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Havenga H, Gharbi D, Sewry N, Language B, Neumann FH, Finch JM, Hill T, Boulter J, Jordaan E, Piketh SJ, Schwellnus M, Burger RP. Healthy environments for athleTes (HEAT): environmental conditions along a 90 km ultra-marathon event, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00484-024-02703-8. [PMID: 38869702 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the HEAT (Healthy Environments for AthleTes) project, which aims to understand the impact of environmental conditions on athlete health and performance during major sporting events such as long-distance running, cycling, and triathlons. In collaboration with the SAFER (Strategies to reduce Adverse medical events For the ExerciseR) initiative, the HEAT project carried out a field campaign at the 2022 Comrades Marathon in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The measurement campaign deployed seven weather stations, seven PM2.5 monitors and one spore trap along the 90 km route to capture spatially representative measurements of complex micro-climates, allergenic aerospora, and particulate matter exposure. The results indicate that runners were exposed to moderate risk heat stress conditions. Novel findings from this initial campaign shows elevated and potentially harmful PM2.5 levels at spectator areas, possibly coinciding with small fire events around the race day festivities. Our findings show values PM2.5 levels over the WHO 24-h guidelines at all stations, while 2000 µg/m3 at two stations. However, the lack of an acute exposure standard means direct health impacts cannot be quantified in the context of a sport event. The HEAT project highlights important aspects of race day monitoring; regional scale climatology has an impact on the race day conditions, the microclimatic conditions (pollution and meteorology) are not necessarily captured by proximity instruments and direct environmental measurements are required to accurately capture conditions along the route.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Havenga
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - D Gharbi
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - N Sewry
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Olympic Committee Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - B Language
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - F H Neumann
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - J M Finch
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - T Hill
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - J Boulter
- Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), Medical Director, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - E Jordaan
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Statistics and Population Studies Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - S J Piketh
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - M Schwellnus
- Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- International Olympic Committee Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R P Burger
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Lin S, Qi Q, Liu H, Deng X, Trees I, Yuan X, Gallant MP. The Joint Effects of Thunderstorms and Power Outages on Respiratory-Related Emergency Visits and Modifying and Mediating Factors of This Relationship. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:67002. [PMID: 38829734 PMCID: PMC11166412 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While limited studies have evaluated the health impacts of thunderstorms and power outages (POs) separately, few have assessed their joint effects. We aimed to investigate the individual and joint effects of both thunderstorms and POs on respiratory diseases, to identify disparities by demographics, and to examine the modifications and mediations by meteorological factors and air pollution. METHODS Distributed lag nonlinear models were used to examine exposures during three periods (i.e., days with both thunderstorms and POs, thunderstorms only, and POs only) in relation to emergency department visits for respiratory diseases (2005-2018) compared to controls (no thunderstorm/no PO) in New York State (NYS) while controlling for confounders. Interactions between thunderstorms and weather factors or air pollutants on health were assessed. The disparities by demographics and seasons and the mediative effects by particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ) and relative humidity (RH) were also evaluated. RESULTS Thunderstorms and POs were independently associated with total and six subtypes of respiratory diseases in NYS [highest risk ratio (RR) = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.17], but the impact was stronger when they co-occurred (highest RR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.70), especially during grass weed, ragweed, and tree pollen seasons. The stronger thunderstorm/PO joint effects were observed on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, bronchitis, and asthma (lasted 0-10 d) and were higher among residents who lived in rural areas, were uninsured, were of Hispanic ethnicity, were 6-17 or over 65 years old, and during spring and summer. The number of comorbidities was significantly higher by 0.299-0.782/case. Extreme cold/heat, high RH, PM 2.5 , and ozone concentrations significantly modified the thunderstorm-health effect on both multiplicative and additive scales. Over 35% of the thunderstorm effects were mediated by PM 2.5 and RH. CONCLUSION Thunderstorms accompanied by POs showed the strongest respiratory effects. There were large disparities in thunderstorm-health associations by demographics. Meteorological factors and air pollution levels modified and mediated the thunderstorm-health effects. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Quan Qi
- Department of Economics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Han Liu
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Xinlei Deng
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ian Trees
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaojun Yuan
- Department of Information Sciences and Technology, College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Mary P. Gallant
- Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Venkatesan S, Zare A, Stevanovic S. Pollen and sub-pollen particles: External interactions shaping the allergic potential of pollen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171593. [PMID: 38479525 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Pollen allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, are triggered by exposure to airborne pollen. They are a considerable global health burden, with their numbers expected to rise in the coming decades due to the advent of climate change and air pollution. The relationships that exist between pollens, meteorological, and environmental conditions are complex due to a lack of clarity on the nature and conditions associated with these interactions; therefore, it is challenging to describe their direct impacts on allergenic potential clearly. This article attempts to review evidence pertaining to the possible influence of meteorological factors and air pollutants on the allergic potential of pollen by studying the interactions that pollen undergoes, from its inception to atmospheric traversal to human exposure. This study classifies the evidence based on the nature of these interactions as physical, chemical, source, and biological, thereby simplifying the complexities in describing these interactions. Physical conditions facilitating pollen rupturing for tree, grass, and weed pollen, along with their mechanisms, are studied. The effects of pollen exposure to air pollutants and their impact on pollen allergenic potential are presented along with the possible outcomes following these interactions, such as pollen fragmentation (SPP generation), deposition of particulate matter on pollen exine, and modification of protein levels in-situ of pollen. This study also delves into evidence on plant-based (source and biological) interactions, which could indirectly influence the allergic potential of pollen. The current state of knowledge, open questions, and a brief overview of future research directions are outlined and discussed. We suggest that future studies should utilise a multi-disciplinary approach to better understand this complex system of pollen interactions that occur in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Zare
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, VIC 3216, Australia
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Van Haeften S, Campbell BC, Milic A, Addison-Smith E, Al Kouba J, Huete A, Beggs PJ, Davies JM. Environmental DNA analysis of airborne poaceae (grass) pollen reveals taxonomic diversity across seasons and climate zones. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 247:117983. [PMID: 38163541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grasses populate most biogeographical zones, and their diversity influences allergic sensitisation to pollen. Previously, the contribution of different Poaceae subfamilies to airborne pollen has mostly been inferred from historical herbarium records. We recently applied environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding at one subtropical site revealing that successive airborne grass pollen peaks were derived from repeated flowering of Chloridoid and Panicoid grasses over a season. This study aimed to compare spatiotemporal patterns in grass pollen exposure across seasons and climate zones. METHODS Airborne pollen concentrations across two austral pollen seasons spanning 2017-2019 at subtropical (Mutdapilly and Rocklea, Queensland) and temperate (Macquarie Park and Richmond, New South Wales) sites, were determined with a routine volumetric impaction sampler and counting by light microscopy. Poaceae rbcL metabarcode sequences amplified from daily pollen samples collected once per week were assigned to subfamily and genus using a ribosomal classifier and compared with Atlas of Living Australia sighting records. RESULTS eDNA analysis revealed distinct dominance patterns of grass pollen at various sites: Panicoid grasses prevailed in both subtropical Mutdapilly and temperate Macquarie Park, whilst Chloridoid grasses dominated the subtropical Rocklea site. Overall, subtropical sites showed significantly higher proportion of pollen from Chloridoid grasses than temperate sites, whereas the temperate sites showed a significantly higher proportion of pollen from Pooideae grasses than subtropical sites. Timing of airborne Pooid (spring), Panicoid and Chloridoid (late spring to autumn), and Arundinoid (autumn) pollen were significantly related to number of days from mid-winter. Proportions of eDNA for subfamilies correlated with distributions grass sighting records between climate zones. CONCLUSIONS eDNA analysis enabled finer taxonomic discernment of Poaceae pollen records across seasons and climate zones with implications for understanding adaptation of grasslands to climate change, and the complexity of pollen exposure for patients with allergic respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanice Van Haeften
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control and Centre for Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bradley C Campbell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control and Centre for Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andelija Milic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control and Centre for Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Addison-Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control and Centre for Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane Al Kouba
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alfredo Huete
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul J Beggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre Immunology and Infection Control and Centre for Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Tegart LJ, Schiro G, Dickinson JL, Green BJ, Barberán A, Marthick JR, Bissett A, Johnston FH, Jones PJ. Decrypting seasonal patterns of key pollen taxa in cool temperate Australia: A multi-barcode metabarcoding analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117808. [PMID: 38043901 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollen allergies pose a considerable global public health concern. Allergy risk can vary significantly within plant families, yet some key pollen allergens can only be identified to family level by current optical methods. Pollen information with greater taxonomic resolution is therefore required to best support allergy prevention and self-management. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to deepen taxonomic insights into the seasonal composition of airborne pollen in cool temperate Australia, a region with high rates of allergic respiratory disease. In Hobart, Tasmania, we collected routine weekly air samples from December 2018 until October 2020 and sequenced the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and chloroplastic tRNA-Leucine tRNA-Phenylalanine intergenic spacer (trnL-trnF) regions in order to address the following questions: a) What is the genus-level diversity of known and potential aeroallergens in Hobart, in particular, in the families Poaceae, Cupressaceae and Myrtaceae? b) How do the atmospheric concentrations of these taxa change over time, and c) Does trnL-trnF enhance resolution of biodiversity when used in addition to ITS2? Our results suggest that individuals in the region are exposed to temperate grasses including Poa and Bromus in the peak grass pollen season, however low levels of exposure to the subtropical grass Cynodon may occur in autumn and winter. Within Cupressaceae, both metabarcodes showed that exposure is predominantly to pollen from the introduced genera Cupressus and Juniperus. Only ITS2 detected the native genus, Callitris. Both metabarcodes detected Eucalyptus as the major Myrtaceae genus, with trnL-trnF exhibiting primer bias for this family. These findings help refine our understanding of allergy triggers in Tasmania and highlight the utility of multiple metabarcodes in aerobiome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan J Tegart
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Gabriele Schiro
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - Joanne L Dickinson
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Brett J Green
- Office of the Director, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, United States.
| | - Albert Barberán
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
| | - James R Marthick
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Andrew Bissett
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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Endo S, Okamoto T, Kawahara T, Anzai T, Takahashi K, Miyazaki Y. Effect of warm and humid days on the positivity rate of anti-Trichosporon asahii antibody test for the diagnosis of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Respir Investig 2024; 62:150-156. [PMID: 38141527 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) has been reported to occur during warm and humid summer seasons in Japan; however, the effect of weather conditions on SHP remains unknown. Anti-Trichosporon asahii antibody (TaAb) test is highly specific and useful for the diagnosing SHP. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of weather conditions on SHP by examining the relationship between the positivity rate of TaAb and warm and humid days. METHODS TaAb test data from June 2013 to June 2020 were obtained from major commercial laboratories to determine the number of samples and positivity rate of TaAb by prefecture. Using the Japan Meteorological Agency database, we counted the warm and humid days (maximum temperature ≥25 °C and average humidity ≥80 %) for each prefecture. Negative binomial regression was employed to examine the relationship between the positivity rate of TaAb and the number of warm and humid days per month. RESULTS A total of 79,211 samples and 7626 positive samples (9.6 %) were identified. We found that the number of warm and humid days, 1 or 2 months prior to testing for TaAb, was associated with the positivity rate of the test. An increase in the positivity rate by 1.6 % and 2.9 % was observed with every 1-day increase in warm and humid days 1 month and 2 months before the test, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our TaAb analysis revealed a significant increase in TaAb positivity 1 or 2 months after periods of warm and humid days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Endo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Okamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan; Department of Pulmonary Immunotherapeutics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kawahara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Anzai
- Department of Biostatistics M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Takahashi
- Department of Biostatistics M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yasunari Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
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Haddadzadeh Shoushtari M, Afrakhteh S, Borsi SH, Raji H, Idani E. Pulmonary Function Tests in Thunderstorm-associated Respiratory Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 49:40-45. [PMID: 38322159 PMCID: PMC10839138 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2023.96337.2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is an observed increase in cases of acute bronchospasm following thunderstorms. This study aimed to compare the frequency of obstructive airway disease or bronchial hyperresponsiveness in subjects with thunderstorm-associated respiratory symptoms with subjects with similar symptoms presented at other times. Methods A cross-sectional study from June to November of 2013 was conducted on subjects with thunderstorm-associated respiratory symptoms living in Ahvaz City, Iran. Thunderstorm-associated subjects were presented with asthmatic symptoms in thunderstorms, and other patients presented with similar symptoms at other times. Baseline spirometry was performed on patients to examine the presence of obstructive airway disease. In all patients with normal spirometry, a provocation test was applied. A comparison of qualitative and quantitative variables was made using the Chi-square and independent t test, respectively. All analyses were carried out using SPSS Statistics Version 22. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of 584 subjects, 300 and 284 participants were in thunderstorm-associated and non-thunderstorm-associated groups, respectively. After the final analysis, 87 (30.6%) and 89 (33.3%) of the thunderstorm-associated subjects and non-thunderstorm-associated group, respectively, had pieces of evidence of airflow limitation (P=0.27). Among the patients with normal spirometry, 161 (81.72%) of the thunderstorm-associated patients and 100 (56.17%) patients of the non-thunderstorm-associated symptoms group had a positive methacholine challenge test result (P<0.001). Conclusion Most of the patients with thunderstorm-associated respiratory symptoms had no obvious evidence of airflow limitation in spirometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Haddadzadeh Shoushtari
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Enviromental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sakineh Afrakhteh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamid Borsi
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Raji
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Esmail Idani
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran, Iran
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Grewling Ł, Ribeiro H, Antunes C, Apangu GP, Çelenk S, Costa A, Eguiluz-Gracia I, Galveias A, Gonzalez Roldan N, Lika M, Magyar D, Martinez-Bracero M, Ørby P, O'Connor D, Penha AM, Pereira S, Pérez-Badia R, Rodinkova V, Xhetani M, Šauliene I, Skjøth CA. Outdoor airborne allergens: Characterization, behavior and monitoring in Europe. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167042. [PMID: 37709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aeroallergens or inhalant allergens, are proteins dispersed through the air and have the potential to induce allergic conditions such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Outdoor aeroallergens are found predominantly in pollen grains and fungal spores, which are allergen carriers. Aeroallergens from pollen and fungi have seasonal emission patterns that correlate with plant pollination and fungal sporulation and are strongly associated with atmospheric weather conditions. They are released when allergen carriers come in contact with the respiratory system, e.g. the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the rupture of allergen carriers, airborne allergen molecules may be released directly into the air in the form of micronic and submicronic particles (cytoplasmic debris, cell wall fragments, droplets etc.) or adhered onto other airborne particulate matter. Therefore, aeroallergen detection strategies must consider, in addition to the allergen carriers, the allergen molecules themselves. This review article aims to present the current knowledge on inhalant allergens in the outdoor environment, their structure, localization, and factors affecting their production, transformation, release or degradation. In addition, methods for collecting and quantifying aeroallergens are listed and thoroughly discussed. Finally, the knowledge gaps, challenges and implications associated with aeroallergen analysis are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Helena Ribeiro
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Celia Antunes
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Sevcan Çelenk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ana Costa
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Ibon Eguiluz-Gracia
- Allergy Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga 29010, Spain
| | - Ana Galveias
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Health and Human Development & ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nestor Gonzalez Roldan
- Group of Biofunctional Metabolites and Structures, Priority Research Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Borstel, Germany; Pollen Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mirela Lika
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Pia Ørby
- Department of Environmental Science, Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David O'Connor
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin D09 E432, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Marchã Penha
- Water Laboratory, School of Sciences and Technology, ICT-Institute of Earth Sciences, IIFA, University of Évora. 7000-671 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sónia Pereira
- Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto and Earth Sciences Institute (ICT), Portugal
| | - Rosa Pérez-Badia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Merita Xhetani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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Olsen Y, Arildskov E, Hansen SN, Pedersen M, Dharmage SC, Kloster M, Sigsgaard T. Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores and acute asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1256-1267. [PMID: 37748858 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous. Few studies have assessed their impact on asthma hospitalizations providing conflicting results, mainly focused on vulnerable paediatric populations. We aimed to study the impact of outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium concentrations on acute hospitalizations in the Capital Region of Denmark. METHODS This is a bi-directional case-crossover study with 26 years of national registry data at individual level on acute asthma hospitalizations and daily average data on Alternaria and Cladosporium, pollen (Artemisia, Poaceae), maximal temperature, and air pollution. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations. Concentration quartiles at lag 0 were used for categorizing the exposure. RESULTS For lags 0-2, the odds of hospitalization were significantly higher for both Alternaria and Cladosporium at concentration quartile 2-4 compared with quartile 1. When stratified for age and sex, odds of hospitalization at Alternaria quartiles 2-4 were significantly higher in males below 40 years at lag 0-2, and at lag 0 in females (18-30 years), while quartiles 2-4 of Cladosporium concentrations were associated with significantly higher odds in boys (0-17 years) at lag 1-3, males (18-39 years) at lag 0-1, females (18-39 years) at lag 1-2, males (40-64 years) at lag 0-2, females (40-64 years) at lag 0 and 2, in seniors (65+ years) male at lag 1-2 and female at lag 0-1. The effect of Alternaria varied significantly depending on the level of Cladosporium (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Ambient Alternaria and Cladosporium spores can induce asthma hospitalizations. Males are more susceptible to both genera. Males and females under age 40 years are more susceptible to Alternaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Olsen
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elias Arildskov
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stefan Nygaard Hansen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Pedersen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Environment, Occupation & Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Seastedt H, Nadeau K. Factors by which global warming worsens allergic disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:694-702. [PMID: 37689112 PMCID: PMC10873081 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of fossil fuels has led to global warming with concomitant increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires and sand and dust storms. These changes have led to increases in air pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Other indirect factors such as droughts, flooding, thunderstorms, heat waves, water pollution, human migration, deforestation, loss of green space, and decreasing biodiversity (including microbial diversity) also affect the incidence and severity of allergic disease. Global warming and extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming decades, and further increases in allergic diseases are expected, exacerbating the already high health care burden associated with these diseases. There is an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to improve human health. Human health and planetary health are connected and the concept of One Health, which is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment needs to be emphasized. Clinicians are trusted members of the community, and they need to take a strong leadership role in educating patients on climate change and its adverse effects on human health. They also need to advocate for policy changes that decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase biodiversity and green space to enable a healthier and more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Seastedt
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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11
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Pham DL, Le KM, Truong DDK, Le HTT, Trinh THK. Environmental allergen reduction in asthma management: an overview. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1229238. [PMID: 37868650 PMCID: PMC10587592 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1229238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent non-communicable disease that affects both children and adults. Many patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma could not achieve total control despite using anti-asthmatic drugs. There is increasing evidence that allergy to environmental allergens, including both indoor and outdoor allergens, is associated with asthma symptoms and severe asthma. Frequently reported sensitized allergens were dust mites, cockroaches, grass pollens, molds, pets, and rodents in allergic asthma patients, although the patterns of widespread allergens differed from each country. Allergen avoidance is the cornerstone of asthma management, especially in sensitized subjects. This review summarizes environmental allergen avoidance and clarifies their effects on asthma control. Despite contrasting results about the impact of allergen exposure reduction on asthma control, several studies supported the beneficial effects of reducing asthma-related symptoms or risk of exacerbations as a nondrug therapy. Identifying environmental allergens is helpful for asthma patients, and further studies on clinically effective avoidance methods are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy Le Pham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Kieu-Minh Le
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Diem D. K. Truong
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huyen T. T. Le
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tu H. K. Trinh
- Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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12
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Torres-Borrego J, Sánchez-Solís M. Dissecting Airborne Allergens. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5856. [PMID: 37762797 PMCID: PMC10532401 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous and very complex group of diseases, and includes different clinical phenotypes depending on symptoms, progression, exacerbation patterns, or responses to treatment, among other characteristics. The allergic phenotype is the most frequent, especially in pediatric asthma. It is characterized by sensitization (the production of specific IgEs) to allergens and frequent comorbidity with rhinitis as well as atopic dermatitis. Given the complexity of allergic asthma, knowledge of it must be approached from different points of view: clinical, histological, physiological, epidemiological, biochemical, and immunological, among others. Since partial approaches do not allow for the understanding of this complexity, it is necessary to have multidimensional knowledge that helps in performing the optimal management of each case, avoiding a "blind men and elephant parable" approach. Allergens are antigens that trigger the production of specific IgE antibodies in susceptible individuals, who present symptoms that will depend on the type and intensity of the allergenic load as well as the tissue where the interaction occurs. Airborne allergens cause their effects in the respiratory tract and eyes, and can be indoor or outdoor, perennial, or seasonal. Although allergens such as mites, pollens, or animal dander are generally considered single particles, it is important to note that they contain different molecules which could trigger distinct specific IgE molecules in different patients. General practitioners, pediatricians, and other physicians typically diagnose and treat asthma based on clinical and pulmonary function data in their daily practice. This nonsystematic and nonexhaustive revision aims to update other topics, especially those focused on airborne allergens, helping the diagnostic and therapeutic processes of allergic asthma and rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Torres-Borrego
- Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Reina Sofia Children’s University Hospital, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), University of Cordoba, Av. Menendez Pidal sn, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Solís
- Pediatric Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Children’s Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), University of Murcia, Avda Teniente Flomesta, 5, 30003 Murcia, Spain;
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13
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Idrose NS, Zhang J, Lodge CJ, Erbas B, Douglass JA, Bui DS, Dharmage SC. A Review of the Role of Pollen in COVID-19 Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105805. [PMID: 37239533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
There is current interest in the role of ambient pollen in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) infection risk. The aim of this review is to summarise studies published up until January 2023 investigating the relationship between airborne pollen and the risk of COVID-19 infection. We found conflicting evidence, with some studies showing that pollen may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection by acting as a carrier, while others showed that pollen may reduce the risk by acting as an inhibiting factor. A few studies reported no evidence of an association between pollen and the risk of infection. A major limiting factor of this research is not being able to determine whether pollen contributed to the susceptibility to infection or just the expression of symptoms. Hence, more research is needed to better understand this highly complex relationship. Future investigations should consider individual and sociodemographic factors as potential effect modifiers when investigating these associations. This knowledge will help to identify targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dinh S Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
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14
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Oliveira M, Oliveira D, Lisboa C, Boechat JL, Delgado L. Clinical Manifestations of Human Exposure to Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030381. [PMID: 36983549 PMCID: PMC10052331 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological particles, along with inorganic gaseous and particulate pollutants, constitute an ever-present component of the atmosphere and surfaces. Among these particles are fungal species colonizing almost all ecosystems, including the human body. Although inoffensive to most people, fungi can be responsible for several health problems, such as allergic fungal diseases and fungal infections. Worldwide fungal disease incidence is increasing, with new emerging fungal diseases appearing yearly. Reasons for this increase are the expansion of life expectancy, the number of immunocompromised patients (immunosuppressive treatments for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases), the number of uncontrolled underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the misusage of medication (e.g., corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics). Managing fungal diseases is challenging; only four classes of antifungal drugs are available, resistance to these drugs is increasing, and no vaccines have been approved. The present work reviews the implications of fungal particles in human health from allergic diseases (i.e., allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, severe asthma with fungal sensitization, thunderstorm asthma, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and occupational lung diseases) to infections (i.e., superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections). Topics such as the etiological agent, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment will be revised to improve the knowledge of this growing health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup-Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Oliveira
- CRN-Unidade de Reabilitação AVC, Centro de Reabilitação do Norte, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Avenida dos Sanatórios 127, 4405-565 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Carmen Lisboa
- Serviço de Microbiologia, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Dermatologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Laerte Boechat
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Delgado
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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15
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Lin L, Chen Y, Wei J, Wu S, Wu S, Jing J, Dong G, Cai L. The associations between residential greenness and allergic diseases in Chinese toddlers: A birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114003. [PMID: 35931194 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green space in the living environment has been linked to the development of allergic diseases. However, evidence regarding early-onset allergy in toddlers was limited, and the critical exposure window remained unclear. We aimed to investigate associations between residential greenness with allergic diseases in early life. METHODS This prospective birth cohort study included 522 mother-child pairs in Guangzhou, China. We quantified prenatal, postnatal, and early-life (i.e., the first 1000 days of life) residential greenness, estimated from remote satellite data using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and tree cover. We identified physician-diagnosed allergic diseases (eczema, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, and asthma) based on medical records at age 2 years. Generalized linear regression was conducted to examine the associations of greenness with allergic outcomes. RESULTS The ranges of residential NDVI and EVI values in 500-m buffer during early life were 0.06-0.70 and 0.03-0.46, respectively. We found a 0.1 unit increase of NDVI in 500-m buffer throughout early life was associated with higher odds of any allergic diseases (prenatal: OR [odds ratio], 1.25; 95%CI, 1.02-1.53; postnatal: OR, 1.24; 95%CI, 1.02-1.52; early-life: OR, 1.25, 95%CI: 1.02-1.53) and higher odds of eczema (prenatal: OR, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.04-1.59; postnatal: OR, 1.24; 95%CI, 1.01-1.54; early-life: OR, 1.26, 95%CI: 1.02-1.56). The results were consistent when using EVI as a proxy for greenness. We only observed that prenatal exposure to the highest tertile of NDVI-500 was adversely associated with any allergic diseases (OR, 1.63; 95%CI, 1.03-2.58) and eczema (OR, 1.70; 95%CI: 1.04-2.78) compared with the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS This study identified detrimental associations of residential greenness with allergic diseases especially eczema among toddlers, and pregnancy appears to be the critical exposure window. Our findings highlighted the importance of urban planning to develop friendly-green neighborhood to improve maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution And Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Shengchi Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution And Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Idrose NS, Lodge CJ, Peters RL, Douglass JA, Koplin JJ, Lowe AJ, Perrett KP, Tang MLK, Newbigin EJ, Abramson MJ, Erbas B, Vicendese D, Dharmage SC. The role of short-term grass pollen exposure in food skin-prick test reactivity, food allergy, and eczema flares in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13862. [PMID: 36282135 PMCID: PMC9828461 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the relationship between pollen and respiratory allergies is well-documented, the role of short-term pollen exposure in food allergy and eczema flares has not previously been explored. We aimed to investigate these associations in a population-based sample of children. METHODS We investigated 1- (n = 1108) and 6-year-old (n = 675) children in the grass pollen season from the HealthNuts cohort. Grass pollen concentrations were considered on the day of testing (lag 0), up to three days before (lag 1-lag 3) and cumulatively (lag 0-3). Associations between grass pollen and food skin-prick test reactivity (SPT ≥ 2 mm at age 1 year and ≥ 3 mm at age 6 years), eczema flares, challenge-confirmed food allergy, reaction threshold to oral food challenges (OFC), and serum food-specific IgE levels were analyzed using either logistic or quantile regression models. Atopy and family history of allergic disease were considered as potent effect modifiers. RESULTS Grass pollen at lag 0-3 (every 20 grains/m3 increase) was associated with an up to 1.2-fold increased odds of food SPT reactivity and eczema flares in 6-year-olds. In 1-year-olds, the associations were only observed for peanut in those with a family history of food allergy. Increasing grass pollen concentrations were associated with a lower reaction threshold to OFC and higher serum IgE levels in peanut-allergic 1-year-olds only. CONCLUSION Increasing grass pollen concentration was associated with increased risk of food SPT reactivity and eczema flares in children. The associations in peanut-allergic infants may be related to immune activation and/or peanut and grass pollen cross-reactivity leading to a lower reaction threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel L Peters
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Koplin
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten P Perrett
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ed J Newbigin
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Idrose NS, Lodge CJ, Erbas B, Douglass JA, Bui DS, Dharmage SC. A Review of the Respiratory Health Burden Attributable to Short-Term Exposure to Pollen. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127541. [PMID: 35742795 PMCID: PMC9224249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions worldwide and pose a significant global public health burden. Over the years, changes in land use and climate have increased pollen quantity, allergenicity and duration of the pollen season, thus increasing its impact on respiratory disease. Many studies have investigated the associations between short-term ambient pollen (i.e., within days or weeks of exposure) and respiratory outcomes. Here, we reviewed the current evidence on the association between short-term outdoor pollen exposure and thunderstorm asthma (TA), asthma and COPD hospital presentations, general practice (GP) consultations, self-reported respiratory symptoms, lung function changes and their potential effect modifiers. The literature suggests strong evidence of an association between ambient pollen concentrations and almost all respiratory outcomes mentioned above, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory diseases. However, the evidence on sub-clinical lung function changes, COPD, and effect modifiers other than asthma, hay fever and pollen sensitisation are still scarce and requires further exploration. Better understanding of the implications of pollen on respiratory health can aid healthcare professionals to implement appropriate management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Jo A. Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia;
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dinh S. Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-383-440-737
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18
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Combined Exposure to Birch Pollen and Thunderstorms Affects Respiratory Health in Stockholm, Sweden-A Time Series Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105852. [PMID: 35627390 PMCID: PMC9141405 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Thunderstorm asthma is a term used to describe surges in acute respiratory illnesses following a thunderstorm and is often attributed to an intense exposure to aeroallergens. Several episodes of thunderstorm asthma have been observed worldwide; however, no such cases have been described in Sweden. In Sweden, the most prominent exposure to air-borne pollen occurs during the blooming of the birch. We aimed to explore the associations between respiratory health and the combined exposure to thunderstorms and birch pollen. Methods: We investigated the association between the daily numbers of outpatient visits due to respiratory cases and the combined exposure to thunderstorms and birch pollen during the period of 1 May–31 September in 2001–2017, in Stockholm County, Sweden, by using time series analysis with log linear models. Results: We detected noticeable increases in the number of outpatient visits on both the same day (max 26%; 95% CI 1.16–1.37) and the day after (max 50%; 95% CI 1.32–1.70) the occurrence of a thunderstorm, when the concentrations of birch pollen and the number of lightning discharges were within the highest categories. Conclusions: It is possible that co-exposure to heavy thunderstorms and high concentrations of birch pollen affects the respiratory health of the Stockholm population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the thunderstorm-related respiratory illnesses in Sweden and the effects of birch pollen. Our study may be important for future public health advice related to thunderstorm asthma.
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19
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Li X, Liu D, Yao J. Aerosolization of fungal spores in indoor environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153003. [PMID: 35031366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fungi in indoor environments can cause adverse health effects through inhalation and epidermal exposure. The risk of fungal exposure originates from the aerosolization of fungal spores. However, spore aerosolization is still not well understood. This paper provides a review of indoor fungal contamination, especially the aerosolization of fungal spores. We attempted to summarize what is known today and to identify what more information is needed to predict the aerosolization of fungal spores. This paper first reviews fungal contamination in indoor environments and HVAC systems. The detachment of fungal spores from colonies and the spore aerosolization principle are then summarized. Based on the above discussion, prediction methods for spore aerosolization are discussed. This review further clarifies the current situation and future efforts required to accurately predict spore aerosolization. This information is useful for forecasting and controlling the aerosolization of fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
| | - Jian Yao
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, China
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20
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Assessment of Air Quality and Meteorological Changes Induced by Future Vegetation in Madrid. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13050690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions and green urban infrastructures are becoming common measures in local air quality and climate strategies. However, there is a lack of analytical frameworks to anticipate the effect of such interventions on urban meteorology and air quality at a city scale. We present a modelling methodology that relies on the weather research and forecasting model (WRF) with the building effect parameterization (BEP) and the community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model and apply it to assess envisaged plans involving vegetation in the Madrid (Spain) region. The study, developed within the VEGGAP Life project, includes the development of two detailed vegetation scenarios making use of Madrid’s municipality tree inventory (current situation) and future vegetation-related interventions. An annual simulation was performed for both scenarios (considering constant anthropogenic emissions) to identify (i) variations in surface temperature and the reasons for such changes, and (ii) implications on air-quality standards according to EU legislation for the main pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3). Our results suggest that vegetation may have significant effects on urban meteorology due to changes induced in relevant surface properties such as albedo, roughness length or emissivity. We found a net-heating effect of around +0.18 °C when trees are introduced in dry, scarcely vegetated surfaces in the city outskirts. In turn, this enhances the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), which brings about reductions in ambient concentrations of relevant pollutants such as NO2 (in the range of 0.5–0.8 µg m−3 for the annual mean, and 2–4 µg m−3 for the 19th highest 1 h value). Conversely, planting new trees in consolidated urban areas causes a cooling effect (up to −0.15 °C as an annual mean) that may slightly increase concentration levels due to less-effective vertical mixing and wind-speed reduction caused by increased roughness. This highlights the need to combine nature-based solutions with emission-reduction measures in Madrid.
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Anees-Hill S, Douglas P, Pashley CH, Hansell A, Marczylo EL. A systematic review of outdoor airborne fungal spore seasonality across Europe and the implications for health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151716. [PMID: 34800445 PMCID: PMC8919338 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal spores make up a significant proportion of organic matter within the air. Allergic sensitisation to fungi is associated with conditions including allergic fungal airway disease. This systematic review analyses outdoor fungal spore seasonality across Europe and considers the implications for health. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which (n = 64) were observational sampling studies published between 1978 and 2020. The most commonly reported genera were the known allergens Alternaria and Cladosporium, measured in 52 and 49 studies, respectively. Both displayed statistically significant increased season length in south-westerly (Mediterranean) versus north-easterly (Atlantic and Continental) regions. Although there was a trend for reduced peak or annual Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations in more northernly locations, this was not statistically significant. Peak spore concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium exceeded clinical thresholds in nearly all locations, with median peak concentrations of 665 and 18,827 per m3, respectively. Meteorological variables, predominantly temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, were the main factors associated with fungal seasonality. Land-use was identified as another important factor, particularly proximity to agricultural and coastal areas. While correlations of increased season length or decreased annual spore concentrations with increasing average temperatures were reported in multi-decade sampling studies, the number of such studies was too small to make any definitive conclusions. Further, up-to-date studies covering underrepresented geographical regions and fungal taxa (including the use of modern molecular techniques), and the impact of land-use and climate change will help address remaining knowledge gaps. Such knowledge will help to better understand fungal allergy, develop improved fungal spore calendars and forecasts with greater geographical coverage, and promote increased awareness and management strategies for those with allergic fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Anees-Hill
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Philippa Douglas
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Environmental Hazards and Emergencies Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
| | - Catherine H Pashley
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Anna Hansell
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK.
| | - Emma L Marczylo
- The National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Exposures and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7LW, UK; Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK.
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22
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Idrose NS, Vicendese D, Peters RL, Koplin JJ, Douglass JA, Walters EH, Perret JL, Lowe AJ, Tang MLK, Newbigin EJ, Erbas B, Lodge CJ, Dharmage SC. Children With Food Allergy Are at Risk of Lower Lung Function on High-Pollen Days. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:2144-2153.e10. [PMID: 35398553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grass pollen exposure is a risk factor for childhood asthma hospital attendances. However, its short-term influence on lung function, especially among those with other allergic conditions, has been less well-studied. OBJECTIVE To investigate this association in a population-based sample of children. METHODS Within the HealthNuts cohort, 641 children performed spirometry during the grass pollen season. Grass pollen concentration was considered on the day of testing (lag 0), up to 3 days before (lag 1-lag 3), and cumulatively (lag 0-3). We used linear regression to assess the relevant associations and examined potential interactions with current asthma, hay fever or eczema, and food allergy. RESULTS Associations were observed only in children with allergic disease (P value for interaction ≤ 0.1). In children with food allergy, grass pollen concentration was associated with a lower ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and lower mid-forced expiratory flows (FEF25%-75%) at all lags (eg, at lag 2, FEV1/FVC z-score = -0.50 [95% CI -0.80 to -0.20] and FEF25%--75% z-score = -0.40 [-0.60 to -0.04] per 20 grains/m3 pollen increase), and increased bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) at lag 2 and lag 3 (eg, at lag 2, BDR = (31 [95% CI -0.005 to 62] mL). In children with current asthma, increasing grass pollen concentration was associated with lower FEF25%-75% and increased BDR, whereas children with current hay fever or eczema had increased BDR only. CONCLUSIONS A proactive approach needs to be enforced to manage susceptible children, especially those with food allergy, before high-grass pollen days.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel L Peters
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer J Koplin
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ed J Newbigin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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23
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Banasiak NC, Keil Heinonen SA, Filippelli AC. The Perfect Storm: Thunderstorm-Related Asthma. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Kalayci O, Miligkos M, Pozo Beltrán CF, El-Sayed ZA, Gómez RM, Hossny E, Le Souef P, Nieto A, Phipatanakul W, Pitrez PM, Xepapadaki P, Jiu-Yao W, Papadopoulos NG. The role of environmental allergen control in the management of asthma. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100634. [PMID: 35341023 PMCID: PMC8917313 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergen exposure may exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitized patients. Allergen reduction or avoidance measures have been widely utilized; however, there is ongoing controversy on the effectiveness of specific allergen control measures in the management of children with asthma. Often, allergen avoidance strategies are not recommended by guidelines because they can be complex or burdensome, although individual patients may benefit. Here we explore the potential for intervention against exposure to the major allergens implicated in asthma (ie, house dust mites, indoor molds, rodents, cockroaches, furry pets, and outdoor molds and pollens), and subsequent effects on asthma symptoms. We critically assess the available evidence regarding the clinical benefits of specific environmental control measures for each allergen. Finally, we underscore the need for standardized and multifaceted approaches in research and real-life settings, which would result in the identification of more personalized and beneficial prevention strategies.
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25
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Li JD, Gu JQ, Xu YY, Cui L, Li LS, Wang ZX, Yin J, Guan K. Serum IgE profiles in Chinese pollinosis patients with grass pollen sensitisation. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100624. [PMID: 35079319 PMCID: PMC8760510 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2021.100624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Da Li
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Jian-Qing Gu
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Ying-Yang Xu
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Le Cui
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Li-Sha Li
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Zi-Xi Wang
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, #1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Kai Guan
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment on Allergic Diseases, China
- National Clinical Research for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, #1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing, Beijing, 100730, China.
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26
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Outdoor Mold and Respiratory Health: State of Science of Epidemiological Studies. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 10:768-784.e3. [PMID: 34648953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulates in outdoor air. However, in contrast to pollens or outdoor air pollution, little is known about their respiratory health risks. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to conduct the first review of epidemiological studies on the short- and long-term effects of outdoor mold exposure on respiratory health in children and adults. METHODS Health outcomes included asthma, lung function, and rhinitis. Cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies using quantitative measures of outdoor mold exposure (optical microscopy, culture-based methods) were selected, providing that important confounding factors including temporal trends or meteorological factors were accounted for. A systematic literature search was performed up to June 2020, leading to the selection of 37 publications. RESULTS Most studies were longitudinal and investigated short-term effects. There is evidence of an association between outdoor fungal exposure and an increase in asthma exacerbation among children for total spores, 2 phyla (ascomycetes, basidiomycetes), and 2 taxa (Cladosporium, Alternaria). A few studies also suggested an association for Coprinus, Ganoderma, Aspergillus-Penicillium, Botrytis, and Epicoccum in children, but this needs to be confirmed. Some studies reported mold associations with rhinitis, lung function, and among adults, but these were few in number or inconsistent. DISCUSSION Further ecological studies in different regions that measure exposure to all taxa over several years are required to better understand their impact on rhinitis, asthma exacerbations and lung function. Larger panel studies are necessary to identify threshold effects in susceptible individuals. Finally, further research should assess the long-term effects of outdoor mold.
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Yu H, Zhou Y, Wang R, Qian Z, Knibbs LD, Jalaludin B, Schootman M, McMillin SE, Howard SW, Lin LZ, Zhou P, Hu LW, Liu RQ, Yang BY, Chen G, Zeng XW, Feng W, Xiang M, Dong GH. Associations between trees and grass presence with childhood asthma prevalence using deep learning image segmentation and a novel green view index. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117582. [PMID: 34438500 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Limitations of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) potentially contributed to the inconsistent findings of greenspace exposure and childhood asthma. The aim of this study was to use a novel greenness exposure assessment method, capable of overcoming the limitation of NDVI to determine the extent to which it was associated with asthma prevalence in Chinese children. During 2009-2013, a cross-sectional study of 59,754 children aged 2-17 years was conducted in northeast China. Tencent street view images surrounding participants' schools were segmented by a deep learning model, and streetscape greenness was extracted. The green view index (GVI) was used to assign exposure and higher value indicates more green coverage. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds of asthma per interquartile range (IQR) increase of GVI for trees and grass. Participants were further stratified to investigate whether particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) was a modifier. An IQR increase in GVI800m for trees was associated with lower adjusted odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.72-0.80) and current asthma (OR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.75-0.89). An IQR increase in GVI800m for grass was associated with higher adjusted odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.00-1.08) and current asthma (OR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.02-1.14). After stratification by PM2.5 exposure level, the negative association between trees and asthma, and the positive association between grass and asthma were observed only in low PM2.5 exposure levels (≤median: 56.23 μg/m3). Our results suggest that types of vegetation may play a role in the association between greenness exposure and childhood asthma. Exposure to trees may reduce the odds of childhood asthma, whereas exposure to grass may increase the odds. Additionally, PM2.5 may modify the associations of trees and grass with childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Institute of Geography, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhengmin Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Luke D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Centre for Air Quality and Health Research and Evaluation, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia; IIngham Institute for Applied Medial Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2170, Australia
| | - Mario Schootman
- Department of Clinical Analytics, System Data & Analytics, SSM Health, Saint Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - Stephen Edward McMillin
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Steven W Howard
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Peien Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wenru Feng
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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28
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Blanco-Alegre C, Castro A, Calvo AI, Oduber F, Fernández-González D, Valencia-Barrera RM, Vega-Maray AM, Molnár T, Fraile R. Towards a model of wet deposition of bioaerosols: The raindrop size role. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 767:145426. [PMID: 33550056 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosols play a major role in the plant life of ecosystems. In addition, they have a profound impact on human health, since they may cause lung diseases or allergies. The key objective of this study is to assess the below cloud scavenging effect of rainfall on pollen concentration. The analysis is based on a sampling carried out in León, Spain, between 2015 and 2018. The rainfall variables and the pollen concentrations have been obtained with a disdrometer and a volumetric Hirst type spore-trap, respectively. In order to evaluate the scavenging, three parameters have been calculated: scavenging efficiency (through the concentration-weighted average (%ΔC)), the scavenging coefficient (λ) and the percentage of events with a decrease in pollen concentration (%ES) also called events with effective scavenging. 71% of rain events presented an effective scavenging that affected all types of pollen. The %ΔC mean value of total pollen was 24 ± 18% (positive values indicate an effective scavenging) and the types of pollen with the highest values were Castanea and Cupressaceae (71 and 40%, respectively). A linear model (R2 = 0.94) to estimate the pollen concentration after rain was built with variables such as pollen concentration before rain and other variables from a weather station and a disdrometer. Furthermore, we have shown the possibility of knowing in real time the probable Cupressaceae pollen concentration, from the initial pollen concentration and the physical parameters of rain (such as raindrop size, rain intensity or volume swept by raindrops in their falling path).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amaya Castro
- Department of Physics (IMARENAB), University of León, Spain.
| | - Ana I Calvo
- Department of Physics (IMARENAB), University of León, Spain.
| | - Fernanda Oduber
- Department of Physics (IMARENAB), University of León, Spain.
| | - Delia Fernández-González
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, Spain; Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Ana María Vega-Maray
- Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, Spain.
| | - Tibor Molnár
- Szent Istvan University, Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Hungary.
| | - Roberto Fraile
- Department of Physics (IMARENAB), University of León, Spain.
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29
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AlQuran A, Batra M, Harry Susanto N, Holland AE, Davies JM, Erbas B, Lampugnani ER. Community Response to the Impact of Thunderstorm Asthma Using Smart Technology. ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY 2021; 12:21526567211010728. [PMID: 33996193 PMCID: PMC8083005 DOI: 10.1177/21526567211010728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background The most severe thunderstorm asthma (TA) event occurred in Melbourne on the 21st November 2016 and during this period, daily pollen information was available and accessible on smart devices via an App. An integrated survey within the App allows users to self-report symptoms. Objective To explore patterns of symptom survey results during the period when the TA event occurred. Methods Symptom data from the Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast App related to asthma history, hay fever symptoms, and medication use was explored. A one-week control period before and after the event was considered. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to assess associations between sex, age, symptoms, and medication use. Results Of the 28,655 responses, during the 2016 pollen season, younger (18 to 40 years) males, with no hay fever and no asthma were the most single and regular responders. During the TA event for new users, sex was only significantly associated with hay fever (p = 0.008) of which 60.2% of females’ responses reported having hay fever, while 43% of males’ responses did not. Those with mild symptoms peaked during the TA event. Conclusions Many individuals completed the survey on the app for the first time during the TA event indicating the potential of digital technologies to be used as indicators of health risk among populations at risk of TA events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala AlQuran
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mehak Batra
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nugroho Harry Susanto
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Indonesia Research Partnership on Infectious Diseases, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anne E Holland
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Physiotherapy, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Science, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, and Office of Research, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Public Health, Universitas AirLangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Emmerson KM, Silver JD, Thatcher M, Wain A, Jones PJ, Dowdy A, Newbigin EJ, Picking BW, Choi J, Ebert E, Bannister T. Atmospheric modelling of grass pollen rupturing mechanisms for thunderstorm asthma prediction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249488. [PMID: 33852572 PMCID: PMC8046208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The world’s most severe thunderstorm asthma event occurred in Melbourne, Australia on 21 November 2016, coinciding with the peak of the grass pollen season. The aetiological role of thunderstorms in these events is thought to cause pollen to rupture in high humidity conditions, releasing large numbers of sub-pollen particles (SPPs) with sizes very easily inhaled deep into the lungs. The humidity hypothesis was implemented into a three-dimensional atmospheric model and driven by inputs from three meteorological models. However, the mechanism could not explain how the Melbourne event occurred as relative humidity was very low throughout the atmosphere, and most available grass pollen remained within 40 m of the surface. Our tests showed humidity induced rupturing occurred frequently at other times and would likely lead to recurrent false alarms if used in a predictive capacity. We used the model to investigate a range of other possible pollen rupturing mechanisms which could have produced high concentrations of SPPs in the atmosphere during the storm. The mechanisms studied involve mechanical friction from wind gusts, electrical build up and discharge incurred during conditions of low relative humidity, and lightning strikes. Our results suggest that these mechanisms likely operated in tandem with one another, but the lightning method was the only mechanism to generate a pattern in SPPs following the path of the storm. If humidity induced rupturing cannot explain the 2016 Melbourne event, then new targeted laboratory studies of alternative pollen rupture mechanisms would be of considerable value to help constrain the parameterisation of the pollen rupturing process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy D. Silver
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alan Wain
- Bureau of Meteorology, Docklands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope J. Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew Dowdy
- Bureau of Meteorology, Docklands, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Beau W. Picking
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Choi
- Environmental Protection Authority Victoria, Macleod, Victoria, Australia
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Idrose NS, Tham RCA, Lodge CJ, Lowe AJ, Bui D, Perret JL, Vicendese D, Newbigin EJ, Tang MLK, Aldakheel FM, Waidyatillake NT, Douglass JA, Abramson MJ, Walters EH, Erbas B, Dharmage SC. Is short-term exposure to grass pollen adversely associated with lung function and airway inflammation in the community? Allergy 2021; 76:1136-1146. [PMID: 32815173 DOI: 10.1111/all.14566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between grass pollen exposure and early markers of asthma exacerbations such as lung function changes and increase in airway inflammation is limited. We investigated the associations between short-term grass pollen exposure and lung function and airway inflammation in a community-based sample, and whether any such associations were modified by current asthma, current hay fever, pollen sensitization, age, and other environmental factors. METHODS Cross-sectional and short-term analyses of data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study (MACS) participants (n = 936). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. Airway inflammation was assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate pH and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Daily pollen counts were collected using a volumetric spore trap. The associations were examined by linear regression. RESULTS Higher ambient levels of grass pollen 2 days before (lag 2) were associated with lower mid-forced expiratory flow (FEF25%-75% ) and FEV1 /FVC ratio (Coef. [95% CI] = -119 [-226, -11] mL/s and -1.0 [-3.0, -0.03] %, respectively) and also 3 days before (lag 3). Increased levels of grass pollen a day before (lag 1) were associated with increased FeNO (4.35 [-0.1, 8.7] ppb) and also at lag 2. Adverse associations between pollen and multiple outcomes were greater in adults with current asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization. CONCLUSION Grass pollen exposure was associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation 1-2 days after exposure and airway obstruction 2-3 days after exposure. Adults and individuals with asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization may be at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Rachel C. A. Tham
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research Australian Catholic University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Adrian J. Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Dinh Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Edward J. Newbigin
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mimi L. K. Tang
- Allergy and Immunology Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne Vic Australia
- Department of Pediatrics University of Melbourne Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Fahad M. Aldakheel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Nilakshi T. Waidyatillake
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
| | - Jo A. Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville Vic. Australia
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Eugene Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
- School of Medicine University of Tasmania Hobart Tas Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health La Trobe University Bundoora Vic. Australia
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The University of Melbourne Carlton Vic. Australia
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32
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Idrose NS, Walters EH, Zhang J, Vicendese D, Newbigin EJ, Douglass JA, Erbas B, Lowe AJ, Perret JL, Lodge CJ, Dharmage SC. Outdoor pollen-related changes in lung function and markers of airway inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:636-653. [PMID: 33539034 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental challenge studies have shown that pollen can have early and delayed effects on the lungs and airways. Here, we qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the evidence of outdoor pollen exposure on various lung function and airway inflammation markers in community-based studies. METHODS Four online databases were searched: Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar. The search strategy included terms relating to both exposure and outcomes. Inclusion criteria were human-based studies published in English that were representative of the community. Additionally, we only considered cross-sectional or short-term longitudinal studies which investigated pollen exposure by levels or season. Study quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models. RESULTS We included 27 of 6551 studies identified from the search. Qualitative synthesis indicated associations between pollen exposure and predominantly type-2 inflammation in both the upper and lower airways, but little evidence for lung function changes. People with ever asthma and/or seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) were at higher risk of such airway inflammation. Meta-analysis confirmed a positive relationship between pollen season, eosinophilia and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in people with ever SAR but the results between studies were highly variable. Heterogeneity was reduced after further subgrouping by age, and the forest plots indicated that eosinophilic airway inflammation to outdoor pollen exposure increased with age. CONCLUSION Among people with ever asthma and ever SAR, exposure to increased ambient pollen triggers type-2 upper and lower airway inflammation rather than a non-specific or innate inflammation. These findings can lead to the formulation of specific pollen immunotherapy for susceptible individuals. Future research should be directed towards investigating lagged associations and effect modifications using larger and more generalized populations. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION CRD42020146981 (PROSPERO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR), Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - E Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Ed J Newbigin
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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D'Amato G, Annesi-Maesano I, Urrutia-Pereira M, Del Giacco S, Rosario Filho NA, Chong-Neto HJ, Solé D, Ansotegui I, Cecchi L, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Tedeschini E, Biagioni B, Murrieta-Aguttes M, D'Amato M. Thunderstorm allergy and asthma: state of the art. Multidiscip Respir Med 2021; 16:806. [PMID: 35003735 PMCID: PMC8672486 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2021.806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) can be defined as the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm during pollen seasons. Outbreaks have occurred across the world during pollen season with the capacity to rapidly inundate a health care service, resulting in potentially catastrophic outcomes for allergic patients. TA occurs when specific meteorological and aerobiological factors combine to affect predisposed atopic patients with IgE-mediated sentitization to pollen allergens. Thunderstorm outflows can concentrate aeroallergens, most commonly grass pollen but also other pollens such as Parietaria and moulds in TA, at ground level to release respirable allergenic particles after rupture by osmotic shock related to humidity and rainfall. Inhalation of high concentrations of these aeroallergens by sensitized individuals can induce early asthmatic responses which can be followed by a late inflammatory phase. There is evidence that, during pollen season, thunderstorms can induce allergic asthma outbreaks, sometimes also severe asthma crisis and sometimes deaths in patients suffering from pollen allergy. It has been observed that changes in the weather such as rain or humidity may induce hydratation of pollen grains during pollen seasons and sometimes also their fragmentation which generates atmospheric biological aerosols carrying allergens. Asthma attacks are induced for the high concentration at ground level of pollen grains which may release allergenic particles of respirable size after rupture by osmotic shock. In other words, it is a global health problem observed in several cities and areas of the world that can strike without sufficient warning, inducing sometimes severe clinical consequences also with deaths of asthma patients. Due to constant climate change, future TA events are likely to become more common, more disastrous and more unpredictable, as a consequence it is important to have deep knowledge on this topic to prevent asthma attacks. Other environmental factors, such as rapid changes in temperature and agricultural practices, also contribute to causing TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality Hospital 'A. Cardarelli', Naples, Italy.,Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department, IPLESP, Paris, France.,Research Director Co- Directrice/Deputy Director IDESP, INSERM, University of Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Dirceu Solé
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ignacio Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quiron Salud Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi', Federico II University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - Emma Tedeschini
- Department of Agricultural Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Biagioni
- The Allergy Outpatient Clinic-, Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi', Federico II University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy
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34
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Price D, Hughes KM, Thien F, Suphioglu C. Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma: Lessons Learned from the Storm Down-Under. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 9:1510-1515. [PMID: 33172604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) is a global health problem that can strike without sufficient warning and can have catastrophic consequences. Because of climate change, future events are likely to become more common, more disastrous, and more unpredictable. To prevent loss of life and avoid surge events on health care infrastructure, identifying at-risk individuals and their potential biomarkers is the most prophylactic approach that can be taken to mitigate the deadly consequences of ETSA. In this review, we provide an update on the clinical mechanism, global prevalence, and characteristics of those patients moderately or severely at risk of ETSA. Identifying these patient characteristics will aid clinical professionals to provide suitable and personalized treatment plans and, in turn, avoid future loss of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwan Price
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia; NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia; Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood and Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Kira M Hughes
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia; Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood and Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Francis Thien
- Respiratory Medicine, Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital and Monash University, Box Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia; NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory (NARL), School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia; Deakin AIRwatch Pollen and Spore Counting and Forecasting Facility, Deakin University, Burwood and Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia.
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35
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Thien F, Davies JM, Hew M, Douglass JA, O'Hehir RE. Thunderstorm asthma: an overview of mechanisms and management strategies. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:1005-1017. [PMID: 32960102 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1826310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemic thunderstorm asthma (ETSA) is due to a complex interaction of environmental and individual susceptibility factors, with outbreaks reported globally over the last four decades. Australia has been particularly susceptible with nearly half of episodes reported internationally, culminating in the catastrophic Melbourne 2016 event. AREAS COVERED Reported ETSA episodes are reviewed for common environmental and meteorological risk factors. Allergen aerobiology interaction with thunderstorm activity and rapid weather condition changes is examined. Assessment of the clinical and immunological data highlights risk factors for ETSA presentation, hospital admission, and intensive care admission. Risk factors associated with ETSA deaths are evaluated. Public health strategies, as well as pharmacological and immunological management approaches to reduce individual susceptibility and prevent ETSA are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Improved understanding of the specific meteorological factors predisposing to the greatest risk of ETSA to improve forecasting is required. Better monitoring of aeroallergen levels in areas of greatest geographic risk, with further research into allergen aerobiology underpinning mechanisms of allergen exposure is needed. The role of climate change in increasing the risk of ETSA outbreaks requires further research. Public awareness and education are required to reduce exposure, and to improve uptake of pharmacological and immunological risk reduction and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Thien
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Box Hill Hospital , Melbourne, Australia.,Monash University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane, Australia.,Metro North Hospital and Health Service , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Alfred Health , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo A Douglass
- Royal Melbourne Hospital , Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn E O'Hehir
- Monash University , Melbourne, Australia.,Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Alfred Health , Melbourne, Australia
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36
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Xue C, Zhang Q, Owens G, Chen Z. A cellulose degrading bacterial strain used to modify rice straw can enhance Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 256:127142. [PMID: 32464362 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The development of lignocellulose-based adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater has attracted much recent attention. In this work, a high-yield cellulose bacterial strain Comamonas testosteroni FJ17 was evaluated for its capacity to modify rice straw towards increased Cu(II) removal. For optimum modification time (45.5 h), inoculum concentration (1.25%), and rice straw dose (12.6 g L-1) the optimized adsorption capacity was 28.4 mg g-1. After strain FJ17 modification the equilibrium adsorption percentage of rice straw for Cu(II) increased from 6.6 to 27.4% at an initial concentration of 100 mg L-1. This increase was attributed to an increase in rice straw surface modification, leading to improved adsorption ability. SEM-EDS indicated that, following strain FJ17 treatment, the surface of the rice straw became more disintegrated and the specific surface area consequentially increased from 1.9 to 3.7 m2 g-1. FTIR analysis also showed new functional groups (carbonyl) appearing, and CC and CH3CR functionality being enhanced after biomodification. Functional groups associated with the benzene ring, silicified polymer and carbohydrates were all involved in the adsorption process. Adsorption of Cu was well described by the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 > 0.98) where adsorption was endothermic with potential for both chemical and physical interactions to coexist. Reusability experiments showed that the removal efficiency of Cu(II) decreased from 96.9 to 73.2% after five cycles. Overall C.testosteroni-treated rice straw had significant potential as a heavy metal biosorbent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xue
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qu Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China
| | - Gary Owens
- Environmental Contaminants Group, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australian, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Zuliang Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, Fujian Province, China.
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37
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Aerts R, Dujardin S, Nemery B, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Van Orshoven J, Aerts JM, Somers B, Hendrickx M, Bruffaerts N, Bauwelinck M, Casas L, Demoury C, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Residential green space and medication sales for childhood asthma: A longitudinal ecological study in Belgium. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109914. [PMID: 32980008 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living in green environments has been associated with various health benefits, but the evidence for positive effects on respiratory health in children is ambiguous. OBJECTIVE To investigate if residential exposure to different types of green space is associated with childhood asthma prevalence in Belgium. METHODS Asthma prevalence was estimated from sales data of reimbursed medication for obstructive airway disease (OAD) prescribed to children between 2010 and 2014, aggregated at census tract level (n = 1872) by sex and age group (6-12 and 13-18 years). Generalized log-linear mixed effects models with repeated measures were used to estimate effects of relative covers of forest, grassland and garden in the census tract of the residence on OAD medication sales. Models were adjusted for air pollution (PM10), housing quality and administrative region. RESULTS Consistent associations between OAD medication sales and relative covers of grassland and garden were observed (unadjusted parameter estimates per IQR increase of relative cover, range across four strata: grassland, β = 0.15-0.17; garden, β = 0.13-0.17). The associations remained significant after adjusting for housing quality and chronic air pollution (adjusted parameter estimates per IQR increase of relative cover, range across four strata: grassland, β = 0.10-0.14; garden, β = 0.07-0.09). There was no association between OAD medication sales and forest cover. CONCLUSIONS Based on aggregated data, we found that living in close proximity to areas with high grass cover (grasslands, but also residential gardens) may negatively impact child respiratory health. Potential allergic and non-allergic mechanisms that underlie this association include elevated exposure to grass pollen and fungi and reduced exposure to environmental biodiversity. Reducing the dominance of grass in public and private green space might be beneficial to reduce the childhood asthma burden and may simultaneously improve the ecological value of urban green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Aerts
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Division Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Kasteelpark Arenberg 31-2435, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium; Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Hasselt, Agoralaan D, BE-3590, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sebastien Dujardin
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Geography, Institute of Life Earth and Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49-706, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49-706, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jos Van Orshoven
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Somers
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, BE-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijke Hendrickx
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Bruffaerts
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mariska Bauwelinck
- Interface Demography, Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 5, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lidia Casas
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49-706, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1-R.232, BE-2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Claire Demoury
- Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Hasselt, Agoralaan D, BE-3590, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Hasselt, Agoralaan D, BE-3590, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium; Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49-706, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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