Effect of particulate matter-bound metals exposure on prothrombotic biomarkers: A systematic review

Particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals, platelet parameters and blood pressure alteration: Multi-pollutants study among population

Epidemiological findings have determined the linkage of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the morbidity of hypertension. However, the mode of action and specific contribution of PM2.5 component in the blood pressure elevation remain unclear. Platelets are critical for vascular homeostasis and thrombosis, which may be involved in the increase of blood pressure. Among 240 high-PM2.5 exposed, 318 low-PM2.5 exposed workers in a coking plant and 210 workers in the oxygen plant and cold-rolling mill enrolled in present study, both internal and external exposure characteristics were obtained, and we performed linear regression, adaptive elastic net regression, quantile g-computation and mediation analyses to analyze the relationship between urine metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals fractions with platelets indices and blood pressure indicators. We found that PM2.5 exposure leads to increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP). Specifically, for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, there was a 0.09 mmHg rise in PP. Additionally, one IQR increase in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1.06 μmol/mol creatinine) was associated with a 3.43 % elevation in PP. Similarly, an IQR increment of urine cobalt (2.31 μmol/mol creatinine) was associated with a separate 1.77 % and 4.71 % elevation of SBP and PP. Notably, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) played a mediating role in the elevation of SBP and PP induced by cobalt. Our multi-pollutants results showed that PAHs and cobalt were deleterious contributors to the elevated blood pressure. These findings deepen our understanding of the cardiovascular effects associated with PM2.5 constituents, highlighting the importance of increased vigilance in monitoring and controlling the harmful components in PM2.5.

Oxidative Status, Iron Plasma Levels in Venous Thrombosis Patients

Exaggerated clot induces venous thrombosis (VTE); oxidative stress (OxS) can to be postulated as additional risk factor. This study evaluates firstly OxS by measuring surrogate biomarkers (malondialdehyde-MDA, 4-hydroxinonenal-4-HNE, superoxide desmutase enzyme (SOD)), secondly the iron (Fe) plasma level and thirdly the hepcidin protein (Hep) level in patients with VTE. A case control study was performed enrolling twenty hospitalized patients and an equal number of healthy individuals. In VTE patients, the following results were found. The MDA was 8.38 ± 0.5 µM/L, the 4-HNE measured 2.75 ± 0.03 µM/L and the SOD was 0.025 ± 0.01 U/mL. The I was 73.10 ± 10 µg/dL and the He was 4.77 ± 0.52 ng/mL. In the control group, the MDA measured 5.5 ± 0.6 µM/L, the 4-HNE 2.24 ± 0.021 µM/L and the SOD 0.08 ± 0.12 U/mL. The Hep was 2.1 ± 0.55 ng/mL and the Fe was 88.2 ± 9.19 µg/dL. Differences were statistically significant. Results suggest that in VTE there is activated OxS, Fe deregulation and over-production of Hep. Fe deregulation induces OxS, leading both to inflammation in the clot activator and stimulation of the pro-thrombotic status. The study highlights OxS and Fe and their regulation as intriguing indicators for risk of VTE.

Direct Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution Worsens the Functional Status of Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background The effect of air pollutants on the functional status of stroke patients in short-term follow-up is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of air pollution occurring in the stroke period and during hospitalization on the functional status of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods Our study included stroke patients for which the individual-level exposure to ambient levels of O3, CO, SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 during the acute stroke period was assessed. The correlations between the air pollutants' concentration and the patients' functional state were analyzed. A total of 499 stroke patients (mean age: 70) were qualified. Results The CO concentration at day of stroke onset was found to be significant regarding the functional state of patients on the 10th day (OR 0.014 95% CI 0-0.908, p = 0.048). The parameters which increased the risk of death in the first 10 days were as follows: NIHSS (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.15-1.42; p < 0.001), intracranial bleeding (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.75-9.76; p = 0.001), and SO2 concentration on day 2 (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.47; p = 0.03). The parameters which increased the mortality rate within 90 days include age (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.13; p = 0.005) and NIHSS (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.19-1.63; p < 0.001). Conclusions Exposure to air pollution with CO and SO2 during the acute stroke phase has adverse effects on the patients' functional status. A combination of parameters, such as neurological state, hemorrhagic transformation, and SO2 exposure, is unfavorable in terms of the risk of death during a hospitalization due to stroke. The risk of a worsened functional status of patients in the first month of stroke rises along with the increase in particulate matter concentrations within the first days of stroke.

In vitro exposure to PM2.5 of olfactory Ensheathing cells and SH-SY5Y cells and possible association with neurodegenerative processes

PM2.5 exposure represents a risk factor for the public health. PM2.5 is able to cross the blood-alveolar and blood-brain barriers and reach the brain through three routes: nasal olfactory pathway, nose-brain pathway, blood-brain barrier pathway. We evaluated the effect of PM2.5 to induce cytotoxicity and reduced viability on in vitro cultures of OECs (Olfactory Ensheathing Cells) and SH-SY5Y cells. PM2.5 samples were collected in the metropolitan area of Catania, and the gravimetric determination of PM2.5, characterization of 10 trace elements and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were carried out for each sample. PM2.5 extracts were exposed to cultures of OECs and SH-SY5Y cells for 24-48-72 h, and the cell viability assay (MTT) was evaluated. Assessment of mitochondrial and cytoskeleton damage, and the assessment of apoptotic process were performed in the samples that showed lower cell viability. We have found an annual average value of PM2.5 = 16.9 μg/m3 and a maximum value of PM2.5 = 27.6 μg/m3 during the winter season. PM2.5 samples collected during the winter season also showed higher concentrations of PAHs and trace elements. The MTT assay showed a reduction in cell viability for both OECs (44%, 62%, 64%) and SH-SY5Y cells (16%, 17%, 28%) after 24-48-72 h of PM2.5 exposure. Furthermore, samples with lower cell viability showed a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased cytotoxicity, and also impaired cellular integrity and induction of the apoptotic process after increased expression of vimentin and caspase-3 activity, respectively. These events are involved in neurodegenerative processes and could be triggered not only by the concentration and time of exposure to PM2.5, but also by the presence of trace elements and PAHs on the PM2.5 substrate. The identification of more sensitive cell lines could be the key to understanding how exposure to PM2.5 can contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative processes.

Exploring spatiotemporal pattern in the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter and COVID-19 incidence in the continental United States: a Leroux-conditional-autoregression-based strategy

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is adversely associated with COVID-19 incidence. However, few studies have explored the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in this association, which is critical for developing cost-effective pollution-related policies for a specific location and epidemic stage, as well as, understanding the temporal change of association between PM2.5 and an emerging infectious disease like COVID-19.

Methods

The outcome was state-level daily COVID-19 cases in 49 native United States between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The exposure variable was the moving average of PM2.5 with a lag range of 0-14 days. A latest proposed strategy was used to investigate the spatial distribution of PM2.5-COVID-19 association in state level. First, generalized additive models were independently constructed for each state to obtain the rough association estimations, which then were smoothed using a Leroux-prior-based conditional autoregression. Finally, a modified time-varying approach was used to analyze the temporal change of association and explore the potential causes spatiotemporal heterogeneity.

Results

In all states, a positive association between PM2.5 and COVID-19 incidence was observed. Nearly one-third of these states, mainly located in the northeastern and middle-northern United States, exhibited statistically significant. On average, a 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration led to an increase in COVID-19 incidence by 0.92% (95%CI: 0.63-1.23%). A U-shaped temporal change of association was examined, with the strongest association occurring in the end of 2021 and the weakest association occurring in September 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021. Vaccination rate was identified as a significant cause for the association heterogeneity, with a stronger association occurring at a higher vaccination rate.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 and COVID-19 incidence presented positive association in the United States, which exhibited a significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity with strong association in the eastern and middle regions and with a U-shaped temporal change.

Source-specific probabilistic risk evaluation of potentially toxic metal(loid)s in fine dust of college campuses based on positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation

Contamination, hazard level and source of 10 widely concerned potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) Co, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Ba, and V in fine dust with particle size below 63 μm (FD63) were investigated to assess the environmental quality of college campuses and influencing factors. PTMs sources were qualitatively analyzed using statistical methods and quantitatively apportioned using positive matrix factorization. Probabilistic contamination degrees of PTMs were evaluated using enrichment factor and Nemerow integrated enrichment factor. Eco-health risk levels of content-oriented and source-oriented for PTMs were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Mean levels of Zn (643.8 mg kg-1), Pb (146.0 mg kg-1), Cr (145.9 mg kg-1), Cu (95.5 mg kg-1), and Ba (804.2 mg kg-1) in FD63 were significantly larger than soil background values. The possible sources of the concerned PTMs in FD63 were traffic non-exhaust emissions, natural source, mixed source (auto repair waste, paints and pigments) and traffic exhaust emissions, which accounted for 45.7%, 25.4%, 14.5% and 14.4% of total PTMs contents, respectively. Comprehensive contamination levels of PTMs were very high, mainly caused by Zn pollution and non-exhaust emissions. Combined ecological risk levels of PTMs were low and moderate, chiefly caused by Pb and traffic exhaust emissions. The non-cancer risks of the PTMs in FD63 to college students fell within safety level, while the carcinogenic PTMs in FD63 had a certain cancer risks to college students. The results of source-specific health risk assessment indicated that Cr and As were the priority PTMs, and the mixed source was the priority pollution source of PTMs in FD63 from college campuses, which should be paid attention to by the local government.

Using a time-varying LCAR-based strategy to investigate the spatiotemporal pattern of association between short-term exposure to particulate matter and COVID-19 incidence: a case study in the continental USA

Numerous studies have demonstrated that short-term exposure to particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM10) is positively associated with the COVID-19 incidence. However, no study has investigated the spatiotemporal pattern in this association, which plays important roles in identifying high-susceptibility regions and stages of epidemic. In this work, taking the 49 native states in America as an example, we used an advanced strategy to investigate this issue. First, time-series generalized additive model (GAM) were independently constructed to obtain the state-specific associations between short-term exposure to PM10 and the daily COVID-19 cases from 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2021. Then, a Leroux-prior-based conditional autoregression (LCAR) was used to spatially smoothen the associations. Third, the temporal variation of association and the reasons underlying the spatiotemporal heterogeneity were investigated by incorporating the time-varying GAM into LCAR. Results showed that PM10 was adversely associated with COVID-19 incidence in all the states. On average, a 10 μg/m3 increase of PM10 was associated with a 7.38% (95% CI 5.20-9.64%) increase in COVID-19 cases. A substantial spatial heterogeneity was observed, with strong associations in the middle and northeastern regions and weak associations in the western regions. The temporal trend of association presented a U shape, with the strongest association in the end of 2021. The vaccination rate was examined as a significant effect modifier. Our study provided the first evidence about the spatiotemporal pattern in PM10-COVID-19 associations and suggested that air pollution deserves more attention in the post-pandemic era and in the middle and northeastern regions in America for COVID-19 control and prevention.

Using a novel strategy to investigate the spatially autocorrelated and clustered associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality and the attributable burden: A case study in the Sichuan Basin, China

Due to the lack of statistical methods, few studies have investigated the spatial autocorrelated distribution in the association between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality and used a statistical manner to explore the association-clustered regions, which play important roles in identifying high-sensitivity/susceptibility regions. The Sichuan Basin (SCB) is one of the most PM2.5-polluted areas, and the extreme economic imbalance may cause considerable spatial heterogeneity and clustering in PM2.5-mortality association. In this work, we used a recently proposed strategy by us to investigate the spatially autocorrelated and clustered association between daily PM2.5 and cardiorespiratory mortality from 2015 to 2019 in 130 counties of the SCB. First, generalized additive models were independently constructed to obtain the county-level association estimations. Then, an estimation-error-based spatial scan statistic was used to detect the association-clustered regions. Third, multivariate conditional meta autoregression was used to obtain the spatially autocorrelated association distribution, based on which the attributable deaths were mapped and their inequality was evaluated using the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve. Results showed that two significantly association-clustered regions were detected. One is mainly located in the megacity Chengdu where PM2.5 presented a significantly stronger association with no threshold effect at low-level PM2.5 but a threshold at high-level PM2.5. In the other cluster, a threshold effect at low-level PM2.5 but no threshold at high-level PM2.5 were found. The mortality risk at low/middle-level PM2.5 decreased from Chengdu as the center to the surrounding areas. A total of 29,129 (2.0 %) deaths were attributable to the excess PM2.5 exposure. The attributable deaths also decreased from Chengdu as the center to the surrounding areas with Gini coefficients of 0.43 and 0.3 for absolute and relative attributable deaths, respectively. This novel strategy provided a new epidemiological perspective regarding the association and implicated that Chengdu is significantly deserving of more attention regarding PM2.5-related health loss.

Metal-Organic Framework/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films for Multiple Applications Prepared by Different Methods

The incorporation of different functional fillers has been widely used to improve the properties of polymeric materials. The polyhydroxy structure of PVA with excellent film-forming ability can be easily combined with organic/inorganic multifunctional compounds, and such an interesting combining phenomenon can create a variety of functional materials in the field of materials science. The composite membrane material obtained by combining MOF material with high porosity, specific surface area, and adjustable structure with PVA, a non-toxic and low-cost polymer material with good solubility and biodegradability, can combine the processability of PVA with the excellent performance of porous filler MOFs, solving the problem that the poor machinability of MOFs and the difficulty of recycling limit the practical application of powdered MOFs and improving the physicochemical properties of PVA, maximizing the advantages of the material to develop a wider range of applications. Firstly, we systematically summarize the preparation of MOF/PVA composite membrane materials using solution casting, electrostatic spinning, and other different methods for such excellent properties, in addition to discussing in detail the various applications of MOF/PVA composite membranes in water treatment, sensing, air purification, separation, antibacterials, and so on. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the difficulties that need to be overcome during the film formation process to affect the performance of the composite film and offer encouraging solutions.

Heavy metals in paired samples of hair and nails in China: occurrence, sources and health risk assessment

The occurrence of heavy metals including chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) was investigated in paired samples of hair and nails collected from 121 volunteers in 16 cities, China. Results showed that the mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd were 205, 18.0, 7.79, 6.18, 3.54, 2.02, 0.533 μg g^-1 in hair and 103, 8.09, 0.760, 7.27, 6.07, 8.81, 0.485 μg g^-1 in nails, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb were positively correlated in paired samples of hair and nails, whereas a negative correlation was found for Cu and As between hair and nails. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in northern China than southern China. The multivariate analysis of variance revealed that dwelling environment was the dominant factor influencing the levels of Cd in hair (p < 0.05), while age was the dominant factor influencing the levels of Cr in nails (p < 0.05). Moreover, industrial pollution and smoking were also the important factors leading to the accumulation of heavy metals in human body. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that industrial pollution and decoration material immersion were the main factors for the high concentrations of Cr and Ni in hair, accounting for 62.9% of the total variation; As in hair was dominantly related to groundwater pollution. The concentrations of heavy metals were within the recommended ranges in nails from this study. However, the mean levels of Cr, Ni and As in hair exceeded their recommended reference values, indicating potential health risks from heavy metals for residents in China.

Potential Biological Mediators of Myocardial and Vascular Complications of Air Pollution-A State-of-the-Art Review

Ambient air pollution is recognised globally as a significant contributor to the burden of cardiovascular diseases. The evidence from both human and animal studies supporting the cardiovascular impact of exposure to air pollution has grown substantially, implicating numerous pathophysiological pathways and related signalling mediators. In this review, we summarise the list of activated mediators for each pathway that lead to myocardial and vascular injury in response to air pollutants. We performed a systematic search of multiple databases, including articles between 1990 and Jan 2022, summarising the evidence for activated pathways in response to each significant air pollutant. Particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) was the most studied pollutant, followed by particulate matter between 2.5 μm-10 μm (PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and ozone (O₃). Key pathogenic pathways that emerged included activation of systemic and local inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and autonomic dysfunction. We looked at how potential mediators of each of these pathways were linked to both cardiovascular disease and air pollution and included the overlapping mediators. This review illustrates the complex relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, and discusses challenges in moving beyond associations, towards understanding causal contributions of specific pathways and markers that may inform us regarding an individual's exposure, response, and likely risk.

Multi-element features and trace metal sources of road sediment from a mega heavy industrial city in North China

As the primary carrier of harmful elements, road sediment poses severe hazards to human health and ecological environment, especially in megacities. Based on the industrial cities in North China, this research focused on the multi-element features and the pollution levels, sources, and spatial distributions of trace metals in road sediment of Shijiazhuang. The mean levels of P (928.4 mg kg^-1), S (1446.2 mg kg^-1), Cl (783.9 mg kg^-1), Br (5.3 mg kg^-1), Na₂O (2.0%), CaO (9.9%), Co (36.0 mg kg^-1), Pb (38.0 mg kg^-1), Cu (34.7 mg g^-1), Zn (149.1 mg kg^-1), Ba (518.1 mg kg^-1), and Sr (224.9 mg kg^-1) in road sediment were greater than their soil background values. Trace metals in most samples was moderately (75%) and heavily contaminated (15.6%). The industrial areas, congested roads, and residential areas in the northeast, middle and south of Shijiazhuang are the hotspots of trace metals pollution. A comprehensive analysis of trace metals sources indicated that Ni, V, Ga, Rb, Y, Sc, La, Ce, Zr, and Hf were mainly from natural source, which contributed to 34.2% of the total trace metals concentrations. Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ba, Sr, and Mn primarily originated from mixed source, which accounted for 46.5%. Co principally came from building source, which accounted for 19.3%. This study shows that industrial discharges, construction dust and traffic emissions are the primary anthropogenic sources of trace metals in road sediment in the study area.

The links between microclimatic and particulate matter concentration in a multi-storey car parking: a case study iran

Multi-storey cars increasing with population growth have excellent security and temporary parking for cars in big cities, which isn't suitable for parking in the streets. The goals of this study are (1) to determine PM concentrations in the ZGP and (2) to investigate the effect of temperature and humidity on PM concentration in ZGP. This study measured the levels of emitted PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 by GRIMM EDM 107 laser dust monitor in a busy multi-storey parking garage located in Qom. Moreover, the relationship between microclimatic parameters and the contaminants mentioned above was investigated. Samples were collected in two stages in different spatiotemporal conditions, namely, the summer and autumn of 2017. The results indicate that during the sampling period, the daily mean ± standard deviation of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 120.9 ± 90.6, 28.5 ± 10.4, and 10.8 ± 3.8 µg/m3, respectively. A decrease in pollution level was observed during the measurement period. During rush hours, the levels of particulate matter increased. Also, a significant positive relationship between indoor humidity and particle level was observed, while there was a meaningful, inverse relationship between temperature and particle level. The high PM concentration in the parking garage indicates the necessity of proper management and planning.

Graphical Abstract

Exposure to various ambient air pollutants increases the risk of venous thromboembolism: A cohort study in UK Biobank

Epidemiological evidence for the association between air pollutants exposure and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. In this study, a total of 389,659 participants from the UK Biobank who were free of VTE in 2010 were included, and the annual mean concentrations of air pollutants near where participants lived were collected. During a median follow-up period of 8.25 years, 4986 VTEs were determined from the hospital admission records. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the association between air pollutants and VTE. We firstly investigated the associations between air pollutants concentration and VTE and found only NO2 and NO increased VTE risk (P < 0.05). We further calculated the product of air pollutant concentrations and outdoor time to measure personal daily cumulative exposure and found that the hazard rates (HRs) of VTE for a 50-μg/m³∗day increase in daily cumulative exposure to PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, NO, and NO2 were 1.08 (1.05-1.12), 1.16 (1.09-1.24), 1.23 (1.11-1.37), 1.04 (1.01-1.06), and 1.05 (1.03-1.08), respectively. To measure joint exposure to various air pollutants and its effect on VTE, we created a weighted air pollutants exposure score (APES) and found a dose-response relationship between APES and VTE risk (P < 0.001 for trend). Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of APES, the HRs of VTE were 1.19 (1.08-1.30) for those within the highest quintile groups. Furthermore, we also found the effect of air pollutants on VTE was statistically significant only in individuals with low-middle VTE genetic risk score (GRS) (P < 0.05), but not in the high VTE GRS groups (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that exposure to various air pollutants including PM2.5, PM2.5-10, PM10, NO, and NO2, either individually or jointly, were associated with an increased risk of VTE in a dose-response pattern. Our study highlights the importance of a comprehensive assessment of various air pollutants in VTE prevention.

Adverse effects of air pollution-derived fine particulate matter on cardiovascular homeostasis and disease

Air pollution is a rapidly growing major health concern around the world. Atmospheric particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) refers to an air pollutant composed of particles and chemical compounds that originate from various sources. While epidemiological studies have established the association between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular diseases, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms by which PM2.5 promotes cardiovascular complications are yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the various sources of PM2.5, its components, and the concentrations of ambient PM2.5 in various settings. We discuss the experimental findings to date that evaluate the potential adverse effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular homeostasis and function, and the possible therapeutic options that may alleviate PM2.5-driven cardiovascular damage.

Monocyte exposure to fine particulate matter results in miRNA release: A link between air pollution and potential clinical complication

Chronic exposure to PM_2.5 contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous disorders, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The study investigated whether exposure of human monocytes to PM_2.5 is associated with alterations in miRNAs. Monocytes were exposed in vitro to PM_2.5 collected during winter and summer, followed by miRNA isolation from monocytes. Additionally, in 140 persons chronically exposed to air pollution, some miRNA patterns were isolated from serum seasonally. Between-season differences in chemical PM_2.5 composition were observed. Some miRNAs were expressed both in monocytes and in human serum. MiR-34c-5p and miR-223-5p expression was more pronounced in winter. Bioinformatics analyses showed that selected miRNAs were involved in the regulation of several pathways. The expression of the same miRNA species in monocytes and serum suggests that these cells are involved in the production of miRNAs implicated in the development of disorders mediated by inflammation, oxidative stress, proliferation, and apoptosis after exposure to PM_2.5.

The underlying mechanism of PM2.5-induced ischemic stroke

Under the background of global industrialization, PM_2.5 has become the fourth-leading risk factor for ischemic stroke worldwide, according to the 2019 GBD estimates. This highlights the hazards of PM_2.5 for ischemic stroke, but unfortunately, PM_2.5 has not received the attention that matches its harmfulness. This article is the first to systematically describe the molecular biological mechanism of PM_2.5-induced ischemic stroke, and also propose potential therapeutic and intervention strategies. We highlight the effect of PM_2.5 on traditional cerebrovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation), which were easily overlooked in previous studies. Additionally, the effects of PM_2.5 on platelet parameters, megakaryocytes activation, platelet methylation, and PM_2.5-induced oxidative stress, local RAS activation, and miRNA alterations in endothelial cells have also been described. Finally, PM_2.5-induced ischemic brain pathological injury and microglia-dominated neuroinflammation are discussed. Our ultimate goal is to raise the public awareness of the harm of PM_2.5 to ischemic stroke, and to provide a certain level of health guidance for stroke-susceptible populations, as well as point out some interesting ideas and directions for future clinical and basic research.

Trace elements in the muscle tissue of Hemiculter leucisculus and Abramis brama orientalis from the Anzali International wetland, south-west of Caspian Sea: An exposure risk assessment

High levels of trace elements in aquatic environments can affect the quality of seafood. We analyzed the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Ni and Pb, in the edible muscles of Hemiculter leucisculus and A. brama orientalis caught in four different areas of southwest of the Caspian Sea. We estimated the potential risks for human health deriving by the oral consumption of these two species, and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) according to the US-EPA approach. THQ by adults and children was always below 1 for all stations. The greater contribution was given by Co, followed by Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, As and Mn. Total-THQ was 0.538 and 0.246 for children and adults, respectively. Trace elements detected by our study were not elevated, highlighting a positive picture of the studied area and a lower risk of developing chronic systemic effects deriving from the consumption of local fish products.

Associations of Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Mass and Constituents with Systemic Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Study of Urban Older Adults in China

Systemic inflammation is a key mechanism in the development of cardiovascular diseases induced by exposure to fine particles (particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm [PM_2.5]). However, little is known about the effects of chemical constituents of PM_2.5 on systemic inflammation. In this cross-sectional study, filter samples of personal exposure to PM_2.5 were collected from community-dwelling older adults in Tianjin, China, and the chemical constituents of PM_2.5 were analyzed. Blood samples were collected immediately after the PM_2.5 sample collection. Seventeen cytokines were measured as targets. A linear regression model was applied to estimate the relative effects of PM_2.5 and its chemical constituents on the measured cytokines. A positive matrix factorization model was employed to distinguish the sources of PM_2.5. The calculated source contributions were used to estimate their effects on cytokines. After adjusting for other covariates, higher PM_2.5-bound copper was significantly associated with increased levels of interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, IL10, and IL17 levels. Source analysis showed that an increase in PM_2.5 concentration that originated from tire/brake wear and cooking emissions was significantly associated with enhanced levels of IL1β, IL6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and IL17. In summary, personal exposure to some PM_2.5 constituents and specific sources could increase systemic inflammation in older adults. These findings may explain the cardiopulmonary effects of specific particulate chemical constituents of urban air pollution.

Possible association between PM2.5 and neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review

Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems that afflict our planet and one of the greatest risk factors for human health. In particular, PM_2.5 is able to cross the blood-alveolar and blood-brain barriers, thus increasing the onset of respiratory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative disease is a progressive neuronal dysfunction that leads to neuronal lesions in both structure and function, and includes several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), vascular dementia (VaD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and others. We carried out a systematic review using PRISMA approach to investigate on the possible association between exposure to PM_2.5 and neurodegenerative diseases. The international databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Sciences) were used to find published studies on the topic. The search period was between January 2011 and June 2021. About 2000 full research articles were selected, and finally, we included 20 full-research articles. Selected studies have highlighted how PM_2.5 exposure can be associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (AD, PD, MS, VaD). This association depends not only on age, PM_2.5 levels and exposure time, but also on exposure to other air pollutants, proximity to areas with high vehicular traffic, and the presence of comorbidities. Exposure to PM_2.5 promotes neuroinflammation processes, because through breathing the particles can reach the nasal epithelial mucosa and transferred to the brain through the olfactory bulb. Furthermore, exposure to PM_2.5 has been associated with an increased expression of markers of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. alpha-synuclein or beta-amyloid), which can contribute to the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Although many studies have revealed the pathological relationship between PM_2.5 exposure and cognitive impairment, the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of PM_2.5 leading to neurodegenerative disease remain not entirely clear, and then, further studies need to be carried out on the topic.

Links between chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution and cardiovascular diseases: a review

Acute exposure to air pollution is associated with an increasing risk of death and cardiovascular disorders. Nonetheless, the impact of chronic exposure to air pollution on the circulatory system is still debated. Here, we review the links of chronic exposure to outdoor air pollution with mortality and most common cardiovascular diseases, in particular during the coronavirus disease 2019 event (COVID-19). We found that recent studies provide robust evidence for a causal effect of chronic exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular mortality. In terms of mortality, the strongest relationship was noted for fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. There is also increasing evidence showing that exposure to air pollution, mainly fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. However, available scientific evidence is not strong enough to support associations with cardiac arrhythmias and coagulation disturbances. Noteworthy, for some pollutants, the risk of negative health effects is high for concentrations lower than the limit values recommended by the European Union and Word Health Organization. Efforts to diminish exposure to air pollution and to design optimal methods of air pollution reduction should be urgently intensified and supported by effective legislation and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Correlation between heavy metal concentration and oxidative potential of street dust

The current study aimed to consider oxidative potential (OP), its spatial distribution, and correlations with heavy metals (HMs) in street dust in Kerman city, Iran. The concentration of HMs in 35 street dust samples was detected by ICP-AES. The OP in samples was measured through dithiothreitol (DTT). The mean concentration of elements followed Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > Cd. The OP value was found to be 7.17 ± 2.98 nmol/min. µg dust in the current study. A strong correlation was observed among the concentrations of As and Cr and OP values in dust samples. More values of OP were observed in the center and west of the Kerman city. According to results of the current study, it could be concluded that OP can be applied as metrics of pollution originated from different sources and human health effects. The amount of OP in the street dust in the Kerman city can be reduced through the use of clean fuels.

Risk and sources of heavy metals and metalloids in dust from university campuses: A case study of Xi'an, China

College students study and live at university for several years; however, the pollution levels, ecological health risks, and sources of heavy metals and metalloids (HMMs) in the dust found at university campuses are still unknown. In this study, dust samples from university campuses in Xi'an were collected and the Zn, Mn, As, Pb, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Ba, and Ni contents were measured using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The pollution levels and ecological health risks of these HMMs were evaluated using the geo-accumulation, pollution load, and potential ecological risk indices and a health risk assessment model while their sources were apportioned using positive matrix factorization. The mean HMM concentrations in the dust were higher than the corresponding background values in the topsoil of Shaanxi Province. The Mn, V, Co, As, and Ni concentrations in the dust samples analyzed were within the levels categorized as no pollution by the geo-accumulation index standard, whereas other HMMs caused pollution to different degrees. Assessment of the pollution load index indicated that the dust samples analyzed were moderate contamination with HMMs. Pb and Cu in the dust presented considerable and moderate ecological risks, respectively; the other HMMs presented low ecological risks. The combined ecological risk of the HMMs measured in the dust samples was considerable. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to male and female college students were within the safe levels. This study found three main sources of the HMMs measured in the dust: traffic, natural, and mixed sources (the latter including automobile repair industry waste and paints and pigments), which accounted for 47.5%, 29.3%, and 23.2% of the total HMM concentration, respectively.

The Comparison of Inflammatory Cytokines between Spinal and General Anesthesia following Changes in Ischemic Reperfusion due to Tourniquet during Lower Limb Surgery

Methods

In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 patients with lower limb surgery admitted at the orthopedic ward of Imam Reza Hospital, Birjand, Iran, were selected by the available sampling method. They were randomly divided into two groups as follows: general anesthesia (n = 17) and spinal anesthesia (n = 17). Venous blood samples were taken from the patients of both groups at baseline (before the use of tourniquet) and 12 and 24 hours after reperfusion. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrotizing factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and ferritin were measured and recorded. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, chi-square, and repeated measure at the significant level of 0.05.

Results

The results showed that hs-CRP and IL-6 significantly increased during the study (p < 0.001); however, the mean changes of TNF-α and ferritin were not significant during the study. Moreover, none of the inflammatory cytokines indicated significant differences between these two study groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the results, the use of tourniquet can lead to inflammation, and the inflammation is similar in both groups.

Exposure to fine particulate matter promotes platelet activation and thrombosis via obesity-related inflammation

Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) increases thrombotic risk particularly in obese individuals, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to compare the effects of PM_2.5 on inflammation and platelet activation in obese versus normal-weight adults, and investigate potential causal pathways. We conducted a panel study measuring blood markers in 44 obese and 53 normal-weight adults on 3 separate occasions in 2017-2018. Associations between PM_2.5/black carbon (BC) and biomarkers were estimated using mixed-effect models. An interaction analysis compared PM_2.5/BC-related effects between subgroups. Biomarker combinations and mediation analysis were performed to elucidate the biological pathways. There was a significant "low-high-low" trend of PM_2.5 levels across the 3 study periods. Increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and changes of platelet activation and aggregation markers were associated with PM_2.5/BC in obese subgroup only. Among obese subjects, the combination of pro-inflammatory cytokines and that of platelet markers increased 26.8% (95% CI: 16.0%, 37.9%) and 14.7% (95% CI: 1.9%, 27.0%) per IQR increase in PM_2.5 over 5-day and 7-day averages. Inflammation mediated 24.5% of the pathways through which PM_2.5 promoted platelet activation. This study suggested obese people are susceptible to pro-thrombotic impacts of PM_2.5 exposures. PM_2.5 may aggravate thrombosis through obesity-related inflammation.

Determination of inorganic arsenic, heavy metals, pesticides and mycotoxins in Indian rice (Oryza sativa) and a probabilistic dietary risk assessment for the population of Saudi Arabia

In this study, total arsenic (As), inorganic arsenic (iAs), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), pesticides, and aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) in Indian rice (Oryza sativa) and their dietary exposure risks for the general Saudi population were evaluated. A total of 483 samples were acquired from various ports and supermarkets throughout the country. Average elemental concentrations were found to be in the following order: As (0.1 ± 0.024)>iAs (0.038 ± 0.015)>Pb (0.023 ± 0.008)>Cd (0.019 ± 0.005)>Hg (0.002 ± 0.0004), and results did not exceed maximum residue limits (MRLs). Out of the 294 analyzed pesticides, 15 were detected in rice, of which six were fungicides, and nine were insecticides with a detection frequency of 22% and 26%, respectively. Eight of the detected pesticides were non-approved by the European Union (EU) commission, but their detection frequencies were low. Surprisingly, rice samples analyzed for aflatoxins were below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Risk assessment coupled with Monte Carlo simulation based on the hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) approaches revealed that exposure to metal(loid)s and pesticides in rice were below levels that might pose a health risk.

Extremely high concentrations of zinc in birch tree leaves collected in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Zinc is an essential trace element and a vital microelement for human health. Zinc can be toxic when exposures exceed physiological needs. Toxic effects in humans are most evident from inhalation exposure to high concentrations of Zn compounds. Urban air pollution can be especially dangerous due to the Zn content in airborne dust. Tree leaves can absorb significant levels of zinc. In this study, leaf deposition of Zn was investigated in Chelyabinsk, Russia. Russian zinc production plant and metallurgical plant are located in Chelyabinsk. Extremely high concentrations of Zn (316-4000 mg kg^-1) were found in the leaves of birch trees. It is well known that traffic also is Zn source in an urban environment. Trees, growing at the different distances from zinc production and metallurgical plants and road to identify the contribution of each source (road or industry), were studied. Through SEM analysis, the prevalence of small particulates (PM10 and less), containing Zn, illustrated leaf Zn deposition from the air by passing root accumulation. It was shown that emission of zinc production plant and the metallurgical plant is the main source of leaf Zn deposition in Chelyabinsk.

Oncogenic Role of miRNA in Environmental Exposure to Plasticizers: A Systematic Review

The daily environmental exposure of humans to plasticizers may adversely affect human health, representing a global issue. The altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important pathogenic role in exposure to plasticizers. This systematic review summarizes recent findings showing the modified expression of miRNAs in cancer due to exposure to plasticizers. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, we performed a systematic review of the literature published in the past 10 years, focusing on the relationship between plasticizer exposure and the expression of miRNAs related to cancer. Starting with 535 records, 17 articles were included. The results support the hypothesis that exposure to plasticizers causes changes in or the deregulation of a number of oncogenic miRNAs and show that the interaction of plasticizers with several redundant miRNAs, such as let-7f, let-7g, miR-125b, miR-134, miR-146a, miR-22, miR-192, miR-222, miR-26a, miR-26b, miR-27b, miR-296, miR-324, miR-335, miR-122, miR-23b, miR-200, miR-29a, and miR-21, might induce deep alterations. These genotoxic and oncogenic responses can eventually lead to abnormal cell signaling pathways and metabolic changes that participate in many overlapping cellular processes, and the evaluation of miRNA-level changes can be a useful target for the toxicological assessment of environmental pollutants, including plastic additives and plasticizers.

Venous thromboembolism in hospital emergency room. A retrospective study on climatic effect

Several cardiovascular conditions exhibit seasonality in frequency and mortality, but little is known about the seasonality of Venous ThromboEmbolism (VTE), a very relevant medical condition, and seasonal influences are still conflicting. Patients having co-morbidities, individual suffered from dyspnea, swelling, edema of lower limb, pain (chest, lower limbs) are admitted frequently to the hospital emergency room (HER), particularly. Both mark a potential risk for VTE, that can be increased also by seasonality. A four years retrospective analysis (2016-2019) was carried out in individuals and patients admitted to the HER of the Hospital of Catania (a Mediterranean city of Sicily, Italy) to evaluate the VTE frequency and its seasonal differences, common symptoms, potential usage of some common laboratory tests. Dyspnea, swelling, edema of lower limb and pain (chest, lower limbs) were considered to suspect pulmonary embolism (PE) or for deep vein thrombosis of lower limb (DVT). Platelet count, platelet volume, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer were considered. VTE frequency per year was 2.9/10,000 (2016), 4.9/10,000 (2017) 3.6/10,000 (2018), and 5.1/10,000 (2019) respectively. Dyspnea was highly frequent for PE, edema and lower limb pain were frequent in DVT patients. Fibrinogen, C reactive protein, and D-dimer values were found raised in all the VTE patients. Platelet volume was found higher in DVT than PE VTE events that occurred in warm periods were modestly greater (57 VTE: 38 DVT, 19 PE) compared to cold months (52 VTE: 34 DVT, 18 PE). Our results could be explained by the increased sweating due to the high temperatures, which in turn, can affect both on plasma concentration and on hematocrit value coupled to the reduction in atmospheric pressure determining both a hyper-coagulative condition. Climate seasonal characteristics, and environmental conditions in Catania city (Sicily) may be as reasonable items in expecting on different VTE rates in warm period compared to cold. This study highlights no specific symptoms, and confirms the common lab tests for individuals and patients admitted to HER as simple and helpful tools in initiating none or mini-invasive diagnostic strategy for the VTE. Finally, the climate/seasonality coupled with latitude can have a direct influence on the incidence of DVT.

A new buffer selection strategy for land use regression model of PM2.5 in Xi'an, China

In order to calculate the spatial distribution of high-resolution air-pollutant levels, the land use regression (LUR) model can be an effective method due to the comprehensive consideration of various factors. Traditional LUR models mostly use predefined buffers, which have the disadvantage of not matching high-resolution data well. In order to get a better-fitting model, a few researches have proposed new buffer selection methods. To solve this problem, we propose a new optimal buffer selection method based on the dichotomy to improve the correlation between predicted variables and pollutant concentration. For some socioeconomic data with high spatial resolution that cannot be obtained, for example, building data is used instead of population density data. Compared with the model with the predefined buffers, the model with our buffer selection strategy explained additional 5% variability in measured concentrations, in terms of the R² of the final model. Our model explained 98% of the samples, and the deviation (1.78%) and root mean square error (5.17 μg/m) were small. It means that the LUR model with our buffer selection strategy can be used as a fit method to better describe spatial variability in atmospheric pollutant levels, which will be conducive to epidemiological research and urban environmental planning.

Maternal exposure to air pollution and umbilical asprosin concentration, a novel insulin-resistant marker

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy has been associated with abnormal glucose hemostasis in the fetus, which may result in the programming of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development in future life. Therefore, we investigated the association of maternal exposure to particulate matters (PMs) and traffic indicators with umbilical asprosin concentration, a novel insulin-resistant inducing adipokine, in newborns. Accordingly, 759 mother-newborn pairs from Sabzevar, Iran (2018-2019) participated in our study. Maternal exposure to PM₁, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations was estimated using spatial-temporal models developed for the study area. The associations of exposure to traffic indicators (total street length in 100, 300 and 500 m buffers around home and proximity of mothers to nearest major roads) and air pollution with umbilical asprosin concentration were estimated using linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical asprosin concentration was 30.4 (19.1) ng/mL. In fully adjusted models, each one IQR increase in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were associated with 26.43 ng/mL (95% CI: 10.97, 41.88) and 31.76 ng/mL (95% CI: 15.66, 47.86) increase in umbilical asprosin concentration, respectively. A similarity result was observed for total street length in 100 m buffer. An increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of -21.48 ng/mL (95% CI: 33.29, -9.67) in umbilical asprosin concentration. Our results suggested that maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could increase the umbilical asprosin concentration. These novel findings may improve our understanding of the mechanisms whereby air pollutants impaired glucose hemostasis during the fetal period.

Biochanin A alleviates oxidative damage caused by the urban particulate matter

Urban particulate matter (UPM), an air pollutant-absorbing toxic substance, can access alveoli, leading to pulmonary diseases. Studies have shown that the water-soluble components of UPM (WS-UPM), containing main toxic substances, can induce oxidative damage in lung cells. In this study, the UPM particle size and composition were detected via instrumental analysis. The isoflavones (biochanin A (BCA), formononetin and daidzein) from chickpeas possess biological antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the oxidative damage induced by WS-UPM, and the protective role of isoflavones in human alveolar basal epithelial cells. The antioxidant activity of BCA, formononetin and daidzein was investigated through the total reduction capacity, diphenylpicrylhydrazine radical (DPPH), superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity detection. We also established cell models in vitro to further explore the BCA-protective mechanism. BCA presented a significant protection, and increased the levels of antioxidant makers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). The effects were also reflected as the reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, results obtained from RT-PCR and western blot techniques revealed that MEK5/ERK5 played an indispensable role in regulating the antioxidant effect of BCA, alleviating WS-UPM-induced lung injury. Furthermore, BCA mitigated WS-UPM-exposed damage through upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to enhance the antioxidase expression downstream of Nrf2. In summary, our findings indicated that the WS-UPM-induced pulmonary disease was involved in oxidative stress and the MEK5/ERK5-Nrf2 signaling pathway, and BCA regulated the WS-UPM-induced lung damage via upregulation of the MEK5/ERK5-Nrf2 pathway.

Impact of the environment on the health: From theory to practice

The Erice 56 Charter titled "Impact of the environment on the health: from theory to practice" was unanimously approved at the end of the 56th course of the "International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine G. D'Alessandro" held from 3rd to November 7, 2019 in Erice - Sicily (Italy) and promoted by the Study Group of "Environment and Health" of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health. The course, that included lectures, open discussions and guided working groups, was aimed to provide a general training on epidemiological and toxicological aspects of the environmental health impact, to be used by public health professionals for risk assessment, without forgetting the risk communications. At the end of the course 12 key points were agreed among teachers and students: they underlined the need of specific training and research, in the perspective of "One Health" and "Global Health", also facing emerging scientific and methodological issues and focusing on communication towards stakeholders. This Discussion highlight the need to improve knowledge of Health and Environment topic in all sectors of health and environmental prevention and management.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in water: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Cryptosporidium spp., as a genus of protozoan intestinal parasites, is recognized as responsible for cryptosporidiosis. The present study was conducted to provide an overview of the prevalence of Cryptosporidium based on water. In this regard, some databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were screened in order to retrieve the related citations from 1 January 1983 to 10 September 2019. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was calculated by using a random effect model (REM) based on defined subgroups, including countries, water type, treatment conditions (treated and untreated), economic condition, World Health Organization (WHO) regions, and method of detection. In contrast, this index for treated and untreated water was 25.7% and 40.1%, respectively. Also, the overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among all water types was defined as 36 (95% CI: 31.4-40.7). The rank order of prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. based on water type was wastewater (46.9%) > surface water (45.3%) > raw water (31.6%) > drinking water (25.5%) > reservoirs water (24.5%) > groundwater (18.8%) > swimming pool water (7.5%) > marine water (0.20%). Identifying the key contributing factors to Cryptosporidium spp. survival can help provide solutions at both local and global scales.

Associations of ambient particulate matter with homocysteine metabolism markers and effect modification by B vitamins and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism

Evidence concerning effects of ambient air pollution on homocysteine (HCY) metabolism is scarce. We aimed to explore the associations between ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure and the HCY metabolism markers and to evaluate effect modifications by folate, vitamin B₁₂, and methylenetetrahyfrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism. Between December 1, 2017 and January 5, 2018, we conducted a panel study in 88 young college students in Guangzhou, China, and received 5 rounds of health examinations. Real-time concentrations of PMs with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 (PM_2.5), ≤1.0 (PM_1.0), and ≤0.1 (PM_0.1) were monitored, and the serum HCY metabolism markers (i.e., HCY, S-Adenosylhomocysteine [SAH], and S-Adenosylmethionine [SAM]) were repeatedly measured. We applied linear mixed effect models combined with a distributed lag model to evaluate the associations of PMs with the HCY metabolism markers. We also explored effect modifications of folate, vitamin B₁₂, and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the associations. We observed that higher concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 were associated with higher serum levels of HCY, SAH, SAM, and SAM/SAH ratio (e.g., a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 during lag 0 day and lag 5 day was significantly associated with 1.3-19.4%, 1.3-28.2%, 6.2-64.4%, and 4.8-28.2% increase in HCY, SAH, SAM, and SAM/SAH ratio, respectively). In addition, we observed that the associations of PM_2.5 with the HCY metabolism markers were stronger in participants with lower B vitamins levels. This study demonstrated that short-term exposure to PM_2.5 and PM_1.0 was deleteriously associated with the HCY metabolism markers, especially in people with lower B vitamins levels.

A brief review of the biology of megakaryocytes and platelets and their role in thrombosis associated with particulate air pollution

Air pollution is a worldwide public health issue and it is associated with millions of premature deaths due to cancer, thrombosis, and pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Thrombosis is the excessive clotting that blocks a blood vessel, and its etiology is multifactorial. In recent years, growing evidence has linked air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) and metals, to the development of thrombosis. PM and metals induce lung and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress that are frequent mechanisms in thrombosis. Platelets are important effectors of physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. They are responsible for the formation of the initial plug and are important in the cellular model of coagulation. Therefore, any changes in their morphology or function or an increase in activation could be extremely relevant in thrombosis. Megakaryocytes (MKs) in the bone marrow and in the lungs are the precursor cells of platelets, and the latter is the first organ injured by air pollution. There is substantial evidence of the effect that PM and metals have on platelets, but there is almost no research about the effect of PM and metals on MKs. It is very likely that the alterations produced by air pollution originate in these cells. In this article, we review the biology of MKs and platelets and their role in particulate air pollution-related thrombosis to emphasize the need for further research in this field.

Spatial distribution and correlations among elements in smaller than 75 μm street dust: ecological and probabilistic health risk assessment

This study aimed to investigate spatial distribution, correlations among elements and ecological and probabilistic health risk assessment in smaller than 75 μm street dust in Kerman city, Iran. Street dust samples were collected from 35 different points. Elements were detected by ICP-AES. Pollution degree was characterized through Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Potential Ecological Risk (PER). The health risk was assessed using the Monte Carlo simulation method. The mean values of elements were in the order of Al > Mn > Zn > Cu > V > Pb > Cr > Ni > Li > As > Co > Mo > Sb > Cd > Ag. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed that Al, As, Co, Li, Mn and V were possibly derived from natural sources (local soil), while traffic and mining activities were proposed as the main source of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn. The order of EF and CF mean values decreased as follows: Mn > Ag > Cu > Zn > Pb > Sb > Mo > Li > Co > V > Cd > As > Cr > Ni. In addition, 73% of Cu and 35% of Zn, Ag and Mn had significant enrichment in the street dust samples. Also, Ag and Mn were categorized in the significant and very significant pollution category. In terms of the PER index, all samples could be classified at low-risk category. Ingestion of street dust was the significant route for exposure of residents of Kerman to the elements studied. No significant ecological hazards and health risks were observed from street dust in the study area in the period of the study. The improvement in the fuels quality and development of green spaces can be suggested to control natural and anthropogenic street dust pollution sources in the Kerman city.

Effect of particle morphology on performance of an electrostatic air-liquid interface cell exposure system for nanotoxicology studies

Particle morphology can affect the performance of an electrostatic precipitator air-liquid interface (ESP-ALI) cell exposure system and the resulting cell toxicity. In this study, three types of monodisperse aerosols - spherical sucrose particles, nonspherical align soot aggregates, and nanosilver aggregates/agglomerates - were selected to evaluate the collection efficiency at flow rates ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 lpm. To quantify the particle morphology, the fractal dimensions (D_f) of the tested aerosols were characterized. The penetration of fine particles (d_p = 100-250 nm) under different operating conditions was correlated with a characteristic exponential curve using the dimensionless drift velocity (V_c/V_avg,r) as the scaling parameter. For nanoparticles (NPs, d_p <100 nm) with different particle morphologies, the particle penetrations in the ESP-ALI were similar, but their diffusion losses were not negligible. In contrast, for fine particles, the collection efficiency of soot nanoaggregates (D_f = 2.29) was higher than that of spherical sucrose particles. This difference might be due to the simultaneous influences of the electric field-induced and flow field-induced alignment. Furthermore, based on Zhibin and Guoquan's Deutsch model, a quadratic equation was applied to fit the experimental data and to predict the performance of the ESP-ALI.

Health risk assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the muscle, liver and gizzard of hen's marketed in East of Iran

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All of the samples were contaminated with Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb.

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The highest concentration of Pb (0.11 mg/kg) was in the gizzard.

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The concentration of Cd and Cu were highest in the liver, while the highest contents of Cr and Ni were in the chicken.

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THQs of Cr in the muscle were more than one.

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Consumption of chicken meat in both of adults and children may pose a significant health risk for consumers.

The present study aimed to determine the average concentration of some metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in the chicken, hen’s liver, and gizzard in the east of Iran. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. In this cross-sectional study, fifty one samples including chicken, hen’s liver and gizzard were obtained from Birjand, Iran. Measurement of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb was carried out by using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). All of the measured metals were detected in 100 % of the samples. The metals had a different distribution pattern. The highest concentration of Cd and Cu was in the liver samples while the Cr and Ni had the highest levels in the chicken. Pb concentration was at the highest level in the gizzard. The least amount of Cr, Ni, and Pb was found in the liver while Cu had the least content in the muscle. EDI had an acceptable level, but the highest daily intake of all studied metals was through muscle. Cr had the highest THQ and it was more than one in the meat. HI in chicken was more than one. Liver and gizzard of hens had a neglectable HI. CR was neglectable in the case of both Cd and Pb, but it was considerable for Cr and Ni. The consumption of chicken in both adults and children may pose a significant health risk for consumers.

Road dust trace elements contamination, sources, dispersed composition, and human health risk in Chelyabinsk, Russia

There are many sources of urban road dust, such as soil dispersal, emissions of industrial enterprises and thermal power plants, road traffic-related processes. Chelyabinsk was selected as a typical Russian industrial city. This work was the first pollution study of road dust in Chelyabinsk. We examined 125 road dust samples were on the content toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn). The concentrations of trace elements in road dust were determined using ICP-MS. Results showed that the metal concentrations in dust were higher than the background value of local soil. The distribution curves of dust were asymmetric, had have two peaks, and showed significant unimodal distribution. The higher share of particles was in the range from 30 … 40 to 250 … 300 μm. The thoracic fraction volume (%) and concentrations of trace elements were higher near metallurgical plants. Cadmium, Сu, Mn, Ni, Sr, Pb and Zn were originated from industry and transport; electrometallurgical plant was source of Cr; Al, Co, and Fe derived from local soils and pavement erosion; As, Hg and Sb were the tracers of coal-fired power stations emission. Ingestion was a major exposure way of toxic elements in the dust. The results suggested that there was no significant potential health risk to both children and adults from exposure to any elements in road dust. The cancer risk for adults and children from exposure to As, Cd, Cr, and Pb was found to be at the acceptable or tolerable level. The study deals with the contamination of potentially toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr and Zn) in road dust collected from Chelyabinsk urban area.

The role of air pollution (PM and NO2) in COVID-19 spread and lethality: A systematic review

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has determined a pneumonia outbreak in China (Wuhan, Hubei Province) in December 2019, called COVID-19 disease. In addition to the person-to person transmission dynamic of the novel respiratory virus, it has been recently studied the role of environmental factors in accelerate SARS-CoV-2 spread and its lethality. The time being, air pollution has been identified as the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death in the world. It affects body's immunity, making people more vulnerable to pathogens. The hypothesis that air pollution, resulting from a combination of factors such as meteorological data, level of industrialization as well as regional topography, can acts both as a carrier of the infection and as a worsening factor of the health impact of COVID-19 disease, has been raised recently. With this review, we want to provide an update state of art relating the role of air pollution, in particular PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and NO₂, in COVID-19 spread and lethality. The Authors, who first investigated this association, often used different research methods or not all include confounding factors whenever possible. In addition, to date incidence data are underestimated in all countries and to a lesser extent also mortality data. For this reason, the cases included in the reviewed studies cannot be considered conclusive. Although it determines important limitations for direct comparison of results, and more studies are needed to strengthen scientific evidences and support firm conclusions, major findings are consistent, highlighting the important contribution of PM_2.5 and NO₂ as triggering of the COVID-19 spread and lethality, and with a less extent also PM₁₀, although the potential effect of airborne virus exposure it has not been still demonstrated.

Food chemoprevention and air pollution: the health comes with eating

Ambient air pollution is known to be an important causative agent of many non-communicable diseases, mainly due to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5). According to Global Burden Disease study in 2015, the estimated premature deaths caused by PM_2.5 were 4.2 million. Besides deaths, airborne pollution's effect on human health also has dramatic economic and social costs, contributing greatly to disability-adjusted life-year (DALY). To reduce the health impact is necessary a double approach, which includes the improvement of air quality and food chemoprevention, aimed at enhancing the homeostatic abilities of exposed subjects. The scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of nutraceuticals effectively counteract the pathogenic mechanisms common in almost all non-communicable diseases associated with air pollutants. Moreover, several bioactive compounds of food modulate, by epigenetic mechanisms, the metabolism of xenobiotics, favouring conjugation reactions and promoting excretion. This narrative review summarize the numerous pieces of evidence collected in the last decades by observational and experimental studies which underline the chemopreventive role of flavonoids, contained in several fruits and consumer beverages (wine, tea, etc.), and isothiocyanate sulforaphane, contained in the cruciferous vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica. These bioactive compounds, enhancing the individual homeostatic abilities, reduce the harmful effects of airborne pollution.

Particulate Matter and Temperature: Increased Risk of Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM₁₀) and temperature are associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included patients with AF whose condition was stable while taking VKAs (international normalized ratio, 2.0 to 3.0) for 6 months seen in a tertiary hospital (recruitment from May 1, 2007, to December 1, 2007). During a median follow-up of 6.5 years (interquartile range, 4.3 to 7.9 years), ischemic strokes, major bleeding, adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality were recorded. From 2007 to 2016, data on average temperature and PM₁₀ were compared with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The study group included 1361 patients (663 [48.7%] male; median age, 76 years [interquartile range, 71 to 81 years]). High PM₁₀ and low temperatures were associated with higher risk of major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.44; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.70 and aHR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05, respectively) and mortality (aHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.69 and aHR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.06, respectively); PM₁₀ was also associated with ischemic stroke and temperature with cardiovascular events. The relative risk (RR) for cardiovascular events and mortality increased in months in the lower quartile of temperature (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.21 and RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.74, respectively). Comparing seasons, there were higher risks of cardiovascular events in spring, autumn, and winter than in summer, whereas the risk of mortality increased only in winter.

CONCLUSION

In patients with AF taking VKAs, high PM₁₀ and low temperature were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events, respectively. Both factors increased major bleeding and mortality risks, which were higher during colder months and seasons.

Risk assessment and evaluation of heavy metals concentrations in blood samples of plastic industry workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

To assess the potential health risk caused by heavy metals twenty-six blood samples were collected from plastic industry workers based on ages and smoking status in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Heavy metals were analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) found in blood samples of the exposed workers were 32.78 ± 9.47, 1.08 ± 0.47, 1.42 ± 1.01, and 9.08 ± 1.95 μgL-1, respectively. The average heavy metal concentrations in blood samples of smoking workers show a narrow range of fluctuation than that of non-smoking workers. A review of different age groups of industry workers shows the workers between the ages of 26 and 40 are more likely to contaminated with Pb (35.90 ± 8.06 μgL-1) and Ni (1.61 ± 1.31 μgL-1). The higher level of Cd (1.26 ± 0.46 μgL-1) and Zn (9.91 ± 2.80 μgL-1) was found in >40 years old workers. The mean concentration in indoor dust samples of different industrial subsections reported as 40.27 ± 10.33, 3.24 ± 0.83, 18.08 ± 3.61, and 103.64 ± 8.16 mg kg-1 for Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn, respectively. Exposed workers have relatively less critical health implications concluded from the average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQs), and hazard index (HI) values. The HI values of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn were reported as 2.0 × 10-2, 4.64 × 10-4, 1.62 × 10-3, and 5.49 × 10-4, respectively, which have imparted minimal risks (as HI < 1) to the health of the workers. The cancer risks of Pb, Cd, and Ni were reported as 1.46 × 10-10, 1.77 × 10-9, and 1.31 × 10-9, respectively lower than the threshold values. Therefore, the result divulged a potentially lower cancer risk compared to EPA limit value of 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4 for exposed industrial workers.

Oxidative stress and the cardiovascular effects of air pollution

Cardiovascular causes have been estimated to be responsible for more than two thirds of the considerable mortality attributed to air pollution. There is now a substantial body of research demonstrating that exposure to air pollution has many detrimental effects throughout the cardiovascular system. Multiple biological mechanisms are responsible, however, oxidative stress is a prominent observation at many levels of the cardiovascular impairment induced by pollutant exposure. This review provides an overview of the evidence that oxidative stress is a key pathway for the different cardiovascular actions of air pollution.