Retail cannabis environment and adolescent use: The role of advertising and retailers near home and school

Youth cannabis use is influenced by overlapping environmental contexts. We examined the associations between proximity to cannabis retailers and seeing cannabis advertisements and cannabis use behaviors in Oregon, a state with adult cannabis legalization. We used 2017 anonymous survey data from 24,154 Oregon 8th and 11th grade students. After adjustments for student and school district characteristics, advertising for 8th graders and presence of a retailer within a mile from school for 11th graders were associated with cannabis use and perceived harm. Additional policy efforts may further reduce youth exposure to cannabis.     

Impacto de los filtros ultravioleta en el entorno natural

UV filters are used daily by millions of people. Not all of these filters, however, are 100% biodegradable, and many wastewater treatments plants are ill-equipped to filter them properly. As a result, UV filters are increasingly reaching the environment. Various types have been detected in soil, continental water, oceans, and numerous organisms, including algae, corals, fish, mammals, and even land birds. In addition, some filters, benzophenone-3 and octocrylene in particular, are toxic to these organisms. Toxic effects include coral bleaching and interference with metabolic, enzymatic, and reproductive activities in practically all organisms. Preliminary data suggest that UV filters may be bioaccumulating in humans, as they have been detected in urine and breast milk. It should be noted, however, that research into the environmental impact of UV filters holds challenges and limitations.     

Trends in skin prick test according to seasons: Results of a Korean multi-center study

ObjectiveAllergy is a very common condition. Allergic disease is highly affected by environmental changes. Conditions of the four seasons can change dramatically in Republic of Korea (ROK). To assess changes in rates of aeroallergen positivity according to seasons and environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and precipitation).MaterialsA total of 20 hospitals were selected based on population distribution in ROK. A skin prick test (SPT) panel comprising 55 aeroallergens was distributed to 18 hospitals for a prospective study. Results from SPTs done in 2006 and 2010 were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 20 hospitals and 2014/2015 SPT (from June 2014 to May 2015) results from 18 hospitals were collected prospectively.ResultsWe compared allergen-positive rates among seasons. Positive test rates for several pollens and house dust mites increased significantly in spring and fall. Pollens positive rate varied significantly according to temperature, precipitation, and humidity while mite allergens were less susceptible to environment.ConclusionThere are four distinct seasons in ROK. The positivity of pollen allergens were especially affected by temperature and precipitation in spring. House dust mites were less affected by seasons, temperature, precipitation, and humidity less than pollen. Therefore, regular follow-up and re-evaluation of allergic test are essential considering changes of seasons and environment for acceptable diagnosis and treatment.     

Associations between the neighbourhood characteristics and body mass index,waist circumference,and waist-to-hip ratio: Findings from Alberta's Tomorrow Project

This study estimated the associations between neighbourhood characteristics and self-reported body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) risk categories among Canadian men and women. Using data from the Alberta's Tomorrow Project (n = 14,550), we estimated 3- and 4-way intersections, business destinations, population count, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within a 400 m radius of participant's home. Intersections, business destinations, and population count (z-scores) were summed to create a walkability score. Four-way intersections and walkability were negatively associated with overweight and obesity. Walkability was negatively associated with obesity. NDVI was negatively associated with high-risk WHR and population count and walkability positively associated with high-risk WHR. Among men, population count and walkability were negatively associated with obesity, and business destinations and walkability were negatively associated with overweight and obesity. Among women, NDVI was negatively associated with overweight (including obesity), obesity, and high-risk WC. Interventions promoting healthy weight could incorporate strategies that take into consideration local built environment characteristics.     

Structuring improved work environments for newly-qualified radiographers

IntroductionNewly-qualified radiographers often struggle with workplace integration. Frequently, their workplace environments stifle professional growth, leaving them frustrated and anxious. This results in poor workplace performance and possibly even attrition, hence the need to strategically structure their workplace environments for easier transition. In South Africa, no published studies exist detailing the workplace transition process for new radiographers, and the environmental requirements. This paper investigates the needs of this group, to provide information on how to create improved working environments which will encourage retention of newly-qualified radiographers.MethodsCriterion sampling was used to select five hospitals, and total sampling to select all newly-qualified radiographers at the selected hospitals. After obtaining ethical approval and participant consent, seven newly-graduated radiographers were interviewed utilising a phenomenological approach. One-on-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was performed on the resultant dataset to identify themes.ResultsFour main themes emerged: interpersonal relations, support from fellow newly-qualified peers, departmental policies, and learning. Positive interpersonal relations were an essential component of the work environment; fellow newly-qualified radiographers at the same institution resulted in increased support; departmental policies needed to cater to the needs of new employees, and the environment must facilitate learning.ConclusionWhile a positive workplace environment is desirable for all radiographers, newly-qualified graduates have specific needs which require attention. Management has a crucial role to play in ensuring that such an environment is created to encourage new radiographer retention.     

AERMOD在核设施辐射环境影响评价中的应用研究

目的 基于AERMOD模型机理，研究其在核设施辐射环境影响评价中的应用。方法 根据给定的释放源项和厂址气象数据，模拟获取核设施常规运行时气态放射性核素浓度分布，并进一步定性分析气态流出物浓度峰值落地点和时间分布，研究AERMOD模型在核设施辐射环境影响评价中的适用性和应用前景。结果 通过AERMOD模型适用性和应用前景分析，得出该模型总体满足核设施气态流出物浓度分布计算需求，可应用于核设施气态流出物扩散趋势和敏感点分析，并可为核设施常规运行的监测计划提供数据支撑。结论 本研究可为今后深入开展AERMOD模型在核设施辐射环境影响评价中的应用提供参考。     

Review of the environmental prenatal exposome and its relationship to maternal and fetal health

Environmental chemicals comprise a major portion of the human exposome, with some shown to impact the health of susceptible populations, including pregnant women and developing fetuses. The placenta and cord blood serve as important biological windows into the maternal and fetal environments. In this article we review how environmental chemicals (defined here to include man-made chemicals [e.g., flame retardants, pesticides/herbicides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances], toxins, metals, and other xenobiotic compounds) contribute to the prenatal exposome and highlight future directions to advance this research field. Our findings from a survey of recent literature indicate the need to better understand the breadth of environmental chemicals that reach the placenta and cord blood, as well as the linkages between prenatal exposures, mechanisms of toxicity, and subsequent health outcomes. Research efforts tailored towards addressing these needs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental chemicals impact maternal and fetal health.     

Health-promoting and health-constraining environmental features and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adolescence: a geospatial cross-sectional study

The environment may be an important influence on adolescent behaviour. We combined accelerometry and global positioning system data to investigate how the environment was related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Adolescents spent most of their time in very close proximity to a range of both health-promoting and health-constraining features. Several associations were detected between time spent in areas with the greatest access to health-promoting features and reduced sedentary time and less travel time by motor vehicle. The environment may contribute to the variation in adolescent activity behaviour.