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Biomedical subjects

H A Anderson

Publications and source records attributed to H A Anderson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The role of sport-fish consumption advisories in mercury risk communication: a 1998-1999 12-state survey of women age 18-45.

BACKGROUND: In 2002, in the United States, 48 states issued advisories for sport-fish consumers that included 39 chemical contaminants. The most commonly identified chemical was methyl mercury, which is linked to reproductive and developmental effects. Advisories to reduce consumption of contaminated fish have been issued by states since the early 1970s. Advisories are being integrated to include both sport and commercial fish. METHODS: As part of a comprehensive risk-communication project, from December 1998 through August 1999 the Wisconsin Division of Public Health and the State of Maine Bureau of Health conducted a 12-state random-digit-dial telephone survey of 3015 women of childbearing age (ages 18-45). The goal was to assess the prevalence of fish consumption, understanding of mercury toxicity, and awareness of state sport-fish consumption advisories for mercury. We gathered information concerning respondents' demographic characteristics, understanding of mercury toxicity, fish consumption during the preceding 12 months, and sport-fish consumption advisory awareness. RESULTS: The overall survey completion rate was 57% with a Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO)-calculated response rate of 50%. Completion rates varied from 37% in New Jersey to 73% in Minnesota. Fish consumption during the previous 12 months was reported by 87% of respondents (range by state of 82-90%). Nearly 10% of women reported consuming two or more fish-meals per week over the prior 12 months. Twenty-nine percent reported sport-fish consumption during the same time period, with a greater state-to-state variability (14-43%). Most women (71%) were aware of mercury's toxicity to a developing child (87% among those aware of an advisory and 67% among those unaware of an advisory). However, awareness of state advisories was only 20%, ranging by state from 8% to 32%. Women who were older, had more than a high school education, and had a household member with a fishing license were the most informed about mercury and fish-consumption advisories. CONCLUSIONS: Most women of childbearing age consume commercial fish and a substantial number also consume sport-caught fish. Despite this potential exposure to dietary mercury, most are unfamiliar with their state's mercury fish-consumption advisory. Most women were aware of the most toxic effects of mercury but less informed about mercury and its relationship to types of fish and fish characteristics. Minorities, women over age 30, family incomes above 25,000 US dollars, and those with some collage education were more likely to be consuming two or more fish-meals per week. Until source control and environmental remediation efforts can reduce the environmental burden of mercury below levels of concern, combined sport and commercial fish consumption advisories will remain the primary means of reducing human exposure to methylmercury. Assuring and assessing the effectiveness of such advisories is paramount. Our survey documents that current efforts to inform vulnerable populations are far from optimal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Oxidative stress inhibits the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells that have externalized phosphatidylserine.

The efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages reduces the potential for an inflammatory response by ensuring that the dying cells are cleared before their intracellular contents are released. Early apoptotic cells are targeted for phagocytosis through the translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. In this report, we show that the oxidant H(2)O(2) inhibits phagocytosis of apoptotic cells even though the cells express functional PS on their surface. Thus, B lymphoma cells induced to undergo apoptosis by the chemotherapy drug etoposide are efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages in a process that is mediated by PS (inhibitable by PS liposomes). Exposure of the apoptotic cells to H(2)O(2) inhibits phagocytosis even though the cells still express functional PS on their surface. In addition, Jurkat cells and thymocytes induced to undergo apoptosis by H(2)O(2) alone are poorly phagocytosed. Inhibition of phagocytosis by H(2)O(2) cannot be attributed to oxidative inactivation or redistribution of PS on the cell surface. The results indicate that PS externalization is necessary but is not sufficient to target apoptotic cells for phagocytosis. Another phagocytosis recognition factor must therefore exist to facilitate uptake of apoptotic cells, and this factor is sensitive to modification by H(2)O(2).

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2001

Temporal changes in soil properties at an upland Scottish site between 1956 and 1997.

The aim of this study was to examine the frequency with which soil samples require to be taken in order to determine significant temporal changes in soil properties. The examination was carried out using data from Glensaugh Research Station in north-east Scotland where podzolic soils were sampled in 1956, 1977 and 1997, and by re-analysis of archived material. Significant differences in chemistry due to storage were detected, particularly decreases in pH of air-dried organic soils. In these cases original data were used for statistical analysis to establish changes between 1956 and 1997. Temporal changes were found for exchangeable Ca and Mg which generally decreased with time throughout the soil profile, whereas exchangeable H increased. Derived data, such as percent base saturation, declined dramatically due to decreases in exchangeable base cations. Similar podzolic soils were sampled at an adjacent Environmental Change Network (ECN) site in 1993. Application of statistical techniques to the ECN soil chemistry data allowed an estimation of the detectable change between any two years. These data along with the rates of temporal change from 1956 to 1997 allowed the calculation of the number of years required for measurable changes to be achieved. These changes and sampling intervals vary among different horizons and chemistries. Although they are site-specific, they do confirm that the current ECN protocols of a 5-year and 20-year sampling would be appropriate in order to detect changes in soil properties over time at this site.

Calcium↗
PubMed2001

The effects of PCB exposure and fish consumption on endogenous hormones.

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may alter thyroid function, but data on effects of PCB exposure on other endogenous hormones has been lacking. The current study is ancillary to a larger investigation of the effects of Great Lakes fish consumption on PCBs and reproductive function. In the current study we examine associations of PCBs, 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (DDE), and fish consumption with thyroid and steroid hormones in 178 men and PCBs, DDE, and fish consumption with thyroid hormones in 51 women from the original study. Serum PCB level and consumption of Great Lakes fish are associated with significantly lower levels of thyroxine (T(4)) and free thyroxine index (FTI) in women and with significantly lower levels of T(4) in men. Fish consumption, but not PCB level, is significantly and inversely associated with triiodothyronine (T(3)) in men. Results for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are inconsistent. Among men, there are significant inverse associations of both PCB and fish consumption with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-bound testosterone, but no association with SHBG or free testosterone. There are no significant overall associations of PCB, DDE, or fish consumption with estrone sulfate, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The results of this study are consistent with previous studies showing effects of fish consumption and PCB exposure on thyroid hormones and suggest that PCBs may also decrease steroid binding to SHBG. Elucidation of specific mechanisms must await future investigations.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Use of imported folk remedies and medications in the Wisconsin Hmong community.

The Marathon County Health Department and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health evaluated several imported drugs and folk remedies that were being used by 2 Hmong families. These included a powdered blend of folk remedies that had been purchased in California and 5 packets of medication that had been imported from Thailand. The powdered folk remedy contained arsenic sulfide as a principal ingredient. The drug packets contained acetyl aspirin, acetaminophen and chloramphenicol. The purity of these drugs was not assessed, and their dates of manufacture could not be determined. To discourage use of folk remedies and imported drugs, the county health department issued a press release that was published in a Hmong community newsletter. Despite these efforts, many Asian immigrants may continue to use these products.

Arsenic Poisoning↗
PubMed2000

Identification of syntaxin 1A as a novel binding protein for presenilin-1.

Mutations in the presenilin 1 gene have been shown to result in Alzheimer's disease. Presenilin 1 is a multi-transmembrane protein with a large hydrophilic loop near the C-terminus. This region is required for known functions of presenilin 1. We have constrained this loop within the active site of the bacterial protein, thioredoxin, to mimic its native conformational state. This hybrid protein was used as bait in a yeast two hybrid screen in an attempt to identify presenilin binding proteins. By this method syntaxin 1A, a synaptic plasma membrane protein, was identified as a novel binding protein for presenilin 1. In vitro experiments confirm the two-hybrid results suggesting that PS1 binds syntaxin under physiological conditions.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed2000

A review of water quality concerns in livestock farming areas.

Post-war changes in farming systems and especially the move from mixed arable-livestock farming towards greater specialisation, together with the general intensification of food production have had adverse affects on the environment. Livestock systems have largely become separated into pasture-based (cattle and sheep) and indoor systems (pigs and poultry). This paper reviews water quality issues in livestock farming areas of the UK. The increased losses of nutrients, farm effluents (particularly livestock wastes), pesticides such as sheep-dipping chemicals, bacterial and protozoan contamination of soil and water are some of the main concerns regarding water quality degradation. There has been a general uncoupling of nutrient cycles, and problems relating to nutrient loss are either short-term direct losses or long-term, related to accumulated nutrient surpluses. Results from several field studies indicate that a rational use of manure and mineral fertilisers can help reduce the pollution problems arising from livestock farming practices. Several best management practices are suggested for the control of nutrient loss and minimising release of pathogen and sheep-dip chemicals into agricultural runoff.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2000

Concentration of MHC class II molecules in lipid rafts facilitates antigen presentation.

The plasma membranes of eukaryotic cells are not uniform and possess distinct cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich raft microdomains that are enriched in proteins known to be essential for cellular function. Lipid raft microdomains are important for T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated activation of T cells. However, the importance of lipid rafts on antigen presenting cells (APCs) and their role in major histocompatibility (MHC) class II-restricted antigen presentation has not been examined. MHC class II molecules were found to be constitutively present in plasma membrane lipid rafts in B cells. Disruption of these microdomains dramatically inhibited antigen presentation at limiting concentrations of antigen. The inhibitory effect of raft disruption on antigen presentation could be overcome by loading the APCs with exceptionally high doses of antigen, showing that raft association concentrates MHC class II molecules into microdomains that allow efficient antigen presentation at low ligand densities.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Wisconsin children at risk for lead poisoning.

The 1999 US Government Accounting Agency (GAO) report to Congress documented that among children in the United States, those served by federal health care programs had high rates of lead poisoning but low rates of blood lead testing. To further explore these findings, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services initiated matching the state's blood lead test data file with the Medicaid eligibility file, and with the WIC Program enrollment file. This article examines data analyzed from the matched files for the year 1999. The results of the analysis of Wisconsin data shadowed the national findings contained in the GAO report. About half of the Wisconsin children enrolled in Medicaid and WIC have been screened, the majority of lead poisoned children in Wisconsin receive Medicaid (80%) and WIC (60%) services. Additional data collected by the department on the physical and environmental health of severely lead-poisoned children indicates that lead-coated surfaces and deterioration were identified as the primary source and cause of the poisoning. These findings support the Wisconsin recommendations for blood lead testing of 1 and 2 year olds living in older or renovated housing, and all children enrolled in Medicaid or WIC.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Occupational and adult lead exposure in Wisconsin.

Lead is a versatile metal with many industrial applications. It is among the oldest recognized occupational health hazards. Lead poisoning has been a reportable disease in Wisconsin since 1911. Although reportable, it was not until Wisconsin established an Occupational and Environmental Health Epidemiology program in 1979 that modern reporting levels were adopted, physician and laboratory reporting promoted and publicized, and elevated blood lead report tracking initiated. With the federal funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a comprehensive adult blood lead surveillance program was created in 1987. Eleven years of surveillance trend data reveal a Wisconsin success story. Most Wisconsin industries have made substantial strides toward reducing occupational lead exposure. The improvement is reflected in the reduced number of elevated blood lead levels in Wisconsin's adult blood lead surveillance data. However, Wisconsin must remain vigilant as new and re-emerging lead exposures continue to be identified through adult blood lead surveillance. Wisconsin will also need to continue with its occupational lead exposure reduction efforts if it is to achieve the Federal Healthy People 2010 goals and objectives to have no adult blood lead level greater than 25 micrograms/dL.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hazardous ammonia releases in Wisconsin: trends and risk factors for evacuation and injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in hazardous ammonia releases and risk factors for subsequent evacuation and injury. METHODS: Analysis of the Wisconsin Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance system data during 1993 through 1998. RESULTS: Ammonia releases (291) accounted for 13% of all reported chemical releases, but 26% of all releases that led to evacuations. The majority of non-transportation-related ammonia releases are the result of equipment failure or operator error (85.5%). Few ammonia releases are transportation-related (6.5%) or occur during extreme weather (14.4%). Extreme weather is not a risk factor for evacuation or injury following ammonia releases. CONCLUSIONS: Ammonia releases are frequently the result of equipment failure or operator error and thus preventable. The majority of ammonia releases that lead to evacuation and injury are not the result of transportation accidents or weather factors beyond human control. Prevention efforts that focus on preventive maintenance, and worker training and awareness could reduce the burden of hazardous ammonia releases.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2000

Radon in Wisconsin.

Owners of about 15% to 20% of the homes in Wisconsin have tested their indoor air for the carcinogenic gas radon. Five percent to 10% of homes have year-average main-floor radon levels that exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposure guideline, and they are found in most regions of the state. Attempting to retroactively seal foundations to keep radon from the ground out of a home is largely ineffective. However, a soil-depressurization radon mitigation system is highly effective for existing houses, and new homes can easily be built radon-resistant. As the number of homeowners obtaining needed repairs increases, significant lung cancer risk reduction is being achieved in a voluntary, non-regulatory setting. In coming years, as radon in community drinking water supplies becomes regulated under the federal 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act, the "multimedia" option of the act may result in additional attention to mitigation of radon in indoor air.

Carcinogens, Environmental↗
PubMed2000

Fish consumption habits and advisory awareness among Fox River anglers.

Eating PCB-contaminated fish caught from the Lower Fox River, northeast Wisconsin, has raised concern about the health risk to consumers, especially to children and unborn babies. The fish advisory published by the state of Wisconsin recommends which fish are safe to eat. However, there is reason to believe that many anglers, especially non-English speaking anglers, are not aware of the advisory and the possible health risks of eating contaminated fish. A face-to-face survey administered to 104 anglers fishing along the Fox River indicates that 17% of anglers eat some or all of the fish they catch and that 83% practice "catch and release." Almost all the anglers were not familiar with Wisconsin's fish advisory but had heard of the health risks from their local newspaper and TV. As a follow-up, a fish health advisory brochure specific to the Fox River was developed.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Ozone and particulate matter air pollution in Wisconsin: trends and estimates of health effects.

OBJECTIVES: Ozone and particulate matter 10 microns in diameter or less (PM10) are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. This paper will report ozone and PM10 trends in Wisconsin and provide estimates of potentially susceptible populations and adverse health outcomes associated with current levels of these pollutants. METHODS: Ozone and PM10 monitoring data is provided by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) air monitors. Exposure-response modeling and data, provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), was used to estimate hospital admissions associated with ozone and PM10 pollution. RESULTS: Days with high ozone concentrations have become less frequent and the annual PM10 levels have decreased over the 1990s. However, the potentially susceptible population has increased, the number of children who could experience a lung function decrement due to ozone is between 12,978 and 38,653, and high PM10 concentrations are estimated to have resulted in 43 hospital admissions. CONCLUSION: Despite decreasing ozone and PM10 levels, the burden of respiratory and cardiovascular disease affected by these pollutants remains significant.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2000

Asthma hospitalizations in Wisconsin: a missed opportunity for prevention.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children and the third leading cause of preventable hospitalizations in the United States. To assess the impact of this disease on Wisconsin, we examined 1996-1998 state-wide and county-specific asthma hospitalization rates and compared these rates to Wisconsin 1990-1992 rates, national rates, and United States Healthy People 2010 asthma target objectives. Wisconsin's average asthma hospitalization rate has decreased from 13.4/10,000 during 1990-1992 to 12.1/10,000 during 1996-1998. Wisconsin children 0-4 years of age had the highest asthma-related hospitalization rate (38.0/10,000) of all age groups, during 1996-1998. Wisconsin African American residents had an average asthma hospitalization rate 6.6 times higher than whites (58.5 vs. 8.8 per 10,000, respectively) during 1996-1998. Milwaukee County had the highest county-specific asthma hospitalization rate in the state (26.4/10,000). Unless significant reductions are achieved, Wisconsin will not reach the Healthy People 2010 target objectives. Interventions should be directed to preventing asthma hospitalizations, especially among Wisconsin's youth and African American population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Phosphorylation of the invariant chain by protein kinase C regulates MHC class II trafficking to antigen-processing compartments.

The invariant chain (Ii) plays a critical role in the transport of newly synthesized class II molecules to endosomal Ag-processing compartments. Of the two major isoforms of human Ii, only Ii-p35 is phosphorylated in vivo, and inhibiting Ii phosphorylation inhibits the trafficking of newly synthesized class II molecules to Ag-processing compartments. We now report that a member of the protein kinase C family of serine/threonine kinases is responsible for the constitutive phosphorylation of 50% of the total cellular pool of Ii-p35 in a wide variety of APCs, including B lymphocytes, PBMC, immature dendritic cells, and mature dendritic cells. Stimulation of protein kinase C activity in APCs significantly enhanced the kinetics of degradation of class II-associated Ii in Ag-processing compartments and the binding of antigenic peptides to these class II molecules. In cells expressing an Ii-phosphorylation mutant, trafficking of class II molecules to endosomes was impaired and Ii proteolysis was inhibited, demonstrating a direct effect of Ii phosphorylation on MHC class II trafficking. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation of Ii in APCs alters the kinetics of trafficking of newly synthesized class II molecules to lysosomal Ag-processing compartments.

Antigen Presentation↗
PubMed1999

Body burden levels of dioxin, furans, and PCBs among frequent consumers of Great Lakes sport fish. The Great Lakes Consortium.

Dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, persist in the environment, and bioaccumulate to concentrations that can be harmful to humans. Sport anglers may be exposed to these residues via consumption of contaminated Great Lakes (GL) fish. The Health Departments of five GL states, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, formed a consortium to study body burden levels of chemical residues in fish consumers of Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie. In Fall 1993, a telephone survey was administered to sport angler households to obtain fish consumption habits and demographics. A blood sample was obtained from a portion of the study subjects. One hundred serum samples were analyzed for 8 dioxin, 10 furan, and 4 coplanar PCB congeners. Multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the predictability of the following covariates: GL sport fish species, age, BMI, gender, years sport fish consumed, and lake. Of the 100 subjects, there were 58 men; 35 consumed sport fish from Lake Michigan, 29 from Lake Huron, and 36 from Lake Erie. The overall average number of GL sport fish meals consumed in the previous 12 months was 43. Lake Erie male and female consumers, on average, ate more GL sport fish, a mean of 57 and 42 meals, respectively, than men and women from the other two lake subgroups. Median total dioxin toxic equivalents (TEq), total furan TEq, and total coplanar PCB TEq were higher among all men than all women (P=0.0001). Lake trout, salmon, age, BMI, and gender were significant regression predictors of log(total coplanar PCBs). Lake trout, age, gender, and lake were significant regression predictors of log(total furans). Age was the only significant predictor of total dioxin levels.

Adult↗