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Okyere-Mensah H, Arthur J, Owusu R, Baah B, Owusu A, Antwi KA, Oppong C, Rockson MA. Risk factors for the development of Thunderstorm-associated asthma among indigenous Ghanaians: A matched case-control study. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2024; 8:100522. [PMID: 39040976 PMCID: PMC11261870 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Epidemic Thunderstorm asthma (TA) is a serious public health threat with a potential to overwhelm health systems. Being the first documented incidence in Ghana, we sought to determine whether the chronic respiratory risk factors for the development of TA as identified in other countries were similar or different from that in Ghana. Study design A matched case-control study involving 41 cases and 82 controls was conducted in two conveniently selected health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods Data were collected from pre-existing patient records and included general demography, a history of allergies and a history of asthma. A chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for the development of TA. Results Overall, 53.7 % of the TA cases and 7.3 % of controls had a previous history of asthma (AOR = 4.53 p = 0.064, 95 % CI = 0.918-22.365). Also, 29.3 % of the cases and 1.2 % of the controls had a previous history of allergies (AOR = 12.48 p = 0.05, 95 % CI = 0.919-169.305). Conclusions A previous history of allergy was a significant risk factor for TA. A previous history of asthma though associated with TA, was not a significant risk factor for its development. The recognition and awareness of risk factors for TA, by clinicians and health managers, is essential for health education, case management and preparation for the surge capacity occasioned by the event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua Arthur
- Public Health Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ruth Owusu
- Public Health Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Birgit Baah
- Public Health Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ashley Owusu
- Public Health Unit, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Chris Oppong
- Emergency Medicine Directorate, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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Fan C, Li X, Cai H, Tong X, Ai L, Li Y, Guo J, An C, Zhang J. Epidemic thunderstorm asthma in Hohhot, Northern China: A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics in 155 patients. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:2514-2516.e1. [PMID: 38897343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Change Fan
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China; Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Huijiao Cai
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Liya Ai
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China; Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Jingxue Guo
- Department of Dermatology, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Caiyan An
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China; Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, First Hospital of Hohhot, China; Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China.
| | - Junjing Zhang
- Department of Allergy, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China; Foundational and Translational Medical Research Center, First Hospital of Hohhot, China; Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China.
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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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Wang J, Ramirez JC, Hu W. Comments on "Impact of meteorological parameters and air pollutants on airborne concentration of Betula pollen and Bet v 1 allergen" by Vašková1, Zuzana et al., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-29061-z. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:24675-24676. [PMID: 38294650 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Wang
- Ecosystem Change and Population Health (ECAPH) Research Group, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Javier Cortes Ramirez
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- Ecosystem Change and Population Health (ECAPH) Research Group, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Terry D, Peck B, Kloot K. Paediatric Emergency Asthma Presentations: Temporal Trends and Representations in Rural Australia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3113. [PMID: 38132002 PMCID: PMC10742987 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243113] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a key illness driving children to present to emergency departments, and although paediatric emergency asthma presentations have been examined, the temporal trends remain somewhat elusive. The aim is to highlight, describe, and model the temporal trends of emergency paediatric asthma presentations, using comprehensive hospital emergency presentation data. A retrospective cross-sectional study examined de-identified paediatric (0 to 14 years) emergency asthma presentation data over a three-year period. Data were obtained from nine healthcare facilities in Victoria, Australia. Episode-level data were collected through RAHDaR, a comprehensive emergency data register which includes missing data (35.0%) among rural health facilities not currently captured elsewhere. Monthly presentation rates demonstrate a significant difference in presentations between fall/autumn and spring, and males had higher presentation rates in February and June-August. Emergency presentations were more likely to occur Sunday-Tuesday, peaking in the time periods of 8-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Significant differences were noted between all age groups. Examining previously unavailable rural data has highlighted patterns among emergency asthma presentations for children 0-14 years of age. Knowledge of these by season, month, and day of the week, in combination with time of day, offers scope for more focused workforce education and planning, and nuanced referral pathways, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Terry
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia;
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia;
| | - Blake Peck
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia;
| | - Kate Kloot
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
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Tran HM, Tsai FJ, Lee YL, Chang JH, Chang LT, Chang TY, Chung KF, Kuo HP, Lee KY, Chuang KJ, Chuang HC. The impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases in an era of climate change: A review of the current evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:166340. [PMID: 37591374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of climate change and air pollution on respiratory diseases present significant global health challenges. This review aims to investigate the effects of the interactions between these challenges focusing on respiratory diseases. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events amplifying air pollution levels and exacerbating respiratory diseases. Air pollution levels are projected to rise due to ongoing economic growth and population expansion in many areas worldwide, resulting in a greater burden of respiratory diseases. This is especially true among vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and those with pre-existing respiratory disorders. These challenges induce inflammation, create oxidative stress, and impair the immune system function of the lungs. Consequently, public health measures are required to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution on respiratory health. The review proposes that reducing greenhouse gas emissions contribute to slowing down climate change and lessening the severity of extreme weather events. Enhancing air quality through regulatory and technological innovations also helps reduce the morbidity of respiratory diseases. Moreover, policies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare access and social support can assist in decreasing the vulnerability of populations to the adverse health effects of air pollution and climate change. In conclusion, there is an urgent need for continuous research, establishment of policies, and public health efforts to tackle the complex and multi-dimensional challenges of climate change, air pollution, and respiratory health. Practical and comprehensive interventions can protect respiratory health and enhance public health outcomes for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Minh Tran
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Public Health, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Feng-Jen Tsai
- Ph.D. Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Hwa Chang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yuan Chang
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kian Fan Chung
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Han-Pin Kuo
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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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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8
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Sztandera-Tymoczek M, Szuster-Ciesielska A. Fungal Aeroallergens-The Impact of Climate Change. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050544. [PMID: 37233255 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of allergic diseases worldwide is rapidly increasing, making allergies a modern pandemic. This article intends to review published reports addressing the role of fungi as causative agents in the development of various overreactivity-related diseases, mainly affecting the respiratory tract. After presenting the basic information on the mechanisms of allergic reactions, we describe the impact of fungal allergens on the development of the allergic diseases. Human activity and climate change have an impact on the spread of fungi and their plant hosts. Particular attention should be paid to microfungi, i.e., plant parasites that may be an underestimated source of new allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sztandera-Tymoczek
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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9
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Sampath V, Aguilera J, Prunicki M, Nadeau KC. Mechanisms of climate change and related air pollution on the immune system leading to allergic disease and asthma. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101765. [PMID: 37105834 PMCID: PMC10275624 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is considered the greatest threat to global health. Greenhouse gases as well as global surface temperatures have increased causing more frequent and intense heat and cold waves, wildfires, floods, drought, altered rainfall patterns, hurricanes, thunderstorms, air pollution, and windstorms. These extreme weather events have direct and indirect effects on the immune system, leading to allergic disease due to exposure to pollen, molds, and other environmental pollutants. In this review, we will focus on immune mechanisms associated with allergy and asthma-related health risks induced by climate change events. We will review current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the changing environment mediates these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Juan Aguilera
- Center for Community Health Impact, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Mary Prunicki
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Oliveira M, Oliveira D, Lisboa C, Boechat JL, Delgado L. Clinical Manifestations of Human Exposure to Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030381. [PMID: 36983549 PMCID: PMC10052331 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological particles, along with inorganic gaseous and particulate pollutants, constitute an ever-present component of the atmosphere and surfaces. Among these particles are fungal species colonizing almost all ecosystems, including the human body. Although inoffensive to most people, fungi can be responsible for several health problems, such as allergic fungal diseases and fungal infections. Worldwide fungal disease incidence is increasing, with new emerging fungal diseases appearing yearly. Reasons for this increase are the expansion of life expectancy, the number of immunocompromised patients (immunosuppressive treatments for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases), the number of uncontrolled underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the misusage of medication (e.g., corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics). Managing fungal diseases is challenging; only four classes of antifungal drugs are available, resistance to these drugs is increasing, and no vaccines have been approved. The present work reviews the implications of fungal particles in human health from allergic diseases (i.e., allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, severe asthma with fungal sensitization, thunderstorm asthma, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and occupational lung diseases) to infections (i.e., superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections). Topics such as the etiological agent, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment will be revised to improve the knowledge of this growing health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup-Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Oliveira
- CRN-Unidade de Reabilitação AVC, Centro de Reabilitação do Norte, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Avenida dos Sanatórios 127, 4405-565 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Carmen Lisboa
- Serviço de Microbiologia, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Dermatologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Laerte Boechat
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Delgado
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Nickovic S, Petković S, Ilić L, Pejanović G, Mijić Z, Huete A, Marks G. Prediction of airborne pollen and sub-pollen particles for thunderstorm asthma outbreaks assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 864:160879. [PMID: 36521601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
When exposed to convective thunderstorm conditions, pollen grains can rupture and release large numbers of allergenic sub-pollen particles (SPPs). These sub-pollen particles easily enter deep into human lungs, causing an asthmatic response named thunderstorm asthma (TA). Up to now, efforts to numerically predict the airborne SPP process and to forecast the occurrence of TAs are unsatisfactory. To overcome this problem, we have developed a physically-based pollen model (DREAM-POLL) with parameterized formation of airborne SPPs caused by convective atmospheric conditions. We ran the model over the Southern Australian grass fields for 2010 and 2016 pollen seasons when four largest decadal TA epidemics happened in Melbourne. One of these TA events (in November 2016) was the worldwide most extreme one which resulted to nine deaths and hundreds of hospital patient presentations. By executing the model on a day-by-day basis in a hindcast real-time mode we predicted SPP peaks exclusively only when the four major TA outbreaks happened, thus achieving a high forecasting success rate. The proposed modelling system can be easily implemented for other geographical domains and for different pollen types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan Nickovic
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Slavko Petković
- Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Luka Ilić
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Pejanović
- Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Mijić
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Alfredo Huete
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guy Marks
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Money NP. The fastest short jump in nature: Progress in understanding the mechanism of ballistospore discharge. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:835-844. [PMID: 36746555 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The coalescence of fluid droplets on the surface of ballistospores powers their launch into the air at a speed of up to one meter per second with an acceleration of thousands of g's. This mechanism has been studied for more than a century and its solution is an emblem of mycological progress. Because the spores move too fast for the launch to be watched with a light microscope, early advances were made by inferences about what must be happening when the spores disappeared rather than direct observations. These investigations were followed by ingenious experiments that led to a satisfying explanation of ballistospory by the 1990s. Ultra-high-speed video recordings of spore discharge verified this model in the 2000s and subsequent research has shown how the mechanism has been adapted to launch spores over different distances. The available evidence suggests that many of these adaptations have been achieved by changes in spore morphology. Understanding the cellular and genetic basis of these modifications is one of the principal challenges for understanding the evolution of the basidiomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Money
- Western Program and Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA.
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13
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Goshua A, Sampath V, Efobi JA, Nadeau K. The Role of Climate Change in Asthma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1426:25-41. [PMID: 37464115 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32259-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Human activity and increased use of fossil fuels have led to climate change. These changes are adversely affecting human health, including increasing the risk of developing asthma. Global temperatures are predicted to increase in the future. In 2019, asthma affected an estimated 262 million people and caused 455,000 deaths. These rates are expected to increase. Climate change by intensifying climate events such as drought, flooding, wildfires, sand storms, and thunderstorms has led to increases in air pollution, pollen season length, pollen and mold concentration, and allergenicity of pollen. These effects bear implications for the onset, exacerbation, and management of childhood asthma and are increasing health inequities. Global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change are urgently needed with the goal of limiting global warming to between 1.5 and 2.0 °C of preindustrial times as per the 2015 Paris Agreement. Clinicians need to take an active role in these efforts in order to prevent further increases in asthma prevalence. There is a role for clinician advocacy in both the clinical setting as well as in local, regional, and national settings to install measures to control and curb the escalating disease burden of childhood asthma in the setting of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goshua
- Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jo Ann Efobi
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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14
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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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15
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McGushin A, Gasparri G, Graef V, Ngendahayo C, Timilsina S, Bustreo F, Costello A. Adolescent wellbeing and climate crisis: adolescents are responding, what about health professionals? BMJ 2022; 379:e071690. [PMID: 36302556 PMCID: PMC9600164 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alice McGushin and colleagues argue for recognition of the diverse ways in which climate change affects adolescent wellbeing and call for health professionals to work with them to respond to the crisis
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice McGushin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, United Kingdom
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Gasparri
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Viola Graef
- The MHPSS Collaborative, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Costello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, United Kingdom
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16
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Climate Change Factors and the Aerobiology Effect. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2022; 42:771-786. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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18
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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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19
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Banasiak NC, Keil Heinonen SA, Filippelli AC. The Perfect Storm: Thunderstorm-Related Asthma. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Nadeau KC, Agache I, Jutel M, Annesi Maesano I, Akdis M, Sampath V, D'Amato G, Cecchi L, Traidl‐Hoffmann C, Akdis CA. Climate change: A call to action for the United Nations. Allergy 2022; 77:1087-1090. [PMID: 34476822 DOI: 10.1111/all.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kari C. Nadeau
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department of Medicine Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine Transylvania University Brasov Romania
| | - Marek Jutel
- Department of Clinical Immunology Wrocław Medical University Wrocław Poland
- All‐MED Medical Research Institute Wrocław Poland
| | - Isabella Annesi Maesano
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health INSERM, and Montpellier University Montpellier France
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department of Medicine Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Department of Chest Diseases High Specialty A, Cardarelli Hospital, and Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecchi
- Centre of Bioclimatology University of Florence Florence Italy
| | - Claudia Traidl‐Hoffmann
- Department of Environmental Medicine University of Augsburg Augsburg Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine Helmholtz Center Munich ‐ German Research Center for Environmental Health Augsburg Germany
| | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tropical cyclones impact human health, sometimes catastrophically. Epidemiological research characterizes these health impacts and uncovers pathways between storm hazards and health, helping to mitigate the health impacts of future storms. These studies, however, require researchers to identify people and areas exposed to tropical cyclones, which is often challenging. Here we review approaches, tools, and data products that can be useful in this exposure assessment. RECENT FINDINGS Epidemiological studies have used various operational measures to characterize exposure to tropical cyclones, including measures of physical hazards (e.g., wind, rain, flooding), measures related to human impacts (e.g., damage, stressors from the storm), and proxy measures of distance from the storm's central track. The choice of metric depends on the research question asked by the study, but there are numerous resources available that can help in capturing any of these metrics of exposure. Each has strengths and weaknesses that may influence their utility for a specific study. Here we have highlighted key tools and data products that can be useful for exposure assessment for tropical cyclone epidemiology. These results can guide epidemiologists as they design studies to explore how tropical cyclones influence human health.
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22
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Prevention and Treatment of Asthma Exacerbations in Adults. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:2578-2586. [PMID: 34246434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Asthma exacerbations are major contributors to disease morbidity in patients of all ages. To develop strategies that reduce the disease burden from exacerbations, it is helpful to review current concepts about the risk factors for asthma attacks and current approaches for prevention and treatment. Multiple factors contribute as risks and to the development of asthma exacerbations, including allergic and infectious processes. Viral respiratory infections, primarily from rhinoviruses, are the dominant exacerbating cause for most asthma patients. Allergic sensitization and allergen exposure contribute directly and enhance susceptibility for respiratory viral infections. Respiratory viruses infect airway epithelium to promote underlying type 2 inflammation with eosinophils, the predominant cellular component of increased inflammation. Deficiencies of antiviral interferon responses and generation have been identified that increase susceptibility to viral infections in asthma. Exacerbation treatment focuses on reducing airflow obstruction and suppressing inflammation, followed by improving long-term asthma control. Increasing concern exists regarding the side effects associated with frequent systemic corticosteroid use. A major advance has been the selective use of biologics to prevent exacerbations, primarily in patients with existing type 2 inflammation. Future research to prevent exacerbations is being directed toward antiviral activity and a more encompassing regulation of underlying airway inflammation.
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23
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D'Amato G, Annesi-Maesano I, Urrutia-Pereira M, Del Giacco S, Rosario Filho NA, Chong-Neto HJ, Solé D, Ansotegui I, Cecchi L, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Tedeschini E, Biagioni B, Murrieta-Aguttes M, D'Amato M. Thunderstorm allergy and asthma: state of the art. Multidiscip Respir Med 2021; 16:806. [PMID: 35003735 PMCID: PMC8672486 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2021.806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) can be defined as the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm during pollen seasons. Outbreaks have occurred across the world during pollen season with the capacity to rapidly inundate a health care service, resulting in potentially catastrophic outcomes for allergic patients. TA occurs when specific meteorological and aerobiological factors combine to affect predisposed atopic patients with IgE-mediated sentitization to pollen allergens. Thunderstorm outflows can concentrate aeroallergens, most commonly grass pollen but also other pollens such as Parietaria and moulds in TA, at ground level to release respirable allergenic particles after rupture by osmotic shock related to humidity and rainfall. Inhalation of high concentrations of these aeroallergens by sensitized individuals can induce early asthmatic responses which can be followed by a late inflammatory phase. There is evidence that, during pollen season, thunderstorms can induce allergic asthma outbreaks, sometimes also severe asthma crisis and sometimes deaths in patients suffering from pollen allergy. It has been observed that changes in the weather such as rain or humidity may induce hydratation of pollen grains during pollen seasons and sometimes also their fragmentation which generates atmospheric biological aerosols carrying allergens. Asthma attacks are induced for the high concentration at ground level of pollen grains which may release allergenic particles of respirable size after rupture by osmotic shock. In other words, it is a global health problem observed in several cities and areas of the world that can strike without sufficient warning, inducing sometimes severe clinical consequences also with deaths of asthma patients. Due to constant climate change, future TA events are likely to become more common, more disastrous and more unpredictable, as a consequence it is important to have deep knowledge on this topic to prevent asthma attacks. Other environmental factors, such as rapid changes in temperature and agricultural practices, also contribute to causing TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro D'Amato
- Division of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Department of Chest Diseases, High Speciality Hospital 'A. Cardarelli', Naples, Italy.,Medical School of Specialization in Respiratory Diseases, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department, IPLESP, Paris, France.,Research Director Co- Directrice/Deputy Director IDESP, INSERM, University of Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Dirceu Solé
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ignacio Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quiron Salud Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi', Federico II University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy
| | - Emma Tedeschini
- Department of Agricultural Food and Environmental Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Biagioni
- The Allergy Outpatient Clinic-, Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria D'Amato
- First Division of Pneumology, High Speciality Hospital 'V. Monaldi', Federico II University of Naples Medical School, Naples, Italy
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