scholarly journals Associations of COVID-19 lockdown with gestational length and preterm birth in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moran Dong ◽  
Rui Qian ◽  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
Jingjie Fan ◽  
Yufeng Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
Level I ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract Background The effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on maternal and fetal health remain unclear. We examined the associations of COVID-19 lockdown with gestational length and preterm birth (PTB) in a Chinese population. Methods We obtained medical records of 595,396 singleton live infants born between 2015 and 2020 in 5 cities in Guangdong Province, South China. The exposed group (N = 101,900) included women who experienced the COVID-19 Level I lockdown (1/23–2/24/2020) during pregnancy, while the unexposed group (N = 493,496) included women who were pregnant during the same calendar months in 2015–2019. Cumulative exposure was calculated based on days exposed to different levels of emergency responses with different weighting. Generalized linear regression models were applied to estimate the associations of lockdown exposure with gestational length and risk of PTB (< 37 weeks). Results The exposed group had a shorter mean gestational length than the unexposed group (38.66 vs 38.74 weeks: adjusted β = − 0.06 week [95%CI, − 0.07, − 0.05 week]). The exposed group also had a higher risk of PTB (5.7% vs 5.3%; adjusted OR = 1.08 [95%CI, 1.05, 1.11]). These associations seemed to be stronger when exposure occurred before or during the 23rd gestational week (GW) than during or after the 24th GW. Similarly, higher cumulative lockdown exposure was associated with a shorter gestational length and a higher risk of PTB. Conclusions The COVID-19 lockdown measures were associated with a slightly shorter gestational length and a moderately higher risk of PTB. Early and middle pregnancy periods may be a more susceptible exposure window.

scholarly journals Associations of COVID-19 Lockdown with Gestational Length and Preterm Birth in China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moran Dong ◽  
Rui Qian ◽  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
Jingjie Fan ◽  
Yufeng Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Gestational Week ◽  
Level I ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract BackgroundThe effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on maternal and fetal health remain unclear. We examined the associations of COVID-19 lockdown with gestational length and preterm birth (PTB) in a Chinese population.MethodsWe obtained medical records of 595396 singleton live infants born between 2015 and 2020 in 5 cities in Guangdong Province, South China. The exposed group (N=101900) included women who experienced the COVID-19 Level I lockdown (1/23-2/24/2020) during pregnancy, while the unexposed group (N=493496) included women who were pregnant during the same calendar months in 2015-2019. Cumulative exposure was calculated based on days exposed to different levels of emergency responses with different weighting. Generalized linear regression models were applied to estimate the associations of lockdown exposure with gestational length and risk of PTB (<37 weeks).ResultsThe exposed group had a shorter mean gestational length than the unexposed group (38.66 vs 38.74 weeks: adjusted β=-0.06 week [95%CI, -0.07, -0.05 week]). The exposed group also had a higher risk of PTB (5.7% vs 5.3%; adjusted OR=1.08 [95%CI, 1.05, 1.11]). These associations seemed to be stronger when exposure occurred before or during the 23rd gestational week (GW) than during or after the 24th GW. Similarly, higher cumulative lockdown exposure was associated with a shorter gestational length and a higher risk of PTB.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown measures were associated with a slightly shorter gestational length and a moderately higher risk of PTB. Early and middle pregnancy periods may be a more susceptible exposure window.

scholarly journals Association of Bisphenol A Exposure with LINE-1 Hydroxymethylation in Human Semen

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youping Tian ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhou ◽  
Maohua Miao ◽  
De-kun Li ◽  
Ziliang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Human Semen ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemical ◽  
Dna Hydroxymethylation ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Male Workers

Bisphenol A (BPA), an exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been shown to alter DNA methylation. However, little information is available about the effect of BPA exposure on DNA hydroxymethylation in humans. The objective of the present study was to examine whether BPA exposure was associated with DNA hydroxymethylation in human semen samples. We measured urine BPA levels and LINE-1 hydroxymethylation in 158 male factory workers selected from an occupational cohort study conducted in China between 2004 and 2008. Among them, there were 72 male workers with occupational BPA exposure (BPA-exposed group) and 86 male workers without occupational BPA exposure (unexposed group). Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association of exposure to BPA with LINE-1 hydroxymethylation. LINE-1 was more highly hydroxymethylated in the BPA-exposed group than in the unexposed group (median 12.97% vs. 9.68%, respectively; p < 0.05), after adjusting for the potential confounders. The medians of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) generally increased with increasing urine BPA levels: 8.79%, 12.16%, 11.53%, and 13.45%, for undetected BPA and corresponding tertiles for the detected BPA, respectively. After analysis using data at individual level, our findings indicated that BPA exposure was associated with alterations of sperm LINE-1 hydroxymethylation, which might have implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying BPA-induced adverse effects on male reproductive function.

scholarly journals Factors associated with preterm birth at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial hospital, southern Ethiopia: case-control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Negeso Gebeyehu Gejo ◽  
Melaku Tesfaye W/mariam ◽  
Biruk Assefa Kebede ◽  
Ritbano Ahmed Abdo ◽  
Abebe Alemu Anshebo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Induced Hypertension ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Background Preterm birth is defined as the birth of a baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Worldwide, prematurity is the second foremost cause of death in children under the age of 5 years. Preterm birth also gives rise to short and long term complications. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with preterm birth in Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial referral hospital, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from July 01, 2018 to June 30, 2019 among mothers who gave birth in Wachemo University Nigest Eleni Mohammed Memorial referral hospital. A retrospective one-year data was retrieved from medical records of mothers with their index neonates. Simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants. SPSS version 20 software was used for data entry and computing statistical analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association of each independent variable with the dependent variable. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals was computed to identify the presence and strength of association, and statistical significance was affirmed if p < 0.05. Result The current study evaluated 213 medical records of mothers with index neonates (71 cases and 142 controls). Urban residency [AOR = 0.48; 95% Cl; 0.239, 0.962], antenatal care follow up [AOR = 0.08; 95 Cl; 0.008, 0.694], premature rupture of membranes [AOR = 3.78; 95% Cl; 1.467, 9.749], pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR = 3.77; 95% Cl; 1.408, 10.147] and multiple pregnancies [AOR = 5.53; 95% Cl; 2.467, 12.412] were the factors associated with preterm birth. More than one-third (36.6%) preterm neonates died in the present study. Conclusions The present study found that urban residency, antenatal care follow up, premature rupture of membranes, pregnancy induced hypertension and multiple pregnancies were factors associated with preterm birth. The mortality among preterm neonates is high. Enhancing antenatal care follow up and early detection and treatment of disorders among pregnant women during antenatal care and undertaking every effort to improve outcomes of preterm birth and reduce neonatal mortality associated with prematurity is decisive.

scholarly journals Pregnancy Outcome during the First COVID 19 Lockdown in Vienna, Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3782
Author(s):  
Sylvia Kirchengast ◽  
Beda Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Outcome ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Extremely Low Birth Weight ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Gestational Length ◽  
Live Births

The COVID 19 pandemic represents a major stress factor for non-infected pregnant women. Although maternal stress during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction, an increasing number of studies yielded no negative effects of COVID 19 lockdowns on pregnancy outcome. The present study focused on pregnancy outcome during the first COVID 19 lockdown phase in Austria. In particular, it was hypothesized that the national lockdown had no negative effects on birth weight, low birth weight rate and preterm birth rate. In a retrospective medical record-based single center study, the outcome of 669 singleton live births in Vienna Austria during the lockdown phase between March and July 2020 was compared with the pregnancy outcome of 277 live births at the same hospital during the pre-lockdown months of January and February 2020 and, in addition, with the outcome of 28,807 live births between 2005 and 2019. The rate of very low gestational age was significantly lower during the lockdown phase than during the pre-lockdown phase. The rate of low gestational age, however, was slightly higher during the lockdown phase. Mean birth weight was significantly higher during the lockdown phase; the rates of low birth weight, very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight were significantly lower during the lockdown phase. In contrast, maternal gestational weight gain was significantly higher during the lockdown phase. The stressful lockdown phase in Austria seems to have no negative affect on gestational length and newborn weight among non-infected mothers.

Increased oxidative stress and plasma Hsp70 levels among gasoline filling station attendants

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Xia ◽  
Kangcheng Chen ◽  
Yingnan Lv ◽  
Damin Huang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Stress Protein ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gasoline Station ◽  
Filling Station ◽  
Exposed Workers

Objectives: Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic derivative of manganese (Mn) and is used as an antiknock agent and octane enhancer in gasoline. In this article, we tested the oxidative stress and heat stress protein (Hsp) 70 levels of gasoline station attendants to explore potential plasma biomarkers. Furthermore, the dose–response relationship was also identified. Methods: A total of 144 workers, including 96 petrol fillers and 48 cashiers, participated in the study. Ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and Mn were monitored at nine filling stations. During the measuring process, the individual cumulative exposure index was calculated. Plasma oxidative stress and Hsp70 levels were also analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The BTEX time-weighted average in office areas was significantly lower than in refuelling areas ( p < 0.05). In refuelling areas, the content of Mn ranged from 6.44 μg/m3 to 127.34 μg/m3, which was much higher than that in office areas (3.16–7.22 μg/m3; p < 0.05). Exposed workers had significantly different plasma oxidative stress indicators compared with the control group, respectively: superoxide dismutase (SOD), 39.18 ± 6.05 U/mL versus 52.84 ± 3.87 U/mL; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), 186.07 ± 15.63 U versus 194.38 ± 10.42 U; and malondialdehyde (MDA), 1.68 ± 0.52 nmol/L versus 1.43 ± 0.64 nmol/L (in all comparisons, p < 0.05). Plasma Hsp70 level in the exposed group (2.77 ± 0.64 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the control group (2.32 ± 0.87 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Furthermore, Hsp70 levels were inversely correlated with the activities of SOD ( r = −0.305) and GSH-Px ( r = −0.302) in the exposed group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation ( r = 0.653) was found between plasma Hsp70 levels and plasma MDA levels ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Exposure to MMT-containing gasoline may result in increasing reactive oxygen stress among filling station attendants. Plasma Hsp70 levels could be used as a sensitive responsive biomarker for exposed workers.

Differences in triglyceride levels before and after whey protein intervention in field workers exposed and unexposed to arsenic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-171
Author(s):  
Eka Putri Rahmadhani ◽  
Ani Margawati ◽  
Apoina Kartini
Keyword(s):  
Whey Protein ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Fat Metabolism ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Field Workers

Background: A work environment that is exposed to heavy metals, such as a coal mining environment, can change fat metabolism in the body. Changes in fat metabolism will lead to cardiovascular disease. Consumption of dairy products, e.g. whey protein, can reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.Objectives: To test and analyze the differences in triglyceride levels before and after whey protein intervention to field workers with different working conditions.Materials and Methods: This experimental research with pretest and posttest was conducted on field workers at PT Bukit Asam Tbk. Tarahan Port Unit, Lampung as an Arsenic exposed group and PTPN VII Way Berulu Business Unit as an Arsenic unexposed group. Both groups received 24 grams of whey protein daily for 28 days. The triglyceride levels before and after the intervention were measured by laboratory analysis using the enzymatic calorimetry method. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, Mann Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test.Results: The average triglyceride levels increased by 50.48 ± 98.09 mg/dL in the exposed group and 16.78 ± 67.67 mg/dL in the unexposed group. There was a significant difference in triglyceride levels before and after the whey protein intervention in the two groups.Conclusions: The whey protein intervention increased the triglyceride level in the exposed group and decreased it in the unexposed group.

scholarly journals Neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born during COVID-19 community lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Mulcahy ◽  
Daniel Rolnik ◽  
Alexia Matheson ◽  
Yizhen Liu ◽  
Kirsten Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Airway Pressure ◽  
Positive Airway Pressure ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
White Cell ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Control Group

Background: Community lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic may influence preterm birth rates, but mechanisms are unclear. Methods: We compared neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born to mothers exposed to community lockdowns in 2020 (exposed group) to those born in 2019 (control group). Main outcome studied was composite of significant neonatal morbidity or death. Results: Median gestational age was 35+4 weeks (295 infants, exposed group) vs. 35+0 weeks (347 infants, control group) (p = 0.108). The main outcome occurred in 36/295 (12.2%) infants in exposed group vs. 46/347 (13.3%) in control group (p = 0.69). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use, jaundice requiring phototherapy, hypoglycaemia requiring treatment, early neonatal white cell and neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in the exposed group. Conclusions: COVID-19 community lockdowns did not alter composite neonatal outcomes in preterm infants, but reduced rates of some common outcomes, and early white cell and neutrophil counts.

scholarly journals Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and pulmonary function: a cross-sectional study among non-smoking employees of bar and restaurants in Santiago, Chile

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e017811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javiera Parro ◽  
Paulina Aceituno ◽  
Andrea Droppelmann ◽  
Sthepanie Mesías ◽  
Claudio Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Tobacco Smoke Exposure ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urine Cotinine ◽  
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke ◽  
Shs Exposure

IntroductionThe workplace remains a significant source of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. This pollutant is known to be associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems, but its effects on specific pulmonary function parameters remain largely unexplored. The objectives of this study were to measure SHS exposure among non-smoking employees of bar and restaurants in Santiago, Chile and to evaluate the effects of such exposure on pulmonary function.MethodsCross-sectional design. The study sample included non-smoking workers from 57 restaurants and bars in Santiago, Chile. The outcome variable was pulmonary function and the exposure variables were urine cotinine concentration, a biomarker for current SHS exposure, and years of SHS exposure in the workplace as proxy of chronic exposure. Personal and occupational variables were also recorded. Data analysis was performed using linear regression models adjusted by confounders.ResultsThe median age of the workers was 35 years and the median employment duration at the analysed venues was 1 year. Workers in smoking facilities reported greater SHS exposure (36 hours per week) than workers in smoke-free locations (4 hours per week). Urine cotinine levels were inversely correlated with forced vital capacity, but the finding was not statistically significant (β=−0.0002; 95% CI −0.007 to 0.006). Years of exposure to SHS showed to be significantly associated with forced expiratory flow25/75(β=−0.006; 95% CI −0.010 to −0.0004).ConclusionThese findings suggest that cumulative exposure to SHS at work may contribute to deterioration of pulmonary function in non-smoking employees.

Intimate Partner Violence and the Risk of Developing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051988851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joht Singh Chandan ◽  
Tom Thomas ◽  
Karim Raza ◽  
Caroline Bradbury-Jones ◽  
Julie Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Unexposed Group ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue with a variety of ill health consequences associated with exposure. Due to the stimulation of chronic stress and inflammatory pathways, childhood abuse has been associated with the subsequent development of functional syndromes such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although IPV in women appears to elicit similar biochemical responses, this association has not been tested thoroughly in IPV survivors. These functional syndromes are complex in etiology and any indication of their risk factors would benefit health care professionals managing this population. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between exposure to IPV with functional syndromes: fibromyalgia and CFS. We conducted a retrospective open cohort study using “The Heath Improvement Network” database between January 1, 1995 and December 1, 2017. A total of 18,547 women who were exposed to IPV were each matched by age to four controls who were not exposed ( n = 74,188). The main outcome measures were the risk of developing fibromyalgia and CFS. These were presented as adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found that 97 women in the exposed group developed fibromyalgia (incidence rate [IR] = 1.63 per 1,000 person-years) compared to 239 women in the unexposed group (IR = 0.83 per 1,000 person-years). Following adjustment, this translated to an IRR of 1.73 (95% CI = [1.36, 2.22]). Similarly, 19 women developed CFS in the exposed group (IR = 0.32 per 1,000 person-years), compared to 53 in the unexposed group (0.18 per 1,000 person-years), which translates to an aIRR of 1.92 (95% CI = [1.11, 3.33]). Therefore, we have identified an association between a history of IPV in women and the development of these functional syndromes, which may provide more information to inform the biopsychosocial pathway precipitating the development of fibromyalgia and CFS.

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