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Rida J, Bouchriti Y, Ait Haddou M, Achbani A, Sine H, Serhane H. Meteorological factors and climate change impact on asthma: a systematic review of epidemiological evidence. J Asthma 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38953539 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2375272] [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: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to investigate the epidemiological data about meteorological factors and climate change (CC) impact on asthma. DATA SOURCES A search was performed using three databases (Web of Science, Science Direct, and MEDLINE) for all relevant studies published from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022. STUDY SELECTIONS This systematic review complied with the PRISMA document's requirements, including studies related to meteorological factors and CC impact on asthma. The search included studies published in English or French language, and was based on title, abstract, and complete text. Documents not meeting inclusion requirements were excluded. RESULTS We identified 18 studies published in the last five years that were eligible for inclusion in this review. We found that these studies concerned European, Asian, American, and Oceanic cities. Extreme variations in temperature, humidity, wind speed, exceptional incidents like hurricanes, cold and heat waves, and seasonal shifts were strongly correlated with the worsening of asthmatic symptoms, particularly in childhood. In addition, excessive concentrations of air pollutants and aeroallergens were linked to pediatric asthma emergency hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS A significant association between the consequences of CC and asthma in adults particularly in children has been demonstrated. Future research should quantify the impact of global change in climate regarding the aeroallergens' distribution in terms of geography and time. It is also necessary to research the impact of air pollution on asthmatic health, like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and particles having an aerodynamic diameter lower than 2.5 µm (PM2.5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Rida
- Research Laboratory of Innovation in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
- High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Health Sciences and Environment Laboratory, Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Human Pathologies Research Team, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Youssef Bouchriti
- High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Health Sciences and Environment Laboratory, Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Human Pathologies Research Team, Agadir, Morocco
- Geosciences, Environment and Geomatic Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ait Haddou
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Abderrahmane Achbani
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
- High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Hasnaa Sine
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
- High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Hind Serhane
- Research Laboratory of Innovation in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
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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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Broccolo F, D'Urso F, Imperi E, Piscitelli P, Miani A, Picano A. Re-inventing protection in a post-pandemic world: A new aerodynamic endonasal filtration technology. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118051. [PMID: 38159668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118051] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Is there a "missing device" for respiratory personal protection? Does it exist an easy-to-use device, allowing extensive use in everyday settings by the population, maximizing tolerability and low visual and physical invasiveness protecting from a wide range of threats including airborne pathogens, hence including the particle range of fine and ultrafine particles? Looking at the recent past, in the urgency of finding ready-to-use solutions for the respiratory protection of the population during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, devices for occupational safety have been used, such as filtering face masks. These are devices intended for workers operating during work shifts in environments characterized by potential high risk, known a priori, often directly sensible; this makes wearers motivated to tolerate discomfort for a given period to face a localized risk, and safety managers determined to supervise compliance with usage specifications. Their use by general population has implied known shortcomings, such as weak compatibility with relational work and activities, low tolerability during prolonged use, low compliance with the proper use of the device, all of this lessening actual protection. The need for a new perspective has emerged, targeting effectiveness in whole daily life, rather than punctual efficacy. Nasal filters are promising candidates to protect individuals throughout the day during the most varied activities, but they lack a systematic definition as a device and as a product; it follows that the high complexity needed to reach an effective performance envelop is generally underestimated. By reviewing available literature, the present paper draws on the experience from the pandemic and infers systematic product specifications and characterization methods for a new, effective personal respiratory protection device; these specifications are compared with the stringent constraints associated with the endonasal applications and, based on air filtration state of the art, quantifies the need for technology disruption and outlining possible new development paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Broccolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Monteroni n. 165, 73100, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Fabiana D'Urso
- Unità Operativa Centro Controllo Qualità e Rischio Chimico (CQRC), Azienda Ospedaliera Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy.
| | | | - Prisco Piscitelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Monteroni n. 165, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA), Milan, Italy.
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Rai A, Adeyeye T, Insaf T, Muscatiello N. Assessing the Effect of Precipitation on Asthma Emergency Department Visits in New York State From 2005 to 2014: A Case-Crossover Study. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2023GH000849. [PMID: 37711363 PMCID: PMC10499370 DOI: 10.1029/2023gh000849] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The Earth's precipitation patterns are changing, and regional precipitation is expected to continue to increase in New York State (NYS). Heavy precipitation may negatively affect asthma prevalence through its effect on seasonally varying allergens. We employed a threshold analysis using a time-stratified semi-symmetric bi-directional case-crossover study design to assess the effect of increase in precipitation on asthma (ICD-9 code 493.xx, N = 970,903) emergency department (ED) visits between 2005 and 2014 during non-winter months in NYS. Spatially contiguous gridded meteorological data from North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) were utilized. We used conditional logistic regression models and stratified the analyses by seasons. During non-winter months, we found a small, statistically significant risk of asthma ED visits for precipitation levels above 50 mm, with differences by season. These results suggest that heavy precipitation may be related to an increased risk of asthma ED visits. Gridded meteorological estimates provide a means of addressing the gaps in exposure classification, and these findings provide opportunities for further research on interactions with aeroallergens and meteorological conditions in the context of climate and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjita Rai
- Center for Environmental HealthNew York State Department of HealthAlbanyNYUSA
| | - Temilayo Adeyeye
- Center for Environmental HealthNew York State Department of HealthAlbanyNYUSA
- School of Public HealthUniversity at AlbanyRensselaerNYUSA
| | - Tabassum Insaf
- School of Public HealthUniversity at AlbanyRensselaerNYUSA
- Bureau of Cancer EpidemiologyNew York State Department of HealthAlbanyNYUSA
| | - Neil Muscatiello
- Center for Environmental HealthNew York State Department of HealthAlbanyNYUSA
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Zhao Y, Sun Z, Xiang L, An X, Hou X, Shang J, Han L, Ye C. Effects of pollen concentration on allergic rhinitis in children: A retrospective study from Beijing, a Chinese megacity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115903. [PMID: 37080269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115903] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
With global climate change and rapid urbanization, the prevalence of allergic diseases caused by pollen is rising dramatically worldwide with unprecedented complexity and severity, especially for children in mega-cities. However, because of the lack of long time-series pollen concentrations data, the accurate evaluation of the impact of pollen on allergic rhinitis (AR) was scarce in the Chinese metropolis. A generalized additive model was used to assess the effect of pollen concentration on pediatric AR outpatient visits in Beijing from 2014 to 2019. A stratified analysis of 10 pollen species and age-gender-specific groups was also conducted during the spring and summer-autumn peak pollen periods separately. Positive associations between pollen concentration and pediatric AR varied with the season and pollen species were detected. Although the average daily pollen concentration is higher during the spring tree pollen peak, the influence was stronger at the summer-autumn weed pollen peak with the maximum relative risk 1.010 (95% CI 1.009, 1.011), which was higher than the greatest relative risk, 1.003 (95% CI 1.002, 1.004) in the spring peak. The significant adverse effects can be sustained to lag10 during the study period, and longer in the summer-autumn peak (lag13) than in the spring peak (lag8). There are thresholds for the health effects and they varied between seasons. The significant effect appeared when the pollen concentration was higher than 3.74 × 105 grain·m-2·d-1 during the spring tree pollen peaks and 4.70 × 104 grain·m-2·d-1 during the summer-autumn weed pollen peaks. The stratified results suggested that the species-specific effects were heterogeneous. It further highlights that enough attention should be paid to the problem of pollen allergy in children, especially school-aged children aged 7-18 years and weed pollen in the summer-autumn peak pollen period. These findings provide a more accurate reference for the rational coordination of medical resources and improvement of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhao
- Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, School of Atmospheric Physics Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu Province, China; State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather of CMA, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Zhaobin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather of CMA, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Children's National Medical Center, Department of Anaphylaxis, Beijing Children's Hospital- Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Major Diseases-Ministry of Education, National Clinical Medical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, 100045, China.
| | - Xingqin An
- State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather of CMA, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Xiaoling Hou
- Children's National Medical Center, Department of Anaphylaxis, Beijing Children's Hospital- Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Major Diseases-Ministry of Education, National Clinical Medical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Jing Shang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing 100089, China
| | - Ling Han
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Caihua Ye
- Beijing Meteorological Service Center, Beijing Meteorological Bureau, Beijing, 100089, China
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Makrufardi F, Manullang A, Rusmawatiningtyas D, Chung KF, Lin SC, Chuang HC. Extreme weather and asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/230019. [PMID: 37286218 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0019-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change's influence on extreme weather events poses a significant threat to the morbidity and mortality of asthma patients. The aim of this study was to examine associations between extreme weather events and asthma-related outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search for relevant studies was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and ProQuest databases. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were applied to estimate the effects of extreme weather events on asthma-related outcomes. RESULTS We observed that extreme weather events were associated with increasing risks of general asthma outcomes with relative risks of 1.18-fold for asthma events (95% CI 1.13-1.24), 1.10-fold for asthma symptoms (95% CI 1.03-1.18) and 1.09-fold for asthma diagnoses (95% CI 1.00-1.19). Extreme weather events were associated with increased risks of acute asthma exacerbation with risk ratios of asthma emergency department visits of 1.25-fold (95% CI 1.14-1.37), of asthma hospital admissions of 1.10-fold (95% CI 1.04-1.17), of asthma outpatient visits of 1.19-fold (95% CI 1.06-1.34) and of asthma mortality of 2.10-fold (95% CI 1.35-3.27). Additionally, an increase in extreme weather events increased risk ratios of asthma events by 1.19-fold in children and 1.29-fold in females (95% CI 1.08-1.32 and 95% CI 0.98-1.69, respectively). Thunderstorms increased the risk ratio of asthma events by 1.24-fold (95% CI 1.13-1.36). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that extreme weather events more prominently increased the risk of asthma morbidity and mortality in children and females. Climate change is a critical concern for asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdian Makrufardi
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Amja Manullang
- International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Desy Rusmawatiningtyas
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada - Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sheng-Chieh Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Straub A, Fricke V, Olschewski P, Seubert S, Beck C, Bayr D, Kolek F, Plaza MP, Leier-Wirtz V, Kaschuba S, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Buermann W, Gerstlauer M, Damialis A, Philipp A. The phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma in Bavaria, Southern Germany: a statistical approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2678-2694. [PMID: 34607495 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1985971] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Higher incidences of asthma during thunderstorms can pose a serious health risk. In this study, we estimate the thunderstorm asthma risk using statistical methods, with special focus on Bavaria, Southern Germany. In this approach, a dataset of asthma-related emergency cases for the study region is combined with meteorological variables and aeroallergen data to identify statistical relationships between the occurrence of asthma (predictand) and different environmental parameters (set of predictors). On the one hand, the results provide evidence for a weak but significant relationship between atmospheric stability indices and asthma emergencies in the region, but also show that currently thunderstorm asthma is not a major concern in Bavaria due to overall low incidences. As thunderstorm asthma can have severe consequences for allergic patients, the presented approach can be important for the development of emergency strategies in regions affected by thunderstorm asthma and under present and future climate change conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Straub
- Institute for Geography, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Verena Fricke
- Institute for Geography, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Olschewski
- Professorship for Regional Climate Change and Health, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Seubert
- Institute for Geography, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Beck
- Institute for Geography, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Bayr
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Kolek
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maria P Plaza
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Vivien Leier-Wirtz
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Kaschuba
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Gerstlauer
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Athanasios Damialis
- German Research Centre for Environmental Health, Chair and Institute of Environmental Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Centre Munich, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Philipp
- Institute for Geography, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Mampage CB, Hughes DD, Jones LM, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Stone EA. Characterization of sub-pollen particles in size-resolved atmospheric aerosol using chemical tracers. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT: X 2022; 15:100177. [PMID: 36186266 PMCID: PMC9521721 DOI: 10.1016/j.aeaoa.2022.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pollen grains may contain allergens that exacerbate allergic respiratory diseases like asthma and rhinitis. In the presence of water, pollen grains (10-100 μm) can rupture to produce sub-pollen particles (SPP) with diameters <2.5 μm, which in comparison to intact pollen grains, have longer atmospheric lifetimes and greater penetration to the lower lung. The current study examines SPP, fungal spores, and bacteria in size-resolved atmospheric particulate matter (PM) using chemical and biological tracers. During springtime tree pollen season in Iowa City, Iowa, fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations of fructose (a pollen chemical tracer) increased on rainy sampling periods, especially during severe thunderstorms, and peaked when a tornado struck nearby. Submicron fluorescent particles, measured by single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy, were also enhanced during rain events, particularly thunderstorms in agreement with the chemical tracer measurements. PM2.5 sucrose (a pollen chemical tracer) concentrations were higher in early spring when nighttime temperatures were closer to freezing, while fructose concentrations were higher in late spring with warmer temperatures, consistent with chemical tracers being sensitive to seasonal temperature influences. The first co-located measurements of fructose and Bet v 1 (birch pollen allergen), indicated that SPP ranged in diameter from <0.25 to 2.5 μm during rainy sampling periods and that allergens and carbohydrates exhibited distinct size distributions. Meanwhile, mannitol (a fungal spore tracer) peaked on warm, dry days following rain and was primarily in supermicron particles (>1.0 μm), which is consistent with intact fungal spore diameters (1-30 μm). Bacterial endotoxins in PM also increased during extreme weather events, primarily in supermicron particles. While the concentrations of fructose, mannitol, and endotoxin all increased in PM2.5 μm during thunderstorms, the greatest relative increase in concentration was observed for fructose. Together, these observations suggest that SPP containing starch granules and allergens (Bet v 1) were released during rainy sampling periods. This study advances the use of chemical tracers to track SPP and other bioaerosols in the atmosphere, by providing new insight to their size distribution and response to extreme weather conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dagen D. Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Lillian M. Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Stone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. (E.A. Stone)
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Park JH, Lee E, Fechter-Leggett ED, Williams E, Yadav S, Bakshi A, Ebelt S, Bell JE, Strosnider H, Chew GL. Associations of Emergency Department Visits for Asthma with Precipitation and Temperature on Thunderstorm Days: A Time-Series Analysis of Data from Louisiana, USA, 2010-2012. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:87003. [PMID: 35921071 PMCID: PMC9347901 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of thunderstorm asthma to understand risk factors using high-resolution climate data and asthma outcomes on a large scale are scarce. Moreover, thunderstorm asthma is not well studied in the United States. OBJECTIVES We examined whether climate parameters involved in thunderstorms are associated with emergency department (ED) visits for acute asthma attacks in the United States. METHODS We analyzed 63,789 asthma-related, daily ED visits for all age groups, and thunderstorm-associated climate data in Louisiana during 2010 through 2012. We performed time-series analyses using quasi-Poisson regression models with natural cubic splines of date, parish, holiday, day of week, season, daily maximum concentrations of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter [PM ≤2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)], and daily mean pressure, precipitation, and temperature. Because of a significant interaction effect between temperature and lightning days on asthma-related visits, we performed stratified analyses by days with/without lightning or thunderstorm (defined by any lightning and precipitation). RESULTS On thunderstorm days, higher asthma-related ED visits were associated with higher daily mean precipitation [relative risk (RR)=1.145 per 1 g/m2/s (95% CI: 1.009, 1.300)] and lower daily mean temperature [RR=1.011 per 1°C change (1.000-1.021)] without carry-over effect to the next non-thunderstorm day. These higher risks were found mainly among children and adults <65 years of age. We observed similar results on lightning days. However, we did not find similar associations for non-thunderstorm or non-lightning days. Daily maximum O3 and PM2.5 levels were not significantly associated with asthma ED visits on thunderstorm days. DISCUSSION Higher precipitation and lower temperature on thunderstorm days appear to contribute to asthma attacks among people with asthma, suggesting they should consider taking precautions during thunderstorms. EDs should consider preparing for a potential increase of asthma-related visits and ensuring sufficient stock of emergency medication and supplies for forecasted severe thunderstorm days. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10440.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Eungul Lee
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Department of Geography, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ethan D. Fechter-Leggett
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Ellie Williams
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Shobha Yadav
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Arundhati Bakshi
- Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology, Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Stefanie Ebelt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jesse E. Bell
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Heather Strosnider
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ginger L. Chew
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Fu J, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Chang Z, Xu KF, Fan Z. Increased Risk of Hospital Admission for Asthma from Short-Term Exposure to Low Air Pressure. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:1035-1043. [PMID: 35967095 PMCID: PMC9365019 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s367308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Fu
- Department of Cardiology; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanbo Liu
- Department of International Medical Services; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yakun Zhao
- Department of Cardiology; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxiong Chen
- Department of Cardiology; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenge Chang
- Department of Cardiology; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai-Feng Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongjie Fan
- Department of Cardiology; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhongjie Fan, Department of Cardiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No. 1, Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 010 6915 6114, Email
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11
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Gray-Ffrench M, Fernandes RM, Sinha IP, Abrams EM. Allergen Management in Children with Type 2-High Asthma. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:381-394. [PMID: 35378923 PMCID: PMC8976481 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s276994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Children exposed to various indoor and outdoor allergens are placed at an increased risk of developing asthma in later life, with sensitization in these individuals being a strong predictor of disease morbidity. In addition, aeroallergen exposure influences asthma outcomes through an interplay with adverse determinants of health. The goal of this review is to provide an introductory overview of factors related to aeroallergen exposure in type 2-high childhood asthma. These include the relevance of exposure in asthma exacerbations and severity, and the evidence-base for avoidance and treatment for sensitization to these allergens. This review will focus on both indoor aeroallergens (house dust mite, pet, cockroach, mold, and rodent) and outdoor aeroallergens (pollens and molds). Treatment of aeroallergen sensitization in children with asthma includes avoidance and removal measures, although there is limited evidence of clinical benefit especially with single-strategy approaches. We will also address the interplay of aeroallergens and climate change, adverse social determinants, and the current COVID-19 pandemic, when we have seen a dramatic reduction in asthma exacerbations and emergency department visits among children. While there are many factors that are hypothesized to contribute to this reduction, among them is a reduced exposure to outdoor seasonal aeroallergens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo M Fernandes
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ian P Sinha
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Correspondence: Elissa M Abrams, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, FE125-685 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R2A 5L9, Canada, Tel +1 204-255-7650, Fax +1 204-254-0730, Email
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12
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Yamaguchi H, Nozu K, Ishiko S, Kondo A, Ninchoji T, Nagano C, Takeda H, Unzaki A, Ishibashi K, Morioka I, Nagase H, Iijima K, Ishida A. Impact of the State of Emergency during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 on Asthma Exacerbations among Children in Kobe City, Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111407. [PMID: 34769923 PMCID: PMC8583023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic altered environmental factors. We studied the impact of these changes on asthma exacerbation (AE) by comparing the AE-related environmental factors between COVID-19 (2020) and pre-COVID-19 (2011–2019) eras. Between 2011 and 2020, 278,465 children (<16 years old) visited our emergency department, and 7476 were diagnosed with AE. The number of patients showed spring and fall peaks in 2011–2019. Multivariate analyses showed significant positive relationships of the number of AE patients with the average temperature among all patients and 0–5-year-olds and with sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in 2011–2019 among 0–5-year-olds. Although the spring peak in the number of patients was not observed in 2020 after declaration of a state of emergency, the fall peak was again observed after the state of emergency was lifted. No changes in average temperature were detected, but SO2 was significantly reduced following declaration of the state of emergency in 2020. Therefore, SO2 reduction might have contributed to the disappearance of the peak of AE. However, a fall peak was observed again in 2020, although SO2 levels continued to be low. These data suggest that person to person interaction seems to be associated with AE, presumably due to unknown viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-382-5111; Fax: +81-78-382-5050
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Shinya Ishiko
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Atsushi Kondo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Takeshi Ninchoji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Hiroki Takeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Ai Unzaki
- Kobe Children’s Primary Emergency Medical Center, 1-4-1 Wakihamakaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073, Japan; (A.U.); (K.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Kazuto Ishibashi
- Kobe Children’s Primary Emergency Medical Center, 1-4-1 Wakihamakaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073, Japan; (A.U.); (K.I.); (A.I.)
| | - Ichiro Morioka
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1, Oyaguchi, Kami-cho, Itabashi-ku 173-8610, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Nagase
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (K.N.); (S.I.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (C.N.); (H.T.); (H.N.); (K.I.)
| | - Akihito Ishida
- Kobe Children’s Primary Emergency Medical Center, 1-4-1 Wakihamakaigandori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073, Japan; (A.U.); (K.I.); (A.I.)
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13
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Pacheco SE, Guidos G, Annesi-Maesano I, Pawankar R, Amato GD, Latour-Staffeld P, Urrutia-Pereira M, Kesic MJ, Hernandez ML. Climate Change and Global Issues in Allergy and Immunology. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:1366-1377. [PMID: 34688774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The steady increase in global temperatures, resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels and the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG), continues to destabilize all ecosystems worldwide. Although annual emissions must halve by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 to limit some of the most catastrophic impacts associated with a warming planet, the world's efforts to curb GHG emissions fall short of the commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement (1). To this effect, July 2021 was recently declared the hottest month ever recorded in 142 years (2). The ramifications of these changes on global temperatures are complex and further promote outdoor air pollution, pollen exposure, and extreme weather events. Besides worsening respiratory health, air pollution, promotes atopy and susceptibility to infections. The GHG effects on pollen affect the frequency and severity of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Changes in temperature, air pollution, and extreme weather events exert adverse multisystemic health effects and disproportionally affect disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. This article is an update for allergists and immunologists about the health impacts of climate change, already evident in our daily practices. It is also a call to action and advocacy, including integrating climate change-related mitigation, education, and adaptation measures to protect our patients and avert further injury to our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Pacheco
- Professor of Pediatrics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, MSB3.228, Houston, Texas 77030.
| | - Guillermo Guidos
- Professor of Immunology, School of Medicine, ENMH, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Deputy Director of Institute Desbrest of Epiddemioloy and Public Health, INSERM and Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Ruby Pawankar
- Professor, Division of Allergy, Dept. of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gennaro D' Amato
- Fellow and Honorary member of EAACI, FAAAAI, FERS. , Chairman Committee World Allergy Organization on "Aerobiology, Climate change, Biodiversity and Allergy"; Division of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli, Naples
| | - Patricia Latour-Staffeld
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Distinguished Graduate Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña, Medical director of Centro Avanzado De Alergia y Asma Santo Domingo, President Latin American Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Associate Professor School of Medicine Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Matthew J Kesic
- Campbell University, Physician Assistant Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 4150 US HWY 421 South, Lillington, NC 27546
| | - Michelle L Hernandez
- Professor of Pediatrics Division of Allergy & Immunology Director, Clinical Research Unit, Children's Research Institute, UNC School of Medicine, 5008C Mary Ellen Jones Building, 116 Manning Drive, CB #7231 Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7231
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14
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Cecchi L, Scala E, Caronni S, Citterio S, Asero R. Allergenicity at component level of sub-pollen particles from different sources obtained by osmolar shock: A molecular approach to thunderstorm-related asthma outbreaks. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:253-261. [PMID: 33070421 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The so-called "thunderstorm asthma" (TA) is an uncommon but dramatic outbreak of asthma attacks occurring during a thunderstorm in the pollen and moulds season. Mechanisms which make the pollen able to enter the deeper airways and provoke severe asthma symptoms are still unclear. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that sub-pollen particles (SPPs) originated from the rupture by an osmotic shock of pollen associated with TA contain allergens. METHODS After hydration, SPPs released from pollen grains of grass, pellitory, olive, cypress, ragweed and birch were isolated and determined by microscopy. Allergens were determined by in vitro ELISA inhibition tests indirectly using the sera from 10 polyreactive patients. An inhibition <50% was considered as negative, 50%-75% moderate and > 75% complete. RESULTS The inhibition experiments showed that the SPPs from birch and cypress were unable to inhibit serum IgE reactivity to Bet v 1 and Cup a 1, respectively. Ragweed SPPs inhibited ragweed pollen extract and Amb a 1 by 75.8 ± 0.11% and 81.2 ± 0.15%, respectively. Olive and pellitory SPPs retained almost the whole IgE-binding capability in all cases tested. Grass SPPs inhibited 32 ± 0.06% of Lolium perenne Lol p 1 and 65% of Phleum pratense extracts, but results were highly variable for individual allergens (97.5%-0.03% for Phl p 2, 45.3 ± 0.12% for Phl p 5, 24.7 ± 0.22% for Phl p 6, and 38.3 ± 0.2% for Phl p 1). CONCLUSIONS Inhibition experiments confirm the hypothesis that SSPs obtained after the osmotic shock of pollen involved in TA, namely grass, pellitory and olive tree pollen, contain allergens and therefore they can induce severe asthma attacks during thunderstorms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology, USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy.,Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Scala
- Experimental Allergy Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Caronni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Sandra Citterio
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Asero
- Ambulatorio di Allergologia, Clinica San Carlo, Paderno Dugnano, Italy
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15
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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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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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16
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The Role of Extreme Weather and Climate-Related Events on Asthma Outcomes. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2020; 41:73-84. [PMID: 33228874 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Extreme weather and climate events are likely to increase in frequency and severity as a consequence of global climate change. These are events that can include flooding rains, prolonged heat waves, drought, wildfires, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, storm surge, and coastal flooding. It is important to consider these events as they are not merely meteorologic occurrences but are linked to our health. We aim to address how these events are interconnected with asthma outcomes associated with thunderstorm asthma, pollen production, mold infestation from flooding events, and poor air quality during wildfires.
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17
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Schinasi LH, Kenyon CC, Moore K, Melly S, Zhao Y, Hubbard R, Maltenfort M, Diez Roux AV, Forrest CB, De Roos AJ. Heavy precipitation and asthma exacerbation risk among children: A case-crossover study using electronic health records linked with geospatial data. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109714. [PMID: 32559685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extreme precipitation events may be an important environmental trigger for asthma exacerbations in children. We used a time stratified case-crossover design and data from a large electronic health record database at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to estimate associations of daily heavy precipitation (defined as > 95th percentile of the summertime distribution) with asthma exacerbation among children. We defined control days as those falling on the same day of the week within the same month and year as the case. We restricted our primary analyses to the summer months in years 2011-2016 and used conditional logistic regression models to estimate associations between heavy precipitation and acute asthma exacerbations in both outpatient (primary care, specialty care, and emergency department) and inpatient settings. We investigated numerous individual-level (e.g., age, sex, eczema diagnosis) and environmental measures (e.g., greenspace, particulate matter) as potential effect modifiers. The analysis include 13,483 asthma exacerbations in 10,434 children. Odds of asthma exacerbation were 11% higher on heavy precipitation vs. no precipitation days (95% CI: 1.02-1.21). There was little evidence of effect modification by most measures. These results suggest that heavy summertime precipitation events may contribute to asthma exacerbations. Further research using larger datasets from other health systems is needed to confirm these results, and to explore underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H Schinasi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Chén C Kenyon
- PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kari Moore
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steve Melly
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuzhe Zhao
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Hubbard
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mitch Maltenfort
- The Applied Clinical Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A V Diez Roux
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher B Forrest
- The Applied Clinical Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anneclaire J De Roos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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18
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Biagioni B, Annesi-Maesano I, D'Amato G, Cecchi L. The rising of allergic respiratory diseases in a changing world: from climate change to migration. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:973-986. [PMID: 32662693 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1794829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rising of allergic respiratory diseases (ARDs) suggests a decisive role of environmental factors, that have dramatically changed in the last decades. AREAS COVERED This review addresses various aspects of the external exposome acting on the development, progression, clinical presentation and severity of ARDs. Climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss act directly and through their complex interactions on atopic risk: reacent foundings on these aspects are discussed herein. The review also focuses on migration studies, underling the possible role of migrant status as an experimental model to study environment effects on atopy onset and progression. EXPERT OPINION Future perspective on this topic include prevention and mitigation strategies in regard to pollution and climate change, improvement of environmental monitoring methods, implementation of public health policies, further advances in 'omics' research and knowledge, prospective and immunological research on migrant populations and new policies to face human mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Biagioni
- Allergy Unit, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Anna Meyer Childrens University Hospital , Florence, Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department, Institute Pierre Louis of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM and Sorbonne Université , Paris, France
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality A. Cardarelli Hospital , Napoli, Italy.,Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, University on Naples Federico II , Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- SOS Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Prato, USL Toscana Centro , Florence, Italy.,Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
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19
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Particle size distribution of the major Alternaria alternata allergen, Alt a 1, derived from airborne spores and subspore fragments. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:219-227. [PMID: 32220382 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungal fragments are abundant immunoreactive bioaerosols that may outnumber the concentrations of intact spores in the air. To investigate the importance of Alternaria fragments as sources of allergens compared to Alternaria spores, we determined the levels of Alternaria spores and Alt a 1 (the major allergen in Alternaria alternata spores) collected on filters within three fractions of particulate matter (PM) of different aerodynamic diameter: (1) PM>10, (diameter>10 μm); (2) PM2.5-10 (2.5-10μm); (3) PM2.5 (0.12-2.5 μm). The airborne particles were collected using a three stage high-volume ChemVol cascade impactor during the Alternaria sporulation season in Poznań, Poland (30 d between 6 July and 22 September 2016). The quantification of Alt a 1 was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High concentrations of Alt a 1 were recorded during warm and dry d characterized by high sunshine duration, lack of clouds and high dew point values. Atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria spores correlated significantly (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) with Alt a 1 levels. The highest Alt a 1 was recorded in PM2.5-10 (66.8 % of total Alt a 1), while the lowest in PM2.5 (<1.0 %). Significantly more Alt a 1 per spore (>30 %) was observed in PM2.5-10 than in PM>10. This Alt a 1 excess may be derived from sources other than spores, e.g. hyphal fragments. Overall, in outdoor air the major source of Alt a 1 are intact Alternaria spores, but the impact of other fungal fragments (hyphal parts, broken spores, conidiophores) cannot be neglected, as they may increase the total atmospheric Alt a 1 concentration.
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Farouque AS, Walker R, Erbas B. Thunderstorm asthma epidemic - management challenges experienced by general practice clinics. J Asthma 2020; 58:423-429. [PMID: 31860370 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1708097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand the challenges faced by general practice (GP) services in terms of personnel, materials, secondary support services, and discharge and communication obstacles during the thunderstorm asthma (TA) epidemic in 2016. METHODS Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups between September and October 2017. Participants were general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, and administrative staff working on the TA epidemic days in the northern region of Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS 18 participants contributed to the study from six clinic sites. Both daytime and evening clinics experienced a surge in respiratory patient presentations. After-hours clinics were inundated with asthma patients during the night of the thunderstorm. Consistent themes emerged about the challenges encountered by participants the most significant being limitation of medication, equipment, space, and personnel. The extraordinary influx of patients necessitated participants innovate solutions including recycling equipment, procuring medications from hospitals and community pharmacies, triage, altering management strategies and extending clinic hours. Participants were limited by the paucity of information from local services during the TA epidemic. CONCLUSION This study supports the view that GP services made a substantial contribution to the emergency response on the evening of the TA epidemic that occurred in Melbourne in 2016. Demands on resources were considerable during and after the epidemic yet GP staff showed great resilience increasing clinic surge capacity. Our findings indicate significant barriers at an organizational level including resource limitations, inadequate operational information, and the absence of timely communication channels that impaired the response of GP services during a TA event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambereen S Farouque
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rae Walker
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
Background: Severe asthma can be a challenging disease to manage by the provider and by the patient, supported by evidence of increased health-care utilization by this population. Patients with severe asthma should be screened for comorbidities because these often contribute to poorly controlled asthma. The impact of comorbidities, however, are not completely understood. Objective: To review common comorbidities and their impact on severe asthma. Methods: A review of relevant clinical research studies that examined comorbidities in severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. Results: A number of comorbid diseases, including rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and obstructive sleep apnea, are associated with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. If present and untreated, these conditions may adversely affect asthma control, quality of life, and/or lung function, despite adequate treatment with step-up asthma controller therapy. Conclusion: Treatable comorbidities are associated with severe and difficult-to-control asthma. Failure to recognize these comorbidities may divert appropriate care and increase disease burden. Assessment and management of these risk factors may contribute to improved asthma outcome; however, more investigation is needed to understand the relationship of comorbidities and asthma due to inconsistency in the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri B Patel
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anju T Peters
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Bousquet J, Ansotegui IJ, Anto JM, Arnavielhe S, Bachert C, Basagaña X, Bédard A, Bedbrook A, Bonini M, Bosnic-Anticevich S, Braido F, Cardona V, Czarlewski W, Cruz AA, Demoly P, De Vries G, Dramburg S, Mathieu-Dupas E, Erhola M, Fokkens WJ, Fonseca JA, Haahtela T, Hellings PW, Illario M, Ivancevich JC, Jormanainen V, Klimek L, Kuna P, Kvedariene V, Laune D, Larenas-Linnemann D, Lourenço O, Onorato GL, Matricardi PM, Melén E, Mullol J, Papadopoulos NG, Pfaar O, Pham-Thi N, Sheikh A, Tan R, To T, Tomazic PV, Toppila-Salmi S, Tripodi S, Wallace D, Valiulis A, van Eerd M, Ventura MT, Yorgancioglu A, Zuberbier T. Mobile Technology in Allergic Rhinitis: Evolution in Management or Revolution in Health and Care? THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2019; 7:2511-2523. [PMID: 31445223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Smart devices and Internet-based applications (apps) are largely used in allergic rhinitis and may help to address some unmet needs. However, these new tools need to first of all be tested for privacy rules, acceptability, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Second, they should be evaluated in the frame of the digital transformation of health, their impact on health care delivery, and health outcomes. This review (1) summarizes some existing mobile health apps for allergic rhinitis and reviews those in which testing has been published, (2) discusses apps that include risk factors of allergic rhinitis, (3) examines the impact of mobile health apps in phenotype discovery, (4) provides real-world evidence for care pathways, and finally (5) discusses mobile health tools enabling the digital transformation of health and care, empowering citizens, and building a healthier society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Bousquet
- University Hospital, Montpellier, France; MACVIA-France, Fondation partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, France; VIMA, INSERM U 1168, VIMA: Ageing and chronic diseases Epidemiological and public health approaches, Villejuif, Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny le Bretonneux, France; Euforea, Brussels, Belgium; Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Berlin Institute of Health, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ignacio J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quirónsalud Bizkaia, Erandio, Spain
| | - Josep M Anto
- ISGlobAL, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Claus Bachert
- Upper Airways Research Laboratory, ENT Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobAL, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annabelle Bédard
- ISGlobAL, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Bedbrook
- MACVIA-France, Fondation partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, France
| | - Matteo Bonini
- UOC Pneumologia, Istituto di Medicina Interna, F Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; National Heart and Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital & Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia; Woolcock Emphysema Centre and Sydney Local Health District, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Fulvio Braido
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Vicky Cardona
- Allergy Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron & ARADyAL Research Network, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alvaro A Cruz
- ProAR-Nucleo de Excelencia em Asma, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; WHO GARD Planning Group, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Pascal Demoly
- Department of Pulmonology, Division of Allergy, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Equipe EPAR-IPLESP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Stephanie Dramburg
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marina Erhola
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wytske J Fokkens
- Euforea, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joao A Fonseca
- CINTESIS, Center for Research in Health Technology and Information Systems, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medida, Lda, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tari Haahtela
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter W Hellings
- Euforea, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maddalena Illario
- Division for Health Innovation, Campania Region and Federico II University Hospital Naples (R&D and DISMET), Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Piotr Kuna
- Division of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Barlicki University Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Violeta Kvedariene
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Chest Diseases and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Désirée Larenas-Linnemann
- Center of Excellence in Asthma and Allergy, Médica Sur Clinical Foundation and Hospital, México City, Mexico
| | - Olga Lourenço
- Faculty of Health Sciences and CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Paolo M Matricardi
- AG Molecular Allergology and Immunomodulation, Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Medical University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erik Melén
- E. Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joaquim Mullol
- Rhinology Unit & Smell Clinic, ENT Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical & Experimental Respiratory Immunoallergy, IDIBAPS, CIBERES, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikos G Papadopoulos
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, Athens General Children's Hospital "P&A Kyriakou", University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Oliver Pfaar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Phillipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nhân Pham-Thi
- Allergy Department, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- The Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Tan
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Glebe, NSW, Australia; Woolcock Emphysema Centre and Sydney Local Health District, Glebe, NSW, Australia
| | - Teresa To
- Sidkkids Hospital and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sanna Toppila-Salmi
- Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Dana Wallace
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla
| | - Arunas Valiulis
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Children's Diseases, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania; European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP/UEMS-SP), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Maria Teresa Ventura
- University of Bari Medical School, Unit of Geriatric Immunoallergology, Bari, Italy
| | - Arzu Yorgancioglu
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Uniersität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Comprehensive Allergy-Centre, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Berlin, Germany; Member of GA(2)LEN, Berlin, Germany
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Realizing the Paris Climate Agreement to Improve Cardiopulmonary Health. Where Science Meets Policy. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2019; 15:791-798. [PMID: 29652522 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201803-203ps] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Roadside Moss Turfs in South East Australia Capture More Particulate Matter Along an Urban Gradient than a Common Native Tree Species. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10040224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation largely consists of removing native vegetation. Plants that remain interact with air quality in complex ways. Pollutants can be detrimental to plant growth; plants sometimes reduce air quality, yet some species also improve it through phytoremediation. A common pollutant of concern to human health in urban areas is particulate matter (PM), small particles of solid or liquid. Our study compared roadside moss turfs with leaves of a common Australian tree species, Pittosporum undulatum, in their ability to capture PM along an urban gradient. We sampled nine sites, three in each of three levels of urbanisation: low, medium, and high according to road type (freeway, suburban road, quiet peri-urban road). In addition, we deployed a PM monitor over a two-week period in one site of each urban level to provide concentrations of PM2.5. We used chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm; maximum quantum yield of photosystem II) as a measure of plant stress. We extracted PM in three size fractions using a filtration and washing technique with water and chloroform. Site averages for moss turfs were between 5.60 and 33.00 mg per g dry weight for total PM compared to between 2.15 and 10.24 mg per g dry weight for the tree leaves. We found that moss was more sensitive to increasing urbanisation, both in terms of trapping proportionately more PM than the leaves, and also in terms of photosynthetic stress, with moss Fv/Fm declining by a site average of 40% from low to high urban “class” (0.76 to 0.45). Our study highlights the stressors potentially limiting moss persistence in cities. It also demonstrates its ability to trap PM, a trait that could be useful in urban applications relating to urban greening or air quality.
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Hew M, Lee J, Susanto NH, Prasad S, Bardin PG, Barnes S, Ruane L, Southcott AM, Gillman A, Young A, Rangamuwa K, O'Hehir RE, McDonald C, Sutherland M, Conron M, Matthews S, Harun N, Lachapelle P, Douglass JA, Irving L, Langton D, Mann J, Erbas B, Thien F. The 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic: Risk factors for severe attacks requiring hospital admission. Allergy 2019; 74:122-130. [PMID: 30243030 DOI: 10.1111/all.13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world's most catastrophic and deadly thunderstorm asthma epidemic struck Melbourne, Australia, on November 21, 2016. OBJECTIVE Among thunderstorm-affected patients presenting to emergency rooms (ERs), we investigated risk factors predicting severe attacks requiring admission to hospital. METHODS Thunderstorm-affected patients were identified from ER records at the eight major Melbourne health services and interviewed by telephone. Risk factors for hospital admission were analyzed. RESULTS We interviewed 1435/2248 (64%) of thunderstorm-affected patients, of whom 164 (11.4%) required hospital admission. Overall, rhinitis was present in 87%, and current asthma was present in 28%. Odds for hospital admission were higher with increasing age (odds ratio 1.010, 95% CI 1.002, 1.019) and among individuals with current asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.87, 95% CI 1.26, 2.78). Prior hospitalization for asthma in the previous 12 months further increased the odds for hospital admission (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.63, 6.12). Among patients of Asian ethnicity, the odds for hospital admission were lower than for non-Asian patients (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38, 0.94), but higher if born in Australia (OR = 5.42, 95% CI 1.56, 18.83). CONCLUSIONS In epidemic thunderstorm asthma patients who presented to the ER, higher odds for hospital admission among patients with known asthma were further amplified by recent asthma admission, highlighting the vulnerability conferred by suboptimal disease control. Odds for hospital admission were lower in Asian patients born overseas, but higher in Asian patients born locally, than in non-Asian patients; these observations suggest susceptibility to severe thunderstorm asthma may be enhanced by gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hew
- Alfred Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Joy Lee
- Alfred Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | - Philip G. Bardin
- Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Monash Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Alan Young
- Eastern Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Robyn E. O'Hehir
- Alfred Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Christine McDonald
- Austin Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michael Sutherland
- Austin Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Matthew Conron
- Melbourne University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- St Vincent's Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | | | - Jo A. Douglass
- Melbourne University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Melbourne University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David Langton
- Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Peninsula Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Bircan Erbas
- La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Francis Thien
- Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Eastern Health Melbourne Victoria Australia
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D'Amato G, Annesi‐Maesano I, Cecchi L, D'Amato M. Latest news on relationship between thunderstorms and respiratory allergy, severe asthma, and deaths for asthma. Allergy 2019; 74:9-11. [PMID: 30242857 DOI: 10.1111/all.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Department of Respiratory Diseases High Specialty Hospital A. Cardarelli Napoli Italy
- School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases University of Napoli Federico II Napoli Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi‐Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department IPLESP Medical School Saint‐Antoine INSERM & Sorbonne Université Paris France
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Interdepartmental Center of Bioclimatology University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology High Speciality Hospital “V. Monaldi” University “Federico II” Medical School Napoli Italy
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Grayson MH, Feldman S, Prince BT, Patel PJ, Matsui EC, Apter AJ. Advances in asthma in 2017: Mechanisms, biologics, and genetics. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:1423-1436. [PMID: 30213625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes some of the most significant advances in asthma research over the past year. We first focus on novel discoveries in the mechanism of asthma development and exacerbation. This is followed by a discussion of potential new biomarkers, including the use of radiographic markers of disease. Several new biologics have become available to the clinician in the past year, and we summarize these advances and how they can influence the clinical delivery of asthma care. After this, important findings in the genetics of asthma and heterogeneity in phenotypes of the disease are explored, as is the role the environment plays in shaping the development and exacerbation of asthma. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of advances in health literacy and how they will affect asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Grayson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Scott Feldman
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Benjamin T Prince
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Priya J Patel
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Elizabeth C Matsui
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, Tex
| | - Andrea J Apter
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
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28
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Sierra-Heredia C, North M, Brook J, Daly C, Ellis AK, Henderson D, Henderson SB, Lavigne É, Takaro TK. Aeroallergens in Canada: Distribution, Public Health Impacts, and Opportunities for Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1577. [PMID: 30044421 PMCID: PMC6121311 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aeroallergens occur naturally in the environment and are widely dispersed across Canada, yet their public health implications are not well-understood. This review intends to provide a scientific and public health-oriented perspective on aeroallergens in Canada: their distribution, health impacts, and new developments including the effects of climate change and the potential role of aeroallergens in the development of allergies and asthma. The review also describes anthropogenic effects on plant distribution and diversity, and how aeroallergens interact with other environmental elements, such as air pollution and weather events. Increased understanding of the relationships between aeroallergens and health will enhance our ability to provide accurate information, improve preventive measures and provide timely treatments for affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle North
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
| | - Jeff Brook
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M3H 5T4, Canada.
| | - Christina Daly
- Air Quality Health Index, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Allergy Research Unit, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada.
| | - Dave Henderson
- Health and Air Quality Services, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Sarah B Henderson
- Environmental Health Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Éric Lavigne
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Tim K Takaro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Thien F, Beggs PJ, Csutoros D, Darvall J, Hew M, Davies JM, Bardin PG, Bannister T, Barnes S, Bellomo R, Byrne T, Casamento A, Conron M, Cross A, Crosswell A, Douglass JA, Durie M, Dyett J, Ebert E, Erbas B, French C, Gelbart B, Gillman A, Harun NS, Huete A, Irving L, Karalapillai D, Ku D, Lachapelle P, Langton D, Lee J, Looker C, MacIsaac C, McCaffrey J, McDonald CF, McGain F, Newbigin E, O'Hehir R, Pilcher D, Prasad S, Rangamuwa K, Ruane L, Sarode V, Silver JD, Southcott AM, Subramaniam A, Suphioglu C, Susanto NH, Sutherland MF, Taori G, Taylor P, Torre P, Vetro J, Wigmore G, Young AC, Guest C. The Melbourne epidemic thunderstorm asthma event 2016: an investigation of environmental triggers, effect on health services, and patient risk factors. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e255-e263. [PMID: 29880157 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(18)30120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multidisciplinary collaboration investigated the world's largest, most catastrophic epidemic thunderstorm asthma event that took place in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov 21, 2016, to inform mechanisms and preventive strategies. METHODS Meteorological and airborne pollen data, satellite-derived vegetation index, ambulance callouts, emergency department presentations, and data on hospital admissions for Nov 21, 2016, as well as leading up to and following the event were collected between Nov 21, 2016, and March 31, 2017, and analysed. We contacted patients who presented during the epidemic thunderstorm asthma event at eight metropolitan health services (each including up to three hospitals) via telephone questionnaire to determine patient characteristics, and investigated outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. FINDINGS Grass pollen concentrations on Nov 21, 2016, were extremely high (>100 grains/m3). At 1800 AEDT, a gust front crossed Melbourne, plunging temperatures 10°C, raising humidity above 70%, and concentrating particulate matter. Within 30 h, there were 3365 (672%) excess respiratory-related presentations to emergency departments, and 476 (992%) excess asthma-related admissions to hospital, especially individuals of Indian or Sri Lankan birth (10% vs 1%, p<0·0001) and south-east Asian birth (8% vs 1%, p<0·0001) compared with previous 3 years. Questionnaire data from 1435 (64%) of 2248 emergency department presentations showed a mean age of 32·0 years (SD 18·6), 56% of whom were male. Only 28% had current doctor-diagnosed asthma. 39% of the presentations were of Asian or Indian ethnicity (25% of the Melbourne population were of this ethnicity according to the 2016 census, relative risk [RR] 1·93, 95% CI 1·74-2·15, p <0·0001). Of ten individuals who died, six were Asian or Indian (RR 4·54, 95% CI 1·28-16·09; p=0·01). 35 individuals were admitted to an intensive care unit, all had asthma, 12 took inhaled preventers, and five died. INTERPRETATION Convergent environmental factors triggered a thunderstorm asthma epidemic of unprecedented magnitude, tempo, and geographical range and severity on Nov 21, 2016, creating a new benchmark for emergency and health service escalation. Asian or Indian ethnicity and current doctor-diagnosed asthma portended life-threatening exacerbations such as those requiring admission to an ICU. Overall, the findings provide important public health lessons applicable to future event forecasting, health care response coordination, protection of at-risk populations, and medical management of epidemic thunderstorm asthma. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Thien
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Danny Csutoros
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jai Darvall
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Philip G Bardin
- Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Rinaldo Bellomo
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jo A Douglass
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - John Dyett
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Ben Gelbart
- Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Alfredo Huete
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David Ku
- Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Joy Lee
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clare Looker
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Christine F McDonald
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Robyn O'Hehir
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Pilcher
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation (CORE), Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Torre
- Environmental Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Alan C Young
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles Guest
- Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Socioeconomic and Environmental Predictors of Asthma-Related Mortality. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 2018:9389570. [PMID: 29853926 PMCID: PMC5941796 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9389570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of asthma-related mortality (ARM) varies significantly among different countries, possibly influenced by various socioeconomic and environmental conditions (SEC). In-depth epidemiological research is necessary to understand the causal relationship between different SECs and ARM and to develop public health strategies to reduce the global burden of asthma. Our research aimed to identify the key SECs which may be attributed to ARM worldwide and to study the relationship between ARM and asthma prevalence. We included twenty-two countries with available data on SECs (2014-2015) and divided them into four groups: Asia, Africa, Europe, and Miscellaneous (Australia and North and South America). Tertiary school enrollment (TSE), gross domestic product (GDP), air pollution index, and male and female smoking prevalence rates were analyzed as predictors of ARM, using multiple linear regression. We found that ARM and asthma prevalence had an inverse relationship and developing countries compared to developed countries experienced higher ARM despite having lower asthma prevalence. Asian and African countries, compared to Europe and Miscellaneous countries, experienced poorer SECs, possibly associated with higher ARM. Among SECs, TSE and GDP had strongest association with ARM. In conclusion, lack of education and uneven distribution of resources may have an influence on the increased ARM in developing countries.
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D'Amato G, Annesi-Maesano I, Vaghi A, Cecchi L, D'Amato M. How Do Storms Affect Asthma? Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2018; 18:24. [PMID: 29574559 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-018-0775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There are observations in various geographical areas that thunderstorms occurring during pollen seasons can induce severe asthma attacks in pollinosis patients. RECENT FINDINGS An accredited hypothesis explaining the association between thunderstorms and asthma suggests that storms can concentrate pollen grains at ground level, which may then release allergenic particles of respirable size in the atmosphere after their imbibition of water and rupture by osmotic shock. During the first 20-30 min of a thunderstorm, patients affected by pollen allergy may inhale a high quantity of the allergenic material that is dispersed into the atmosphere as a bioaerosol of allergenic particles, which can induce asthmatic reactions, often severe. Subjects without asthma symptoms, but affected by seasonal rhinitis can also experience an asthma attack. A key message is that all subjects affected by pollen allergy should be alerted to the danger of being outdoors during a thunderstorm in the pollen season, as such events may be an important cause of severe asthma exacerbations. In light of these observations, it is useful to predict thunderstorms and thus minimize thunderstorm-related events. Patients with respiratory allergy induced by pollens and molds need to be informed about a correct therapeutic approach of bronchial asthma by inhalation, including the use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. The purpose of this review is to focalize epidemiological, etiopathogenetic, and clinical aspects of thunderstorm-related asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Respiratory Diseases, High Specialty Hospital A.Cardarelli, Via Rione Sirignano, 10, 80121, Naples, Italy. .,School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, IPLESP, INSERM and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Adriano Vaghi
- Division of Pneumology, General Hospital Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Interdepartmental Center of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital "V. Monaldi" and University "Federico II" Medical School, Naples, Italy
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Advances in environmental and occupational disorders in 2016. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:1683-1692. [PMID: 29080787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this review we highlight recent studies that advance the knowledge and understanding of the effects of various environmental factors and associated immune responses in patients with allergic diseases. This review will focus on new literature regarding allergic and immune responses to a variety of environmental factors, including aeroallergens, stinging insects, fungi, pollutants, viral respiratory tract infections, climate change, and microbial exposures.
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Lee J, Kronborg C, O'Hehir RE, Hew M. Who's at risk of thunderstorm asthma? The ryegrass pollen trifecta and lessons learnt from the Melbourne thunderstorm epidemic. Respir Med 2017; 132:146-148. [PMID: 29229087 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic in November 2016 was unprecedented in scale and impact. We systematically reviewed our hospital's patients with thunderstorm asthma to identify key risk factors. Of 85 adult patients assessed, the majority (60%) had no prior diagnosis of asthma. However, allergic rhinitis during the grass pollen season was almost universal (99%), as were ryegrass pollen sensitization (100%) and exposure to the outdoor environment during the thunderstorm (94%). Airborne pollen levels on the thunderstorm day were extreme. We conclude that ryegrass pollen sensitization, clinical allergic rhinitis, and acute allergen exposure constitute a risk-factor 'trifecta' for thunderstorm asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Lee
- Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Caroline Kronborg
- Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn E O'Hehir
- Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Hew
- Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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