| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
1.Study population.
To obtain demographic and medical histories of participants, we extracted data from baseline self-administered questionnaires (first trimester of pregnancy), hospital records of infant births (at birth), and post-partum self-administered follow-up questionnaires (1-, 2-, and 4-year old questionnaires). Birth records collected by medical staff from hospitals contain data about birth weight, infant gender, gestational age at delivery, obstetric events during pregnancy and congenital anomalies. Using birth records, and follow-up questionnaires at 1-, 2-, 4-years after birth, data of subjects with nonsyndromic congenital heart anomalies were gathered (n=145). Then, cases and controls (with 1:2 ratio) is matched by birth year, maternal age at birth, gestational age, and hospitals. After matching cases and controls with a total sample size of 435. We have picked up the maternal plasma samples collected at 3rd trimester of pregnancy (n=290).
2.Exposure measurement
With a valid and reliable protocol, I am measuring 11 types of PFC compounds including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA, PFHxS, PFHxA, and PFHpA. These measurements is being performed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS), with doubly blind study design, using 500 ul of maternal plasma samples collected at the third trimester of pregnancy. I have finished measurement of 11 types of PFCs in 290 subject.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
As planned, we are getting progressed in this project well. Cases and matched controls are selected, and we have extracted demographic characteristics of subjects in this study. For measurement, we are doing collaboration with agriculture faculty of Hokkaido University. Time management and fixing schedule for measurement is a little bit difficult because we just can reserve UPLC-MS-MS machine in limited days on weekends, but we good communication and team work, this limitation has not decreased our progress. During this recent 6 months, we have progressed significantly and we hope to finish the project in this fiscal year.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
I am preparing to measure PFCs in more 145 subjects. I have ordered items necessary for measurement in H27 including solution of Mass-Labelled PFCs, standard control samples, ethylene-bridged (BEH) C18 columns, vials etc. I am making next pick-up list to pick-up left maternal plasma samples to finish measurement.
I am working under the supervision of Professor Reiko Kishi as principal investigator of ‘The Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s Health’. I am reporting the results of the project to her every week. She and her team are kindly support and advise me to overcome research challenges.
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