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Conte Keivabu R, Widmann T. The effect of temperature on language complexity: Evidence from seven million parliamentary speeches. iScience 2024; 27:110106. [PMID: 39055607 PMCID: PMC11270029 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change carries important effects on human wellbeing and performance, and increasingly research is documenting the negative impacts of out-of-comfort temperatures on workplace performance. In this study, we investigate the plausibly causal effect of extreme temperatures, i.e., out-of-comfort, on language complexity among politicians, leveraging a fixed effects strategy. We analyze language complexity in over seven million parliamentary speeches across eight countries, connecting them with precise daily meteorological information. We find hot days reduce politicians' language complexity, but not cold days. Focusing on one country, we explore marginal effects by age and gender, suggesting high temperatures significantly impact older politicians at lower thresholds. The findings propose that political rhetoric is not only driven by political circumstances and strategic concerns but also by physiological responses to external environmental factors. Overall, the study holds important implications on how climate change could affect human cognitive performance and the quality of political discourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risto Conte Keivabu
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Tobias Widmann
- Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 7, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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2
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Figueiredo T, Midão L, Rocha P, Cruz S, Lameira G, Conceição P, Ramos RJG, Batista L, Corvacho H, Almada M, Martins A, Rocha C, Ribeiro A, Alves F, Costa E. The interplay between climate change and ageing: A systematic review of health indicators. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297116. [PMID: 38656926 PMCID: PMC11042704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change and rapid population ageing pose challenges for communities and public policies. This systematic review aims to gather data from studies that present health indicators establishing the connection between climate change and the physical and mental health of the older population (≥ 65 years), who experience a heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change when compared to other age cohorts. This review was conducted according to the PICO strategy and following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Greenfile) were searched for articles from 2015 to 2022. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria,nineteen studies were included. The findings indicated that various climate change phenomena are associated with an elevated risk of mortality and morbidity outcomes in older adults. These included cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and mental diseases, along with physical injuries. Notably, the impact of climate change was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, education level, and age-vulnerability factors. Climate change directly affected the health of older adults through ambient temperature variability, extreme and abnormal temperatures, strong winds, sea temperature variability, extreme El Niño-southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and droughts, and indirectly by air pollution resulting from wildfires. This review presents further evidence confirming that climate change significantly impacts the health and well-being of older adults. It highlights the urgency for implementing effective strategies to facilitate adaptation and mitigation, enhancing the overall quality of life for all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Figueiredo
- Porto4Ageing—Competence Center on Active and Healthy Ageing of the University of Porto, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Biomolecular Sciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Midão
- Porto4Ageing—Competence Center on Active and Healthy Ageing of the University of Porto, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Biomolecular Sciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Rocha
- CINTESIS@RISE, “Department of Behavioral Sciences”, ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Cruz
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gisela Lameira
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Conceição
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui J. G. Ramos
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Batista
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Corvacho
- CONSTRUCT (LFC), Faculty of Engineering University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Almada
- Porto4Ageing—Competence Center on Active and Healthy Ageing of the University of Porto, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Biomolecular Sciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Martins
- Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecília Rocha
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Ribeiro
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Alves
- CITTA–Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elísio Costa
- Porto4Ageing—Competence Center on Active and Healthy Ageing of the University of Porto, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy and UCIBIO—Applied Biomolecular Sciences Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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3
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White AR. The firestorm within: A narrative review of extreme heat and wildfire smoke effects on brain health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171239. [PMID: 38417511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is generating increased heatwaves and wildfires across much of the world. With these escalating environmental changes comes greater impacts on human health leading to increased numbers of people suffering from heat- and wildfire smoke-associated respiratory and cardiovascular impairment. One area of health impact of climate change that has received far less attention is the effects of extreme heat and wildfire smoke exposure on human brain health. As elevated temperatures, and wildfire-associated smoke, are increasingly experienced simultaneously over summer periods, understanding this combined impact is critical to management of human health especially in the elderly, and people with dementia, and other neurological disorders. Both extreme heat and wildfire smoke air pollution (especially particulate matter, PM) induce neuroinflammatory and cerebrovascular effects, oxidative stress, and cognitive impairment, however the combined effect of these impacts are not well understood. In this narrative review, a comprehensive examination of extreme heat and wildfire smoke impact on human brain health is presented, with a focus on how these factors contribute to cognitive impairment, and dementia, one of the leading health issues today. Also discussed is the potential impact of combined heat and wildfire smoke on brain health, and where future efforts should be applied to help advance knowledge in this rapidly growing and critical field of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia; A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia.
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4
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Zuelsdorff M, Limaye VS. A Framework for Assessing the Effects of Climate Change on Dementia Risk and Burden. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad082. [PMID: 37392416 PMCID: PMC10860581 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) represent a public health crisis poised to worsen in a changing climate. Substantial dementia burden is modifiable, attributable to risk rooted in social and environmental conditions. Climate change threatens older populations in numerous ways, but implications for cognitive aging are poorly understood. We illuminate key mechanisms by which climate change will shape incidence and lived experiences of ADRD, and propose a framework for strengthening research, clinical, and policy actions around cognitive health in the context of climate change. Direct impacts and indirect risk pathways operating through built, social, interpersonal, and biomedical systems are highlighted. Air pollution compromises brain health directly and via systemic cardiovascular and respiratory ailments. Flooding and extreme temperatures constrain health behaviors like physical activity and sleep. Medical care resulting from climate-related health shocks imposes economic and emotional tolls on people living with dementia and caregivers. Throughout, inequitable distributions of climate-exacerbated risks and adaptive resources compound existing disparities in ADRD incidence, comorbidities, and care burden. Translational research, including work prioritizing underserved communities, is crucial. A mechanistic framework can guide research questions and methods and identify clinical- and policy-level intervention loci for prevention and mitigation of climate-related impacts on ADRD risk and burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Zuelsdorff
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Vijay S Limaye
- Science Office, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York City, New York, USA
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5
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Xie XY, Huang LY, Cheng GR, Liu D, Hu FF, Zhang JJ, Han GB, Liu XC, Wang JY, Zhou J, Zeng DY, Liu J, Nie QQ, Song D, Yu YF, Hu CL, Fu YD, Li SY, Cai C, Cui YY, Cai WY, Li YQ, Fan RJ, Wan H, Xu L, Ou YM, Chen XX, Zhou YL, Chen YS, Li JQ, Wei Z, Wu Q, Mei YF, Tan W, Song SJ, Zeng Y. Association Between Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Chinese Urban Area: A Case-Control Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:941-955. [PMID: 38489185 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Background As a prodromal stage of dementia, significant emphasis has been placed on the identification of modifiable risks of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research has indicated a correlation between exposure to air pollution and cognitive function in older adults. However, few studies have examined such an association among the MCI population inChina. Objective We aimed to explore the association between air pollution exposure and MCI risk from the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study. Methods We measured four pollutants from 2015 to 2018, 3 years before the cognitive assessment of the participants. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) to assess the relationship between air pollutants and MCI risk. Results Among 4,205 older participants, the adjusted ORs of MCI risk for the highest quartile of PM2.5, PM10, O3, and SO2 were 1.90 (1.39, 2.62), 1.77 (1.28, 2.47), 0.56 (0.42, 0.75), and 1.18 (0.87, 1.61) respectively, compared with the lowest quartile. Stratified analyses indicated that such associations were found in both males and females, but were more significant in older participants. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with the growing evidence suggesting that air pollution increases the risk of mild cognitive decline, which has considerable guiding significance for early intervention of dementia in the older population. Further studies in other populations and broader geographical areas are warranted to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yan Xie
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin-Ya Huang
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gui-Rong Cheng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei-Fei Hu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang-Bin Han
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Chang Liu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Yi Wang
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - De-Yang Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian-Qian Nie
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Song
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Fu Yu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen-Lu Hu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Di Fu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi-Yue Li
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Cai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Yang Cui
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan-Ying Cai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Qing Li
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ren-Jia Fan
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wan
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lang Xu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang-Ming Ou
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-Xing Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Ling Zhou
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Shan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-Quan Li
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Fei Mei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shao-Jun Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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6
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Zhou W, Wang Q, Li R, Zhang Z, Wang W, Zhou F, Ling L. The effects of heatwave on cognitive impairment among older adults: Exploring the combined effects of air pollution and green space. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166534. [PMID: 37647952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The association between heatwaves and cognitive impairment in older adults, especially the joint effect of air pollution and green space on this association, remains unknown. The present cohort study used data from waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2008 to 2018. Heatwaves were defined as having daily maximum temperature ≥ 92.5th, 95th and 97.5th percentile that continued at least two, three and four days, measured as the one-year heatwave days prior to the participants' incident cognitive impairment. Data on the annual average air pollutant concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) as well as green space exposure (according to the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)) were collected. Time-varying Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to examine the independent effect of heatwaves on cognitive impairment and the combined effect of heatwaves, air pollution, and green space on cognitive impairment. Potential multiplicative interactions were examined by adding a product term of air pollutants and NDVI with heatwaves in the models. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) was calculated to reflect additive interactions. We found that heatwave exposure was associated with higher risks of cognitive impairment, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) ranging from 1.035 (95 % CI: 1.016-1.055) to 1.058 (95 % CI: 1.040-1.075). We observed a positive interaction of PM2.5 concentrations, O3 concentrations, lack of green space, and heatwave exposure on a multiplicative scale (HRs for product terms >1). Furthermore, we found a synergistic interaction of PM2.5 concentrations, O3, lack of green space, and heatwave exposure on an additive scale, with RERIs >0. These results suggest that extreme heat exposure may be a potential risk factor for cognitive impairment in older adults. Additionally, coexposure to air pollution and lack of green space exacerbated the adverse effects of heatwaves on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensu Zhou
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fenfen Zhou
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Clinical Research Design Division, Clinical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Choi EY, Lee H, Chang VW. Cumulative exposure to extreme heat and trajectories of cognitive decline among older adults in the USA. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:728-735. [PMID: 37541774 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The projected increase in extreme heat days is a growing public health concern. While exposure to extreme heat has been shown to negatively affect mortality and physical health, very little is known about its long-term consequences for late-life cognitive function. We examined whether extreme heat exposure is associated with cognitive decline among older adults and whether this association differs by race/ethnicity and neighbourhood socioeconomic status. METHODS Data were drawn from seven waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018) merged with historical temperature data. We used growth curve models to assess the role of extreme heat exposure on trajectories of cognitive function among US adults aged 52 years and older. RESULTS We found that high exposure to extreme heat was associated with faster cognitive decline for blacks and residents of poor neighbourhoods, but not for whites, Hispanics or residents of wealthier neighbourhoods. CONCLUSION Extreme heat exposure can disproportionately undermine cognitive health in later life for socially vulnerable populations. Our findings underscore the need for policy actions to identify and support high-risk communities for increasingly warming temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Choi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haena Lee
- Department of Sociology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Virginia W Chang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Hou K, Xu X. Ambient temperatures associated with reduced cognitive function in older adults in China. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17414. [PMID: 37833389 PMCID: PMC10575877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44776-2] [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] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cognitive function status of older adults determines the social function and living quality of older adults, which is related to the healthy development and stability of the society. However, the impact of high or low ambient temperature on cognitive function in older adults remains unclear. Based on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we comprehensively assessed the impact of ambient temperature on the cognitive function of older adults in this study. The findings exhibited that for each 1 °C ascent in monthly temperature of high temperature, the examination score of global cognitive function of older adults decreased by 0.48 (95% CI 0.21-0.74), which was greater than that of 0.14 (95% CI 0.06-0.25) for each 1 °C reduction in low temperature. Overall, the detrimental effect of high temperature on cognitive function in older adults was more significant than that of low temperature, including on the five sub-cognitive functions involved. Our research provides vital technical guidance and reference for the health protection and prevention of cognitive function of older adults in specific external environmental conditions under the current climatic variation and temperature rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Hou
- School of Remote Sensing and Geomatics Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Xia Xu
- Jiangsu Province Hydrology and Water Resources Investigation Bureau, Nanjing, 210029, China
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9
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Zhou Y, Ji A, Tang E, Liu J, Yao C, Liu X, Xu C, Xiao H, Hu Y, Jiang Y, Li D, Du N, Li Y, Zhou L, Cai T. The role of extreme high humidex in depression in chongqing, China: A time series-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 222:115400. [PMID: 36736551 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As global climate change intensifies, people are paying increasing attention to the impact of temperature changes on adverse mental health outcomes, especially depression. While increasing attention has been paid to the effect of temperature, there is little research on the effect of humidity. We aimed to investigate the association between humidex, an index combining temperature and humidity to reflect perceived temperature, and outpatient visits for depression from 2014 to 2019 in Chongqing, the largest and one of the most hot and humid cities of China. We also aimed to further identify susceptible subgroups. A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to explore the concentration-response relationship between humidex and depression outpatient visits. Hierarchical analysis was carried out by age and gender. A total of 155,436 visits for depression were collected from 2014 to 2019 (2191 days). We found that depression outpatient visits were significantly associated with extremely high humidex (≥40). The significant positive single-lag day effect existed at lag 0 (RR = 1.029, 95%CI: 1.000-1.059) to lag 2 (RR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.004-1.028), and lag 12 (RR = 1.013, 95%CI: 1.002-1.024). The significant cumulative adverse effects lasted from lag 01 to lag 014. Hierarchical analyses showed that females and the elderly (≥60 years) appeared to be more susceptible to extremely high humidex. The attributable numbers (AN) and fraction (AF) of extremely high humidex on depression outpatients were 1709 and 1.10%, respectively. Extremely high humidex can potentially increase the risk of depression, especially in females and the elderly. More protective measures should be taken in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ailing Ji
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Enjie Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianghong Liu
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuegu Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuexu Jiang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ning Du
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yafei Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Laixin Zhou
- Medical Department, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Tongjian Cai
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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10
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Li F, Deng J, He Q, Zhong Y. ZBP1 and heatstroke. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1091766. [PMID: 36845119 PMCID: PMC9950778 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1091766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heatstroke, which is associated with circulatory failure and multiple organ dysfunction, is a heat stress-induced life-threatening condition characterized by a raised core body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. As global warming continues to worsen, heatstroke is expected to become the leading cause of death globally. Despite the severity of this condition, the detailed mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of heatstroke still remain largely unknown. Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1), also referred to as DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and DLM-1, was initially identified as a tumor-associated and interferon (IFN)-inducible protein, but has recently been reported to be a Z-nucleic acid sensor that regulates cell death and inflammation; however, its biological function is not yet fully understood. In the present study, a brief review of the main regulators is presented, in which the Z-nucleic acid sensor ZBP1 was identified to be a significant factor in regulating the pathological characteristics of heatstroke through ZBP1-dependent signaling. Thus, the lethal mechanism of heatstroke is revealed, in addition to a second function of ZBP1 other than as a nucleic acid sensor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglin Li
- Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,Department of Critical Care Medicine and Hematology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiayi Deng
- Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiuli He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China,*Correspondence: Qiuli He, ; Yanjun Zhong,
| | - Yanjun Zhong
- Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Qiuli He, ; Yanjun Zhong,
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11
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Zhou F, Zhou W, Wang W, Fan C, Chen W, Ling L. Associations between Frailty and Ambient Temperature in Winter: Findings from a Population-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:513. [PMID: 36612832 PMCID: PMC9819953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is an accumulation of deficits characterized by reduced resistance to stressors and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. However, there is little known about the effect of ambient temperature in winter on frailty among older adults, a population segment with the highest frailty prevalence. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the associations between frailty and ambient temperature in winter among older adults. This study was based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) of older adults aged ≥65 years from the 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2014 waves. The 39-item accumulation of frailty index (FI) was used to assess the frailty status of the participants. The FI was categorized into three groups as follows: robust (FI ≤ 0.10), prefrail (FI > 0.10 to <0.25), and frail (FI ≥ 0.25). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were conducted to explore the associations between frailty and ambient temperature in winter. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) modification was applied in the sensitivity analysis. A total of 9421 participants were included with a mean age of 82.81 (SD: 11.32) years. Compared with respondents living in the highest quartile (≥7.5 °C) of average temperature in January, those in the lowest quartile (<−1.9 °C) had higher odds of prefrailty (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.17−1.57) and frailty (OR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.32−1.95). The associations were stronger among the low-education groups, agricultural workers before retirement, and non-current exercisers. Additionally, results from the GEE model reported consistent findings. Lower levels of ambient temperature in winter were associated with higher likelihoods of prefrailty and frailty. The findings on vulnerability characteristics could help improve public health practices to tailor cold temperature health education and warning information.
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12
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Lin X, Luo J, Liao M, Su Y, Lv M, Li Q, Xiao S, Xiang J. Wearable Sensor-Based Monitoring of Environmental Exposures and the Associated Health Effects: A Review. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1131. [PMID: 36551098 PMCID: PMC9775571 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in sensor technology have facilitated the development and use of personalized sensors in monitoring environmental factors and the associated health effects. No studies have reviewed the research advancement in examining population-based health responses to environmental exposure via portable sensors/instruments. This study aims to review studies that use portable sensors to measure environmental factors and health responses while exploring the environmental effects on health. With a thorough literature review using two major English databases (Web of Science and PubMed), 24 eligible studies were included and analyzed out of 16,751 total records. The 24 studies include 5 on physical factors, 19 on chemical factors, and none on biological factors. The results show that particles were the most considered environmental factor among all of the physical, chemical, and biological factors, followed by total volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. Heart rate and heart rate variability were the most considered health indicators among all cardiopulmonary outcomes, followed by respiratory function. The studies mostly had a sample size of fewer than 100 participants and a study period of less than a week due to the challenges in accessing low-cost, small, and light wearable sensors. This review guides future sensor-based environmental health studies on project design and sensor selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueer Lin
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jiaying Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Minyan Liao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yalan Su
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Mo Lv
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Qing Li
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Shenglan Xiao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jianbang Xiang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
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13
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Michaiel AM, Bernard A. Neurobiology and changing ecosystems: Toward understanding the impact of anthropogenic influences on neurons and circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:995354. [PMID: 36569799 PMCID: PMC9769128 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.995354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid anthropogenic environmental changes, including those due to habitat contamination, degradation, and climate change, have far-reaching effects on biological systems that may outpace animals' adaptive responses. Neurobiological systems mediate interactions between animals and their environments and evolved over millions of years to detect and respond to change. To gain an understanding of the adaptive capacity of nervous systems given an unprecedented pace of environmental change, mechanisms of physiology and behavior at the cellular and biophysical level must be examined. While behavioral changes resulting from anthropogenic activity are becoming increasingly described, identification and examination of the cellular, molecular, and circuit-level processes underlying those changes are profoundly underexplored. Hence, the field of neuroscience lacks predictive frameworks to describe which neurobiological systems may be resilient or vulnerable to rapidly changing ecosystems, or what modes of adaptation are represented in our natural world. In this review, we highlight examples of animal behavior modification and corresponding nervous system adaptation in response to rapid environmental change. The underlying cellular, molecular, and circuit-level component processes underlying these behaviors are not known and emphasize the unmet need for rigorous scientific enquiry into the neurobiology of changing ecosystems.
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14
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Zhao Q, Yu P, Mahendran R, Huang W, Gao Y, Yang Z, Ye T, Wen B, Wu Y, Li S, Guo Y. Global climate change and human health: Pathways and possible solutions. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:53-62. [PMID: 38075529 PMCID: PMC10702927 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023]
Abstract
Global warming has been changing the planet's climate pattern, leading to increasing frequency, intensity and duration of extreme weather events and natural disasters. These climate-changing events affect various health outcomes adversely through complicated pathways. This paper reviews the main signs of climate change so far, e.g., suboptimal ambient temperature, sea-level rise and other conditions, and depicts the interactive pathways between different climate-changing events such as suboptimal temperature, wildfires, and floods with a broad range of health outcomes. Meanwhile, the modifying effect of socioeconomic, demographic and environmental factors on the pathways is summarised, such that the youth, elderly, females, poor and those living in coastal regions are particularly susceptible to climate change. Although Earth as a whole is expected to suffer from climate change, this review article discusses some potential benefits for certain regions, e.g., a more liveable environment and sufficient food supply. Finally, we summarise certain mitigation and adaptation strategies against climate change and how these strategies may benefit human health in other ways. This review article provides a comprehensive and concise introduction of the pathways between climate change and human health and possible solutions, which may map directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Pei Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Rahini Mahendran
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Wenzhong Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Zhengyu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Tingting Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
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15
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Yu T, Zhou L, Xu J, Kan H, Chen R, Chen S, Hua H, Liu Z, Yan C. Effects of prenatal exposures to air sulfur dioxide/nitrogen dioxide on toddler neurodevelopment and effect modification by ambient temperature. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 230:113118. [PMID: 34979314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to ambient SO2 or NO2 induces fetal brain-damage. However, effects of prenatal exposure to SO2 or NO2 on toddler neurodevelopment and the effect-modification by ambient temperature remain unclear. Therefore, a prospective birth-cohort study was conducted from 2010 to 2012 in Shanghai, and 225 mother-child pairs were followed-up from mid-to-late pregnancy until 24-36 months postpartum. During the whole pregnancy, daily SO2/NO2 and temperature levels were obtained for each woman. Gesell-Development-Schedule was used to assess toddler neurodevelopment in the domains of gross-motor, fine-motor, adaptive-behavior, language and social-behavior. Distributed-lag-nonlinear-models simultaneously accounting for exposure-response and lag-response associations were applied to assess the impacts of prenatal SO2/NO2 exposure on neurodevelopment. Each 10-μg/m3 increase in weekly average SO2 concentrations had adverse associations with gross-motor in gestational-weeks 1-6, with adaptive-behavior in weeks 26-30, and with language in weeks 30-36 (developmental-quotient changes: - 1.17% to - 0.12%, P-values < 0.05). Each 10-μg/m3 increase in weekly average NO2 concentrations had adverse associations with gross-motor in gestational-weeks 33-36, with fine-motor in weeks 26-36 and with social-behavior in weeks 31-36 (developmental-quotient changes: - 0.91% to - 0.20%, P-values < 0.05). The cumulative effects for the whole pregnancy showed that each 10-μg/m3 increase in SO2 induced significant deficits in gross-motor and adaptive-behavior (developmental-quotient changes: - 4.71% and - 4.06%, respectively, P < 0.05). We found prenatal cumulative SO2 exposure induced more deficits in low temperature in language and adaptive-behavior than in high/moderate temperature. Thus, prenatal ambient SO2/NO2 exposure in specific time-windows (1st and 3rd trimesters for SO2; 3rd trimester for NO2) could impair toddler neurodevelopment and low temperature may aggravate the SO2-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Leilei Zhou
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of the Ministry of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Renjie Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of the Ministry of Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Fudan University, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Shuwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092 China
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