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Lipinski RJ, Krauss RS. Gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology: Challenges and opportunities. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 152:1-30. [PMID: 36707208 PMCID: PMC9942595 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Birth defects are relatively common congenital outcomes that significantly impact affected individuals, their families, and communities. Effective development and deployment of prevention and therapeutic strategies for these conditions requires sufficient understanding of etiology, including underlying genetic and environmental causes. Tremendous progress has been made in defining the genetic basis of familial and syndromic forms of birth defects. However, the majority of birth defect cases are considered nonsyndromic and thought to result from multifactorial gene-environment interactions. While substantial advances have been made in elucidating the genetic landscape of these etiologically complex conditions, significant biological and technical constraints have stymied progress toward a refined knowledge of environmental risk factors. Defining specific gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology is even more challenging. However, progress has been made, including demonstration of critical proofs of concept and development of new conceptual and technical approaches for resolving complex gene-environment interactions. In this review, we discuss current views of multifactorial birth defect etiology, comparing them with other diseases that also involve gene-environment interactions, including primary immunodeficiency and cancer. We describe how various model systems have illuminated mechanisms of multifactorial etiology and these models' individual strengths and weaknesses. Finally, suggestions for areas of future emphasis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Lipinski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States,Corresponding authors: ;
| | - Robert S. Krauss
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Corresponding authors: ;
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2
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Ledda C. Epidemiological Research on Occupational and Environmental Carcinogens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052215. [PMID: 33668145 PMCID: PMC7956703 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The cancer risk associated with exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, radiation, or lifestyle carcinogens such as cigarette smoking depends on the entire history of exposure to the carcinogen, including the age of exposure and the time-varying intensity of exposure [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
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3
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Challenges to and facilitators of occupational epidemiology research in the UK. Health Policy 2020; 124:772-780. [PMID: 32482438 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the challenges and facilitators of occupational epidemiology (OE) research in the UK, and evaluated the impact of these challenges. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with leading UK-based OE researchers, and a survey of UK-based OE researchers were conducted. Seven leading researchers were interviewed, and there were 54 survey respondents. Key reported challenges for OE were diminishing resources during recent decades, influenced by social, economic and political drivers, and changing fashions in research policy. Consequently, the community is getting smaller and less influential. These challenges may have negatively affected OE research, causing it to fail to keep pace with recent methodological development and impacting its output of high-quality research. Better communication with, and support from other researchers and relevant policy and funding stakeholders was identified as the main facilitators to OE research. Many diseases were initially discovered in workplaces, as these make exceptionally good study populations to accurately assess exposures. Due to the decline of manufacturing industry, there is a perception that occupational diseases are now a thing of the past. Nevertheless, new occupational exposures remain under-evaluated and the UK has become reliant on overseas epidemiology. This has been exacerbated by the decline in the academic occupational medicine base. Maintaining UK-based OE research is hence necessary for the future development of occupational health services and policies for the UK workforce.
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4
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Lacourt A, Labrèche F, Goldberg MS, Siemiatycki J, Lavoué J. Agreement in Occupational Exposures Between Men and Women Using Retrospective Assessments by Expert Coders. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 62:1159-1170. [PMID: 30124778 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To estimate the level of agreement and identify notable differences in occupational exposures (agents) between men and women from retrospective assessments by expert coders. Methods Lifetime occupational histories of 1657 men and 2073 women from two case-control studies, were translated into exposure estimates to 243 agents, from data on 13882 jobs. Exposure estimates were summarized as proportions and frequency-weighted intensity of exposure for 59 occupational codes by sex. Agreement between metrics of exposure in men's and women's jobs was determined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and weighted Kappa coefficients, using as unit of analysis ('cell') a combination of occupational code and occupational agent. 'Notable' differences between men and women were identified for each cell, according to a Bayesian hierarchical model for both proportion and frequency-weighted intensity of exposure. Results For cells common to both men and women, the ICC for continuous probability of exposure was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.83-0.84) and 7.4% of cells showed notable differences with jobs held by men being more often exposed. A weighted kappa of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61-0.73) was calculated for intensity of exposure, and an ICC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.62-0.71) for frequency-weighted intensity of exposure, with a tendency of higher values of exposure metrics in jobs held by men. Conclusions Exposures were generally in agreement between men and women. Some notable differences were identified, most of them explained by differential sub-occupations or industries or dissimilar reported tasks within the studied occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Lacourt
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH U1219-EPICENE, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - France Labrèche
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark S Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jack Siemiatycki
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Guzzo-Cancer Research Society Chair on Environment and Cancer, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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5
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De Matteis S, Heederik D, Burdorf A, Colosio C, Cullinan P, Henneberger PK, Olsson A, Raynal A, Rooijackers J, Santonen T, Sastre J, Schlünssen V, van Tongeren M, Sigsgaard T. Current and new challenges in occupational lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev 2017; 26:170080. [PMID: 29141963 PMCID: PMC6033059 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0080-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational lung diseases are an important public health issue and are avoidable through preventive interventions in the workplace. Up-to-date knowledge about changes in exposure to occupational hazards as a result of technological and industrial developments is essential to the design and implementation of efficient and effective workplace preventive measures. New occupational agents with unknown respiratory health effects are constantly introduced to the market and require periodic health surveillance among exposed workers to detect early signs of adverse respiratory effects. In addition, the ageing workforce, many of whom have pre-existing respiratory conditions, poses new challenges in terms of the diagnosis and management of occupational lung diseases. Primary preventive interventions aimed to reduce exposure levels in the workplace remain pivotal for elimination of the occupational lung disease burden. To achieve this goal there is still a clear need for setting standard occupational exposure limits based on transparent evidence-based methodology, in particular for carcinogens and sensitising agents that expose large working populations to risk. The present overview, focused on the occupational lung disease burden in Europe, proposes directions for all parties involved in the prevention of occupational lung disease, from researchers and occupational and respiratory health professionals to workers and employers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara De Matteis
- Respiratory Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dick Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Burdorf
- Dept of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudio Colosio
- Dept of Health Sciences of the University of Milan and International Centre for Rural Health of the S. Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul Cullinan
- Respiratory Epidemiology, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul K Henneberger
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ann Olsson
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Raynal
- Occupational Medicine Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jos Rooijackers
- Netherlands Expertise Center for Occupational Respiratory Disorders, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joaquin Sastre
- Allergy Service, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Faculty of Medicine Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, CIBER of Respiratory Diseases, Ministry of Economy, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Dept of Public Health, Section of Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Research Center for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health; Centre for Epidemiology; Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care; School of Health Sciences; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Dept of Public Health, Section of Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Camilo Fuentes J, Andrea Cañón L, Viviana Pérez Á, E Pinzón C, María Pérez A, Avellaneda PA, Enrique Morales Á, Enrique Fernández YJ. Metodologías para la priorización en investigación en salud: una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2017; 41:e122. [PMID: 31384258 PMCID: PMC6645202 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2017.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. Identificar elementos metodológicos clave para la priorización en investigación en salud, a partir de las metodologías reportadas en la literatura científica. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en Medline, Embase, LILACS, y fuentes complementarias de literatura gris. Se utilizaron las palabras clave: research, methods y health priorities, en combinación con términos libres. Dos revisores independientes, de acuerdo con criterios previamente definidos, seleccionaron revisiones de la literatura o documentos metodológicos que presentaran metodologías para priorización en investigación en salud. Se extrajeron las principales características de las metodologías reportadas y se identificaron elementos comunes. Resultados. Se incluyeron siete revisiones y cinco documentos metodológicos, que reportaron cuatro metodologías estructuradas específicas y múltiples aproximaciones metodológicas que combinan elementos diversos. En general, estas metodologías integran la perspectiva de actores clave con información objetiva, mediante la aplicación de técnicas estandarizadas de participación, para establecer un ranking de prioridades, con base en criterios previamente definidos. Se identificaron elementos metodológicos comunes relacionados con pasos del proceso, mecanismos de participación, criterios para priorizar y análisis de resultados. Conclusión. La priorización en investigación en salud requiere el empleo de una metodología definida a priori, que debe contener como mínimo cuatro elementos clave: pasos claros del proceso, criterios para priorizar, técnicas formales de participación y métodos de análisis de resultados. Estos elementos deben ajustarse a las condiciones y necesidades del contexto de aplicación.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Fuentes
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lorena Andrea Cañón
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ángela Viviana Pérez
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos E Pinzón
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angélica María Pérez
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Instituto Nacional de Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Astrid Avellaneda
- Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro Enrique Morales
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Instituto Nacional de Salud Bogotá Colombia Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Y Jorge Enrique Fernández
- Ministerio del Trabajo Ministerio del Trabajo Bogotá Colombia Ministerio del Trabajo, Bogotá, Colombia
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Priority Setting for Occupational Cancer Prevention. Saf Health Work 2017; 9:133-139. [PMID: 29928525 PMCID: PMC6005921 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Selecting priority occupational carcinogens is important for cancer prevention efforts; however, standardized selection methods are not available. The objective of this paper was to describe the methods used by CAREX Canada in 2015 to establish priorities for preventing occupational cancer, with a focus on exposure estimation and descriptive profiles. Methods Four criteria were used in an expert assessment process to guide carcinogen prioritization: (1) the likelihood of presence and/or use in Canadian workplaces; (2) toxicity of the substance (strength of evidence for carcinogenicity and other health effects); (3) feasibility of producing a carcinogen profile and/or an occupational estimate; and (4) special interest from the public/scientific community. Carcinogens were ranked as high, medium or low priority based on specific conditions regarding these criteria, and stakeholder input was incorporated. Priorities were set separately for the creation of new carcinogen profiles and for new occupational exposure estimates. Results Overall, 246 agents were reviewed for inclusion in the occupational priorities list. For carcinogen profile generation, 103 were prioritized (11 high, 33 medium, and 59 low priority), and 36 carcinogens were deemed priorities for occupational exposure estimation (13 high, 17 medium, and 6 low priority). Conclusion Prioritizing and ranking occupational carcinogens is required for a variety of purposes, including research, resource allocation at different jurisdictional levels, calculations of occupational cancer burden, and planning of CAREX-type projects in different countries. This paper outlines how this process was achieved in Canada; this may provide a model for other countries and jurisdictions as a part of occupational cancer prevention efforts.
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Jacobson-Kram D, Sistare FD, Jacobs AC. Use of Transgenic Mice in Carcinogenicity Hazard Assessment. Toxicol Pathol 2016; 32 Suppl 1:49-52. [PMID: 15209403 DOI: 10.1080/01926230490424761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Determining the carcinogenic potential of materials to which humans have significant exposure is an important, complex and imperfect exercise. Not only are the methods for such determinations protracted, expensive and utilize large numbers of animals, extrapolation of data from such studies to human risk is imprecise. Toxicologists have long recognized these shortcomings but the 2-year chronic rodent study has remained the gold standard. Recent developments in the field of molecular oncology and development of methods to insert or inactivate specific genes in animals have provided the tools with which to develop the next generation of carcinogenicity assays. With improved understanding of oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation a number of animal models have been developed to dramatically reduce latency for chemically induced cancers. This has led to the development of shorter carcinogenicity assays. Also, because the spontaneous tumor frequencies in these animals are low during the in-life portion of the study, and studies are terminated well before the health complications of advanced aging are observed, it has been possible to reduce the group sizes and reduce animal usage. FDA's adoption of ICH S1B in 1997, (ICH, 1997) “Testing for the Carcinogenicity of Pharmaceuticals,” opened the door for the use of such transgenic models in regulatory toxicology. This presentation reviews the current state of the science and its application to regulatory issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jacobson-Kram
- Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA.
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Rosenthal M, Johnson CJ, Scoppa S, Carter K. Two Suspected Worksite or Occupational Cancer Clusters Investigated Using the Cancer Data Registry and Multiple Primary Standardized Incidence Ratios in SEER *Stat-Idaho, 2013-2014. JOURNAL OF REGISTRY MANAGEMENT 2016; 41:128-133. [PMID: 28121313 PMCID: PMC7147979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations of suspected cancer clusters are resource intensive and rarely identify true clusters: among 428 publicly reported US investigations during 1990-2011, only 1 etiologic cluster was identified. In 2013, the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho (CDRI) was contacted regarding a suspected cancer cluster at a worksite (Cluster A) and among an occupational cohort (Cluster B). We investigated to determine whether these were true clusters. METHODS We derived investigation cohorts for Cluster A from facility-provided employee records and for Cluster B from professional licensing records. We used Registry PlusTM Link Plus to conduct probabilistic linkage of cohort members to the CDRI registry and completed matching through manual review by using LexisNexis®, Accurint®, and the Social Security Death Index. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) using the MP-SIR session type in SEER*Stat and Idaho and US referent populations. RESULTS For Cluster A, we identified 34 cancer cases during 9,689 person-years; compared with Idaho and US rates, 95 percent CIs for SIRs included 1.0 for 24 of 24 primary site categories. For Cluster B, we identified 78 cancer cases during 15,154 person-years; compared with Idaho rates, 95 percent CI for SIRs included 1.0 for 23 of 24 primary site categories and was less than 1.0 for lung and bronchus cancers, and compared with US rates, 95 percent CI for SIRs included 1.0 for 22 of 24 primary site categories and was less than 1.0 for lung and bronchus and colorectal cancers. CONCLUSION We identified no statistically significant excess in cancer incidence in either cohort. SEER*Stat's MP-SIR is an efficient tool for performing SIR assessments, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists-recommended step when investigating suspected cancer clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rosenthal
- Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer assigned to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Steve Scoppa
- Information Management Services Inc, Calverton, Maryland
| | - Kris Carter
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer assigned to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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10
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Blair A, Hines C, Thomas K, Alavanja M, Beane Freeman L, Hoppin J, Kamel F, Lynch C, Lubin J, Silverman D, Whelan E, Zahm SH, Sandler DP. Investing in prospective cohorts for etiologic study of occupational exposures. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:113-22. [PMID: 25603935 PMCID: PMC4516175 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prospective cohorts have played a major role in understanding the contribution of diet, physical activity, medical conditions, and genes to the development of many diseases, but have not been widely used for occupational exposures. Studies in agriculture are an exception. We draw upon our experience using this design to study agricultural workers to identify conditions that might foster use of prospective cohorts to study other occupational settings. Prospective cohort studies are perceived by many as the strongest epidemiologic design. It allows updating of information on exposure and other factors, collection of biologic samples before disease diagnosis for biomarker studies, assessment of effect modification by genes, lifestyle, and other occupational exposures, and evaluation of a wide range of health outcomes. Increased use of prospective cohorts would be beneficial in identifying hazardous exposures in the workplace. Occupational epidemiologists should seek opportunities to initiate prospective cohorts to investigate high priority, occupational exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Blair
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - C.J. Hines
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - K.W. Thomas
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina
| | - M.C.R. Alavanja
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - L.E. Beane Freeman
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - J.A. Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - F. Kamel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina
| | - C.F. Lynch
- College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - J.H. Lubin
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - D.T. Silverman
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - E. Whelan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - S. H. Zahm
- Division of Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - D. P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, North Carolina
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Raj P, Hohenadel K, Demers PA, Zahm SH, Blair A. Recent trends in published occupational cancer epidemiology research: results from a comprehensive review of the literature. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:259-64. [PMID: 24488816 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess trends in occupational cancer epidemiology research through a literature review of occupational health and epidemiology journals. METHODS Fifteen journals were reviewed from 1991 to 2009, and characteristics of articles that assessed the risk of cancer associated with an occupation, industry, or occupational exposure, were incorporated into a database. RESULTS The number of occupational cancer epidemiology articles published annually declined in recent years (2003 onwards) in the journals reviewed. The number of articles presenting dose-response analyses increased over the review period, from 29% in the first 4 years of review to 49% in the last 4 years. CONCLUSION There has been a decrease in the number of occupational cancer epidemiology articles published annually during the review period. The results of these articles help determine the carcinogenicity of workplace exposures and permissible exposure limits, both of which may be hindered with a decline in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Raj
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Paul A. Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Shelia Hoar Zahm
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and GeneticsNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMaryland
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational Cancer Research CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
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Ladou J, Teitelbaum DT, Egilman DS, Frank AL, Kramer SN, Huff J. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM): A Professional Association in Service to Industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 13:404-26. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2007.13.4.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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13
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Kvitko K, Bandinelli E, Henriques JAP, Heuser VD, Rohr P, da Silva FR, Schneider NB, Fernandes S, Ancines C, da Silva J. Susceptibility to DNA damage in workers occupationally exposed to pesticides, to tannery chemicals and to coal dust during mining. Genet Mol Biol 2012; 35:1060-8. [PMID: 23413045 PMCID: PMC3571421 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572012000600022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Our mutagenesis group has been studying with important economic drivers of our state, such as agriculture, the foot-wear and leather industry and open-cast coal mining. Working conditions in these sectors have potentially harmful to humans. The aim of these studies is to determine the health risk of workers by biomonitoring subjects exposed to genotoxic agents. The main results of our studies with vineyard farmers we observed a high rate of MN and DNA damage in individuals exposed to pesticides (p < 0.001). In addition, some effects of genetic polymorphisms in the modulation of MN results were observed in this group. Tobacco farmers were also evaluated at different crop times. The results showed a significant increase in the Damage index and frequency in tobacco farmers compared to the non-exposed group, for all crop times. The results for footwear and tannery workers showed a significant increase in the mean ID for the solvent-based adhesive (p < 0.001) group in comparison to the water-based adhesive group and control (p < 0.05). For open-cast coal mine workers, the EBCyt indicated a significant increase in nuclear bud frequency and cytokinetic defects in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (p < 0.0001). We were able to associate specific genetic susceptibility with each type of exposure and with the non-use or improper use of personal protection equipment and diet adequacy. These results show how important the continuous education of exposed workers is to minimizing the effect of the occupational exposure and the risk of disease associated with the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Kvitko
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Davis ME, Hart JE, Laden F, Garshick E, Smith TJ. A retrospective assessment of occupational exposure to elemental carbon in the U.S. trucking industry. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:997-1002. [PMID: 21447452 PMCID: PMC3222985 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable epidemiologic evidence about the health effects of chronic exposure to vehicle exhaust, efforts at defining the extent of risk have been limited by the lack of historical exposure measurements suitable for use in epidemiologic studies and for risk assessment. OBJECTIVES We sought to reconstruct exposure to elemental carbon (EC), a marker of diesel and other vehicle exhaust exposure, in a large national cohort of U.S. trucking industry workers. METHODS We identified the predictors of measured exposures based on a statistical model and used this information to extrapolate exposures across the cohort nationally. These estimates were adjusted for changes in work-related conditions over time based on a previous exposure assessment of this industry, and for changes in background levels based on a trend analysis of historical air pollution data, to derive monthly estimates of EC exposure for each job and trucking terminal combination between 1971 and 2000. RESULTS Occupational exposure to EC declined substantially over time, and we found significant variability in estimated exposures both within and across job groups, trucking terminals, and regions of the United States. Average estimated EC exposures during a typical work shift ranged from < 1 μg/m³ in the lowest exposed category in the 1990s to > 40 μg/m³ for workers in the highest exposed jobs in the 1970s. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a framework for understanding changes over time in exposure to EC in the U.S. trucking industry. Our assessment should minimize exposure misclassification by capturing variation among terminals and across U.S. regions, and changes over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Davis
- Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Jacobson-Kram D. Cancer risk assessment approaches at the FDA/CDER: Is the era of the 2-year bioassay drawing to a close? Toxicol Pathol 2009; 38:169-70. [PMID: 19887650 DOI: 10.1177/0192623309351892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Determining the carcinogenic potential of materials to which humans have significant exposures is an important, complex, and imperfect exercise. Not only are the methods for such determinations protracted and expensive and use large numbers of animals, extrapolation of data from such studies to human risk is imprecise. With improved understanding of oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation, a number of animal models have been developed to dramatically reduce latency for chemically induced cancers and has led to the development and use of shorter carcinogenicity assays. Recent studies by a number of investigators suggest that specific gene signature patterns seen after short-term exposure of rats to test chemicals can predict long-term outcomes in cancer bioassays with relatively high accuracy. In addition, a recent survey performed by PhRMA member companies examined two hundred drug years to determine whether histological biomarkers seen at the end of a six- or twelve-month toxicology study in rats can predict the outcome of a two-year carcinogenicity study. With only a handful of exceptions, chronic studies appear capable of predicting effects at the end of two years with good accuracy. It is hoped that the combination of results from transgenic mouse assays and six-month rat studies will soon supplant the need for most two-year bioassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jacobson-Kram
- Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
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Kriebel D. Cancer prevention through a precautionary approach to environmental chemicals. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2009; 24:271-277. [PMID: 20384033 DOI: 10.1515/reveh.2009.24.4.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Kriebel
- School of Health and Environment, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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Manuppello J, Willett C. Longer rodent bioassay fails to address 2-year bioassay's flaws. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:A516-A518. [PMID: 19079693 PMCID: PMC2599775 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Lebailly P, Bouchart V, Baldi I, Lecluse Y, Heutte N, Gislard A, Malas JP. Exposure to pesticides in open-field farming in France. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 53:69-81. [PMID: 19022871 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/men072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Identification of parameters associated with measured pesticide exposure of farmers in open-field farming in France. METHODS Open-field volunteer farmers were monitored during 1 day use of the herbicide isoproturon on wheat and/or barley during the winters 2001 (n = 9) or 2002 (n = 38) under usual conditions of work. The whole-body method was used to assess potential dermal exposure using coveralls and cotton gloves. Mixing-loading and application tasks were assessed separately with 12 different body areas (hands, arms, forearms, legs, chest, back and thighs) measured for each task (mixing-loading and application separately). RESULTS Daily potential dermal exposure to isoproturon ranged from 2.0 to 567.8 mg (median = 57.8 mg) in 47 farmers. Exposure during mixing-loading tasks accounted for 13.9-98.1% of the total exposure (median = 74.8%). For mixing-loading, hands and forearms were the most contaminated body areas accounting for an average of 64 and 14%, respectively. For application, hands were also the most contaminated part of the body, accounting for an average of 57%, and thighs, forearms and chest or back were in the same range as one another, 3-10%. No correlations were observed between potential dermal exposure and area sprayed, duration of spraying or size of the farm. However, a significant relationship was observed between exposure and the type of spraying equipment, with a rear-mounted sprayer leading to a higher exposure level than trailer sprayers. Technical problems, particularly the unplugging of nozzles, and the numbers mixing-loading or application tasks performed were also significantly related with higher levels of exposure. CONCLUSIONS The main results obtained in this study on a large number of observation days are as follows: (i) the mixing-loading step was the most contaminated task in open field accounting for two-thirds of the total daily exposure, (ii) no positive correlation was noted with classically used pesticide-related parameters: farm area, area sprayed and duration of application and (iii) relevant parameters were the type of spraying equipment, the type and number of tasks and technical problems or cases of overflowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Lebailly
- Groupe Régional d'Etudes sur le CANcer (EA-1772), IFR146 ICORE, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, 14076 Caen Cedex 5, France.
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Perez-Saldivar ML, Ortega-Alvarez MC, Fajardo-Gutierrez A, Bernaldez-Rios R, Del Campo-Martinez MDLA, Medina-Sanson A, Palomo-Colli MA, Paredes-Aguilera R, Martínez-Avalos A, Borja-Aburto VH, Rodriguez-Rivera MDJ, Vargas-Garcia VM, Zarco-Contreras J, Flores-Lujano J, Mejia-Arangure JM. Father's occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents and childhood acute leukemia: a new method to assess exposure (a case-control study). BMC Cancer 2008; 8:7. [PMID: 18194546 PMCID: PMC2245964 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2007] [Accepted: 01/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medical research has not been able to establish whether a father's occupational exposures are associated with the development of acute leukemia (AL) in their offspring. The studies conducted have weaknesses that have generated a misclassification of such exposure. Occupations and exposures to substances associated with childhood cancer are not very frequently encountered in the general population; thus, the reported risks are both inconsistent and inaccurate. In this study, to assess exposure we used a new method, an exposure index, which took into consideration the industrial branch, specific position, use of protective equipment, substances at work, degree of contact with such substances, and time of exposure. This index allowed us to obtain a grade, which permitted the identification of individuals according to their level of exposure to known or potentially carcinogenic agents that are not necessarily specifically identified as risk factors for leukemia. The aim of this study was to determine the association between a father's occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents and the presence of AL in their offspring. Methods From 1999 to 2000, a case-control study was performed with 193 children who reside in Mexico City and had been diagnosed with AL. The initial sample-size calculation was 150 children per group, assessed with an expected odds ratio (OR) of three and a minimum exposure frequency of 15.8%. These children were matched by age, sex, and institution with 193 pediatric surgical patients at secondary-care hospitals. A questionnaire was used to determine each child's background and the characteristics of the father's occupation(s). In order to determine the level of exposure to carcinogenic agents, a previously validated exposure index (occupational exposure index, OEI) was used. The consistency and validity of the index were assessed by a questionnaire comparison, the sensory recognition of the work area, and an expert's opinion. Results The adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 1.69 (0.98, 2.92) during the preconception period; 1.98 (1.13, 3.45) during the index pregnancy; 2.11 (1.17, 3.78) during breastfeeding period; 2.17 (1.28, 3.66) after birth; and 2.06 (1.24, 3.42) for global exposure. Conclusion This is the first study in which an OEI was used to assess a father's occupational exposure to carcinogenic agents as a risk factor for the development of childhood AL in his offspring. From our results, we conclude that children whose fathers have been exposed to a high level of carcinogenic agents seem to have a greater risk of developing acute leukemia. However, confounding factors cannot be disregarded due to an incomplete control for confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Perez-Saldivar
- Epidemiologia Clínica, Hospital de Pediatria, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), DF, Mexico.
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21
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Landrigan PJ, Woolf AD, Gitterman B, Lanphear B, Forman J, Karr C, Moshier EL, Godbold J, Crain E. The ambulatory pediatric association fellowship in pediatric environmental health: a 5-year assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1383-7. [PMID: 17938724 PMCID: PMC2022661 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is mounting that environmental exposures contribute to causation of disease in children. Yet few pediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of environmental origin. OBJECTIVES To develop a cadre of future leaders in pediatric environmental health (PEH), the Ambulatory Pediatric Association (APA) launched a new 3-year fellowship in 2001-the world's first formal training program in PEH. Sites were established at Boston Children's Hospital, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, George Washington University, University of Cincinnati, and University of Washington. Fellows are trained in epidemiology, biostatistics, toxicology, risk assessment, and preventive medicine. They gain clinical experience in environmental pediatrics and mentored training in clinical research, policy development, and evidence-based advocacy. Thirteen fellows have graduated. Two sites have secured follow-on federal funding to enable them to continue PEH training. DISCUSSION To assess objectively the program's success in preparing fellows for leadership careers in PEH, we conducted a mailed survey in 2006 with follow-up in 2007. CONCLUSIONS Fifteen (88%) of 17 fellows and graduates participated; program directors provided information on the remaining two. Nine graduates are pursuing full-time academic careers, and two have leadership positions in governmental and environmental organizations. Ten have published one or more first-authored papers. Seven graduates are principal investigators on federal or foundation grants. The strongest predictors of academic success are remaining affiliated with the fellowship training site and devoting < 20% of fellowship time to clinical practice. CONCLUSION The APA fellowship program is proving successful in preparing pediatricians for leadership careers in PEH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Landrigan
- Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA.
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Ryu JS, Lee HJ, Leem JH, Kim L, Lee KH, Cho JH, Yoon YH, Kwak SM, Lee HL, Kim KH, Loh JK, Jung SK. Clinical Charicteristics of Primary Lung Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Hospital. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2006. [DOI: 10.4046/trd.2006.60.3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Seon Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hun-Jae Lee
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jong-Han Leem
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Lucia Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwa Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young-Han Yoon
- Department of Chest Surgery, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seung-Min Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hong-Lyeol Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Kim
- Department of Chest Surgery, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - John-Kyu Loh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soo-Kyung Jung
- Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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23
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Tammen H, Schulte I, Hess R, Menzel C, Kellmann M, Mohring T, Schulz-Knappe P. Peptidomic analysis of human blood specimens: comparison between plasma specimens and serum by differential peptide display. Proteomics 2005; 5:3414-22. [PMID: 16038021 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200401219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The human Plasma Proteome Project pilot phase aims to analyze serum and plasma specimens to elucidate specimen characteristics by various proteomic techniques to ensure sufficient sample quality for the HUPO main phase. We used our proprietary peptidomics technologies to analyze the samples distributed by HUPO. Peptidomics summarizes technologies for visualization, quantitation, and identification of the low-molecular-weight proteome (<15 kDa), the "peptidome." We analyzed all four HUPO specimens (EDTA plasma, citrate plasma, heparin plasma, and serum) from African- and Asian-American donors and compared them to in-house collected Caucasian specimens. One main finding focuses on the most suitable method of plasma specimen collection. Gentle platelet removal from plasma samples is beneficial for improved specificity. Platelet contamination or activation of platelets by low temperature prior to their removal leads to distinct and multiple peptide signals in plasma samples. Two different specimen collection protocols for platelet-poor plasma are recommended. Further emphasis is placed on the differences between plasma and serum on a peptidomic level. A large number of peptides, many of them in rather high abundance, are only present in serum and not detectable in plasma. This ex vivo generation of multiple peptides hampers discovery efforts and is caused by a variety of factors: the release of platelet-derived peptides, other peptides derived from cellular components or the clot, enzymatic activities of coagulation cascades, and other proteases. We conclude that specimen collection is a crucial step for successful peptide biomarker discovery in human blood samples. For analysis of the low-molecular-weight proteome, we recommend the use of platelet-depleted EDTA or citrate plasma.
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Sun Y, Welsh WJ, Latour RA. Prediction of the orientations of adsorbed protein using an empirical energy function with implicit solvation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2005; 21:5616-26. [PMID: 15924498 DOI: 10.1021/la046932o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
When simulating protein adsorption behavior, decisions must first be made regarding how the protein should be oriented on the surface. To address this problem, we have developed a molecular simulation program that combines an empirical adsorption free energy function with an efficient configurational search method to calculate orientation-dependent adsorption free energies between proteins and functionalized surfaces. The configuration space is searched systematically using a quaternion rotation technique, and the adsorption free energy is evaluated using an empirical energy function with an efficient grid-based calculational method. In this paper, the developed method is applied to analyze the preferred orientations of a model protein, lysozyme, on various functionalized alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces by the generation of contour graphs that relate adsorption free energy to adsorbed orientation, and the results are compared with experimental observations. As anticipated, the adsorbed orientation of lysozyme is predicted to be dependent on the discrete organization of the functional groups presented by the surface. Lysozyme, which is a positively charged protein, is predicted to adsorb on its 'side' on both hydrophobic and negatively charged surfaces. On surfaces with discrete positively charged sites, attractive interaction energies can also be obtained due to the presence of discrete local negative charges present on the lysozyme surface. In this case, 'end-on' orientations are preferred. Additionally, SAM surface models with mixed functionality suggest that the interactions between lysozyme and surfaces could be greatly enhanced if individual surface functional groups are able to access the catalytic cleft region of lysozyme, similar to ligand-receptor interactions. The contour graphs generated by this method can be used to identify low-energy orientations that can then be used as starting points for further simulations to investigate conformational changes induced in protein structure following initial adsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Department of Bioengineering and Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers & Films (CAEFF), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
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25
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Abstract
Research on the interaction of genes and the environment is revealing that many human diseases have both genetic and environmental components. Even traditional "environmental" diseases, such as infections, appear to interact with genetic components in the human host. Environmental genetics research will inevitably increase understanding of individual susceptibilities to toxic exposures in the environment and harmful side effects of medications; therefore, it has great promise for improving the prevention and treatment of human diseases. However, realizing the benefits of this research requires careful attention to ethical issues that are particularly relevant in this context. This article reviews some of the most pressing issues related to research design and methods, as well as from the application of research results (e.g., workplace genetic screening and legal toxic torts, personal medical responsibility, and the relationship between genetics and public health measures).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew DeCamp
- Duke University Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Highfield ES, McLellan MC, Kemper KJ, Risko W, Woolf AD. Integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in a Major Pediatric Teaching Hospital: An Initial Overview. J Altern Complement Med 2005; 11:373-80. [PMID: 15865507 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2005.11.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the establishment of a multidisciplinary team of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers and educators in an urban pediatric hospital and affiliated medical school. BACKGROUND Pediatric CAM use is increasing. Physicians are interested in CAM-related education but few programs had been developed in pediatrics. In 1998, Children's Hospital Boston established the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research (CHPER), a CAM multidisciplinary team providing clinical services, education, and research. METHOD A retrospective review describing data from patient consultation notes, CAM lectures, clinical practice guidelines, curriculum materials, team meeting minutes, and team member manuscripts and publications. RESULTS Over 5.5 years, CHPER staff provided over 2100 consults: acupuncture, massage, holistic pediatrician, relaxation therapies, biofeedback, hypnosis, and bio-pharmaceutics. Acupuncture and massage therapies were incorporated into a Clinical Practice Guideline. Formal education was delivered through didactic sessions, workshops, self-learning modules, clinical observation, and clinical practice. CHPER faculty published 1 book and 64 articles on CAM-related topics. CONCLUSION An interdisciplinary team of CAM clinicians and educators can be integrated into an urban pediatric teaching hospital to provide CAM medical education and clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Silver Highfield
- Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Abstract
Contamination of the environment by man-made and natural toxins has a direct impact on the health of children. This review considers how toxic contamination is identified and regulated, and highlights specific hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Grigg
- Leicester Children's Asthma Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
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Toraason M, Albertini R, Bayard S, Bigbee W, Blair A, Boffetta P, Bonassi S, Chanock S, Christiani D, Eastmond D, Hanash S, Henry C, Kadlubar F, Mirer F, Nebert D, Rapport S, Rest K, Rothman N, Ruder A, Savage R, Schulte P, Siemiatycki J, Shields P, Smith M, Tolbert P, Vermeulen R, Vineis P, Wacholder S, Ward E, Waters M, Weston A. Applying new biotechnologies to the study of occupational cancer--a workshop summary. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2004; 112:413-6. [PMID: 15033588 PMCID: PMC1241892 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As high-throughput technologies in genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics evolve, questions arise about their use in the assessment of occupational cancers. To address these questions, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the American Chemistry Council sponsored a workshop 8-9 May 2002 in Washington, DC. The workshop brought together 80 international specialists whose objective was to identify the means for best exploiting new technologies to enhance methods for laboratory investigation, epidemiologic evaluation, risk assessment, and prevention of occupational cancer. The workshop focused on identifying and interpreting markers for early biologic effect and inherited modifiers of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Toraason
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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Abstract
The rate of organ and system development in mammals, including humans, is most rapid during the prenatal period. Perturbations of the endocrine system during this period can have profound effects on later anatomy, physiology, behavior, and the onset of disease. Endocrine-disrupting compounds can cause perturbations during fetal development by mimicking or blocking natural hormones. In experimental studies, compounds that mimic estrogens and those that block androgen action have been shown to have a number of long-term effects. Among these effects are the acceleration of puberty onset, increased incidence of adult cancers such as vaginal and prostate cancers, and alterations in sexually dimorphic anatomy, physiology, and behavior. Laboratory animal models continue to play a crucial role in identifying endocrine disruptors, determining their mode of action, and demonstrating their consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Vandenbergh
- Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Ennever FK, Lave LB. Implications of the lack of accuracy of the lifetime rodent bioassay for predicting human carcinogenicity. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2003; 38:52-7. [PMID: 12878054 DOI: 10.1016/s0273-2300(03)00068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The NTP lifetime rodent bioassay (LRB) is the "gold standard" for predicting human carcinogenicity. Unfortunately, little attempt has been made to validate it against human carcinogenicity. Here we show that the extremely limited data available do not support either of the two common interpretations of LRB results. If a risk-avoidance interpretation is used where any positive result in a sex/species combination is considered positive, 9 of the 10 known human carcinogens tested are positive, but an implausible 22% of all chemicals are positive. If a less risk averse interpretation is used where only chemicals positive in both rats and mice are considered positive, only 3 of the 6 known human carcinogens tested are positive. In either interpretation, some known human carcinogens are not positive in the LRB, potentially allowing widespread human exposure to misidentified chemicals. Improving the predictive accuracy of the LRB and other tests for human carcinogenicity requires that test results be validated against the known human carcinogenicity of chemicals. This will require redirecting available resources from screening chemicals to validating carcinogenicity tests as well as a substantial investment in epidemiology to identify more known human carcinogens and presumed human non-carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny K Ennever
- Graduate School of Industrial Administration, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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