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Abstract
Crystal dehydration has been successfully implemented to facilitate the structural solution of a number of soluble and membrane protein structures over the years. This chapter will present the currently available tools to undertake controlled crystal dehydration, focusing on some successful membrane protein cases. Also discussed here will be some practical considerations regarding membrane protein crystals and the relationship between different techniques in order to help researchers to select the most suitable technique for their projects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Moraes
- Membrane Protein Laboratory, Diamond Light Source/Imperial College London, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire UK
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252
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Fernández S, Galapero J, Rey J, Pérez CJ, Ramos A, Rosales R, Ayling R, Alonso JM, Gómez L. Investigations into the seasonal presence of Mycoplasma species in fattening lambs. Vet J 2016; 212:80-2. [PMID: 27256030 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The presence of infection with Mycoplasma species in association with lung consolidation, environmental temperature and relative humidity was investigated in 410 clinically healthy fattening lambs from five different feedlots in Extremadura (southwestern Spain). Isolates of Mycoplasma species were obtained (n= 117), including Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (n = 18) and Mycoplasma arginini (n = 99). Two seasonal periods were identified. The first period, which included February, March, September, October, and November, had an average temperature of 17.5 ± 4.7 °C and a relative humidity of 61.3 ± 15.8%. The second seasonal period, which included the months from April to August, had an average temperature of 22.9 ± 5.5 °C and a relative humidity of 48.4 ± 10.7%. Most Mycoplasma species were isolated from the second seasonal period, indicating that higher temperatures and lower relative humidity favour the presence of Mycoplasma species. M. arginini was also associated with lung consolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fernández
- Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain; Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Javier Galapero
- Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - Joaquín Rey
- Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain; Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - Carlos Javier Pérez
- Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain; Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alfonso Ramos
- Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain; Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rubén Rosales
- Mycoplasma Team, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Roger Ayling
- Mycoplasma Team, Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Juan Manuel Alonso
- Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain; Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain
| | - Luis Gómez
- Histology and Pathological Anatomy, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres 10003, Spain; Research Institute for Biotechnology Livestock & Cynegetic, Avda de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, Spain
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253
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Li X, Xu X, Li W, Wang F, Hai C. Preliminary study on the variation of radon-222 inside greenhouse of Shouguang county, China. J Environ Radioact 2016; 153:120-125. [PMID: 26771243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies on radon have become the focus of indoor radiation. In this study, we chose greenhouse to be the study field, the research aims to: (1) explore the diurnal variation of radon concentration inside greenhouse in Shouguang county, China; (2) pre-analyze the relationship between radon concentration, temperature and relative humidity, and shed light on the radon behavior characteristic inside greenhouse; (3) verify the feasibility of calculating radon radiation dose by using short-period detected radon concentrations in typical months in Shouguang county. The following conclusions were drawn. Firstly, the average radon levels in typical months in Shouguang county are all much higher than that in ordinary dwellings in China, diurnal and seasonal variations in radon levels are observed inside greenhouse. Secondly, temperature and relative humidity may play a role indirectly through affecting soil moisture and other factors. The mechanism need to be further studied. Thirdly, radon concentrations detected in typical months are still useful in preliminary estimation of radon radiation dose for vegetable-plant farmers in Shouguang county.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Military Preventive Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shanxi, China; College of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xianqin Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Yuhe Road, 261031 Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wanwei Li
- College of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Chunxu Hai
- Department of Toxicology, School of Military Preventive Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shanxi, China.
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254
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Tan F, Lim HS, Abdullah K, Holben B. Estimation of aerosol optical depth at different wavelengths by multiple regression method. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:2735-2748. [PMID: 26438373 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate and establish a suitable model that can help to estimate aerosol optical depth (AOD) in order to monitor aerosol variations especially during non-retrieval time. The relationship between actual ground measurements (such as air pollution index, visibility, relative humidity, temperature, and pressure) and AOD obtained with a CIMEL sun photometer was determined through a series of statistical procedures to produce an AOD prediction model with reasonable accuracy. The AOD prediction model calibrated for each wavelength has a set of coefficients. The model was validated using a set of statistical tests. The validated model was then employed to calculate AOD at different wavelengths. The results show that the proposed model successfully predicted AOD at each studied wavelength ranging from 340 nm to 1020 nm. To illustrate the application of the model, the aerosol size determined using measure AOD data for Penang was compared with that determined using the model. This was done by examining the curvature in the ln [AOD]-ln [wavelength] plot. Consistency was obtained when it was concluded that Penang was dominated by fine mode aerosol in 2012 and 2013 using both measured and predicted AOD data. These results indicate that the proposed AOD prediction model using routine measurements as input is a promising tool for the regular monitoring of aerosol variation during non-retrieval time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyi Tan
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Hwee San Lim
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Khiruddin Abdullah
- School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Brent Holben
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA.
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255
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Wolkoff P, Crump DR, Harrison PTC. Pollutant exposures and health symptoms in aircrew and office workers: Is there a link? Environ Int 2016; 87:74-84. [PMID: 26641522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sensory effects in eyes and airways are common symptoms reported by aircraft crew and office workers. Neurological symptoms, such as headache, have also been reported. To assess the commonality and differences in exposures and health symptoms, a literature search of aircraft cabin and office air concentrations of non-reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone-initiated terpene reaction products were compiled and assessed. Data for tricresyl phosphates, in particular tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (ToCP), were also compiled, as well as information on other risk factors such as low relative humidity. A conservative health risk assessment for eye, airway and neurological effects was undertaken based on a "worst-case scenario" which assumed a simultaneous constant exposure for 8h to identified maximum concentrations in aircraft and offices. This used guidelines and reference values for sensory irritation for eyes and upper airways and airflow limitation; a tolerable daily intake value was used for ToCP. The assessment involved the use of hazard quotients or indexes, defined as the summed ratio(s) (%) of compound concentration(s) divided by their guideline value(s). The concentration data suggest that, under the assumption of a conservative "worst-case scenario", aircraft air and office concentrations of the compounds in question are not likely to be associated with sensory symptoms in eyes and airways. This is supported by the fact that maximum concentrations are, in general, associated with infrequent incidents and brief exposures. Sensory symptoms, in particular in eyes, appear to be exacerbated by environmental and occupational conditions that differ in aircraft and offices, e.g., ozone incidents, low relative humidity, low cabin pressure, and visual display unit work. The data do not support airflow limitation effects. For ToCP, in view of the conservative approach adopted here and the rareness of reported incidents, the health risk of exposure to this compound in aircraft is considered negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
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256
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Fu X, Wang X, Hu Q, Li G, Ding X, Zhang Y, He Q, Liu T, Zhang Z, Yu Q, Shen R, Bi X. Changes in visibility with PM2.5 composition and relative humidity at a background site in the Pearl River Delta region. J Environ Sci (China) 2016; 40:10-19. [PMID: 26969540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In fall-winter, 2007-2013, visibility and light scattering coefficients (bsp) were measured along with PM2.5 mass concentrations and chemical compositions at a background site in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. The daily average visibility increased significantly (p<0.01) at a rate of 1.1 km/year, yet its median stabilized at ~13 km. No haze days occurred when the 24-hr mean PM2.5 mass concentration was below 75 μg/m(3). By multiple linear regression on the chemical budget of particle scattering coefficient (bsp), we obtained site-specific mass scattering efficiency (MSE) values of 6.5 ± 0.2, 2.6 ± 0.3, 2.4 ± 0.7 and 7.3 ± 1.2m(2)/g, respectively, for organic matter (OM), ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium nitrate (AN) and sea salt (SS). The reconstructed light extinction coefficient (bext) based on the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) algorithm with our site-specific MSE revealed that OM, AS, AN, SS and light-absorbing carbon (LAC) on average contributed 45.9% ± 1.6%, 25.6% ± 1.2%, 12.0% ± 0.7%, 11.2% ± 0.9% and 5.4% ± 0.3% to light extinction, respectively. Averaged bext displayed a significant reduction rate of 14.1/Mm·year (p<0.05); this rate would be 82% higher if it were not counteracted by increasing relative humidity (RH) and hygroscopic growth factor (f(RH)) at rates of 2.5% and 0.16/year(-1) (p<0.01), respectively, during the fall-winter, 2007-2013. This growth of RH and f(RH) partly offsets the positive effects of lowered AS in improving visibility, and aggravated the negative effects of increasing AN to impair visibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Qihou Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guanghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Quanfu He
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tengyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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257
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Liu Y, Liu J, Chen F, Shamsi BH, Wang Q, Jiao F, Qiao Y, Shi Y. Impact of meteorological factors on lower respiratory tract infections in children. J Int Med Res 2015; 44:30-41. [PMID: 26658270 PMCID: PMC5536566 DOI: 10.1177/0300060515586007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate retrospectively the relationship between meteorological factors in Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China and the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections in children. Methods Meteorological data (air temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, hours of sunlight, wind speed and relative humidity) for Shenmu County and medical data from hospitalized patients aged ≤16 years were collected between January 2009 and December 2012. The association between meteorological factors and rate of hospitalization due to lower respiratory tract infections was investigated; the total hospitalization rate was compared with the rate of lower respiratory tract disease-related hospitalizations. Results The leading bacterial causes of lower respiratory tract infections were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B; the main viral cause was respiratory syncytial virus. Lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization rate was significantly correlated with air temperature (R = −0.651), atmospheric pressure (R = 0.560), rainfall (R = −0.614) and relative humidity (R = −0.470), but not with hours of sunlight (R = −0.210) or wind speed (R = 0.258). Using multiple linear regression, lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization rate decreased with a gradual increase in air temperature (F = 38.30) and relative humidity (F = 15.58). Conclusion Air temperature and relative humidity were major influencing meteorological factors for hospital admissions in children due to lower respiratory tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Liu
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fenglian Chen
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bilal Haider Shamsi
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Executive Director, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fuyong Jiao
- Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yanmei Qiao
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yanhua Shi
- Paediatrics Department, Shenmu Hospital, Shenmu County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, China
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258
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Kohani M, Pecht M. New Minimum Relative Humidity Requirements Are Expected to Lead to More Medical Device Failures. J Med Syst 2015; 40:58. [PMID: 26660689 DOI: 10.1007/s10916-015-0421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, the Addendum D to ASHRAE Standard 170, "Ventilation of healthcare facilities," lowered the minimum relative humidity (RH) requirement of anesthetizing locations (including operating rooms, operating/surgical cystoscopic rooms, delivery rooms (Caesarean), recovery rooms, critical and intensive care, newborn intensive care, treatment rooms, trauma rooms (crisis or shock), laser eye rooms, newborn nursery suites, and endoscopy rooms) from 30 % to 20 %. The new minimum limit was adopted based on the results of a review paper that suggested that lowering humidity levels will have little or no impact on providing a safe environment for patients, staff, or medical equipment. That review paper reached this conclusion by assuming that there were no medical device failures due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). However, in an examination of the FDA's MAUDE database of reported defects and recalls, we identified numerous medical device failures explicitly due to ESD. This paper presents technical reliability and safety concerns regarding the new guidelines and recommends that such changes should not be implemented and that the guidelines should be revoked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Kohani
- Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE), University of Maryland-College Park, 1184 Engineering Lab Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Michael Pecht
- Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE), University of Maryland-College Park, S1103 Engineering Lab Building, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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259
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Angelon-Gaetz KA, Richardson DB, Lipton DM, Marshall SW, Lamb B, LoFrese T. The effects of building-related factors on classroom relative humidity among North Carolina schools participating in the 'Free to Breathe, Free to Teach' study. Indoor Air 2015; 25:620-30. [PMID: 25515546 PMCID: PMC4470893 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Both high and low indoor relative humidity (RH) directly impact Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), an important school health concern. Prior school studies reported a high prevalence of mold, roaches, and water damage; however, few examined associations between modifiable classroom factors and RH, a quantitative indicator of dampness. We recorded RH longitudinally in 134 North Carolina classrooms (n = 9066 classroom-days) to quantify the relationships between modifiable classroom factors and average daily RH below, within, or above levels recommended to improve school IAQ (30-50% or 30-60% RH). The odds of having high RH (>60%) were 5.8 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.9, 11.3] times higher in classrooms with annual compared to quarterly heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system maintenance and 2.5 (95% CI: 1.5, 4.2) times higher in classrooms with HVAC economizers compared to those without economizers. Classrooms with direct-expansion split systems compared to chilled water systems had 2.7 (95% CI: 1.7, 4.4) times higher odds of low RH (<30%). When unoccupied, classrooms with thermostat setbacks had 3.7 (95% CI: 1.7, 8.3) times the odds of high RH (>60%) of those without setbacks. This research suggests actionable decision points for school design and maintenance to prevent high or low classroom RH. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS This study combines longitudinal measurements of classroom relative humidity with school inspection data from several schools to describe the problem of relative humidity control in schools. Our findings on how maintenance and mechanical factors affect classroom humidity provide suggestions on building operations policies and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) design considerations that may improve classroom relative humidity control.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Angelon-Gaetz
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - D B Richardson
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - D M Lipton
- North Carolina Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - S W Marshall
- Epidemiology Department, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - B Lamb
- Maintenance Operations Department, New Hanover County Schools, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - T LoFrese
- Support Services, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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260
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Dolz N, Babot D, Álvarez-Rodríguez J, Forcada F. Improving the environment for weaned piglets using polypropylene fabrics above the animals in cold periods. Int J Biometeorol 2015; 59:1839-1847. [PMID: 25910465 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-0991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the use of polypropylene fabrics in weaned pig facilities (5-10 weeks of age) during the winter period to improve thermal environment and energy saving for heating. Two experiments were conducted to validate the effects of fabrics (F) compared to control (C) in three 2-week periods using natural ventilation (assay 1, 2013) and forced ventilation (assay 2, 2014). Air temperature was greater in F than in C compartments in both years, particularly during the first 2-week periods (2 °C of mean difference). Natural ventilation was not enough to maintain relative humidity levels below 70 % at the end of the postweaning period (9-10 weeks of age) in both groups (F and C), whereas forced ventilation allowed controlling daily mean relative humidity levels <60 %. About 12-26 % of the radiant heat was transmitted through the fabrics cover, depending on the wavelength. There were no differences on growth performance of piglets in the two compartments in both years. The use of polypropylene fabrics was associated with a significant electric energy saving for heating during the first (data available only in 2014) and second 2-week period in both years. In conclusion, polypropylene fabrics may be an interesting tool to provide optimal environmental conditions for weaned piglets in winter, especially during the two first weeks after weaning. Their transmittance properties allow trapping infrared emission produced by the piglets and heating, avoiding heat losses through the roof, and therefore saving heating energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noé Dolz
- Departamento de Producción Animal-Agrotecnio Center, Universidad de Lleida, Avda. Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Daniel Babot
- Departamento de Producción Animal-Agrotecnio Center, Universidad de Lleida, Avda. Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Producción Animal-Agrotecnio Center, Universidad de Lleida, Avda. Rovira Roure 191, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Fernando Forcada
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain.
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261
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Kähkönen E, Salmi K, Holopainen R, Pasanen P, Reijula K. Thermal environment in eight low-energy and twelve conventional Finnish houses. Appl Ergon 2015; 51:50-59. [PMID: 26154204 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the thermal environment of eight recently built low-energy houses and twelve conventional Finnish houses. We monitored living room, bedroom and outdoor air temperatures and room air relative humidity from June 2012 to September 2013. Perceived thermal environment was evaluated using a questionnaire survey during the heating, cooling and interim seasons. We compared the measured and perceived thermal environments of the low-energy and conventional houses. The mean air temperature was 22.8 °C (21.9-23.8 °C) in the low-energy houses, and 23.3 °C (21.4-26.5 °C) in the conventional houses during the summer (1. June 2013-31. August 2013). In the winter (1. December 2012-28. February 2013), the mean air temperature was 21.3 °C (19.8-22.5 °C) in the low-energy houses, and 21.6 °C (18.1-26.4 °C) in the conventional houses. The variation of the air temperature was less in the low-energy houses than that in the conventional houses. In addition, the occupants were on average slightly more satisfied with the indoor environment in the low-energy houses. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean air temperature and relative humidity of the low-energy and conventional houses. Our measurements and surveys showed that a good thermal environment can be achieved in both types of houses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari Salmi
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland
| | | | | | - Kari Reijula
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland; Hjelt Institute, Helsinki University, Finland
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262
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Rodopoulou S, Samoli E, Analitis A, Atkinson RW, de'Donato FK, Katsouyanni K. Searching for the best modeling specification for assessing the effects of temperature and humidity on health: a time series analysis in three European cities. Int J Biometeorol 2015; 59:1585-96. [PMID: 25638489 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-015-0965-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological time series studies suggest daily temperature and humidity are associated with adverse health effects including increased mortality and hospital admissions. However, there is no consensus over which metric or lag best describes the relationships. We investigated which temperature and humidity model specification most adequately predicted mortality in three large European cities. Daily counts of all-cause mortality, minimum, maximum and mean temperature and relative humidity and apparent temperature (a composite measure of ambient and dew point temperature) were assembled for Athens, London, and Rome for 6 years between 1999 and 2005. City-specific Poisson regression models were fitted separately for warm (April-September) and cold (October-March) periods adjusting for seasonality, air pollution, and public holidays. We investigated goodness of model fit for each metric for delayed effects up to 13 days using three model fit criteria: sum of the partial autocorrelation function, AIC, and GCV. No uniformly best index for all cities and seasonal periods was observed. The effects of temperature were uniformly shown to be more prolonged during cold periods and the majority of models suggested separate temperature and humidity variables performed better than apparent temperature in predicting mortality. Our study suggests that the nature of the effects of temperature and humidity on mortality vary between cities for unknown reasons which require further investigation but may relate to city-specific population, socioeconomic, and environmental characteristics. This may have consequences on epidemiological studies and local temperature-related warning systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Rodopoulou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Samoli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Analitis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Richard W Atkinson
- Population Health Research Institute and MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Klea Katsouyanni
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
- Environmental Research Group and Department of Primary Care & Public Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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263
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Spósito JCV, Crispim BDA, Mussury RM, Grisolia AB. Genetic instability in plants associated with vehicular traffic and climatic variables. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2015; 120:445-448. [PMID: 26150136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To characterize the effect of vehicular traffic on air quality, the micronuclei of Tradescantia pallida tetrads were counted. Young inflorescences of T. pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt var. purpurea were collected in 2010, 2011, and 2012, from three sites subjected to different intensities of vehicular traffic. The sites were located in the municipality of Dourados, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A standardized methodology was used to analyze the Tradescantia micronuclei, in order to evaluate the mutagenic potential of the local air pollutants. Statistical analyses using the Pearson's linear correlation were employed to determine the relationship between relative humidity and temperature, and the average number of micronuclei. In this study, an increase in the average number of passing vehicles was correlated with an increase in the frequency of micronucleus formation. Climatic factors also influenced micronucleus formation, although vehicular traffic remained the most important factor. Thus, the Tradescantia micronuclei assay may be a useful method of assessing air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno do Amaral Crispim
- Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Rosilda Mara Mussury
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Street João Rosa Góes, 1761-Vila Progresso , Caixa Postal 322, CEP: 79.825-070 Dourados, MS, Brazil
| | - Alexeia Barufatti Grisolia
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Street João Rosa Góes, 1761-Vila Progresso , Caixa Postal 322, CEP: 79.825-070 Dourados, MS, Brazil.
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264
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Ganguly ND. Short term change in relative humidity during the festival of Diwali in India. J Atmos Sol Terr Phys 2015; 129:49-54. [PMID: 32336933 PMCID: PMC7172789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The changes in humidity levels during the Diwali festivities have been examined over a period of 13 years at three Indian metro cities: Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Kolkata. A small short term increase in relative humidity even in the absence of transport of humid air from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal has been observed. The relative humidity levels were found to be exceeding the ambient levels during night and lying below the ambient levels during morning hours, indicating an increase in the survival rates of viruses responsible for the transmission of viral infections, as well as triggering immune-mediated illnesses such as asthma during Diwali.
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265
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Prudic A, Ji Y, Luebbert C, Sadowski G. Influence of humidity on the phase behavior of API/polymer formulations. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2015; 94:352-62. [PMID: 26117187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Amorphous formulations of APIs in polymers tend to absorb water from the atmosphere. This absorption of water can induce API recrystallization, leading to reduced long-term stability during storage. In this work, the phase behavior of different formulations was investigated as a function of relative humidity. Indomethacin and naproxen were chosen as model APIs and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVPVA64) as excipients. The formulations were prepared by spray drying. The water sorption in pure polymers and in formulations was measured at 25°C and at different values of relative humidity (RH=25%, 50% and 75%). Most water was absorbed in PVP-containing systems, and water sorption was decreasing with increasing API content. These trends could also be predicted in good agreement with the experimental data using the thermodynamic model PC-SAFT. Furthermore, the effect of absorbed water on API solubility in the polymer and on the glass-transition temperature of the formulations was predicted with PC-SAFT and the Gordon-Taylor equation, respectively. The absorbed water was found to significantly decrease the API solubility in the polymer as well as the glass-transition temperature of the formulation. Based on a quantitative modeling of the API/polymer phase diagrams as a function of relative humidity, appropriate API/polymer compositions can now be selected to ensure long-term stable amorphous formulations at given storage conditions.
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266
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Yang H, Wu J, Cheng J, Wang X, Wen L, Li K, Su H. Is high relative humidity associated with childhood hand, foot, and mouth disease in rural and urban areas? Public Health 2015; 142:201-207. [PMID: 25936976 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between relative humidity and childhood hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Hefei, China, and to explore whether the effect is different between urban and rural areas. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective ecological study. METHODS A Poisson generalized linear model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to examine the relationship between relative humidity and childhood HFMD in a temperate Chinese city during 2010-2012. RESULTS The effect of relative humidity on childhood HFMD increased above a humidity of 84%, with a 0.34% (95% CI: 0.23%-0.45%) increase of childhood HFMD per 1% increment of relative humidity. Notably, urban children, male children, and children aged 0-4 years appeared to be more vulnerable to the effect of relative humidity on HFMD. CONCLUSIONS This article study indicates that high relative humidity may trigger childhood HFMD in a temperate area, Hefei, particularly for those who are young and from urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - J Wu
- Hefei Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - J Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - L Wen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - K Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - H Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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267
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Lahlali R, Hamadi Y, El Guilli M, Jijakli MH. The Ability of the Antagonist Yeast Pichia Guilliermondii Strain Z1 to Suppress Green Mould Infection in Citrus Fruit. Ital J Food Saf 2014; 3:4774. [PMID: 27800373 PMCID: PMC5076700 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2014.4774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies it was shown that Pichia guilliermondii strain Z1, isolated from healthy Moroccan citrus Valencia-Late oranges, was effective against Penicillium italicum. Here the effectiveness of strain Z1 was assessed against Penicillium digitatum, the causal agent of green mould, under different temperature (5-25°C) and relative humidity (RH) (45-100%) regimes for its reliable and large-scale application in packinghouse. All main effects and interactions were significant (P<0.0001). In the pathogen control, the largest lesion diameter was at an RH range between 98 and 100%, regardless of the incubation temperature. The efficacy of strain Z1 was not dependent on the environment and reduced disease incidence by >80%. Its applications as a formulated product significantly reduced the incidence of infected fruit (55%) and the percentage of infected wounds (47%) compared to the only pathogen control treatment. However, disease control with formulated product was significantly less than that obtained with thiabendazole (30%) or strain Z1 culturable cells (35%). These results highlight that strain Z1 is an effective biological control agent for control of green mould under varying environmental conditions, and control may be optimized by combining its use with other environmentally-safe post-harvest treatments or improved formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Lahlali
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Université de Liège, Gembloux, Belgium, Morocco
| | - Younes Hamadi
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Université de Liège, Gembloux, Belgium, Morocco
- Laboratoire de Phytopathologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université Ibn Tofail, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Mohammed El Guilli
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-El Menzeh, Laboratoire de Phytopathologie, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - M. Haissam Jijakli
- Unité de Phytopathologie, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Université de Liège, Gembloux, Belgium, Morocco
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268
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Tian Y, Sul K, Qian J, Mondal S, Ferro AR. A comparative study of walking-induced dust resuspension using a consistent test mechanism. Indoor Air 2014; 24:592-603. [PMID: 24605758 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human walking influences indoor air quality mainly by resuspending dust particles settled on the floor. This study characterized walking-induced particle resuspension as a function of flooring type, relative humidity (RH), surface dust loading, and particle size using a consistent resuspension mechanism. Five types of flooring, including hardwood, vinyl, high-density cut pile carpet, low-density cut pile carpet, and high-density loop carpet, were tested with two levels of RH (40% and 70%) and surface dust loading (2 and 8 g/m(2) ), respectively. Resuspension fraction ra (fraction of surface dust resuspended per step) for house dust was found to be varied from 10(-7) to 10(-4) (particle size: 0.4-10 µm). Results showed that for particles at 0.4-3.0 µm, the difference in resuspension fraction between carpets and hard floorings was not significant. For particles at 3.0-10.0 µm, carpets exhibited higher resuspension fractions compared with hard floorings. Increased RH level enhanced resuspension on high-density cut pile carpet, whereas the opposite effect was observed on hard floorings. Higher surface dust loading was associated with lower resuspension fractions on carpets, while on hard floorings the effect of surface dust loading varied with different RH levels. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The results from this study validate the recommendation that people sensitive to allergens could select hard floorings to reduce exposure and related adverse health outcomes. The results can also be applied to exposure models to determine the overall impact of exposure to resuspension as compared with other particle sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tian
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
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269
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Ou CQ, Yang J, Ou QQ, Liu HZ, Lin GZ, Chen PY, Qian J, Guo YM. The impact of relative humidity and atmospheric pressure on mortality in Guangzhou, China. Biomed Environ Sci 2014; 27:917-925. [PMID: 25484008 DOI: 10.3967/bes2014.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although many studies have examined the effects of ambient temperatures on mortality, little evidence is on health impacts of atmospheric pressure and relative humidity. This study aimed to assess the impacts of atmospheric pressure and relative humidity on mortality in Guangzhou, China. METHODS This study included 213,737 registered deaths during 2003-2011 in Guangzhou, China. A quasi-Poisson regression with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to assess the effects of atmospheric pressure/relative humidity. RESULTS We found significant effect of low atmospheric pressure/relative humidity on mortality. There was a 1.79% (95% confidence interval: 0.38%-3.22%) increase in non-accidental mortality and a 2.27% (0.07%-4.51%) increase in cardiovascular mortality comparing the 5th and 25th percentile of atmospheric pressure. A 3.97% (0.67%-7.39%) increase in cardiovascular mortality was also observed comparing the 5th and 25th percentile of relative humidity. Women were more vulnerable to decrease in atmospheric pressure and relative humidity than men. Age and education attainment were also potential effect modifiers. Furthermore, low atmospheric pressure and relative humidity increased temperature-related mortality. CONCLUSION Both low atmospheric pressure and relative humidity are important risk factors of mortality. Our findings would be helpful to develop health risk assessment and climate policy interventions that would better protect vulnerable subgroups of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Quan Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Yang
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qiao Qun Ou
- Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510180, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Zhang Liu
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo Zhen Lin
- Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510440, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Ming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
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270
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Camardo Leggieri M, Mitchell D, Aldred D, Battilani P, Magan N. Hydro- and thermotimes for conidial germination kinetics of the ochratoxigenic species Aspergillus carbonarius in vitro, on grape skin and grape flesh. Fungal Biol 2014; 118:996-1003. [PMID: 25457947 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to compare the ability of spores of Aspergillus carbonarius to germinate in vitro, in situ on grape skin and grape flesh in relation to temperature (15-40 °C) and different relative humidities (100-85% RH). Spores were inoculated as a spore suspension (10(6) spores ml(-1)) onto the surface of white organic grapes and directly onto cut grape flesh. For comparison, spores were spread plate onto a synthetic grape juice medium (SGM) modified to the equivalent water activity (a(w)) range of 0.995-0.85. This showed that conidia germinated more rapidly on grape flesh (6 h) followed by that on the SGM medium (9 h) and then grape skin (24 h) under optimal condition of 30-35 °C and 100 % RH. At marginal conditions, such as 15 °C and 85-90% RH, germination was very slow. The time to 5% germination was significantly shorter on grape flesh than in vitro on grape medium and slowest on grape skin. This suggests that damaged grapes provide the main method of infection and contamination of grapes and grape products with ochratoxin A (OTA). The combined effect of temperature and RH on conidial germination of A. carbonarius on SGM and grape skin was described by combining Beta and polynomial equations. The equations developed in this work provided a good fit of the biological processes; they could be integrated in a predictive model for infection and OTA prediction in ripening grapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Institute of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - David Mitchell
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK
| | - David Aldred
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Paola Battilani
- Institute of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Naresh Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK.
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271
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Chu B, Liu Y, Li J, Takekawa H, Liggio J, Li SM, Jiang J, Hao J, He H. Decreasing effect and mechanism of FeSO4 seed particles on secondary organic aerosol in α-pinene photooxidation. Environ Pollut 2014; 193:88-93. [PMID: 25014016 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
α-Pinene/NOx and α-pinene/HONO photooxidation experiments at varying humidity were conducted in smog chambers in the presence or absence of FeSO4 seed particles. FeSO4 seed particles decrease SOA mass as long as water was present on the seed particle surface, but FeSO4 seed particles have no decreasing effect on SOA under dryer conditions at 12% relative humidity (RH). The decreasing effect of FeSO4 seed particles on the SOA mass is proposed to be related to oxidation processes in the surface layer of water on the seed particles. Free radicals, including OH, can be formed from catalytic cycling of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) in the aqueous phase. These radicals can react further with the organic products of α-pinene oxidation on the seed particles. The oxidation may lead to formation of smaller molecules which have higher saturation vapor pressures and favor repartitioning to the gas phase, and therefore, reduces SOA mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biwu Chu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yongchun Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Air Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junhua Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hideto Takekawa
- Toyota Central Research and Development Laboratory, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1192, Japan
| | - John Liggio
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shao-Meng Li
- Air Quality Research Division, Environment Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jingkun Jiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiming Hao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hong He
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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272
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Choi S, Jun H, Bang J, Chung SH, Kim Y, Kim BS, Kim H, Beuchat LR, Ryu JH. Behaviour of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum on rice as affected by degree of milling, temperature, and relative humidity during storage. Food Microbiol 2014; 46:307-313. [PMID: 25475300 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the survival and growth patterns of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, as well as mycotoxin production, on Korean rice as affected by the degree of milling (rough, brown, and white rice) and storage conditions (21 °C/85% relative humidity [RH], 21 °C/97% RH, and 30 °C/85% RH). When rice was stored at 21 °C/85% RH, the population of A. flavus remained constant and aflatoxin was not produced, regardless of the degree of milling. At 21 °C/97% RH and 30 °C/85% RH, the populations of A. flavus increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and aflatoxins were produced. The highest population of A. flavus and highest amount of aflatoxin B1 were observed on brown rice stored at 21 °C/97% RH. For F. graminearum, when stored at 85% RH, the populations were reduced to less than a detectable level (5 CFU/g of rice) within 120 days and no deoxynivalenol (DON) was produced, regardless of the degree of milling and storage temperature. However, at 21 °C/97% RH, the population of F. graminearum increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and DON was produced on all types of rice. Findings from this study provide insights concerning storage conditions necessary to prevent growth and mycotoxin production by A. flavus and F. graminearum on Korean rice with different degrees of milling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonyeong Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejung Jun
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Bang
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Chung
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Korea University, Jeongneung-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-703, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonsook Kim
- Neo Food Resources Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Baekhyun-dong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi 463-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Sam Kim
- Neo Food Resources Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Baekhyun-dong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi 463-746, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoikyung Kim
- Division of Human Environmental Sciences, Wonkwang University, Shinyong-dong, Iksan, Jeonbuk 570-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Larry R Beuchat
- Center for Food Safety and Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, USA
| | - Jee-Hoon Ryu
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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273
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Krūkle-Bērziņa K, Actiņš A. Investigation of the phase transitions occurring during and after the dehydration of xylazine hydrochloride monohydrate. Int J Pharm 2014; 469:40-9. [PMID: 24732032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports an investigation of a complex solid state phase transition where two inter-converting polymorphs (X and A) of the pharmaceutical molecule xylazine hydrochloride formed and transformed during and after the dehydration of its monohydrate (H). The crystal structures of all three forms were compared. During the investigation of this solid state phase transition it was determined that the dehydration of H produced either a pure X form, or a mixture of the X and A forms. The phase composition depended on the sample preparation procedure and the experimental conditions. It was found that grinding of the hydrate enhanced the formation of polymorph X as a product of dehydration, whereas higher humidity, temperature, or mechanical compression enhanced the formation of polymorph A. The transition mechanism of this complex process was analysed and explained by taking into account the crystal structures of these three forms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andris Actiņš
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Kr. Valdemara iela 48, LV-1013, Riga, Latvia
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274
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Csavina J, Field J, Félix O, Corral-Avitia AY, Sáez AE, Betterton EA. Effect of wind speed and relative humidity on atmospheric dust concentrations in semi-arid climates. Sci Total Environ 2014; 487:82-90. [PMID: 24769193 PMCID: PMC4072227 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric particulate have deleterious impacts on human health. Predicting dust and aerosol emission and transport would be helpful to reduce harmful impacts but, despite numerous studies, prediction of dust events and contaminant transport in dust remains challenging. In this work, we show that relative humidity and wind speed are both determinants in atmospheric dust concentration. Observations of atmospheric dust concentrations in Green Valley, AZ, USA, and Juárez, Chihuahua, México, show that PM10 concentrations are not directly correlated with wind speed or relative humidity separately. However, selecting the data for high wind speeds (>4m/s at 10 m elevation), a definite trend is observed between dust concentration and relative humidity: dust concentration increases with relative humidity, reaching a maximum around 25% and it subsequently decreases with relative humidity. Models for dust storm forecasting may be improved by utilizing atmospheric humidity and wind speed as main drivers for dust generation and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janae Csavina
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Jason Field
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Omar Félix
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Alba Y Corral-Avitia
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, 32538 Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
| | - Eric A Betterton
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
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275
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Frankel M, Hansen EW, Madsen AM. Effect of relative humidity on the aerosolization and total inflammatory potential of fungal particles from dust-inoculated gypsum boards. Indoor Air 2014; 24:16-28. [PMID: 23750665 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of relative humidity (RH) on the aerosolization and total inflammatory potential (TIP) of microbial particles released from gypsum boards inoculated with dust samples from homes. After microbial colonization, the gypsum boards were incubated at either high or low RH. The aerosolized particles (0.54-19.8 μm), culturable fungi, β-glucan and the TIP of the aerosolized particles were quantified. Despite the colonization of several fungal groups, Penicillium dominated the aerosolized fraction. Higher emission rates of particles and culturable fungi were found from low RH compared with high RH in both the inhalable and particulate matter <1 μm (PM1 ) fractions, and the TIP was accordingly higher. However, for the aerosolized fractions, the TIP or concentration β-glucan relative to the number of fungi or particles present was higher from high RH compared with low RH. Despite the low number of culturable fungi in PM1 , this fraction showed a high TIP, and the concentration of β-glucan correlated strongly with the TIP of this fraction. The individual particles of the aerosolized PM1 fraction were more inflammatory than the larger particles of the inhalable fraction, and β-glucan may be an important contributor to the inflammatory potential of the aerosolized particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Frankel
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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276
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Sandrin CZ, Figueiredo-Ribeiro RDCL, Delitti WBC, Domingos M. Short-term changes of fructans in ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum 'Lema') in response to urban air pollutants and meteorological conditions. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2013; 96:80-85. [PMID: 23871204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether the fructan content, a storage carbohydrate, of Lolium multiflorum 'Lema' plants grown in a subtropical urban environment characterized by typical diurnal profiles of air pollutants and meteorological conditions changed over the course of a day during different seasons. Plants were collected every 2h on the last day of each two-month seasonal field experiment and separated into shoot (stubble or stubble+leaf blades) and roots for carbohydrate analyses and biomass determination. Diurnal contents of total fructose in the stubbles increased with high temperatures. In the roots, fructose accumulation showed a positive relation with hourly variations of both temperature and particulate matter and a negative relation with irradiance and SO2. Seasonal variation in shoot and root biomasses coincided with the seasonal variation of total fructose and were negatively affected by relative humidity and SO2, respectively. We concluded that hourly changes of fructans over the course of a day may increase the ability of L. multiflorum to tolerate short-term oscillations in weather and air pollution commonly observed in the subtropical urban environment, increasing its efficiency in monitoring air quality.
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277
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Ojeil M, Jermann C, Holah J, Denyer SP, Maillard JY. Evaluation of new in vitro efficacy test for antimicrobial surface activity reflecting UK hospital conditions. J Hosp Infect 2013; 85:274-81. [PMID: 24091310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial surfaces aim to reduce microbial bioburden and improve hygiene. The current antimicrobial surface efficacy test (ISO22196) is an initial screening test but its conditions, high temperature (37°C) and relative humidity (RH) (100%) bear little relationship to in-use conditions. AIM To develop an antimicrobial surface efficacy test providing a realistic second-tier test, simulating in-use conditions. METHODS Surface relative humidity, temperature and soiling were measured over one year at a UK hospital, enabling realistic parameters to be set for our surface efficacy test. A nebulizer, connected to a cascade impactor, aerosolized and uniformly deposited a Staphylococcus aureus suspension over test copper alloys and control stainless steel surfaces. Bacteria were enumerated following nebulization, and after a range of contact times, under [20°C, 50% RH] and [20°C, 40% RH] parameters reflecting in-use conditions; [37°C, 100% RH] was employed to reflect conditions used in ISO22196. FINDINGS All copper alloys produced a >4 log10 reduction after 24h under all conditions tested. Copper alloys were more effective at [37°C, 100% RH] showing a >4 log10 reduction after 30 min than at in-use conditions [20°C, 50% RH and 20°C, 40% RH], for which 60 min was required to achieve the same level of kill, for most but not all alloys. CONCLUSION The use of the nebulizer to deposit bacterial inocula on surfaces showed little variability in results. Our method was more discriminatory than the ISO22196 enabling distinction between the bactericidal surface activity, which allows for a more rigorous selection of antimicrobial surfaces for potential use in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ojeil
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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278
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Calderón-Preciado D, Matamoros V, Biel C, Save R, Bayona JM. Foliar sorption of emerging and priority contaminants under controlled conditions. J Hazard Mater 2013; 260:176-182. [PMID: 23747476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural irrigation water contains a variety of contaminants that can be introduced into the food chain through intake by irrigated crops. This paper describes an experiment under controlled conditions designed to simulate sprinkle irrigation with polluted water at two different relative humidities (40 and 90%). Specifically, shed lettuce-heart leaves were spiked with an aqueous solution containing organic microcontaminants, including pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, diclofenac, clofibric acid, and carbamazepine), fragrances (tonalide), biocides (triclosan), insecticides (lindane), herbicides (atrazine), phenolic estrogen (bisphenol A), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (phenanthrene and pyrene). Following an incubation period (48 h), the treated leaves were rinsed with water, and both the solution used to rinse them and the leaves themselves were independently analyzed to investigate the foliar sorption and uptake of the spiked organic contaminants through cuticle. The results showed that the foliar sorption of emerging and priority microcontaminants in leaves wetted by irrigation practices is related to their polarity (logD(ow)) and volatility (logk(H)), regardless of their compound class and the relative humidity. The results thus underscore the need to improve the quality of reclaimed water in crop irrigation, particularly when sprinkle irrigation is used.
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279
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Sattar A, Naeem M, Ul-Haq E. Impact of environmental factors on the population dynamics, density and foraging activities of Odontotermes lokanandi and Microtermes obesi in Islamabad. Springerplus 2013; 2:349. [PMID: 23961413 PMCID: PMC3733073 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Affect of different environmental factors i.e., temperature, relative humidity and precipitation on population dynamics, density and foraging activities of Microtermes obesi Holmgren and Odontotermes lokanandi Chatarjee and Thakur (Isoptera: Termitidae) were studied from March 2010 to July 2012 in Islamabad. A total of 1200 poplar wooden stakes was used for monitoring the termite activities in Islamabad. The results showed that 65 out of 1200 poplar wooden stakes were found infested by both species i.e. M. obesi and O. lokanandi. Both species were interacting with each other in the experimental field and O. lokanandi was found significantly dominant. Mean yield per trap ranged from 0.83 ± 0.20 gm to 1.12 ± 0.28 gm and 0.35 ± 0.09 gm to 0.82 ± 0.19 gm for M. obesi and O. lokanandi in the field, respectively. M. obesi and O. lokanandi in 1.0 gm sample ranged from 539.83 ± 2.21 to 567.83 ± 9.41 and 407.67 ± 4.75 to 424.5 ± 1.15 individuals, respectively. Population of workers ranged from 93.53 ± 1.73 to 97.68 ± 0.40 and 91.69 ± 1.42 to 98.41 ± 0.50 percent for M. obesi and O. lokanandi, respectively. Positive and significant correlation was found among atmospheric temperature, precipitation and both subterranean termite species i.e., M. obesi and O. lokanandi; however, the correlation was found non significant and negative between relative humidity and foraging activities of both termite species. Moreover, correlation was found positive and significant between atmospheric temperature and percent workers of M. obesi; while negative and non-significant between atmospheric temperature and percent workers of O. lokanandi. Negative and significant correlation was noted between relative humidity and percent workers of M. obesi; whereas, positive and significant correlation was recorded between relative humidity and percent workers of O. lokanandi. Positive and non-significant correlation was recorded between precipitation and percent workers of M. obesi; while positive and significant correlation was observed between precipitation and percent workers of O. lokanand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Sattar
- Department of Entomology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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280
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Volkova N, Hansson H, Ljunggren L. Thermally decarboxylated sodium bicarbonate: Interactions with water vapour, calorimetric study. J Pharm Anal 2013; 3:193-199. [PMID: 29403816 PMCID: PMC5760964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to study interactions between water vapour and the surface of thermally converted sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). The decarboxylation degree of the samples was varied from 3% to 35% and the humidity range was 54-100%. The obtained enthalpy values were all exothermic and showed a positive linear correlation with decarboxylation degrees for each humidity studied. The critical humidity, 75% (RHo), was determined as the inflection point on a plot of the mean-ΔH kJ/mole Na2CO3 against RH. Humidities above the critical humidity lead to complete surface dissolution. The water uptake (m) was determined after each calorimetric experiment, complementing the enthalpy data. A mechanism of water vapour interaction with decarboxylated samples, including the formation of trona and Wegscheider's salt on the bicarbonate surface is proposed for humidities below RHo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Volkova
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biotechnology, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biotechnology, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, Getingevägen 60, 22241 Lund, Sweden. Tel.: +46 46 222 47 41; fax: +46 46 222 47 13.
| | - Henri Hansson
- Galenica AB, Medeon Science Park, SE-205 12, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lennart Ljunggren
- Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
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281
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Kurek M, Guinault A, Voilley A, Galić K, Debeaufort F. Effect of relative humidity on carvacrol release and permeation properties of chitosan based films and coatings. Food Chem 2013; 144:9-17. [PMID: 24099536 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The influence of water vapour conditions on mass transport and barrier properties of chitosan based films and coatings were studied in relation to surface and structural properties. Water contact angles, material swelling, polymer degradation temperature, barrier properties (PO2, PCO2, WVP) and aroma diffusion coefficients were determined. The solvent nature and the presence of carvacrol influenced the surface and structural properties and then the barrier performance of activated chitosan films. Increasing RH from 0% to 100% led to a significant increase in material swelling. The plasticization effect of water was more pronounced at high humid environment, while at low RH the matrix plasticization was induced by carvacrol. The deposit of a thin chitosan layer on polyethylene decreased PO2 and PCO2 both in dry and humid conditions. The carvacrol release from the chitosan matrix was strongly influenced by RH. A temperature increase from 4 to 37°C also had an impact on carvacrol diffusivity but to a lesser extent than RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Kurek
- PAM-PAPC, 1 esplanade Erasme, Université de Bourgogne - Agrosup Dijon, F-21000 Dijon, France; Laboratory for Food Packaging, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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282
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Itagi HN, Singh V, Indiramma AR, Prakash M. Shelf stable multigrain halwa mixes: preparation of halwa, their textural and sensory studies. J Food Sci Technol 2011; 50:879-89. [PMID: 24425994 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-011-0423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Multigrain halwa mixes (four types) were prepared from cereals, millets, legumes, nuts and condiments. These mixes had around 4% initial moisture content (IMC), during storage studies they had 23 to 32% as equilibrium relative humidity (ERH); 5 to 8% as the critical moisture content (CMC) and critical relative humidity (CRH) for these mixes were ~ 60%. Packaging material for storing these mixes was 75 μm thickness LDPE pouches. Under accelerated storage, these mixes picked up moisture up to 9% and at ambient up to 6.4%. Free fatty acids ~18% was developed under accelerated condition for 90 days; under ambient condition ~14% for 180 days. Ragi based spicy halwa mix could develop FFA up to 120%, which was due to the presence of tricarboxylic acid as one of the ingredient in this particular mix. Halwa mixes can be stored for 75 days under accelerated and 180 days under ambient conditions. Halwa prepared from these mixes had 26 to 31% moisture; protein, fat, carbohydrates and ash content were 5.7 to 6.3%, 7.9 to 8.7%, 54 to 58%, 1.6 to 3.3%, respectively. Energy derived from these ranged from 1,318 to 1,380 kJ/100 g. Ragi based spicy multigrain halwa was harder and chewy in texture; while wheat based multigrain halwa was softer. Dark brown colour persisted for Ragi based spicy multi grain halwa because of the inherent colour of the finger millet, ghee aroma and sweetness was insignificant for all the 4 types of halwa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hameedabanu N Itagi
- Department of Grain Science and Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020 India ; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Vasudeva Singh
- Department of Grain Science and Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020 India ; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India
| | - A R Indiramma
- Department of Food Packaging and Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020 India ; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Maya Prakash
- Department of Sensory Science, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020 India ; Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, India
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283
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Yu KP, Lee GWM, Lin SY, Huang CP. Removal of bioaerosols by the combination of a photocatalytic filter and negative air ions. J Aerosol Sci 2008; 39:377-392. [PMID: 32362683 PMCID: PMC7185609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2007.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on the investigation of the effectiveness of negative air ionization (NAI), photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), and the combination of NAI and PCO on the removal of aerosolized Escherichia coli, Candida famata, and λ vir phage under different relative humidity. The experiments were conducted with a stainless steel reactor equipped with a negative air ion generator, a photocatalytic filter, and two ultraviolet lamps with 365 nm wavelength. The removal efficiency ( η ) , defined as one minus the ratio of the outlet concentration to the inlet concentration of the appropriate bioaerosol, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the removal methods. The combination of NAI and PCO was the most efficient removal method for aerosolized E. coli ( η = 0.304 ± 0.06 - 0.364 ± 0.008 ) , C. famata ( η = 0.433 ± 0.08 - 0.598 ± 0.047 ) , and λ vir phage ( η = 0.689 ± 0.02 - 0.903 ± 0.06 ) . In this removal method, the contributions of NAI were higher than those of PCO for the removal of E. coli and C. famata; for the removal of λ virus phage the contributions of NAI and PCO were comparable NAI was the least efficient removal method for bioaerosols, and the removal efficiencies are: η = 0.175 ± 0.04 - 0.245 ± 0.03 for E. coli; η = 0.216 ± 0.007 - 0.297 ± 0.044 for C. famata; and η = 0.299 ± 0.12 - 0.384 ± 0.02 for λ vir phage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace Whei-May Lee
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 71, Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 10673 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Szu-Ying Lin
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 71, Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 10673 Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien Ping Huang
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 71, Chou-Shan Road, Taipei 10673 Taiwan, ROC
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284
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Bhatt BD, Rohde RA. The influence of environmental factors on the respiration of plant-parasitic nematodes. J Nematol 1970; 2:277-285. [PMID: 19322313 PMCID: PMC2618771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiration of selected nematode species was measured relative to CO level, temperature, osmotic pressure, humidity, glucose utilization and high ionic concentrations of sodium and potassium.In general, respiration was stimulated most by the dominant environmental factors at levels near those expected in the nematode's "natural" habitat. Soil-inhabiting nematodes utilized O, most rapidly with high (1-2%) CO whereas a foliar nematode (Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi) did so with 0.03% CO, the concentration typically found in air. Temperature optima for respiration corresponded closely to those for other activities. Ditylenchus dipsaci and Pratylenchus penetrans adults and Anguina tritici and A. agrostis second-stage larvae respired within the range of osmotic pressures from 0 to 44.8 arm and respiration of their drought-resistant stages was stimulated by increasing osmotic pressure which accompanies the onset of drought. Rehydration of A. tritici and A. agrostis larvae with RH as low as 5% stimulated measurable respiration. Glucose utilization from liquid medium by A. tritici larvae or A. ritzembosi was not detectable. Supplemental Na stimulated respiration of Anguina tritici, K did not.
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