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Musonye HA, He YS, Bekele MB, Jiang LQ, Fan Cao, Xu YQ, Gao ZX, Ge M, He T, Zhang P, Zhao CN, Chen C, Wang P, Pan HF. Exploring the association between ambient air pollution and COVID-19 risk: A comprehensive meta-analysis with meta-regression modelling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32385. [PMID: 39183866 PMCID: PMC11341291 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Air pollution is speculated to increase the risk of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, the results remain inconsistent and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the association between ambient air pollution (AAP) and COVID-19 risks using a meta-analysis with meta-regression modelling. Methods The inclusion criteria were: original studies quantifying the association using effect sizes and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs); time-series, cohort, ecological or case-crossover peer-reviewed studies in English. Exclusion criteria encompassed non-original studies, animal studies, and data with common errors. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar electronic databases were systemically searched for eligible literature, up to 31, March 2023. The risk of bias (ROB) was assessed following the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality parameters. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their 95 % CIs. Results A total of 58 studies, between 2020 and 2023, met the inclusion criteria. The global representation was skewed, with major contributions from the USA (24.1 %) and China (22.4 %). The distribution included studies on short-term (43.1 %) and long-term (56.9 %) air pollution exposure. Ecological studies constituted 51.7 %, time-series-27.6 %, cohorts-17.2 %, and case crossover-3.4 %. ROB assessment showed low (86.2 %) and moderate (13.8 %) risk. The COVID-19 incidences increased with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 [RR = 4.9045; 95 % CI (4.1548-5.7895)], PM10 [RR = 2.9427: (2.2290-3.8850)], NO2 [RR = 3.2750: (3.1420-3.4136)], SO2 [RR = 3.3400: (2.7931-3.9940)], CO [RR = 2.6244: (2.5208-2.7322)] and O3 [RR = 2.4008: (2.1859-2.6368)] concentrations. A 10 μg/m3 increase in concentrations of PM2.5 [RR = 3.0418: (2.7344-3.3838)], PM10 [RR = 2.6202: (2.1602-3.1781)], NO2 [RR = 3.2226: (2.1411-4.8504)], CO [RR = 1.8021 (0.8045-4.0370)] and O3 [RR = 2.3270 (1.5906-3.4045)] was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. Stratified analysis showed that study design, exposure period, and country influenced exposure-response associations. Meta-regression model indicated significant predictors for air pollution-COVID-19 incidence associations. Conclusion The study, while robust, lacks causality demonstration and focuses only on the USA and China, limiting its generalizability. Regardless, the study provides a strong evidence base for air pollution-COVID-19-risks associations, offering valuable insights for intervention measures for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Asena Musonye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Sheng He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Merga Bayou Bekele
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ling-Qiong Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Qing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhao-Xing Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Man Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tian He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chan-Na Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Institute of Kidney Disease, Inflammation & Immunity Mediated Diseases, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
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Singer M. Is Pollution the Primary Driver of Infectious Syndemics? Pathogens 2024; 13:370. [PMID: 38787222 PMCID: PMC11124193 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050370] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndemics, the adverse interaction of two or more coterminous diseases or other negative health conditions, have probably existed since human settlement, plant and animal domestication, urbanization, and the growth of social inequality beginning about 10-12,000 years ago. These dramatic changes in human social evolution significantly increased opportunities for the spread of zoonotic infectious diseases in denser human communities with increased sanitation challenges. In light of a growing body of research that indicates that anthropogenic air pollution causes numerous threats to health and is taking a far greater toll on human life and wellbeing than had been reported, this paper proposes the possibility that air pollution is now the primary driver of infectious disease syndemics. In support of this assertion, this paper reviews the growth and health impacts of air pollution, the relationship of air pollution to the development and spread of infectious diseases, and reported cases of air pollution-driven infectious disease syndemics, and presents public health recommendations for leveraging the biosocial insight of syndemic theory in responding to infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrill Singer
- Anthropology, Storrs Campus, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Ngatu NR, Tonduangu DK, Munyeshyaka E, Hirao T, Balenda GM, Yamadori Y, Deguchi T, Nsadi-Fwene B, Lami JN, Akumwami S, Kanda K, Murakami A, Yandju MC, Nyembue DT, Tshimpi A, Wembonyama SO. COVID-19 fatality and DALYs, and associated metabolic disorders and ambient air pollutants in pre-Omicron era of the pandemic: an international comparative study. Environ Health Prev Med 2024; 29:24. [PMID: 38599849 PMCID: PMC11016372 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution and a number of metabolic disorders have been reported to increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study explored the association between severe COVID-19 outcomes, metabolic disorders and environmental air pollutants, at regional level, across 38 countries. METHODS We conducted an ecological study using COVID-19 data related to countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with an estimated population of 1.4 billion. They were divided into 3 regions: 1. Europe & Middle east; 2. Americas (north, central & south America); 3. East-Asia & West Pacific. The outcome variables were: COVID-19 case-fatality rate (CFR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) at regional level. Freely accessible datasets related to regional DALYs, demographics and other environmental pollutants were obtained from OECD, WHO and the World in Data websites. Generalized linear model (GLM) was performed to determine the regional determinants of COVID-19 CFR and DALYs using the aggregate epidemiologic data (Dec. 2019-Dec. 2021). RESULTS Overall cumulative deaths were 65,000 per million, for mean CFR and DALYs of 1.31 (1.2)% and 17.35 (2.3) years, respectively. Globally, GLM analysis with adjustment for elderly population rate, showed that COVID-19 CFR was positively associated with atmospheric PM2.5 level (beta = 0.64(0.0), 95%CI: 0.06-1.35; p < 0.05), diabetes prevalence (beta = 0.26(0.1), 95%CI: 0.12-0.41; p < 0.001). For COVID-19 DALYs, positive associations were observed with atmospheric NOx level (beta = 0.06(0.0), 95%CI: 0.02-0.82; p < 0.05) and diabetes prevalence (beta = 0.32(0.2), 95%CI: 0.04-0.69; p < 0.05). At regional level, adjusted GLM analysis showed that COVID-19 CFR was associated with atmospheric PM2.5 level in the Americas and East-Asia & Western Pacific region; it was associated with diabetes prevalence for countries of Europe & Middle east and East-Asia & Western Pacific region. Furthermore, COVID-19 DALYs were positively associated with atmospheric PM2.5 and diabetes prevalence for countries of the Americas only. CONCLUSION These findings confirm that diabetes and air pollution increase the risk of disability and fatality due to COVID-19, with disparities in terms of their impact. They suggest that efficient preventive and management programs for diabetes and air pollution countermeasures would have curtailed severe COVID-19 outcome rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nlandu-Roger Ngatu
- Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Daniel-Kuezina Tonduangu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
| | - Emmanuel Munyeshyaka
- Department of Microbiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hirao
- Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | | | - Yusuke Yamadori
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Deguchi
- Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Steeve Akumwami
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kanae Kanda
- Department of Public Health, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akitsu Murakami
- Oncology and Palliative Care Center, Kagawa University Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Antoine Tshimpi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
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Saleh SAK, Adly HM. Impact of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Long COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cohort Study within the Saudi Arabian Population. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:642-661. [PMID: 37888141 PMCID: PMC10606867 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. AIM This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation of long COVID symptoms within a cohort based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Participants included residents from the Makkah region who had recovered from COVID-19 between 2022 and 2023. A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to gather detailed demographic data and assess the persistent symptoms seen during the post-COVID period. To gauge the environmental exposure to potential risk factors, air sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 was systematically conducted in various locations in Makkah over a year. RESULTS Significant positive associations were found between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and long COVID. Furthermore, specific symptom analysis revealed a significant association between air pollution and shortness of breath (for PM2.5). Only PM2.5 exposure remained statistically significant (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). In contrast, the association with PM10 remained on the cusp of significance, with an RR of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels to mitigate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. K. Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- Oncology Diagnostic Unit, College of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11435, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Adly
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
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Alaniz AJ, Vergara PM, Carvajal JG, Carvajal MA. Unraveling the socio-environmental drivers during the early COVID-19 pandemic in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27969-0. [PMID: 37310602 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27969-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The effect of environmental and socioeconomic conditions on the global pandemic of COVID-19 had been widely studied, yet their influence during the early outbreak remains less explored. Unraveling these relationships represents a key knowledge to prevent potential outbreaks of similar pathogens in the future. This study aims to determine the influence of socioeconomic, infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of infection in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A spatio-temporal Bayesian zero-inflated Poisson model is used to test for the effect of 13 socioeconomic, urban infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of COVID-19 disease in 122 cities of China. The results show that socioeconomic and urban infrastructure variables did not have a significant effect on the relative risk of COVID-19. Meanwhile, COVID-19 relative risk was negatively associated with temperature, wind speed, and carbon monoxide, while nitrous dioxide and the human modification index presented a positive effect. Pollution gases presented a marked variability during the study period, showing a decrease of CO. These findings suggest that controlling and monitoring urban emissions of pollutant gases is a key factor for the reduction of risk derived from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Alaniz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro de Formación Técnica del Medio ambiente, IDMA, Santiago, Chile.
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnolִógica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Pablo M Vergara
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnolִógica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge G Carvajal
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnolִógica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario A Carvajal
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad Tecnolִógica, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Alaniz AJ, Carvajal MA, Carvajal JG, Vergara PM. Effects of air pollution and weather on the initial COVID-19 outbreaks in United States, Italy, Spain, and China: A comparative study. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:8-18. [PMID: 36509703 PMCID: PMC9877606 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Contrasting effects have been identified in association of weather (temperature and humidity) and pollutant gases with COVID-19 infection, which could be derived from the influence of lockdowns and season change. The influence of pollutant gases and climate during the initial phases of the pandemic, before the closures and the change of season in the northern hemisphere, is unknown. Here, we used a spatial-temporal Bayesian zero-inflated-Poisson model to test for short-term associations of weather and pollutant gases with the relative risk of COVID-19 disease in China (first outbreak) and the countries with more cases during the initial pandemic (the United States, Spain and Italy), considering also the effects of season and lockdown. We found contrasting association between pollutant gases and COVID-19 risk in the United States, Italy, and Spain, while in China it was negatively associated (except for SO2 ). COVID-19 risk was positively associated with specific humidity in all countries, while temperature presented a negative effect. Our findings showed that short-term associations of air pollutants with COVID-19 infection vary strongly between countries, while generalized effects of temperature (negative) and humidity (positive) with COVID-19 was found. Our results show novel information about the influence of pollution and weather on the initial outbreaks, which contribute to unravel the mechanisms during the beginning of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J. Alaniz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Geoespacial y Ambiental, Facultad de IngenieríaUniversidad de Santiago de ChileSantiagoChile
- Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad TecnológicaUniversidad de Santiago de ChileSantiagoChile
- Centro de Estudios en Ecología Espacial y Medio AmbienteEcogeografíaSantiagoChile
| | - Mario A. Carvajal
- Facultad de Ciencias BiológicasPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad TecnológicaUniversidad de Santiago de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Jorge G. Carvajal
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad TecnológicaUniversidad de Santiago de ChileSantiagoChile
- Centro de Estudios en Ecología Espacial y Medio AmbienteEcogeografíaSantiagoChile
| | - Pablo M. Vergara
- Departamento de Gestión Agraria, Facultad TecnológicaUniversidad de Santiago de ChileSantiagoChile
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Hernandez Carballo I, Bakola M, Stuckler D. The impact of air pollution on COVID-19 incidence, severity, and mortality: A systematic review of studies in Europe and North America. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114155. [PMID: 36030916 PMCID: PMC9420033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is speculated to increase the risks of COVID-19 spread, severity, and mortality. OBJECTIVES We systematically reviewed studies investigating the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 cases, non-fatal severity, and mortality in North America and Europe. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies investigating the effects of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 or 10 μm (PM2.5 or PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), on COVID-19 cases, severity, and deaths in Europe and North America through to June 19, 2021. Articles were included if they quantitatively measured the relationship between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 health outcomes. RESULTS From 2,482 articles screened, we included 116 studies reporting 355 separate pollutant-COVID-19 estimates. Approximately half of all evaluations on incidence were positive and significant associations (52.7%); for mortality the corresponding figure was similar (48.1%), while for non-fatal severity this figure was lower (41.2%). Longer-term exposure to pollutants appeared more likely to be positively associated with COVID-19 incidence (63.8%). PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, and CO were most strongly positively associated with COVID-19 incidence, while PM2.5 and NO2 with COVID-19 deaths. All studies were observational and most exhibited high risk of confounding and outcome measurement bias. DISCUSSION Air pollution may be associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Future research is needed to better test the air pollution-COVID-19 hypothesis, particularly using more robust study designs and COVID-19 measures that are less prone to measurement error and by considering co-pollutant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ireri Hernandez Carballo
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy; RFF-CMCC European Institute of Economics and the Environment, Centro Euro-Mediterraneo Sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
| | - Maria Bakola
- Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Science, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy; DONDENA Centre for Research on Social Dynamics and Public Policy, Bocconi University, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
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Zhang J, Chen P, Zu L, Yang J, Sun Y, Li H, Chen B, Wang ZL. Self-Powered High-Voltage Recharging System for Removing Noxious Tobacco Smoke by Biomimetic Hairy-Contact Triboelectric Nanogenerator. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2202835. [PMID: 35871577 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The most common size range of particulate matter (PM) in tobacco smoke is 1.0 to 5.0 microns; however, a high number of the most harmful PM is as small as 0.5 micron that is a serious threat to human health, and it is difficult to remove. There is an urgent need to develop a new purification technology for high-efficiency removing tobacco smoke with easily construction and low cost. Here, a method of self-powered high-voltage recharging system is demonstrated by designing biomimetic hairy-contact triboelectric nanogenerator (BHC-TENG) for long-lasting adsorption with a wide range from PM 0.5 to PM 10. The open-circuit voltage of BHC-TENGs reaches 8.42 KV, which can continuously charge injection to the melt-blown fabric, whose surface potential is able to maintain nearly 260 V level and create a uniform electrostatic adsorption field on the surface. This high-voltage recharging system reduces the concentration of PMs to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, maintaining the purification efficiency of PM 0.5- PM 10 persistently over 90%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Center on Nanoenergy Research, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lulu Zu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jin Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Center on Nanoenergy Research, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Yanshuo Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Center on Nanoenergy Research, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Center on Nanoenergy Research, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
| | - Baodong Chen
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Institute of Applied Nanotechnology, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, 314031, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, P. R. China
- School of Nanoscience and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0245, USA
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9
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Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:477-489. [PMID: 35648356 PMCID: PMC9157479 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Several environmental contaminants have been implicated as contributors to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Immunomodulation and epigenetic regulation have been hypothesized as mediators of this relationship, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-characterized. This review examines the evidence for epigenetic modification at the intersection of COVID-19 and environmental chemical exposures. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous environmental contaminants including air pollutants, toxic metal(loid)s, per- and polyfluorinated substances, and endocrine disrupting chemicals are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of severe COVID-19, but few studies currently exist. Drawing on evidence that many environmental chemicals alter the epigenetic regulation of key immunity genes and pathways, we discuss how exposures likely perturb host antiviral responses. Specific mechanisms vary by contaminant but include general immunomodulation as well as regulation of viral entry and recognition, inflammation, and immunologic memory pathways, among others. Associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 are likely mediated, in part, by epigenetic regulation of key immune pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2.
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10
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Zhang M, Liang Y, Yu D, Du B, Cheng W, Li L, Yu Z, Luo S, Zhang Y, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang W. A systematic review of Vaccine Breakthrough Infections by SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:889-900. [PMID: 35002532 PMCID: PMC8741840 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.68973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are proving to be highly effective in controlling hospitalization and deaths associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, as shown by clinical trials and real-world evidence. However, a deadly second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infected by SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, with an increased number of post-vaccination breakthrough infections were reported in the world recently. Actually, Delta variant not only resulted in a severe surge of vaccine breakthrough infections which was accompanied with high viral load and transmissibility, but also challenged the development of effective vaccines. Therefore, the biological characteristics and epidemiological profile of Delta variant, the current status of Delta variant vaccine breakthrough infections and the mechanism of vaccine breakthrough infections were discussed in this article. In addition, the significant role of the Delta variant spike (S) protein in the mechanism of immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 was highlighted in this article. In particular, we further discussed key points on the future SARS-CoV-2 vaccine research and development, hoping to make a contribution to the early, accurate and rapid control of the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bang Du
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Weyland Cheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Zhidan Yu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Huanmin Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Wancun Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
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11
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Almutairi F, Alsuwaydani Z, Thekkiniyakath Ali A, M. Alraqibah M, A. Alharbi B, A. Alyahya R, N. Alrudhayman S, Albisher R. Role of dentist: COVID19 and mucormycosis. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND BIOALLIED SCIENCES 2022; 14:S2-S6. [PMID: 36110677 PMCID: PMC9469452 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_734_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental practice has evolved over time and has adapted to the challenges that it has faced. The risk of infection spread via droplet and airborne routes poses a significant risk to the dentist who works close to patients. The risk of cross-infection between dental health-care personnel and patients can be very high due to the peculiar arrangements of dental settings. Dental clinics should have air purification systems with high volume excavators and negative pressure rooms for COVID-19 screening. Mucormycosis is a fungal disease that mostly occurs in immunocompromised individuals and those with uncontrolled diabetes. Dental extraction can trigger the occurrence. Increased occurrence of mucormycosis is seen in COVID-affected patients. This article gives a review on the dentistry-related transmission of COVID 19, the relation of COVID and mucormycosis.
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12
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Marquès M, Domingo JL. Positive association between outdoor air pollution and the incidence and severity of COVID-19. A review of the recent scientific evidences. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111930. [PMID: 34425111 PMCID: PMC8378989 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In June 2020, we published a review focused on assessing the influence of various air pollutants on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and the severity of COVID-19 in patients infected by the coronavirus. The results of most of those reviewed studies suggested that chronic exposure to certain air pollutants might lead to more severe and lethal forms of COVID-19, as well as delays/complications in the recovery of the patients. Since then, a notable number of studies on this topic have been published, including also various reviews. Given the importance of this issue, we have updated the information published since our previous review. Taking together the previous results and those of most investigations now reviewed, we have concluded that there is a significant association between chronic exposure to various outdoor air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2 and CO, and the incidence/risk of COVID-19 cases, as well as the severity/mortality of the disease. Unfortunately, studies on the potential influence of other important air pollutants such as VOCs, dioxins and furans, or metals, are not available in the scientific literature. In relation to the influence of outdoor air pollutants on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, although the scientific evidence is much more limited, some studies point to PM2.5 and PM10 as potential airborne transmitters of the virus. Anyhow, it is clear that environmental air pollution plays an important negative role in COVID-19, increasing its incidence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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13
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Meo SA, Almutairi FJ, Abukhalaf AA, Usmani AM. Effect of Green Space Environment on Air Pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, O 3, and Incidence and Mortality of SARS-CoV-2 in Highly Green and Less-Green Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413151. [PMID: 34948761 PMCID: PMC8700925 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, over half of the global population is living in urban areas. The metropolitan areas are highly populated and environmentally non-green regions on the planet. In green space regions, plants, grass, and green vegetation prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants, provide fresh and clean air, and minimize the burden of diseases. Presently, the entire world is facing a turmoil situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the effect of the green space environment on air pollutants particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), incidence and mortality of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in environmentally highly green and less-green countries. We randomly selected 17 countries based on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) data. The 60% of the EPI score is based on seven categories: "biodiversity and habitat, ecosystem, fisheries, climate change, pollution emissions, agriculture, and water resources". However, 40% of the score is based on four categories: "air quality, sanitation and drinking water, heavy metals, and waste management". The air pollutants and SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths were recorded from 25 January 2020, to 11 July 2021. The air pollutants "PM2.5, PM10, CO, and O3" were recorded from the metrological websites, Air Quality Index-AQI, 2021. The COVID-19 daily cases and deaths were obtained from the World Health Organization. The result reveals that air pollutants mean values for PM2.5 110.73 ± 1.09 vs. 31.35 ± 0.29; PM10 80.43 ± 1.11 vs. 17.78 ± 0.15; CO 7.92 ± 0.14 vs. 2.35 ± 0.03 were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in environmentally highly green space countries compared to less-green countries. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 cases 15,713.61 ± 702.42 vs. 3445.59 ± 108.09; and deaths 297.56 ± 11.27 vs. 72.54 ± 2.61 were also significantly decreased in highly green countries compared to less-green countries. The green environment positively impacts human wellbeing. The policymakers must implement policies to keep the living areas, surroundings, towns, and cities clean and green to minimize air pollution and combat the present pandemic of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Ayoub Meo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (F.J.A.); (A.A.A.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Faris Jamal Almutairi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (F.J.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Abdulelah Adnan Abukhalaf
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (F.J.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Adnan Mahmood Usmani
- Diabetic Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
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