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Yusuf OM, Rextin AT, Ahmed B, Aman R, Anjum T, Mustafa S, Nasim M, Yusuf SO, Lin C, Zahra S, Pinnock H, Schwarze J. Association of asthma exacerbations with paper mulberry (Broussenetia papyrifera) pollen in Islamabad: An observational study. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04091. [PMID: 37651635 PMCID: PMC10471151 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the role of airborne plant pollen in causing allergic rhinitis has been established, the association of concentrations of paper mulberry (Broussenetia papyrifera) pollens in the air and incidence of asthma exacerbations has not, despite an observed increase in the number of asthma patients attending physician clinics and hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments during the paper mulberry pollen season. We aimed to assess the association between paper mulberry pollen concentrations (typically peaking in March each year) and asthma exacerbations in the city of Islamabad. Methods We used three approaches to investigate the correlation of paper mulberry pollen concentration with asthma exacerbations: A retrospective analysis of historical records (2000-2019) of asthma exacerbations of patients from the Allergy and Asthma Institute, Pakistan (n = 284), an analysis of daily nebulisations in patients attending the A&E Department of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (March 2020 to July 2021), a prospective peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) diary from participants (n = 40) with or without asthma and with or without paper mulberry sensitisation. We examined associations between pollen data and asthma exacerbations using Pearson correlation. Results We found a strong positive correlation between mean paper mulberry pollen counts and clinical records of asthma exacerbations in patients sensitised to paper mulberry (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) = 0.86; P < 0.001), but not in non-sensitised patients (r = 0.32; P = 0.3). There was a moderate positive correlation between monthly nebulisation counts and pollen counts (r = 0.56; P = 0.03), and a strong negative correlation between percent predicted PEFR and pollen counts in sensitised asthma patients (r = -0.72, P < 0.001). However, these correlations were of low magnitude in the non-sensitised asthma (r = -0.16; P < 0.001) and sensitised non-asthma (r = -0.28; P < 0.001) groups. Conclusions Our three approaches to analysis all showed an association between high paper mulberry pollen concentration in Islamabad and asthma exacerbations. Predicting pollen peaks could enable alerts and mobilise strategies to proactively manage these peaks of asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimal T Rextin
- The Allergy & Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
- National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Rubina Aman
- The Allergy & Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Mehwish Nasim
- The Allergy & Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Chun Lin
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Summan Zahra
- The Allergy & Asthma Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hillary Pinnock
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jürgen Schwarze
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE), Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Child Life and Health, Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Moitra S, Mahesh PA, Moitra S. Allergic rhinitis in India. Clin Exp Allergy 2023. [PMID: 36856159 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14295] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
India is the home of nearly 20% of the global population with 1.35 billion people. Of all non-communicable diseases, allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma appear to have increased in India over the past decades. Approximately 22% of adolescents currently suffer from AR in India. However, owing to the lack of adequate epidemiological studies in India, particularly in rural and suburban areas, this number may misrepresent the true burden of this disease. While the risk factors for AR are mainly environmental exposures or genetic factors, several new environmental, social, and behavioural risk factors such as the presence of dumpsters near residences, movement of vehicles near homes, and exposure to artificial light at night have been found to be associated with AR. However, despite international guidelines, the diagnosis and management of AR in India are often suboptimal, for multiple reasons such as the lack of specialized training in allergy and immunology among Indian clinicians, the lack of diagnostic facilities, and the high cost of medications. This review aims at highlighting the current scenario of AR in India and how it differs from the rest of the world. It also highlights the need for developing a strategic approach to enhance the quality of care for allergic diseases by upgrading education and training for healthcare professionals, creating awareness among clinicians and patients, and involving stakeholders and policymakers in making treatments accessible and affordable to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhabrata Moitra
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Saibal Moitra
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, India
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Kumar R, Gaur S, Agarwal M, Menon B, Goel N, Mrigpuri P, Spalgais S, Priya A, Kumar K, Meena R, Sankararaman N, Verma A, Gupta V, Sonal, Prakash A, Safwan MA, Behera D, Singh A, Arora N, Prasad R, Padukudru M, Kant S, Janmeja A, Mohan A, Jain V, Nagendra Prasad K, Nagaraju K, Goyal M. Indian Guidelines for diagnosis of respiratory allergy. INDIAN JOURNAL OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/0972-6691.367373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Idrose NS, Lodge CJ, Erbas B, Douglass JA, Bui DS, Dharmage SC. A Review of the Respiratory Health Burden Attributable to Short-Term Exposure to Pollen. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127541. [PMID: 35742795 PMCID: PMC9224249 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions worldwide and pose a significant global public health burden. Over the years, changes in land use and climate have increased pollen quantity, allergenicity and duration of the pollen season, thus increasing its impact on respiratory disease. Many studies have investigated the associations between short-term ambient pollen (i.e., within days or weeks of exposure) and respiratory outcomes. Here, we reviewed the current evidence on the association between short-term outdoor pollen exposure and thunderstorm asthma (TA), asthma and COPD hospital presentations, general practice (GP) consultations, self-reported respiratory symptoms, lung function changes and their potential effect modifiers. The literature suggests strong evidence of an association between ambient pollen concentrations and almost all respiratory outcomes mentioned above, especially in people with pre-existing respiratory diseases. However, the evidence on sub-clinical lung function changes, COPD, and effect modifiers other than asthma, hay fever and pollen sensitisation are still scarce and requires further exploration. Better understanding of the implications of pollen on respiratory health can aid healthcare professionals to implement appropriate management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Sabrina Idrose
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Caroline J. Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Jo A. Douglass
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia;
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Dinh S. Bui
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Shyamali C. Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (N.S.I.); (C.J.L.); (D.S.B.)
- Centre for Food and Allergy Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-383-440-737
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Lam HCY, Jarvis D, Fuertes E. Interactive effects of allergens and air pollution on respiratory health: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143924. [PMID: 33310575 PMCID: PMC7812370 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated an adverse role of outdoor allergens on respiratory symptoms. It is unknown whether this effect is independent or synergistic of outdoor air pollutants. METHODS We systematically reviewed all epidemiological studies that examined interaction effects between counts of outdoor airborne allergens (pollen, fungal spores) and air pollutants, on any respiratory health outcome in children and adults. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases. Each study was summarized qualitatively and assessed for quality and risk of bias (International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42020162571). RESULTS Thirty-five studies were identified (15 timeseries, eight case-crossovers, 11 panels and one cohort study), of which 12 reported a significant statistical interaction between an allergen and air pollutant. Eight interactions were related to asthma outcomes, including one on lung function measures and wheeze, three to medical consultations for pollinosis and one to allergic symptoms (nasal, ocular or bronchial). There was no consensus as to which allergen or air pollutant is more likely to interact. No study investigated whether interactions are stronger in atopic individuals. CONCLUSION Despite strong evidence from small experimental studies in humans, only a third of studies identified significant allergen-pollutant interactions using common epidemiological study designs. Exposure misclassification, failure to examine subgroups at risk, inadequate statistical power or absence of population-level effects are possible explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly C Y Lam
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment & Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Deborah Jarvis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment & Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Elaine Fuertes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Hernández‐Ramírez G, Pazos‐Castro D, Gómez Torrijos E, Yuste Montalvo A, Romero‐Sahagun A, González‐Klein Z, Jimeno‐Nogales L, Escribese MM, Extremera Ortega A, Nuñez‐Borque E, Bustamante Orvay L, Esteban V, Feo Brito F, Barber D, Tome‐Amat J, Garrido‐Arandia M, Díaz‐Perales A. Group 1 allergens, transported by mold spores, induce asthma exacerbation in a mouse model. Allergy 2020; 75:2388-2391. [PMID: 32347969 DOI: 10.1111/all.14347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Pazos‐Castro
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | | | - Alma Yuste Montalvo
- Departmento de Inmunología Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS‐FJD, UAM) Madrid Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero‐Sahagun
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Zulema González‐Klein
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | | | - Maria M. Escribese
- IMMA Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas Facultad de Medicina Universidad San Pablo CEUCEU Universities Madrid Spain
| | | | - Emilio Nuñez‐Borque
- Departmento de Inmunología Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS‐FJD, UAM) Madrid Spain
| | | | - Vanesa Esteban
- Departmento de Inmunología Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS‐FJD, UAM) Madrid Spain
| | | | - Domingo Barber
- IMMA Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas Facultad de Medicina Universidad San Pablo CEUCEU Universities Madrid Spain
| | - Jaime Tome‐Amat
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - María Garrido‐Arandia
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Araceli Díaz‐Perales
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas (UPM‐INIA) Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
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7
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ASTHMA EXACERBATIONS IN REUNION ISLAND: ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. Respir Med Res 2020; 81:100779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmer.2020.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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8
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Fungal bio-aerosol in multiple micro-environments from eastern India: source, distribution, and health hazards. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2323-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Simunovic M, Dwarakanath D, Addison-Smith B, Susanto NH, Erbas B, Baker P, Davies JM. Grass pollen as a trigger of emergency department presentations and hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in the subtropics: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109125. [PMID: 32069762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is unknown if high concentration of airborne grass pollen, where subtropical grasses (Chloridoideae and Panicoideae) dominate, is a risk factor for respiratory health. Here we systematically reviewed the association between airborne grass pollen exposure and asthma emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions in subtropical climates. OBJECTIVES A systematic review was performed to identify and summarise studies that reported on respiratory health (asthma ED presentations and hospital admissions) and airborne grass pollen exposure in subtropical climates. METHODS Searches were conducted in: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase and Google Scholar databases (1966-2019). Risk of bias was assessed using a validated quality assessment tool. A meta-analysis was planned, however due to the heterogeneity in study design it was determined inappropriate and instead a narrative synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS Nineteen studies were identified for inclusion, with a total of 598,931 asthma ED presentation participants and 36,504 asthma hospital admission participants in six countries (Australia, India, Israel, Italy, Spain, USA). The narrative synthesis found airborne grass pollen appears to have a small and inconsistent increase on asthma ED presentations (judged as: probably little effect n = 5, may have little effect n = 4, no effect n = 2 and uncertain if there is an effect n = 4) and hospital admissions (judged as: probably increase slightly n = 2 probably little effect n = 1, may have a little effect n = 1, no effect n = 3 and we are uncertain if there is an effect n = 4) in the subtropics. Furthermore, the reported effect sizes were small and its clinical relevance may be difficult to discern. CONCLUSION Exposure to airborne grass pollen appears to have a small and inconsistent increase on asthma ED presentations and hospital admissions in the subtropics. These findings are comparable to reported observations from studies undertaken in temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Simunovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Divya Dwarakanath
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Beth Addison-Smith
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nugroho H Susanto
- School of Public Health and Epidemiology, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health and Epidemiology, LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip Baker
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Janet M Davies
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Office of Research, Metro North Hospital and Health Services,Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Basak T, Chakraborty A, Bhattacharya K. Identification of airborne pollen allergens from two avenue trees of India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:414-429. [PMID: 30450953 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1546836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An attempt has been made to detect airborne pollen of Lagerstroemia speciosa (LS) and Spathodea campanulata (SC) - two common avenue trees of India as potential sources of aeroallergens and also to identify the major IgE-reactive components present in them. The airborne pollen concentration was assessed using a Burkard sampler. A detailed questionnaire on clinical data of 1490 patients was recorded based on hospital data. We assessed the allergenicity of pollen by in vivo and in vitro tests. The correlation among meteorological factors, pollen seasons and allergenic potency of patients was assessed by multiple regression analysis. The sensitivity of patients to pollen antigens was highly correlated with pollen seasons. In SDS-PAGE, 15 protein bands were detected from LS pollen, while 14 bands from SC. The IgE-specific immunoblotting with patients' sera allergic to LS displayed five major allergens, while four major allergens were detected from SC. This would be the first report from India to prove the allergenic potentiality of airborne pollen of these two common avenue trees of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmoy Basak
- a Environmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany , Visva-Bharati University , Santiniketan , India
| | | | - Kashinath Bhattacharya
- a Environmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany , Visva-Bharati University , Santiniketan , India
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Ragguett RM, Cha DS, Subramaniapillai M, Carmona NE, Lee Y, Yuan D, Rong C, McIntyre RS. Air pollution, aeroallergens and suicidality: a review of the effects of air pollution and aeroallergens on suicidal behavior and an exploration of possible mechanisms. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2017; 32:343-359. [PMID: 28915125 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2017-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Risk factors for suicide can be broadly categorized as sociodemographic, clinical and treatment. There is interest in environmental risk and protection factors for suicide. Emerging evidence suggests a link between environmental factors in the form of air pollution and aeroallergens in relation to suicidality. METHODS Herein, we conducted a systematic review of 15 articles which have met inclusion criteria on the aforementioned effects. RESULTS The majority of the reviewed articles reported an increased suicide risk alongside increased air pollutants or aeroallergens (i.e. pollen) increase; however, not all environmental factors were explored equally. In specific, studies that were delimited to evaluating particulate matter (PM) reported a consistent association with suicidality. We also provide a brief description of putative mechanisms (e.g. inflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation) that may mediate the association between air pollution, aeroallergens and suicidality. CONCLUSION Available evidence suggests that exposure to harmful air quality may be associated with suicidality. There are significant public health implications which are amplified in regions and countries with greater levels of air pollution and aeroallergens. In addition, those with atopic sensitivity may represent a specific subgroup that is at risk.
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12
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Kunikullaya KU, Vijayaraghava A, Asha P, Kunnavil R, MuraliMohan BV. Meteorological parameters and pollutants on asthma exacerbation in Bangalore, India - an ecological retrospective time-series study. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 28:133-141. [PMID: 28076315 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature has shown a significant association between asthma exacerbations and pollutant levels during that time. There is very limited evidence in India, especially Bangalore, for impacts of meteorological changes and pollution on asthma hospital admissions in adults. The objective was to study the impact of air pollution and meteorological parameters on asthma exacerbation in Bangalore. METHODS This study quantitatively analyzed the relation between acute exacerbations of asthma and related admissions to the hospital with the air pollution and the meteorological conditions during that time. Data regarding the daily hospital admissions in about 13 tertiary care centers in Bangalore, Karnataka and air pollutant levels and the meteorological conditions prevailing during each day over a year were collected from the Karnataka State pollution control board and meteorology departments, respectively. RESULTS An average daily asthma admission of 4.84±2.91, with clear seasonal variation and autocorrelations between meteorological parameters and pollutants was observed. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that average temperature (p=0.005) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (p=0.034) were the two factors that were affecting the number of admissions. Quasi-poisson regression analysis using multi-pollutants and meteorological variables showed that particulate matter and NO2 had significant lag effect for up to 5 days (p<0.05) and rainfall for 1 day (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In Bangalore city, levels of NO2 and particulate matter, temperature, rainfall, and season increase asthma exacerbations.
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Camacho I, Grinn-Gofroń A, Camacho R, Berenguer P, Sadyś M. Madeira-a tourist destination for asthma sufferers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:1739-1751. [PMID: 27240963 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Madeira Island is a famous tourist destination due to its natural and climatic values. Taking into account optimal weather conditions, flora richness and access to various substrates facilitating fungal growth, we hypothesised a very high risk of elevated fungal spore and pollen grain concentrations in the air of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Concentration levels of the most allergenic taxa were measured from 2003 to 2009, using a 7-day volumetric air sampler, followed by microscopy analysis. Dependence of bioaerosols on the weather conditions and land use were assessed using spatial and statistical tools. Obtained results were re-visited by a comparison with hospital admission data recorded at the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal. Our results showed that despite propitious climatic conditions, overall pollen grain and fungal spore concentrations in the air were very low and did not exceed any clinically established threshold values. Pollen and spore peak concentrations also did not match with asthma outbreaks in the winter. Identification of places that are "free" from biological air pollution over the summer, such as Madeira Island, is very important from the allergic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Camacho
- Life Science Competence Centre, Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń
- Department of Plant Taxonomy and Phytogeography, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13 Street, 71-415, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Roberto Camacho
- Life Science Competence Centre, Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Pedro Berenguer
- Centro de Química da Madeira (CQM), Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal
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Chen K, Glonek G, Hansen A, Williams S, Tuke J, Salter A, Bi P. The effects of air pollution on asthma hospital admissions in Adelaide, South Australia, 2003-2013: time-series and case-crossover analyses. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1416-1430. [PMID: 27513706 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution can have adverse health effects on asthma sufferers, but the effects vary with geographic, environmental and population characteristics. There has been no long time-series study in Australia to quantify the effects of environmental factors including pollen on asthma hospitalizations. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the seasonal impact of air pollutants and aeroallergens on the risk of asthma hospital admissions for adults and children in Adelaide, South Australia. METHODS Data on hospital admissions, meteorological conditions, air quality and pollen counts for the period 2003-2013 were sourced. Time-series analysis and case-crossover analysis were used to assess the short-term effects of air pollution on asthma hospitalizations. For the time-series analysis, generalized log-linear quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regressions were used to assess the relationships, controlling for seasonality and long-term trends using flexible spline functions. For the case-crossover analysis, conditional logistic regression was used to compute the effect estimates with time-stratified referent selection strategies. RESULTS A total of 36,024 asthma admissions were considered. Findings indicated that the largest effects on asthma admissions related to PM2.5 , NO2 , PM10 and pollen were found in the cool season for children (0-17 years), with the 5-day cumulative effects of 30.2% (95% CI: 13.4-49.6%), 12.5% (95% CI: 6.6-18.7%), 8.3% (95% CI: 2.5-14.4%) and 4.2% (95% CI: 2.2-6.1%) increases in risk of asthma hospital admissions per 10 unit increments, respectively. The largest effect for ozone was found in the warm season for children with the 5-day cumulative effect of an 11.7% (95% CI: 5.8-17.9%) increase in risk of asthma hospital admissions per 10 ppb increment in ozone level. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that children are more vulnerable and the associations between exposure to air pollutants and asthma hospitalizations tended to be stronger in the cool season compared to the warm season, with the exception of ozone. This study has important public health implications and provides valuable evidence for the development of policies for asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - G Glonek
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - S Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J Tuke
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - A Salter
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - P Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Cloning and Expression of Ama r 1, as a Novel Allergen of Amaranthus retroflexus Pollen. J Allergy (Cairo) 2016; 2016:4092817. [PMID: 26925110 PMCID: PMC4746336 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4092817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitisation to Amaranthus retroflexus pollen is very common in tropical and subtropical countries. In this study we aimed to produce a recombinant allergenic Ole e 1-like protein from the pollen of this weed. To predict cross-reactivity of this allergen (Ama r 1) with other members of the Ole e 1-like protein family, the nucleotide sequence homology of the Ama r 1 was investigated. The expression of Ama r 1 in Escherichia coli was performed by using a pET-21b(+) vector. The IgE-binding potential of recombinant Ama r 1 (rAma r 1) was evaluated by immunodetection and inhibition assays using 26 patients' sera sensitised to A. retroflexus pollen. The coding sequence of the Ama r 1 cDNA indicated an open reading frame of 507 bp encoding for 168 amino acid residues which belonged to the Ole e 1-like protein family. Of the 26 serum samples, 10 (38.46%) had significant specific IgE levels for rAma r 1. Immunodetection and inhibition assays revealed that the purified rAma r 1 might be the same as that in the crude extract. Ama r 1, the second allergen from the A. retroflexus pollen, was identified as a member of the family of Ole e 1-like protein.
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