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1.
Approaches to investigate crop responses to ozone pollution: from O3 -FACE to satellite-enabled modeling.
Montes, CM, Demler, HJ, Li, S, Martin, DG, Ainsworth, EA
The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology. 2022;(2):432-446
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Abstract
Ozone (O3 ) is a damaging air pollutant to crops. As one of the most reactive oxidants known, O3 rapidly forms other reactive oxygen species (ROS) once it enters leaves through stomata. Those ROS in turn can cause oxidative stress, reduce photosynthesis, accelerate senescence, and decrease crop yield. To improve and adapt our feed, fuel, and food supply to rising O3 pollution, a number of Free Air Concentration Enrichment (O3 -FACE) facilities have been developed around the world and have studied key staple crops. In this review, we provide an overview of the FACE facilities and highlight some of the lessons learned from the last two decades of research. We discuss the differences between C3 and C4 crop responses to elevated O3 , the possible trade-off between productivity and protection, genetic variation in O3 response within and across species, and how we might leverage this observed variation for crop improvement. We also highlight the need to improve understanding of the interaction between rising O3 pollution and other aspects of climate change, notably drought. Finally, we propose the use of globally modeled O3 data that are available at increasing spatial and temporal resolutions to expand upon the research conducted at the limited number of global O3 -FACE facilities.
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Air pollution and pre-eclampsia; associations and potential mechanisms.
Bearblock, E, Aiken, CE, Burton, GJ
Placenta. 2021;:188-194
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Air pollution has significant negative health impacts, particularly on the cardiovascular system. The aims of this narrative review were to identify whether there is an association between air pollution and the incidence of pre-eclampsia, and the potential mechanisms by which any effects may be mediated. METHODS We undertook a literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and NICE Evidence. The primary eligibility criterion was articles correlating exposure to air pollution with incidence of pre-eclampsia. RESULTS Meta-analyses currently show a positive association between pre-eclampsia and exposure to both particulate matter PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, but no significant associations with ambient ozone or carbon monoxide exposure. No meta-analysis has been performed for exposure to sulfur dioxide. Variability in terms of quantification of exposure, the exposure period and co-founders among the studies makes comparisons complex. Adverse effects on trophoblast invasion and placental vascularisation, and increases in oxidative stress and anti-angiogenic factors, such as sFlt-1, in response to air pollution provide pathways by which exposure may contribute to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. So far, studies have not discriminated between the early- and late-onset forms of the syndrome. DISCUSSION Future prospective studies using personal air pollution monitors and blood biomarkers of pre-eclampsia would strengthen the associations. Interactions between pollutants are poorly documented, and at present there is minimal informed advice available to women on the need to avoid exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy.
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Air Pollution and Asthma: Mechanisms of Harm and Considerations for Clinical Interventions.
Pfeffer, PE, Mudway, IS, Grigg, J
Chest. 2021;(4):1346-1355
Abstract
There is global concern regarding the harmful impact of polluted air on the respiratory health of patients with asthma. Multiple epidemiologic studies have shown ongoing associations between high levels of air pollution and poor early life lung growth, development of allergic sensitization, development of asthma, airway inflammation, acutely impaired lung function, respiratory tract infections, and asthma exacerbations. However, studies have often yielded inconsistent findings, and not all studies have found significant associations; this may be related to both variations in statistical, measurement, and modeling methodologies between studies as well as differences in the concentrations and composition of air pollution globally. Overall, this variation in findings suggests we still do not fully understand the effects of ambient pollution on the lungs and on the evolution and exacerbation of airway diseases. There is clearly a need to augment epidemiologic studies with experimental studies to clarify the underlying mechanistic basis for the adverse responses reported and to identify the key gaseous and particle-related components within the complex air pollution mixture driving these outcomes. Some progress toward these aims has been made. This article reviews studies providing an improved understanding of causal pathways linking air pollution to asthma development and exacerbation. The article also considers potential strategies to reduce asthma morbidity and mortality through regulation and behavioral/pharmacologic interventions, including a consideration of pollutant avoidance strategies and antioxidant and/or vitamin D supplementation.
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Food chemoprevention and air pollution: the health comes with eating.
Visalli, G, Facciolà, A, Laganà, P, Di Pietro, A
Reviews on environmental health. 2020;(4):471-479
Abstract
Ambient air pollution is known to be an important causative agent of many non-communicable diseases, mainly due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). According to Global Burden Disease study in 2015, the estimated premature deaths caused by PM2.5 were 4.2 million. Besides deaths, airborne pollution's effect on human health also has dramatic economic and social costs, contributing greatly to disability-adjusted life-year (DALY). To reduce the health impact is necessary a double approach, which includes the improvement of air quality and food chemoprevention, aimed at enhancing the homeostatic abilities of exposed subjects. The scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of nutraceuticals effectively counteract the pathogenic mechanisms common in almost all non-communicable diseases associated with air pollutants. Moreover, several bioactive compounds of food modulate, by epigenetic mechanisms, the metabolism of xenobiotics, favouring conjugation reactions and promoting excretion. This narrative review summarize the numerous pieces of evidence collected in the last decades by observational and experimental studies which underline the chemopreventive role of flavonoids, contained in several fruits and consumer beverages (wine, tea, etc.), and isothiocyanate sulforaphane, contained in the cruciferous vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica. These bioactive compounds, enhancing the individual homeostatic abilities, reduce the harmful effects of airborne pollution.
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Air Pollution Neurotoxicity in the Adult Brain: Emerging Concepts from Experimental Findings.
Haghani, A, Morgan, TE, Forman, HJ, Finch, CE
Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. 2020;(3):773-797
Abstract
Epidemiological studies are associating elevated exposure to air pollution with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. In effect, air pollution accelerates many aging conditions that promote cognitive declines of aging. The underlying mechanisms and scale of effects remain largely unknown due to its chemical and physical complexity. Moreover, individual responses to air pollution are shaped by an intricate interface of pollutant mixture with the biological features of the exposed individual such as age, sex, genetic background, underlying diseases, and nutrition, but also other environmental factors including exposure to cigarette smoke. Resolving this complex manifold requires more detailed environmental and lifestyle data on diverse populations, and a systematic experimental approach. Our review aims to summarize the modest existing literature on experimental studies on air pollution neurotoxicity for adult rodents and identify key gaps and emerging challenges as we go forward. It is timely for experimental biologists to critically understand prior findings and develop innovative approaches to this urgent global problem. We hope to increase recognition of the importance of air pollution on brain aging by our colleagues in the neurosciences and in biomedical gerontology, and to support the immediate translation of the findings into public health guidelines for the regulation of remedial environmental factors that accelerate aging processes.
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A review and perspective of recent research in biological treatment applied in removal of chlorinated volatile organic compounds from waste air.
Li, T, Li, H, Li, C
Chemosphere. 2020;:126338
Abstract
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (Cl-VOCs) waste air is a kind of typical recalcitrant organic compounds, which poses a great threat to the ecological environment and human health. At present, the biotechnology is considered as a potential strategy for the Cl-VOCs removal due to the advantages of low energy consumption and less possibility of secondary pollution. This work summarizes the recent researches on strains, bioreactors and technology integration. The dominant pure strains for biodegradation of Cl-VOCs are first outlined with a special focus on the co-metabolism of multi-components. It then summarizes two bioreactors (optimized airlift reactor (ALR) and two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB)) and strategy (addition of surfactant) for improvement of biotrickling filter (BTF), which are benefit to achieve the mass transfer enhancement in the removal of hydrophobic Cl-VOCs from waste air. After that, the integration technologies, such as magnetic field (MF)-BTF, non-thermal plasma (NTP)/ultraviolet light (UV)-BTF, and microbial electrolytic cells (MEC), are elucidated, which provide opportunities for complete mineralization of Cl-VOCs in a more efficient, energy-saving and economical way. Finally, current challenges and a perspective of future research on biotechnology for Cl-VOCs removal are thoroughly discussed.
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'Smoging kills' - Effects of air pollution on human respiratory system.
Grzywa-Celińska, A, Krusiński, A, Milanowski, J
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 2020;(1):1-5
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution suspended in humid air is popularly known as 'smog'. It is composed of dust particles of different sizes, as well as non-metal oxides, organic compounds, and heavy metals. Exposure to harmful substances suspended in the air - apart from, for example - smoking cigarettes, one of the modifiable factors leading to the development of respiratory diseases. There are six types of substances present in the air that have a negative impact on public health and result in significant consequences: ozone, particulate matter (PM) of different diameters - PM2.5µ, PM2.5‒10 µ, PM10 µ, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead. Particular attention is given to small dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) because they can penetrate into the lower respiratory tract. Apart from describing the composition of smog and sources of air pollution, the article also discusses the impact of atmospheric pollutants on both development and aggravation of the symptoms of such respiratory tract diseases as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections and lung cancer. Some of legal measures applied in different countries aimed at reducing exposure to noxious air pollutants are reviewed. The authors believe that the increased focus on risks arising from inhaling toxic air pollution may be a first step for developing systemic solutions aimed at resolving or, at least, decreasing those risks.
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Effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections.
Domingo, JL, Rovira, J
Environmental research. 2020;:109650
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Abstract
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the outdoor air pollutants that are major factors in diseases, causing especially adverse respiratory effects in humans. On the other hand, the role of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of severe respiratory infections is an issue of great importance. The present literature review was aimed at assessing the potential effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections. We have reviewed the scientific literature regarding the association of outdoor air pollution and respiratory viruses on respiratory diseases. Evidence supports a clear association between air concentrations of some pollutants and human respiratory viruses interacting to adversely affect the respiratory system. Given the undoubted importance and topicality of the subject, we have paid special attention to the association between air pollutants and the transmission and severity of the effects caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19. Although to date, and by obvious reasons, the number of studies on this issue are still scarce, most results indicate that chronic exposure to air pollutants delays/complicates recovery of patients of COVID-19 and leads to more severe and lethal forms of this disease. This deserves immediate and in-depth experimental investigations.
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The impact of air pollution to obesity.
Simkova, S, Veleminsky, M, Sram, RJ
Neuro endocrinology letters. 2020;(3):146-153
Abstract
BACKGROUD Air pollution in ambient air could affect the increase of obesity in children. METHOD Review analyze papers about the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fine particles (particulate matter < 2.5 μm, PM2.5), and traffic air pollution (NO2, NOx, PM2.5). RESULTS Prenatal exposure to concentrations 1.73-3.07 ng/m3 PAHs significantly increased obesity at age 5 and 7 years, up to 11 years. All studies indicate the significance of prenatal exposure with concentration > 0.3 ng/m3 of B[a]P (benzo[a]pyrene). Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 above concentrations 10.6-11.9 μg/m3 increased obesity in children up to the age of 9 years. Traffic air pollution was evaluated according to exposure to NO2 and PM2.5. Concentrations NO2 higher 30 μg/m3 affect adiponectin levels in cord blood, cholesterol metabolism, and therefore increase later the risk of overweight or obesity. PM2.5 9.2-11.6 μg/m3 during pregnancy affect adiponectin. These concentrations from the traffic air pollution can affect the metabolism in newborns later related to obesity. CONCLUSION All these studies indicate that contemporary concentrations of PAHs, PM2.5 and NO2 in ambient air, especially during prenatal period, affect overweight and obesity in children.
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The Effects of Air Pollution on the Development of Atopic Disease.
Hassoun, Y, James, C, Bernstein, DI
Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology. 2019;(3):403-414
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Abstract
Air pollution is defined as the presence of noxious substances in the air at levels that impose a health hazard. Thus, there has been long-standing interest in the possible role of indoor and outdoor air pollutants on the development of respiratory disease. In this regard, asthma has been of particular interest but many studies have also been conducted to explore the relationship between air pollution, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Traffic-related air pollutants or TRAP refers to a broad group of pollutants including elemental carbon, black soot, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2). In this review, we aim to examine the current literature regarding the impact of early childhood exposure to TRAP on the development of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Although there is growing evidence suggesting significant associations, definitive conclusions cannot be made with regard to the effect of TRAP on these diseases. This conundrum may be due to a variety of factors, including different definitions used to define TRAP, case definitions under consideration, a limited number of studies, variation in study designs, and disparities between studies in consideration of confounding factors. Regardless, this review highlights the need for future studies to be conducted, particularly with birth cohorts that explore this relationship further. Such studies may assist in understanding more clearly the pathogenesis of these diseases, as well as other methods by which these diseases could be treated.