Neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental effects of pesticide exposures

The association between pesticide exposure and neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental effects is an area of increasing concern. This symposium brought together participants to explore the neurotoxic effects of pesticides across the lifespan. Endpoints examined included neurobehavioral, affective and neurodevelopmental outcomes among occupational (both adolescent and adult workers) and non-occupational populations (children). The symposium discussion highlighted many challenges for researchers concerned with the prevention of neurotoxic illness due to pesticides and generated a number of directions for further research and policy interventions for the protection of human health, highlighting the importance of examining potential long-term effects across the lifespan arising from early adolescent, childhood or prenatal exposure.     

A cohort study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia on Guam and Rota

A prospective study of the incidence of new cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia was conducted by follow-up of 899 Chamorros in the Mariana Islands who participated in a baseline medical examination and interview in 1968. During a 15-year follow-up period, 28 new neurologically confirmed cases occurred, including 23 with parkinsonism-dementia and five with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The low incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was consistent with the reported disappearance of this disease from the Mariana Islands. However, the continuing high incidence of parkinsonism-dementia was not in agreement with a similarly reported disappearance nor with the hypothesis of a common cause of both diseases. Of 23 selected baseline examination variables, only the preference for traditional Chamorro food was significantly associated with an increased risk of parkinsonism-dementia. A review of the accumulated epidemiologic data on these neurologic diseases in the Mariana Islands did not support the current hypothesis that a chronic nutritional deficiency of calcium is a cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia.     

Suicidal ideation among low-income women on family assistance programs

Low-income women face significant adversities. Many of the adversities they contend with have been associated with suicidal ideation in other groups. However little is known about low-income women's suicidal ideation and its correlates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in a randomly drawn sample of 2,112 women ranging in age from 18 to 59 years and enrolled in family assistance programs. As in other studies of low-income women, this group had high rates of mental and physical health problems. Yet, the overall prevalence rate of suicidal ideation was not substantially higher than those found in other populations. Emotional difficulties, substance abuse/dependence, physical limitations, having been arrested, and injuries were associated with suicidal ideation. Increasing numbers of adversities were associated with increasing prevalence of suicidal ideation. Employment and pregnancy were inversely associated with suicidal ideation when controlling for adverse events. This study provided important information on prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among low income women on family assistance programs as well as suggested areas for future work to improve the health of these women.     

Association between Organophosphate Exposure and Mental Health among Rural Residents from Two Towns in China

<正>Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are a class of chemicals that are typically derived from phosphoric,phosphonic,and phosphinic acids,and are commonly used in agriculture^[1].China is the largest producer of pesticides and one of the most intensive pesticide users in crop production in the world.Pesticide poisoning has been shown to be an important public health problem among Chinese farm workers^[2].Multiple routes of exposure to OP pesticides occur through food conta...