Environmental and biological monitoring of arsenic in outdoor workers exposed to urban air pollutants

The aim of this study is to evaluate personal exposure to As in urban air in two groups of outdoor workers (traffic policemen and police drivers) of a big Italian city through: (a) environmental monitoring of As obtained by personal samples and (b) biological monitoring of total urinary As. The possible influence of smoking habit on urinary As was evaluated. We studied 122 male subjects, all Municipal Police employees: 84 traffic policemen and 38 police drivers exposed to urban pollutants. Personal exposure to As in air was significantly higher in traffic policemen than in police drivers (p=0.03). Mean age, length of service, alcohol drinking habit, number of cigarettes smoked/day and BMI were comparable between the groups of subjects studied. All subjects were working in the same urban area where they had lived for at least 5 yrs. Dietary habits and consumption of water from the water supply and/or mineral water were similar in traffic policemen and in police drivers. The values of total urinary As were significantly higher in traffic policemen (smokers and non smokers) than in police drivers (smokers and non smokers) (p=0.02). In the subgroup of non-smokers the values of total urinary As were significantly higher in traffic policemen than in police drivers (p=0.03). In traffic policemen and in police drivers total urinary As values were significantly correlated to the values of As in air (respectively r=0.9 and r=0.8, p<0.001). This is the first research in literature studying the exposure to As in outdoor workers occupationally exposed to urban pollutants, such as traffic policemen and police drivers. Personal exposure to As in the air, as well as the urinary excretion of As, is significantly higher in traffic policemen compared to drivers. These results can provide information about exposure to As in streets and in car for other categories of outdoor workers similarly exposed.     

Plasma cortisol concentrations and lifestyle in a population of outdoor workers

The aim of this study was to assess whether exposure to urban pollution in outdoor workers, may alter plasma cortisol concentrations also in relation to the effect of smoking and drinking habits. The research was carried out on 498 outdoor police workers, divided into three groups; Group A: traffic policemen (TP), Group B: drivers (D), Group C: Other duties (OD). To evaluate separately the effect of using alcohol and smoking, each group was divided into three subgroups: (1) non-smokers and non-drinkers, (2) smokers and non-drinkers, (3) non-smokers and drinkers. Our results show cortisol mean values were significantly higher in the TP group compared to the D and OD groups without significant differences between the last two groups. The results suggest that exposure to pollutants associated with urban psychosocial stress may play a more important role on plasma cortisol levels than smoking and alcohol.     

Plasma 17-alpha-OH-progesterone in male workers exposed to traffic pollutants

The aim of the study is to evaluate if the occupational exposure to urban pollutants could cause alterations on 17-alfa-hydroxy-progesterone plasma levels and related diseases in male traffic policemen. 17-alpha-OH-P is synthesized in Leydig cells and in adrenals; it influences spermiogenesis, acrosoma reaction, testosterone biosynthesis, blocking of gonadotropin secretion; it regulates learning, memory and sleep. After excluding principal confounding factors, i.e., rotating or night shifts, exposure to solvents, paints and pesticides during time-off and smoking, traffic policemen were matched with controls by age, working life and drinking habit. Finally, 112 traffic policemen and 112 controls were included in the study. In traffic policemen 17-alpha-OH-P mean values were significantly higher vs. controls. The distribution of 17-alpha-OH-P values in both groups was significant. An increased frequency of fertility disorders referred to the questionnaire items were found in traffic policemen vs. controls, but the difference was not significant. The occupational exposure to low doses of chemical urban stressor, interacting with and adding to the psychosocial ones, could alter plasma 17-alpha-OH-P concentrations in traffic policemen vs. controls. 17-alpha-OH-P could be used as an early biological marker, even before the onset of the reproductive and mental health diseases.     

Examining Differences in Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) Levels and Hazardous Drinking by Smoking Status Among a Sample of College Student Bar Patrons

While the association between current smoking and alcohol consumption is well known, the relationship between social smoking and alcohol consumption is less understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between smoking status and two alcohol consumption measures in a sample of college student bar patrons. The data used in this study was collected in fall 2015. Study participants (N?=?415) were college student bar patrons who agreed to complete an interview that assessed smoking status (i.e., regular smoker, social smoker, non-smoker) and two alcohol consumption measures: (1) breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) levels (using a handheld breathalyzer device) and (2) hazardous drinking scores (using the AUDIT-C scale). We conducted one-way ANOVAs with Bonferroni correction to examine differences in BrAC levels and hazardous drinking scores by smoking status. Among sample participants, 25.3% were regular smokers, 14.7% were social smokers, and 60.0% were non-smokers. Smokers had significantly higher BrAC levels than social smokers and non-smokers. Regular smokers also had significantly higher hazardous drinking scores than social smokers and non-smokers. The BrAC levels and hazardous drinking scores of social smokers and non-smokers were not significantly different. The drinking habits of social smokers reflected those of non-smokers and being a regular smoker was associated with higher drinking levels than the rest of the sample. Because of the association found between alcohol consumption and regular smoking, combining efforts to reduce these behaviors in college students might be advantageous.     

肺癌危险因素及交互作用研究

目的探讨肺癌的影响因素及其交互作用。方法采用病例对照研究设计,收集781例肺癌病例,并按性别、年龄(±3岁)进行1:1匹配,通过调查问卷获取生活饮食习惯等信息。构建决策树及非条件Logistic回归模型,计算OR值及其95%CI,分析影响因素间的交互作用。结果肺癌的危险因素有吸烟(轻度吸烟OR=1.67,重度吸烟OR=7.27)、被动吸烟(轻度被动吸烟OR=2.63,重度被动吸烟OR=6.25)、居住地污染(吸烟者OR=2.26,不吸烟者OR=1.72)、肺癌家族史(吸烟者OR=15.94);保护因素有常吃水果(吸烟者OR=0.69,不吸烟者OR=0.44)、锻炼(吸烟者OR=0.50)、饮茶(不吸烟者OR=0.57)。吸烟与居住地污染、肺癌家族史存在交互作用,重度吸烟与不锻炼存在交互作用。结论吸烟、被动吸烟、居住地污染、肺癌家族史可增加肺癌风险,常吃水果、锻炼、饮茶有助于预防肺癌。肺癌影响因素间的协同作用应予重视。     

Effect of cigarette smoking on bone quality parameters in women

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis. In a previous study, the authors showed lower bone density among smokers in a group of postmenopausal women. AIMS: After this finding, the primary goal of current research was to investigate how smoking could influence bone quality. METHODS: Forty-five (age range: 25-72 ys) smoker women were compared with 45 nonsmoker women adjusted for age and anthropometric parameters. Quantitative ultrasound method was used to determine the speed of ultrasound and the ultrasound attenuation transmitting the left heel (Achilles In Sight, GE Lunar). Dual photon absorptiometry method was applied to investigate the bone mineral density of lumbar spine and left femoral neck (Prodigy, GE Lunar) and single photon absorptiometry was used to determine the bone mineral content of radius at the non dominant side (NK-364, Gamma). RESULTS: No difference was found between smokers and non-smokers among the premenopausal group, however, postmenopausal smoker women had slightly lower speed of ultrasound and ultrasound attenuation values than non-smoker women. Postmenopausal smoker women suffering from bone fracture had significantly lower speed of ultrasound than postmenopausal non-smoker women (1508.9 vs. 1525.3 m/s, respectively), despite their bone density did not differ from each other. CONCLUSION: These data augment the knowledge about the injurious effect of smoking. The increased risk for bone fracture among smokers could be explained not only with the decrease of bone mass, which was previously described, but also with a decreased bone elasticity.     

Respiratory and cardiovascular function at rest and during exercise testing in a healthy working population: effects of outdoor traffic air pollution

BACKGROUND: There is controversy regarding long-term adverse effects of urban pollutants in urban workers. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of urban pollutants on respiratory and cardiovascular function in exposed traffic policemen compared to a control group. METHODS: Sixty-eight traffic policemen and 62 controls (all male) were investigated at rest and during symptom-limited incremental exercise test (performed with a cycle ergometer). The data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the mean values of resting ventilatory capacity, the forced spirometric test, or in blood gas parameters between the groups. The traffic exposed group demonstrated a number of significant changes in cardiorespiratory measures on exercise testing. Twenty-six traffic policemen and none of the controls experienced exercise-induced ECG abnormalities, hypertension or oxyhaemoglobin desaturation; 80% of the 26 had resting PaO(2) values <80 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that chronic occupational exposure to urban pollutants reduces resistance to physical effort and increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory changes including slight hypoxemia.     

Smoking, adolescents and health: Isfahan healthy heart programme-heart health promotion from childhood

To evaluate the effect of some environmental factors on smoking, and to assess some health hazards of smoking in adolescents, this cross-sectional study was performed among 1950 students, agesll-18, selected by multi-stage random sampling from three cities in Iran. According to self-administered questionnaires, 12.9% of boys and 4% of girls reported to be smoker (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.77, p < 0.001). The mean values of total- and LDL-cholesterol were higher in smokers and their HDL-C was lower than non-smokers (163.33 +/- 33.83, 90.73 +/- 31 and 46.7 +/- 12.24 vs. 156 +/- 29.53, 85 +/- 26.5 and 49.4 +/- 13.7 mg/dl, respectively, p < 0.05). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in smokers than non-smokers (110.7 +/- 14.5, 67.6 +/- 11.55 vs. 104.9 +/- 14.3, 63.2 +/- 10.8 mmHg, respectively, p < 0.05). The smokers had higher BMI than non-smokers (20.34 +/- 3.84 vs. 19.55 +/- 3.66, p < 0.05). The mean food consumption frequency was lower for fruits and vegetables and higher for fat/salty snacks and fast foods in smokers than non-smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed significant association between sex, age, the number of family members and number of smokers in the family and smoking in students. The findings of this study have implications for future tobacco prevention strategies through community-based interventions.     

The impacts of health examinations and smoking on disease mortality risk in Japan: a longitudinal cohort of 720,611 Japanese life insured persons

Objectives To evaluate the impacts of health examinations (HE) and smoking on disease mortality risk in Japan. Methods By using the large cohort database of a Japanese life insurance company, 720,611 subjects aged 20 to 80 years, who had contracted for life insurance between April 1, 1995 and March 31, 1998, were followed up until September 30, 1999. Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to estimate age-adjusted relative risk (RR) for disease death. Results After adjusting for age, disease mortality in smokers was significantly higher than that in non-smokers (men, RR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.25–1.81; women, RR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.12–2.11). Meanwhile, disease mortality in HEees (those who had got HE within the past 2 years) was significantly lower than that in non-HEees (men, RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56–0.88; women, RR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54–0.92). The magnitude of the impact of HE on disease mortality risk varied according to smoking status. Non-smokers showed a significantly lower risk associated with HE, whereas smokers did not. Conclusions HE may allow an appreciable reduction in disease mortality, however, the reduction effect may be limited to non-smokers. Smoking cessation may be essential to improve the preventive effects of HE.     

Alcohol consumption and risk of lung cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies

BACKGROUND: Although smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, much is unknown about lung cancer etiology, including risk determinants for nonsmokers and modifying factors for smokers. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that alcohol consumption contributes to lung cancer risk. DESIGN: We conducted a pooled analysis using standardized exposure and covariate data from 7 prospective studies with 399,767 participants and 3137 lung cancer cases. Study-specific relative risks (RRs) and CIs were estimated and then combined to calculate pooled multivariate RRs by using a random-effects model. RESULTS: We found a slightly greater risk for the consumption of > or = 30 g alcohol/d than for that of 0 g alcohol/d in men (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.61; P for trend = 0.03) and in women (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43; P for trend = 0.03). In male never smokers, the RR for consumption of > or = 15 g alcohol/d rather than 0 g alcohol/d was 6.38 (95% CI: 2.74, 14.9; P for trend < 0.001). In women, there were few never-smoking cases and no evidence of greater risk (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 0.64, 2.87). Because of possible residual confounding by smoking, we performed sensitivity analyses by reclassifying the never smokers in the highest drinking category as former smokers. Resulting associations for alcohol consumption were somewhat attenuated, but P for trend = 0.05 for men, which was near the original P = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: A slightly greater risk of lung cancer was associated with the consumption of > or = 30 g alcohol/d than with no alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was strongly associated with greater risk in male never smokers. Residual confounding by smoking may explain part of the observed relation.     

Professional exposure to urban stressors and effects on urinary metanephrines

The aim of the study is to assess whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in urinary metanephrines levels in traffic policemen vs administrative staff of municipal police. A total of 258 subjects were included in the study: 129 traffic policemen exposed to urban stressors (68 males and 61 females) and 129 controls (68 males and 61 females). Urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in male traffic policemen compared to controls (p < 0.01). No significant differences were in female traffic policemen compared to controls. In the control group, urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in urinary metanephrines mean levels in female traffic policemen vs male traffic policemen. The increase in urinary metanephrines mean levels observed in male exposed compared to controls could be related to chronic occupational exposure to low doses of chemical, physical and psychosocial urban stressors.     

Smoking reduction in a population-based cohort

OBJECTIVE: To describe the factors associated with smoking reduction in a population-based cohort study in Cornella de Llobregat (Barcelona, Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data from the Cornella Health Interview Survey Follow-up Study (n = 2,500). We included for the analysis those subjects who declared to be daily smokers at baseline (1994) and continued smoking after eight years of follow-up (n = 234). We considered as operational definition of reduction to reduce > or = 10 cigarettes/day. We calculated the relative risk (RR) of smoking reduction vs. maintain or increase tobacco consumption and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by means of a Breslow-Cox regression model. RESULTS: The average reduction on number of cigarettes among subjects who reduced their tobacco consumption was similar in men and women (13 cigarettes/day). The consumption intensity and self-perceived health are the characteristics associated with reduction: smoking reduction was associated with being a smoker > 20 cigarettes/day (RR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.69-6.25) and individuals who declared having a suboptimal health showed a 3-fold risk of reducing smoking (RR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.52-6.43). CONCLUSION: Heavy smokers and smokers with poor health are those smokers more likely to reduce their tobacco consumption. Specific actions targeting them could lead to increase reduction and even smoking cessation.     

Exposure to urban pollutants and serum levels of IgG anti Herpes Simplex virus type 1

The aim of the study is to investigate whether traffic policemen exposed to urban pollutants and psycho-social stressors may be at risk of modifications in serum levels of immunoglobulins G antibodies (IgG Ab) against Herpes Simplex Virus (type1) (HSV-1) compared with controls. Traffic policemen were matched by sex, age, working life and drinking habits (less than two glasses of wine or beer per day) with controls, after excluding the subjects with the principal confounding factors (smoking habit, use of paints, solvents, pesticides and drinking habits). Were included in the study 125 traffic policemen (54 men and 71 women) with outdoor activity and 125 controls (54 men and 71 women) with indoor activity. Mean levels of IgG Ab against HSV-1 were significantly higher in traffic policemen of both sexes compared with controls. The frequency of workers with IgG Ab against HSV-1 levels higher than our normal laboratory values, was significant in traffic policemen compared with controls of both sexes. The distributions of IgG Ab against HSV-1 levels in traffic policemen compared with controls of both sexes were significant. The authors hypothesise an effect of the working activity in traffic policemen on serum levels of IgG Ab against HSV-1 compared to controls.     

Influence of smoking on markers of oxidative stress and serum mineral concentrations in teenage girls in Korea

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cigarette smoking on serum oxidative damage, antioxidant status, and mineral concentrations in teenage girls. METHODS: Subjects were randomly chosen from female senior high school students (15-17 y) in a rural community in Korea. Smoker (n = 19) was defined as a person who had smoked 10 or more cigarettes/d continually for at least 1 y while non-smoker (n = 19) was a person who had no previous smoking experience. All individuals in smoker group had serum cotinine concentrations greater than 110 ng/mL, and those in non-smoker group had concentrations of less than 30 ng/mL. Serum oxidative defense enzyme activities, serum antioxidant nutrient concentrations, anthropometric data, and dietary nutrient intakes were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum selenium glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and extracellular superoxide dismutase activities were lower in smokers than in non-smokers. Serum ascorbic acid and folate concentrations were lower in smokers than in non-smokers, whereas serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were higher. Serum copper, iron, and magnesium concentrations were similar in the two groups. Serum zinc concentrations were higher in smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Teenagers with a short smoking history can have evidence of oxidative stress (high serum TBARS and low serum ascorbic acid and folate concentrations) and an impaired oxidant defense system. However, in contrast to common findings in adult smokers, blood pressure was lower in teenage smokers, and hypozincemia and hypercupremia were not observed. Alterations observed in mineral metabolism in adult smokers are probably secondary to chronic diseases associated with long-term smoking.     

Prolactin levels in workers exposed to chemical, physical and psycho-social urban stressors

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether traffic police officers exposed to chemical, physical and psycho-social stressors, are at risk for alterations in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL) compared to a control group. Plasma PRL levels were evaluated in 92 male and 51 female, non-smoker, traffic police officers exposed to urban stressors and in 92 male and 51 female controls, matched by sex, age and working life (mean, SD and distribution), after excluding workers with the principal extra-occupational confounding factors. Mean PRL levels were significantly higher than controls in non-smoker, male and female traffic police officers (respectively, p=0.000 and p=0.013). The number of non-smoker, male and female traffic police officers with PRL values outside the upper normal limit for our laboratory was higher than, but not significantly different from controls. Mean PRL levels were not significantly higher than controls in smoker, male and female traffic police officers. The number of smoker, male and female traffic police officers with PRL values outside the normal limit for our laboratory was not significantly different from controls. The results suggest that exposure to urban chemical and physical stressors, interacting with psychosocial factors, may have an influence on PRL levels in traffic police officers. The level of plasma PRL might be a useful early biological marker for workers exposed to urban stressors.     

Smoking cessation and risk of cataract extraction among US women and men.

Although the observational evidence linking cigarette smoking with risk of senile cataract is well-established, it is unclear whether any benefit is obtained from quitting smoking. Therefore, in this study, the authors examined the association between time since quitting smoking and incidence of cataract extraction in women and men enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, respectively. There were 4,281 incident physician-confirmed cases of cataract and 1,038,493 accumulated person-years of follow-up. Compared with current smokers, former smokers who had quit smoking 25 or more years previously had a 20% lower risk of cataract extraction after adjustment for age, average number of cigarettes smoked per day, and other potential risk factors (relative risk (RR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71, 0.91). However, risk among past smokers did not decrease to the level seen among never smokers (for never smokers, RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.79). The observed relation was similar when data were examined by cataract subtype (>25 years since quitting vs. current smoking: primarily nuclear cataract, RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.97; primarily posterior subcapsular cataract, RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.13). These findings suggest that any healing from damage due to cigarette smoking occurs at a very modest pace, and they emphasize the importance of never starting to smoke or quitting early in life.     

运用广义线性模型探讨福建省汉族人群原发性肺癌影响因素

以福建省汉族人群原发性肺癌环境危险因素研究为实例, 通过构建广义线性模型, 利用λ值、偏差度及Pearson χ²拟合优度检验等判断方法选择合适模型, 进行多因素及因素间交互作用分析, 发现自变量之间存在相乘交互作用, 进而选用logistic回归模型分析, 最终得到吸烟者有7个、非吸烟者有9个单独作用的肺癌危险因素。其中吸烟者中重度吸烟与肺部罹患过炎症性疾病呈正相乘作用, 非吸烟者中被动吸烟与少吃新鲜水果呈正相乘作用。运用广义线性模型筛选合适模型并进行交互作用分析, 利于全面合理分析流行病学数据。     

Chitooligosaccharides decreases plasma lipid levels in healthy men

Chitosan, which is derived from chitin, has drawn much attention due to its low toxicity and potential use in medical and pharmaceutical applications. The biological activities of chitosan have been shown to depend on its molecular weight (MW) and degree of deacetylation. In this study, we investigated whether oral chitooligosaccharides, which are easily absorbed into the body, can reduce the plasma level of lipid in smokers and non-smokers because smoking is a high-risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. All healthy men (11 smokers and 8 non-smokers) consumed 500 mg of chitooligosaccharides in water twice daily before a meal (breakfast and dinner) over a 6-week period. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in both the smoker group and non-smoker group when compared with baseline. These results suggest that low MW chitooligosaccharides would be an effective dietary supplement for lowering cholesterol level.     

Occupational exposure to urban pollutants and plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)

The aim of present study is to evaluate whether traffic policemen exposed to urban pollutants and possible psycho-social stressors could be at risk of alterations on plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels compared to a control group. Out of a population of 395 Municipal Police employees, the subjects with principal confounding factors (cigarette smoking habits, drinking habits, oral contraceptives being taken, use of paints, solvents and pesticides) were excluded from the study. The remaining traffic policemen were matched with those not exposed by sex, age and length of service; 49 traffic policemen (22 men and 27 women) with outdoor activity exposed to urban pollutants and 49 not exposed subjects (22 men and 27 women) with indoor activity were included in the study. The plasma levels of IGF-1 resulted significantly higher in the male and female traffic policemen compared with control subjects (respectively P<0.001; P<0.001). The authors hypothesise that occupational exposure to chemical stressors, that may interact with possible psycho-social stressors, could cause an alteration on IGF-1 levels in traffic policemen.     

Chitooligosaccharides decreases plasma lipid levels in healthy men

Chitosan, which is derived from chitin, has drawn much attention due to its low toxicity and potential use in medical and pharmaceutical applications. The biological activities of chitosan have been shown to depend on its molecular weight (MW) and degree of deacetylation. In this study, we investigated whether oral chitooligosaccharides, which are easily absorbed into the body, can reduce the plasma level of lipid in smokers and non-smokers because smoking is a high-risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. All healthy men (11 smokers and 8 non-smokers) consumed 500 mg of chitooligosaccharides in water twice daily before a meal (breakfast and dinner) over a 6-week period. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in both the smoker group and non-smoker group when compared with baseline. These results suggest that low MW chitooligosaccharides would be an effective dietary supplement for lowering cholesterol level.