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Boogaard H, Samoli E, Patton AP, Atkinson RW, Brook JR, Chang HH, Hoffmann B, Kutlar Joss M, Sagiv SK, Smargiassi A, Szpiro AA, Vienneau D, Weuve J, Lurmann FW, Forastiere F, Hoek G. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and non-accidental mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int 2023; 176:107916. [PMID: 37210806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) continue to be of important public health interest across the globe. Following its 2010 review, the Health Effects Institute appointed a new expert Panel to systematically evaluate the epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between long-term exposure to TRAP and selected health outcomes. This paper describes the main findings of the systematic review on non-accidental mortality. METHODS The Panel used a systematic approach to conduct the review. An extensive search was conducted of literature published between 1980 and 2019. A new exposure framework was developed to determine whether a study was sufficiently specific to TRAP, which included studies beyond the near-roadway environment. We performed random-effects meta-analysis when at least three estimates were available of an association between a specific exposure and outcome. We evaluated confidence in the evidence using a modified Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) approach, supplemented with a broader narrative synthesis. RESULTS Thirty-six cohort studies were included. Virtually all studies adjusted for a large number of individual and area-level covariates-including smoking, body mass index, and individual and area-level socioeconomic status-and were judged at a low or moderate risk for bias. Most studies were conducted in North America and Europe, and a few were based in Asia and Australia. The meta-analytic summary estimates for nitrogen dioxide, elemental carbon and fine particulate matter-pollutants with more than 10 studies-were 1.04 (95% CI 1.01, 1.06), 1.02 (1.00, 1.04) and 1.03 (1.01, 1.05) per 10, 1 and 5 µg/m3, respectively. Effect estimates are interpreted as the relative risk of mortality when the exposure differs with the selected increment. The confidence in the evidence for these pollutants was judged as high, because of upgrades for monotonic exposure-response and consistency across populations. The consistent findings across geographical regions, exposure assessment methods and confounder adjustment resulted in a high confidence rating using a narrative approach as well. CONCLUSIONS The overall confidence in the evidence for a positive association between long-term exposure to TRAP and non-accidental mortality was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Boogaard
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - E Samoli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A P Patton
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R W Atkinson
- Population Health Research Institute, St. George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - J R Brook
- Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - H H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - B Hoffmann
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Kutlar Joss
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwill, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - S K Sagiv
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - A Smargiassi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - A A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - D Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwill, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - F W Lurmann
- Sonoma Technology, Inc., Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - F Forastiere
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - G Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Netherlands
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Haddad P, Kutlar Joss M, Weuve J, Vienneau D, Atkinson R, Brook J, Chang H, Forastiere F, Hoek G, Kappeler R, Lurmann F, Sagiv S, Samoli E, Smargiassi A, Szpiro A, Patton AP, Boogaard H, Hoffmann B. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114079. [PMID: 36446272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke remains the second cause of death worldwide. The mechanisms underlying the adverse association of exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) with overall cardiovascular disease may also apply to stroke. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the epidemiological evidence regarding the associations of long-term exposure to TRAP with stroke. METHODS PubMed and LUDOK electronic databases were searched systematically for observational epidemiological studies from 1980 through 2019 on long-term exposure to TRAP and stroke with an update in January 2022. TRAP was defined according to a comprehensive protocol based on pollutant and exposure assessment methods or proximity metrics. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias (RoB) and confidence assessments were conducted according to standardized protocols. We performed meta-analyses using random effects models; sensitivity analyses were assessed by geographic area, RoB, fatality, traffic specificity and new studies. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included. The meta-analytic relative risks (and 95% confidence intervals) were: 1.03 (0.98-1.09) per 1 μg/m3 EC, 1.09 (0.96-1.23) per 10 μg/m3 PM10, 1.08 (0.89-1.32) per 5 μg/m3 PM2.5, 0.98 (0.92; 1.05) per 10 μg/m3 NO2 and 0.99 (0.94; 1.04) per 20 μg/m3 NOx with little to moderate heterogeneity based on 6, 5, 4, 7 and 8 studies, respectively. The confidence assessments regarding the quality of the body of evidence and separately regarding the presence of an association of TRAP with stroke considering all available evidence were rated low and moderate, respectively. CONCLUSION The available literature provides low to moderate evidence for an association of TRAP with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Haddad
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - M Kutlar Joss
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - D Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - R Atkinson
- Epidemiology, Population Health Research Institute and MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - J Brook
- Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - F Forastiere
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Level 2, Faculty Building South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - G Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Kappeler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - F Lurmann
- Sonoma Technology, Inc, 1450 N McDowell Blvd #200, Petaluma, CA, 94954, USA
| | - S Sagiv
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - E Samoli
- Dept. of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, Athina, 115 27, Greece
| | - A Smargiassi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, 7101 Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, 3980 15th Avenue NE, Box 351617, Seattle, WA, 98195-1617, USA
| | - A P Patton
- Health Effects Institute, 75 Federal suite UNIT 1400, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - H Boogaard
- Health Effects Institute, 75 Federal suite UNIT 1400, Boston, MA, 02110, USA
| | - B Hoffmann
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Boogaard H, Patton AP, Atkinson RW, Brook JR, Chang HH, Crouse DL, Fussell JC, Hoek G, Hoffmann B, Kappeler R, Kutlar Joss M, Ondras M, Sagiv SK, Samoli E, Shaikh R, Smargiassi A, Szpiro AA, Van Vliet EDS, Vienneau D, Weuve J, Lurmann FW, Forastiere F. Long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and selected health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int 2022; 164:107262. [PMID: 35569389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The health effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) continue to be of important public health interest. Following its well-cited 2010 critical review, the Health Effects Institute (HEI) appointed a new expert Panel to systematically evaluate the epidemiological evidence regarding the associations between long-term exposure to TRAP and selected adverse health outcomes. Health outcomes were selected based on evidence of causality for general air pollution (broader than TRAP) cited in authoritative reviews, relevance for public health and policy, and resources available. The Panel used a systematic approach to search the literature, select studies for inclusion in the review, assess study quality, summarize results, and reach conclusions about the confidence in the evidence. An extensive search was conducted of literature published between January 1980 and July 2019 on selected health outcomes. A new exposure framework was developed to determine whether a study was sufficiently specific to TRAP. In total, 353 studies were included in the review. Respiratory effects in children (118 studies) and birth outcomes (86 studies) were the most commonly studied outcomes. Fewer studies investigated cardiometabolic effects (57 studies), respiratory effects in adults (50 studies), and mortality (48 studies). The findings from the systematic review, meta-analyses, and evaluation of the quality of the studies and potential biases provided an overall high or moderate-to-high level of confidence in an association between long-term exposure to TRAP and the adverse health outcomes all-cause, circulatory, ischemic heart disease and lung cancer mortality, asthma onsetin chilldren and adults, and acute lower respiratory infections in children. The evidence was considered moderate, low or very low for the other selected outcomes. In light of the large number of people exposed to TRAP - both in and beyond the near-road environment - the Panel concluded that the overall high or moderate-to-high confidence in the evidence for an association between long-term exposure to TRAP and several adverse health outcomes indicates that exposures to TRAP remain an important public health concern and deserve greater attention from the public and from policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Boogaard
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - A P Patton
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R W Atkinson
- Epidemiology, Population Health Research Institute and MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J R Brook
- Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - H H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - D L Crouse
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - J C Fussell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - B Hoffmann
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - R Kappeler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Kutlar Joss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Ondras
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - S K Sagiv
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - E Samoli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - R Shaikh
- Health Effects Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A Smargiassi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - A A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - D Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - F W Lurmann
- Sonoma Technology, Inc, Petaluma, CA, United States
| | - F Forastiere
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Buonsenso D, Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Demi L, Scambia G, Testa AC, Moro F. Reply. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:468-469. [PMID: 32870589 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D Buonsenso
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Inchingolo
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Smargiassi
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Demi
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - G Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A C Testa
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Buonsenso D, Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Demi L, Scambia G, Testa AC, Moro F. Reply. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:470-471. [PMID: 32870587 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D Buonsenso
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Inchingolo
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Smargiassi
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Demi
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - G Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A C Testa
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - F Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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6
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Buonsenso D, Raffaelli F, Tamburrini E, Biasucci DG, Salvi S, Smargiassi A, Inchingolo R, Scambia G, Lanzone A, Testa AC, Moro F. Clinical role of lung ultrasound for diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 pneumonia in pregnant women. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:106-109. [PMID: 32337795 PMCID: PMC7267364 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung ultrasound has been suggested recently by the Chinese Critical Care Ultrasound Study Group and Italian Academy of Thoracic Ultrasound as an accurate tool to detect lung involvement in COVID-19. Although chest computed tomography (CT) represents the gold standard to assess lung involvement, with a specificity superior even to that of the nasopharyngeal swab for diagnosis, lung ultrasound examination can be a valid alternative to CT scan, with certain advantages, particularly for pregnant women. Ultrasound can be performed directly at the bed-side by a single operator, reducing the risk of spreading the disease among health professionals. Furthermore, it is a radiation-free exam, making it safer and easier to monitor those patients who require a series of exams. We report on four cases of pregnant women affected by COVID-19 who were monitored with lung ultrasound examination. All patients showed sonographic features indicative of COVID-19 pneumonia at admission: irregular pleural lines and vertical artifacts (B-lines) were observed in all four cases, and patchy areas of white lung were observed in two. Lung ultrasound was more sensitive than was chest X-ray in detecting COVID-19. In three patients, we observed almost complete resolution of lung pathology on ultrasound within 96 h of admission. Two pregnancies were ongoing at the time of writing, and two had undergone Cesarean delivery with no fetal complications. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of cord blood and newborn swabs was negative in both of these cases. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Buonsenso
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - F. Raffaelli
- Dipartimento Scienze di Laboratorio e InfettivologicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Istituto di Clinica di Malattie InfettiveUniversità del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - E. Tamburrini
- Dipartimento Scienze di Laboratorio e InfettivologicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Istituto di Clinica di Malattie InfettiveUniversità del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - D. G. Biasucci
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care MedicineFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - S. Salvi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - A. Smargiassi
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e ChirurgicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - R. Inchingolo
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e ChirurgicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - G. Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - A. Lanzone
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - A. C. Testa
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - F. Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità PubblicaFondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
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Buonsenso D, Moro F, Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Demi L, Soldati G, Moroni R, Lanzone A, Scambia G, Testa AC. Effectiveness of rapid lung ultrasound training program for gynecologists and obstetricians managing pregnant women with suspected COVID-19. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 56:110-111. [PMID: 32349175 PMCID: PMC7267379 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Buonsenso
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donnadel Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - F. Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donnadel Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - R. Inchingolo
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e ChirurgicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - A. Smargiassi
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e ChirurgicheFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - L. Demi
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - G. Soldati
- Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound UnitValle del Serchio General HospitalLuccaItaly
| | - R. Moroni
- Direzione ScientificaFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - A. Lanzone
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donnadel Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - G. Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donnadel Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - A. C. Testa
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donnadel Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCSRomeItaly
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità PubblicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
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Moro F, Buonsenso D, Moruzzi MC, Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Demi L, Larici AR, Scambia G, Lanzone A, Testa AC. How to perform lung ultrasound in pregnant women with suspected COVID-19. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020; 55:593-598. [PMID: 32207208 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Under certain circumstances, such as during the current COVID-19 outbreak, pregnant women can be a target for respiratory infection, and lung examination may be required as part of their clinical evaluation, ideally while avoiding exposure to radiation. We propose a practical approach for obstetricians/gynecologists to perform lung ultrasound examination, discussing potential applications, semiology and practical aspects, which could be of particular importance in emergency situations, such as the current pandemic infection of COVID-19. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Moro
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - D Buonsenso
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M C Moruzzi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Inchingolo
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Smargiassi
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Demi
- Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - A R Larici
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica e Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - G Scambia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A Lanzone
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A C Testa
- Dipartimento Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Auger N, Duplaix M, Bilodeau-Bertrand M, Lo E, Smargiassi A. Corrigendum to "Environmental noise pollution and risk of preeclampsia" [Environ. Pollut. 239 (2018) 599-606]. Environ Pollut 2018; 241:1191. [PMID: 30021256 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Canada.
| | - M Duplaix
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Clermont-Auvergne, France
| | - M Bilodeau-Bertrand
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Canada
| | - E Lo
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Canada
| | - A Smargiassi
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Canada; Public Health Research Institute, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Canada
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Cutumisu N, Barnett TA, Smargiassi A, Ducharme FM, Tétreault LF. Influence of neighbourhood characteristics on asthma outcomes in an asthma clinic cohort of youths. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw171.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Corbo GM, Di Marco Berardino A, Mancini A, Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Raimondo S, Valente S. Serum level of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and IGF-1 during an acute exacerbation of COPD and their relationships with inflammatory and prognostic indices: a pilot study. Minerva Med 2014; 105:289-294. [PMID: 24844347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM Acute exacerbations (AECOPD) of negatively influence the natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) and they are related to muscle dysfunction. In this pathway hypogonadism could play a pivotal role. Our study wants to evaluate possible relationships among prognostic indexes of AECOPD, represented by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, inflammation (serum amyloid A, SSA) and anabolic hormones, especially less studied steroids, like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) e free-testosterone (f-T). METHODS Twenty-four patients (17 males; age 75 ± 13 yrs) were studied. On admission and at discharge a blood sample for total testosterone (T), DHT, insulin like grow factor 1 (IGF-1) and Serum Amyloid A (SSA) was obtained. f-T was calculated using Vermeulen's formula. RESULTS Descriptive statistical analysis shows reduced of T values (1.85 ± 2.28 ng/mL), f-T (0.028 ± 0.030 ng/mL), DHT (0.18 ± 0.19 ng/mL) and IGF-1 (91.840 ± 74.19 pg/mL). Calculating tertile for Apache II and SSA and using them as cut off point, three categories were made and used in the analysis (SSA< 10 mg/mL; 10-160 mg/mL; > 160 mg/mL); (APACHE II ≤ 10; 11-12; > 12). Using this classification, an inverse correlation between SAA and T (P = 0.01), f-T (0.01), DHT (0.001) and IGF-1 (P = 0.05) was found. Data show the same inverse relationship between APACHE II tertiles on one hand and T (P = 0.01) and f-T (P = 0.02) on the other hand. CONCLUSION Our data confirm systemic effects of AECOPD and the role of endocrinological derangements, suggesting a possible mechanism explaining them.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Corbo
- Pulmonary Medicine Department Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy -
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12
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Inchingolo R, Smargiassi A, Bello G, Pennisi MA, Chiappini F, Pirronti T, Valente S. Chest pain caused by tracheostomy tube malposition: the importance of choosing the right tube. Minerva Anestesiol 2011; 77:231-234. [PMID: 21283068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We describe a case of chest pain caused by tracheostomy tube malposition in a 65-year old woman with chronic respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This report highlights the importance of the correct choice of tracheostomy tube devices for mechanically ventilated and/or spontaneously breathing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Inchingolo
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, A. Gemelli University Polyclinic, Sacro Cuore Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Smargiassi A, Goldberg MS, Plante C, Fournier M, Baudouin Y, Kosatsky T. Variation of daily warm season mortality as a function of micro-urban heat islands. J Epidemiol Community Health 2009; 63:659-64. [PMID: 19366997 PMCID: PMC2701553 DOI: 10.1136/jech.2008.078147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little attention has been paid to how heat-related health effects vary with the micro-urban variation of outdoor temperatures. This study explored whether people located in micro-urban heat islands are at higher risk of mortality during hot summer days. Methods: Data used included (1) daily mortality for Montreal (Canada) for June–August 1990–2003, (2) daily mean ambient outdoor temperatures at the local international airport and (3) two thermal surface images (Landsat satellites, infrared wavelengths). A city-wide temperature versus daily mortality function was established on the basis of a case-crossover design; this function was stratified according to the surface temperature at decedents’ place of death. Results: The risk of death on warm summer days in areas with higher surface temperatures was greater than in areas with lower surface temperatures. Conclusions: This study suggests that measures aimed at reducing the temperature in micro-urban heat islands (eg, urban greening activities) may reduce the health impact of hot temperatures. Further studies are needed to document the variation of heat-related risks within cities and to evaluate the health benefits of measures aimed at reducing the temperature in micro-urban heat islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec/Direction de Santé Publique de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H2L 1M3, Canada.
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Takser L, Mergler D, de Grosbois S, Smargiassi A, Lafond J. Blood manganese content at birth and cord serum prolactin levels. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2005; 26:811-5. [PMID: 15451044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2004.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2004] [Accepted: 07/06/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is both an essential element and, at a high dose, a potent neurotoxin that can interact with dopaminergic neurotransmission. Plasma prolactin (PRL), an indirect indicator of dopaminergic functioning, has been shown to vary with Mn exposure in adults, but little is known about this relation in the developing brain. The objective of this study was to examine the relations between maternal and cord Mn blood concentrations at birth and PRL cord blood levels. Blood Mn levels were determined in 87 pregnant women at delivery, and PRL was measured in the cord blood plasma. Mn cord blood concentration (mean 34.4 microg/l, range 16.7-89.4) was significantly and positively related to cord PRL levels. These findings suggest that Mn accumulation in utero could contribute to PRL level variation in neonates, which, in turn, may influence important developmental parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Takser
- CINBIOSE Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3P8.
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Kosatsky T, Smargiassi A, Boivin MC. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF EXCESS RESPIRATORY DISEASE HOSPITALISATIONS DOWNWIND OF AN URBAN PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX. Epidemiology 2003. [DOI: 10.1097/00001648-200309001-00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Smargiassi A, Baldwin M, Savard S, Kennedy G, Mergler D, Zayed J. Assessment of exposure to manganese in welding operations during the assembly of heavy excavation machinery accessories. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2000; 15:746-50. [PMID: 11036725 DOI: 10.1080/10473220050129383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Welder exposure to metals in various industrial sectors is poorly characterized. We had the opportunity to carry out an exploratory study to characterize manganese exposure in welding operations in a recently established Quebec factory that assembled accessories for heavy excavation machinery. Ten workers were sampled for total manganese for at least two consecutive days out of three followed by two consecutive days for respirable manganese (with a size selective sampler with a median cut-off of 4 microns), during a typical week in the summer of 1998. Parts being welded were characterized as large or small. Small parts were those being welded on tables during subassembly. Workers were divided into two groups according to the parts they were welding. Seventy-eight percent of the total manganese exposure levels of welding operations during the assembly of large accessories of heavy excavation machinery exceeded the manganese American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) of 0.20 mg/m3 (GM 0.24 mg/m3, n = 14) while none exceeded the TLV during the assembly of small pieces (GM 0.06 mg/m3, n = 8). Welding operations during the assembly of large heavy excavation machinery accessories may pose a significant health hazard. Considering the importance of task-related variables affecting exposure among workers, further studies are needed to better characterize exposure determinants of welding operations during the assembly of heavy excavation machinery accessories.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Centre pour l'Etudes des Intéractions Biologiques entre la Santé et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), University of Quebec, Montréal, Canada
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Vettori M, Gatti R, Orlandini G, Belletti S, Alinovi R, Smargiassi A, Mutti A. An in vitro model for the assessment of manganese neurotoxicity. Toxicol In Vitro 1999; 13:931-8. [DOI: 10.1016/s0887-2333(99)00073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/1999] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Smargiassi A, Mutti A. Peripheral biomarkers and exposure to manganese. Neurotoxicology 1999; 20:401-6. [PMID: 10385899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical mechanisms underlying manganese (Mn) toxicity include dopamine (DA) auto-oxidation and free radical generation with subsequent neuronal damage. A neuroendocrine approach based on the measurement of serum prolactin (PRL) has been proposed to assess the tonic inhibition of pituitary lactotrope cells by the tubero-infundibular DA system. Low level exposure to Mn oxides in industrial settings is associated with a shift in the distribution of serum PRL towards higher levels as compared to matched controls. The follow-up of a small cohort of workers from a ferro-manganese plant showed that the increased prevalence of abnormally high PRL values is stable over time. Although the mechanistic basis for their application is less straightforward, other biochemical markers such as dopamine beta hydroxylase and monoamine oxidase Type B, have also been assessed. Contrary to PRL levels, these markers cannot be recommended to monitor early biochemical effects of manganese exposure at the workplace. Early biochemical events can be modified by genetically determined individual differences. Owing to the possible role of a reduced capacity of glutathione conjugation as a risk factor increasing the susceptibility to the action of free radicals generated in the presence of Mn, the class mu glutathione S transferase (GSTM1) genotype has also been assessed in workers occupationally exposed. However, the GSTM1 null genotype does not appear to play an important role in the susceptibility to biochemical effects of Mn. A logistic model of the dose-response relationship based on urinary Mn as marker of exposure indicates that the benchmark dose corresponds to Mn levels as low as 0.4 microgram/l. This would imply that environmental exposure to Mn may contribute to abnormally high serum PRL in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Nephrology and Health Sciences, University of Parma Medical School, Italy
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19
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Smargiassi A, Mutti A, De Rosa A, De Palma G, Negrotti A, Calzetti S. A case-control study of occupational and environmental risk factors for Parkinson's disease in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Neurotoxicology 1998; 19:709-12. [PMID: 9745932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A questionnaire-based case-control study was carried out on 86 patients with neurologist-confirmed idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and 86 controls similar in sex and age. The control group was recruited in outpatient specialist centers of the same University Hospital (glaucoma, psoriasis vulgaris, essential arterial hypertension and renal diseases). Exposure was defined as occupational or residential contact with a given factor for at least 10 consecutive years prior to the onset of PD. Smoking habits were defined by exclusion of those subjects who never smoked. The following risk factors were identified: cranial trauma (OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 0.98-8.49), well water use (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.46-5.28) and occupational exposure to industrial chemicals (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.16-3.91). Among industrial chemicals, only organic solvents were identified as significant risk factors for PD (O.R. : 2.78, 95% C.I. : 1.23-6.26). Whereas no exposure to neurotoxic metals occurred among controls, making the assessment of the O.R. impossible, exposure pesticides and herbicides was similar in the two groups (O.R. : 1.15; 95% C. : 0.56-2-36). Smoking habits was negatively associated with PD (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22-0.75), confirming the "protective" role of tobacco smoking suggested by many studies. As a whole, these results support the role of environmental factors in the etiology of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Dept. of Clinical Medicine, Nephrology and Health Sciences, University of Parma, Italy
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20
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Smargiassi A, Bergamaschi E, Mutti A, Cella MT. Predictive validity of the Q16 questionnaire: a comparison between reported symptoms and neurobehavioral tests. Neurotoxicology 1998; 19:703-8. [PMID: 9745931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The correspondence between the answers to the Q16 questions regarding memory and attention-concentration and relevant neurobehavioral performance test scores has been evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic validity of Q16 have been assessed, taking the relevant neurobehavioral test score as a reference diagnostic criterion, the lower quartile of performance being considered as a poor response. The group under study consisted of 74 volunteers (24 females), aged 40 years on average (SD:7.5) and recruited among styrene-exposed workers and healthy controls. The test battery included the logical memory (short- and long-term) and the verbal learning (short- and long-term) tests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The answers to the Q16 questions were poorly related to the performance: self-perceived forgetfulness showed a limited agreement with the long-term logical memory test (r=-0.23, p<0.05). The number of false negatives (no symptom but low test scores) was generally high, giving rise to a very low sensitivity of the questionnaire, despite a relatively high specificity. Accordingly, the positive diagnostic validity was low (<30%), whereas the negative diagnostic validity was high (>80%). Different methods used to investigate subtle neurological changes give rise to inconsistencies between self-perceived disturbances and objective measurements of relevant functions. Owing to its low sensitivity and positive diagnostic value, the Q16 cannot be recommended as a screening tool among workers occupationally exposed to neurotoxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Dept. of Clinical Medicine, Nephrology and Health Sciences, University of Parma, Italy
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Mutti A, Smargiassi A. Selective vulnerability of dopaminergic systems to industrial chemicals: risk assessment of related neuroendocrine changes. Toxicol Ind Health 1998; 14:311-23. [PMID: 9460182 DOI: 10.1177/074823379801400119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increased serum prolactin (PRL) is a common finding among subjects exposed to styrene, perchloroethylene, lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) at levels below the current threshold limit values. On a group basis, abnormally high basal PRL shows a dose-related distribution among workers exposed to styrene, Pb, and Mn. On the basis of dose-response relationships, the benchmark doses (BMD) for styrene metabolites in urine, lead in blood (Pb-B), and Mn in urine (Mn-U), are 4 mg/g creatinine, 112 micrograms/L, and 0.3 microgram/L, respectively. Noteworthy, the BMD for Mn-U and Pb-B is well below the upper reference limit. A shift in the distribution but not in the prevalence of abnormally high values of serum PRL was observed among perchloroethylene-exposed dry cleaners, which makes interpretation in terms of risk difficult. The measurement of PRL thus provides opportunities for early identification of excess exposure to neurotoxic chemicals affecting dopaminergic control of pituitary secretion. For styrene, Pb, and Mn the BMD provides an objective and statistically determined threshold, which seems to be in good agreement with the estimated no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). The NOAEL, however, is based on traditional approaches that require the application of uncertainty factors, e.g., a default factor of 10 when extrapolating the NOAEL from the lowest-observed-adverse-effect-level (LOAEL). Due to its sensitivity to a number of potential confounders, caution must be exercised when using PRL as a screening test at the individual level. Also, age and sex dependent variations in susceptibility may hamper extrapolations from the occupational settings to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mutti
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, University of Parma Medical School, Italy.
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Lucchini R, Bergamaschi E, Smargiassi A, Festa D, Apostoli P. Motor function, olfactory threshold, and hematological indices in manganese-exposed ferroalloy workers. Environ Res 1997; 73:175-180. [PMID: 9311544 DOI: 10.1006/enrs.1997.3702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 35 male subjects randomly selected from workers of a ferroalloy production plant and exposed to manganese (Mn) oxides; the objective was to detect early signs of neurologic impairment. The subjects' mean age was 39.4 years (SD, 8. 4); the average exposure duration was 14.5 years (range, 5-29 years). A control group of industrial workers not exposed to neurotoxic chemicals and comparable in age and confounding factors was recruited. The intensity of Mn exposure was moderate, as reflected by airborne Mn concentrations in total dust averaging 193 [corrected] micro g/m3. Mn levels in blood (MnB) and urine (MnU) were significantly higher in the Mn-exposed workers than in control workers. A relationship (not found with MnU) was found between MnB and a cumulative exposure index calculated on the basis of air concentration and exposure history for each subject (r = 0.52; r2 = 0.27; P = 0.002). Psychomotor function scores were lower among Mn-exposed subjects. The Aiming score was negatively correlated with MnB in the exposed group. The olfactory threshold did not differ between the two groups, although it was negatively associated with MnU in the exposed group. The white blood cell count results were significantly higher in Mn-exposed subjects than in controls. These findings show that an increase in Mn body burden is associated with an impairment of motor functions, whereas the increased excretion of Mn is related to an increased olfactory perception. Changes in numbers of leukocytes could indicate possible interferences of Mn with the immunological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lucchini
- Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, 25125, Italy
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Bergamaschi E, Smargiassi A, Mutti A, Cavazzini S, Vettori MV, Alinovi R, Franchini I, Mergler D. Peripheral markers of catecholaminergic dysfunction and symptoms of neurotoxicity among styrene-exposed workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1997; 69:209-14. [PMID: 9049672 DOI: 10.1007/s004200050138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM A cross-sectional investigation was carried out to assess possible relations between styrene-induced changes in three peripheral markers of catecholaminergic dysfunction and self-reported symptoms of neurotoxicity. SUBJECTS Male workers (n = 46) aged 14-60 (mean 29.5) years who had been exposed to styrene for an average of 6 (0.2-29) years were recruited in glassfiber reinforced plastics plants. A control group of 30 blue-collar workers aged 22-52 (mean 35) years and with no history of exposure to chemicals was recruited from local industries. Styrene exposure ranged from 5 to 120 ppm (8 h-TWA), the median level being relatively low (25 ppm, 8 h-TWA). Styrene metabolites, mandelic and phenylglycoxylic acids (MAPGA) in the "next morning" urine spot samples ranged from 32.0 to 931.1 mg/g creatinine (median 186.5). METHODS Platelet monoamine oxidases B (MAO B) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activities were assessed using methods based on HPLC and electrochemical detection. Plasma prolactin (PRL) was measured by a commercially available immunoassay. Questionnaire 16 (Q16) was used to survey self-reported symptoms. RESULTS Although there was no difference in DBH activity between exposed workers and controls, the most highly exposed workers had significantly lower activity than control subjects. A tendency to lower platelet MAO B activity in exposed than in control subjects was observed. The prevalence of plasma DBH and platelet MAO B values below the lower reference limit was similar in the two groups. PRL values exceeding the upper reference limit were higher (14/46 vs 2/30) among styrene-exposed workers, who also exhibited significantly higher median levels (10.0 vs 5.7 micrograms/l) than control subjects. Although the number of reported symptoms was similar among exposed and control subjects, in the exposed group it was positively associated with urinary MAPGA (Rho = 0.30, P = 0.04). Of the three peripheral markers of catecholaminergic dysfunction, plasma DBH was the only parameter negatively related to both urinary MAPGA (F = 9.56, P = 0.003) and the number of reported symptoms (Rho = 0.23, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Plasma PRL appears to be a sensitive marker of styrene-induced tubero-infundibular dopaminergic dysfunction in male subjects. DBH in plasma and MAO B in platelets seem to be less suitable markers for biomonitoring effect at the individual level, although DBH was related to the number of reported symptoms and to internal dose. Further studies on a larger and more exposed population are necessary to clarify the significance of these markers for health and their predictive value with regard to both subjective disturbances and concurrently administered performance tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bergamaschi
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, Universita di Parma, Italy
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Smargiassi A, Mutti A, Bergamaschi E, Bélanger S, Truchon G, Mergler D. Pilot study of peripheral markers of catecholaminergic systems among workers occupationally exposed to toluene. Neurotoxicology 1996; 17:769-75. [PMID: 9086500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In a pilot study, serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), platelets monoamine oxidase type B (MAO B) activities and basal plasma prolactin (PRL) were measured, among 10 workers occupationally exposed to toluene and 10 control subjects, preceding and immediately following vacation. Six exposed subjects were employed in an adhesive tape making industry and 4 in a paint making industry. Their median basal levels of urinary hippuric acid were 0.44 mmole/mmole creatinine (cr) (range 0.23-1.97) and 0.18 mmole/mmole cr (range 0.15-0.19) respectively, the second to last morning of the work week, preceding vacation. The level of basal urinary hippuric acid among the control group was 0.26 mmole/mmole cr (range 0.03-0.38). The workers from the adhesive tape plant reported a significantly higher number of symptoms experienced frequently (Kruskal, Wallis, p < 0.05). On a group basis, serum DBH was lowest among the workers from the adhesive tape plant, who had the highest levels of basal urinary hippuric acid. In addition, a negative relation was observed between hippuric acid and serum DBH, preceding and following vacation (Rho = -0.46, p = 0.05; Rho = -0.51, p = 0.03). The observed changes in serum DBH activity are consistent with its decrease in human, following long-term exposure to styrene, another aromatic hydrocarbon. The findings of this pilot study, on a limited number of individuals suggest that DBH may be a sensitive peripheral bioindicator. Further studies of larger groups should be done to confirm the decrease in serum DBH activity with toluene exposure and explore whether this alteration is related to the neurotoxic impairments associated with exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Centre pour l'étude des intéractions biologiques entre la santé et l'environnement (Cinbiose); Université du Québec à Montréal
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Smargiassi A, Mergler D, Bergamaschi E, Vettori MV, Lucchini R, Apostoli P. Peripheral markers of catecholamine metabolism among workers occupationally exposed to manganese (Mn). Toxicol Lett 1995; 77:329-33. [PMID: 7618158 DOI: 10.1016/0378-4274(95)03314-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In a preliminary study of 11 men randomly selected in a ferro-alloy plant and of 15 control subjects, platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activities were measured. A tendency towards lower MAO-B activity in the exposed workers as compared to control subjects (t = 1.95; P = 0.06) was found whereas DBH activity was similar. In the exposed group, a dose-effect relationship was noted between a manganese (Mn) cumulative exposure index (CEI) and DBH activity (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.05). Since DBH is an expression of catecholamine release, the relative increase in such activity could be envisaged as a compensatory mechanism to a reduced turnover rate as reflected by MAO-B activity. Owing to the limited sample size, these findings should be confirmed by further epidemiological and experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Smargiassi
- Centre pour l'étude des intéractions biologiques entre la santé et l'environnement (Cinbiose), Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
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Mergler D, Huel G, Bowler R, Iregren A, Bélanger S, Baldwin M, Tardif R, Smargiassi A, Martin L. Nervous system dysfunction among workers with long-term exposure to manganese. Environ Res 1994; 64:151-80. [PMID: 8306949 DOI: 10.1006/enrs.1994.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurological disorders, bearing many similarities to Parkinson's disease, have been associated with environmental and occupational exposure to manganese (Mn). To document early nervous system dysfunction associated with long-term exposure to Mn, a battery of neurofunctional tests was administered to workers employed in Mn alloy production. Study participation was 95% (n = 115). A matched pair design was used; actively working men, with no history of workplace exposure to neurotoxins, were recruited from the region as referents. Matching was done on the variables: age (+/- 3 years), educational level (+/- 2 years), smoking status, and number of children. Stationary environmental sampling indicated that Mn levels varied widely (geometric means: Mn dust, 0.89 mg/m3; respirable Mn, 0.04 mg/m3). The alloy workers had significantly higher levels of whole blood Mn (geometric mean: 1.03 microgram/100 ml vs 0.68 microgram/100 ml); no differences were observed for urinary Mn. Univariate analysis (paired t test, Signed Rank and McNemar) and multivariate analysis of variance (Hotelling-Lawley statistic) revealed that the pairs differed on symptom reporting, emotional state, motor functions, cognitive flexibility, and olfactory perception threshold; verbal fluency, basic mathematics, reading capability, and attentional capacity were similar. These findings are consistent with current knowledge on brain Mn activity and suggest that manifestations of early manganism can be observed in well designed population studies, using sensitive testing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mergler
- Centre pour l'étude des interactions biologiques entre la santé et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec, Montréal, Canada
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Bergamaschi E, Smargiassi A, Mutti A, Franchini I, Lucchini R. Immunological changes among workers occupationally exposed to styrene. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1995; 67:165-71. [PMID: 7591174 DOI: 10.1007/bf00626348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The functional status of the immune system was investigated in a group of 71 workers exposed to styrene and in 65 control subjects, recruited according to the same selection criteria and comparable as to sex, age, and confounding variables. Air and biological monitoring were used to characterize styrene exposure (median of the main urinary metabolites in the "next-morning" spot samples: 106 mg/g creatinine). Phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) by automated flow cytometry revealed a reduced proportion of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+45+), with no changes in CD8+, and a higher proportion of B lymphocytes (CD19+) among styrene-exposed workers. The exposed workers showed a higher proportion of activation markers, namely DR and interleukin-2 receptors (CD25). Immunoglobulin subclasses were comparable in the two groups. An increased prevalence of abnormally low values was apparent for CD2+, CD3+, CD4+, CD4+45+ and CD11b subsets among workers exposed to styrene, whereas CD19+, DR+ and CD25+ showed an increased prevalence of abnormally high values. Natural killer-related phenotypes (CD56+, CD56+16+, and CD56+16-) were more expressed among styrene workers, with average increase of 30%. However, the frequency distribution of the lytic activity of natural killer cells against K-562 target cells was shifted towards lower values in the exposed workers as compared to control subjects. Dose-response relationships between indices of internal dose and prevalence of abnormal values were detectable for T lymphocyte subsets, NK phenotypes, and activation markers. These findings suggest that moderate exposure to styrene is associated with an altered distribution of lymphocyte subsets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bergamaschi
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, University of Parma Medical School, Italy
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