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Obeagu EI, Obeagu GU. Thromboinflammation in COVID-19: Unraveling the interplay of coagulation and inflammation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38922. [PMID: 38996158 PMCID: PMC11245273 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only challenged global health systems but also spurred intense scientific inquiry into its pathophysiology. Among the multifaceted aspects of the disease, coagulation abnormalities have emerged as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. From endothelial dysfunction to dysregulated immune responses, various factors contribute to the hypercoagulable state seen in severe COVID-19 cases. The dysregulation of coagulation in COVID-19 extends beyond traditional thromboembolic events, encompassing a spectrum of abnormalities ranging from microvascular thrombosis to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Endothelial injury induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers a cascade of events involving platelet activation, coagulation factor consumption, and fibrinolysis impairment. Moreover, the virus direct effects on immune cells and the cytokine storm further exacerbate the prothrombotic milieu. Unraveling this intricate web of interactions between viral pathogenesis and host responses is essential for elucidating novel therapeutic targets and refining existing management strategies for COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. In the quest to unravel the complex interplay between coagulation and COVID-19, numerous clinical and laboratory studies have yielded invaluable insights into potential biomarkers, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic avenues. Anticoagulation therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in the management of severe COVID-19, although optimal dosing regimens and patient selection criteria remain subjects of ongoing investigation. Additionally, innovative approaches such as targeting specific components of the coagulation cascade or modulating endothelial function hold promise for future therapeutic development.
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Li YG, Li JC, Yu XY, Hu J, Li Z, Cao JC. Quantitative assessment of aerosol contamination generated during tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece. J Dent 2023; 139:104631. [PMID: 37495202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tooth grinding produces a significant amount of aerosol particles. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess particle contamination produced from tooth grinding with a speed-increasing handpiece across a real-world clinical setting. METHODS All molar crowns were pretreated into cylinders with a uniform size. A novel computer-assisted numerical control system was used to parametrically study the bur speed: from 20,000 (20 K) to 200 K rpm at 20 K rpm intervals. 5-minute tooth grinding was performed in triplicate at each speed setting. Three online real-time particle counters (ORPC; TR-8301, TongrenCo.) were placed at 3 positions (0.5, 1, and 1.5 m) to evaluate particle production. All experimental instruments were controlled remotely. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests (Scheirer-Ray-Hare and Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn-Bonferroni tests, p < 0.05). RESULTS The concentration level of aerosol particles production during the grinding experiment was elevated above the control group for all conditions, and increased with bur speed at any location (the maximum peak, reaching 5.59 × 107 particles/m3, at 200 K and 1 m), with differences between conditions. The effect of speed on the increment of particles across different channels compared to the control group was statistically significant among locations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Statistically significant particle contamination was produced using a speed-increasing handpiece, but the contamination level for each experimental condition was reduced to baseline within 30 min, and most particles with a diameter greater than 1üm produced at low speeds (80 K or lower) tended to settle within 1 m. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our study suggested that the use of a speed-increasing handpiece below 80 K and 30 min of fallow time may lead to an adequate reduction in the health effects of particle contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Gang Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China; Guizhou Equipment Manufacturing Polytechnic, Guiyang, China
| | - Jia-Chun Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Yu
- Guiyang Hospital of Stomatology, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ji-Chao Cao
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, China
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Urso P, Cattaneo A, Pulvirenti S, Vercelli F, Cavallo DM, Carrer P. Early-phase pandemic in Italy: Covid-19 spread determinant factors. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15358. [PMID: 37041936 PMCID: PMC10079324 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the environmental factors beyond virus transmission are only partially known. This statistical study has the aim to identify the key factors that have affected the virus spread during the early phase of pandemic in Italy, among a wide set of potential determinants concerning demographics, environmental pollution and climate. Because of its heterogeneity in pollution levels and climate conditions, Italy provides an ideal scenario for an ecological study. Moreover, the selected period excludes important confounding factors, as different virus variants, restriction policies or vaccines. The short-term relationship between the infection maximum increase and demographic, pollution and meteo-climatic parameters was investigated, including both winter-spring and summer 2020 data, also focusing separately on the two seasonal periods and on North vs Centre-South. Among main results, the importance of population size confirmed social distancing as a key management option. The pollution hazardous role undoubtedly emerged, as NO2 affected infection increase in all the studied scenarios, PM2.5 manifested its impact in North of Italy, while O3 always showed a protective action. Whereas higher temperatures were beneficial, especially in the cold season with also wind and relative humidity, solar irradiance was always relevant, revealing several significant interactions with other co-factors. Presented findings address the importance of the environment in Sars-CoV-2 spread and indicated that special carefulness should be taken in crowded areas, especially if they are highly polluted and weakly exposed to sun. The results suggest that containment of future epidemics similar to Covid-19 could be supported by reducing environmental pollution, achieving safer social habits and promoting preventive health care for better immune system response, as an only comprehensive strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Urso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Clinica Luganese Moncucco SA, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Como, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pulvirenti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Franco Vercelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Carrer
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Hospital 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milano, Italy
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de la Fuente J, Armas O, Barroso-Arévalo S, Gortázar C, García-Seco T, Buendía-Andrés A, Villanueva F, Soriano JA, Mazuecos L, Vaz-Rodrigues R, García-Contreras R, García A, Monsalve-Serrano J, Domínguez L, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. Good and bad get together: Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in particulate matter pollution from different fuels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157241. [PMID: 35817121 PMCID: PMC9264720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and associated particulate matter (PM) affect environmental and human health worldwide. The intense vehicle usage and the high population density in urban areas are the main causes of this public health impact. Epidemiological studies have provided evidence on the effect of air pollution on airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 disease prevalence and symptomatology. However, the causal relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 is still under investigation. Based on these results, the question addressed in this study was how long SARS-CoV-2 survives on the surface of PM from different origin to evaluate the relationship between fuel and atmospheric pollution and virus transmission risk. The persistence and viability of SARS-CoV-2 virus was characterized in 5 engine exhaust PM and 4 samples of atmospheric PM10. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 remains on the surface of PM10 from air pollutants but interaction with engine exhaust PM inactivates the virus. Consequently, atmospheric PM10 levels may increase SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk thus supporting a causal relationship between these factors. Furthermore, the relationship of pollution PM and particularly engine exhaust PM with virus transmission risk and COVID-19 is also affected by the impact of these pollutants on host oxidative stress and immunity. Therefore, although fuel PM inactivates SARS-CoV-2, the conclusion of the study is that both atmospheric and engine exhaust PM negatively impact human health with implications for COVID-19 and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| | - Octavio Armas
- Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y Aeroespacial, Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, Campus de Excelencia Internacional en Energía y Medioambiente, Real Fábrica de Armas, Edif. Sabatini, Av. Carlos III, s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Sandra Barroso-Arévalo
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Teresa García-Seco
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aránzazu Buendía-Andrés
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Florentina Villanueva
- Instituto de Investigación en Combustión y Contaminación Atmosférica, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Camino de Moledores s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla La Mancha, Paseo de La Innovación 1, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - José A Soriano
- Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y Aeroespacial, Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, Campus de Excelencia Internacional en Energía y Medioambiente, Real Fábrica de Armas, Edif. Sabatini, Av. Carlos III, s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Reyes García-Contreras
- Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y Aeroespacial, Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, Campus de Excelencia Internacional en Energía y Medioambiente, Real Fábrica de Armas, Edif. Sabatini, Av. Carlos III, s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Antonio García
- CMT-Motores Térmicos, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Monsalve-Serrano
- CMT-Motores Térmicos, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Clerbaux LA, Albertini MC, Amigó N, Beronius A, Bezemer GFG, Coecke S, Daskalopoulos EP, del Giudice G, Greco D, Grenga L, Mantovani A, Muñoz A, Omeragic E, Parissis N, Petrillo M, Saarimäki LA, Soares H, Sullivan K, Landesmann B. Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4464. [PMID: 35956081 PMCID: PMC9369763 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure-Alix Clerbaux
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | | | - Núria Amigó
- Biosfer Teslab SL., 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 23204 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Gillina F. G. Bezemer
- Impact Station, 1223 JR Hilversum, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Evangelos P. Daskalopoulos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Giusy del Giudice
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Dario Greco
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Lucia Grenga
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Amalia Muñoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium;
| | - Elma Omeragic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Nikolaos Parissis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Mauro Petrillo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Laura A. Saarimäki
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Helena Soares
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Kristie Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Brigitte Landesmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
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Mechanistic Interrogation of Cell Transformation In Vitro: The Transformics Assay as an Exemplar of Oncotransformation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147603. [PMID: 35886950 PMCID: PMC9321586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transformics Assay is an in vitro test which combines the BALB/c 3T3 Cell Transformation Assay (CTA) with microarray transcriptomics. It has been shown to improve upon the mechanistic understanding of the CTA, helping to identify mechanisms of action leading to chemical-induced transformation thanks to RNA extractions in specific time points along the process of in vitro transformation. In this study, the lowest transforming concentration of the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) has been tested in order to find molecular signatures of initial events relevant for oncotransformation. Application of Enrichment Analysis (Metacore) to the analyses of the results facilitated key biological interpretations. After 72 h of exposure, as a consequence of the molecular initiating event of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation, there is a cascade of cellular events and microenvironment modification, and the immune and inflammatory responses are the main processes involved in cell response. Furthermore, pathways and processes related to cell cycle regulation, cytoskeletal adhesion and remodeling processes, cell differentiation and transformation were observed.
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Zhu P, Zhang W, Feng F, Qin L, Ji W, Li D, Liang R, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li M, Wu W, Jin Y, Duan G. Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in fine particulate matter-induced acute lung injury. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:153964. [PMID: 35182631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution poses significant health concerns worldwide and can cause respiratory diseases. However, how it causes health problems is still poorly understood. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 is a terminal carboxypeptidase implicated in the functions of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and plays a crucial role in the control of lung inflammation. To investigate whether ACE2 functions in PM2.5-induced lung inflammation, wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice and ACE2 knock-out (KO) mice were intratracheally instilled with PBS or PM2.5 suspension for 3 consecutive days, respectively. The concentrations of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by ELISA. The expression of ACE2 and ACE and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways in lung tissues were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. We found that PM2.5 exposure increased ACE2 expression. Loss of ACE2 significantly elevated the levels of total proteins, total cells, and the concentrations of MCP-1, IL-1β in BALF after PM2.5 challenge. Additionally, loss of ACE2 enhanced lung pathologies, airway resistance, and inflammatory signaling activation. Collectively, loss of ACE2 exacerbates PM2.5-induced acute lung injury in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Zhu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenfen Zhang
- Center of Advanced Analysis and Computational Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Sensing and Harmful Substances Detection Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Feifei Feng
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Luwei Qin
- Henan Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Wangquan Ji
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dong Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ruonan Liang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuexia Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Weidong Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Yuefei Jin
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Guangcai Duan
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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8
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Boniardi L, Nobile F, Stafoggia M, Michelozzi P, Ancona C. A multi-step machine learning approach to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on NO 2 attributable deaths in Milan and Rome, Italy. Environ Health 2022; 21:17. [PMID: 35034644 PMCID: PMC8761378 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00825-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is one of the main concerns for the health of European citizens, and cities are currently striving to accomplish EU air pollution regulation. The 2020 COVID-19 lockdown measures can be seen as an unintended but effective experiment to assess the impact of traffic restriction policies on air pollution. Our objective was to estimate the impact of the lockdown measures on NO2 concentrations and health in the two largest Italian cities. METHODS NO2 concentration datasets were built using data deriving from a 1-month citizen science monitoring campaign that took place in Milan and Rome just before the Italian lockdown period. Annual mean NO2 concentrations were estimated for a lockdown scenario (Scenario 1) and a scenario without lockdown (Scenario 2), by applying city-specific annual adjustment factors to the 1-month data. The latter were estimated deriving data from Air Quality Network stations and by applying a machine learning approach. NO2 spatial distribution was estimated at a neighbourhood scale by applying Land Use Random Forest models for the two scenarios. Finally, the impact of lockdown on health was estimated by subtracting attributable deaths for Scenario 1 and those for Scenario 2, both estimated by applying literature-based dose-response function on the counterfactual concentrations of 10 μg/m3. RESULTS The Land Use Random Forest models were able to capture 41-42% of the total NO2 variability. Passing from Scenario 2 (annual NO2 without lockdown) to Scenario 1 (annual NO2 with lockdown), the population-weighted exposure to NO2 for Milan and Rome decreased by 15.1% and 15.3% on an annual basis. Considering the 10 μg/m3 counterfactual, prevented deaths were respectively 213 and 604. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the lockdown had a beneficial impact on air quality and human health. However, compliance with the current EU legal limit is not enough to avoid a high number of NO2 attributable deaths. This contribution reaffirms the potentiality of the citizen science approach and calls for more ambitious traffic calming policies and a re-evaluation of the legal annual limit value for NO2 for the protection of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Boniardi
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Nobile
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service/ASL, Roma 1, Via C. Colombo 112, 00147, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Stafoggia
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service/ASL, Roma 1, Via C. Colombo 112, 00147, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service/ASL, Roma 1, Via C. Colombo 112, 00147, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Ancona
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service/ASL, Roma 1, Via C. Colombo 112, 00147, Rome, Italy
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Zupin L, Licen S, Milani M, Clemente L, Martello L, Semeraro S, Fontana F, Ruscio M, Miani A, Crovella S, Barbieri P. Evaluation of Residual Infectivity after SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission in a Controlled Laboratory Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11172. [PMID: 34769691 PMCID: PMC8582643 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, or direct contact with fomites from an infected subject. It has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 is stable and viable in aerosol up to 16 h in controlled laboratory conditions. However, the aerosolization conditions varied a lot between the studies. In this work, an experimental laboratory model of SARS-CoV-2 aerosolization was established, employing an impinger nebulizer, a cylindrical chamber for aerosol travel, and a SKC biosampler for the collection of particles. The efficiency of the system was assessed based on the molecular determination of the viral load in the nebulizer after the aerosolization and in the aerosol collected at the end of the travel. Moreover, the residual infectivity was tested in vitro on the Vero E6 cell line, through the observation of the cytopathic effect (CPE), and the quantification of the viral load in the supernatants at 7 days post inoculation (dpi). A high RNA viral load was found in the SKC biosampler after aerosolization, indicating that it was possible to transport a high virus titer through the 30-cm chamber with all the dilutions (initial 105, 104, 103 plaque forming unit-PFU/mL). At the 7 dpi, an increment of the RNA viral load was determined for the dilutions 105 and 104 PFU/mL tested, while only the initial 105 PFU/mL resulted in visible CPE. Our findings allowed us to achieve the resilience of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol form, at a concentration comparable to those reported for clinical samples. This mode of transmission should be considered for the mitigation and preventive measures to counteract SARS-CoV-2 spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Zupin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell’Istria 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabina Licen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (L.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Margherita Milani
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Libera Clemente
- Ospedale San Polo, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Via Luigi Galvani 1, 34074 Monfalcone, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Lorenzo Martello
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (L.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Sabrina Semeraro
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fontana
- Ospedale San Polo, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Via Luigi Galvani 1, 34074 Monfalcone, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34129 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy;
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Pierluigi Barbieri
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (L.M.); (P.B.)
- INSTM National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
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10
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Shao L, Ge S, Jones T, Santosh M, Silva LFO, Cao Y, Oliveira MLS, Zhang M, BéruBé K. The role of airborne particles and environmental considerations in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2021; 12:101189. [PMID: 38620834 PMCID: PMC8020609 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus, results in an acute respiratory condition coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is highly infectious. The recent spread of this virus has caused a global pandemic. Currently, the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 are being established, especially the role of environmental transmission. Here we review the environmental transmission routes and persistence of SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies have established that the transmission of this virus may occur, amongst others, in the air, water, soil, cold-chain, biota, and surface contact. It has also been found that the survival potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is dependent on different environmental conditions and pollution. Potentially important pathways include aerosol and fecal matter. Particulate matter may also be a carrier for SARS-CoV-2. Since microscopic particles can be easily absorbed by humans, more attention must be focused on the dissemination of these particles. These considerations are required to evolve a theoretical platform for epidemic control and to minimize the global threat from future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shuoyi Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tim Jones
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, UK
| | - M Santosh
- School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
- Department of Earth Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Arquitectura, Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600 - Santiago de, Surco 1503, Peru
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK
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11
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Isaia G, Diémoz H, Maluta F, Fountoulakis I, Ceccon D, di Sarra A, Facta S, Fedele F, Lorenzetto G, Siani AM, Isaia G. Does solar ultraviolet radiation play a role in COVID-19 infection and deaths? An environmental ecological study in Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143757. [PMID: 33272604 PMCID: PMC7678486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A significantly stronger impact in mortality and morbidity by COVID-19 has been observed in the northern Italian regions compared to the southern ones. The reasons of this geographical pattern might involve several concurrent factors. The main objective of this work is to investigate whether any correlations exist between the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the different Italian regions and the amount of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the Earth's surface. To this purpose, in this environmental ecological study a mixed-effect exponential regression was built to explain the incidence of COVID-19 based on the environmental conditions, and demographic and pathophysiologic factors. Observations and estimates of the cumulative solar UV exposure have been included to quantify the amount of radiation available e.g., for pre-vitamin D3 synthesis or SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by sunlight. The analysis shows a significant correlation (p-value <5 × 10-2) between the response variables (death percentage, incidence of infections and positive tests) and biologically effective solar UV radiation, residents in nursing homes per inhabitant (NHR), air temperature, death percentage due to the most frequent comorbidities. Among all factors, the amount of solar UV radiation is the variable contributing the most to the observed correlation, explaining up to 83.2% of the variance of the COVID-19 affected cases per population. While the statistical outcomes of the study do not directly entail a specific cause-effect relationship, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that solar UV radiation impacted on the development of the infection and on its complications, e.g. through the effect of vitamin D on the immune system or virus inactivation by sunlight. The analytical framework used in this study, based on commonly available data, can be easily replicated in other countries and geographical domains to identify possible correlations between exposure to solar UV radiation and the spread of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Isaia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy; Academy of Medicine of Turin, Italy.
| | - Henri Diémoz
- Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA), Valle d'Aosta, Italy
| | - Francesco Maluta
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Ceccon
- Provincial Environmental Protection Agency (APPA), Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alcide di Sarra
- Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Italy
| | - Stefania Facta
- Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA), Piemonte, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianluca Isaia
- Geriatrics and Metabolic Bone Diseases, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza of Turin, Italy
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