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Hoover JH, Coker ES, Erdei E, Luo L, Begay D, MacKenzie D, Lewis J. Preterm Birth and Metal Mixture Exposure among Pregnant Women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127014. [PMID: 38109118 PMCID: PMC10727039 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB), defined as birth before 37 wk gestation, is associated with hypertension, diabetes, inadequate prenatal care, unemployment or poverty, and metal exposure. Indigenous individuals are more likely to have maternal risk factors associated with PTB compared with other populations in the United States; however, the role of environmental metals on PTB among pregnant Indigenous women remains uncertain. Previous research identified associations between PTB and individual metals, but there is limited investigation on metal mixtures and this birth outcome. OBJECTIVES We used a mixtures analysis framework to investigate the association between metal mixtures and PTB among pregnant Indigenous women from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS). METHODS Maternal urine and blood samples were collected at the time of study enrollment and analyzed for metals by inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry. Bayesian Profile Regression was used to identify subgroups (clusters) of individuals with similar patterns of coexposure and to model association with PTB. RESULTS Results indicated six subgroups of maternal participants with distinct exposure profiles, including one group with low exposure to all metals and one group with total arsenic, cadmium, lead, and uranium concentrations exceeding representative concentrations calculated from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Compared with the reference group (i.e., the lowest exposure subgroup), the subgroup with the highest overall exposure had a relative risk of PTB of 2.9 times (95% credible interval: 1.1, 6.1). Exposures in this subgroup were also higher overall than NHANES median values for women 14-45 years of age. DISCUSSION Given the wide range of exposures and elevated PTB risk for the most exposed subgroups in a relatively small study, follow-up investigation is recommended to evaluate associations between metal mixture profiles and other birth outcomes and to test hypothesized mechanisms of action for PTB and oxidative stress caused by environmental metals. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10361.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H. Hoover
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric S. Coker
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Begay
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - NBCS Study Team
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Girlamo C, Lin Y, Hoover J, Beene D, Woldeyohannes T, Liu Z, Campen MJ, MacKenzie D, Lewis J. Meteorological data source comparison-a case study in geospatial modeling of potential environmental exposure to abandoned uranium mine sites in the Navajo Nation. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:834. [PMID: 37303005 PMCID: PMC10258180 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11283-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Meteorological (MET) data is a crucial input for environmental exposure models. While modeling exposure potential using geospatial technology is a common practice, existing studies infrequently evaluate the impact of input MET data on the level of uncertainty on output results. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of various MET data sources on the potential exposure susceptibility predictions. Three sources of wind data are compared: The North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) database, meteorological aerodrome reports (METARs) from regional airports, and data from local MET weather stations. These data sources are used as inputs into a machine learning (ML) driven GIS Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) geospatial model to predict potential exposure to abandoned uranium mine sites in the Navajo Nation. Results indicate significant variations in results derived from different wind data sources. After validating the results from each source using the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) database in a geographically weighted regression (GWR), METARs data combined with the local MET weather station data showed the highest accuracy, with an average R2 of 0.74. We conclude that local direct measurement-based data (METARs and MET data) produce a more accurate prediction than the other sources evaluated in the study. This study has the potential to inform future data collection methods, leading to more accurate predictions and better-informed policy decisions surrounding environmental exposure susceptibility and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Girlamo
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Daniel Beene
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Theodros Woldeyohannes
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, UNM Center for the Advancement of Spatial Informatics Research and Education (ASPIRE), University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Zhuoming Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- College of Pharmacy, Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- College of Pharmacy, Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Praveena B, Prasad TL, Kumar MP, Lakshmanna B, Jayaraju N. Mangrove (Avicennia marina) parts as proxies in marine pollution of Nizampatnam Bay, East Coast of India: An integrated approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114594. [PMID: 36652853 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the assessment of heavy metals (HM) concentration and pollution status of the Nizampatnam Bay, east coast of India, from mangrove plant parts (roots and leaves) and sediment samples. This is the first of its kind work (comparison of data from both mangrove and sediment samples) from the third largest mangrove ecosystem in India. To carry out this work, plant (Avicennia mariana) and sediment samples were collected from five stations. The collected samples were carefully subjected to the laboratory methods and heavy metal concentrations were determined by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The obtained results were juxtaposed with the optimal values of world surface pollution rock averages, and noticed heavy metals such as Cd and Cu exceed the optimal values. To know the contamination levels and the chemical elements that contribute to the pollution, various environmental indices, viz., contamination factor, enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, and pollution load index were, carried out on the sediment sample data. To ascertain the mangrove plant's capacity (in the study area) for accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in different parts of the plants, factors such as bio-concentration and translocation were calibrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Praveena
- Department of Earth Sciences, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa 516005, AP, India
| | - T Lakshmi Prasad
- Department of Earth Sciences, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa 516005, AP, India
| | - M Pramod Kumar
- Department of Earth Sciences, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa 516005, AP, India.
| | - B Lakshmanna
- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India
| | - N Jayaraju
- Department of Geology, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa 516005, AP, India
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4
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Thompson González N, Ong J, Luo L, MacKenzie D. Chronic Community Exposure to Environmental Metal Mixtures Is Associated with Selected Cytokines in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study (NBCS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14939. [PMID: 36429656 PMCID: PMC9690552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Many tribal populations are characterized by health disparities, including higher rates of infection, metabolic syndrome, and cancer-all of which are mediated by the immune system. Members of the Navajo Nation have suffered chronic low-level exposure to metal mixtures from uranium mine wastes for decades. We suspect that such metal and metalloid exposures lead to adverse health effects via their modulation of immune system function. We examined the relationships between nine key metal and metalloid exposures (in blood and urine) with 11 circulating biomarkers (cytokines and CRP in serum) in 231 pregnant Navajo women participating in the Navajo Birth Cohort Study. Biomonitored levels of uranium and arsenic species were considerably higher in participants than NHANES averages. Each biomarker was associated with a unique set of exposures, and arsenic species were generally immunosuppressive (decreased cellular and humoral stimulating cytokines). Overall, our results suggest that environmental metal and metalloid exposures modulate immune status in pregnant Navajo women, which may impact long-term health outcomes in mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Thompson González
- Integrative Anthropological Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Academic Science Education and Research Training Program, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jennifer Ong
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Health Sciences Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Etsitty SO, John B, Greenfield A, Alsburg R, Egge M, Sandman S, George C, Curley C, Curley C, De Heer HD, Begay G, Jumbo-Rintila S, Ashley ME, Yazzie D, Antone-Nez R, Shin SS, Bancroft C. Implementation of Indigenous Food Tax Policies in Stores on Navajo Nation. Health Promot Pract 2022; 23:76S-85S. [PMID: 36374598 PMCID: PMC10767710 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In 2014, the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) was enacted and permanently approved in 2020; HDNA places a 2% surtax on unhealthy foods and beverages, while other 2014 legislation exempted healthy food items from the 6% regular sales tax. Little is known about Navajo Nation store manager/owner perspectives toward the HDNA and how best to support stores to implement the legislation. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a balanced sample of correct HDNA implementers, incorrect HDNA implementers, and stores which made healthy store changes over the past 6 years. Three community-based interviewers collected surveys by phone or in-person. Frequency of closed-ended questions was quantified, and open-ended responses were coded using thematic analysis. Of 29 identified sample stores, 20 were interviewed to reach saturation. Eleven of 20 stores made changes improving their healthy food environments. Barriers included lack of equipment (6/20) and low consumer demand (5/20). Facilitators included consumer awareness and increased produce supply options (5/20). Sixteen of 20 stores supported HDNA continuation. Facilitators to HDNA implementation included orientation and informational materials (6/20) and promotion of tax-free items (5/20). Barriers included confusion about the tax (6/20) and tax exemption (5/20). Suggestions for support included printed materials (6/20) and store training (5/20). HDNA benefits included greater awareness of healthy choices among staff (7/20) and customer-community members (2/20). Most managers and owners expressed receiving support for healthy store changes and HDNA, but also identified a need for added resources and support. Findings inform legislative action to promote timely and appropriate uptake of HDNA, and support equitable, healthy food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna John
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex Greenfield
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Alsburg
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malyssa Egge
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
| | - Sharon Sandman
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
| | - Carmen George
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron Curley
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caleigh Curley
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Del Yazzie
- Navajo Epidemiology Center, Window Rock, AZ, USA
| | | | - Sonya Sunhi Shin
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Samuel-Nakamura C, Ali AMS. Metal(loid)s in Common Medicinal Plants in a Uranium Mining-Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico, USA. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2069. [PMID: 35956547 PMCID: PMC9370734 DOI: 10.3390/plants11152069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine uranium (U) and other metal(loid) concentrations (As, Cd, Cs, Pb, Mo, Se, Th, and V) in eight species of plants that are commonly used for medicinal purposes on Diné (Navajo) lands in northwestern New Mexico. The study setting was a prime target for U mining, where more than 500 unreclaimed abandoned U mines and structures remain. The plants were located within 3.2 km of abandoned U mines and structures. Plant biota samples (N = 32) and corresponding soil sources were collected. The samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma−Mass Spectrometry. In general, the study findings showed that metal(loid)s were concentrated greatest in soil > root > aboveground plant parts, respectively. Several medicinal plant samples were found to exceed the World Health Organization Raw Medicinal Plant Permissible Level for As and Cd; however, using the calculated human intake data, Reference Dietary Intakes, Recommended Dietary Allowances, and tolerable Upper Limits, the levels were not exceeded for those with established food intake or ingestion guidelines. There does not appear to be a dietary food rise of metal(loid) ingestion based solely on the eight medicinal plants examined. Food intake recommendations informed by research are needed for those who may be more sensitive to metal(loid) exposure. Further research is needed to identify research gaps and continued surveillance and monitoring are recommended for mining-impacted communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Samuel-Nakamura
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 4-246 Factor Building, Mailcode 691821, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Northrop Hall MSCO 3-2040, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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7
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Ruan F, Zhang J, Liu J, Sun X, Li Y, Xu S, Xia W. Association between prenatal exposure to metal mixtures and early childhood allergic diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112615. [PMID: 34968434 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The association between prenatal exposure to the metal mixture and allergic diseases is poorly understood. We aimed to explore the individual effect and the combined effect of prenatal exposure to vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), thallium (Tl), and lead (Pb) on early childhood allergic diseases based on a birth cohort study that included 628 mother-infant pairs. Metals were measured in maternal urine samples collected in the first, second, and third trimesters. Children were prospectively followed up at age 4 years to collect information on allergic rhinitis, wheeze, and eczema status. By applying logistic regression models, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), the different statistical analyses revealed urinary metals were only associated with early childhood allergic rhinitis. The averaged prenatal As exposure was significantly associated with an increased OR for allergic rhinitis in both single-metal (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.07) and multiple-metal logistic regression models (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.78). The WQS index of mixed metal exposure was positively associated with allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.19), and As and Tl had the largest weights in the WQS index (weighted 0.51 and 0.29, respectively). The BKMR analysis also showed the overall effect of the metal mixture was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis when all the metals were at their 55th percentile or above, compared to their 50th percentile. The effect of As and Tl on the risk of allergic rhinitis was significant when all of the other metals were fixed at the specific percentiles. Our findings suggest that prenatal co-exposure to higher levels of the seven metals increases the risk of allergic rhinitis in children, and As and Tl may contribute most to the combined risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Du R, Luo L, Hudson LG, Nozadi S, Lewis J. An adjusted partial least squares regression framework to utilize additional exposure information in environmental mixture data analysis. J Appl Stat 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02664763.2022.2043254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Du
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Laurie G. Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sara Nozadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Feric Z, Bohm Agostini N, Beene D, Signes-Pastor AJ, Halchenko Y, Watkins D, MacKenzie D, Karagas M, Manjourides J, Alshawabkeh A, Kaeli D. A Secure and Reusable Software Architecture for Supporting Online Data Harmonization. PROCEEDINGS : ... IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIG DATA. IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIG DATA 2021; 2021:2801-2812. [PMID: 35449545 PMCID: PMC9020435 DOI: 10.1109/bigdata52589.2021.9671538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Retrospective data harmonization across multiple research cohorts and studies is frequently done to increase statistical power, provide comparison analysis, and create a richer data source for data mining. However, when combining disparate data sources, harmonization projects face data management and analysis challenges. These include differences in the data dictionaries and variable definitions, privacy concerns surrounding health data representing sensitive populations, and lack of properly defined data models. With the availability of mature open-source web-based database technologies, developing a complete software architecture to overcome the challenges associated with the harmonization process can alleviate many roadblocks. By leveraging state-of-the-art software engineering and database principles, we can ensure data quality and enable cross-center online access and collaboration. This paper outlines a complete software architecture developed and customized using the Django web framework, leveraged to harmonize sensitive data collected from three NIH-support birth cohorts. We describe our framework and show how we successfully overcame challenges faced when harmonizing data from these cohorts. We discuss our efforts in data cleaning, data sharing, data transformation, data visualization, and analytics, while reflecting on what we have learned to date from these harmonized datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zlatan Feric
- Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University
| | | | - Daniel Beene
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico
| | | | - Yuliya Halchenko
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
| | - Deborah Watkins
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico
| | - Margaret Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
| | | | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University
| | - David Kaeli
- Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University
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Muhammad S, Usman QA. Heavy metal contamination in water of Indus River and its tributaries, Northern Pakistan: evaluation for potential risk and source apportionment. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.1882499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Said Muhammad
- National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Department of Earth Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qazi Ahmed Usman
- Department of Earth Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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11
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Lin Y, Hoover J, Beene D, Erdei E, Liu Z. Environmental risk mapping of potential abandoned uranium mine contamination on the Navajo Nation, USA, using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30542-30557. [PMID: 32468361 PMCID: PMC7387200 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09257-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation (NN), a sovereign indigenous tribal nation in the Southwestern United States, is home to 523 abandoned uranium mines (AUMs). Previous health studies have articulated numerous human health hazards associated with AUMs and multiple environmental mechanisms/pathways (e.g., air, water, and soil) for contaminant transport. Despite this evidence, the limited modeling of AUM contamination that exists relies solely on proximity to mines and only considers single rather than combined pathways from which the contamination is a product. In order to better understand the spatial dynamics of contaminant exposure across the NN, we adopted the following established geospatial and computational methods to develop a more sophisticated environmental risk map illustrating the potential for AUM contamination: GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA), fuzzy logic, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Eight criteria layers were selected for the GIS-MCDA model: proximity to AUMs, roadway proximity, drainage proximity, topographic landforms, wind index, topographic wind exposure, vegetation index, and groundwater contamination. Model sensitivity was evaluated using the one-at-a-time method, and statistical validation analysis was conducted using two separate environmental datasets. The sensitivity analysis indicated consistency and reliability of the model. Model results were strongly associated with environmental uranium concentrations. The model classifies 20.2% of the NN as high potential for AUM contamination while 65.7% and 14.1% of the region are at medium and low risk, respectively. This study is entirely a novel application and a crucial first step toward informing future epidemiologic studies and ongoing remediation efforts to reduce human exposure to AUM waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, Montana State University Billings, Billings, MT, USA
| | - Daniel Beene
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Zhuoming Liu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Samuel-Nakamura C, Hodge FS, Sokolow S, Ali AMS, Robbins WA. Metal(loid)s in Cucurbita pepo in a Uranium Mining Impacted Area in Northwestern New Mexico, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142569. [PMID: 31323819 PMCID: PMC6679051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
More than 500 unreclaimed mines and associated waste sites exist on the Navajo Nation reservation as a result of uranium (U) mining from the 1940s through the 1980s. For this study, the impact of U-mine waste on a common, locally grown crop food was examined. The goal of this site-specific study was to determine metal(loid) concentration levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), thorium (Th), U, vanadium (V) and selenium (Se) in Cucurbita pepo Linnaeus (squash), irrigation water, and soil using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The concentrations of metal(loid)s were greatest in roots > leaves > edible fruit (p < 0.05), respectively. There were significant differences between metal(loid)s in squash crop plot usage (<5 years versus >30 years) for V (p = 0.001), As (p < 0.001), U (p = 0.002), Cs (p = 0.012), Th (p = 0.040), Mo (p = 0.047), and Cd (p = 0.042). Lead and Cd crop irrigation water concentrations exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Maximum Contaminant Levels for drinking water for those metals. Edible squash concentration levels were 0.116 mg/kg of As, 0.248 mg/kg of Pb, 0.020 mg/kg of Cd, and 0.006 mg/kg of U. Calculated human ingestion of edible squash did not exceed Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake or Tolerable Upper Limit levels from intake based solely on squash consumption. There does not appear to be a food-ingestion risk from metal(loid)s solely from consumption of squash. Safer access and emphasis on consuming regulated water was highlighted. Food intake recommendations were provided. Continued monitoring, surveillance, and further research are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Samuel-Nakamura
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 4-246 Factor Bldg., Mailcode 691821, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Felicia S Hodge
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 5-940 Factor Bldg., Mailcode 691921, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sophie Sokolow
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 5-238 Factor Bldg., Mailcode 691921, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abdul-Mehdi S Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Northrop Hall MSCO 3-2040 Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Wendie A Robbins
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health Fielding School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 5-254 Factor Bldg., Mailcode 956919, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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