Air pollution exposure estimation using dispersion modelling and continuous monitoring data in a prospective birth cohort study in the Netherlands

Previous studies suggest that pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. A prospective cohort study in pregnant women and their children enables identification of the specific effects and critical periods. This paper describes the design of air pollution exposure assessment for participants of the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from early pregnancy onwards in 9778 women in the Netherlands. Individual exposures to PM10 and NO2 levels at the home address were estimated for mothers and children, using a combination of advanced dispersion modelling and continuous monitoring data, taking into account the spatial and temporal variation in air pollution concentrations. Full residential history was considered. We observed substantial spatial and temporal variation in air pollution exposure levels. The Generation R Study provides unique possibilities to examine effects of short- and long-term air pollution exposure on various maternal and childhood outcomes and to identify potential critical windows of exposure

Application of a Colorimetric Assay to Identify Putative Ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5'-Phosphate Synthase Genes Expressed with Activity in Escherichia coli

Tetrahydromethanopterin (H(4)MPT) is a tetrahydrofolate analog originally discovered in methanogenic archaea, but later found in other archaea and bacteria. The extent to which H(4)MPT occurs among living organisms is unknown. The key enzyme which distinguishes the biosynthetic pathways of H(4)MPT and tetrahydrofolate is ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5'-phosphate synthase (RFAP synthase). Given the importance of RFAP synthase in H(4)MPT biosynthesis, the identification of putative RFAP synthase genes and measurement of RFAP synthase activity would provide an indication of the presence of H(4)MPT in untested microorganisms. Investigation of putative archaeal RFAP synthase genes has been hampered by the tendency of the resulting proteins to form inactive inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The current work describes a colorimetric assay for measuring RFAP synthase activity, and two modified procedures for expressing recombinant RFAP synthase genes to produce soluble, active enzyme. By lowering the incubation temperature during expression, RFAP synthase from Archaeoglobus fulgidus was produced in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. The production of active RFAP synthase from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus was achieved by coexpression of the gene MTH0830 with a molecular chaperone. This is the first direct biochemical identification of a methanogen gene that codes for an active RFAP synthase

Continuous low- to moderate-intensity exercise training is as effective as moderate- to high-intensity exercise training at lowering blood HbA1c in obese type 2 diabetes patients

Aims/hypothesis: Exercise represents an effective interventional strategy to improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the impact of exercise intensity on the benefits of exercise training remains to be established. In the present study, we compared the clinical benefits of 6 months of continuous low- to moderate-intensity exercise training with those of continuous moderate- to high-intensity exercise training, matched for energy expenditure, in obese type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Fifty male obese type 2 diabetes patients (age 59∈±∈8 years, BMI 32∈± ∈4 kg/m2) participated in a 6 month continuous endurance-type exercise training programme. All participants performed three supervised exercise sessions per week, either 55 min at 50% of whole body peak oxygen uptake left(VO2peak) (low to moderate intensity) or 40 min at 75% of VO2peak (moderate to high intensity). Oral glucose tolerance, blood glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, body composition, maximal workload capacity, whole body and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and skeletal muscle fibre type composition were assessed before and after 2 and 6 months of intervention. Results: The entire 6 month intervention programme was completed by 37 participants. Continuous endurance-type exercise training reduced blood glycated haemoglobin levels, LDL-cholesterol concentrations, body weight and leg fat mass, and increased VO2peak, lean muscle mass and skeletal muscle cytochrome c oxidase and citrate synthase activity (p∈<∈0. 05). No differences were observed between the groups training at low to moderate or moderate to high intensity. Conclusions/interpretation: When matched for energy cost, prolonged continuous low- to moderate-intensity endurance-type exercise training is equally effective as continuous moderate- to high-intensity training in lowering blood glycated haemoglobin and increasing whole body and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in obese type 2 diabetes patients. © 2009 Springer-Verlag

NO2 inhalation induces maturation of pulmonary CD11c+ cells that promote antigenspecific CD4+ T cell polarization

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is an air pollutant associated with poor respiratory health, asthma exacerbation, and an increased likelihood of inhalational allergies. NO₂is also produced endogenously in the lung during acute inflammatory responses. NO₂can function as an adjuvant, allowing for allergic sensitization to an innocuous inhaled antigen and the generation of an antigen-specific Th2 immune response manifesting in an allergic asthma phenotype. As CD11c⁺antigen presenting cells are considered critical for naïve T cell activation, we investigated the role of CD11c⁺cells in NO₂-promoted allergic sensitization.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We systemically depleted CD11c⁺cells from transgenic mice expressing a simian diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor under of control of the CD11c promoter by administration of DT. Mice were then exposed to 15 ppm NO₂followed by aerosolized ovalbumin to promote allergic sensitization to ovalbumin and were studied after subsequent inhaled ovalbumin challenges for manifestation of allergic airway disease. In addition, pulmonary CD11c⁺cells from wildtype mice were studied after exposure to NO₂and ovalbumin for cellular phenotype by flow cytometry and <it>in vitro </it>cytokine production.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Transient depletion of CD11c⁺cells during sensitization attenuated airway eosinophilia during allergen challenge and reduced Th2 and Th17 cytokine production. Lung CD11c⁺cells from wildtype mice exhibited a significant increase in MHCII, CD40, and OX40L expression 2 hours following NO₂exposure. By 48 hours, CD11c⁺MHCII⁺DCs within the mediastinal lymph node (MLN) expressed maturation markers, including CD80, CD86, and OX40L. CD11c⁺CD11b^-and CD11c⁺CD11b⁺pulmonary cells exposed to NO₂<it>in vivo </it>increased uptake of antigen 2 hours post exposure, with increased ova-Alexa 647⁺CD11c⁺MHCII⁺DCs present in MLN from NO₂-exposed mice by 48 hours. Co-cultures of ova-specific CD4⁺T cells from naïve mice and CD11c⁺pulmonary cells from NO₂-exposed mice produced IL-1, IL-12p70, and IL-6 <it>in vitro </it>and augmented antigen-induced IL-5 production.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>CD11c⁺cells are critical for NO₂-promoted allergic sensitization. NO₂exposure causes pulmonary CD11c⁺cells to acquire a phenotype capable of increased antigen uptake, migration to the draining lymph node, expression of MHCII and co-stimulatory molecules required to activate naïve T cells, and secretion of polarizing cytokines to shape a Th2/Th17 response.</p

Residential traffic exposure and pregnancy-related outcomes: a prospective birth cohort study

Background. The effects of ambient air pollution on pregnancy outcomes are under debate. Previous studies have used different air pollution exposure assessment methods. The considerable traffic-related intra-urban spatial variation needs to be considered in exposure assessment. Residential proximity to traffic is a proxy for traffic-related exposures that takes into account within-city contrasts. Methods. We investigated the association between residential proximity to traffic and various birth and pregnancy outcomes in 7,339 pregnant women and their children participating in a population-based cohort study. Residential proximity to traffic was defined as 1) distance-weighted traffic density in a 150 meter radius, and 2) proximity to a major road. We estimated associations of these exposures with birth weight, and with the risks of preterm birth and small size for gestational age at birth. Additionally, we examined associations with pregnancy-induced hypertension, (pre)eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Results. There was considerable variation in distance-weighted traffic density. Almost fifteen percent of the participants lived within 50 m of a major road. Residential proximity to traffic was not associated with birth and pregnancy outcomes in the main analysis and in various sensitivity analyses. Conclusions. Mothers exposed to residential traffic had no higher risk of adverse birth outcomes or pregnancy complications in this study. Future studies may be refined by taking both temporal and spatial variation in air pollution exposure into account

Non-Japanese Residents and the Earthquake : Reflections on our work thus far (Research Group on Non-Japanese Residents and the Earthquake)

BACKGROUND: Renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are one of the main targets of inflammatory insults during interstitial nephritis and kidney transplant rejection. While Th1 cells are know to be essential in the pathogenesis of rejection, the role of Th17 is still under debate. We hypothesize that TECs modulate the outcome of rejection process by production of distinct chemokines and cytokines that determine the attraction of different T-cell subsets. Therefore, we studied differential effects of activated human renal epithelial cells on T-cell migration. METHODS: Human primary TECs were stimulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α in vitro. Chemokines and cytokines produced by activated TECs were measured using Luminex or ELISA. Chemotaxis assay was performed using activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells composed of CD4+CXCR3+ and CD4+CCR6+ T cells migrating towards stimulated and unstimulated TECs. RESULTS: While activated TECs secreted abundant amounts of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, the T helper cell differentiation cytokines IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-23 or TGF-β1 were not produced. The production of Th1 chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10 and CCL5 were significantly upregulated after TEC stimulation. In contrast, Th17 chemokine CCL20 could not be detected. Finally, activated TECs attracted significantly higher numbers of CD4+CXCR3+ T cells as compared to unstimulated TECs. No migration of CD4+CCR6+ T cells could be observed. CONCLUSION: Activated primary renal tubular epithelial cells do not attract Th17 cells nor produce cytokines promoting Th17 cell differentiation in our experimental system mimicking the proinflammatory microenvironment of rejection

pengaruh model pembelajaran inductive thinking - deductive thinking terhadap hasil belajar IPS ditinjau dari jenis kelamin siswa kelas VII SMP N 2 KARTASURA

ABSTRAK Ulfah Fajar Hayati (K5411064) PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN DEDUCTIVE THINKING–INDUCTIVE THINKING DITINJAU DARI JENIS KELAMIN TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA KELAS VII SMP NEGERI 2 KARTASURA TAHUN AJARAN 2014/2015 (Materi Pembelajaran Kondisi Geografis dan Penduduk). Proposal Skripsi, Surakarta: Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan. Universitas Sebelas Maret. Februari 2015. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah 1) Untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar IPS materi pembelajaran kondisi geografis dan penduduk antara model pembelajaran deductive thinking dan model pembelajaran induktive thinking pada siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Kartasura tahun ajaran 2014/2015. 2) Untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar IPS materi pembelajaran kondisi geografis dan penduduk pada siswa laki-laki yang disampaikan dengan model pembelajaran deductive thinking dan model pembelajaran inductive thinking pada siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Kartasura tahun ajaran 2014/2015. 3) Untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar IPS materi pembelajaran kondisi geografis dan penduduk pada siswa perempuan yang disampaikan dengan model pembelajaran deductive thinking dan model pembelajaran inductive thinking pada siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Kartasura tahun ajaran 2014/2015. 4) Untuk mengetahui pengaruh interaksi antara model pembelajaran dan jenis kelamin terhadap hasil belajar IPS materi pembelajaran kondisi geografis dan penduduk pada siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Kartasura tahun ajaran 2014/2015. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Quasi Eksperimental dengan rencana design grup factorial 2x2. Populasi penelitian adalah kelas VII SMP Negeri 2 Kartasura, Sukoharjo dan sampel penelitian adalah siswa kelas VIID dan VIIA Sampel tersebut diambil dengan menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan tes dalam bentuk tes obyektif pilihan ganda. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dengan pengujian hipotesis analisis Anova Dua Arah (Two Way Anova) pada taraf signifikasi 5%

Landelijk Meetnet effecten Mestbeleid rapport 2011-2014 : Methoden en procedures

This report describes the methods and procedures used by the Dutch Minerals Policy Monitoring Programme (LMM) in the years 2011-2014. The LMM provides information on the effects of Dutch minerals policy on agricultural practices and water quality. It plays a role in the accountability and evaluation of the Dutch Fertiliser Law, the European Nitrate Directive and the Dutch derogation of the Nitrate Directive. According to this derogation, the Netherlands has been granted permission under certain circumstances to apply more nitrogen via animal manure than is normally permitted by the Nitrate Directive. It is, however, under an obligation to monitor the effects of the application of larger amounts of nitrogen via animal manure. Several changes were made in the years 2011-2014 to optimise the monitoring network and to adapt it to changing circumstances. The purpose of this report is to describe all the relevant changes in order to clarify the monitoring methods used. The RIVM and Wageningen Economic Research (previously known as LEI Wageningen UR) cooperate in the LMM to collect information about agricultural practices and water quality on Dutch farms. Wageningen Economic Research collects financial, economic and environmental data on approximately 450 farms. The RIVM monitors the quality of groundwater, soil moisture, ditch water and/or drainage water on these farms. The participating farms are a representative random sample covering all the soil regions (sand, clay, peat, loess) and farm types (arable, dairy, industrial livestock and other).Dit technische rapport beschrijft de werkwijze van het Landelijk Meetnet effecten Mestbeleid (LMM) in de periode 2011-2014. Het LMM voorziet de Nederlandse overheid van informatie over de effecten van het mestbeleid op de waterkwaliteit en de landbouwpraktijk. Het meetnet vervult daarmee een rol in de verantwoording en evaluatie van de Nederlandse Meststoffenwet, de Europese Nitraatrichtlijn en de Nederlandse derogatie op de Nitraatrichtlijn. Derogatie houdt in dat Nederland, onder voorwaarden, toestemming heeft om meer stikstof met dierlijke mest uit te rijden dan regulier is opgenomen in de Europese nitraatrichtlijn. Een van de voorwaarden is dat de effecten van de een hogere hoeveelheid stikstof uit dierlijke mest worden gemonitord. In de onderzoeksperiode zijn verschillende wijzigingen doorgevoerd om het meetnet te optimaliseren en af te stemmen op de veranderende omstandigheden. Alle relevante wijzigingen zijn in dit rapport vastgelegd, zodat de gebruikte meetmethoden voor iedereen inzichtelijk blijven. In het LMM werken Wageningen Economic Research (voorheen het LEI Wageningen UR) en het RIVM samen om informatie te verzamelen over de landbouwpraktijk en waterkwaliteit op landbouwbedrijven in Nederland. Wageningen Economic Reseach verzamelt financiële, economische en milieudata van ongeveer 450 landbouwbedrijven. Het RIVM meet de kwaliteit van het grondwater, bodemvocht, slootwater en/of drainagewater op deze bedrijven. De deelnemende bedrijven zijn een representatieve steekproef van de Nederlandse landbouw, verdeeld over grondsoortregio's (zand, klei, veen en löss) en bedrijfstypen (melkvee-, akkerbouw-, hokdier- en overige bedrijven).Ministerie van E

Minerals Policy Monitoring Programme report 2011-2014 : Methods and procedures

This report describes the methods and procedures used by the Dutch Minerals Policy Monitoring Programme (LMM) in the years 2011-2014. The LMM provides information on the effects of Dutch minerals policy on agricultural practices and water quality. It plays a role in the accountability and evaluation of the Dutch Fertiliser Law, the European Nitrate Directive and the Dutch derogation of the Nitrate Directive. According to this derogation, the Netherlands has been granted permission under certain circumstances to apply more nitrogen via animal manure than is normally permitted by the Nitrate Directive. It is, however, under an obligation to monitor the effects of the application of larger amounts of nitrogen via animal manure. Several changes were made in the years 2011-2014 to optimise the monitoring network and to adapt it to changing circumstances. The purpose of this report is to describe all the relevant changes in order to clarify the monitoring methods used. The RIVM and Wageningen Economic Research (previously known as LEI Wageningen UR) cooperate in the LMM to collect information about agricultural practices and water quality on Dutch farms. Wageningen Economic Research collects financial, economic and environmental data on approximately 450 farms. The RIVM monitors the quality of groundwater, soil moisture, ditch water and/or drainage water on these farms. The participating farms are a representative random sample covering all the soil regions (sand, clay, peat, loess) and farm types (arable, dairy, industrial livestock and other)