Lack of a protective effect of cotton dust on risk of lung cancer: evidence from two population-based case-control studies.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in North America. Exposure to cotton dust has previously been reported to decrease the risk of lung cancer.

Methods: We used data from two large case-control studies conducted in Montreal from 1979-1986 (Study 1) and 1996-2002 (Study 2) respectively, to examine the association between occupational exposure to cotton dust and risk of lung cancer.

A systematic review of the association between pleural plaques and changes in lung function.

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of changes in lung function in relation to presence of pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed populations.

Methods: Database searches of PubMed and Web of Science were supplemented by review of papers' reference lists and journals' tables of contents. Methodological features (eg, consideration of potential confounding by smoking) of identified articles were reviewed by ≥ two reviewers.

Low levels of exposure to libby amphibole asbestos and localized pleural thickening.

Objective: To explore the relationship between low levels of exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos (LAA) and pleural abnormalities, specifically localized pleural thickening (LPT).

Methods: Three studies presenting the risks associated with quantitative LAA exposure estimates were reviewed, paying particular attention to lower exposure ranges.

Results: Studies reviewed were conducted among workers exposed to LAA at mining and milling operations in Libby, Montana, at a vermiculite processing facility in Marysville, Ohio, and community residents exposed to LAA from a vermiculite processing facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Multiple classes of environmental chemicals are associated with liver disease: NHANES 2003-2004.

Biomonitoring studies show that humans carry a body burden of multiple classes of contaminants which are not often studied together. Many of these chemicals may be hepatotoxic. We used the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to evaluate the relationship between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 37 environmental contaminants, comprising heavy metals, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxin-like compounds, using a novel method.

Risk of selected cancers due to occupational exposure to chlorinated solvents in a case-control study in Montreal.

Objective: To evaluate the association between exposure to chlorinated solvents and cancer.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study of occupational exposures and cancer in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, including 3730 cancer cases and 533 population controls. Occupational exposures were derived using a combination of subject-reported job history and expert assessment.

Risk of lung cancer associated with six types of chlorinated solvents: results from two case-control studies in Montreal, Canada.

Objectives: To determine whether exposure to various chlorinated solvents is associated with lung cancer.

Methods: Two case-control studies of occupation and lung cancer were conducted in Montreal, and included 2016 cases and 2001 population controls. Occupational exposure to a large number of agents was evaluated using a combination of subject-reported job history and expert assessment.

The risk of lung cancer related to dietary intake of flavonoids.

It has been hypothesized that flavonoids in foods and beverages may reduce cancer risk through antioxidation, inhibition of inflammation, and other antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties. We examined associations between intake of 5 flavonoid subclasses (anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones) and lung cancer risk in a population-based case-control study in Montreal, Canada (1061 cases and 1425 controls). Flavonoid intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire that assessed diet 2 yr prior to diagnosis (cases) or interview (controls).

Metals in blood and urine, and thyroid function among adults in the United States 2007-2008.

The thyroid is integral to regulation of development and metabolism. Certain metals have been shown to affect thyroid function in occupationally exposed persons, but few studies have been conducted in the general population. This study evaluates the association between biomarkers of metal exposure and thyroid hormones in the US population.

Maternal concentrations of polyfluoroalkyl compounds during pregnancy and fetal and postnatal growth in British girls.

Background: Prenatal exposures to polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) may be associated with adverse changes in fetal and postnatal growth.

Objective: We explored associations of prenatal serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) with fetal and postnatal growth in girls.

Methods: We studied a sample of 447 singleton girls and their mothers participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

A methodological approach to assessing the health impact of environmental chemical mixtures: PCBs and hypertension in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

We describe an approach to examine the association between exposure to chemical mixtures and a health outcome, using as our case study polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hypertension. The association between serum PCB and hypertension among participants in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was examined. First, unconditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals.

Trends in hospitalization for empyema in Alaska Native children younger than 10 years of age.

We analyzed hospitalizations for empyema among Alaska Native (AN) children and the general population of US children <10 years of age during the years 1998 to 2007. We also analyzed invasive pneumococcal disease in AN children. Between 1998 and 2000, the average annual hospitalization rate for empyema was higher for AN children (51.

Exposure to polyfluoroalkyl chemicals during pregnancy is not associated with offspring age at menarche in a contemporary British cohort.

Introduction: Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) are commercially synthesized chemicals used in consumer products. Exposure to certain PFCs is widespread, and some PFCs may act as endocrine disruptors. We used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the United Kingdom to conduct a nested case-control study examining the association between age at menarche, and exposure to PFCs during pregnancy.

Trends in hospitalizations for peptic ulcer disease, United States, 1998-2005.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori increases the risk for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and its complications. To determine whether hospitalization rates for PUD have declined since antimicrobial drugs to eradicate H. pylori became available, we examined 1998-2005 hospitalization records (using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample) in which the primary discharge diagnosis was PUD.

Role of prenatal characteristics and early growth on pubertal attainment of British girls.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the influence of maternal prenatal characteristics and behaviors and of weight and BMI gain during early childhood on the timing of various puberty outcomes in girls who were enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Methods: Repeated self-assessments of pubertal development were obtained from approximately 4000 girls between the ages of 8 and 14. Data on prenatal characteristics and weight at birth and 2, 9, and 20 months of age were obtained from questionnaires, birth records, and clinic visits.

Pubertal pathways in girls enrolled in a contemporary british cohort.

Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were used to describe initiation of secondary sexual characteristic development of girls. Tanner stages of breast and pubic hair and menarche status were self-reported via mailed questionnaires, administered from ages 8-14. Initiation pathway was categorized as breast [thelarche] or pubic hair [pubarche] development alone, or synchronous.

Characterization of the correlation between ages at entry into breast and pubic hair development.

Purpose: The timing of breast and pubic hair development in girls are related, but the degree of correlation has not been well characterized. Periodic observations also are complicated by interval censoring.

Methods: Data used were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

The Incidence of Molluscum contagiosum among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Background: The epidemiology of Molluscum contagiosum (MC) in the United States is largely unknown, despite the fact that the virus is directly communicable and large outbreaks occur. This study provides population-based estimates to describe the epidemiology of MC in the United States among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons. This population was selected because of the comprehensiveness and quality of available data describing utilization of out-patient services.