, any cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction was determined. Mortality hazards relative to intakes were estimated to be of 600-999 mg/day. In women, hazard estimates for calcium intake of ≥ 1400 mg/day did not reach significance for all-cause (HR = 0.85 0.66, 1.10) or CV (HR = 1.10 0.69, 1.81) mortality in adjusted models. In men, intakes of ≥ 1400 mg/day were associated with a 42% increased all-cause mortality risk (HR = 1.42 1.02, 1.99). There was a trend toward increased CV mortality (HR = 1.83 0.94, 3.55). Contrary to findings from a similar study conducted in Swedish women, Australian women, after adjustment for cofounders showed no increase in mortality risk with high calcium intakes possibly reflecting differences in calcium handling dynamics, diet or lifestyle factors between the two countries. We identified an increased risk for men.

Glycemic index and dietary fiber and the risk of type 2 diabetes

Publisher: American Diabetes Association

Date: 11-2004

DOI: 10.2337/DIACARE.27.11.2701

Abstract: OBJECTIVE—To examine associations between type 2 diabetes and fiber, glycemic load (GL), dietary glycemic index (GI), and fiber-rich foods. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a prospective study of 36,787 men and women aged 40–69 years without diabetes. For all self-reported cases of diabetes at 4-year follow-up, confirmation of diagnosis was sought from medical practitioners. Case subjects were those who reported diabetes at follow-up and for whom there was no evidence that they did not have type 2 diabetes. Data were analyzed with logistic regression, adjusting for country of birth, physical activity, family history of diabetes, alcohol and energy intake, education, 5-year weight change, sex, and age. RESULTS—Follow-up was completed by 31,641 (86%) participants, and 365 cases were identified. The odds ratio (OR) for the highest quartile of white bread intake compared with the lowest was 1.37 (95% CI 1.04–1.81 P for trend = 0.001). Intakes of carbohydrate (OR per 200 g/day 0.58, 0.36–0.95), sugars (OR per 100 g/day 0.61, 0.47–0.79), and magnesium (OR per 500 mg/day 0.62, 0.43–0.90) were inversely associated with incidence of diabetes, whereas intake of starch (OR per 100 g/day 1.47, 1.06–2.05) and dietary GI (OR per 10 units 1.32, 1.05–1.66) were positively associated with diabetes. These relationships were attenuated after adjustment for BMI and waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSIONS—Reducing dietary GI while maintaining a high carbohydrate intake may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. One way to achieve this would be to substitute white bread with low-GI breads.

Estimates and 25-year trends of the global burden of disease attributable to ambient air pollution: an analysis of data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2015

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2017

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30505-6

Influence of fuel composition on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions from a fleet of in-service passenger cars

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2007

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2006.07.044

Seasonal temperature patterns and durations of acceptable temperature range in houses in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.05.145

Abstract: A paradigm shift to the use of indoor rather than outdoor temperature to estimate the exposure risk of low and high temperatures is vital for better prediction of temperature health effects and timely health warnings, and will also assist in understanding the influence of temperature on energy consumption and comfort. This study aimed to quantify the percentage of hours during the year that indoor temperature (living room) was in the extended comfort band (18-28 °C) of a subtropical climate, and identify the diurnal pattern of indoor temperatures in different seasons. Data used was collected in a previous study on the association between indoor and outdoor temperature. A k-shape cluster analysis resulted in two clusters of indoor temperature patterns for both weekdays and weekends. A bimodal pattern was identified during the cool season and a flat top pattern for the warm season, with many variations at weekends. These patterns can be attributed to the influence of cooling and heating processes depending on the season as well as occupancy, occupants' interference, and building materials. During the intermediate season, a sinusoidal pattern was observed for both weekdays and weekends because occupants likely relied on outdoor temperature conditions which were similar to those expected indoors without heating or cooling devices. The percentage of hours in which the indoor temperature of the houses ranged within the extended comfort band was 72-97% throughout the year, but for the coldest and hottest months it was 50-75%. These findings show that Brisbane residents are at possible risk of exposure to cold and hot temperatures due to the poor thermal performance of houses, and confirm that there is no standard indoor temperature pattern for all houses.

NMR-determined lipoprotein subclass profile is associated with dietary composition and body size☆

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 16-11-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.NUMECD.2009.12.003

Abstract: Dyslipidemia is influenced by diet and body habitus. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy lipoprotein subclass profile (NMR-LSP) is associated with diabetes and its vascular complications and an NMR-LSP featuring large VLDL particles and small LDL and HDL particles is linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus interventions which favourably modify NMR-LSP may reduce risk for diabetes, its complications and CVD. The study aim was to investigate the associations between NMR-LSP, dietary composition and body size measures using data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS). NMR-LSP was assessed in 313 men and 403 women (median age 54 years) randomly selected from a community-based cohort study. Diet was assessed using a specifically developed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and body size was assessed by body mass index (BMI) or waist:hips ratio (WHR). To simplify the 15 NMR-LSP variables, factor analysis was used to derive a single factor. Multivariate linear regression with this factor score as the dependent variable demonstrated that in men, total PUFA and n-6 dietary fat intake and BMI were associated with a more atherogenic NMR-LSP pattern while in women dietary glycemic index and WHR demonstrated positive associations, and n-3 fat intake an inverse association. We developed a single factor score to summarize the NMR-LSP that has the benefit of combining all aspects of the NMR-LSP and accounting for correlations between them. We have shown correlations between the NMR-LSP and body size and dietary composition.

Identification of technical problems affecting performance of DustTrak DRX aerosol monitors

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.01.129

Abstract: The TSI DustTrak Aerosol Monitor is a portable real-time instrument widely used for particulate matter (PM) mass concentrations monitoring. The aim of this work is to report on issues that have arisen from the use of the latest generation models DustTrak DRX (8533 and 8534) in the BREATHE, UPTECH and IMPROVE projects that can compromise data quality. The main issue we encountered was the occurrence of sudden artefact jumps in PM concentration, which can involve an increase from a few to some hundreds of μg·m

Response to Reviewers Comments

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 12-2016

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-2016-521-AC2

Patterns of dietary intake and psychological distress in older Australians: Benefits not just from a Mediterranean diet

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 03-12-2013

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610212001986

Abstract: Background: Anxiety and depression contribute to morbidity in elderly adults and may be associated with diet. We investigated the association between diet and psychological distress as a marker for depression. Methods: Dietary patterns were defined by factor analysis or the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) depression and anxiety were assessed 12 years later. A total of 8,660 generally healthy men and women born in Australia and aged 50–69 years from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study were included. At baseline (1990–1994), diet (food frequency questionnaire), education, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) – Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage, medication use, social engagement, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and health conditions were assessed at follow-up (2003–2007), psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between diet and a K10 score ≥20, indicative of psychological distress. Results: The MDS was inversely associated with psychological distress, with the odds ratio in the top-scoring group relative to the lowest scoring group being 0.72 (95% confidence interval = 0.54–0.95). Stronger adherence to a traditional Australian-style eating pattern was also associated with a lower K10 score at follow-up, with the odds ratio for having a K10 score indicative of psychological distress for the top 20% of adherence to this pattern relative to the lowest being 0.61 (95% confidence interval = 0.40–0.91). Conclusions: A Mediterranean-style diet was associated with less psychological distress, possibly through provision of a healthy nutrient profile. The Australian dietary pattern, which included some foods high in fat and sugar content along with whole foods, also showed a weak inverse association. Adherence to this pattern may reflect a feeling of belonging to the community associated with less psychological distress.

Sleep disturbances may influence lifestyle behaviours in women with self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 28-06-2022

DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521002361

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances and obesity. Treatment of PCOS includes modifying lifestyle behaviours associated with weight management. However, poor sleep in the non-PCOS population has been associated with poorer lifestyle behaviours. The aim was to investigate whether sleep disturbance confounds or modifies the association between lifestyle factors and PCOS. This was a cross-sectional analysis from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health cohort aged 31–36 years in 2009 were analysed ( n 6067, 464 PCOS, 5603 non-PCOS). Self-reported data were collected on PCOS, anthropometry, validated modified version of the Active Australia Physical Activity survey, validated FFQ and sleep disturbances through latent class analysis. Women with PCOS had greater adverse sleep symptoms including severe tiredness ( P = 0·001), difficulty sleeping ( P 0·001) and restless sleep ( P 0·001), compared with women without PCOS. Women with PCOS also had higher energy consumption (6911 ( sd 2453) v . 6654 ( sd 2215) kJ, P = 0·017), fibre intake (19·8 ( sd 7·8) v . 18·9 ( sd 6·9) g, P = 0·012) and diet quality (dietary guidelines index (DGI)) (88·1 ( sd 11·6) v . 86·7 ( sd 11·1), P = 0·008), lower glycaemic index (50·2 ( sd 4·0) v . 50·7 ( sd 3·9), P = 0·021) and increased sedentary behaviour (6·3 ( sd 2·8) v . 5·9 ( sd 2·8) h, P = 0·009). There was a significant interaction between PCOS and sleep disturbances for DGI ( P = 0·035), therefore only for women who had adequate sleep was PCOS associated with a higher DGI. For women with poorer sleep, there was no association between PCOS and DGI. The association between PCOS and improved diet quality may only be maintained if women can obtain enough good quality sleep.

Concentration and oxidative potential of on-road particle emissions and their relationship with traffic composition: Relevance to exposure assessment

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2012.05.039

Response to Reviewers Comments

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 12-2016

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-2016-521-AC1

Exploratory cross-sectional investigations on ambient submicrometer particles in Salzburg, Austria

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2004

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2004.03.024

Influence of medium range transport of particles from nucleation burst on particle number concentration within the urban airshed

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 07-06-2012

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-12-4951-2012

Abstract: Abstract. An elevated particle number concentration (PNC) observed during nucleation events could play a significant contribution to the total particle load and therefore to the air pollution in the urban environments. Therefore, a field measurement study of PNC was commenced to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of PNC within the urban airshed of Brisbane, Australia. PNC was monitored at urban (QUT), roadside (WOO) and semi-urban (ROC) areas around the Brisbane region during 2009. During the morning traffic peak period, the highest relative fraction of PNC reached about 5% at QUT and WOO on weekdays. PNC peaks were observed around noon, which correlated with the highest solar radiation levels at all three stations, thus suggesting that high PNC levels were likely to be associated with new particle formation caused by photochemical reactions. Wind rose plots showed relatively higher PNC for the NE direction, which was associated with industrial pollution, accounting for 12%, 9% and 14% of overall PNC at QUT, WOO and ROC, respectively. Although there was no significant correlation between PNC at each station, the variation of PNC was well correlated among three stations during regional nucleation events. In addition, PNC at ROC was significantly influenced by upwind urban pollution during the nucleation burst events, with the average enrichment factor of 15.4. This study provides an insight into the influence of regional nucleation events on PNC in the Brisbane region and it the first study to quantify the effect of urban pollution on semi-urban PNC through the nucleation events.

Estimation of inhaled ultrafine particle surface area dose for urban environments

Publisher: Australian Mathematical Publishing Association, Inc.

Date: 05-11-2014

DOI: 10.21914/ANZIAMJ.V55I0.7819

Individual dose and exposure of Italian children to ultrafine particles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2012.08.074

Abstract: Time-activity patterns and the airborne pollutant concentrations encountered by children each day are an important determinant of in idual exposure to airborne particles. This is demonstrated in this work by using hand-held devices to measure the real-time in idual exposure of more than 100 children aged 8-11 years to particle number concentrations and average particle diameter, as well as alveolar and tracheobronchial deposited surface area concentration. A GPS-logger and activity diaries were also used to give explanation to the measurement results. Children were ided in three s le groups: two groups comprised of urban schools (school time from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm) with lunch and dinner at home, and the third group of a rural school with only dinner at home. The mean in idual exposure to particle number concentration was found to differ between the three groups, ranging from 6.2 × 10(4)part.cm(-3) for children attending one urban school to 1.6 × 10(4)part.cm(-3) for the rural school. The corresponding daily alveolar deposited surface area dose varied from about 1.7 × 10(3)mm(2) for urban schools to 6.0 × 10(2)mm(2) for the rural school. For all of the children monitored, the lowest particle number concentrations are found during sleeping time and the highest were found during eating time. With regard to alveolar deposited surface area dose, a child's home was the major contributor (about 70%), with school contributing about 17% for urban schools and 27% for the rural school. An important contribution arises from the cooking/eating time spent at home, which accounted for approximately 20% of overall exposure, corresponding to more than 200 mm(2). These activities represent the highest dose received per time unit, with very high values also encountered by children with a fireplace at home, as well as those that spend considerable time stuck in traffic jams.

Contribution from indoor sources to particle number and mass concentrations in residential houses

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2004

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2004.03.027

Characterization of particle number concentrations and PM2.5 in a school: influence of outdoor air pollution on indoor air

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 03-2010

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-010-0306-2

Abstract: The impact of air pollution on school children's health is currently one of the key foci of international and national agencies. Of particular concern are ultrafine particles which are emitted in large quantities, contain large concentrations of toxins and are deposited deeply in the respiratory tract. In this study, an intensive s ling c aign of indoor and outdoor airborne particulate matter was carried out in a primary school in February 2006 to investigate indoor and outdoor particle number (PN) and mass concentrations (PM(2.5)), and particle size distribution, and to evaluate the influence of outdoor air pollution on the indoor air. For outdoor PN and PM(2.5), early morning and late afternoon peaks were observed on weekdays, which are consistent with traffic rush hours, indicating the predominant effect of vehicular emissions. However, the temporal variations of outdoor PM(2.5) and PN concentrations occasionally showed extremely high peaks, mainly due to human activities such as cigarette smoking and the operation of mower near the s ling site. The indoor PM(2.5) level was mainly affected by the outdoor PM(2.5) (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), whereas the indoor PN concentration had some association with outdoor PN values (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) even though the indoor PN concentration was occasionally influenced by indoor sources, such as cooking, cleaning and floor polishing activities. Correlation analysis indicated that the outdoor PM(2.5) was inversely correlated with the indoor to outdoor PM(2.5) ratio (I/O ratio r = -0.49, p < 0.01), while the indoor PN had a weak correlation with the I/O ratio for PN (r = 0.34, p < 0.01). The results showed that occupancy did not cause any major changes to the modal structure of particle number and size distribution, even though the I/O ratio was different for different size classes. The I/O curves had a maximum value for particles with diameters of 100-400 nm under both occupied and unoccupied scenarios, whereas no significant difference in I/O ratio for PM(2.5) was observed between occupied and unoccupied conditions. Inspection of the size-resolved I/O ratios in the preschool centre and the classroom suggested that the I/O ratio in the preschool centre was the highest for accumulation mode particles at 600 nm after school hours, whereas the average I/O ratios of both nucleation mode and accumulation mode particles in the classroom were much lower than those of Aitken mode particles. The findings obtained in this study are useful for epidemiological studies to estimate the total personal exposure of children, and to develop appropriate control strategies for minimising the adverse health effects on school children.

A review of dispersion modelling and its application to the dispersion of particles: An overview of different dispersion models available

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2006

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2006.06.003

Alcohol intake, consumption pattern and beverage type, and the risk of Type 2 diabetes

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 26-05-2006

DOI: 10.1111/J.1464-5491.2006.01864.X

Abstract: To examine associations between amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, and Type 2 diabetes. A prospective study of 36 527 adults aged 40-69 at baseline. Incident cases of Type 2 diabetes were identified by questionnaire 4 years later. Sex-specific logistic regression models, adjusting for country of birth, dietary glycaemic index, energy intake and age, and in a second model body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), were used. Diabetes status was ascertained for 31 422 (86%) participants, and 362 cases identified. Former drinkers had higher risks than lifetime abstainers. Female drinkers had lower risk than lifetime abstainers (ORs or = 20 g/day 0.46, 0.24-0.88, P trend = 0.005). There was no relationship after adjustment for body size. For men, a weak inverse association was observed after adjustment for body size (ORs relative to lifetime abstainers: or = 210 g over 1-3 days had an increased risk of diabetes (OR 5.21, 1.79-15.19), while the same amount over more days did not increase risk. Total alcohol intake was associated with reduced risk only in women. Alcohol from wine was associated with reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes. A high daily intake of alcohol, even on only 1-3 days a week, may increase the risk of diabetes in men.

The impact of flood and post-flood cleaning on airborne microbiological and particle contamination in residential houses

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2014.04.001

Abstract: In January 2011, Brisbane, Australia, experienced a major river flooding event. We aimed to investigate its effects on air quality and assess the role of prompt cleaning activities in reducing the airborne exposure risk. A comprehensive, multi-parameter indoor and outdoor measurement c aign was conducted in 41 residential houses, 2 and 6 months after the flood. The median indoor air concentrations of supermicrometer particle number (PN), PM10, fungi and bacteria 2 months after the flood were comparable to those previously measured in Brisbane. These were 2.88 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 804 cf um(-3) and 177 cf um(-3) for flood-affected houses (AFH), and 2.74 p cm(-3), 15 μg m(-3), 547 cf um(-3) and 167 cf um(-3) for non-affected houses (NFH), respectively. The I/O (indoor/outdoor) ratios of these pollutants were 1.08, 1.38, 0.74 and 1.76 for AFH and 1.03, 1.32, 0.83 and 2.17 for NFH, respectively. The average of total elements (together with transition metals) in indoor dust was 2296 ± 1328 μg m(-2) for AFH and 1454 ± 678 μg m(-2) for NFH, respectively. In general, the differences between AFH and NFH were not statistically significant, implying the absence of a measureable effect on air quality from the flood. We postulate that this was due to the very swift and effective cleaning of the flooded houses by 60,000 volunteers. Among the various cleaning methods, the use of both detergent and bleach was the most efficient at controlling indoor bacteria. All cleaning methods were equally effective for indoor fungi. This study provides quantitative evidence of the significant impact of immediate post-flood cleaning on mitigating the effects of flooding on indoor bioaerosol contamination and other pollutants.

Data from DNA Methylation in Peripheral Blood and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Nested Case–control Study

Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Date: 03-04-2023

DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.C.6547658.V1

Abstract: Abstract DNA methylation in peripheral blood is a potential biomarker of gastric cancer risk which could be used for early detection. We conducted a prospective case–control study nested within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Genomic DNA was prepared from blood s les collected a median of 12 years before diagnosis for cases ( i N /i = 168). Controls ( i N /i = 163) were matched to cases on sex, year of birth, country of birth, and blood s le type using incidence density s ling. Genome-wide DNA methylation was measured using the Infinium HumanMethylation450K Beadchip. Global measures of DNA methylation were defined as the median methylation M value, calculated for each of 13 CpG subsets representing genomic function, mean methylation and location, and reliability of measurement. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to assess associations between these global measures of methylation and gastric cancer risk, adjusting for i Helicobacter pylori /i and other potential confounders. We tested nonlinear associations using quintiles of the global measure distribution. A genome-wide association study of DNA methylation and gastric cancer risk was also conducted ( i N /i = 484,989 CpGs) using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Differentially methylated regions (DMR) were investigated using the R package i DMRcate /i . We found no evidence of associations with gastric cancer risk for in idual CpGs or DMRs ( i P /i 7.6 × 10 sup −6 /sup ). No evidence of association was observed with global measures of methylation (OR 1.07 per SD of overall median methylation 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.44 i P /i = 0.65). We found no evidence that blood DNA methylation is prospectively associated with gastric cancer risk. b Prevention Relevance: /b We studied DNA methylation in blood to try and predict who was at risk of gastric cancer before symptoms developed, by which stage survival is poor. We did not find any such markers, but the importance of early diagnosis in gastric cancer remains, and the search for markers continues. /

The relationship between airborne small ions and particles in urban environments

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.06.006

Dietary protein intake and risk of type 2 diabetes

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2016

DOI: 10.3945/AJCN.116.140954

Abstract: Reported associations between protein intake from different sources and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been inconsistent. We prospectively examined the relations of total, animal, and plant protein intakes with incident T2D. We followed 21,523 participants (women: 61.7%) between 1990 and 2007 from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney stones at baseline. We also conducted a meta-analysis that included the results from our cohort and from 10 previous prospective studies. A total of 929 new cases (4.3%) of T2D were documented during a mean of 11.7 y of follow-up. Multivariate-adjusted ORs for incident T2D in the highest compared with lowest quintiles of total and animal protein intakes as percentages of energy were 1.23 (95% CI: 0.96, 1.56 P-trend = 0.029) and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.67 P-trend = 0.014), respectively. These associations appeared to be greater in men and in participants with normal baseline plasma glucose, body mass index, or blood pressure. Plant protein intake was inversely associated with incident T2D in women only (OR 0.60 95% CI: 0.37, 0.99). In the meta-analysis of 11 prospective cohort studies with 505,624 participants and 37,918 T2D cases (follow-up range: 5-24 y), pooled RRs for the comparison of the highest with lowest categories of total, animal, and plant protein intakes were 1.09 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.13), 1.19 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.28), and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.02), respectively. Associations between animal protein intake and T2D were similar across sex, geographic region, length of follow-up, study quality, and method of expressing protein intake. An inverse association between plant protein intake and T2D was observed in women (RR: 0.93 95% CI: 0.85, 1.00) and in US populations (RR: 0.91 95% CI: 0.84, 0.97). Higher intakes of total and animal protein were both associated with increased risks of T2D, whereas higher plant protein intake tended to be associated with lower risk of T2D.

Appraising the causal relevance of DNA methylation for risk of lung cancer

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Date: 26-03-2018

DOI: 10.1101/287888

Abstract: DNA methylation changes in peripheral blood have been identified in relation to lung cancer risk. However, the causal nature of these associations remains to be fully elucidated. Meta-analysis of four epigenome-wide association studies (918 cases, 918 controls) revealed differential methylation at 16 CpG sites (FDR 0.05) in relation to lung cancer risk. A two-s le Mendelian randomization analysis, using genetic instruments for methylation at 14 of the 16 CpG sites, and 29,863 cases and 55,586 controls from the TRICL-ILCCO lung cancer consortium, was performed to appraise the causal role of methylation at these sites on lung cancer. This approach provided little evidence that DNA methylation in peripheral blood at the 14 CpG sites play a causal role in lung cancer development, including for cg05575921 AHRR , where methylation is strongly associated with lung cancer risk. Further studies are needed to investigate the causal role played by DNA methylation in lung tissue.

Red meat consumption and mood and anxiety disorders.

Publisher: S. Karger AG

Date: 2012

DOI: 10.1159/000334910

Morbidity and mortality from road injuries: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 08-01-2020

DOI: 10.1136/INJURYPREV-2019-043302

Abstract: The global burden of road injuries is known to follow complex geographical, temporal and demographic patterns. While health loss from road injuries is a major topic of global importance, there has been no recent comprehensive assessment that includes estimates for every age group, sex and country over recent years. We used results from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study to report incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability, deaths, years of life lost and disability-adjusted life years for all locations in the GBD 2017 hierarchy from 1990 to 2017 for road injuries. Second, we measured mortality-to-incidence ratios by location. Third, we assessed the distribution of the natures of injury (eg, traumatic brain injury) that result from each road injury. Globally, 1 243 068 (95% uncertainty interval 1 191 889 to 1 276 940) people died from road injuries in 2017 out of 54 192 330 (47 381 583 to 61 645 891) new cases of road injuries. Age-standardised incidence rates of road injuries increased between 1990 and 2017, while mortality rates decreased. Regionally, age-standardised mortality rates decreased in all but two regions, South Asia and Southern Latin America, where rates did not change significantly. Nine of 21 GBD regions experienced significant increases in age-standardised incidence rates, while 10 experienced significant decreases and two experienced no significant change. While road injury mortality has improved in recent decades, there are worsening rates of incidence and significant geographical heterogeneity. These findings indicate that more research is needed to better understand how road injuries can be prevented.

Characteristics of particle number and mass concentrations in residential houses in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2003

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(03)00566-1

Room ventilation and the risk of airborne infection transmission in 3 health care settings within a large teaching hospital

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.AJIC.2011.02.014

On the pitfalls of disclosure statements.

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 02-2016

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980016000070

Effect of cabin ventilation rate on ultrafine particle exposure inside automobiles

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 06-04-2010

DOI: 10.1021/ES9038209

Abstract: We alternately measured on-road and in-vehicle ultrafine (<100 nm) particle (UFP) concentration for 5 passenger vehicles that comprised an age range of 18 years. A range of cabin ventilation settings were assessed during 301 trips through a 4 km road tunnel in Sydney, Australia. Outdoor air flow (ventilation) rates under these settings were quantified on open roads using tracer gas techniques. Significant variability in tunnel trip average median in-cabin/on-road (I/O) UFP ratios was observed (0.08 to approximately 1.0). Based on data spanning all test automobiles and ventilation settings, a positive linear relationship was found between outdoor air flow rate and I/O ratio, with the former accounting for a substantial proportion of variation in the latter (R(2) = 0.81). UFP concentrations recorded in-cabin during tunnel travel were significantly higher than those reported by comparable studies performed on open roadways. A simple mathematical model afforded the ability to predict tunnel trip average in-cabin UFP concentrations with good accuracy. Our data indicate that under certain conditions, in-cabin UFP exposures incurred during tunnel travel may contribute significantly to daily exposure. The UFP exposure of automobile occupants appears strongly related to their choice of ventilation setting and vehicle.

Airway Hygiene in Children and Adults for Lowering Respiratory Droplet Exposure in Clean and Dirty Air

Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt

Date: 06-2020

DOI: 10.1142/S2529732520400076

Abstract: Respiratory illness threatens the learning potential of hundreds of millions of children around the world. We find in a human volunteer study involving three sites and 253 volunteers that respiratory droplets — of the size and nature to potentially contain COVID-19, influenza, allergens and other contaminants — diminish in number on exhalation by up to 99% via the “airway hygiene” administration of a nasal saline rich in calcium. Exhaled particles were significantly higher and efficacy of airway hygiene greatest at the site (Bangalore India) with highest fine particle ambient air burden. We argue for the use of airway hygiene for pandemic and post-pandemic global learning.

Lifetime alcohol consumption and upper aero-digestive tract cancer risk in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 18-11-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S10552-014-0495-Y

Abstract: Cohort studies have rarely examined the association between upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) cancer risk and lifetime alcohol intake. We examined the associations between incident squamous cell carcinoma of the UADT (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus) and alcohol intake for different periods in life using data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Usual alcohol intake for 10-year periods from age 20 was calculated using recalled frequency and quantity of beverage-specific consumption. Cox regression with age as the time axis was performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the associations of UADT cancer with alcohol intake for different periods in life compared with abstention. During a mean follow-up of 16.2 person-years, 98 incident cases of UADT cancer were identified. We observed a dose-dependent association between lifetime alcohol intake and the risk of UADT cancer (multivariable-adjusted HR 2.67, 95 % CI 1.27-5.60 for an intake of ≥40 g/day and multivariable-adjusted HR 1.16, 95 % CI 1.06-1.28 for a 10 g/day increment in intake). A positive association with baseline alcohol intake (multivariable-adjusted HR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.02-1.24 for a 10 g/day increment in intake) was found to be a slightly weaker predictor of risk than lifetime intake. Limiting alcohol intake from early adulthood may reduce UADT cancer risk.

Emission and health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in various processes of a petroleum refinery in the Pearl River Delta, China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2018.03.054

Abstract: The process-specific emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a petroleum refinery in the Pearl River Delta, China was monitored to assess the health risk from VOCs to workers of this refinery. Over 60 VOCs were detected in the air s les collected from various sites in the refining, basic chemical, and wastewater treatment areas of the refinery using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionization detection. The health risks of VOCs to the refinery workers were assessed using US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) methods. Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis were implemented to assess the uncertainty of the health risk estimation. The emission results showed that C5-C6 alkanes, including 2-methylpentane (17.6%), 2,3-dimethylbutane (15.4%) and 3-methylpentane (7.7%), were the major VOCs in the refining area. p-Diethylbenzene (9.3%), 2-methylpentane (8.1%) and m-diethylbenzene (6.8%) were dominant in the basic chemical area, and 2-methylpentane (20.9%), 2,3-dimethylbutane (11.4%) and 3-methylpentane (6.5%) were the most abundant in the wastewater treatment area. For the non-cancer risk estimated using the US EPA method, the total hazard ratio in the basic chemical area was the highest (3.1 × 10

Factors influencing the outdoor concentration of carbonaceous aerosols at urban schools in Brisbane, Australia: Implications for children's exposure

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2015.04.017

Abstract: This comprehensive study aimed to determine the sources and driving factors of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations in ambient PM2.5 in urban schools. S ling was conducted outdoors at 25 schools in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area, Australia. Concentrations of primary and secondary OC were quantified using the EC tracer method, with secondary OC accounting for an average of 60%. Principal component analysis distinguished the contributing sources above the background and identified groups of schools with differing levels of primary and secondary carbonaceous aerosols. Overall, the results showed that vehicle emissions, local weather conditions and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) were the key factors influencing concentrations of carbonaceous component of PM2.5 at these schools. These results provide insights into children's exposure to vehicle emissions and SOA at such urban schools.

Volatile Organic Compounds: Characteristics, distribution and sources in urban schools

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2014.10.052

Fatty acid biomarkers of dairy fat consumption and incidence of type 2 diabetes: A pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 10-10-2018

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PMED.1002670

Challenges in child and adolescent nutrition.

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 31-12-2019

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018003646

Biomass burning influenced particle characteristics in Northern Territory Australia based on airborne measurements

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSRES.2009.12.002

Impaired fasting glucose: how low should it go?

Publisher: American Diabetes Association

Date: 2000

DOI: 10.2337/DIACARE.23.1.34

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) has been recently introduced as a stage of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism, but the evidence on which its glucose limits (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 6.1-6.9 mmol/l) are based is not strong. The aim of this study was to determine if 6.1 mmol/l represents a clear cutoff in terms of the risk of future diabetes and in terms of elevated cardiovascular risk factor levels, and to examine the use of other lower limits of IFG. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A population-based survey of the island of Mauritius was undertaken in 1987, with a follow-up survey 5 years later. On both occasions, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed and cardiovascular risk factors were measured. RESULTS: Data were available from 4,721 nondiabetic people at baseline, and from 3,542 at follow-up. At baseline, blood pressure, lipids, and obesity increased in a linear fashion with increasing FPG, with no evidence of a threshold effect. The risk of developing hypertension at follow-up was greater for those people with baseline FPG & or =6.1 mmol/l (P& .001). The risk of developing diabetes at follow-up increased with increasing baseline FPG, but there was little evidence of a threshold near 6.1 mmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk and risk of future diabetes increase continually with increasing FPG, and there is no threshold value on which to base a definition of IFG. If a lower limit of approximately 5.8 mmol/l is used, the category defines a group more similar to the group with impaired glucose tolerance, with regard to total prevalence and the risk of subsequent diabetes.

Dietary carbohydrate, fibre, glycaemic index, glycaemic load and the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 10-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.21548

Abstract: Evidence that the insulin pathway may be involved in breast carcinogenesis has increased the interest in dietary factors that influence insulin secretion and resistance. We investigated dietary carbohydrate, fibre, glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) in a prospective study of 324 breast cancers diagnosed in 12,273 post-menopausal women. Although an increase of 1 standard deviation in carbohydrate was marginally associated with risk of breast cancer, relative risk (RR) 1.31 (95% CI, 0.98, 1.75), there were no significant associations with fibre, 1.08 (0.92, 1.26), GI, 0.98 (0.88, 1.10) or GL, 1.19 (0.93, 1.52) or with carbohydrate foods (bread, rice, pasta). The RR for carbohydrate and localized disease was elevated, 1.40 (1.02, 1.92), but like those for fibre, GI and GL did not differ significantly between localized and non-localized disease. RRs for grade I, but not grade II or III, tumours were elevated for fibre, 1.38 (1.08, 1.75), carbohydrate, 1.56 (1.08, 2.25) and GL, 1.41 (1.01, 1.98) but not for GI, 0.84 (0.65, 1.09). The RRs for fibre and oestrogen receptor (ER) positive (+) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive (+) tumours, 1.36 (1.10, 1.67), differed significantly from those for ER positive (+) and PR negative (-) tumours, 1.01 (0.61, 1.69) and ER-/PR- tumours, 0.65 (0.43, 0.99), p = 0.005. Our data do not support a strong role for GI and GL in breast carcinogenesis but suggest that increased intake of fibre and carbohydrate may be associated with the diagnosis of cancers of more favourable prognosis.

Ambient PM(1) air pollution and cardiovascular disease prevalence: Insights from the 33 Communities Chinese Health Study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.12.012

Abstract: Evidence on the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM In 2009, we randomly recruited 24,845 adults at the age of 18-74 years from 33 communities in Northeastern China. CVD status was determined by self-report of doctor-diagnosed CVD. Three-year (2006-08) average concentrations of PM A 10 μg/m Long-term PM

Particle doses in the pulmonary lobes of electronic and conventional cigarette users

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2015.03.008

Abstract: The main aim of the present study was to estimate size segregated doses from e-cigarette aerosols as a function of the airway generation number in lung lobes. After a 2-second puff, 7.7 × 10(10) particles (DTot) with a surface area of 3.6 × 10(3) mm(2) (STot), and 3.3 × 10(10) particles with a surface area of 4.2 × 10(3) mm(2) were deposited in the respiratory system for the electronic and conventional cigarettes, respectively. Alveolar and tracheobronchial deposited doses were compared to the ones received by non-smoking in iduals in Western countries, showing a similar order of magnitude. Total regional doses (D(R)), in head and lobar tracheobronchial and alveolar regions, ranged from 2.7 × 10(9) to 1.3 × 10(10) particles and 1.1 × 10(9) to 5.3 × 10(10) particles, for the electronic and conventional cigarettes, respectively. D(R) in the right-upper lung lobe was about twice that found in left-upper lobe and 20% greater in right-lower lobe than the left-lower lobe.

Assessment and application of clustering techniques to atmospheric particle number size distribution for the purpose of source apportionment

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 11-06-2014

DOI: 10.5194/ACPD-14-15257-2014

Abstract: Abstract. Long-term measurements of particle number size distribution (PNSD) produce a very large number of observations and their analysis requires an efficient approach in order to produce results in the least possible time and with maximum accuracy. Clustering techniques are a family of sophisticated methods which have been recently employed to analyse PNSD data, however, very little information is available comparing the performance of different clustering techniques on PNSD data. This study aims to apply several clustering techniques (i.e. K-means, PAM, CLARA and SOM) to PNSD data, in order to identify and apply the optimum technique to PNSD data measured at 25 sites across Brisbane, Australia. A new method, based on the Generalised Additive Model (GAM) with a basis of penalised B-splines, was proposed to parameterise the PNSD data and the temporal weight of each cluster was also estimated using the GAM. In addition, each cluster was associated with its possible source based on the results of this parameterisation, together with the characteristics of each cluster. The performances of four clustering techniques were compared using the Dunn index and silhouette width validation values and the K-means technique was found to have the highest performance, with five clusters being the optimum. Therefore, five clusters were found within the data using the K-means technique. The diurnal occurrence of each cluster was used together with other air quality parameters, temporal trends and the physical properties of each cluster, in order to attribute each cluster to its source and origin. The five clusters were attributed to three major sources and origins, including regional background particles, photochemically induced nucleated particles and vehicle generated particles. Overall, clustering was found to be an effective technique for attributing each particle size spectra to its source and the GAM was suitable to parameterise the PNSD data. These two techniques can help researchers immensely in analysing PNSD data for characterisation and source apportionment purposes.

Energy-pollution nexus for urban buildings

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 27-06-2013

DOI: 10.1021/ES402549P

School children's personal exposure to ultrafine particles in the urban environment

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 07-03-1971

DOI: 10.1021/ES403721W

Abstract: There has been considerable scientific interest in personal exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP). In this study, the inhaled particle surface area doses and dose relative intensities in the tracheobronchial and alveolar regions of lungs were calculated using measured 24-h UFP time series of school children personal exposures. Bayesian hierarchical modeling was used to determine mean doses and dose intensities for the various microenvironments. Analysis of measured personal exposures for 137 participating children from 25 schools in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area showed similar trends for all participating children. Bayesian regression modeling was performed to calculate the daily proportion of children's total doses in different microenvironments. The proportion of total daily alveolar doses for home, school, commuting, and other were 55.3%, 35.3%, 4.5%, and 5.0%, respectively, with the home microenvironment contributing a majority of children's total daily dose. Children's mean indoor dose was never higher than the outdoor's at any of the schools, indicating there were no persistent indoor particle sources in the classrooms during the measurements. Outdoor activities, eating/cooking at home, and commuting were the three activities with the highest dose intensities. Children's exposure during school hours was more strongly influenced by urban background particles than traffic near the school.

Modality in ambient particle size distributions and its potential as a basis for developing air quality regulation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2008

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.09.076

The airborne contagiousness of respiratory viruses: A comparative analysis and implications for mitigation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.GSF.2021.101285

Social adversity and epigenetic aging: a multi-cohort study on socioeconomic differences in peripheral blood DNA methylation

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 24-11-2017

DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-16391-5

Abstract: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with earlier onset of age-related chronic conditions and reduced life-expectancy, but the underlying biomolecular mechanisms remain unclear. Evidence of DNA-methylation differences by SES suggests a possible association of SES with epigenetic age acceleration (AA). We investigated the association of SES with AA in more than 5,000 in iduals belonging to three independent prospective cohorts from Italy, Australia, and Ireland. Low SES was associated with greater AA (β = 0.99 years 95% CI 0.39,1.59 p = 0.002 comparing extreme categories). The results were consistent across different SES indicators. The associations were only partially modulated by the unhealthy lifestyle habits of in iduals with lower SES. In iduals who experienced life-course SES improvement had intermediate AA compared to extreme SES categories, suggesting reversibility of the effect and supporting the relative importance of the early childhood social environment. Socioeconomic adversity is associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, implicating biomolecular mechanisms that may link SES to age-related diseases and longevity.

Close proximity risk assessment for SARS-CoV-2 infection

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2021.148749

Associations of alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity and obesity with survival following colorectal cancer diagnosis by stage, anatomic site and tumor molecular subtype

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 04-10-2017

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.31049

Abstract: The influence of lifestyle factors on survival following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well established. We examined associations between lifestyle factors measured before diagnosis and CRC survival. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study collected data on alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and physical activity, and body measurements at baseline (1990-1994) and wave 2 (2003-2007). We included participants diagnosed to 31 August 2015 with incident stages I-III CRC within 10-years post exposure assessment. Information on tumor characteristics and vital status was obtained. Tumor DNA was tested for microsatellite instability (MSI) and somatic mutations in oncogenes BRAF (V600E) and KRAS. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between lifestyle factors and overall and CRC-specific mortality using Cox regression. Of 724 eligible CRC cases, 339 died (170 from CRC) during follow-up (average 9.0 years). Exercise (non-occupational/leisure-time) was associated with higher CRC-specific survival for stage II (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10-0.60) but not stages I/III disease (p for interaction = 0.01), and possibly for colon and KRAS wild-type tumors. Waist circumference was inversely associated with CRC-specific survival (HR = 1.25 per 10 cm increment, 95% CI: 1.08-1.44), independent of stage, anatomic site and tumor molecular status. Cigarette smoking was associated with lower overall survival, with suggestive evidence of worse survival for BRAF mutated CRC, but not with CRC-specific survival. Alcohol intake was not associated with survival. Survival did not differ by MSI status. We have identified pre-diagnostic predictors of survival following CRC that may have clinical and public health relevance.

A Comparative Investigation of Ultrafine Particle Number and Mass Emissions from a Fleet of On-Road Diesel and CNG Buses

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 22-07-2008

DOI: 10.1021/ES800394X

Abstract: Particle number, particle mass, and CO2 concentrations were measured on the curb of a busy urban busway used entirely by a mix of diesel and CNG operated buses. With the passage of each bus, the ratio of particle number concentration and particle mass concentration to CO2 concentration in the diluted exhaust plume were used as measures of the particle number and mass emission factors, respectively. With all buses accelerating pastthe monitoring point, the results showed that the median particle mass emission from CNG buses was less than 9% of that from diesel buses. However, the median particle number emission from CNG buses was 6 times higher than the diesel buses, and the particles from the CNG buses were mainly in the nanoparticle size range. Using a thermodenuder to remove the volatile material from the s led emissions showed that the majority of particles from the CNG buses, but not from the diesel buses, were volatile. Approximately, 82% of the particles from the CNG buses and 38% from the diesel buses were removed by heating the emissions to 300 degrees C.

Particle and Gaseous Emissions from Commercial Aircraft at Each Stage of the Landing and Takeoff Cycle

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 15-12-2008

DOI: 10.1021/ES8013985

Abstract: A novel technique was used to measure emission factors for commonly used commercial aircraft including a range of Boeing and Airbus airframes under real world conditions. Engine exhaust emission factors for particles in terms of particle number and mass (PM2.5), along with those for CO2 and NOx, were measured for over 280 in idual aircraft during the various modes of landing/takeoff (LTO) cycle. Results from this study show that particle number, and NOx emission factors are dependent on aircraft engine thrust level. Minimum and maximum emissions factors for particle number, PM2.5, and NOx emissions were found to be in the range of 4.16 x 10(15)-5.42 x 10(16) kg(-1), 0.03-0.72 g.kg(-1), and 3.25-37.94 g.kg(-1), respectively, for all measured airframes and LTO cycle modes. Number size distributions of emitted particles for the naturally diluted aircraft plumes in each mode of LTO cycle showed that particles were predominantly in the range of 4-100 nm in diameter in all cases. In general, size distributions exhibit similar modality during all phases of the LTO cycle. A very distinct nucleation mode was observed in all particle size distributions, except for taxiing and landing of A320 aircraft. Accumulation modes were also observed in all particle size distributions. Analysis of aircraft engine emissions during LTO cycle showed that aircraft thrust level is considerably higher during taxiing than idling suggesting that International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards need to be modified as the thrust levels for taxi and idle are considered to be the same (7% of total thrust) (Environmental Protection, Annex 16, Vol. II, Aircraft Engine Emissions, 2nd ed. ICAO--International Civil Aviation Organization: Montreal, 1993).

Dietary inflammatory index or Mediterranean diet score as risk factors for total and cardiovascular mortality

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.NUMECD.2018.01.010

Applications of low-cost sensing technologies for air quality monitoring and exposure assessment: How far have they gone?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.04.018

Inflammatory Cytokines and Lung Cancer Risk in 3 Prospective Studies

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 20-12-2016

DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWW159

Abstract: To further investigate the role of inflammation in lung carcinogenesis, we evaluated associations between proinflammatory cytokines and lung cancer risk. We conducted a case-control study nested within 3 prospective cohort studies-the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (1990-1994), the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (1991-1996), and the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study (initiated in 1985)-involving 807 incident lung cancer cases and 807 smoking-matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models adjusting for serum cotinine concentrations were used to estimate odds ratios for lung cancer risk associated with concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. We observed a higher lung cancer risk for participants with elevated concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8. These associations seemed to be stronger among former smokers (for fourth quartile vs. first quartile, odds ratio (OR) = 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55, 4.70) and current smokers (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.44) for IL-6 and among former smokers (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.18, 6.75) and current smokers (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.69, 2.44) for IL-8. No notable associations were observed among never smokers. Risk associations with IL-6 and IL-8 were observed for blood s les taken close to diagnosis (<5 years) as well as more than 15 years postdiagnosis.

New directions: From biofuels to wood stoves: The modern and ancient air quality challenges in the megacity of São Paulo

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.05.059

Smart homes and the control of indoor air quality

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.RSER.2018.05.057

Dietary intake of B vitamins and methionine and prostate cancer incidence and mortality

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 20-04-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S10552-012-9954-5

Abstract: We investigated prospectively the relationship between dietary intakes of methionine, B vitamins associated with one-carbon metabolism, and risk of incident and fatal prostate cancer. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study recruited 41,514 people aged 40-69 years between 1990 and 1994. During follow-up of 14,620 men for 15 years on average, we ascertained 1,230 incident prostate cancers and 114 prostate cancer deaths. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 121-item food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals were estimated using Cox regression. For overall prostate cancer incidence, HRs for riboflavin intake were significantly increased relative to quintile 1 (except quintile 5), with a peak for quintile 3, HR 1.29 (1.07, 1.57). A similar but non-statistically significant pattern existed between riboflavin intake and prostate cancer mortality. The HR for folate intake and overall incidence was significantly increased for quintile 4, HR 1.21 (1.01, 1.46). No association was observed between prostate cancer mortality and the intake of either folate or any other B vitamin or methionine, and no observed association varied by tumor aggressiveness (all P(homogeneity) > 0.1). We found little evidence of association between dietary intakes of B vitamins or methionine and prostate cancer risk. Weak associations between prostate cancer incidence and dietary intake of riboflavin and folate, and between riboflavin intake and prostate cancer mortality, need corroboration by other studies.

Exposure to particle number, surface area and PM concentrations in pizzerias

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.07.002

Particulate matter pollution over China and the effects of control policies

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.01.027

Abstract: China is one of the regions with highest PM

Circulating Folate, Vitamin B6, and Methionine in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3)

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 22-07-2017

DOI: 10.1093/JNCI/DJX119

Relating urban airborne particle concentrations to shipping using carbon based elemental emission ratios

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2014.07.003

Variations in coil temperature/power and e‐liquid constituents change size and lung deposition of particles emitted by an electronic cigarette

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 05-2019

DOI: 10.14814/PHY2.14093

Capacity of quartz fibers with high filtration efficiency for capturing soot particles

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 02-08-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S13762-017-1457-1

Link between SARS-CoV-2 emissions and airborne concentrations: Closing the gap in understanding

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2022

DOI: 10.1016/J.JHAZMAT.2022.128279

A model for determination of motor vehicle emission factors from on-road measurements with a focus on submicrometer particles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2001

DOI: 10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00720-8

Abstract: The multiplicity of parameters that influence traffic-related emissions and that are often very difficult to measure or predict, makes the assessment of traffic emissions a very complicated process, strongly dependent on local conditions and usually associated with a high degree of error. The aim of this paper was to develop, calibrate and test a simple model for 'on-road' measurements of traffic emission factors as part of a major program focussed on the assessment of traffic contribution to fine and ultrafine emissions to the whole air shed and to local areas in south-east Queensland, Australia. A mathematical model developed was based on the mass balance concept for on-road assessment of traffic-related emission rates. The model requires fewer experimental data points as input and is more applicable to the common on-road testing situation, when no more than two monitors of a specific pollutant can be used. The model was tested and calibrated using experimental data on particle number concentration collected at a road-monitoring site using the scanning mobility particle sizer, and was applied to assess the emission factors of submicrometer particles emitted by traffic. The average emission factor obtained using the box model and the experimental data from road measurements was 1.75 x 10(14) particles km(-1) vehicle(-1), with a standard error of 67.6%. While the emission factor obtained was comparable with some results obtained from dynamometer studies and applied to the vehicle mix at the s ling site, they were significantly higher than the factors reported by other studies.

Indoor hospital air and the impact of ventilation on bioaerosols: a systematic review

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.JHIN.2019.06.016

Abstract: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) continue to persist in hospitals, despite the use of increasingly strict infection-control precautions. Opportunistic airborne transmission of potentially pathogenic bioaerosols may be one possible reason for this persistence. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the concentrations and compositions of indoor bioaerosols in different areas within hospitals and the effects of different ventilation systems. Electronic databases (Medline and Web of Science) were searched to identify articles of interest. The search was restricted to articles published from 2000 to 2017 in English. Aggregate data was used to examine the differences in mean colony forming units per cubic metre (cfu/m

Fundamentals of indoor particles and settled dust

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/9783527610013.CH1

Vitamin B6 catabolism and lung cancer risk: results from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2019

DOI: 10.1093/ANNONC/MDZ002

Influence of methodology on the estimation of the particle surface area dose received by a population in all-day activities

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2020.115209

Size distribution and new particle formation in subtropical eastern Australia

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Date: 2008

DOI: 10.1071/EN08058

Abstract: Environmental context. Atmospheric submicrometre particles have a significant impact on human health, visibility impairment, acid deposition and global climate. This study aims to understand the size distribution of submicrometre particles and new particle formation in eastern Australia and the results indicate that photochemical reactions of airborne pollutants are the main mechanism of new particle formation. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of aerosols on climate and the reduction of submicrometre particles in the atmosphere. Abstract. An intensive measurement c aign of particle concentrations, nitrogen oxides and meteorological parameters was conducted at a rural site in subtropical eastern Australia during September 2006. The aim of this work was to develop an understanding of the formation and growth processes of atmospheric aerosols, and the size distributions under various meteorological conditions. In order to achieve this, the origins of air arriving at the site were explored using back trajectories cluster analysis and the diurnal patterns of particle number concentration and size distribution for the classified air masses were investigated. The study showed that the photochemical formation of nucleation mode particles and their consequent growth was often observed. Furthermore, the nucleation mode usually dominated the size distribution and concentration of the photochemical event in the first 3–4 h with a geometric mean diameter of 26.9 nm and a geometric standard deviation of 1.28. The average particle growth rate was estimated to be 1.6 nm h–1, which is lower than that observed at urban sites, but comparable to the values reported in clean environments. The potential precursors of the photochemical events are also discussed.

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2021

DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00252-0

Schoolchildren’s personal exposure to ultrafine particles in and near Accra, Ghana

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2019.105223

Abstract: Exposure to air pollution is a significant health risk, and children who are exposed to it are likely to have lifelong consequences. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are emitted by all combustion sources, and can be used as a proxy for the presence of combustion products. The present study, the first of its kind to be conducted in Africa, assessed schoolchildren's exposure to UFPs, and apportioned their daily exposure to seven different microenvironments that they inhabited on a typical school day. The personal exposure of 61 pupils attending three junior high schools was measured for 24 h each using wearable monitors over a period of 10 weeks. Two of the schools were located in suburbs of Accra and the third in Berekuso, a nearby rural community. The results of our study revealed the complex nature of children's UFP exposure and its overall high to very high levels, significantly influenced by the locality (suburb) of residence and the type of activities in which the children were engaged. The mean (±standard error) daily exposure to UFPs (cm

Development and validation of a UAV based system for air pollution measurements

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 21-12-2016

DOI: 10.3390/S16122202

Impact of ventilation scenario on air exchange rates and on indoor particle number concentrations in an air-conditioned classroom

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2008

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.09.070

Combination of polymorphisms in OB-R and the OB gene associated with insulin resistance in Nauruan males

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 08-1999

DOI: 10.1038/SJ.IJO.0800931

Abstract: To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in the OB-R and OB genes and metabolic markers for obesity and glucose intolerance in a population of Nauruan men. In addition, we examined the effect of the simultaneous presence of the three polymorphisms on the phenotype of in iduals in this population. This study was conducted in a population from the Pacific Island of Nauru. Populations in this region have some of the highest recorded rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes and are therefore of great interest in the genetic analysis of these diseases. Two hundred and thirty-two male subjects were examined in this cross-sectional study. All subjects were non-diabetic and the group had a mean age of 31 y and a mean body weight of 104 kg. Several phenotypic measures of body fatness and fat distribution (anthropometry), fasting plasma insulin, glucose and leptin concentrations, blood pressure and 2 h plasma glucose concentration, genotypes of subjects for the Gln223Arg, PRO1019pro (OB-R gene) and OB gene polymorphisms. In idually, the OB gene and Gln223Arg OB-R polymorphisms were not associated with the obese or glucose-intolerant phenotype in this population. In iduals with the PRO1019pro polymorphism were found to have elevated insulin concentrations and diastolic blood pressure (Pc = 0.04). In addition, in iduals found to simultaneously exhibit homozygosity of the common allele of all three polymorphisms (genotypes: Arg/Arg, pro ro and II/II) exhibited significantly elevated fasting insulin levels (Pc = 0.03). Pacific Island populations exhibit a remarkably high prevalence rate of obesity and type 2 diabetes and represent a unique population for genetic studies of obesity. In the present study we have revealed that a specific combination of alleles in OB and OB-R, two candidate genes for obesity, may confer an increased risk for the development of insulin resistance in Nauruan males.

Corona ions from overhead transmission voltage powerlines : effect on DC e-field and ambient particle concentration levels

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 02-12-2010

DOI: 10.1021/ES9024063

Abstract: Along with their essential role in electricity transmission and distribution, some powerlines also generate large concentrations of corona ions. This study aimed at the comprehensive investigation of corona ions, vertical direct current electric field (dc e-field), ambient aerosol particle charge, and particle number concentration levels in the proximity of some high/subtransmission voltage powerlines. The influence of meteorology on the instantaneous value of these parameters and the possible existence of links or associations between the parameters measured were also statistically investigated. The presence of positive and negative polarities of corona ions was associated with variation in the mean vertical dc e-field, ambient ion, and particle charge concentration level. Though these variations increased with wind speed, their values also decreased with distance from the powerlines. Predominately positive polarities of ions were recorded up to a distance of 150 m (with the maximum values recorded 50 m downwind of the powerlines). At 200 m from the source, negative ions predominated. Particle number concentration levels, however, remained relatively constant (10(3) particle cm(-3)), irrespective of the s ling site and distance from the powerlines. Meteorological factors of temperature, humidity, and wind direction showed no influence on the electrical parameters measured. The study also discovered that e-field measurements were not necessarily a true representation of the ground-level ambient ion article charge concentrations.

Higher Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Associated with Greater High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Concentration in Adults: Cross-Sectional Results from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 12-08-2022

DOI: 10.3390/NU14163309

Abstract: Background: Few studies have examined associations between ultra-processed food intake and biomarkers of inflammation, and inconsistent results have been reported in the small number of studies that do exist. As such, further investigation is required. Methods: Cross-sectional baseline data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) were analysed (n = 2018). We applied the NOVA food classification system to data from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to determine ultra-processed food intake (g/day). The outcome was high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration (hsCRP mg/L). We fitted unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses, with sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle- and health-related behaviours as covariates. Supplementary analyses further adjusted for body mass index (kg/m2). Sex was assessed as a possible effect modifier. Ultra-processed food intake was modelled as 100 g increments and the magnitude of associations expressed as estimated relative change in hsCRP concentration with accompanying 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results: After adjustment, every 100 g increase in ultra-processed food intake was associated with a 4.0% increase in hsCRP concentration (95%CIs: 2.1–5.9%, p 0.001). Supplementary analyses showed that part of this association was independent of body mass index (estimated relative change in hsCRP: 2.5% 95%CIs: 0.8–4.3%, p = 0.004). No interaction was observed between sex and ultra-processed food intake. Conclusion: Higher ultra-processed food intake was cross-sectionally associated with elevated hsCRP, which appeared to occur independent of body mass index. Future prospective and intervention studies are necessary to confirm directionality and whether the observed association is causal.

Public health nutrition and the environment

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 03-01-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011003466

Does dietary lutein and zeaxanthin increase the risk of age related macular degeneration? The Melbourne Visual Impairment Project.

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 03-2006

DOI: 10.1136/BJO.2005.078055

Socioeconomic position, lifestyle habits and biomarkers of epigenetic aging: A multi-cohort analysis

Publisher: Impact Journals, LLC

Date: 14-04-2019

DOI: 10.18632/AGING.101900

Dietary intake of B vitamins and methionine and risk of lung cancer

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 31-08-2011

DOI: 10.1038/EJCN.2011.157

Abstract: B vitamins and related enzymes involved in one-carbon metabolism are necessary for DNA replication, DNA repair and regulation of gene expression. Disruption of one-carbon mechanism may affect cancer risk. We investigated prospectively the relationship between dietary intakes of methionine, B vitamins associated with one-carbon metabolism and risk of lung cancer. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study recruited 41,514 men and women aged 40-69 years between 1990 and 1994. During follow-up of 14,595 men and 22,451 women for an average of 15 years, we ascertained 348 incident lung cancers. Dietary intake of B vitamins and methionine was estimated from a 121-item food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression. In current smokers, dietary intake of riboflavin was inversely associated with lung cancer risk (HR=0.53 95% CI: 0.29-0.94, fifth versus first quintile P-linear trend=0.01). No associations were found for former or never smokers or for dietary intake of any of the other B vitamins or methionine. Overall, we found little evidence of an association between B vitamins or methionine and lung cancer risk. The weak inverse association between riboflavin and lung cancer risk in current smokers needs further investigation.

Fatty acids in the de novo lipogenesis pathway and incidence of type 2 diabetes: A pooled analysis of prospective cohort studies

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 12-06-2020

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PMED.1003102

Characterization of the atmospheric electrical environment near a corona ion-emitting source

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2008

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.10.090

Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2018

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31310-2

Associations of greenness with diabetes mellitus and glucose-homeostasis markers: The 33 Communities Chinese Health Study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.IJHEH.2018.12.001

Abstract: Residing in greener places may be protective against diabetes mellitus (DM) but evidence is scarce and comes mainly from developed countries. To investigate associations of residential greenness with DM prevalence and glucose-homeostasis markers in Chinese adults and whether these associations were mediated by air pollution, physical activity, and body mass index. In 2009, a total of 15,477 adults from the cross-sectional 33 Communities Chinese Health Study provided blood s les and completed a questionnaire. We considered fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin concentrations, as well as the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and β-cell function, as glucose-homeostasis markers. DM was defined according to the American Diabetes Association's recommendations. Residential greenness was estimated by two satellite-derived vegetation indexes - Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter ≤2.5 μm were used as air pollution proxies. Associations were assessed by two-level adjusted logistic and linear regression models. A 0.1-unit increase in NDVI Higher residential greenness appears to be associated with a lower prevalence of DM. This association might be due to glucose and insulin metabolism and pancreatic β-cell function. Lower levels of air pollution and body mass index can be pathways linking greenspace to diabetes.

A randomised, controlled trial of a dietary intervention for adults with major depression (the SMILES trial): study protocol.

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 15-04-2013

DOI: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-114

High rates of albuminuria but not of low eGFR in Urban Indigenous Australians: the DRUID Study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 19-05-2011

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-346

To what extent is alcohol consumption associated with breast cancer recurrence and second primary breast cancer?: A systematic review.

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.CTRV.2016.09.010

Abstract: The association between alcohol intake and breast cancer recurrence or development of second primary breast cancer in the survivor population is unclear. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence to assess the extent to which alcohol consumption is associated with breast cancer recurrence and second primary breast cancer. Six databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched using the following search phrase: (breast cancer OR breast adenocarcinoma OR breast neoplasm OR breast tumour) AND (alcohol After screening, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 assessed breast cancer recurrence and 5 assessed second primary breast cancer. Considerable clinical and methodological heterogeneity was observed between studies. Approximately half of the included studies observed a modest, but significant, association between alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer recurrence or development of a second primary breast cancer, with some studies observing associations from as little as six grams of alcohol intake per day. Two studies suggest this association was stronger in postmenopausal women. There is some evidence that alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence, particularly in postmenopausal women. The association between alcohol and development of a second primary breast cancer is less clear. Inconsistencies in methodology and results across studies complicate attempts to develop a cohesive interpretation of findings.

Supplementary material to &quot;Frequency of new particle formation events in the urban Mediterranean climate&quot;

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 22-10-2014

DOI: 10.5194/ACPD-14-26463-2014-SUPPLEMENT

Emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds and their secondary organic aerosol formation potentials from a petroleum refinery in Pearl River Delta, China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.01.179

Abstract: A c aign was carried out to measure the emission characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different areas of a petroleum refinery in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in China. In the refining area, 2-methylpentane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, methylcyclopentane, 3-methylhexane, and butane accounted for >50% of the total VOCs in the chemical industry area, 2-methylpentane, p-diethylbenzene, 2,3-dimethylbutane, m-diethylbenzene and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were the top five VOCs detected and in the wastewater treatment area, the five most abundant species were 2-methylpentane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, methylcyclopentane, 3-methylpentane and p-diethylbenzene. The secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation potential was estimated using the fractional aerosol coefficients (FAC), secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP), and SOA yield methods. The FAC method suggests that toluene, p-diethylbenzene, and p-diethylbenzene are the largest contributors to the SOA formation in the refining, chemical industry, and wastewater treatment areas, respectively. With the SOAP method, it is estimated that toluene is the largest contributor to the SOA formation in the refining area, but o-ethyltoluene contributes the most both in the chemical industry and wastewater treatment areas. For the SOA yield method, aromatics dominate the yields and account for nearly 100% of the total in the three areas. The SOA concentrations estimated of the refining, chemical industry and wastewater treatment areas are 30, 3835 and 137μgm

Relationship of insulin resistance to weight gain in nondiabetic Asian Indian, Creole, and Chinese Mauritians. Mauritius Non-communicable Disease Study Group.

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-1996

DOI: 10.1016/S0026-0495(96)90035-9

Abstract: There is evidence from animal models that postprandial insulin hypersecretion may precede the development of obesity and insulin resistance, but it is not clear if this is the case in humans. Recently, two longitudinal studies have suggested that insulin resistance acts to limit further weight gain rather than to promote it. The relationship of markers of insulin sensitivity and secretion to changes in weight and the waist to hip ratio (WHR) was therefore examined in nondiabetic Asian Indian (n = 2,169), Creole (n = 798), and Chinese (n = 189) Mauritians over a 5-year follow-up period. Younger age and lower initial body mass index (BMI) were consistent independent predictors of increase in weight in all sex-ethnic subgroups, and older age, higher BMI, and lower WHR were associated with change in WHR. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by homeostatic model assessment (HOMAS), as well as by fasting insulin and the ratio of fasting insulin to glucose. Insulin resistance predicted weight gain in Chinese men independently of baseline age and BMI. In Asian Indian and Creole men and women, these correlations were in the opposite direction (ie, insulin sensitivity predicted weight gain) but became nonsignificant when age and BMI were controlled. There was little relationship of insulin resistance/sensitivity to the change in WHR once baseline BMI was controlled. These data provide suggestive but not convincing evidence that insulin resistance may limit weight gain, and contradictory evidence in one ethnic group that insulin resistance promotes weight gain.

Analysis of organic aerosols collected on filters by Aerosol Mass Spectrometry for source identification

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2013.07.013

Abstract: Aerosol Mass Spectrometers (AMS) are powerful tools in the analysis of the chemical composition of airborne particles, particularly organic aerosols which are gaining increasing attention. However, the advantages of AMS in providing on-line data can be outweighed by the difficulties involved in its use in field measurements at multiple sites. In contrast to the on-line measurement by AMS, a method which involves s le collection on filters followed by subsequent analysis by AMS could significantly broaden the scope of AMS application. We report the application of such an approach to field studies at multiple sites. An AMS was deployed at 5 urban schools to determine the sources of the organic aerosols at the schools directly. PM1 aerosols were also collected on filters at these and 20 other urban schools. The filters were extracted with water and the extract run through a nebulizer to generate the aerosols, which were analyzed by an AMS. The mass spectra from the s les collected on filters at the 5 schools were found to have excellent correlations with those obtained directly by AMS, with r(2) ranging from 0.89 to 0.98. Filter recoveries varied between the schools from 40 to 115%, possibly indicating that this method provides qualitative rather than quantitative information. The stability of the organic aerosols on Teflon filters was demonstrated by analysing s les stored for up to two years. Application of the procedure to the remaining 20 schools showed that secondary organic aerosols were the main source of aerosols at the majority of the schools. Overall, this procedure provides accurate representation of the mass spectra of ambient organic aerosols and could facilitate rapid data acquisition at multiple sites where AMS could not be deployed for logistical reasons.

The fantastic year of 2010 – and the really hot topic: breast-feeding

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 17-11-2010

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980010002958

The role of influenza vaccination in mitigating the adverse impact of ambient air pollution on lung function in children: New insights from the Seven Northeastern Cities Study in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2020.109624

NMR-determined lipoprotein subclass profile predicts type 2 diabetes

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2008.11.007

Abstract: To determine whether nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-determined lipoprotein profiles predict type 2 diabetes. Subjects were 813 male and female participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, aged 40-69 years at baseline (1990-1994), and with a baseline fasting plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L. Incident type 2 diabetes was identified in 1994-1998 by self-report and confirmation from doctors. Eligible cases and a random group of controls were selected, with NMR data available for 59 cases and 754 non-cases. Concentration of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles (positive) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size (negative) were selected by stepwise regression as predictors of type 2 diabetes. These associations were independent of other non-lipid risk factors, but not plasma triglycerides. Factor analysis identified a factor from NMR variables, explaining 47% of their variation, and characterized by a positive correlation with VLDL, particularly large and medium sized more low density lipoprotein (LDL) that were smaller and relatively smaller, but not more HDL particles. This factor was positively associated with diabetes incidence, but not independently of triglycerides. We identified an atherogenic NMR lipoprotein profile in people who developed diabetes, but this did not improve diabetes prediction beyond conventional triglyceride levels.

Ultrafine particles, blood pressure and adult hypertension: a population-based survey in Northeast China

Publisher: IOP Publishing

Date: 09-2021

DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/AC1C28

Abstract: The toxicity of ultrafine particles (UFPs) on blood pressure (BP) has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations of long-term UFP exposure with different components of BP and the risk of prehypertension/hypertension. We included a total of 24 845 Chinese adults (18–74 years old) in a cross-sectional survey (Liaoning province, China). The 4 year (2006–2009) average concentrations of UFP was estimated using a chemical transport model. We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP), prehypertension and hypertension. We used a generalized linear mixed model to examine the associations while controlling for important in idual covariates. One unit (1 μ g m −3 ) increase in UFP was associated with an increase in SBP of 1.52 mm Hg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–2.55], DBP of 0.55 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.01–1.08) in DBP, MAP of 0.92 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.23–1.61) and PP of 0.62 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.05–1.20). The UFP-BP associations were stronger in women than in men. One unit increase in UFP was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and prehypertension (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.38 OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21) compared to normotension group, and these associations were stronger in overweight/obese participants. Our study showed that long-term exposure to UFP was associated with elevated BP and higher odds of hypertension. These findings suggest that strategies to monitor and reduce UFPs, which are not a regulated pollutant, could have beneficial cardiovascular effects.

Predicting the effect of confinement on the COVID-19 spread using machine learning enriched with satellite air pollution observations

Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Date: 11-08-2021

DOI: 10.1073/PNAS.2109098118

Abstract: There is a lack of global observational data to monitor the application of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) and evaluate the effect of NPIs for pandemic management in different territories. We find that economic activity reduction inferred from NO 2 is a driver of case deceleration in most of the territories. The effect, however, is not linear but d ens over time, and further reductions are only associated with weaker deceleration. Over the winter of 2020/2021, nearly 1 million daily COVID-19 cases could have been avoided by optimizing the timing and strength of activity reduction in different regions relative to a scenario based on the real distribution.

Frequency of new particle formation events in the urban Mediterranean climate

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 22-10-2014

DOI: 10.5194/ACPD-14-26463-2014

Abstract: Abstract. Road traffic emissions are often considered the main source of ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter smaller than 100 nm) in urban environments. However, recent studies have shown that – in southern European urban regions at least – new particle formation events can also contribute to UFP. In order to quantify such events we systematically studied four cities with a Mediterranean climate: Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Los Angeles. The city of Brisbane is also included in our study due to its similar climate. Five long term datasets (from 3 months to 2 years) of fine and ultrafine particle number size distributions (measured by SMPS, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer) were analysed. By applying k-Means clustering analysis, we categorized the collected aerosol size distributions in four main classes: "Traffic" (prevailing 41–63% of the time), "Background Pollution" (6–53%), "Nucleation" (6–33%) and "Specific case" (7–20%) the latter being site specific. The daily variation of the average UFP concentrations for a typical nucleation day at each site revealed a similar pattern for all cities, with three distinct particle bursts. A morning and an evening spike reflected traffic rush hours, whereas a third one at midday showed new particle formation events. This work shows that the average occurrence of particle size spectra dominated by new particle formation events was 18% of the time, showing the importance of this process as a source of UFP in the Mediterranean urban atmosphere. Furthermore, in a number of the studied cities, particle number concentration averaged daily profiles for the whole study periods clearly showed the same three particle bursts. This reveals nucleation events as a relevant contributor to the average daily urban exposure to UFP in Mediterranean urban environments.

Green infrastructure for air quality improvement in street canyons

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.106288

Application of Multicriteria Decision Making Methods to Air Quality in the Microenvironments of Residential Houses in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 03-04-2004

DOI: 10.1021/ES0304695

Abstract: This paper reports the first application of the multicriteria decision making methods, PROMETHEE and GAIA, to indoor and outdoor air quality data. Fourteen residential houses in a suburb of Brisbane, Australia were investigated for 21 air quality-influencing criteria, which included the characteristics of the houses as well as the concentrations of volatile organic compounds, fungi, bacteria, submicrometer, and supermicrometer particles in their indoor and outdoor air s les. Ranking information necessary to select one house in preference to all others and to assess the parameters influencing the differentiation of the houses was found with the aid of PROMETHEE and GAIA. There was no correlation between the rank order of each house and the health complaints of its occupants. Patterns in GAIA plots show that indoor air quality in these houses is strongly dependent on the characteristics of the houses (construction material, distance of the house from a major road, and the presence of an in-built garage). Marked similarities were observed in the patterns obtained when GAIA and factor analysis were applied to the data. This underscores the potential of PROMETHEE and GAIA to provide information that can assist source apportionment and elucidation of effective remedial measures for indoor air pollution.

The influence of wind speed on new particle formation events in an urban environment

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSRES.2018.08.023

Emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from the residential burning of waste paper briquettes and other fuels

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2018.08.008

Abstract: Using waste paper as fuel for domestic heating is a beneficial recycling option for small island developing states where there are lacks of resources for energy and waste treatment. However, there are concerns about the impact of air pollutants emitted from the burning of the self-made paper briquettes as household air pollution is recognised as the greatest environmental risk for human. In this study, combustion tests were carried out for paper briquettes made in one Pacific island and three commercial fuels in Australia including wood briquettes, kindling firewood and coal briquettes in order to: 1) characterise the emissions of three criteria air pollutants including particulate matters, CO and NO

Is high vitamin B12 status a cause of lung cancer?

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 15-01-2019

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.32033

Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Risk of Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancers: The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Date: 05-2019

DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-18-1155

Abstract: The role of vitamin D in cancer risk remains controversial, and limited data exist on associations between vitamin D and subtypes of specific cancers. We investigated associations between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, including subtypes. A case–cohort study within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study included 547 colorectal, 634 breast, and 824 prostate cancers, and a sex-stratified random s le of participants (n = 2,996). Concentration of 25(OH)D in baseline-dried blood spots was measured using LC-MS/MS. Cox regression yielded adjusted HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each cancer in relation to plasma-equivalent 25(OH)D concentration. Associations by stage and BRAF/KRAS status for colorectal cancer, estrogen receptor status for breast cancer, and aggressiveness for prostate cancer were examined in competing risks models. 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with risk of colorectal cancer [highest vs. lowest 25(OH)D quintile: HR, 0.71 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.51–0.98], which was limited to women (HR, 0.52 95% CI, 0.33–0.82). Circulating 25(OH)D was also inversely associated with BRAF V600E–positive colorectal cancer (per 25 nmol/L increment: HR, 0.71 95% CI, 0.50–1.01). There were no inverse associations with breast cancer (HR, 0.98 95% CI, 0.70–1.36) or prostate cancer (HR, 1.11 95% CI, 0.82–1.48). Circulating 25(OH)D concentration was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk for women, but not with risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer. Vitamin D might play a role in preventing colorectal cancer. Further studies are required to confirm whether vitamin D is associated with specific tumor subtypes.

Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2020

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30925-9

Dietary inflammatory index, Mediterranean diet score, and lung cancer: a prospective study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 13-06-2016

DOI: 10.1007/S10552-016-0770-1

DNA methylation‐based biological aging and cancer risk and survival: Pooled analysis of seven prospective studies

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-12-2017

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.31189

Abstract: The association between aging and cancer is complex. Recent studies have developed measures of biological aging based on DNA methylation and called them "age acceleration." We aimed to assess the associations of age acceleration with risk of and survival from seven common cancers. Seven case-control studies of DNA methylation and colorectal, gastric, kidney, lung, prostate and urothelial cancer and B-cell lymphoma nested in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study were conducted. Cancer cases, vital status and cause of death were ascertained through linkage with cancer and death registries. Conditional logistic regression and Cox models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of five age acceleration measures derived from the Human Methylation 450 K Beadchip assay with cancer risk (N = 3,216 cases) and survival (N = 1,726 deaths), respectively. Epigenetic aging was associated with increased cancer risk, ranging from 4% to 9% per five-year age acceleration for the 5 measures considered. Heterogeneity by study was observed, with stronger associations for risk of kidney cancer and B-cell lymphoma. An associated increased risk of death following cancer diagnosis ranged from 2% to 6% per five-year age acceleration, with no evidence of heterogeneity by cancer site. Cancer risk and mortality were increased by 15-30% for the fourth versus first quartile of age acceleration. DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging are associated with increased cancer risk and shorter cancer survival, independently of major health risk factors.

Deposition rates of fungal spores in indoor environments, factors effecting them and comparison with non-biological aerosols

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2008

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.05.059

Development of a land use regression model for daily NO2 and NOx concentrations in the Brisbane metropolitan area, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVSOFT.2017.06.029

Temperature enhanced effects of ozone on cardiovascular mortality in 95 large US communities, 1987-2000: Assessment using the NMMAPS data

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 19-10-2009

DOI: 10.1080/19338240903240749

Abstract: A few studies examined interactive effects between air pollution and temperature on health outcomes. In this study, the authors aimed to examine whether temperature modified effects of ozone on cardiovascular mortality in 95 large US cities. The authors separately used a nonparametric regression model and a parametric regression model to explore interactive effects of temperature and ozone on cardiovascular mortality between May and October of the years from 1987 to 2000. The authors used a Bayesian meta-analysis to pool estimates. The nonparametric and parametric regression models both showed that temperature enhanced effects of ozone on mortality, but the effect modification varied across regions. A 10-ppb increment in average ozone concentration at 3 previous days was associated with 0.41% (95% posterior interval [PI]: -0.19%, 0.93%), 0.27% (95% PI: -0.44%, 0.87%), and 1.68% (95% PI: 0.07%, 3.26%) increases in daily cardiovascular mortality corresponding to low, moderate, and high levels of temperature in all 95 US cities, respectively. The authors concluded that temperature modified effects of ozone, particularly in the northern regions.

The epidemiology of obesity.

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-1994

DOI: 10.1016/S0950-351X(05)80287-3

Abstract: Obesity and pattern of fat distribution are both important factors related to poor health outcomes. Many measures of obesity and fat distribution pattern have been employed by different authors and to facilitate interpopulation comparisons and interpretation of secular trends it is necessary that standardized methods for measurement and classification are set in place. The use of BMI as a measure of fatness for epidemiological studies is widely accepted, easily measured and BMI predicts morbidity and mortality in many populations. The most appropriate level at which to define obesity is a matter of debate but systems which use BMI > or = 25 and 30 kg/m2 as obese for all adults are simple, easily remembered, already widely used and BMIs above 30 kg/m2 are clearly associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In some populations there may be a case for using a lower cut-off but not unless there is specific evidence to support this. For the present WHR is probably the best method for assessing fat distribution, although waist circumference on its own may be more useful in determining risk levels. Standard sites for measurement of both waist and hip girths have been described. There is a large variation in the prevalence of obesity across the populations for which data is available, with high prevalences of obesity and dramatic secular trends especially apparent in modernizing Pacific Island populations. The 'thrifty genotype' hypothesis has been invoked to try and explain this situation. The clustering of obesity, NIDDM and CVD risk factors has been recognized and various 'syndromes' have been described which group different factors together, with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance proposed as the underlying problem.

Particle emissions from compressed natural gas engines

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2000

DOI: 10.1016/S0021-8502(99)00530-3

Transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 by inhalation of respiratory aerosol in the Skagit Valley Chorale superspreading event

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 13-10-2020

DOI: 10.1111/INA.12751

Are there generalizable trends in the release of airborne synthetic clay nanoparticles from a jet milling process?

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2015

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2014.06.0124

Temporal evolution of charged and neutral nanoparticle concentrations during atmospheric new particle formation events and its implications for ion-induced nucleation

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 10-2016

DOI: 10.1007/S11783-016-0862-X

Characteristics of airborne ultrafine and coarse particles during the Australian dust storm of 23 September 2009

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2011.04.059

Isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia confirmed as a risk factor for mortality

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 19-08-1999

DOI: 10.1007/S001250051269

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the possible link between isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia (2-h post-challenge plasma glucose >/= 11.1 mmol/l, and fasting plasma glucose < 7.0 mmol/l) and mortality. The data from three population based longitudinal studies (in Mauritius, Fiji and Nauru) were pooled and mortality rates were determined in 9179 people who were followed for between 5 and 12 years. There were 595 people with previously diagnosed diabetes, and 799 with newly diagnosed diabetes, of whom 243 (31) had isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia. In comparison with people without diabetes, people with isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia had an increased risk of all-cause mortality [Cox proportional hazards ratio (95 % CI): 2.7 (1.8-3.9) - men 2.0 (1.3-3.3) - women], and of cardiovascular mortality [2.3 (1.2-4.2) - men 2.6 (1.3-5.1) - women]. In addition, men with isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia had a high risk of cancer death [8.0 (3.6-17.9)]. These data show that isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia, which can only be identified by the 2-h glucose, is common, and at least doubles the mortality risk. This should be considered in the design of screening programmes that use only fasting glucose.

The Mechanism of Breath Aerosol Formation

Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc

Date: 09-2009

DOI: 10.1089/JAMP.2008.0720

Abstract: Aerosol production during normal breathing is often attributed to turbulence in the respiratory tract. That mechanism is not consistent with a high degree of asymmetry between aerosol production during inhalation and exhalation. The objective was to investigate production symmetry during breathing. The aerosol size distribution in exhaled breath was examined for different breathing patterns including normal breathing, varied breath-holding periods, and contrasting inhalation and exhalation rates. The aerosol droplet size distribution measured in the exhaled breath was examined in real time using an aerodynamic particle sizer. The dependence of the particle concentration decay rate on diameter during breath holding was consistent with gravitational settling in the alveolar spaces. Also, deep exhalation resulted in a four- to sixfold increase in concentration, and rapid inhalation produced a further two- to threefold increase in concentration. In contrast, rapid exhalation had little effect on the measured concentration. A positive correlation of the breath aerosol concentration with subject age was observed. The results were consistent with the breath aerosol being produced through fluid film rupture in the respiratory bronchioles in the early stages of inhalation and the resulting aerosol being drawn into the alveoli and held before exhalation. The observed asymmetry of production in the breathing cycle with very little aerosol being produced by exhalation is inconsistent with the widely assumed turbulence-induced aerosolization mechanism.

Impact of combustion-derived black carbon oxidation states on optical properties and cellular metabolomics in HeLa cells: Insights into soot organics

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2023

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2023.120118

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease do not fully explain differences in carotid intima–media thickness between Indigenous and European Australians without diabetes

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 06-07-2009

DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2265.2008.03445.X

Abstract: To investigate whether cardiovascular risk factors can explain the higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in Indigenous compared with European Australians. Cross-sectional study in three subgroups. Non-diabetic urban European (n = 86), urban Indigenous (n = 69), and remote Indigenous (n = 60) Australians aged 25-64 years. CIMT, age, sex, anthropometry, blood pressure, smoking status, fasting glucose and insulin, haemoglobin (Hb)A1c, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipids, urinary albumin and creatinine. CIMT and levels of risk factors, except fasting glucose and total cholesterol, worsened across the three groups. Log(n) fasting insulin [beta = 0.022, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0-0.0439], age (beta = 0.006, 95% CI 0.004-0.007), gender (female beta = -0.005 vs. male, 95% CI -0.084 to -0.026), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (beta = 0.001, 95% CI 0.001-0.002) and ethnicity/location [urban Indigenous (beta = 0.027, 95% CI -0.010 to 0.064 vs. European) remote Indigenous (beta = 0.083, 95% CI 0.042-0.123 vs. European)] explained 41% of variance in CIMT. Significant interactions were seen for ethnicity/location with age (P = 0.014) and MAP (P = 0.018). Age was consistently associated with CIMT across the three populations, and was associated with larger increments in CIMT for the Indigenous subgroups (beta = 0.007, 95% CI 0.005-0.009 urban beta = 0.007, 95% CI 0.004-0.010 remote) compared with Europeans (beta = 0.003, 95% CI 0.002-0.006) in models including age, sex and MAP. MAP was only associated with CIMT in the remote Indigenous subgroup. After adjusting for selected risk factors, CIMT in remote Indigenous participants was still higher than in Europeans. The slope of the association between age and CIMT steepened from urban Europeans to remote Indigenous.

Application of the VH‐TDMA technique to coastal ambient aerosols

Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Date: 08-2004

DOI: 10.1029/2004GL020126

Dietary and biomarker estimates of fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 27-02-2015

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.29479

Abstract: The associations between intake of or circulating fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear. We examined prospectively the associations between dietary or biomarker fatty acids and CRC. For 41,514 men and women, aged 40-69 years, baseline (1990-94) dietary intakes of fatty acids were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and plasma phospholipid (PPL) fatty acids were measured for 4,205 participants including 395 CRC cases, according to a case-cohort design. Hazard ratios were computed using Cox regression adjusting for education, alcohol intake, smoking status, physical activity and total energy intake and stratified for gender, ethnicity and family history of cancer, with age as the time scale. We assessed the heterogeneity of associations with colon and rectal cancers. PPL saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were positively associated with CRC risk, while total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and long chain marine n-3 PUFAs showed inverse associations, significant only for 22:5 n-3. No significant associations were observed for dietary fatty acid intakes but positive associations with CRC of borderline significance were seen for both dietary and PPL linoleic acid. Positive associations with dietary palmitic acid (16:0), MUFAs and n-6 PUFAs were seen for rectal but not colon cancers. PPL 22:6 n-3 was inversely associated with rectal cancer. Limiting intakes of SFAs and MUFAs could be assisted by following existing guidelines to limit red and processed meats which are important sources in the Australian diet. Our observations regarding linoleic acid should be examined further.

Performance Evaluation of the UVAPS in Measuring Biological Aerosols: Fluorescence Spectra from NAD(P)H Coenzymes and Riboflavin

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 04-2004

DOI: 10.1080/02786820490437505

Cooking in this issue – back to basics!

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 29-06-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012002923

Global, regional, and national burden of respiratory tract cancers and associated risk factors from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2021

DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00164-8

Global and regional burden of disease and injury in 2016 arising from occupational exposures: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 13-02-2020

DOI: 10.1136/OEMED-2019-106008

Abstract: This study provides an overview of the influence of occupational risk factors on the global burden of disease as estimated by the occupational component of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2016 study. The GBD 2016 study estimated the burden in terms of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) arising from the effects of occupational risk factors (carcinogens asthmagens particulate matter, gases and fumes (PMGF) secondhand smoke (SHS) noise ergonomic risk factors for low back pain risk factors for injury). A population attributable fraction (PAF) approach was used for most risk factors. In 2016, globally, an estimated 1.53 (95% uncertainty interval 1.39–1.68) million deaths and 76.1 (66.3–86.3) million DALYs were attributable to the included occupational risk factors, accounting for 2.8% of deaths and 3.2% of DALYs from all causes. Most deaths were attributable to PMGF, carcinogens (particularly asbestos), injury risk factors and SHS. Most DALYs were attributable to injury risk factors and ergonomic exposures. Men and persons 55 years or older were most affected. PAFs ranged from 26.8% for low back pain from ergonomic risk factors and 19.6% for hearing loss from noise to 3.4% for carcinogens. DALYs per capita were highest in Oceania, Southeast Asia and Central sub-Saharan Africa. On a per capita basis, between 1990 and 2016 there was an overall decrease of about 31% in deaths and 25% in DALYs. Occupational exposures continue to cause an important health burden worldwide, justifying the need for ongoing prevention and control initiatives.

Quantitative assessment of the effect of surface deposition and coagulation on the dynamics of submicrometer particles indoors

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 05-2003

DOI: 10.1080/02786820300975

The rise of low-cost sensing for managing air pollution in cities

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2014.11.019

Abstract: Ever growing populations in cities are associated with a major increase in road vehicles and air pollution. The overall high levels of urban air pollution have been shown to be of a significant risk to city dwellers. However, the impacts of very high but temporally and spatially restricted pollution, and thus exposure, are still poorly understood. Conventional approaches to air quality monitoring are based on networks of static and sparse measurement stations. However, these are prohibitively expensive to capture tempo-spatial heterogeneity and identify pollution hotspots, which is required for the development of robust real-time strategies for exposure control. Current progress in developing low-cost micro-scale sensing technology is radically changing the conventional approach to allow real-time information in a capillary form. But the question remains whether there is value in the less accurate data they generate. This article illustrates the drivers behind current rises in the use of low-cost sensors for air pollution management in cities, while addressing the major challenges for their effective implementation.

Characterization of the Particle Emission from Ships Operating at Sea Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 26-06-2017

DOI: 10.5194/AMT-2017-146

Abstract: Abstract. This research demonstrates the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to characterize the gaseous (CO2) and particle (10–500 nm) emissions of a ship at sea. The field study was part of the research voyage The Great Barrier Reef as a significant source of climatically relevant aerosol particles on-board the RV Investigator around the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Measurements of the RV Investigator exhaust plume were carried out while the ship was operating at sea, at a steady engine load of 30 %. The UAV system was flown autonomously using several different programmed paths. These incorporated different altitudes and distances behind the ship in order to investigate the optimal position to capture the ship plume. Five flights were performed, providing a total of 27 horizontal transects perpendicular to the ship exhaust plume. Results show that the most appropriate altitude and distance to effectively capture the plume was 25 m above sea level and 20 m downwind. Particle number (PN) emission factors (EF) were calculated in terms of number of particles emitted (#) per weight of fuel consumed (Kg fuel). Fuel consumption was calculated using the simultaneous measurements of plume CO2 concentration. Calculated EFPN were between 9.19 × 1014 and 5.15 × 1015 #∙(Kg fuel)−1. These values are in line with those reported in the literature for ship emissions ranging from 0.2 6.2 × 1016 #∙(Kg fuel)−1 to 6.2 × 1016 #∙(Kg fuel)−1. This UAV system successfully assessed ship emissions to derive emission factors (EFs) under real world conditions. This is significant as, for the first time, it provides a reliable, inexpensive and accessible way to assess and potentially regulate ship emissions.

Red Meat and Chicken Consumption and Its Association With Age-related Macular Degeneration

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 19-01-2009

DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWN393

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among older people, and diet has been postulated to alter risk of AMD. To evaluate associations between red meat and chicken intake and AMD, the authors conducted a cohort study of 6,734 persons aged 58-69 years in 1990-1994 in Melbourne, Australia. Meat intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. At follow-up (2003-2006), bilateral digital macular photographs were taken and evaluated for AMD (1,680 cases of early AMD, 77 cases of late AMD). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, adjusted for age, smoking, and other potential confounders. Higher red meat intake was positively associated with early AMD the odds ratio for consumption of red meat > or =10 times/week versus <5 times/week was 1.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.21, 1.79 P-trend or =3.5 times/week versus <1.5 times/week was inversely associated with late AMD (odds ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.20, 0.91 P-trend = 0.007). These results suggest that different meats may differently affect AMD risk and may be a target for lifestyle modification.

A Bayesian spatiotemporal model of panel design data: Airborne particle number concentration in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 04-08-2019

DOI: 10.1002/ENV.2597

Traffic and nucleation events as main sources of ultrafine particles in high-insolation developed world cities

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 28-05-2015

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-15-5929-2015

Abstract: Abstract. Road traffic emissions are often considered the main source of ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter smaller than 100 nm) in urban environments. However, recent studies worldwide have shown that – in high-insolation urban regions at least – new particle formation events can also contribute to UFP. In order to quantify such events we systematically studied three cities located in predominantly sunny environments: Barcelona (Spain), Madrid (Spain) and Brisbane (Australia). Three long-term data sets (1–2 years) of fine and ultrafine particle number size distributions (measured by SMPS, Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer) were analysed. Compared to total particle number concentrations, aerosol size distributions offer far more information on the type, origin and atmospheric evolution of the particles. By applying k-means clustering analysis, we categorized the collected aerosol size distributions into three main categories: "Traffic" (prevailing 44–63% of the time), "Nucleation" (14–19%) and "Background pollution and Specific cases" (7–22%). Measurements from Rome (Italy) and Los Angeles (USA) were also included to complement the study. The daily variation of the average UFP concentrations for a typical nucleation day at each site revealed a similar pattern for all cities, with three distinct particle bursts. A morning and an evening spike reflected traffic rush hours, whereas a third one at midday showed nucleation events. The photochemically nucleated particles' burst lasted 1–4 h, reaching sizes of 30–40 nm. On average, the occurrence of particle size spectra dominated by nucleation events was 16% of the time, showing the importance of this process as a source of UFP in urban environments exposed to high solar radiation. Nucleation events lasting for 2 h or more occurred on 55% of the days, this extending to 4 h in 28% of the days, demonstrating that atmospheric conditions in urban environments are not favourable to the growth of photochemically nucleated particles. In summary, although traffic remains the main source of UFP in urban areas, in developed countries with high insolation urban nucleation events are also a main source of UFP. If traffic-related particle concentrations are reduced in the future, nucleation events will likely increase in urban areas, due to the reduced urban condensation sinks.

Face Masks Reduce the Release of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cough Aerosols When Worn for Clinically Relevant Periods.

Publisher: American Thoracic Society

Date: 15-11-2018

DOI: 10.1164/RCCM.201805-0823LE

Where does your food come from?

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 11-2010

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980010002818

Deposition of ambient ultrafine particles in the respiratory tract of children: A novel experimental method and its application

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2019.105465

Air pollution and COVID-19: clearing the air and charting a post-pandemic course: a joint workshop report of ERS, ISEE, HEI and WHO

Publisher: European Respiratory Society (ERS)

Date: 08-2021

DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01063-2021

Combustion sources of particles: 2. Emission factors and measurement methods

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2002

DOI: 10.1016/S0045-6535(02)00240-0

Abstract: Emissions from the combustion of biomass and fossil fuels are a significant source of particulate matter (PM) in ambient outdoor and/or indoor air. It is important to quantify PM emissions from combustion sources for regulatory and control purposes in relation to air quality. In this paper, we review emission factors for several types of important combustion sources: road transport, industrial facilities, small household combustion devices, environmental tobacco smoke, and vegetation burning. We also review current methods for measuring particle physical characteristics (mass and number concentrations) and principles of methodologies for measuring emission factors. The emission factors can be measured on a fuel-mass basis and/or a task basis. Fuel-mass based emission factors (e.g., g/kg of fuel) can be readily used for the development of emission inventories when the amount of fuels consumed are known. Task-based emission factors (g/mile driven, g/MJ generated) are more appropriate when used to conduct comparisons of air pollution potentials of different combustion devices. Finally, we discuss major shortcomings and limitations of current methods for measuring particle emissions and present recommendations for development of future measurement techniques.

Regulations and policy measures related to the reduction of ambient particulate matter

Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

Date: 2011

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-12278-1_30

Ozone-Initiated Particle Formation, Particle Aging, and Precursors in a Laser Printer

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 04-01-2012

DOI: 10.1021/ES203066K

Abstract: An increasing number of researchers have hypothesized that ozone may be involved in the particle formation processes that occur during printing, however no studies have investigated this further. In the current study, this hypothesis was tested in a chamber study by adding supplemental ozone to the chamber after a print job without measurable ozone emissions. Subsequent particle number concentration and size distribution measurements showed that new particles were formed minutes after the addition of ozone. The results demonstrated that ozone did react with printer-generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). The hypothesis was further confirmed by the observation of correlations among VOCs, ozone, and particles concentrations during a print job with measurable ozone emissions. The potential particle precursors were identified by a number of furnace tests, which suggested that squalene and styrene were the most likely SOA precursors with respect to ozone. Overall, this study significantly improved scientific understanding of the formation mechanisms of printer-generated particles, and highlighted the possible SOA formation potential of unsaturated nonterpene organic compounds by ozone-initiated reactions in the indoor environment.

Cystic fibrosis pathogens survive for extended periods within cough-generated droplet nuclei.

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 07-04-2018

DOI: 10.1136/THORAXJNL-2018-211567

Abstract: The airborne route is a potential pathway in the person-to-person transmission of bacterial strains among cystic fibrosis (CF) populations. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate the physical properties and survival of common non- Pseudomonas aeruginosa CF pathogens generated during coughing. We conclude that Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus are aerosolised during coughing, can travel up to 4 m and remain viable within droplet nuclei for up to 45 min. These results suggest that airborne person-to-person transmission is plausible for the CF pathogens we measured.

Diesel bus emissions measured in a tunnel study

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 12-11-2004

DOI: 10.1021/ES030662Z

Abstract: The emission factors of a bus fleet consisting of approximately 300 diesel-powered buses were measured in a tunnel study under well-controlled conditions during a 2-d monitoring c aign in Brisbane. Particle number and mass concentration levels of submicrometer particles and PM2.5 were monitored by SMPS and DustTrak instruments at the tunnel's entrance and exit, respectively. Correlation between DustTrak and TEOM response to diesel emissions was assessed, and the DustTrak results were recalculated into TEOM equivalent data. The mean value of the number and mass emission factors was (3.11+/-2.41) x 10(14) particles km(-1) for submicrometer particles and 583+/-451 mg km(-1) for PM2.5 (DustTrak), respectively. TEOM PM2.5 equivalent emission factor was 267+/-207 mg km(-1). The results are in good agreement with the emission factors determined from steady-state dynamometer testing of 12 buses from the same Brisbane City bus fleet. The results indicate that when carefully designed, both approaches, the dynamometer and on-road studies, can provide comparable results, applicable for the assessment of the effect of traffic emissions on airborne particle pollution. A brief overview of emission factors determined from other on-road and dynamometer studies reported in the literature as well as with the regulatory values used for the vehicle emission inventory assessment is presented and compared with the results obtained in this study.

Development of a particle number and particle mass vehicle emissions inventory for an urban fleet

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVSOFT.2009.05.003

Performance assessment of UVAPS: Influence of fungal spore age and air exposure

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2007

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2006.10.003

Preface

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/9783527610013

Determination of the radon surface emanation rate from laboratory emanation data

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-1991

DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(91)90061-I

Inhaled particle counts on bicycle commute routes of low and high proximity to motorised traffic

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2012.06.041

Face masks could raise pollution risks

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 10-2019

DOI: 10.1038/D41586-019-02938-1

Independent Validation of National Satellite-Based Land-Use Regression Models for Nitrogen Dioxide Using Passive Samplers

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 04-11-2016

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.6B03428

Abstract: Including satellite observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO

Emissions from a vehicle fitted to operate on either petrol or compressed natural gas

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-05-2004

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2003.10.023

ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Coronary Heart Disease

Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)

Date: 08-2016

DOI: 10.1001/JAMAINTERNMED.2016.2925

First measurements of source apportionment of organic aerosols in the Southern Hemisphere

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2013.08.015

Abstract: An Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer was deployed at five urban schools to examine spatial and temporal variability of organic aerosols (OA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) used for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere to apportion the sources of the OA across an urban area. The sources identified included hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA), biomass burning OA (BBOA) and oxygenated OA (OOA). At all sites, the main source was OOA, which accounted for 62-73% of the total OA mass and was generally more oxidized compared to those reported in the Northern Hemisphere. This suggests that there are differences in aging processes or regional sources in the two hemispheres. Unlike HOA and BBOA, OOA demonstrated instructive temporal variations but not spatial variation across the urban area. Application of cluster analysis to the PMF-derived sources offered a simple and effective method for qualitative comparison of PMF sources that can be used in other studies.

It Is Time to Address Airborne Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 06-07-2020

DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIAA939

Indoor air: Contemporary sources, exposures and global implications

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2015.02.044

Global and regional burden of cancer in 2016 arising from occupational exposure to selected carcinogens: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 13-02-2020

DOI: 10.1136/OEMED-2019-106012

Abstract: This study provides a detailed analysis of the global and regional burden of cancer due to occupational carcinogens from the Global Burden of Disease 2016 study. The burden of cancer due to 14 International Agency for Research on Cancer Group 1 occupational carcinogens was estimated using the population attributable fraction, based on past population exposure prevalence and relative risks from the literature. The results were used to calculate attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). There were an estimated 349 000 (95% Uncertainty Interval 269 000 to 427 000) deaths and 7.2 (5.8 to 8.6) million DALYs in 2016 due to exposure to the included occupational carcinogens—3.9% (3.2% to 4.6%) of all cancer deaths and 3.4% (2.7% to 4.0%) of all cancer DALYs 79% of deaths were of males and 88% were of people aged 55 –79 years. Lung cancer accounted for 86% of the deaths, mesothelioma for 7.9% and laryngeal cancer for 2.1%. Asbestos was responsible for the largest number of deaths due to occupational carcinogens (63%) other important risk factors were secondhand smoke (14%), silica (14%) and diesel engine exhaust (5%). The highest mortality rates were in high-income regions, largely due to asbestos-related cancers, whereas in other regions cancer deaths from secondhand smoke, silica and diesel engine exhaust were more prominent. From 1990 to 2016, there was a decrease in the rate for deaths (−10%) and DALYs (−15%) due to exposure to occupational carcinogens. Work-related carcinogens are responsible for considerable disease burden worldwide. The results provide guidance for prevention and control initiatives.

Validity and calibration of the FFQ used in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 14-04-2016

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980016000690

Abstract: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the FFQ administered to participants in the follow-up of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS), and to provide calibration coefficients. A random s le stratified by country of birth, age, sex and BMI was selected from MCCS participants. Participants completed two FFQ and three 24 h recalls over 1 year. Reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Validity coefficients (VC) were estimated from structural equation models and calibration coefficients obtained from regression calibration models. Adults born in Australia, Greece or Italy. Nine hundred and sixty-five participants consented to the study of these, 459 participants were included in the reliability analyses and 615 in the validity and calibration analyses. The FFQ showed good repeatability for twenty-three nutrients with ICC ranging from 0·66 to 0·80 for absolute nutrient intakes for Australian-born and from 0·51 to 0·74 for Greek/Italian-born. For Australian-born, VC ranged from 0·46 (monounsaturated fat) to 0·83 (Ca) for nutrient densities, comparing well with other studies. For Greek/Italian-born, VC were between 0·21 (Na) and 0·64 (riboflavin). Calibration coefficients for nutrient densities ranged from 0·39 (retinol) to 0·74 (Mg) for Australian-born and from 0·18 (Zn) to 0·54 (riboflavin) for Greek/Italian-born. The FFQ used in the MCCS follow-up study is suitable for estimating energy-adjusted nutrients for Australian-born participants. However, its performance for estimating intakes is poorer for southern European migrants and alternative dietary assessment methods ought to be considered if dietary data are to be measured in similar demographic groups.

Characterization of VOCs from LPG and unleaded petroleum fuelled passenger cars

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2013.06.031

Comprehensive characterization of aerosols in a subtropical urban atmosphere: Particle size distribution and correlation with gaseous pollutants

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-1998

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(98)00023-5

Recycling concrete: An undiscovered source of ultrafine particles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2014.03.035

Long-term trends in PM2.5 mass and particle number concentrations in urban air: The impacts of mitigation measures and extreme events due to changing climates

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2020.114500

Profiling foods and diets.

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 30-10-2014

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980014002328

Lifetime alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of KRAS+ and BRAF‐/KRAS‐ but not BRAF+ colorectal cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 26-12-2016

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.30568

Abstract: Ethanol in alcoholic beverages is a causative agent for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease, and molecular subtypes defined by the presence of somatic mutations in BRAF and KRAS are known to exist. We examined associations between lifetime alcohol intake and molecular and anatomic subtypes of colorectal cancer. We calculated usual alcohol intake for 10-year periods from age 20 using recalled frequency and quantity of beverage-specific consumption for 38,149 participants aged 40-69 years from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Cox regression was performed to derive hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between lifetime alcohol intake and colorectal cancer risk. Heterogeneity in the HRs across subtypes of colorectal cancer was assessed. A positive dose-dependent association between lifetime alcohol intake and overall colorectal cancer risk (mean follow-up = 14.6 years n = 596 colon and n = 326 rectal cancer) was observed (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.12 per 10 g/day increment). The risk was greater for rectal than colon cancer (p

Semi-Ownership and Sterilisation of Cats and Dogs in Thailand

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 06-11-2012

DOI: 10.3390/ANI2040611

Ultrafine particle emission of waste incinerators and comparison to the exposure of urban citizens

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2014.03.008

Abstract: On the basis of the growing interest on the impact of airborne particles on human exposure as well as the strong debate in Western countries on the emissions of waste incinerators, this work reviewed existing literature to: (i) show the emission factors of ultrafine particles (particles with a diameter less than 100 nm) of waste incinerators and (ii) assess the contribution of waste incinerators in terms of ultrafine particles to exposure and dose of people living in the surrounding areas of the plants in order to estimate eventual risks. The review identified only a limited number of studies measuring ultrafine particle emissions, and in general they report low particle number concentrations at the stack (the median value was equal to 5.5×10(3) part cm(-3)), in most cases higher than the outdoor background value. The lowest emissions were achieved by utilization of the bag-house filter which has an overall number-based filtration efficiency higher than 99%. Referring to reference case, the corresponding emission factor is equal to 9.1×10(12) part min(-1), that is lower than one single high-duty vehicle. Since the higher particle number concentrations found in the most contributing microenvironments to the exposure (indoor home, transportation, urban outdoor), the contribution of the waste incinerators to the daily dose can be considered as negligible.

Particle deposition rates in residential houses

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.03.016

Evaluating the risk of mixtures in the indoor air of primary school classrooms

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 24-05-2015

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-015-4619-Z

Abstract: In school environments, children are constantly exposed to mixtures of airborne substances, derived from a variety of sources, both in the classroom and in the school surroundings. It is important to evaluate the hazardous properties of these mixtures, in order to conduct risk assessments of their impact on children's health. Within this context, through the application of a maximum cumulative ratio approach, this study aimed to explore whether health risks due to indoor air mixtures are driven by a single substance or are due to cumulative exposure to various substances. This methodology requires knowledge of the concentration of substances in the air mixture, together with a health-related weighting factor (i.e. reference concentration or lowest concentration of interest), which is necessary to calculate the hazard index. Maximum cumulative ratio and hazard index values were then used to categorise the mixtures into four groups, based on their hazard potential and therefore appropriate risk management strategies. Air s les were collected from classrooms in 25 primary schools in Brisbane, Australia. Analysis was conducted based on the measured concentration of these substances in about 300 air s les. The results showed that in 92 % of the schools, indoor air mixtures belonged to the 'low concern' group, and therefore, they did not require any further assessment. In the remaining schools, toxicity was mainly governed by a single substance, with a very small number of schools having a multiple substance mix which required a combined risk assessment. The proposed approach enables the identification of such schools and thus aids in the efficient health risk management of pollution emissions and air quality in the school environment.

Introduction to sampling and measurement techniques

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/9783527610013.CH2A

Quantification of the relationship between fuser roller temperature and laser printer emissions

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2010.02.015

The association between particulate air pollution and respiratory admissions among young children in Hanoi, Vietnam

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.08.012

Abstract: While the effects of ambient air pollution on health have been studied extensively in many developed countries, few studies have been conducted in Vietnam, where the population is exposed to high levels of airborne particulate matter. The aim of our study was to examine the short-term effects of PM

Corrigendum to “Tracheobronchial and alveolar dose of submicrometer particles for different population age groups in Italy” [Atmos. Environ. 45 (2011) 6216–6224]

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2012

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2011.12.005

How can airborne transmission of COVID-19 indoors be minimised?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2020.105832

Co-optimisation of indoor environmental quality and energy consumption within urban office buildings

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENBUILD.2014.09.021

Novel Method for On-Road Emission Factor Measurements Using a Plume Capture Trailer

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 08-12-2007

DOI: 10.1021/ES060179Z

Abstract: The method outlined provides for emission factor measurements to be made for unmodified vehicles driving under real world conditions at minimal cost. The method consists of a plume capture trailer towed behind a test vehicle. The trailer collects a s le of the naturally diluted plume in a 200 L conductive bag and this is delivered immediately to a mobile laboratory for subsequent analysis of particulate and gaseous emissions. The method offers low test turnaround times with the potential to complete much larger numbers of emission factor measurements than have been possible using dynamometer testing. S les can be collected at distances up to 3 m from the exhaust pipe allowing investigation of early dilution processes. Particle size distribution measurements, as well as particle number and mass emission factor measurements, based on naturally diluted plumes are presented. A dilution profile relating the plume dilution ratio to distance from the vehicle tail pipe for a diesel passenger vehicle is also presented. Such profiles are an essential input for new mechanistic roadway air quality models.

Identification of the sources of primary organic aerosols at urban schools: A molecular marker approach

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2014.04.023

Abstract: Children are particularly susceptible to air pollution and schools are ex les of urban microenvironments that can account for a large portion of children's exposure to airborne particles. Thus this paper aimed to determine the sources of primary airborne particles that children are exposed to at school by analyzing selected organic molecular markers at 11 urban schools in Brisbane, Australia. Positive matrix factorization analysis identified four sources at the schools: vehicle emissions, biomass burning, meat cooking and plant wax emissions accounting for 45%, 29%, 16% and 7%, of the organic carbon respectively. Biomass burning peaked in winter due to prescribed burning of bushland around Brisbane. Overall, the results indicated that both local (traffic) and regional (biomass burning) sources of primary organic aerosols influence the levels of ambient particles that children are exposed at the schools. These results have implications for potential control strategies for mitigating exposure at schools.

Community greenness, blood pressure, and hypertension in urban dwellers: The 33 Communities Chinese Health Study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2019.02.068

Abstract: Living in greener areas has many health benefits, but evidence concerning the effects on blood pressure remains mixed. We sought to assess associations between community greenness and both blood pressure and hypertension in Chinese urban dwellers, and whether the associations were mediated by air pollution, body mass index, and physical activity. We analyzed data from 24,845 adults participating in the 33 Communities Chinese Health Study, which was conducted in Northeastern China during 2009. We measured each participant's blood pressure according to a standardized protocol. We assessed community greenness using two satellite-derived vegetation indexes - the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Particulate matter ≤2.5 μm and nitrogen dioxide were used as proxies of ambient air pollution. We applied generalized linear mixed models to investigate the association between greenness and blood pressure. We also performed mediation analyses. Living in greener areas was associated with lower blood pressure and hypertension prevalence an interquartile range increase in both NDVI Our findings indicate beneficial associations between community greenness and blood pressure in Chinese adults, especially for women. Air pollution and body mass index only partly mediated the associations.

The influence of lifestyle on airborne particle surface area doses received by different Western populations

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.09.023

Abstract: In the present study, the daily dose in terms of particle surface area received by citizens living in five cities in Western countries, characterized by different lifestyle, culture, climate and built-up environment, was evaluated and compared. For this purpose, the exposure to sub-micron particle concentration levels of the population living in Barcelona (Spain), Cassino (Italy), Guilford (United Kingdom), Lund (Sweden), and Brisbane (Australia) was measured through a direct exposure assessment approach. In particular, measurements of the exposure at a personal scale were performed by volunteers (15 per each population) that used a personal particle counter for different days in order to obtain exposure data in microenvironments/activities they resided erformed. Non-smoking volunteers performing non-industrial jobs were considered in the study. Particle concentration data allowed obtaining the exposure of the population living in each city. Such data were combined in a Monte Carlo method with the time activity pattern data characteristics of each population and inhalation rate to obtain the most probable daily dose in term of particle surface area as a function of the population gender, age, and nationality. The highest daily dose was estimated for citizens living in Cassino and Guilford (>1000 mm

Size distribution of particles emitted from grass fires in the Northern Territory, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2007

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.07.020

Radon concentration and exhalation measurement with a semiconductor detector and an electrostatic precipitator working in a closed circulation system

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-1983

DOI: 10.1016/0167-5087(83)90721-4

Prediagnosis alcohol intake and metachronous cancer risk in cancer survivors: A prospective cohort study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 05-05-2021

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.33603

Abstract: Alcohol consumption is a known cause of cancer, but its role in the etiology of second primary (metachronous) cancer is uncertain. Associations between alcohol intake up until study enrollment (prediagnosis) and risk of metachronous cancer were estimated using 9435 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study who were diagnosed with their first invasive cancer after enrollment (1990‐1994). Follow‐up was from date of first invasive cancer until diagnosis of metachronous cancer, death or censor date (February 2018), whichever came first. Alcohol intake for 10‐year periods from age 20 until decade encompassing baseline using recalled beverage‐specific frequency and quantity was used to calculate baseline and lifetime intakes, and group‐based intake trajectories. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounders. After a mean follow‐up of 7 years, 1512 metachronous cancers were identified. A 10 g/d increment in prediagnosis lifetime alcohol intake (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.06 P value = .02) and an intake of ≥60 g/d (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.73) were associated with increased metachronous cancer risk. We observed positive associations (per 10 g/d increment) for metachronous colorectal (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.14), upper aero‐digestive tract (UADT) (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.00‐1.34) and kidney cancer (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.39). Although these findings were partly explained by effects of smoking, the association for kidney cancer remained unchanged when current smokers or obese in iduals were excluded. Alcohol intake trajectories over the life course confirmed associations with metachronous cancer risk. Prediagnosis long‐term alcohol intake, and particularly heavy drinking, may increase the risk of metachronous cancer, particularly of the colorectum, UADT and kidney.

Alcohol consumption for different periods in life, intake pattern over time and all-cause mortality

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 15-10-2015

DOI: 10.1093/PUBMED/FDU082

Abstract: Conventionally, cohort studies have assessed the association between alcohol and all-cause mortality by using alcohol intake at enrolment. In the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, participants were asked about usual frequency and quantity of beverage-specific alcohol intake for 10-year periods starting at age 20 from which current, past and lifetime intakes were calculated. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios for mortality for 39 577 participants of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study aged 40-69 at baseline. After a mean follow-up of 15 years erson, we identified 4639 deaths. Associations between all-cause mortality and lifetime, current (baseline) and past intake were J shaped, with lower mortality at low intake (e.g. 0-39/>0-39 g/day) from age 20 to baseline age was associated with a 16% lower mortality, while heavy drinking at both ages (≥80/≥40 and ≥40/0 g/day) was associated with higher mortality compared with stable abstinence. Our findings support a reduced mortality risk associated with low-dose drinking but also highlight a higher mortality risk for consistent heavy drinking from a young age.

Introducing PRISMA as a requirement.

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 15-09-2015

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980015002670

Postpartum Diet Quality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 06-02-2020

DOI: 10.3390/JCM9020446

Abstract: Reproductive-aged women are at high risk of developing obesity, and diet quality is a potential modifiable risk factor. There is limited research exploring diet quality and its association with time since childbirth. Using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) survey 5 (2009) of women born between 1973–1978, who reported having previously given birth, we investigated the association between time since childbirth and diet quality, and differences in energy, macronutrients, micronutrient intake, and diet quality assessed by the dietary guideline index (DGI) in women stratified by time from last childbirth, early (0–6 months n = 558) and late (7–12 months n = 547), and all other women with children ( months post childbirth n = 3434). From this cohort, 8200 participants were eligible, of which 4539 participants completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and were included in this analysis. Overall, diet quality was higher in early and late postpartum women (mean DGI score 89.8 (SD 10.5) and mean DGI score 90.0 (SD 10.2), respectively) compared to all other women with children ( months post childbirth), mean DGI score 85.2 (SD 11.7), p 0.001. Factors positively associated with diet quality included higher education, physical activity, health provider support, and vitamin and/or mineral supplement use. Conversely, increasing time from childbirth ( months), smoking compared with non-smoking and medium income level compared with no income was negatively associated with diet quality. A lower diet quality in women greater than 12 months post childbirth may be reflective of increased pressures, balancing childrearing and return to work responsibilities. This highlights the need to support women beyond the postpartum period to improve modifiable factors associated with weight gain, including diet quality, to optimize health and reduce chronic disease risk.

Ventilation procedures to minimize the airborne transmission of viruses in classrooms

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2021.108042

Low-cost sensors as an alternative for long-term air quality monitoring

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2020.109438

Diet and physical activity as possible mediators of the association between educational attainment and body mass index gain among Australian adults.

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 23-04-2018

DOI: 10.1007/S00038-018-1100-Z

Abstract: To quantify the mediating role of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and five dietary behaviours on educational differences in 13-year body mass index (BMI) gain across adulthood. Participants from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (4791 women 3103 men) who maintained or gained BMI over 1990-1994 to 2003-2007 and met our inclusion criteria were selected. Education, potential mediators and confounders (age, alcohol, and smoking) were measured at baseline. We conducted sex-specific multiple mediation analyses using MacKinnon's product of coefficients method. A higher educational attainment was associated with a 0.27 kg m Nutrient-rich foods, LTPA and diet soft drink may represent effective public health targets to reduce inequities in excess weight across adulthood.

Evaluation of ultrafine particle emissions from laser printers using emission test chambers

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 17-05-2008

DOI: 10.1021/ES702426M

Abstract: It has now been recognized that some hardcopy devices emit ultrafine particles (d(p) < 100 nm) during their operation. As a consequence, the time-dependent characterization of particle release from laser printers is of high interest in order to evaluate the exposure of office workers to such emissions. The emission profiles of different printers can be compared in test chambers using a standardized test protocol and measuring devices with high time resolution. The extraction of meaningful and comparable data from the obtained data set is a complex procedure due to the different emission behavior patterns of the printers. The calculation of the unit specific emission rate (SERu) is of limited use because the emission profiles during the printing process ranged between short-term bursts and constant particle release. Therefore, other parameters such as the particle loss-rate coefficient, beta, which provides information about the testing conditions, and the area belowthe time vs concentration curve, F, which characterizes the particle release, allow for a comparison of the different printer tests. Variations in the emission behavior could not be associated with specific manufacturers or product lines. In addition, when performing several print jobs on the same device, with only short pauses between jobs, the emission rate was reduced in some cases. This further complicates the ability to determine the influence of printer construction and consumables, such as toner and paper, on the concentration of particles emitted.

Face Masks and Cough Etiquette Reduce the Cough Aerosol Concentration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in People with Cystic Fibrosis

Publisher: American Thoracic Society

Date: 02-2017

DOI: 10.1164/RCCM.201707-1457OC

Theoretical analysis of the motion and evaporation of exhaled respiratory droplets of mixed composition

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2010.10.005

Plasma phospholipids fatty acids, dietary fatty acids, and breast cancer risk

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-05-2016

DOI: 10.1007/S10552-016-0753-2

Abstract: This study prospectively investigates associations between fatty acids assessed in plasma phospholipids (PPL) and diet, and breast cancer risk, including subgroups defined by hormone receptor status. We performed a case-cohort analysis within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study using a random s le of 2,021 women and 470 breast cancer cases. At baseline, fatty acids were assessed in PPL and estimated from diet using a 121-item food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression. Breast cancer risk was positively associated with %PPL saturated fatty acids (SFA) HRQ5vsQ1 = 1.64 (95 % CI 1.17-2.30) p trend = 0.004. Positive associations were found for ER+ or PR+ tumors for %PPL SFA and palmitic acid and for ER-/PR- tumors for %PPL n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), TFA, TFA 16:1, and TFA 18:1n-7 (all p homogeneity <0.05). Breast cancer risk was inversely associated with dietary docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) HRQ5vsQ1 = 0.57 (95 % CI 0.40-0.82) p trend = 0.001 [with similar inverse associations observed for dietary docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] and positively associated with dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA. Inverse associations for ER-/PR- tumors were found for dietary dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) for older women (p homogeneity = 0.04). Breast cancer risk was positively associated with %PPL SFA and the ratio of dietary n-6 to n-3 PUFA and inversely associated with dietary long-chain n-3 PUFA intake. Some associations between fatty acids and breast cancer varied by age and tumor phenotype defined by hormone receptor status. Increased intake of fish and other foods rich in long-chain n-3 PUFAs and reduced n-6 PUFA intake might reduce breast cancer risk.

Ultrafine particle emission from floor cleaning products

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 24-07-2021

DOI: 10.1111/INA.12713

Human exposure to air contaminants in sports environments

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 24-08-2020

DOI: 10.1111/INA.12718

Vitamin D – the big D-bate

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 04-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011000413

The mediating role of dietary factors and leisure time physical activity on socioeconomic inequalities in body mass index among Australian adults.

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 12-2013

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1214

Abstract: The relationship between socioeconomic position and obesity has been clearly established, however, the extent to which specific behavioural factors mediate this relationship is less clear. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution of specific dietary elements and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) to variations in obesity with education in the baseline (1990–1994) Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS). 18, 489 women and 12, 141 men were included in this cross-sectional analysis. A series of linear regression models were used in accordance with the products of coefficients method to examine the mediating role of alcohol, soft drink (regular and diet), snacks (healthy and sweet), savoury items (healthy and unhealthy), meeting fruit and vegetable guidelines and LTPA on the relationship between education and body mass index (BMI). Compared to those with lowest educational attainment, those with the highest educational attainment had a 1 kg/m 2 lower BMI. Among men and women, 27% and 48%, respectively, of this disparity was attributable to differences in LTPA and diet. Unhealthy savoury item consumption and LTPA contributed most to the mediated effects for men and women. Alcohol and diet soft drink were additionally important mediators for women. Diet and LTPA are potentially modifiable behavioural risk factors for the development of obesity that contribute substantially to inequalities in BMI. Our findings highlight the importance of specific behaviours which may be useful to the implementation of effective, targeted public policy to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in obesity.

DNA Methylation in Peripheral Blood and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Nested Case–control Study

Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Date: 02-2021

DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-20-0003

Abstract: DNA methylation in peripheral blood is a potential biomarker of gastric cancer risk which could be used for early detection. We conducted a prospective case–control study nested within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Genomic DNA was prepared from blood s les collected a median of 12 years before diagnosis for cases (N = 168). Controls (N = 163) were matched to cases on sex, year of birth, country of birth, and blood s le type using incidence density s ling. Genome-wide DNA methylation was measured using the Infinium HumanMethylation450K Beadchip. Global measures of DNA methylation were defined as the median methylation M value, calculated for each of 13 CpG subsets representing genomic function, mean methylation and location, and reliability of measurement. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to assess associations between these global measures of methylation and gastric cancer risk, adjusting for Helicobacter pylori and other potential confounders. We tested nonlinear associations using quintiles of the global measure distribution. A genome-wide association study of DNA methylation and gastric cancer risk was also conducted (N = 484,989 CpGs) using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Differentially methylated regions (DMR) were investigated using the R package DMRcate. We found no evidence of associations with gastric cancer risk for in idual CpGs or DMRs (P & 7.6 × 10−6). No evidence of association was observed with global measures of methylation (OR 1.07 per SD of overall median methylation 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.44 P = 0.65). We found no evidence that blood DNA methylation is prospectively associated with gastric cancer risk. Prevention Relevance: We studied DNA methylation in blood to try and predict who was at risk of gastric cancer before symptoms developed, by which stage survival is poor. We did not find any such markers, but the importance of early diagnosis in gastric cancer remains, and the search for markers continues.

Age-related macular degeneration and mortality: the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 18-08-2017

DOI: 10.1038/EYE.2017.139

Impacts of household coal and biomass combustion on indoor and ambient air quality in China: Current status and implication

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.10.080

Abstract: This review briefly introduces current status of indoor and ambient air pollution originating from household coal and biomass combustion in mainland China. Owing to low combustion efficiency, emissions of CO, PM

Experimental study of the deposition of combustion aerosols in the human respiratory tract

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2005.03.015

Associations between hip bone mineral density, aortic calcification and cardiac workload in community-dwelling older Australians

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-04-2017

DOI: 10.1007/S00198-017-4024-1

Abstract: In older adults, lower bone density in the proximal femur was associated with increased heart burden, and this association was linked to calcification in the aorta. These results were seen in women but not in men. To determine whether there is an association between lower bone mineral density (BMD) and increased cardiac workload in older adults, and if this association was independent of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Three hundred thirty-seven participants [mean ± SD age = 70 ± 5 years and BMI = 28 ± 5 kg/m AAC was present in 205 (61%) participants. Mean ± SD RPP was 9120 ± 1823 range was 5424-18,537. In all participants, ACS was positively associated with log-transformed RPP [LnRPP] (β = 0.011, p < 0.001), and severe calcification was positively associated with LnRPP (β = 0.083, p = 0.004 relative to no calcification). In sex-stratified analyses, these associations were significant only in females. Lower odds of any AAC were observed per 1 g/cm Lower BMD was marginally, but significantly with increased LnRPP, and this relationship was partially mediated by AAC suggesting that older adults, particularly females, with osteoporosis may have an increased cardiovascular risk.

Effects of exposure to ambient ultrafine particles on respiratory health and systemic inflammation in children

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2018.02.019

Abstract: It is known that ultrafine particles (UFP, particles smaller than 0.1 μm) can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially have adverse health effects. However, epidemiological data on the health effects of UFP is limited. Therefore, our objective was to test the hypothesis that exposure to UFPs is associated with respiratory health status and systemic inflammation among children aged 8 to 11 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 655 children (43.3% male) attending 25 primary (elementary) schools in the Brisbane Metropolitan Area, Australia. Ultrafine particle number concentration (PNC) was measured at each school and modelled at homes using Land Use Regression to derive exposure estimates. Health outcomes were respiratory symptoms and diagnoses, measured by parent-completed questionnaire, spirometric lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and serum C reactive protein (CRP). Exposure-response models, adjusted for potential personal and environmental confounders measured at the in idual, home and school level, were fitted using Bayesian methods. PNC was not independently associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma diagnosis or spirometric lung function. However, PNC was positively associated with an increase in CRP (1.188-fold change per 1000 UFP cm

Alcohol intake trajectories during the life course and risk of alcohol‐related cancer: A prospective cohort study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 03-2022

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.33973

Abstract: We examined associations between sex‐specific alcohol intake trajectories and alcohol‐related cancer risk using data from 22 756 women and 15 701 men aged 40 to 69 years at baseline in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Alcohol intake for 10‐year periods from age 20 until the decade encompassing recruitment, calculated using recalled beverage‐specific frequency and quantity, was used to estimate group‐based sex‐specific intake trajectories. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for primary invasive alcohol‐related cancer (upper aerodigestive tract, breast, liver and colorectum). Three distinct alcohol intake trajectories for women ( lifetime abstention , stable light , increasing moderate ) and six for men ( lifetime abstention , stable light , stable moderate , increasing heavy , early decreasing heavy, late decreasing heavy) were identified. 2303 incident alcohol‐related cancers were diagnosed during 485 525 person‐years in women and 789 during 303 218 person‐years in men. For men, compared with lifetime abstention , heavy intake (mean ≥ 60 g/day) at age 20 to 39 followed by either an early (from age 40 to 49) ( early decreasing heavy HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25‐2.44) or late decrease (from age 60 to 69) ( late decreasing heavy HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.28‐2.93), and moderate intake (mean g/day) at age 20 to 39 increasing to heavy intake in middle‐age ( increasing heavy HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.97) were associated with increased risk of alcohol‐related cancer. For women, compared with lifetime abstention , increasing intake from age 20 ( increasing moderate ) was associated with increased alcohol‐related cancer risk (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.48). Similar associations were observed for colorectal (men) and breast cancer. Heavy drinking during early adulthood might increase cancer risk later in life.

Corrigendum to “Long-term ambient air pollution and lung function impairment in Chinese children from a high air pollution range area: The seven northeastern cities (SNEC) study” [Atmos. Environ. 138

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.07.037

Circulating high sensitivity C reactive protein concentrations and risk of lung cancer: nested case-control study within Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 03-01-2019

DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.K4981

Abstract: To conduct a comprehensive analysis of prospectively measured circulating high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration and risk of lung cancer overall, by smoking status (never, former, and current smokers), and histological sub-type. Nested case-control study. 20 population based cohort studies in Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States. 5299 patients with incident lung cancer, with in idually incidence density matched controls. Circulating hsCRP concentrations in prediagnostic serum or plasma s les. Incident lung cancer diagnosis. A positive association between circulating hsCRP concentration and the risk of lung cancer for current (odds ratio associated with a doubling in hsCRP concentration 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.13) and former smokers (1.09, 1.04 to 1.14) was observed, but not for never smokers (P .01 for interaction). This association was strong and consistent across all histological subtypes, except for adenocarcinoma, which was not strongly associated with hsCRP concentration regardless of smoking status (odds ratio for adenocarcinoma overall 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.01). The association between circulating hsCRP concentration and the risk of lung cancer was strongest in the first two years of follow-up for former and current smokers. Including hsCRP concentration in a risk model, in addition to smoking based variables, did not improve risk discrimination overall, but slightly improved discrimination for cancers diagnosed in the first two years of follow-up. Former and current smokers with higher circulating hsCRP concentrations had a higher risk of lung cancer overall. Circulating hsCRP concentration was not associated with the risk of lung adenocarcinoma. Circulating hsCRP concentration could be a prediagnostic marker of lung cancer rather than a causal risk factor.

Could fighting airborne transmission be the next line of defence against COVID-19 spread?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.CACINT.2020.100033

Atmospheric Visibility and PM10 as Indicators of New Particle Formation in an Urban Environment

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 20-10-2015

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.5B01851

Abstract: It is well-known that new particle formation (NPF) in the atmosphere is inhibited by pre-existing particles in the air that act as condensation sinks to decrease the concentration and, thus, the supersaturation of precursor gases. In this study, we investigate the effects of two parameters-atmospheric visibility, expressed as the particle backscatter coefficient (BSP), and PM10 particulate mass concentration-on the occurrences of NPF events in an urban environment where the majority of precursor gases originate from motor vehicle and industrial sources. This is the first attempt to derive direct relationships between these two parameters and the occurrence of NPF. NPF events were identified from data obtained with a neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer over 245 days within a calendar year. Bayesian logistic regression was used to determine the probability of observing NPF as functions of BSP and PM10. We show that the BSP at 08 h on a given day is a reliable indicator of an NPF event later that day. The posterior median probability of observing an NPF event was greater than 0.5 (95%) when the BSP at 08 h was less than 6.8 Mm(-1).

Adiposity assessed by anthropometric measures has a similar or greater predictive ability than dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures for abdominal aortic calcification in community-dwelling older adults

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 31-05-2016

DOI: 10.1007/S10554-016-0920-2

Abstract: To determine whether adiposity assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) compared to simple anthropometric assessments, are more predictive of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a risk factor for atherosclerosis. A cross-sectional study of 312 participants (60.3 % female) aged 70.6 ± 5.6 years was conducted in 2010-2011. AAC was assessed by radiography. Adiposity was estimated for whole body, trunk, android, gynoid and visceral regions using DXA in addition to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). WHR [tertile 1 as reference, OR (95 % CI) for tertile 3: 3.62 (1.35-9.72)] and android to gynoid fat ratio [tertile 3: 2.87 (1.03-8.01)] were independent predictors of AAC severity among men. Positive associations with AAC severity were observed for WC [tertile 1 as reference, OR for tertile 3: 2.46 (1.12-5.41)], % trunk fat mass [tertile 2: 3.26 (1.52-7.03)], % android fat mass [tertile 2: 2.42 (1.13-5.18), tertile 3: 2.20 (1.02-4.73)] and visceral fat area [tertile 2: 2.28 (1.06-4.87), tertile 3: 2.32 (1.01-5.34)] among women. Indices of total body composition, BMI and % body fat mass were not associated with AAC severity in either men or women. Simple anthropometric measures, WHR and WC were the best predictors of AAC severity in men and women respectively, although higher android to gynoid fat ratio and central fat, assessed by DXA, were also predictive of higher risks of AAC severity in men and women respectively. Our findings add to existing evidence that relatively inexpensive and easily obtained anthropometric measures can be clinically useful indicators of atherosclerosis risk.

Are Leading Risk Factors for Cancer and Mental Disorders Multimorbidity Shared by These Two Individual Conditions in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged Adults?

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 26-06-2020

DOI: 10.3390/CANCERS12061700

Abstract: Data on the leading shared risk factors of cancer and mental disorders are limited. We included 98,958 participants (54.8% women) aged 45–64 years from the 45 and Up Study who were free of cancer, depression, and anxiety at baseline (2006–2009). The incidence of cancer, mental disorders, and multimorbidity (concurrent cancer and mental disorders) was identified using claim databases during follow-up until 31 December 2016. During a nine-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of cancer, mental disorders, and multimorbidity was 8.8%, 17.4%, and 2.2%, respectively. Participants with cancer were 3.41 times more likely to develop mental disorders, while in iduals with mental disorders were 3.06 times more likely to develop cancer than people without these conditions. The shared risk factors for cancer and mental disorders were older age, female gender, smoking, psychological distress, low fruit intake, poor/fair self-rated health, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. Low education, low income, overweight/obesity, and family history of depression were risk factors for mental disorders and multimorbidity but not cancer. In conclusion, smoking, low fruit intake, and obesity are key modifiable factors for the prevention of cancer and mental disorders. In iduals with poor/fair self-rated health, high psychological distress, asthma, hypertension, arthritis, or diabetes should be targeted for the prevention and screening of cancer and mental disorders.

Epigenetic Drift Association with Cancer Risk and Survival, and Modification by Sex

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 14-04-2021

DOI: 10.3390/CANCERS13081881

Abstract: To investigate age- and sex-specific DNA methylation alterations related to cancer risk and survival, we used matched case–control studies of colorectal (n = 835), gastric (n = 170), kidney (n = 143), lung (n = 332), prostate (n = 869) and urothelial (n = 428) cancers, and mature B-cell lymphoma (n = 438). Linear mixed-effects models were conducted to identify age-, sex- and age-by-sex-associated methylation markers using a discovery (controls)-replication (cases) strategy. Replication was further examined using summary statistics from Generation Scotland (GS). Associations between replicated markers and risk of and survival from cancer were assessed using conditional logistic regression and Cox models (hazard ratios (HR)), respectively. We found 32,659, 23,141 and 48 CpGs with replicated associations for age, sex and age-by-sex, respectively. The replication rates for these CpGs using GS summary data were 94%, 86% and 91%, respectively. Significant associations for cancer risk and survival were identified at some in idual age-related CpGs. Opposite to previous findings using epigenetic clocks, there was a strong negative trend in the association between epigenetic drift and risk of colorectal cancer. Methylation at two CpGs overlapping TMEM49 and ARX genes was associated with survival of overall (HR = 0.91, p = 7.7 × 10−4) and colorectal (HR = 1.52, p = 1.8 × 10−4) cancer, respectively, with significant age-by-sex interaction. Our results may provide markers for cancer early detection and prognosis prediction.

The effects of fuel characteristics and engine operating conditions on the elemental composition of emissions from heavy duty diesel buses

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2007

DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2006.11.025

Prevalence and secular trends in obesity in Pacific and Indian Ocean island populations.

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 09-1995

DOI: 10.1002/J.1550-8528.1995.TB00450.X

Abstract: Surveys conducted in 10 Pacific island populations and in the multiethnic populations of Mauritius and Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean have provided data on the prevalence of obesity, potential etiological factors and medical hazards associated with obesity. The results indicate that the prevalence of obesity (by body mass index (BMI) in some of these populations is among the highest in the world. Obesity related to degree of modernization is more common in urban than in rural locations and tends to be found more often in women. In two populations where longitudinal data were available, there were dramatic increases in prevalence over relatively short time periods. Obesity contributed to the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and was associated with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in all populations, but no relationship could be found with total mortality in three ethnic groups for whom data were available. A genetic susceptibility to obesity combined with social pressures that favor high energy intakes and reduced physical activity are believed to be important in these populations. The challenge for the future lies in developing culturally appropriate programs for preventing obesity and thus reducing associated morbidity, while continuing to research its behavioral and genetic determinants.

Hygroscopic behavior of partially volatilized coastal marine aerosols using the volatilization and humidification tandem differential mobility analyzer technique

Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Date: 25-10-2005

DOI: 10.1029/2004JD005657

Dietary intake of nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism and risk of urothelial cell carcinoma: A prospective cohort study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 03-2018

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.31319

Abstract: Nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism may play a role in carcinogenesis through DNA replication, repair and methylation mechanisms. Most studies on urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) have focused on folate. We sought to examine the association between B-group vitamins and methionine intake and UCC risk, overall and by subtype, and to test whether these associations are different for population subgroups whose nutritional status may be compromised. We followed participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (N = 41,513) for over 20 years and observed 500 UCC cases (89% originating in the bladder superficial: 279, invasive: 221). Energy-adjusted dietary intakes of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9 and B12) and methionine were estimated from a 121-item food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline (1990-1994), using the residuals method. We used Cox regression models to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of UCC risk per standard deviation (SD) of log-transformed nutrient intakes and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for potential confounders. We investigated associations by tumor subtype, and tested interactions with sex, country of birth, smoking and alcohol drinking. The risk of UCC appeared not to be associated with intake of B-group vitamins or methionine, and findings were consistent across tumor subtypes and across demographic and lifestyle characteristics of the participants. A potential interaction between vitamin B1 and alcohol drinking was observed (all participants: HR per 1 SD = 0.99 (0.91-1.09), never drinkers: HR = 0.81 (0.69-0.97), p-interaction = 0.02), which needs to be confirmed by other studies. Our findings do not indicate that dietary intake of nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with UCC risk.

Blood pressure and risk of breast cancer, overall and by subtypes

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Date: 07-2017

DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001372

Modelling of sub-micrometer particle concentrations in free-flowing freeway traffic, Brisbane, Australia: some empirical results

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2003

DOI: 10.1016/S1361-9209(03)00005-1

Air ion concentrations in various urban outdoor environments

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.03.026

Relation between particle mass and number for submicrometer airborne particles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-1999

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(98)00433-6

Ambient PM2.5 and PM10 Exposure and Respiratory Disease Hospitalization in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 12-09-2015

DOI: 10.3390/IJERPH18189617

Abstract: Evidence of associations between exposure to ambient air pollution and health outcomes are sparse in the South Asian region due to limited air pollution exposure and quality health data. This study investigated the potential impacts of ambient particulate matter (PM) on respiratory disease hospitalization in Kandy, Sri Lanka for the year 2019. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was applied to estimate the short-term effect of ambient PM on respiratory disease hospitalization. As the second analysis, respiratory disease hospitalizations during two distinct air pollution periods were analyzed. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in same-day exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease hospitalization by 1.95% (0.25, 3.67) and 1.63% (0.16, 3.12), respectively. The effect of PM2.5 or PM10 on asthma hospitalizations were 4.67% (1.23, 8.23) and 4.04% (1.06, 7.11), respectively (p 0.05). The 65+ years age group had a higher risk associated with PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and hospital admissions for all respiratory diseases on the same day (2.74% and 2.28%, respectively). Compared to the lower ambient air pollution period, higher increased hospital admissions were observed among those aged above 65 years, males, and COPD and pneumonia hospital admissions during the high ambient air pollution period. Active efforts are crucial to improve ambient air quality in this region to reduce the health effects.

Lifetime alcohol intake, drinking patterns over time and risk of stomach cancer: A pooled analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 22-02-2021

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.33504

Abstract: Alcohol consumption is causally linked to several cancers but the evidence for stomach cancer is inconclusive. In our study, the association between long‐term alcohol intake and risk of stomach cancer and its subtypes was evaluated. We performed a pooled analysis of data collected at baseline from 491 714 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition and the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for incident stomach cancer in relation to lifetime alcohol intake and group‐based life course intake trajectories, adjusted for potential confounders including Helicobacter pylori infection. In all, 1225 incident stomach cancers (78% noncardia) were diagnosed over 7 094 637 person‐years 984 in 382 957 study participants with lifetime alcohol intake data (5 455 507 person‐years). Although lifetime alcohol intake was not associated with overall stomach cancer risk, we observed a weak positive association with noncardia cancer (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00‐1.06 per 10 g/d increment), with a HR of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.08‐2.09) for ≥60 g/d compared to 0.1 to 4.9 g/d. A weak inverse association with cardia cancer (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87‐1.00) was also observed. HRs of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.10‐1.99) for noncardia and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.26‐1.03) for cardia cancer were observed for a life course trajectory characterized by heavy decreasing intake compared to light stable intake ( P homogeneity = .02). These associations did not differ appreciably by smoking or H pylori infection status. Limiting alcohol use during lifetime, particularly avoiding heavy use during early adulthood, might help prevent noncardia stomach cancer. Heterogeneous associations observed for cardia and noncardia cancers may indicate etiologic differences.

Supplementary Tables from DNA Methylation in Peripheral Blood and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Nested Case–control Study

Publisher: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)

Date: 03-04-2023

DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.22534796

Abstract: Table S1, Table S2

Methodology for assessing exposure and impacts of air pollutants in school children: Data collection, analysis and health effects - A literature review

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.11.009

Urban environmental health interventions towards the Sustainable Development Goals

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2020.141530

Carbohydrate restriction in midlife is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes among Australian women: A cohort study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.NUMECD.2019.11.001

Abstract: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are increasingly popular but may be nutritionally inadequate. We aimed to examine if carbohydrate restriction in midlife is associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and if this association differs by previous gestational diabetes (GDM) diagnosis. Dietary intake was assessed for 9689 women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health in 2001 (aged 50-55) and 2013 (aged 62-67) via validated food frequency questionnaires. Average long-term carbohydrate restriction was assessed using a low-carbohydrate diet score (highest quartile (Q4) indicating lowest proportion of energy from carbohydrates). Incidence of T2DM between 2001 and 2016 was self-reported at 3-yearly surveys. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% CIs. During 15 years of follow-up, 959 women (9.9%) developed T2DM. Carbohydrate restriction was associated with T2DM after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, history of GDM diagnosis and physical activity (Q4 vs Q1: RR 1.27 [95% CI 1.10, 1.48]), and this was attenuated when additionally adjusted for BMI (1.10 [0.95, 1.27]). Carbohydrate restriction was associated with lower consumption of fruit, cereals and high-fibre bread, and lower intakes of these food groups were associated with higher T2DM risk. Associations did not differ by history of GDM (P for interaction >0.15). Carbohydrate restriction was associated with higher T2DM incidence in middle-aged women, regardless of GDM history. Health professionals should advise women to avoid LCDs that are low in fruit and grains, and to consume a diet in line with current dietary recommendations.

A paradigm shift to combat indoor respiratory infection

Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Date: 14-05-2021

DOI: 10.1126/SCIENCE.ABG2025

Abstract: Building ventilation systems must get much better

Air pollution and risk of respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in the most populous city in Vietnam

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.03.070

Abstract: Air pollution has become an alarming issue in Vietnam recently however, there was only one study so far on the effects of ambient air pollution on population health. Our study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of air pollutants including PM10, NO2, SO2, and O3 on respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the largest city in Vietnam. Data on hospitalization from the two largest hospitals in HCMC and daily records of PM10, NO2, SO2, O3 and meteorological data were collected from February 2004 to December 2007. A time-series regression analysis with distributed lag model was applied for data analysis. Changes in levels of NO2 and PM10 were strongly associated with hospital admissions for both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) whereas levels of SO2 were only moderately associated with respiratory and CVD hospital admissions and O3 concentration was not associated with any of them. For a 10μg/m(3) increase of each air pollutant, the risk of respiratory admissions increased from 0.7% to 8% while the risk of CVD admissions increased from 0.5% to 4%. Females were found to be more sensitive than males to exposure to air pollutants in regard to respiratory diseases. In regard to CVD, females (RR, 1.04, 95% CI, 1.01-1.07) had a slightly higher risk of admissions than males (RR, 1.03, 95% CI, 1-1.06) to exposure to NO2. In contrast, males (RR, 1.007, 95%CI, 1-1.01) had a higher risk of admission than females (RR, 1.004, 95%CI, 1.001-1.007) to exposure to PM10. People in the age group of 5-65year-olds had a slightly higher risk of admissions caused by air pollutants than the elderly (65+years old) except for a significant effect of PM10 on the risk of cardiovascular admissions was found for the elderly only.

Lung cancer risk of airborne particles for Italian population

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2015.07.019

Abstract: Airborne particles, including both ultrafine and supermicrometric particles, contain various carcinogens. Exposure and risk-assessment studies regularly use particle mass concentration as dosimetry parameter, therefore neglecting the potential impact of ultrafine particles due to their negligible mass compared to supermicrometric particles. The main purpose of this study was the characterization of lung cancer risk due to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and some heavy metals associated with particle inhalation by Italian non-smoking people. A risk-assessment scheme, modified from an existing risk model, was applied to estimate the cancer risk contribution from both ultrafine and supermicrometric particles. Exposure assessment was carried out on the basis of particle number distributions measured in 25 smoke-free microenvironments in Italy. The predicted lung cancer risk was then compared to the cancer incidence rate in Italy to assess the number of lung cancer cases attributed to airborne particle inhalation, which represents one of the main causes of lung cancer, apart from smoking. Ultrafine particles are associated with a much higher risk than supermicrometric particles, and the modified risk-assessment scheme provided a more accurate estimate than the conventional scheme. Great attention has to be paid to indoor microenvironments and, in particular, to cooking and eating times, which represent the major contributors to lung cancer incidence in the Italian population. The modified risk assessment scheme can serve as a tool for assessing environmental quality, as well as setting up exposure standards for particulate matter.

Size-resolved particle distribution and gaseous concentrations by real-world road tunnel measurement

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 29-10-2014

DOI: 10.1177/1420326X13509290

Abstract: Measurements of aerosol particle number (PN) size distributions (15–700 nm), CO and NO x were performed in a bus tunnel, Australia. Daily mean particle size distributions (PSDs) of mixed diesel/compressed natural gas (CNG) buses traffic flow were determined in four consecutive measurement days. Emission factors (EFs) of PSD of diesel buses and CNG buses were obtained by multiple linear regression (MLR) methods, particle distributions of diesel buses and CNG buses were observed as single accumulation mode and nuclei-mode separately. PSDs of mixed traffic flow were decomposed by two log-normal fitting curves for each 30-minutes interval mean scans, all the mix fleet PSD emission can be well fitted by the summation of two log-normal distribution curves, and these were composed of nuclei mode curve and accumulation curve, which were affirmed as the CNG buses and diesel buses PN emission curves, respectively. Finally, PSDs of diesel buses and CNG buses were quantified by statistical whisker-box charts. For log-normal PSD of diesel buses, accumulation mode diameters were 74.5−87.5 nm, geometric standard deviations were 1.89−1.98. As to log-normal PSD of CNG buses, nuclei-mode diameters were 21−24 nm, geometric standard deviations were 1.27−1.31.

Association Between Residential Greenness, Cardiometabolic Disorders, and Cardiovascular Disease Among Adults in China

Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)

Date: 21-09-2020

DOI: 10.1001/JAMANETWORKOPEN.2020.17507

What can we learn from dietary pattern analysis?

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 19-01-2016

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980015003730

Submicrometer and supermicrometer particulate emission from spark ignition vehicles

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 29-10-1998

DOI: 10.1021/ES980102D

Real-time measurement of bacterial aerosols with the UVAPS: Performance evaluation

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2003

DOI: 10.1016/S0021-8502(02)00181-7

Reply to Chagla et al and Thomas

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 11-08-2021

DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIAA1121

Mapping 123 million neonatal, infant and child deaths between 2000 and 2017

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 16-10-2019

DOI: 10.1038/S41586-019-1545-0

Abstract: Since 2000, many countries have achieved considerable success in improving child survival, but localized progress remains unclear. To inform efforts towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.2—to end preventable child deaths by 2030—we need consistently estimated data at the subnational level regarding child mortality rates and trends. Here we quantified, for the period 2000–2017, the subnational variation in mortality rates and number of deaths of neonates, infants and children under 5 years of age within 99 low- and middle-income countries using a geostatistical survival model. We estimated that 32% of children under 5 in these countries lived in districts that had attained rates of 25 or fewer child deaths per 1,000 live births by 2017, and that 58% of child deaths between 2000 and 2017 in these countries could have been averted in the absence of geographical inequality. This study enables the identification of high-mortality clusters, patterns of progress and geographical inequalities to inform appropriate investments and implementations that will help to improve the health of all populations.

Practical Indicators for Risk of Airborne Transmission in Shared Indoor Environments and Their Application to COVID-19 Outbreaks

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 05-01-2022

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.1C06531

Abstract: Some infectious diseases, including COVID-19, can undergo airborne transmission. This may happen at close proximity, but as time indoors increases, infections can occur in shared room air despite distancing. We propose two indicators of infection risk for this situation, that is, relative risk parameter (

Deposition of combustion aerosols in the human respiratory tract: Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental data considering nonspherical shape

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 15-10-2009

DOI: 10.3109/08958370902806696

Abstract: Total deposition of petrol and diesel combustion aerosols and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) particles in the human respiratory tract for nasal breathing conditions was computed for 14 nonsmoking volunteers, considering the specific pulmonary function parameters of each volunteer and the specific size distribution for each inhalation experiment. Theoretical predictions were 34.6% for petrol smoke, 24.0% for diesel smoke, and 18.5% for ETS particles. Compared to the experimental results, predicted deposition values were consistently smaller than the measured data (41.4% for petrol smoke, 29.6% for diesel smoke, and 36.2% for ETS particles). The apparent discrepancy between experimental data on total deposition and modeling results may be reconciled by considering the nonspherical shape of the test aerosols by diameter-dependent dynamic shape factors to account for differences between mobility-equivalent and volume-equivalent or thermodynamic diameters. While the application of dynamic shape factors is able to explain the observed differences for petrol and diesel combustion particles, additional mechanisms may be required for ETS particle deposition, such as the size reduction upon inspiration by evaporation of volatile compounds and/or condensation-induced restructuring, and, possibly, electrical charge effects.

Estimate of main local sources to ambient ultrafine particle number concentrations in an urban area

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSRES.2017.04.036

Ions in motor vehicle exhaust and their dispersion near busy roads

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.06.043

Variability in exposure to ambient ultrafine particles in urban schools: Comparative assessment between Australia and Spain

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2015.12.029

Abstract: Ambient ultrafine particle number concentrations (PNC) have inhomogeneous spatio-temporal distributions and depend on a number of different urban factors, including background conditions and distant sources. This paper quantitatively compares exposure to ambient ultrafine particles at urban schools in two cities in developed countries, with high insolation climatic conditions, namely Brisbane (Australia) and Barcelona (Spain). The analysis used comprehensive indoor and outdoor air quality measurements at 25 schools in Brisbane and 39 schools in Barcelona. PNC modes were analysed with respect to ambient temperature, land use and urban characteristics, combined with the measured elemental carbon concentrations, NOx (Brisbane) and NO2 (Barcelona). The trends and modes of the quantified weekday average daily cycles of ambient PNC exhibited significant differences between the two cities. PNC increases were observed during traffic rush hours in both cases. However, the mid-day peak was dominant in Brisbane schools and had the highest contribution to total PNC for both indoors and outdoors. In Barcelona, the contribution from traffic was highest for ambient PNC, while the mid-day peak had a slightly higher contribution for indoor concentrations. Analysis of the relationships between PNC and land use characteristics in Barcelona schools showed a moderate correlation with the percentage of road network area and an anti-correlation with the percentage of green area. No statistically significant correlations were found for Brisbane. Overall, despite many similarities between the two cities, school-based exposure patterns were different. The main source of ambient PNC at schools was shown to be traffic in Barcelona and mid-day new particle formation in Brisbane. The mid-day PNC peak in Brisbane could have been driven by the combined effect of background and meteorological conditions, as well as other local/distant sources. The results have implications for urban development, especially in terms of air quality mitigation and management at schools.

The influence of humidity on the performance of a low-cost air particle mass sensor and the effect of atmospheric fog

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 27-08-2018

DOI: 10.5194/AMT-11-4883-2018

Abstract: Abstract. While low-cost particle sensors are increasingly being used in numerous applications, most of them have no heater or dryer at the inlet to remove water from the s le before measurement. Deliquescent growth of particles and the formation of fog droplets in the atmosphere can lead to significant increases in particle number concentration (PNC) and mass concentrations reported by such sensors. We carried out a detailed study using a Plantower PMS1003 low-cost particle sensor, both in the laboratory and under actual ambient field conditions, to investigate its response to increasing humidity and the presence of fog in the air. We found significant increases in particle number and mass concentrations at relative humidity above about 75 %. During a period of fog, the total PNC increased by 28 %, while the PNC larger than 2.5 µm increased by over 50 %. The PM10 concentration reported by the PMS1003 was 46 % greater than that on the standard monitor with a charcoal dryer at the inlet. While there is a causal link between particle pollution and adverse health effects, the presence of water on the particles is not harmful to humans. Therefore, air quality standards for particles are specifically limited to solid particles and standard particle monitoring instruments are fitted with a heater or dryer at the inlet to remove all liquid material from the s le before the concentrations are measured. This study shows that it is important to understand that the results provided by low-cost particle sensors, such as the PMS1003, cannot be used to ascertain if air quality standards are being met.

Submicrometer and supermicremeter particles from diesel vehicle emissions

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 30-05-1998

DOI: 10.1021/ES970826+

Children's well-being at schools: Impact of climatic conditions and air pollution

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2016.05.009

Abstract: Human civilization is currently facing two particular challenges: population growth with a strong trend towards urbanization and climate change. The latter is now no longer seriously questioned. The primary concern is to limit anthropogenic climate change and to adapt our societies to its effects. Schools are a key part of the structure of our societies. If future generations are to take control of the manifold global problems, we have to offer our children the best possible infrastructure for their education: not only in terms of the didactic concepts, but also with regard to the climatic conditions in the school environment. Between the ages of 6 and 19, children spend up to 8h a day in classrooms. The conditions are, however, often inacceptable and regardless of the geographic situation, all the current studies report similar problems: classrooms being too small for the high number of school children, poor ventilation concepts, considerable outdoor air pollution and strong sources of indoor air pollution. There have been discussions about a beneficial and healthy air quality in classrooms for many years now and in recent years extensive studies have been carried out worldwide. The problems have been clearly outlined on a scientific level and there are prudent and feasible concepts to improve the situation. The growing number of publications also highlights the importance of this subject. High carbon dioxide concentrations in classrooms, which indicate poor ventilation conditions, and the increasing particle matter in urban outdoor air have, in particular, been identified as primary causes of poor indoor air quality in schools. Despite this, the conditions in most schools continue to be in need of improvement. There are many reasons for this. In some cases, the local administrative bodies do not have the budgets required to address such concerns, in other cases regulations and laws stand in contradiction to the demands for better indoor air quality, and sometimes the problems are simply ignored. This review summarizes the current results and knowledge gained from the scientific literature on air quality in classrooms. Possible scenarios for the future are discussed and guideline values proposed which can serve to help authorities, government organizations and commissions improve the situation on a global level.

Abdominal obesity and other risk factors largely explain the high CRP in Indigenous Australians relative to the general population, but not gender differences: a cross-sectional study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 15-11-2010

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-700

Large-Scale Spraying of Roads with Water Contributes to, Rather Than Prevents, Air Pollution

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 28-05-2021

DOI: 10.3390/TOXICS9060122

Abstract: Spraying roads with water on a large scale in Chinese cities is one of the supplementary precaution or mitigation actions implemented to control severe air pollution events or heavy haze-fog events in which the mechanisms causing them are not yet fully understood. These air pollution events were usually characterized by higher air humidity. Therefore, there may be a link between this action and air pollution. In the present study, the impact of water spraying on the PM2.5 concentration and humidity in air was assessed by measuring chemical composition of the water, undertaking a simulated water spraying experiment, measuring residues and analyzing relevant data. We discovered that spraying large quantities of tap or river water on the roads leads to increased PM2.5 concentration and humidity, and that daily continuous spraying produces a cumulative effect on air pollution. Spraying the same amount of water produces greater increases in humidity and PM2.5 concentration during cool autumn and winter than during hot summer. Our results demonstrate that spraying roads with water increases, rather than decreases, the concentration of PM2.5 and thus is a new source of anthropogenic aerosol and air pollution. The higher vapor content and resultant humidity most likely create unfavorable meteorological conditions for the dispersion of air pollution in autumn and winter with low temperature.

An epigenome-wide association study of educational attainment (n = 10,767)

Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Date: 07-03-2017

DOI: 10.1101/114637

Abstract: The epigenome has been shown to be influenced by biological factors, such as disease status, and environmental factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index. Although there is a widespread perception that environmental influences on the epigenome are pervasive and profound, there has been little evidence to date in humans with respect to environmental factors that are biologically distal. Here, we provide evidence on the associations between epigenetic modifications—in our case, CpG methylation—and educational attainment (EA), a biologically distal environmental factor that is arguably among of the most important life-shaping experiences for in iduals. Specifically, we report the results of an epigenome-wide association study meta-analysis of EA based on data from 27 cohort studies with a total of 10,767 in iduals. While we find that 9 CpG probes are significantly associated with EA, only two remain associated when we restrict the s le to never-smokers. These two are known to be strongly associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy, and thus their association with EA could be due to correlation between EA and maternal smoking. Moreover, their effect sizes on EA are far smaller than the known associations between CpG probes and biologically proximal environmental factors. Two analyses that combine the effects of many probes—polygenic methylation score and epigenetic-clock analyses—both suggest small associations with EA. If our findings regarding EA can be generalized to other biologically distal environmental factors, then they cast doubt on the hypothesis that such factors have large effects on the epigenome.

New directions: Air pollution challenges for developing megacities like Delhi

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2015.10.032

Novel associations between blood DNA methylation and body mass index in middle-aged and older adults

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 16-10-2017

DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2017.269

Abstract: There is increasing evidence of a relationship between blood DNA methylation and body mass index (BMI). We aimed to assess associations of BMI with in idual methylation measures (CpGs) through a cross-sectional genome-wide DNA methylation association study and a longitudinal analysis of repeated measurements over time. Using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, DNA methylation measures were determined in baseline peripheral blood s les from 5361 adults recruited to the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) and selected for nested case-control studies, 2586 because they were subsequently diagnosed with cancer (cases) and 2775 as controls. For a subset of 1088 controls, these measures were repeated using blood s les collected at wave 2 follow-up, a median of 11 years later weight was measured at both time points. Associations between BMI and blood DNA methylation were assessed using linear mixed-effects regression models adjusted for batch effects and potential confounders. These were applied to cases and controls separately, with results combined through fixed-effects meta-analysis. Cross-sectional analysis identified 310 CpGs associated with BMI with P<1.0 × 10 Together, these findings suggest that BMI is associated with blood DNA methylation at a large number of CpGs across the genome, several of which are located in or near genes involved in ATP-binding cassette transportation, tumour necrosis factor signalling, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism.

Children in public health nutrition

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 09-06-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011001200

Ozone modifies associations between temperature and cardiovascular mortality: analysis of the NMMAPS data

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 04-2008

DOI: 10.1136/OEM.2007.033878

Abstract: Both ambient ozone and temperature are associated with human health. However, few data are available on whether ozone modifies temperature effects. This study aims to explore whether ozone modified associations between maximum temperature and cardiovascular mortality in the USA. The authors obtained data from the US National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study (NMMAPS) website. They used two time-series Poisson regression models (a response surface model and a stratification model) to examine whether ozone modified associations between maximum temperature and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in 95 large US communities during 1987-2000 in summer (June to September). Bayesian meta-analysis was used to pool estimates in each community. The response surface model was used to examine the joint effects of temperature and ozone on CVM in summer. Results indicate that ozone positively modified the temperature-CVM associations across the different regions. The stratification model quantified the temperature-CVM associations across different levels of ozone. Results show that in general the higher the ozone concentration, the stronger the temperature-CVM associations across the communities. A 10 degrees C increase in temperature on the same day was associated with an increase in CVM by 1.17% and 8.31% for the lowest and highest level of ozone concentrations in all communities, respectively. Ozone modified temperature effects in different regions in the USA. It is important to evaluate the modifying role of ozone when estimating temperature-related health impacts and to further investigate the reasons behind the regional variability and mechanism for the interaction between temperature and ozone.

Characterization of the particle emission from a ship operating at sea using an unmanned aerial vehicle

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 31-01-2019

DOI: 10.5194/AMT-12-691-2019

Abstract: Abstract. This research demonstrates the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to characterize the gaseous (CO2) and particle (10–500 nm) emissions of a ship at sea. The field study was part of the research voyage “The Great Barrier Reef as a significant source of climatically relevant aerosol particles” on board the RV Investigator around the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Measurements of the RV Investigator exhaust plume were carried out while the ship was operating at sea, at a steady engine load of 30 %. The UAV system was flown autonomously using several different programmed paths. These incorporated different altitudes and distances behind the ship in order to investigate the optimal position to capture the ship plume. Five flights were performed, providing a total of 27 horizontal transects perpendicular to the ship exhaust plume. Results show that the most appropriate altitude and distance to effectively capture the plume was 25 m a.s.l. and 20 m downwind. Particle number emission factors (EFPNs) were calculated in terms of number of particles emitted (no.) per weight of fuel consumed (kgfuel). Fuel consumption was calculated using the simultaneous measurements of plume CO2 concentration. The calculated EFPN was 7.6±1.4×1015no. kgfuel-1 which is in line with those reported in the literature for ship emissions ranging from 0.2 to 6.2×1016 no. kgfuel-1. This UAV system successfully assessed ship emissions to derive EFPN under real world conditions. This is significant as it provides a novel, relatively inexpensive and accessible way to assess ship EFPN at sea.

Socioeconomic status and the 25 × 25 risk factors as determinants of premature mortality: a multicohort study and meta-analysis of 1·7 million men and women

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2017

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32380-7

Impaired functional vitamin B6 status is associated with increased risk of lung cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 04-01-2018

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.31215

Using the Generalised Additive Model to model the particle number count of ultrafine particles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2011.05.004

Dietary patterns and diabetes incidence in the Melbourne collaborative cohort study

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 12-01-2007

DOI: 10.1093/AJE/KWK061

Abstract: The authors investigated the association of dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes in a 4-year prospective study of 36,787 adults in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (1990-1994). A total of 31,641 (86%) participants completed follow-up, and 365 cases were identified. Four factors with eigenvalues of greater than 2 were identified using the principal factor method with 124 foods/beverages, followed by orthogonal rotation. Variables with factor loadings having absolute values of 0.3 or greater were used in interpreting the factors. Odds ratios for diabetes incidence across quintiles of factor scores were computed by use of logistic regression, adjusting for age, energy intake, family history of diabetes, country of birth, and other factor scores. Factor 1, characterized by olive oil, salad vegetables, and legumes and by avoidance of sweet bakery items, margarine, and tea, was associated with country of birth but not with diabetes. Factor 2, characterized by salad and cooked vegetables, was inversely associated with diabetes. Factor 3, characterized by meats and fatty foods, was associated with increased diabetes risk. A range of fruits loaded strongly on factor 4, which showed little association with diabetes. Avoidance of a dietary pattern including meats and fatty foods, as well as adherence to a pattern including salad and cooked vegetables, is recommended.

Long-term ambient air pollution and lung function impairment in Chinese children from a high air pollution range area: The Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.05.003

Social connectedness and mortality after prostate cancer diagnosis: A prospective cohort study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 02-12-2019

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.32786

Abstract: Men with prostate cancer experience side effects for which a supportive social environment may be beneficial. We examined the association between four measures of social connectedness and mortality after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Male participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study in 1990-1994, who developed incident prostate cancer and attended follow-up in 2003-2007, were eligible for the study. Information on social connectedness, collected at follow-up, included (i) living arrangement (ii) frequency of visits to friends/relatives and (iii) from friends/relatives (iv) weekly hours of social activities. A total of 1,421 prostate cancer cases was observed (338 all-cause deaths, 113 from prostate cancer), including 867 after follow-up (150 all-cause deaths, 55 from prostate cancer) and 554 before follow-up (188 all-cause deaths, 58 from prostate cancer). Cox models stratified by tumour Gleason score and stage, and sequentially adjusted for socioeconomic, health- and lifestyle-related confounders, were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between social connectedness and all-cause mortality after prostate cancer. Men who reported living alone before diagnosis had higher overall mortality (HR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.5), after adjustment for socioeconomic, health and lifestyle confounders. Lower mortality was observed for men with more social activities (p-trend = 0.07), but not in comprehensively adjusted models. Consistent with these findings, men living alone after prostate cancer diagnosis had higher mortality (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9-1.9). Lower mortality was observed with increasing socializing hours in the age-adjusted model (p-trend = 0.06) but not after more comprehensive adjustment. Our findings suggest that living with someone, but not other aspects of social connectedness, may be associated with decreased mortality for men with prostate cancer.

Low-cost PM2.5 Sensors: An Assessment of Their Suitability for Various Applications

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2018.10.0390

Low Exhaled Breath Droplet Formation May Explain Why Children are Poor SARS-CoV-2 Transmitters

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2020.06.0304

A new approach for modeling researcher community based on scientific article metadata using natural language processing

Publisher: IEEE

Date: 04-2017

DOI: 10.1109/ICIST.2017.7926790

Effects of temperature on hospitalisation among pre-school children in Hanoi, Vietnam

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 24-11-2019

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-018-3737-9

Abstract: This study examined the effect of short-term changes in ambient temperature on hospital admissions among children aged less than 5 years old in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data on daily hospital admissions from January 2010 to June 2014 were collected from two hospitals. Daily meteorological data were obtained for the same period. We applied time series analysis to evaluate the risk of hospitalisation related to hot and cold weather by age and causes. We found that a 1 °C decrease in minimum temperature during the cold weather months was associated with 2.2% increase in hospital admission for respiratory infection among children 3-5 years old. A 1 °C increase in diurnal temperature range (DTR) in cold weather was associated with an increase of 1.9% and 1.7% in hospitalisation for all causes and respiratory infection, respectively, among children < 3 years old and an increase of 1.8% and 3.4% in hospitalisation for all causes and respiratory infection, respectively, among children of 3-5 years old. Negative associations between hot weather and hospital admissions were demonstrated. These findings suggested that low temperature and DTRs in winter are important risk factors for hospital admissions among children aged < 5 years old in Hanoi. Other factors may have modified the effect of high temperature on hospital admissions of children in Hanoi.

Performance Evaluation of the UVAPS: Influence of Physiological Age of Airborne Bacteria and Bacterial Stress

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2003

DOI: 10.1016/S0021-8502(03)00191-5

Particle Emissions from Laser Printers: Have They Decreased?

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 03-04-2019

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.ESTLETT.9B00176

Characteristics of airborne particles and the factors affecting them at bus stations

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.10.036

Diabetic neuropathy in Mauritius: prevalence and risk factors

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-1998

DOI: 10.1016/S0168-8227(98)00100-4

Abstract: The study of diabetic neuropathy has been primarily in Europids, despite the high prevalence of diabetes in other populations. We set out to ascertain the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy and its risk factors in the island nation of Mauritius. Population surveys were carried out in 1987 and 1992 in Mauritius to establish the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. In the second survey, vibration perception threshold (VPT) was also measured at the great toe in 847 subjects with diabetes, 204 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and 127 subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Neuropathy was defined as levels of VPT exceeding the mean plus 2 standard deviations defined separately for three age groups of Mauritian non-diabetic subjects. Risk factors for neuropathy were identified cross sectionally from the 1992 data, and longitudinally from the 1987 data. Neuropathy was detected in 8.3% of the 847 diabetic subjects (12.7%) of those with known diabetes, and 3.6% of those with newly diagnosed diabetes). Logistic regression identified diabetes duration (odds ratio [95% CI] 1.08 [1.04-1.13] per year, P=0.0002), treatment with insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents (2.63 [1.36-5.09], P=0.004) and greater height (1.36 [1.19-1.57] per 5 cm, P < 0.001) as risk factors for neuropathy, in the cross sectional analysis. In the longitudinal analysis, diabetes duration (1.11 [1.05-1.18] per year, P=0.001), fasting glucose (1.12 [1.03-1.22] per mmol/l, P=0.01) and height (1.23 [1.03-1.45] per 5 cm, P=0.02) were associated with neuropathy. A lower 2-h plasma insulin was also associated with neuropathy in the longitudinal analysis. The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy in Mauritius is the lowest reported for any population, but the risk factors associated with it are similar to those previously found.

Composition and Morphology of Particle Emissions from in-use Aircraft during Takeoff and Landing

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 09-05-2013

DOI: 10.1021/ES3046058

Abstract: In order to provide realistic data for air pollution inventories and source apportionment at airports, the morphology and composition of ultrafine particles (UFP) in aircraft engine exhaust were measured and characterized. For this purpose, two independent measurement techniques were employed to collect emissions during normal takeoff and landing operations at Brisbane Airport, Australia. PM1 emissions in the airfield were collected on filters and analyzed using the particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique. Morphological and compositional analyses of in idual ultrafine particles in aircraft plumes were performed on silicon nitride membrane grids using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). TEM results showed that the deposited particles were in the range of 5-100 nm in diameter, had semisolid spherical shapes and were dominant in the nucleation mode (18-20 nm). The EDX analysis showed the main elements in the nucleation particles were C, O, S, and Cl. The PIXE analysis of the airfield s les was generally in agreement with the EDX in detecting S, Cl, K, Fe, and Si in the particles. The results of this study provide important scientific information on the toxicity of aircraft exhaust and their impact on local air quality.

Air quality during and after the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Australia: Multiple benefits of monitoring

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2020.105707

On-road ultrafine particle concentration in the M5 East road tunnel, Sydney, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2009.04.029

Dietary patterns as predictors of successful ageing

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 21-10-2014

DOI: 10.1007/S12603-013-0405-0

Abstract: To examine associations between dietary patterns identified by factor analysis, and successful ageing. Prospective cohort study with diet measured in 1990-4, and successful ageing in 2003-7. Ordered logistic regression with outcome determined as dead/usual ageing/successful ageing was used to examine associations with quintile groups of dietary factor scores. Men and women (n=6308), without history of major illness at baseline, and aged >70 years at follow-up, or who had died before follow-up but would have been aged >70 at the commencement of follow-up, from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Frequencies of intake of 121 foods at baseline were collected in a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry and other health and lifestyle data were collected. At follow-up, questionnaire data relating to mental health, physical function and medical history were used to define successful ageing. Four dietary factors were identified, characterized by higher loadings for (1) vegetables (2) fruit, (3) feta, legumes, salad, olive oil, and inverse loadings for tea, margarine, cake, sweet biscuits and puddings (4) meat, white bread, savoury pastry dishes and fried foods. In models excluding body size, the second factor 'Fruit' was positively associated with successful ageing (OR in top 20% vs lowest 20% of score 1.31, 95%CI (1.05-1.63), p trend across quintile groups 0.001) while the fourth factor 'Meat/fatty foods' was inversely associated (OR in top 20% vs lowest 20% of score 0.69, 95%CI (0.55-0.86), p trend across quintile groups 0.001). Factors 1 and 3 did not show significant associations with successful ageing. The association for 'Fruit' was little altered after adjustment for body size, while for 'Meat/fatty foods' the association was somewhat attenuated. A dietary pattern including plenty of fruit while limiting meat and fried foods may improve the likelihood of ageing successfully.

Resting heart rate, temporal changes in resting heart rate, and overall and cause-specific mortality

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 21-12-2017

DOI: 10.1136/HEARTJNL-2017-312251

Abstract: Most studies investigating the association between resting heart rate (RHR) and mortality have focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and measured RHR at only one time point. We aimed to assess associations of RHR and changes in RHR over approximately a decade with overall and cause-specific mortality. We used data from participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study with RHR measures at baseline (1990–1994 n=41 386 9846 deaths) and at follow-up (2003–2007 n=21 692 2818 deaths). RHR measures were taken by trained staff, using Dinamap monitors. Cox models were used to estimate HR and 95% CI for the associations between RHR and mortality. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained until August 2015 and December 2013, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, including blood pressure and known medical conditions but not arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation, RHR was associated with a higher risk of death of similar magnitude for CVD (HR per 10 beats per minute (bpm)=1.11, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.16), cancer (HR=1.10, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.13) and other causes (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.25). Higher mortality was observed for most cancer sites, including breast (HR=1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31), colorectal (HR=1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29), kidney (HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.57) and lung cancer (HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.29). Temporal increases in RHR were associated with higher mortality, particularly for in iduals whose RHR increased by more than 15 bpm. RHR and changes in RHR over a decade are associated with mortality risk, including from causes other than CVD such as breast, colorectal or lung cancer. Monitoring of RHR may have utility in identifying in iduals at higher mortality risk.

NSAM-derived total surface area versus SMPS-derived mobility equivalent surface area for different environmentally relevant aerosols

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2013.08.003

Mortality in Micronesian Nauruans and Melanesian and Indian Fijians is not associated with obesity.

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 03-1996

DOI: 10.1093/OXFORDJOURNALS.AJE.A008764

Abstract: The association of obesity with mortality was investigated in population-based s les of Micronesian Nauruans (n = 1,400), Melanesian Fijians (n = 1,279), and Indian Fijians (n = 1,182), over 10 years from 1982 in Nauru, and 11 years from 1980 in Fiji. At the end of follow-up, vital status was known for all Nauruans and all but 3.5% of Fijians. Mortality rates were higher in Nauru than Fiji, and in Melanesians than Indians. The mean body mass index of decedents was similar to or less than (Nauruan men, p < 0.001) that of survivors in each sex-ethnic group. Crude mortality rates showed an inverse relation with body mass index in Nauruan men, with inconsistent relations in other sex-ethnic groups. After stratification by diabetes status, there was no relation between mortality and obesity in nondiabetic subjects, but an inverse relation was observed among diabetic subjects in each population. These findings persisted even after the exclusion of subjects who died within the first 2 years of follow-up. After controlling for age, smoking, and diabetes status in Cox proportional hazard models, body mass index (as a continuous variable) was not related to mortality in any sex/ethnic group and tended to be negatively associated with mortality risk. Interactions of body mass index with age, smoking, and diabetes status were not significant. Mortality risk was significantly increased in older subjects and in diabetic subjects, and cigarette smoking also increased risk in some groups. Stratification of analyses according to cigarette smoking did not alter the nature of the results. The association of mortality and body mass index categorized by quartiles was also investigated. After adjusting for age alone, or age, smoking, and diabetes status, the lower quartiles of body mass index were consistently associated with the highest relative risk for mortality. Quadratic terms for body mass index did not improve Cox models in subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Relations with cardiovascular disease mortality were also assessed and results were inconsistent, although positive trends were observed in Nauruan women (p = 0.02) and Melanesian men (p = 0.06). Overall, there was little evidence to suggest that obesity was a risk factor for total or cardiovascular mortality in these populations. However, obesity is clearly associated with a high risk of diabetes and other morbid conditions and at least on this basis it would seem desirable to prevent obesity in these and other Pacific populations.

Diet scores and prediction of general and abdominal obesity in the Melbourne collaborative cohort study

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 20-04-2021

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021001713

Abstract: To ascertain which of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 2010, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) best predicted BMI and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR). Body size was measured at baseline (1990–1994) and in 2003–2007. Diet was assessed at baseline using a FFQ, along with age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity and country of birth. Regression coefficients and 95 % CI for the association of baseline dietary scores with follow-up BMI and WHR were generated using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for baseline body size, confounders and energy intake. Population-based cohort in Melbourne, Australia. Included were data from 11 030 men and 16 774 women aged 40–69 years at baseline. Median (IQR) follow-up was 11·6 (10·7–12·8) years. BMI and WHR at follow-up were associated with baseline DII® (Q5 v . Q1 (BMI 0·41, 95 % CI 0·21, 0·61) and WHR 0·009, 95 % CI 0·006, 0·013)) and AHEI (Q5 v . Q1 (BMI −0·51, 95 % CI −0·68, −0·35) and WHR −0·011, 95 % CI −0·013, −0·008)). WHR, but not BMI, at follow-up was associated with baseline MDS (Group 3 most Mediterranean v . G1 (BMI −0·05, 95 % CI −0·23, 0·13) and WHR −0·004, 95 % CI −0·007, −0·001)). Based on Akaike’s Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion statistics, AHEI was a stronger predictor of body size than the other diet scores. Poor quality or pro-inflammatory diets predicted overall and central obesity. The AHEI may provide the best way to assess the obesogenic potential of diet.

Correcting for the bias caused by exposure measurement error in epidemiological studies.

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 14-08-2014

DOI: 10.1111/RESP.12356

Abstract: An important goal of many epidemiological studies is to estimate the magnitude of association between an exposure and an outcome. Exposure measurement error causes bias in such estimates of association and can be substantial. In this article, we describe the problem of exposure measurement error and its effects. We show how a simple hand calculation, in conjunction with validation study data and a calibration equation, can be used to correct estimates for the bias caused by exposure measurement error. Correcting estimates of association for measurement error helps researchers appropriately assess effect size.

The relationship between body mass index prior to old age and disability in old age.

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 26-06-2012

DOI: 10.1038/IJO.2012.99

Abstract: To analyse the relationship between body mass index (BMI) in middle-age and disability status in old-age using data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS). A total of 41 514 participants enroled in the MCCS between 1990-1994. Height and weight were measured at baseline and disability, defined as limitations to self-care activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care plus mobility activities, was identified at follow-up (2003-2007). In all, 6300 participants were <65 years at baseline, 70 years at follow-up and not missing BMI at baseline or ADLs at follow-up. The association between BMI in six categories (BMI 18.5-22.5 22.5-25 25-27.5 27.5-30 30-35 35+) and disability status was analysed using logistic regression. Models were stratified by sex, and sequentially adjusted for age, education, country of birth, then smoking, alcohol, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. Adjusted odds ratios for composite self-care ADL and mobility limitations compared with BMI 18.5-22.5 kg m(-2) were 1.73 (95%CI 1.14-2.64) for BMI 30-35 kg m(-2) and 3.46 (1.78-6.73) for BMI 35+ kg m(-2) in males. In females, adjusted odds ratios were 1.29 (1.00-1.68) for BMI 22.5-25 kg m(-2), 1.74 (1.35-2.24) for BMI 25-27.5 kg m(-2), 2.58 (1.98-3.36) for BMI 27.5-30 kg m(-2), 2.74 (2.10-3.58) for BMI 30-35 kg m(-2) and 4.21 (3.12-5.88) for BMI 35+ kg m(-2). A graded relationship was observed between BMI and disability in males and females, across the continuum of BMI. These results highlight the importance of a healthy body weight at middle age in order to reduce the risk of disability in old age.

World Nutrition 2012 – a global Public Health Nutrition opportunity

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 03-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012000675

Nutritional well-being among older people

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 11-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011002400

Omega-6 fatty acid biomarkers and incident type 2 diabetes: pooled analysis of individual-level data for 39 740 adults from 20 prospective cohort studies

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2017

DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30307-8

Characterization of particle emission from laser printers

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.02.030

Abstract: Emission of particles from laser printers in office environments is claimed to have impact on human health due to likelihood of exposure to high particle concentrations in such indoor environments. In the present paper, particle emission characteristics of 110 laser printers from different manufacturers were analyzed, and estimations of their emission rates were made on the basis of measurements of total concentrations of particles emitted by the printers placed in a chamber, as well as particle size distributions. The emission rates in terms of number, surface area and mass were found to be within the ranges from 3.39×10

Increased diabetes incidence in Greek and Italian migrants to Australia: How much can be explained by known risk factors?

Publisher: American Diabetes Association

Date: 10-2004

DOI: 10.2337/DIACARE.27.10.2330

Abstract: OBJECTIVE—The aims of the study were to determine whether Greek or Italian migrants to Australia have an elevated incidence of type 2 diabetes compared with Australian-born in iduals and to what extent any differences can be explained by known risk factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a prospective study of 34,097 men and women aged 40–69 years born in Greece, Italy, Australia, or New Zealand who were free from diabetes at baseline. For all self-reported cases of diabetes at the 4-year follow-up, a confirmation of diagnosis was sought from medical practitioners. Of these, anyone for whom there was no evidence against a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was considered a case subject. RESULTS—Follow-up was completed by 29,331 (86%) participants, and 334 case subjects were identified. The cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes among Greek (2.6%) and Italian (2.4%) migrants was more than three times that in Australian-born (0.7%) in iduals. After adjusting for age only, the odds ratios (ORs) for being of Greek and Italian origin compared with Australian origin were 3.8 (95% CI 2.9–5.0) and 3.3 (2.6–4.3), respectively. The only known risk factor for type 2 diabetes that materially affected these ORs was BMI. After adjusting for BMI and age, the ORs for being of Greek and Italian origin, respectively, were 2.4 (1.8–3.2) and 2.0 (1.5–2.6). CONCLUSIONS—Greek and Italian migrants to Australia have a more than three times greater incidence of type 2 diabetes than Australian-born in iduals, and this is only partly explained by BMI. Although weight control will remain important for these high-risk groups, identification of other risk factors is required.

Evaluating the Theoretical Background of STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 08-08-2021

DOI: 10.1093/ANNWEH/WXAB057

Abstract: STOFFENMANAGER® and the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) are recommended tools by the European Chemical Agency for regulatory chemical safety assessment. The models are widely used and accepted within the scientific community. STOFFENMANAGER® alone has more than 37 000 users globally and more than 310 000 risk assessment have been carried out by 2020. Regardless of their widespread use, this is the first study evaluating the theoretical backgrounds of each model. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART are based on a modified multiplicative model where an exposure base level (mg m−3) is replaced with a dimensionless intrinsic emission score and the exposure modifying factors are replaced with multipliers that are mainly based on subjective categories that are selected by using exposure taxonomy. The intrinsic emission is a unit of concentration to the substance emission potential that represents the concentration generated in a standardized task without local ventilation. Further information or scientific justification for this selection is not provided. The multipliers have mainly discrete values given in natural logarithm steps (…, 0.3, 1, 3, …) that are allocated by expert judgements. The multipliers scientific reasoning or link to physical quantities is not reported. The models calculate a subjective exposure score, which is then translated to an exposure level (mg m−3) by using a calibration factor. The calibration factor is assigned by comparing the measured personal exposure levels with the exposure score that is calculated for the respective exposure scenarios. A mixed effect regression model was used to calculate correlation factors for four exposure group [e.g. dusts, vapors, mists (low-volatiles), and solid object/abrasion] by using ~1000 measurements for STOFFENMANAGER® and 3000 measurements for ART. The measurement data for calibration are collected from different exposure groups. For ex le, for dusts the calibration data were pooled from exposure measurements s led from pharmacies, bakeries, construction industry, and so on, which violates the empirical model basic principles. The calibration databases are not publicly available and thus their quality or subjective selections cannot be evaluated. STOFFENMANAGER® and ART can be classified as subjective categorization tools providing qualitative values as their outputs. By definition, STOFFENMANAGER® and ART cannot be classified as mechanistic models or empirical models. This modeling algorithm does not reflect the physical concept originally presented for the STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. A literature review showed that the models have been validated only at the ‘operational analysis’ level that describes the model usability. This review revealed that the accuracy of STOFFENMANAGER® is in the range of 100 000 and for ART 100. Calibration and validation studies have shown that typical log-transformed predicted exposure concentration and measured exposure levels often exhibit weak Pearson’s correlations (r is & .6) for both STOFFENMANAGER® and ART. Based on these limitations and performance departure from regulatory criteria for risk assessment models, it is recommended that STOFFENMANAGER® and ART regulatory acceptance for chemical safety decision making should be explicitly qualified as to their current deficiencies.

Particle emission factors during cooking activities

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2009.03.044

A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trial)

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 30-01-2017

DOI: 10.1186/S12916-017-0791-Y

Quantification of Particle Number and Mass Emission Factors from Combustion of Queensland Trees

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 16-08-2006

DOI: 10.1021/ES0609497

Abstract: The quantification of particle emission factors under controlled laboratory conditions for burning of the following five common tree species found in South East Queensland forests has been studied: Spotted Gum (Corymbia citriodora), Blue Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Bloodwood (Eucalyptus intermedia), Iron Bark (Eucalyptus crebra), and Stringybark (Eucalyptus umbra). The results of the study show that the particle number emission factors and PM2.5 mass emission factors depend on the type of tree and the burning rate. For fast burning conditions, the average particle number emission factors are in the range of 3.3-5.7 x 10(15) particles/kg for woods and 0.5-6.9 x 10(15) particles/kg for leaves and branches, and the PM2.5 emission factors are in the range of 140-210 mg/kg for woods and 450-4700 mg/kg for leaves and branches. For slow burning conditions, the average particle number emission factors are in the range of 2.8-44.8 x 10(13) particles/kg for woods and 0.5-9.3 x 10(13) particles/kg for leaves and branches, and the PM2.5 emissions factors are in the range of 120-480 mg/kg for woods and 3300-4900 mg/kg for leaves and branches.

The health impacts of waste-to-energy emissions: a systematic review of the literature

Publisher: IOP Publishing

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ABAE9F

Abstract: Waste-to-energy (WtE) processes, or the combustion of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy generation, has the potential to reduce landfill volume while providing a renewable energy source. We aimed to systematically review and summarise current evidence on the potential health effects (benefits and risks) of exposure to WtE/RDF-related combustion emissions. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to health and WtE/RDF combustion emissions, following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and then full-texts of original, peer-reviewed research articles published until 20th March 2020, plus their relevant references. Overall quality of included epidemiological studies were rated using an amended Navigation framework. We found 19 articles from 269 search results that met our inclusion criteria, including two epidemiological studies, five environmental monitoring studies, seven health impact or risk assessments (HIA/HRA), and five life-cycle assessments. We found a dearth of health studies related to the impacts of exposure to WtE emissions. The limited evidence suggests that well-designed and operated WtE facilities using sorted feedstock (RDF) are critical to reduce potential adverse health (cancer and non-cancer) impacts, due to lower hazardous combustion-related emissions, compared to landfill or unsorted incineration. Poorly fed WtE facilities may emit concentrated toxins with serious potential health risks, such as dioxins/furans and heavy metals these toxins may remain problematic in bottom ash as a combustion by-product. Most modelling studies estimate that electricity (per unit) generated from WtE generally emits less health-relevant air pollutants (also less greenhouse gases) than from combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. coal). Some modelled estimates vary due to model sensitivity for type of waste processed, model inputs used, and facility operational conditions. We conclude that rigorous assessment (e.g. HRA including sensitivity analyses) of WtE facility/technological characteristics and refuse type used is necessary when planning roposing facilities to protect human health as the technology is adopted worldwide.

Past physical activity and age-related macular degeneration: the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 19-01-2016

DOI: 10.1136/BJOPHTHALMOL-2015-307663

Abstract: To assess the association between past physical activity and early, intermediate and late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a community-based cohort study in Melbourne, Australia. Diet and lifestyle information was recorded at baseline (1990-1994) and total recreational activity was derived from walking, vigorous and non-vigorous exercise. At follow-up (2003-2007), digital macular photographs were graded for early, intermediate and late AMD. Data were analysed using multinomial logistic regression controlling for age, sex, smoking, region of descent, diet and alcohol. Effect modification by sex was investigated. Out of 20 816 participants, early, intermediate and late AMD were detected at follow-up in 4244 (21%), 2661 (13%) and 122 (0.6%) participants, respectively. No association was detected between past total recreational physical activity and early, intermediate or late AMD. Frequent (≥3 times/week) and less frequent (1-2 times/week) vigorous exercise were associated with lower odds of intermediate and late AMD in univariable models. After controlling for confounders, there was evidence of effect modification by sex and frequent vigorous exercise was associated with a 22% decrease in the odds of intermediate AMD (95% CI 4% to 36%) in women, but no association was found for men. Past frequent vigorous exercise may be inversely related to the presence of intermediate AMD in women. Further studies are needed to confirm whether physical activity and exercise have a protective effect for AMD.

Low-level isoprene observed during summertime at a forested mountaintop site in southern China: implications for strong regional atmospheric oxidative capacity

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 16-05-2018

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-2018-336

Abstract: Abstract. To investigate the atmospheric oxidizing capacity in certain polluted isoprene-rich environments, such as the forests surrounding megacities. Here we present online observations of isoprene and its first-stage oxidation products methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) and methacrolein (MACR) in summer 2016 at a remote, high-altitude mountain forest site (1690 m a.s.l.) to the north of the air-polluted Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in southern China. The observed isoprene level was found to be significantly lower in comparison with other forest sites either in China or around the world, although the s ling site was surrounded with subtropical evergreen broad-leaved trees which are strong isoprene emitters. Also, high (MVK+MACR)/isoprene ratio was observed. Based on the observations, we hypothesized that the lower isoprene levels in the study forest might be attributable to a strong atmospheric oxidative capacity in relation to the elevated regional complex air pollution. High daytime OH and nighttime NO3 radical concentrations estimated by using a photochemical box model incorporating Master Chemical Mechanism (PBM-MCM), as well as calculated short atmospheric reaction times of isoprene and long photochemical age, indicated that the isoprene was rapidly and fully oxidized at this aged atmospheric environment, which confirmed our hypothesis. The study suggests that the complex air pollution in the PRD region has significantly elevated the background atmospheric oxidative capacity of the adjacent forests, and most likely does would probably affect the regional air quality and ecological environment in the long term. The feedback of forest ecosystems to the increasing atmospheric oxidation capacity warrants further studies.

Nutrition of infants and young children

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 24-08-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012003710

Dietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and fats and the progression of age-related macular degeneration

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2007

DOI: 10.3129/I07-116

Abstract: To estimate the effect of dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) and fats on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two hundred and fifty-four subjects identified with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were re-examined to determine 7-year AMD progression. Intakes of L/Z and fatty acids were estimated from food frequency questionnaires. Progression was defined by 3 different definitions, 2 quantitative and 1 qualitative, which varied in the stringency of the change required for the AMD to be deemed to have progressed. Covariates included age, smoking, AMD family history, source study, and follow-up duration. Energy-adjusted L/Z intake as a continuous variable was associated with AMD progression in the worse affected eye when defined by the most stringent criterion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-6.22, p = 0.02). Similar associations were observed for the 2 other progression definitions (p = 0.18 and p = 0.13). Energy-adjusted omega-3 fatty acid intake modelled as a quintile median was associated with AMD progression only in the side-by-side assessment (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.11-5.91, p = 0.03), with borderline significance in the other 2 definitions (p = 0.05 and p = 0.08). No association of AMD progression was observed with the intake of either total fat or other subgroups: saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated fats trans fatty acids or omega-6 fatty acids. The findings of the study are counterintuitive, suggesting that increased intakes of dietary L/Z and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with progression of AMD. These results may indicate that too much of a good thing might be harmful. It is possible that in this study participants adopted a more healthy diet, having been aware of their AMD status at the beginning of the study. This healthy diet was then reflected in the dietary questionnaire completed at the end of study. However, this explanation may not adequately explain why those whose AMD had progressed, on the basis of fundus signs and not symptoms such as visual acuity decline, adopted a healthier lifestyle more aggressively than those without progression.

Children's personal exposure to air pollution in rural villages in Bhutan

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2015.06.006

Abstract: Exposure assessment studies conducted in developing countries have been based on fixed-site monitoring to date. This is a major deficiency, leading to errors in estimating the actual exposures, which are a function of time spent and pollutant concentrations in different microenvironments. This study quantified school children's daily personal exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP) using real-time monitoring, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NO2 using passive s ling in rural Bhutan in order to determine the factors driving the exposures. An activity diary was used to track children's time activity patterns, and difference in mean exposure levels across sex and indoor/outdoor were investigated with ANOVA. 82 children, attending three primary schools participated in this study S1 and S2 during the wet season and S3 during the dry season. Mean daily UFP exposure (cm(-3)) was 1.08×10(4) for children attending S1, 9.81×10(3) for S2, and 4.19×10(4) for S3. The mean daily NO2 exposure (µg m(-3)) was 4.27 for S1, 3.33 for S2 and 5.38 for S3 children. Likewise, children attending S3 also experienced higher daily exposure to a majority of the VOCs than those attending S1 and S2. Time-series of UFP personal exposures provided detailed information on identifying sources of these particles and quantifying their contributions to the total daily exposures for each microenvironment. The highest UFP exposure resulted from cooking/eating, contributing to 64% of the daily exposure, due to firewood combustion in houses using traditional mud cookstoves. The lowest UFP exposures were during the hours that children spent outdoors at school. The outcomes of this study highlight the significant contributions of lifestyle and socio-economic factors in personal exposures and have applications in environmental risk assessment and household air pollution mitigation in Bhutan.

The use of carbon dioxide as a tracer in the determination of particle number emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.07.060

Assessment of diet and physical activity: new tools; old challenges

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 15-02-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980011000218

Fibrinogen and associated risk factors in a high-risk population: urban indigenous australians, the druid Study

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 2010

DOI: 10.1186/1475-2840-9-69

Fungal spore fragmentation as a function of airflow rates and fungal generation methods

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2009.04.043

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in dust from primary schools in South East Queensland, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2015.06.007

Abstract: PBDE concentrations are higher in children compared to adults with exposure suggested to include dust ingestion. Besides the home environment, children spend a great deal of time in school classrooms which may be a source of exposure. As part of the "Ultrafine Particles from Traffic Emissions and Children's Health (UPTECH)" project, dust s les (n=28) were obtained in 2011/12 from 10 Brisbane, Australia metropolitan schools and analysed using GC and LC-MS for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) -17, -28, -47, -49, -66, -85, -99, -100, -154, -183, and -209. Σ11PBDEs ranged from 11-2163 ng/g dust with a mean and median of 600 and 469 ng/g dust, respectively. BDE-209 (range n.d. -2034 ng/g dust mean (median) 402 (217)ng/g dust) was the dominant congener in most classrooms. Frequencies of detection were 96%, 96%, 39% and 93% for BDE-47, -99, -100 and -209, respectively. No seasonal variations were apparent and from each of the two schools where XRF measurements were carried out, only two classroom items had detectable bromine. PBDE intake for 8-11 year olds can be estimated at 0.094 ng/day BDE-47 0.187 ng/day BDE-99 and 0.522ng/day BDE-209 as a result of ingestion of classroom dust, based on mean PBDE concentrations. The 97.5% percentile intake is estimated to be 0.62, 1.03 and 2.14 ng/day for BDEs-47, -99 and -209, respectively. These PBDE concentrations in dust from classrooms, which are higher than in Australian homes, may explain some of the higher body burden of PBDEs in children compared to adults when taking into consideration age-dependant behaviours which increase dust ingestion.

Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection transmission risk in public buses

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2022

DOI: 10.1016/J.GSF.2022.101398

Ultrafine particles in key microenvironments in rural and urban areas of Ghana

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.APR.2021.101212

Food labels for consumers, motivated or otherwise

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 04-04-2012

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012000468

Global age-sex-specific fertility, mortality, healthy life expectancy (HALE), and population estimates in 204 countries and territories, 1950-2019: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2020

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30977-6

Application of bag sampling technique for particle size distribution measurements

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Date: 2009

DOI: 10.1039/B907891F

Abstract: Bag s ling techniques can be used to temporarily store the aerosol and therefore provide sufficient time to utilize sensitive but slow instrumental techniques for recording detailed particle size distributions. Laboratory based assessment of the method was conducted to examine size dependant deposition loss coefficients for aerosols held in Velostat bags conforming to a horizontal cylindrical geometry. Deposition losses of NaCl particles in the range of 10 nm to 160 nm were analysed in relation to the bag size, storage time, and s ling flow rate. Results of this study suggest that the bag s ling method is most useful for moderately short s ling periods of about 5 minutes.

Spatiotemporal variation of PM1 pollution in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2018

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2018.01.053

Greenness around schools associated with lower risk of hypertension among children: Findings from the Seven Northeastern Cities Study in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2019.113422

Abstract: Evidence suggests that residential greenness may be protective of high blood pressure, but there is scarcity of evidence on the associations between greenness around schools and blood pressure among children. We aimed to investigate this association in China. Our study included 9354 children from 62 schools in the Seven Northeastern Cities Study. Greenness around each child's school was measured by NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and SAVI (Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index). Particulate matter ≤ 1 μm (PM

An Overview of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Air Quality Measurements: Present Applications and Future Prospectives

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 12-07-2016

DOI: 10.3390/S16071072

Ambient temperature and risk of cardiovascular hospitalization: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2016

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.01.154

Abstract: The association between temperatures and risk of cardiovascular mortality has been recognized but the association drawn from previous meta-analysis was weak due to the lack of sufficient studies. This paper presented a review with updated reports in the literature about the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization in relation to different temperature exposures and examined the dose-response relationship of temperature-cardiovascular hospitalization by change in units of temperature, latitudes, and lag days. The pooled effect sizes were calculated for cold, heat, heatwave, and diurnal variation using random-effects meta-analysis, and the dose-response relationship of temperature-cardiovascular admission was modelled using random-effect meta-regression. The Cochrane Q-test and index of heterogeneity (I(2)) were used to evaluate heterogeneity, and Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias. Sixty-four studies were included in meta-analysis. The pooled results suggest that for a change in temperature condition, the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization increased 2.8% (RR, 1.028 95% CI, 1.021-1.035) for cold exposure, 2.2% (RR, 1.022 95% CI, 1.006-1.039) for heatwave exposure, and 0.7% (RR, 1.007 95% CI, 1.002-1.012) for an increase in diurnal temperature. However no association was observed for heat exposure. The significant dose-response relationship of temperature - cardiovascular admission was found with cold exposure and diurnal temperature. Increase in one-day lag caused a marginal reduction in risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations for cold exposure and diurnal variation, and increase in latitude was associated with a decrease in risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations for diurnal temperature only. There is a significant short-term effect of cold exposure, heatwave and diurnal variation on cardiovascular hospitalizations. Further research is needed to understand the temperature-cardiovascular relationship for different climate areas.

Vitamin D status and the risk of type 2 diabetes: The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2019

DOI: 10.1016/J.DIABRES.2018.05.007

Abstract: Inverse associations between vitamin D status and risk of type 2 diabetes observed in epidemiological studies could be biased by confounding and reverse causality. We investigated the prospective association between vitamin D status and type 2 diabetes and the possible role of reverse causality. We conducted a case-cohort study within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS), including a random s le of 628 participants who developed diabetes and a sex-stratified random s le of the cohort (n = 1884). Concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in s les collected at recruitment. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of type 2 diabetes for quartiles of 25(OH)D relative to the lowest quartile and per 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, adjusting for confounding variables. The ORs for the highest versus lowest 25(OH)D quartile and per 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.44, 0.81) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.92 p = 0.004), respectively. In participants who reported being in good/very good/excellent health approximately four years after recruitment, ORs for the highest versus lowest 25(OH)D quartile and per 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.29, 0.72) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.89 p = 0.003), respectively. In this s le of middle-aged Australians, vitamin D status was inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes, and this association did not appear to be explained by reverse causality.

Source apportionment of ultrafine and fine particle concentrations in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 19-02-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S11356-012-0803-6

Abstract: To investigate the significance of sources around measurement sites, assist the development of control strategies for the important sources and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution due to particle size. In this study, s ling was conducted at two sites located in urban/industrial and residential areas situated at roadsides along the Brisbane Urban Corridor. Ultrafine and fine particle measurements obtained at the two sites in June-July 2002 were analysed by positive matrix factorization. Six sources were present, including local traffic, two traffic sources, biomass burning and two currently unidentified sources. Secondary particles had a significant impact at site 1, while nitrates, peak traffic hours and main roads located close to the source also affected the results for both sites. This significant traffic corridor exemplifies the type of sources present in heavily trafficked locations and future attempts to control pollution in this type of environment could focus on the sources that were identified.

Diet and risk of Barrett’s oesophagus: Melbourne collaborative cohort study

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 15-07-2022

DOI: 10.1017/S0007114522002112

Abstract: Barrett’s oesophagus (BE) is the precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, which has become the most common type of oesophageal cancer in many Western populations. Existing evidence on diet and risk of BE predominantly comes from case–control studies, which are subject to recall bias in measurement of diet. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of diet, including macronutrients, carotenoids, food groups, specific food items, beverages and dietary scores, on risk of BE in over 20 000 participants of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Diet at baseline (1990–1994) was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. The outcome was BE diagnosed between baseline and follow-up (2007–2010). Logistic regression models were used to estimate OR and 95 % CI for diet in relation to risk of BE. Intakes of leafy vegetables and fruit were inversely associated with risk of BE (highest v . lowest quartile: OR = 0·59 CI: 0·38, 0·94 P -trend = 0·02 and OR = 0·58 CI: 0·37, 0·93 P -trend = 0·02 respectively), as were dietary fibre and carotenoids. Stronger associations were observed for food than the nutrients found in them. Positive associations were observed for discretionary food (OR = 1·54 CI: 0·97, 2·44 P -trend = 0·04) and total fat intake (OR per 10 g/d = 1·11 CI: 1·00, 1·23), the association for fat was less robust in sensitivity analyses. No association was observed for meat, protein, dairy products or diet scores. Diet is a potential modifiable risk factor for BE. Public health and clinical guidelines that incorporate dietary recommendations could contribute to reduction in risk of BE and, thereby, oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Impact of particle formation on atmospheric ions and particle number concentrations in an urban environment

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSRES.2015.01.017

Differentiating between particle formation and growth events in an urban environment

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 10-08-2018

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-18-11171-2018

Abstract: Abstract. Small aerosols at a given location in the atmosphere often originate in situ from new particle formation (NPF). However, they can also be produced and then transported from a distant location to the point of observation where they may continue to grow to larger sizes. This study was carried out in the subtropical urban environment of Brisbane, Australia, in order to assess the relative occurrence frequencies of NPF events and particle growth events with no NPF. We used a neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer (NAIS) to monitor particles and ions in the size range 2–42 nm on 485 days, and identified 236 NPF events on 213 days. The majority of these events (37 %) occurred during the daylight hours with just 10 % at night. However, the NAIS also showed particle growth with no NPF on many nights (28 %). Using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), we showed that particle growth continued at larger sizes and occurred on 70 % of nights, typically under high relative humidities. Most particles in the air, especially near coastal locations, contain hygroscopic salts such as sodium chloride that may exhibit deliquescence when the relative humidity exceeds about 75 %. The growth rates of particles at night often exceeded the rates observed during NPF events. Although most of these night time growth events were preceded by day time NPF events, the latter was not a prerequisite for growth. We conclude that particle growth in the atmosphere can be easily misidentified as NPF, especially when they are monitored by an instrument that cannot detect them at the very small sizes.

Stringent Emission Controls Are Needed to Reach Clean Air Targets for Cities in China under a Warming Climate

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 26-07-2022

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.1C08403

Abstract: Quantifying the threat that climate change poses to fine particle (PM

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour over adulthood in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a systematic review of analytic strategies and study findings

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 04-09-2021

DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYAB181

Abstract: Questions remain about the effect on mortality of physical activity and sedentary behaviour over time. We summarized the evidence from studies that assessed exposure from multiple time points and critiqued the analytic approaches used. A search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus and Web of Science up to January 2021 for studies of repeatedly assessed physical activity or sedentary behaviour in relation to all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Relative risks from in idual studies were extracted. Each study was assessed for risk of bias from multiple domains. We identified 64 eligible studies (57 on physical activity, 6 on sedentary behaviour, 1 on both). Cox regression with a time-fixed exposure history (n = 45) or time-varying covariates (n = 13) were the most frequently used methods. Only four studies used g-methods, which are designed to adjust for time-varying confounding. Risk of bias arose primarily from inadequate adjustment for time-varying confounders, participant selection, exposure classification and changes from measured exposure. Despite heterogeneity in methods, most studies found that being consistently or increasingly active over adulthood was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality compared with being always inactive. Few studies examined physical-activity changes and cancer mortality or effects of sedentary-behaviour changes on mortality outcomes. Accumulating more evidence using longitudinal data while addressing the methodological challenges would provide greater insight into the health effects of initiating or maintaining a more active and less sedentary lifestyle.

Ambient Air Pollution Exposure Estimation for the Global Burden of Disease 2013

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 04-12-2015

DOI: 10.1021/ACS.EST.5B03709

Abstract: Exposure to ambient air pollution is a major risk factor for global disease. Assessment of the impacts of air pollution on population health and evaluation of trends relative to other major risk factors requires regularly updated, accurate, spatially resolved exposure estimates. We combined satellite-based estimates, chemical transport model simulations, and ground measurements from 79 different countries to produce global estimates of annual average fine particle (PM2.5) and ozone concentrations at 0.1° × 0.1° spatial resolution for five-year intervals from 1990 to 2010 and the year 2013. These estimates were applied to assess population-weighted mean concentrations for 1990-2013 for each of 188 countries. In 2013, 87% of the world's population lived in areas exceeding the World Health Organization Air Quality Guideline of 10 μg/m(3) PM2.5 (annual average). Between 1990 and 2013, global population-weighted PM2.5 increased by 20.4% driven by trends in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. Decreases in population-weighted mean concentrations of PM2.5 were evident in most high income countries. Population-weighted mean concentrations of ozone increased globally by 8.9% from 1990-2013 with increases in most countries-except for modest decreases in North America, parts of Europe, and several countries in Southeast Asia.

Airborne ultrafine particles in a Pacific Island country: Characteristics, sources and implications for human exposure

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2017.08.021

Abstract: The Pacific Islands carry a perception of having clean air, yet emissions from transport and burning activities are of concern in regard to air quality and health. Ultrafine particle number concentrations (PNCs), one of the best metrics to demonstrate combustion emissions, have not been measured either in Suva or elsewhere in the Islands. This work provides insight into PNC variation across Suva and its relationship with particle mass (PM) concentration and composition. Measurements over a short monitoring c aign provide a vignette of conditions in Suva. Ambient PNCs were monitored for 8 day at a fixed location, and mobile PNC s ling for two days. These were compared with PM concentration (TSP, PM

The Association between Dietary Intake, Asthma, and PCOS in Women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 15-01-2020

DOI: 10.3390/JCM9010233

Abstract: Dietary intake potentially modifies the prevalence or severity of asthma. The prevalence of asthma is higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) it is not known if diet confounds or modifies the association between asthma and PCOS. The aims of this study were: (i) To determine if the association of PCOS and asthma is independent of dietary pattern and (ii) to determine if dietary pattern modifies the association between PCOS and asthma. Women in this study were from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) cohort born between 1973 to 1978 and aged 18 to 23 years (n = 7382). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between PCOS and asthma, adjusting for the following: (i) Potential confounders identified a priori and (ii) dietary patterns (z-score) identified by principle component analysis. In the adjusted analysis, women with PCOS were more likely to have asthma than the women without PCOS (OR 1.35 and 95% CI, 1.02 and 1.78). This relationship was not altered by further adjustment for dietary patterns (non-core food, meats and takeaway, or Mediterranean-style pattern). In the interaction analysis, only the women consuming less than the median intake of non-core foods (i.e., lower intake of discretionary or unhealthy foods) and with PCOS were more likely to have asthma (OR 1.91 and 95% CI, 1.29 and 2.82). Dietary intake did not confound the relationship between PCOS and asthma. Other mechanistic pathways are likely responsible for the asthma and PCOS association, and further studies assessing factors such as oral contraceptive use and sex steroid hormones warrant investigation.

Excursion guidance criteria to guide control of peak emission and exposure to airborne engineered particles

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 11-2013

DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.831987

Abstract: The overall aim of our research was to characterize airborne particles from selected nanotechnology processes and to utilize the data to develop and test quantitative particle concentration-based criteria that can be used to trigger an assessment of particle emission controls. We investigated particle number concentration (PNC), particle mass (PM) concentration, count median diameter (CMD), alveolar deposited surface area, elemental composition, and morphology from s ling of aerosols arising from six nanotechnology processes. These included fibrous and non-fibrous particles, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We adopted standard occupational hygiene principles in relation to controlling peak emission and exposures, as outlined by both Safe Work Australia, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®). The results from the study were used to analyses peak and 30-minute averaged particle number and mass concentration values measured during the operation of the nanotechnology processes. Analysis of peak (highest value recorded) and 30-minute averaged particle number and mass concentration values revealed: Peak PNC(20-1000 nm) emitted from the nanotechnology processes were up to three orders of magnitude greater than the local background particle concentration (LBPC). Peak PNC(300-3000 nm) was up to an order of magnitude greater, and PM2.5 concentrations up to four orders of magnitude greater. For three of these nanotechnology processes, the 30-minute average particle number and mass concentrations were also significantly different from the LBPC (p-value < 0.001). We propose emission or exposure controls may need to be implemented or modified, or further assessment of the controls be undertaken, if concentrations exceed three times the LBPC, which is also used as the local particle reference value, for more than a total of 30 minutes during a workday, and/or if a single short-term measurement exceeds five times the local particle reference value. The use of these quantitative criteria, which we are terming the universal excursion guidance criteria, will account for the typical variation in LBPC and inaccuracy of instruments, while precautionary enough to highlight peaks in particle concentration likely to be associated with particle emission from the nanotechnology process. Recommendations on when to utilize local excursion guidance criteria are also provided.

Development of a composite line source emission model for traffic interrupted microenvironments and its application in particle number emissions at a bus station

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.05.052

On the interpretation of bioaerosol exposure measurements and impacts on health

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 28-05-2019

DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2019.1587552

Abstract: Bioaerosols are recognized as one of the main transmission routes for infectious diseases and are responsible for other various types of health effects through inhalation and potential ingestion. Associating exposure with bioaerosol and health problems is challenging, and adequate exposure monitoring is a top priority for aerosol scientists. The multiple factors affecting bioaerosol content, the variability in the focus of each bioaerosol exposure study, and the variations in experimental design and the standardization of methods make bioaerosol exposure studies very difficult. Therefore, the health impacts of bioaerosol exposure are still poorly understood. This paper presents a brief description of a state-of-the-art development in bioaerosol exposure studies supported by studies on several related subjects. The main objective of this paper is to propose new considerations for bioaerosol exposure guidelines and the development of tools and study designs to better interpret bioaerosol data. The principal observations and findings are the discrepancy of the applicable methods in bioaerosol studies that makes result comparison impossible. Furthermore, the silo mentality helps in creating a bigger gap in the knowledge accumulated about bioaerosol exposure. Innovative and original ideas are presented for aerosol scientists and health scientists to consider and discuss. Although many ex les cited herein are from occupational exposure, the discussion has relevance to any human environment. This work gives concrete suggestions for how to design a full bioaerosol study that includes all of the key elements necessary to help understand the real impacts of bioaerosol exposure in the short term. The creation of the proposed bioaerosol public database could give crucial information to control the public health.

Nocturnal new particle formation events in urban environment

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 20-07-2016

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-2016-521

Abstract: Abstract. Few studies have investigated nocturnal new particle formation (NPF) events, and none of them were conducted in urban environments. Nocturnal NPF can potentially be a significant source of particles in urban areas, and studying them would improve our understanding of nucleation mechanisms. To address this, our study was conducted in an urban environment to investigate the physical characteristics of NPF events, with a particular focus on nocturnal events and the differences between them and the daytime NPF events. Particle number size distribution (PNSD) was measured for two weeks at each of 25 sites across an urban environment. A new method was proposed to automatically categorise NPF events based on growth rate (GR) in order to remove the bias related to the manual procedure. Out of 219 observed events, 118 and 101 were categorised into class I and II respectively and 73 happened during the night time which included more than 30 % of the events. GR and condensation sink (CS) were calculated and a slight negative relationship between GR and CS was observed, and production of condensable vapour was lower in nighttime NPF events compared to daytime. Nocturnal events on average displayed 10 % higher GRs compared to day time ones. Back trajectory analysis was also conducted to estimate the locations of the sources of day time and nocturnal precursors. While the precursors related to day time events originated from different locations with no particular pattern, back-trajectory analysis showed many air masses associated with nocturnal NPF events were transported from over the ocean. Overall, nocturnal NPF events were found to be a significant source of particles in the studied environment with different physical characteristics/sources compared to day time events.

Increase in particle number emissions from motor vehicles due to interruption of steady traffic flow

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2009

DOI: 10.1016/J.TRD.2009.07.007

Association of FOXO3 Blood DNA Methylation with Cancer Risk, Cancer Survival, and Mortality

Publisher: MDPI AG

Date: 12-2021

DOI: 10.3390/CELLS10123384

Abstract: Genetic variants in FOXO3 are associated with longevity. Here, we assessed whether blood DNA methylation at FOXO3 was associated with cancer risk, survival, and mortality. We used data from eight prospective case–control studies of breast (n = 409 cases), colorectal (n = 835), gastric (n = 170), kidney (n = 143), lung (n = 332), prostate (n = 869), and urothelial (n = 428) cancer and B-cell lymphoma (n = 438). Case–control pairs were matched on age, sex, country of birth, and smoking (lung cancer study). Conditional logistic regression was used to assess associations between cancer risk and methylation at 45 CpGs of FOXO3 included on the HumanMethylation450 assay. Mixed-effects Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with cancer survival (total n = 2286 deaths). Additionally, using data from 1088 older participants, we assessed associations of FOXO3 methylation with overall and cause-specific mortality (n = 354 deaths). Methylation at a CpG in the first exon region of FOXO3 (6:108882981) was associated with gastric cancer survival (HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.60–3.56, p = 1.9 × 10−5). Methylation at three CpGs in TSS1500 and gene body was associated with lung cancer survival (p 6.1 × 10−5). We found no evidence of associations of FOXO3 methylation with cancer risk and mortality. Our findings may contribute to understanding the implication of FOXO3 in longevity.

Benefits of influenza vaccination on the associations between ambient air pollution and allergic respiratory diseases in children and adolescents: New insights from the Seven Northeastern Cities study in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2019.113434

Abstract: Little information exists on interaction effects between air pollution and influenza vaccination on allergic respiratory diseases. We conducted a large population-based study to evaluate the interaction effects between influenza vaccination and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on allergic respiratory diseases in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was investigated during 2012-2013 in 94 schools from Seven Northeastern Cities (SNEC) in China. Questionnaires surveys were obtained from 56 137 children and adolescents aged 2-17 years. Influenza vaccination was defined as receipt of the influenza vaccine. We estimated air pollutants exposure [nitrogen dioxide (NO We found statistically significant interactions between influenza vaccination and air pollutants on allergic respiratory diseases and related symptoms (doctor-diagnosed asthma, current wheeze, wheeze, persistent phlegm and allergic rhinitis). The adjusted ORs for doctor-diagnosed asthma, current wheeze and allergic rhinitis among the unvaccinated group per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM Influenza vaccination may play an important role in mitigating the detrimental effects of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution on childhood allergic respiratory diseases. Policy targeted at increasing influenza vaccination may yield co-benefits in terms of reduced allergic respiratory diseases.

Tracheobronchial and alveolar dose of submicrometer particles for different population age groups in Italy

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2011.07.066

Exposure to Particles from Laser Printers Operating within Office Workplaces

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 07-07-2011

DOI: 10.1021/ES200249N

Abstract: While recent research has provided valuable information as to the composition of laser printer particles, their formation mechanisms, and explained why some printers are emitters while others are low emitters, questions relating to the potential exposure of office workers remained unanswered. In particular, (i) what impact does the operation of laser printers have on the background particle number concentration (PNC) of an office environment over the duration of a typical working day? (ii) What is the airborne particle exposure to office workers in the vicinity of laser printers? (iii) What influence does the office ventilation have upon the transport and concentration of particles? (iv) Is there a need to control the generation of, and/or transport of particles arising from the operation of laser printers within an office environment? (v) What instrumentation and methodology is relevant for characterizing such particles within an office location? We present experimental evidence on printer temporal and spatial PNC during the operation of 107 laser printers within open plan offices of five buildings. The 8 h time-weighted average printer particle exposure is significantly less than the 8 h time-weighted local background particle exposure, but that peak printer particle exposure can be greater than 2 orders of magnitude higher than local background particle exposure. The particle size range is predominantly ultrafine (<100 nm diameter). In addition we have established that office workers are constantly exposed to nonprinter derived particle concentrations, with up to an order of magnitude difference in such exposure among offices, and propose that such exposure be controlled along with exposure to printer derived particles. We also propose, for the first time, that peak particle reference values be calculated for each office area analogous to the criteria used in Australia and elsewhere for evaluating exposure excursion above occupational hazardous chemical exposure standards. A universal peak particle reference value of 2.0 × 10(4) particles cm(-3) has been proposed.

P174 High aerosol production of potentially infectious cough aerosols in people with cystic fibrosis during coughing

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2019

DOI: 10.1016/S1569-1993(19)30468-0

Lifetime alcohol intake and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Findings from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 11-11-2018

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.31123

Abstract: Cohort studies have reported inconsistent evidence regarding alcohol intake and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), mostly based on alcohol intake assessed close to study enrolment. We examined this association using alcohol intake measured from age 20 onwards. We calculated usual alcohol intake for 10-year periods from age 20 using recalled frequency and quantity of beverage-specific consumption for 37,990 participants aged 40-69 years from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Cox regression was performed to derive hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between alcohol intake (g/day) and NHL risk. After a mean follow-up of 19.3 years, 538 NHL cases were diagnosed. Approximately 80% of participants were either lifetime abstainers or consumed below 20 g of ethanol/day. All categories of lifetime alcohol intake were associated with about 20% lower incidence of NHL compared with lifetime abstention, but there was no evidence of a trend by amount consumed (HR = 0.97 per 10 g/day increment in intake, 95% CI: 0.92-1.03 p value = 0.3). HRs for beer, wine and spirits were 0.91 (95% CI: 0.83-1.00 p value = 0.05), 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94-1.12 p value = 0.6), and 1.06 (95% CI: 0.83-1.37 p value = 0.6), respectively, per 10 g/day increment in lifetime intake. There were no significant differences in associations between NHL subtypes. In this low-drinking cohort, we did not detect a dose-dependent association between lifetime alcohol intake and NHL risk.

New Directions: Can a “blue sky” return to Indian megacities?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.01.055

Dietary Intake of B Vitamins and Methionine and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 07-2013

DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2013.789114

Abstract: B vitamins are involved in 1-carbon metabolism, which is necessary for DNA replication, DNA repair, and regulation of gene expression. Recent studies suggest inverse associations between folate and vitamin B6 intakes and colorectal cancer risk but associations with other B vitamins and methionine have not been widely studied. After following 14,645 men and 22,467 women for 15 yr on average, we ascertained 910 incident colorectal cancers. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 121-item food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Cox regression. We found some evidence of a U-shaped relationship between colon cancer risk and vitamin B6 and an inverse U-shaped relationship between rectal cancer risk and B12 (test for the quadratic trend, P = 0.005 and P = 0.0005 respectively). For colon cancer, we observed a reduced risk associated with low methionine/high folate, HR = 0.63 (0.49, 0.80) and an increased risk associated with high methionine/high folate, HR = 1.36 (1.06, 1.74) (P interaction < 0.0001). Our study suggests a U-shaped association between colon cancer risk and vitamin B6 intake and an inverse U-shaped association between rectal cancer risk and vitamin B12. Adequate folate intake might protect against colon cancer risk in those with low methionine intake.

Methylation scores for smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index and risk of seven types of cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 22-04-2023

DOI: 10.1002/IJC.34513

Abstract: Methylation marks of exposure to health risk factors may be useful markers of cancer risk as they might better capture current and past exposures than questionnaires, and reflect different in idual responses to exposure. We used data from seven case‐control studies nested within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study of blood DNA methylation and risk of colorectal, gastric, kidney, lung, prostate and urothelial cancer, and B‐cell lymphoma (N cases = 3123). Methylation scores (MS) for smoking, body mass index (BMI), and alcohol consumption were calculated based on published data as weighted averages of methylation values. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for association with cancer risk were estimated using conditional logistic regression and expressed per SD increase of the MS, with and without adjustment for health‐related confounders. The contribution of MS to discriminate cases from controls was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). After confounder adjustment, we observed: large associations (RR = 1.5‐1.7) with lung cancer risk for smoking MS moderate associations (RR = 1.2‐1.3) with urothelial cancer risk for smoking MS and with mature B‐cell neoplasm risk for BMI and alcohol MS moderate to small associations (RR = 1.1‐1.2) for BMI and alcohol MS with several cancer types and cancer overall. Generally small AUC increases were observed after inclusion of several MS in the same model (colorectal, gastric, kidney, urothelial cancers: +3% lung cancer: +7% B‐cell neoplasms: +8%). Methylation scores for smoking, BMI and alcohol consumption show independent associations with cancer risk, and may provide some improvements in risk prediction.

Seasonal association between ambient ozone and hospital admission for respiratory diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam

Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)

Date: 24-09-2018

DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0203751

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients in Earlier Stages Exhaled Millions of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Per Hour

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 28-08-2020

DOI: 10.1093/CID/CIAA1283

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients exhaled millions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA copies per hour, which plays an important role in COVID-19 transmission. Exhaled breath had a higher positive rate (26.9%, n = 52) than surface (5.4%, n = 242) and air (3.8%, n = 26) s les.

Particle concentration levels and size distribution characteristics in residential and non-industrial workplace environments

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/9783527610013.CH3C

Socio-demographic inequalities in the diets of mid-aged Australian women

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 06-10-2004

DOI: 10.1038/SJ.EJCN.1602057

Abstract: This study reports on the distributions of food and nutrient intakes by socio-demographic factors for a large population s le of mid-aged Australian women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. This cross-sectional population-based study used the Cancer Council of Victoria food frequency questionnaires to derive estimates of food and nutrient intakes. Nationwide community-based survey. A total of 10561 women aged 50-55 y, at the time of the survey in 2001. Analysis showed favourable patterns of food intake, with frequent consumption of many foods that are promoted as components of a healthy diet (eg, fresh fruit, leafy green and other vegetables, bread, cereals, milk and meat). Intakes of both foods and nutrients varied significantly across socio-demographic groups, with unmarried women, and women in 'labouring' occupations (eg, cleaner, factory worker, kitchenhand) having poorer nutrient intake. Although many mid-aged women in this s le had generally healthful diets, women in certain socio-demographic groups (particularly unmarried women and those in labouring occupations) had nutrient intakes of concern. As well as helping to address the dearth of current data on dietary intakes in the Australian population, the results highlight the need for continued targeted public health strategies aimed at improving diet of women from the various socio-economic backgrounds.

Mapping disparities in education across low- and middle-income countries

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 25-12-2019

DOI: 10.1038/S41586-019-1872-1

Abstract: Educational attainment is an important social determinant of maternal, newborn, and child health 1–3 . As a tool for promoting gender equity, it has gained increasing traction in popular media, international aid strategies, and global agenda-setting 4–6 . The global health agenda is increasingly focused on evidence of precision public health, which illustrates the subnational distribution of disease and illness 7,8 however, an agenda focused on future equity must integrate comparable evidence on the distribution of social determinants of health 9–11 . Here we expand on the available precision SDG evidence by estimating the subnational distribution of educational attainment, including the proportions of in iduals who have completed key levels of schooling, across all low- and middle-income countries from 2000 to 2017. Previous analyses have focused on geographical disparities in average attainment across Africa or for specific countries, but—to our knowledge—no analysis has examined the subnational proportions of in iduals who completed specific levels of education across all low- and middle-income countries 12–14 . By geolocating subnational data for more than 184 million person-years across 528 data sources, we precisely identify inequalities across geography as well as within populations.

Microbial contents of vacuum cleaner bag dust and emitted bioaerosols and their implications for human exposure indoors

Publisher: American Society for Microbiology

Date: 15-10-2013

DOI: 10.1128/AEM.01583-13

Abstract: Vacuum cleaners can release large concentrations of particles, both in their exhaust air and from resuspension of settled dust. However, the size, variability, and microbial ersity of these emissions are unknown, despite evidence to suggest they may contribute to allergic responses and infection transmission indoors. This study aimed to evaluate bioaerosol emission from various vacuum cleaners. We s led the air in an experimental flow tunnel where vacuum cleaners were run, and their airborne emissions were s led with closed-face cassettes. Dust s les were also collected from the dust bag. Total bacteria, total archaea, Penicillium / Aspergillus , and total Clostridium cluster 1 were quantified with specific quantitative PCR protocols, and emission rates were calculated. Clostridium botulinum and antibiotic resistance genes were detected in each s le using endpoint PCR. Bacterial ersity was also analyzed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), image analysis, and band sequencing. We demonstrated that emission of bacteria and molds ( Penicillium / Aspergillus ) can reach values as high as 1E5 cell equivalents/min and that those emissions are not related to each other. The bag dust bacterial and mold content was also consistent across the vacuums we assessed, reaching up to 1E7 bacterial or mold cell equivalents/g. Antibiotic resistance genes were detected in several s les. No archaea or C. botulinum was detected in any air s les. Diversity analyses showed that most bacteria are from human sources, in keeping with other recent results. These results highlight the potential capability of vacuum cleaners to disseminate appreciable quantities of molds and human-associated bacteria indoors and their role as a source of exposure to bioaerosols.

Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites in the Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Are Associated with Human Aging

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 21-10-2022

DOI: 10.1155/2022/5019752

Abstract: The kynurenine pathway is implicated in aging, longevity, and immune regulation, but longitudinal studies and assessment of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are lacking. We investigated tryptophan (Trp) and downstream kynurenine metabolites and their associations with age and change over time in four cohorts using comprehensive, targeted metabolomics. The study included 1574 participants in two cohorts with repeated metabolite measurements (mean age at baseline 58 years ± 8 SD and 62 ± 10 SD ), 3161 community-dwelling older adults (age range 71-74 years), and 109 CSF donors (mean age 73 years ± 7 SD ). In the first two cohorts, age was associated with kynurenine (Kyn), quinolinic acid (QA), and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (KTR), and inversely with Trp. Consistent with these findings, Kyn, QA, and KTR increased over time, whereas Trp decreased. Similarly, QA and KTR were higher in community-dwelling older adults of age 74 compared to 71, whereas Trp was lower. Kyn and QA were more strongly correlated with age in the CSF compared to serum and increased in a subset of participants with repeated CSF s ling ( n = 33 ) over four years. We assessed associations with frailty and mortality in two cohorts. QA and KTR were most strongly associated with mortality and frailty. Our study provides robust evidence of changes in tryptophan and kynurenine metabolism with human aging and supports links with adverse health outcomes. Our results suggest that aging activates the inflammation and stress-driven kynurenine pathway systemically and in the brain, but we cannot determine whether this activation is harmful or adaptive. We identified a relatively stronger age-related increase of the potentially neurotoxic end-product QA in brain.

Motor vehicle emissions as a source of indoor particles

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 29-10-2006

DOI: 10.1002/9783527610013.CH3G

Intake of polyphenols from cereal foods and colorectal cancer risk in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 09-2023

DOI: 10.1002/CAM4.6514

Serum lipids and modernization in coastal and highland Papua New Guinea.

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Date: 15-12-1996

DOI: 10.1093/OXFORDJOURNALS.AJE.A008891

Abstract: Previous studies in Melanesians of Papua New Guinea have documented low serum cholesterol concentrations with no age-related rise and a virtual absence of coronary heart disease. However, because of recent reports of the emergence of coronary heart disease in this population, serum lipid concentrations in adults aged > or = 25 years in three coastal (n = 1,489 and three highland (n = 388) village communities at different stages of modernization were examined as part of a survey undertaken in 1991. Total cholesterol concentrations were clearly higher than were levels recorded in earlier studies. Moreover, age-related increases in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), and triglycerides (in women) were apparent. Mean total cholesterol levels in an urban community with a high risk of diabetes were similar to those observed in Australians, while HDL cholesterol concentrations were lower. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in urban coastal and periurban highland subjects than in their rural counterparts. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (> or = 5.2 mmol/liter) varied from 16% in rural highlanders to 56% in urban coastal subjects. Sex, age, village, body mass index, fat distribution, glucose intolerance, physical activity, and an index of relative modernity all contributed to variations in cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. These results show that Papua New Guineans are by no means protected from dyslipidemia and serve warning that, unless effective preventative strategies can be developed, this and similar rapidly developing populations can expect an increasing incidence of coronary heart disease.

Air Quality in the Sydney Metropolitan Region during the 2013 Blue Mountains Wildfire

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2017.10.0427

Aerosol mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical composition of non- refractory PM1 samples from school environments in Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 08-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2013.04.007

Abstract: Long-term exposure to vehicle emissions has been associated with detrimental health effects. Children are amongst the most susceptible group and schools represent an environment where they can experience significant exposure to vehicle emissions. However, there are limited studies on children's exposure to vehicle emissions in schools. The aim of this study was to quantify the concentration of organic aerosol (OA) and in particular, vehicle emissions that children are exposed to during school hours. Therefore an Aerodyne compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (TOF-AMS) was deployed at five urban schools in Brisbane, Australia. TOF-AMS enabled the chemical composition of the non-refractory (NR-PM1) to be analysed with a high temporal resolution to assess the concentration of vehicle emissions and other OA components during school hours. The organic fraction at each school comprised the majority of NR-PM1. Primary emissions were found to dominate the OA at only one school which had an O:C ratio of 0.17, due to fuel powered gardening equipment used near the TOF-AMS. A significant source of the OA at two of the schools was aged vehicle emissions from nearby highways. More oxidised OA was observed at the remaining two schools, which also recorded strong biomass burning influences. In general, the diurnal cycle of the total OA concentration varied between schools and was found to be at a minimum during school hours. The major organic component that school children were exposed to during school hours was secondary OA at all schools. Peak exposure of school children to vehicle emissions occurred during school drop-off and pick-up times. Unless a school is located near major roads, children are exposed predominately to regional secondary OA as opposed to local emissions during school hours in urban environments.

Higher Dietary Calcium Intakes Are Associated With Reduced Risks of Fractures, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study of Older Men and Women

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 10-05-2015

DOI: 10.1002/JBMR.2515

Abstract: The aim of this population-based, prospective cohort study was to investigate long-term associations between dietary calcium intake and fractures, non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), and death from all causes. Participants were from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, which was established in 1990 to 1994. A total of 41,514 men and women (∼99% aged 40 to 69 years at baseline) were followed up for a mean (SD) of 12 (1.5) years. Primary outcome measures were time to death from all causes (n = 2855), CVD-related deaths (n = 557), cerebrovascular disease-related deaths (n = 139), incident non-fatal CVD (n = 1827), incident stroke events (n = 537), and incident fractures (n = 788). A total of 12,097 participants (aged ≥50 years) were eligible for fracture analysis and 34,468 for non-fatal CVD and mortality analyses. Mortality was ascertained by record linkage to registries. Fractures and CVD were ascertained from interview ∼13 years after baseline. Quartiles of baseline energy-adjusted calcium intake from food were estimated using a food-frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated for quartiles of dietary calcium intake. Highest and lowest quartiles of energy-adjusted dietary calcium intakes represented unadjusted means (SD) of 1348 (316) mg/d and 473 (91) mg/d, respectively. Overall, there were 788 (10.3%) incident fractures, 1827 (9.0%) incident CVD, and 2855 people (8.6%) died. Comparing the highest with the lowest quartile of calcium intake, for all-cause mortality, the HR was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.98, p(trend) = 0.01) for non-fatal CVD and stroke, the OR was 0.84 (95% CI 0.70-0.99, p(trend) = 0.04) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.51-0.93, p(trend) = 0.02), respectively and the OR for fracture was 0.70 (95% CI 0.54-0.92, p(trend) = 0.004). In summary, for older men and women, calcium intakes of up to 1348 (316) mg/d from food were associated with decreased risks for fracture, non-fatal CVD, stroke, and all-cause mortality.

The association between dairy food intake and the incidence of diabetes in Australia: the Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab).

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 07-06-2013

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980012001310

Abstract: Several studies have suggested that dairy food may reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic abnormalities but few have been able to conclusively demonstrate that it reduces the risk of diabetes. The aim of the present analysis was to investigate if dairy food intake independently reduces the risk of diabetes. The Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab) is a national, population-based, prospective survey conducted over 5 years. Baseline measurements included a 121-item FFQ, anthropometrics and an oral glucose tolerance test. Forty-two randomly selected clusters across Australia. Adults aged ≥25 years who participated in the baseline survey and returned to follow-up 5 years later. A total of 5582 participants with complete data were eligible for analysis, 209 of whom had incident diabetes. Compared with men in the first tertile of dairy food intake, men in the third tertile had a significantly reduced risk of developing diabetes after adjustment for age, sex, total energy intake, family history of diabetes, education, physical activity, smoking status, fasting serum TAG and HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference and hip circumference (OR = 0·53, 95 % CI 0·29, 0·96 P = 0·033). A similar non-significant association was observed in women. Dietary patterns that incorporate high intakes of dairy food may reduce the risk of diabetes among men. Further investigation into the relationship between dairy food intake and diabetes needs to be undertaken to fully understand the potential mechanism of this observation.

The effect of housing characteristics and occupant activities on the respiratory health of women and children in Lao PDR

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2011.01.016

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a study conducted into the relationship between dwelling characteristics and occupant activities with the respiratory health of resident women and children in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Lao is one of the least developed countries in south-east Asia with poor life expectancies and mortality rates. The study, commissioned by the World Health Organisation, included questionnaires delivered to residents of 356 dwellings in nine Districts in Lao PDR over a five month period (December 2005-April 2006), with the aim of identifying the association between respiratory health and indoor air pollution, in particular exposures related to indoor biomass burning. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for each health outcome separately using binary logistic regression. After adjusting for age, a wide range of symptoms of respiratory illness in women and children aged 1-4 years were positively associated with a range of indoor exposures related to indoor cooking, including exposure to a fire and location of the cooking place. Among women, "dust always inside the house" and smoking were also identified as strong risk factors for respiratory illness. Other strong risk factors for children, after adjusting for age and gender, included dust and drying clothes inside. This analysis confirms the role of indoor air pollution in the burden of disease among women and children in Lao PDR.

What are the driving factors influencing the size distribution of airborne synthetic clay particles emitted from a jet milling process?

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2016

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2015.03.0170

Experimental determination of the dispersion of ions from a point source in the environment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 16-01-2019

DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1418912

Abstract: The dispersion of ions from a point source has been extensively modelled but there have been very few attempts to experimentally verify the theoretical findings. The main reason for this has been the difficulty of discriminating between cluster ion and charged particle concentrations in the air. In this paper, we describe a novel technique for the experimental determination of the dispersion of ions from a point source in air. Laboratory experiments showed that the lifetime of cluster ions in an aerosol cloud was of the order of minutes. However, once they attached to aerosols, the particles retained the charge for at least 30 min, suggesting that they may be carried long distances in natural winds. A negative air ionizer was used to produce ions and charged particles in an open field in the presence of a steady horizontal wind. A neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer was used to measure cluster ion and charged particle concentrations as a function of downwind distance from the source. The results are broadly consistent with the Gaussian dispersion model for a continuous point source. We estimate that cluster ions can be carried up to a distance of several hundred metres before they fully attach to particles which can then be carried as far as 3-4 km. Therefore, these observations have important bearing on exposure to cluster ions and charged particles downwind of ion sources such as high voltage power lines and busy roads.

Smoking prevalence and attributable disease burden in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2015: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2017

DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)30819-X

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990–2019

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 12-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.JACC.2020.11.010

Exploring the provision of alcohol advice by clinicians to breast cancer patients.

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Date: 26-07-2017

DOI: 10.1111/ECC.12739

Abstract: Interactions between clinicians and patients along the cancer trajectory provide an opportunity to deliver key messages regarding drinking behaviours and long-term health. This study aimed to explore the extent and nature of clinician-patient discussions regarding alcohol intake and cancer outcomes in the clinical breast cancer setting, using a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews. Purposive s ling was used to recruit 27 breast cancer clinicians (eight dietitians, nine breast care nurses, 10 oncologists) across Victoria, Australia. Interview data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis approach. Clinicians' knowledge of national alcohol recommendations was found to be inconsistent. Clinicians reported a lack of patient awareness of the link between alcohol and breast cancer. Current frameworks for assessing and advising on patient alcohol intake were felt to be impractical. The extent and nature of advice provided about alcohol was influenced by several patient and clinician factors. The provision of alcohol advice in the clinical breast cancer setting is not practiced systematically by any professional group. New approaches are needed to support patient education about alcohol intake and survivorship in the clinical oncology setting.

Vertical particle concentration profiles around urban office buildings

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 07-06-2012

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-12-5017-2012

Abstract: Abstract. Despite its role in determining both indoor and outdoor human exposure to anthropogenic particles, there is limited information describing vertical profiles of particle concentrations in urban environments, especially for ultrafine particles. Furthermore, the results of the few studies performed have been inconsistent. As such, this study aimed to assess the influence of vehicle emissions and nucleation formation on particle characteristics (particle number size distribution – PNSD and PM2.5 concentration) at different heights around three urban office buildings located next to busy roads in Brisbane, Australia, and place these results in the broader context of the existing literature. Two sets of instruments were used to simultaneously measure PNSD, particle number (PN) and PM2.5 concentrations, respectively, for up to three weeks at each building. The results showed that both PNSD and PM2.5 concentration around building envelopes were influenced by vehicle emissions and new particle formation, and that they exhibited variability across the three different office buildings. During nucleation events, PN concentration in size range of nm and total PN concentration increased (7–65% and 5–46%, respectively), while PM2.5 concentration decreased (36–52%) with height. This study has shown an under acknowledged role for nucleation in producing particles that can affect large numbers of people, due to the high density and occupancy of urban office buildings and the fact that the vast majority of people's time is spent indoors. These findings highlight important new information related to the previously overlooked role of particle formation in the urban atmosphere and its potential effects on selection of air intake locations and appropriate filter types when designing or upgrading mechanical ventilation systems in urban office buildings. The results also serve to better define particle behaviour and variability around building envelopes, which has implications for studies of both human exposure and particle dynamics.

Vitamin D, dietary patterns, and food acquisition

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 03-08-2011

DOI: 10.1017/S136898001100190X

The relationship between indoor and outdoor airborne particles in the residential environment

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 07-2001

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00097-8

Evidence Review and Practice Recommendation on the Material, Design, and Maintenance of Cloth Masks

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 02-09-2020

DOI: 10.1017/DMP.2020.317

Abstract: Despite numerous masking recommendations from public health agencies, including the World Health Organization, editorials, and commentaries providing support for this notion, none had examined different homemade masks or demonstrated that perhaps not all cloth masks are the same. This article aims to provide evidence-based recommendations on cloth-mask materials, its design, and, importantly, its maintenance. Articles were obtained from PubMed and preprint servers up to June 10, 2020. Current evidence suggests that filtration effectiveness can range from 3% to 95%. Multiple layer (hybrid) homemade masks made from a combination of high density 100% cotton and materials with electrostatic charge would be more effective than one made from a single material. Mask fit greatly affects filtration efficiency, and adding an overhead knot or nylon overlay potentially provides the best fit for cloth masks. There is a paucity of evidence for masks maintenance as most studies are in the laboratory setting however, switching every 4 hours as in medical masks and stored in dedicated containers while awaiting disinfection is recommended. Outside of these recommendations to improve the effectiveness of cloth masks to reduce infection transmission, there is a need for countries to set up independent testing labs for homemade masks made based on locally available materials. This can use existing occupational health laboratories usually used for accrediting masks and respirators.

New Directions: Shall we peel an orange?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2010

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.04.006

A review of biomass burning: Emissions and impacts on air quality, health and climate in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.11.025

Abstract: Biomass burning (BB) is a significant air pollution source, with global, regional and local impacts on air quality, public health and climate. Worldwide an extensive range of studies has been conducted on almost all the aspects of BB, including its specific types, on quantification of emissions and on assessing its various impacts. China is one of the countries where the significance of BB has been recognized, and a lot of research efforts devoted to investigate it, however, so far no systematic reviews were conducted to synthesize the information which has been emerging. Therefore the aim of this work was to comprehensively review most of the studies published on this topic in China, including literature concerning field measurements, laboratory studies and the impacts of BB indoors and outdoors in China. In addition, this review provides insights into the role of wildfire and anthropogenic BB on air quality and health globally. Further, we attempted to provide a basis for formulation of policies and regulations by policy makers in China.

Variability of airborne particle metrics in an urban area

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2016.10.013

Abstract: In the present study a mobile monitoring approach (i.e. bike with onboard instruments) was proposed and applied to investigate the spatial variability of all the key airborne particle metrics in an Italian urban area from a statistical point of view. Particle number, alveolar-deposited surface area, and PM

Breath-, air- and surface-borne SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2021

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2020.105693

Mobile assessment of on-road air pollution and its sources along the East-West Highway in Bhutan

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 10-2015

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2015.07.040

Pollutant concentrations within households in Lao PDR and association with housing characteristics and occupants' activities

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 20-12-2011

DOI: 10.1021/ES102294V

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a study conducted to investigate indoor air quality within residential dwellings in Lao PDR. Results from PM(10), CO, and NO(2) measurements inside 167 dwellings in Lao PDR over a five month period (December 2005-April 2006) are discussed as a function of household characteristics and occupant activities. Extremely high PM(10) and NO(2) concentrations (12 h mean PM(10) concentrations 1275 ± 98 μg m(-3) and 1183 ± 99 μg m(-3) in Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces, respectively 12 h mean NO(2) concentrations 1210 ± 94 μg m(-3) and 561 ± 45 μg m(-3) in Vientiane and Bolikhamxay, respectively) were measured within the dwellings. Correlations, ANOVA analysis (univariate and multivariate), and linear regression results suggest a substantial contribution from cooking and smoking. The PM(10) concentrations were significantly higher in houses without a chimney compared to houses in which cooking occurred on a stove with a chimney. However, no significant differences in pollutant concentrations were observed as a function of cooking location. Furthermore, PM(10) and NO(2) concentrations were higher in houses in which smoking occurred, suggestive of a relationship between increased indoor concentrations and smoking (0.05 < p < 0.10). Resuspension of dust from soil floors was another significant source of PM(10) inside the house (634 μg m(-3), p < 0.05).

Consumption of sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks and risk of obesity-related cancers

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 21-02-2018

DOI: 10.1017/S1368980017002555

Abstract: To test the hypothesis that more frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks would be associated with increased risk of obesity-related cancers. Associations for artificially sweetened soft drinks were assessed for comparison. Prospective cohort study with cancers identified by linkage to cancer registries. At baseline, participants completed a 121-item FFQ including separate questions about the number of times in the past year they had consumed sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened soft drinks. Anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference, were taken and questions about smoking, leisure-time physical activity and intake of alcoholic beverages were completed. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) is a prospective cohort study which recruited 41 514 men and women aged 40–69 years between 1990 and 1994. A second wave of data collection occurred in 2003–2007. Data for 35 593 participants who developed 3283 incident obesity-related cancers were included in the main analysis. Increasing frequency of consumption of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with greater waist circumference at baseline. For sugar-sweetened soft drinks, the hazard ratio (HR) for obesity-related cancers increased as frequency of consumption increased (HR for consumption /d v . /month=1·18 95 % CI 0·97, 1·45 P -trend=0·007). For artificially sweetened soft drinks, the HR for obesity-related cancers was not associated with consumption (HR for consumption /d v . /month=1·00 95 % CI 0·79, 1·27 P -trend=0·61). Our results add to the justification to minimise intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.

Observation of ions and particles near busy roads using a neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer (NAIS)

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 02-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.11.045

Two decades of trends in urban particulate matter concentrations across Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 11-2020

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2020.110021

Lutein and zeaxanthin and the risk of cataract: the Melbourne visual impairment project.

Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Date: 09-2006

DOI: 10.1167/IOVS.05-0587

Abstract: To evaluate the association of cortical, nuclear, or posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract with dietary intake of lutein-zeaxanthin (LZ) in a population-based s le. For the study, 3271 (83% of the eligible residents) permanent residents aged > or =40 years were recruited in 1992 to 1994 via a cluster random s ling. In 1997 to 1999, 2594 (79%) attended the follow-up examination including lens photography, a life-style questionnaire, and a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Cases were those with cortical opacity > or =4/16, nuclear opacity grade > or =2.0, or PSC opacity > or =1 mm2. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios for cataract by daily LZ intake, or its quintile indicator with the lowest quintile as the baseline category, controlling for energy-adjusted fat intake and variables previously found to be associated with the cataract outcomes. Of the 2322 participants who attended the follow-up survey and completed the FFQ, 1841 (79%), 1955 (84%), and 1950 (84%) were included in the analyses of cortical, nuclear, and PSC cataract, respectively. There were 182 (9.9%), 387 (19.8%), and 177 (9.1%) cases for cortical, nuclear, and PSC cataract, respectively. Cortical and PSC cataract were not significantly associated with LZ intake. For nuclear cataract the odds ratios were 0.67 (0.46-0.96) and 0.60 (0.40-0.90) for every 1-mg increase in crude and energy-adjusted daily LZ intake, respectively. The odds ratios (95% CI) for those in the top quintile of crude LZ intake was 0.58 (0.37-0.92 P = 0.023 for trend), and it was 0.64 (0.40-1.03) for energy adjusted LZ intake (P = 0.018 for trend). This study found an inverse association between high dietary LZ intake and prevalence of nuclear cataract.

Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin: authors' response

Publisher: BMJ

Date: 09-2006

DOI: 10.1136/BJO.2006.097444

Particle emission characteristics of office printers

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 08-2007

DOI: 10.1021/ES063049Z

Abstract: In modern society, printers are widely used in the office environment. This study investigated particle number and PM2.5 emissions from printers using the TSI SMPS, TSI CPC 3022, and 3025A TSI P-Trak and DustTrak. The monitoring of particle characteristics in a large open-plan office showed that particles generated by printers can significantly (p = 0.01) affect the submicrometer particle number concentration levels in the office. An investigation of the submicrometer particle emissions produced by each of the 62 printers used in the office building was also conducted and based on the particle concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the printers, after a short printing job, the printers were ided into four classes: non-emitters, and low, medium, and high emitters. It was found that approximately 60% of the investigated printers did not emit submicrometer particles and of the 40% that did emit particles, 27% were high particle emitters. Particle emission characteristics from three different laser printers were also studied in an experimental chamber, which showed that particle emission rates are printer-type specific and are affected by toner coverage and cartridge age. While a more comprehensive study is still required, to provide a better database of printer emission rates, as well as their chemical characteristics, the results from this study imply that submicrometer particle concentration levels in an office can be reduced by a proper choice of the printers.

Critical Analysis of High Particle Number Emissions from Accelerating Compressed Natural Gas Buses

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 15-05-2010

DOI: 10.1021/ES1003186

Abstract: Compressed natural gas (CNG) engines are thought to be less harmful to the environment than conventional diesel engines, especially in terms of particle emissions. Although, this is true with respect to particulate matter (PM) emissions, results of particle number (PN) emission comparisons have been inconclusive. In this study, results of on-road and dynamometer studies of buses were used to derive several important conclusions. We show that, although PN emissions from CNG buses are significantly lower than from diesel buses at low engine power, they become comparable at high power. For diesel buses, PN emissions are not significantly different between acceleration and operation at steady maximum power. However, the corresponding PN emissions from CNG buses when accelerating are an order of magnitude greater than when operating at steady maximum power. During acceleration under heavy load, PN emissions from CNG buses are an order of magnitude higher than from diesel buses. The particles emitted from CNG buses are too small to contribute to PM(10) emissions or contribute to a reduction of visibility and may consist of semivolatile nanoparticles.

Ultrafine particles in cities

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2014

DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2014.01.013

Abstract: Ultrafine particles (UFPs diameter less than 100 nm) are ubiquitous in urban air, and an acknowledged risk to human health. Globally, the major source for urban outdoor UFP concentrations is motor traffic. Ongoing trends towards urbanisation and expansion of road traffic are anticipated to further increase population exposure to UFPs. Numerous experimental studies have characterised UFPs in in idual cities, but an integrated evaluation of emissions and population exposure is still lacking. Our analysis suggests that the average exposure to outdoor UFPs in Asian cities is about four-times larger than that in European cities but impacts on human health are largely unknown. This article reviews some fundamental drivers of UFP emissions and dispersion, and highlights unresolved challenges, as well as recommendations to ensure sustainable urban development whilst minimising any possible adverse health impacts.

Particle and carbon dioxide emissions from passenger vehicles operating on unleaded petrol and LPG fuel

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2005

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2004.10.021

Abstract: A comprehensive study of the particle and carbon dioxide emissions from a fleet of six dedicated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered and five unleaded petrol (ULP) powered new Ford Falcon Forte passenger vehicles was carried out on a chassis dynamometer at four different vehicle speeds--0 (idle), 40, 60, 80 and 100 km h(-1). Emission factors and their relative values between the two fuel types together with a statistical significance for any difference were estimated for each parameter. In general, LPG was found to be a 'cleaner' fuel, although in most cases, the differences were not statistically significant owing to the large variations between emissions from different vehicles. The particle number emission factors ranged from 10(11) to 10(13) km(-1) and was over 70% less with LPG compared to ULP. Corresponding differences in particle mass emission factor between the two fuels were small and ranged from the order of 10 microg km(-1) at 40 to about 1000 microg km(-1) at 100 km h(-1). The count median particle diameter (CMD) ranged from 20 to 35 nm and was larger with LPG than with ULP in all modes except the idle mode. Carbon dioxide emission factors ranged from about 300 to 400 g km(-1) at 40 km h(-1), falling with increasing speed to about 200 g km(-1) at 100 km h(-1). At all speeds, the values were 10% to 18% greater with ULP than with LPG.

An Investigation into the Characteristics and Formation Mechanisms of Particles Originating from the Operation of Laser Printers

Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

Date: 23-01-2009

DOI: 10.1021/ES802193N

Abstract: While current research has demonstrated that the operation of some laser printers results in emission of high concentrations of ultrafine particles, fundamental gaps in knowledge in relation to the emissions still remain. In particular, there have been no answers provided to questions such as the following: (1) What is the composition of the particles? (2) What are their formation mechanisms? (3) Why are some printers high emitters, while others are low? Considering the widespread use of printers and human exposure to these particles, understanding the process of particle formation is of critical importance. This study, using state-of-the-art instrumental methods, has addressed these three points. We present experimental evidence that indicates that intense bursts of particles are associated with temperature fluctuations and suggest that the difference between high and low emitters lies in the speed and sophistication of the temperature control. We have also shown, for the first time, that the particles are volatile and are of secondary nature, being formed in the air from VOC originating from both the paper and hot toner. Some of the toner is initially deposited on the fuser roller, after which the organic compounds evaporate and then form particles, through one of two main reaction pathways: homogeneous nucleation or secondary particle formation involving ozone.

Exposure to welding particles in automotive plants

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 05-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2011.02.003

An epigenome-wide association study meta-analysis of educational attainment

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 31-10-2017

DOI: 10.1038/MP.2017.210

Reply

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Date: 08-2017

DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001415

Using a Network of Low-cost Particle Sensors to Assess the Impact of Ship Emissions on a Residential Community

Publisher: Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research

Date: 2020

DOI: 10.4209/AAQR.2020.06.0280

Is leptin sensitivity the link between smoking cessation and weight gain?

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 1997

DOI: 10.1038/SJ.IJO.0800362

Abstract: The known association between smoking cessation and weight gain, and the suggested role of leptin in the control of body weight, led to the present study which examined the association between smoking and serum leptin concentrations. Mean serum leptin levels, independent of body mass index (BMI), were calculated in male smokers and non-smokers from Nauru, Western Samoa and Mauritius. Smokers were generally leaner than non-smokers, and of similar ages. Levels of physical activity and glucose tolerance status were similar for smokers and non-smokers in Nauru and Western Samoa, while in Mauritius smokers were more active and less likely to be diabetic. Leptin concentrations in smokers were significantly lower than in non-smokers, even after adjusting for BMI, waist/hip ratio (WHR) or waist girth (P < or = 0.04). This association was independent of diabetes status. Smoking, via nicotinic mechanisms, may modify the sensitivity of hypothalamic leptin receptors and consequently modulate leptin synthesis and reduce body weight.

Supplementary material to &quot;Low-level isoprene observed during summertime at a forested mountaintop site in southern China: implications for strong regional atmospheric oxidative capacity&

Publisher: Copernicus GmbH

Date: 16-05-2018

DOI: 10.5194/ACP-2018-336-SUPPLEMENT

Size-selected particles in an urban atmosphere of Brisbane, Australia

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 09-2002

DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00345-X

Shipping emissions and their impacts on air quality in China

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 03-2017

DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.12.098