| 1. |
- Bräuner, Elvira Vaclavik, et al.
(author)
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Health Effects of PCBs in Residences and Schools (HESPERUS) : PCB - Health Cohort Profile
- 2016
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polychlorinated-biphenyls (PCBs) were introduced in the late 1920s and used until the 1970s when they were banned in most countries due to evidence of environmental build-up and possible adverse health effects. However they still persist in the environment, indoors and in humans. Indoor air in contaminated buildings may confer airborne exposure markedly above background regional PCB levels. To date, no epidemiological studies have assessed the health effects from exposure to semi-volatile PCBs in the indoor environment. Indoor air PCBs are generally less chlorinated than PCBs that are absorbed via the diet, or via past occupational exposure; therefore their health effects require separate risk assessment. Two separate cohorts of individuals who have either attended schools (n = 66,769; 26% exposed) or lived in apartment buildings (n = 37,185; 19% exposed), where indoor air PCB concentrations have been measured were created. An individual estimate of long-term airborne PCB exposure was assigned based on measurements. The cohorts will be linked to eight different national data sources on mortality, school records, residential history, socioeconomic status, and chronic disease and reproductive outcomes. The linking of indoor air exposures with health outcomes provides a dataset unprecedented worldwide. We describe a project, called HESPERUS (Health Effects of PCBs in Residences and Schools), which will be the first study of the long term health effects of the lower-chlorinated, semi-volatile PCBs in the indoor environment.
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| 2. |
- Charpentier Ljungqvist, Fredrik, 1982-, et al.
(author)
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Regional Patterns of Late Medieval and Early Modern European Building Activity Revealed by Felling Dates
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-701X. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although variations in building activity are a useful indicator of societal well-being and demographic development, historical datasets for larger regions and longer periods are still rare. Here, we present 54,045 annually precise dendrochronological felling dates from historical construction timber from across most of Europe between 1250 and 1699 CE to infer variations in building activity. We use geostatistical techniques to compare spatiotemporal dynamics in past European building activity against independent demographic, economic, social and climatic data. We show that the felling dates capture major geographical patterns of demographic trends, especially in regions with dense data coverage. A particularly strong negative association is found between grain prices and the number of felling dates. In addition, a significant positive association is found between the number of felling dates and mining activity. These strong associations, with well-known macro-economic indicators from pre-industrial Europe, corroborate the use of felling dates as an independent source for exploring large-scale fluctuations of societal well-being and demographic development. Three prominent examples are the building boom in the Hanseatic League region of northeastern Germany during the 13th century, the onset of the Late Medieval Crisis in much of Europec. 1300, and the cessation of building activity in large parts of central Europe during armed conflicts such as the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648 CE). Despite new insights gained from our European-wide felling date inventory, further studies are needed to investigate changes in construction activity of high versus low status buildings, and of urban versus rural buildings, and to compare those results with a variety of historical documentary sources and natural proxy archives.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Seim, Andrea, et al.
(author)
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Diverse construction types and local timber sources characterize early medieval church roofs in southwestern Sweden
- 2015
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In: Dendrochronologia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1125-7865. ; 35, s. 39-50
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A vast number of early medieval roof structures are still preserved in Swedish churches, yet countrywide surveys and detailed dendrochronological investigations, in tandem with building archaeology, are largely lacking. Here, we present new findings from four parish churches (Forsby, Forshem, Gökhem and Marka) in Västergötland, southwestern Sweden. The roof constructions, made from local oak and pine trees, were dated to the period between AD 1131 and 1157, making these some of the oldest preserved roof structures in Sweden and Europe. With the development of new regional pine and oak tree-ring chronologies covering the 10th to 13th centuries, we open up the discussion about medieval timber technology, wood utilization and the potential for future tree-ring based paleo-environmental exploration.
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| 5. |
- Sulej, Tomasz, et al.
(author)
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New perspectives on the Late Triassic vertebrates of East Greenland : preliminary results of a Polish−Danish palaeontological expedition
- 2014
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In: Polish Polar Research. - : Polish Academy of Sciences Chancellery. - 0138-0338 .- 2081-8262. ; 35:4, s. 541-552
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Fleming Fjord Formation (Jameson Land, East Greenland) documents a diverse assemblage of terrestrial vertebrates of Late Triassic age. Expeditions from the turn of the 21st century have discovered many important fossils that form the basis of our current knowledge of Late Triassic Greenlandic faunas. However, due to the scarcity and incompleteness of the fossils and their insufficient study, our understanding of the taxonomic diversity of the Fleming Fjord Formation is hindered. Here, we report the preliminary findings of a Polish−Danish expedition to the Fleming Fjord Formation that took place in 2014. Three areas were visited – the fairly well known MacKnight Bjerg and Wood Bjerg and the virtually unexplored Liasryggen. MacKnigth Bjerg and Liasryggen yielded fossils which promise to significantly broaden our knowledge of vertebrate evolution in the Late Triassic. Stem−mammal remains were discovered at Liasryggen. Other fossils found at both sites include remains of actinopterygians, sarcopterygians, temnospondyl amphibians and various archosaurs (including early dinosaurs). Numerous vertebrate trace fossils, including coprolites, pseudosuchian footprints, theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur tracks, were also discovered. Newly discovered skeletal remains as well as abundant trace fossils indicate higher tetrapod diversity in the Late Triassic of Greenland than previously thought. Trace fossils also allow inferences of early theropod and sauropodomorph dinosaur behaviour.
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| 6. |
- Sulej, Tomasz, et al.
(author)
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The earliest-known mammaliaform fossil from Greenland sheds light on origin of mammals
- 2020
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 117:43, s. 26861-26867
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Synapsids are unique in having developed multirooted teeth and complex occlusions. These innovations evolved in at least two lineages of mammaliamorphs (Tritylodontidae and Mammaliaformes). Triassic fossils demonstrate that close to the origins of mammals, mammaliaform precursors were "experimenting" with tooth structure and function, resulting in novel patterns of occlusion. One of the most surprising examples of such adaptations is present in the haramiyidan Glade, which differed from contemporary mammaliaforms in having two rows of cusps on molariform crowns adapted to omnivorous/herbivorous feeding. However, the origin of the multicusped tooth pattern present in haramiyidans has remained enigmatic. Here we describe the earliest-known mandibular fossil of a mammaliaform with double molariform roots and a crown with two rows of cusps from the Late Triassic of Greenland. The crown morphology is intermediate between that of morganucodontans and haramiyidans and suggests the derivation of the multicusped molariforms of haramiyidans from the triconodont molar pattern seen in morganucodontids. Although it is remarkably well documented in the fossil record, the significance of tooth root division in mammaliaforms remains enigmatic. The results of our biomechanical analyses (finite element analysis [FEA]) indicate that teeth with two roots can better withstand stronger mechanical stresses like those resulting from tooth occlusion, than teeth with a single root.
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| 7. |
- Svendsen, Susanne Wulff, et al.
(author)
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Work above shoulder level and degenerative alterations of the rotator cuff tendons : a magnetic resonance imaging study.
- 2004
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In: Arthritis and rheumatism. - : Wiley. - 0004-3591 .- 1529-0131. ; 50:10, s. 3314-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To determine whether work performed with the arms in a highly elevated position is associated with alterations in the rotator cuff tendons as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a historical cohort of male machinists, car mechanics, and house painters. The participants were right-handed, ages 40-50 years, and had been employed in their trades for not less than 10 years. Seventy-one percent of invited subjects participated (136 of 192). Lifetime upper arm elevation was assessed by direct measurements combined with individual work histories obtained by questionnaire and from registry data. Supraspinatus tendinopathy was evidenced by MRI signal intensity changes and morphologic alterations. Infraspinatus and subscapularis tendinopathy were also assessed. Additional outcomes were acromioclavicular joint degeneration and humeral head cysts. The MRI findings were evaluated by radiologists who were blinded to exposure status and symptoms. RESULTS: An exposure-response relationship was found between lifetime upper arm elevation and supraspinatus tendinopathy, with an age-adjusted odds ratio of 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.02-1.60) for a 5-month increase in the total number of full-time working months spent with the arm elevated >90 degrees . CONCLUSION: Work with the arms in a highly elevated position is associated with MRI-diagnosed alterations in the supraspinatus tendon. By demonstrating the first part of a possible biologic pathway, the study corroborates the work-relatedness of rotator cuff disorders.
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| 8. |
- Thomsen, Anne Marie L., et al.
(author)
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Female exposure to phthalates and time to pregnancy : A first pregnancy planner study
- 2017
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In: Human Reproduction. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0268-1161 .- 1460-2350. ; 32:1, s. 232-238
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- STUDY QUESTION Is female exposure to phthalate metabolites associated with reduced fecundity, as estimated by prolonged time to pregnancy (TTP)? SUMMARY ANSWER Female exposure to monoethyl phthalate (MEP) but not monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) was associated with a longer TTP. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Male exposure to phthalates is potentially associated with adverse effects on human fecundity in epidemiological studies, but little is known about the potential effects on female reproduction. STUDY DESIGN SIZE AND DURATION A cohort study with prospective data based on 229 women from a Danish cohort of 430 first pregnancy planning couples enrolled in 1992-1994. In 2009, urinary analyses of phthalate metabolites were performed on stored urine samples from this cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS We analyzed MEP, MBP, MBzP and MEHP in female morning spot urine samples collected daily during the first 10 days of menstrual cycles after discontinuation of contraception. The exposure assessment was based on the mean of two measurements from each woman collected in a period of 6 menstrual cycles. We used Cox regression with discrete time to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% CI in relation to the average urine metabolite concentration exposure level, controlled for age and BMI, and the time-varying variables smoking and alcohol. MAIN RESULT AND ROLE OF CHANCE Urinary concentration of MEP was associated with a decreased fecundity (adjusted FR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63; 0.99) corresponding to a 21% decreased probability of conception for each natural log (ln) unit increase in MEP. No significant association with TTP was found for MBP, MBzP and MEHP. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Subfertile women were overrepresented in the study population due to exclusion of 77 high fertile women who became pregnant in the first cycle when urine collection began. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results suggest that female exposure to MEP may have an adverse effect on female fecundity, but these findings need to be replicated in a larger and newer cohort study with sufficient exposure contrast if the use of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and thereby MEP in the future potentially should be regulated in cosmetics and industrial consumer products.
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| 9. |
- Toft, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Association between Pregnancy Loss and Urinary Phthalate Levels around the Time of Conception
- 2012
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In: Environmental Health Perspectives. - : Environmental Health Perspectives. - 1552-9924 .- 0091-6765. ; 120:3, s. 458-463
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Animal studies indicate that some phthalate metabolites may harm female reproductive function. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the associations between exposure to phthalate metabolites and pregnancy loss. METHODS: Using a previously established cohort of couples planning their first pregnancy, we analyzed four primary and two oxidized secondary phthalate metabolites in urine samples collected on day 10 after the first day of the last menstrual period before conception occurred (n = 128) and during the previous cycle (if any, is = 111). Subclinical embryonal loss was identified by repeated measurement of urinary human chorionic gonadotropin, and information on clinical spontaneous abortions was obtained by telephone interview with the mother. RESULTS: Pregnancy loss (n = 48) was increased among women with urinary concentration of monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) in the upper tertile in the conception sample compared with women in the lowest tertile [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 7.6]. The corresponding OR for subclinical embryonal loss (n = 32) was 40.7 (95% Cl: 4.5, 369.5). CONCLUSIONS: The phthalate metabolite MEHP was associated with higher occurrence of pregnancy loss. Because this is the first human study to show this association and the sample size is small, the findings need to be corroborated in independent studies.
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