Lung-delivered IL-10 therapy elicits beneficial effects via immune modulation in organic dust exposure-induced lung inflammation.

Efficacious therapeutic options capable of resolving inflammatory lung disease associated with environmental and occupational exposures are lacking. This study sought to determine the preclinical therapeutic potential of lung-delivered recombinant interleukin (IL)-10 therapy following acute organic dust exposure in mice. Here, C57BL/6J mice were intratracheally instilled with swine confinement organic dust extract (ODE) (12.5%, 25%, 50% concentrations) with IL-10 (1 µg) treatment or vehicle control intratracheally-administered three times: 5 hr post-exposure and then daily for 2 days. The results showed that IL-10 treatment reduced ODE (25%)-induced weight loss by 66% and 46% at Day 1 and Day 2 post-exposure, respectively. IL-10 treatment reduced ODE (25%, 50%)-induced lung levels of TNFα (-76%, -83% [reduction], respectively), neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 (-51%, -60%), and lavage fluid IL-6 (-84%, -89%). IL-10 treatment reduced ODE (25%, 50%)-induced lung neutrophils (-49%, -70%) and recruited CD11cintCD11b+ monocyte-macrophages (-49%, -70%). IL-10 therapy reduced ODE-associated expression of antigen presentation (MHC Class II, CD80, CD86) and inflammatory (Ly6C) markers and increased anti-inflammatory CD206 expression on CD11cintCD11b+ cells. ODE (12.5%, 25%)-induced lung pathology was also reduced with IL-10 therapy. In conclusion, the studies here showed that short-term, lung-delivered IL-10 treatment induced a beneficial response in reducing inflammatory consequences (that were also associated with striking reduction in recruited monocyte-macrophages) following acute complex organic dust exposure.

Methylated derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in road dust, green belt soil and parking lot dust: occurrence, spatial distribution and emission sources.

Convenient transportation facilities not only bring the higher standard of living to big cities, but also bring some environmental pollution problems. In order to understand the presence and sources of methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Me-PAHs) in environmental samples and their association with total organic carbon (TOC), 49 Me-PAHs were analyzed in road dust, green belt soil and parking lot dust samples in Harbin. The results showed that the ranges of the total Me-PAHs (ΣMe-PAHs) content in road dust were 221-5826 ng/g in autumn and 697-7302 ng/g in spring, and those in green belt soil were 170-2509 ng/g and 155-9215 ng/g in autumn and spring, respectively. And ΣMe-PAHs content in parking lot dust ranged from 269 to 2515 ng/g in surface parking lots and from 778 to 10,052 ng/g in underground parking lots. In these samples, the composition profile of Me-PAHs was dominated by 4-ring Me-PAHs. The results of diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that petrogenic and pyrogenic sources were the main sources of Me-PAHs in the samples. Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation for Me-PAHs in road dust and green belt soil on the same road. Furthermore, there was a significant positive relationship (0.12 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.67, P < 0.05) between Me-PAHs concentrations and the TOC content. This study demonstrated the presence of Me-PAHs with high concentrations in the road environment samples of Harbin.

Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals, DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase among middle-school students in China.

The main components of particulate matter (PM) had been reported to change DNA methylation levels. However, the mixed effect of PM and its constituents on DNA methylation and the underlying mechanism in children has not been well characterized. To investigate the association between single or mixture exposures and global DNA methylation or DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), 273 children were recruited (110 in low-exposed area and 163 in high-exposed area) in China. Serum benzo[a]pyridin-7,8-dihydroglycol-9, 10-epoxide (BPDE)-albumin adduct and urinary metals were determined as exposure markers. The global DNA methylation (% 5mC) and the mRNA expression of DNMT1, and DNMT3A were measured. The linear regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGC), and mediation analyses were performed to investigate the effects of individual and mixture exposure. We found that significantly lower levels of % 5mC (P < 0.001) and the mRNA expression of DNMT3A in high-PM exposed group (P = 0.031). After adjustment for age, gender, BMI z-score, detecting status of urinary cotinine, serum folate, and white blood cells, urinary arsenic (As) was negatively correlated with the % 5mC. One IQR increase in urinary As (19.97 µmol/mol creatinine) was associated with a 11.06 % decrease in % 5mC (P = 0.026). Serum BPDE-albumin adduct and urinary cadmium (Cd) were negatively correlated with the levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3A (P < 0.05). Mixture exposure was negatively associated with expression of DNMT3A in QGC analysis (ß: -0.19, P < 0.001). Mixture exposure was significantly associated with decreased % 5mC in the children with non-detected cotinine or normal serum folate (P < 0.05), which the most contributors were PAHs and As. The mediated effect of hypomethylation through DNMT1 or DNMT3A pathway was not observed. Our findings indicated that individual and mixture exposure PAHs and metal components had negative associations with global DNA methylation and decreased DNMT3A expression significantly in school-age individuals.

'Dust you shall eat': The complex nutritional and functional considerations underlying a simple diet.

Animals assimilate macronutrients and mineral nutrients in specific quantities and ratios to maximise fitness. To achieve this, animals must ingest different foods that contain the needed nutrients or facilitate the digestion of those nutrients. We explored how these multidimensional considerations affect the desert isopods (Hemilepistus reaumuri) curious food selection, using field and laboratory experiments. Wild isopods consumed three-fold more macronutrient-poor biological soil crust (BSC) than plant litter. Isopods tightly regulated macronutrient and calcium intake, but not phosphorus when eating the two natural foods and when artificial calcium and phosphorus sources substituted the BSC. Despite the equivalent calcium ingestion, isopods performed better when eating BSC compared to artificial foods. Isopods that consumed BSC sterilised by gamma-radiation ate more but grew slower than isopods that ate live BSC, implying that ingested microorganisms facilitate litter digestion. Our work highlights the need to reveal the multifaceted considerations that affect food-selection when exploring trophic-interactions.

A quantitative study on the terrestrial input to the tropical Northeast Atlantic.

Eolian dust and riverine discharge are identified as two key components of terrestrial input to the oceans. They supply micronutrients to the oceans and modify marine carbon biogeochemistry and global climate through dust-land-ocean interactions. However, it is challenging to accurately constrain regional terrestrial inputs in the past, with currently available models and geochemical proxies. The present study utilizes sedimentary wtCaCO3% records to estimate lithogenic fluxes. The depth-dependance of CaCO3 preservation in the Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) sediments in two major basins of the tropical Northeast Atlantic Ocean is described using a carbonate dissolution model. Results show that during the LGM, reduced dust deposition and slight drops of fluvial input are found in the Canary Basin and Cape Verde margins, respectively. To supplement, carbonate deposition during the LGM indicates that the deep subtropical Northeast Atlantic is seized by more sluggish deep waters relative to today.

The incidence of upper respiratory infections in children is related to the concentration of vanadium in indoor dust aggregates.

Background: It has been reported that the disease-initiated and disease-mediated effects of aerosol pollutants can be related to concentration, site of deposition, duration of exposure, as well as the specific chemical composition of pollutants. Objectives: To investigate the microelemental composition of dust aggregates in primary schools of Vilnius and determine trace elements related to acute upper respiratory infections among 6-to 11-year-old children. Methods: Microelemental analysis of aerosol pollution was performed using dust samples collected in the classrooms of 11 primary schools in Vilnius from 2016 to 2020. Sites included areas of its natural accumulation behind the radiator heaters and from the surface of high cupboards. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, W, Sb, Sn, Zr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, V, and As) in dust samples were analyzed using a SPECTRO XEPOS spectrometer. The annual incidence rates of respiratory diseases in children of each school were calculated based on data from medical records. Results: The mean annual incidence of physician-diagnosed acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06 according to ICD-10A) among younger school-age children was between 25.1 and 71.3% per school. A significant correlation was found between vanadium concentration and the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory infections during each study year from 2016 to 2020. The lowest was r = 0.67 (p = 0.024), and the highest was r = 0.82 (p = 0.002). The concentration of vanadium in the samples of dust aggregates varied from 12.7 to 52.1 parts per million (ppm). No significant correlations between the other trace elements and the incidence of upper respiratory infections were found, which could be caused by a small number of study schools and relatively low concentrations of other heavy metals found in the samples of indoor dust aggregates. Conclusion: A significant and replicable correlation was found between the concentration of vanadium in the samples of natural dust aggregates collected in primary schools and the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections in children. Monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in the indoor environment can be an important instrument for the prevention and control of respiratory morbidity in children.

Research and application of bag filter system for railway ballast bed coal suction vehicles: An optimization and application study.

The current bag filter system used by railway ballast bed coal suction vehicles for cleaning coal dust from railway tunnels has low operational efficiency and generates significant volumes of dust. This paper describes a simulation test unit designed to enhance the dust removal performance in railway tunnels. The flow field inside the simulation test unit is investigated under different operating conditions through numerical simulations, and the variations in air volume and working resistance, total dust collection efficiency, and optimal operating parameters of a pulse cleaning system are identified through a series of experiments. The numerical results show that the pulse cleaning system does not significantly affect the uniformity of the flow field distribution at the bottom of the filter cartridge during the process of operation. The experimental research indicates that the simulation test unit satisfies the design requirements, achieving an average total dust removal efficiency of 99.93%. A field application shows that the total dust mass concentration at the operator position can be reduced from 335.8 mg∙m-3 to 4.2 mg∙m-3, effectively improving the operating environment within the tunnel.

Uncontrolled Post-Industrial Landfill-Source of Metals, Potential Toxic Compounds, Dust, and Pathogens in Environment-A Case Study.

The aim of this case study was the evaluation of the selected metals' concentration, potential toxic compound identification, cytotoxicity analysis, estimation of the airborne dust concentration, biodiversity, and number of microorganisms in the environment (leachate, soil, air) of the biggest uncontrolled post-industrial landfills in Poland. Based on the results obtained, preliminary solutions for the future management of post-industrial objects that have become an uncontrolled landfill were indicated. In the air, the PM1 fraction dominated, constituting 78.1-98.2% of the particulate matter. Bacterial counts were in the ranges of 9.33 × 101-3.21 × 103 CFU m-3 (air), 1.87 × 105-2.30 × 106 CFU mL-1 (leachates), and 8.33 × 104-2.69 × 106 CFU g-1 (soil). In the air, the predominant bacteria were Cellulosimicrobium and Stenotrophomonas. The predominant fungi were Mycosphaerella, Cladosporium, and Chalastospora. The main bacteria in the leachates and soils were Acinetobacter, Mortierella, Proteiniclasticum, Caloramator, and Shewanella. The main fungi in the leachates and soils were Lindtneria. Elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Hg were detected. The soil showed the most pronounced cytotoxic potential, with rates of 36.55%, 63.08%, and 100% for the A-549, Caco-2, and A-549 cell lines. Nine compounds were identified which may be responsible for this cytotoxic effect, including 2,4,8-trimethylquinoline, benzo(f)quinoline, and 1-(m-tolyl)isoquinoline. The microbiome included bacteria and fungi potentially metabolizing toxic compounds and pathogenic species.

Retinoic Acid Treatment Mitigates PM2.5-Induced Type 2 Inflammation: Insights into Modulation of Innate Immune Responses.

Some studies have demonstrated the effects of particulate matter (PM) on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) development, as well as the therapeutic role of retinoic acid (RA) in nasal polypogenesis. However, the immunologic effect of PM in innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and the exact mechanism of the therapeutic effect of RA remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of fine-dust-induced inflammation in CRSwNP and the mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of RA. PM2.5 exposure exacerbated pathological damage in the nasal mucosa of mice with nasal polyps (NP) via upregulation of type 2 inflammation. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure increased the expression of type 2 cytokines and epithelial-cell-derived cytokines (IL-33 and IL-25) significantly, as well as the ILC populations in human-NP-derived epithelial cells (HNECs). Moreover, RA supplementation significantly increased the expression of ILCreg in Lin-CD45+CD127+ cells, which in turn increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The findings suggest that PM2.5 exposures could aggravate the CRSwNP type 2 inflammation, and RA treatment may ameliorate fine-dust-induced inflammation by modulating the innate immune response.

Self-reported exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and use of respiratory protective equipment among Arctic miners.

Arctic miners face significant risks from diesel exhaust and dust exposure, potentially leading to adverse respiratory health. Employers must limit harmful exposures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defense. This study explored the association between reported respiratory exposure and symptoms, and PPE training and usage. Data from the MineHealth study (2012-2014) included a total of 453 Arctic open pit miners in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Participants answered questions on exposure to dust and diesel exhaust, respiratory symptoms, and PPE use, in addition to age, gender, BMI, smoking, and self-rated health. Estimated exposure to dust was common, reported by 91%, 80%, and 82% and that of diesel exhaust by 84%, 43%, and 47% of workers in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, respectively. Reported dust exposure was significantly related to respiratory symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.7), diesel exposure increased the occurrence of wheezing (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.4). PPE use varied between the studied mines. Non-use was common and related to reduced visibility, wetness, skin irritation and fogging of the respiratory PPE. Future research should employ more precise exposure assessment, respiratory function as well as explore the reasons behind the non-compliance of PPE use.

Submicron aerosol pollution in Greater Cairo (Egypt): A new type of urban haze?

Greater Cairo, the largest megacity of the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, is currently suffering from major aerosol pollution, posing a significant threat to public health. However, the main sources of pollution remain insufficiently characterized due to limited atmospheric observations. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a continuous 2-month field study during the winter of 2019-2020 at an urban background site, documenting for the first time the chemical and physical properties of submicron (PM1) aerosols. Crustal material from both desert dust and road traffic dust resuspension contributed as much as 24 % of the total PM1 mass (rising to 66 % during desert dust events), a figure not commonly observed in urban environments. Our observations showed significant decreases in black carbon concentrations and ammonium sulfate compared to data from 15 years ago, indicating an important reduction in both local and regional emissions as a result of effective mitigation measures. The diurnal variability of carbonaceous aerosols was attributed to emissions emanating from local traffic at rush hours and nighttime open biomass burning. Surprisingly, semi-volatile ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) originating from local open biomass and waste burning was found to be the main chemical species in PM1 over Cairo. Its nighttime formation contributed to aerosol water uptake during morning hours, thereby playing a major role in the build-up of urban haze. While our results confirm the persistence of a significant dust reservoir over Cairo, they also unveil an additional source of highly hygroscopic (semi-volatile) inorganic salts, leading to a unique type of urban haze. This haze, with dominant contributors present in both submicron (primarily as NH4Cl) and supermicron (largely as dust) modes, underscores the potential implications of heterogeneous chemical transformation of air pollutants in urban environments.

Global quantification of emerging and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in indoor dust: Levels, profiles and human exposure.

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in house dust samples from six regions across four continents. PFASs were detected in all indoor dust samples, with total median concentrations ranging from 17.3 to 197 ng/g. Among the thirty-one PFAS analytes, eight compounds, including emerging PFASs, exhibited high detection frequencies in house dust from all six locations. The levels of PFASs varied by region, with higher concentrations found in Adelaide (Australia), Tianjin (China), and Carbondale (United States, U.S.). Moreover, PFAS composition profiles also differed among regions. Dust from Australia and the U.S. contained high levels of 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate ester (6:2 diPAP), while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were predominant in other regions. Furthermore, our results indicate that socioeconomic factors impact PFAS levels. The assessment of human exposure through dust ingestion and dermal contact indicates that toddlers may experience higher exposure levels than adults. However, the hazard quotients of PFASs for both toddlers and adults were below one, indicating significant health risks are unlikely. Our study highlights the widespread occurrence of PFASs in global indoor dust and the need for continued monitoring and regulation of these chemicals.

Aromatic amine antioxidants (AAs) and p-phenylenediamines-quinones (PPD-Qs) in e-waste recycling industry park: Occupational exposure and liver X receptors (LXRs) disruption potential.

Recently, evidence of aromatic amine antioxidants (AAs) existence in the dust of the electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling area has been exposed. However, there are limited studies investigating occupational exposure and toxicity associated with AAs and their transformation products (p-phenylenediamines-quinones, i.e., PPD-Qs). In this study, 115 dust and 42 hand wipe samples collected from an e-waste recycling industrial park in central China were analyzed for 19 AAs and 6 PPD-Qs. Notably, the median concentration of ∑6PPD-Qs (1,110 ng/g and 1,970 ng/m2) was significantly higher (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test) than that of ∑6PPDs (147 ng/g and 34.0 ng/m2) in dust and hand wipes. Among the detected analytes, 4-phenylaminodiphenylamine quinone (DPPD-Q) (median: 781 ng/g) and 1,4-Bis(2-naphthylamino) benzene quinone (DNPD-Q) (median: 156 ng/g), were particularly prominent, which were first detected in the e-waste dismantling area. Occupational exposure assessments and nuclear receptor interference ability, conducted through estimated daily intake (EDI) and molecular docking analysis, respectively, indicated significant occupational exposure to PPD-Qs and suggested prioritized Liver X receptors (LXRs) disruption potential of PPDs and PPD-Qs. The study provides the first evidence of considerable levels of AAs and PPD-Qs in the e-waste-related hand wipe samples and underscores the importance of assessing occupational exposure and associated toxicity effects.

Quantitative estimation of dust transport in the desert region of northwest China by plutonium isotopes.

Dust is an important source of atmospheric pollution, and quantitative estimation of desert dust transport is crucial for air pollution control. In this study, five typical sandy soil profiles in the Tengger Desert were collected and analyzed for 239,240Pu concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios in order to identify the source of 239,240Pu in this area and explore the sedimentary characteristics of dust in different profiles. The results revealed that the concentrations of 239,240Pu in the soil profiles were between 0.002 and 0.443 mBq/g with an exception of the deep layer soil at one site. The measured atomic ratios of 240Pu/239Pu are at the global atmospheric fallout level with a mean of 0.184 ± 0.020, indicating that global fallout is the dominant source of plutonium in this region. The total inventories of 239,240Pu in the reference sites in this area were estimated to be 39.2-44.6 Bq/m2, this is in agreement with the value from the global fallout of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests at the similar latitude (30-40 °N: 42 Bq/m2). The estimated erosion rate in the erosion profile utilizing soil erosion intensity mode is 2491 t/km2/yr and the soil erosion depth is 9.86 cm, While, the stacking rate of the accumulation profile is 1383 t/km2/yr, and the depth of accumulation is estimated to be 5.48 cm. The difference between the erosion and accumulation profiles indicated that approximately 1107 t/km2/yr of dust was exported from the Gobi landform area of the Tengger Desert, which might be transported long distance in the downwind direction.

Uneven response of phytoplankton-bacteria coupling under Saharan dust pulse and ultraviolet radiation in the south-western Mediterranean Sea.

The microbial carbon (C) flux in the ocean is a key functional process governed by the excretion of organic carbon by phytoplankton (EOC) and heterotrophic bacterial carbon demand (BCD). Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels in upper mixed layers and increasing atmospheric dust deposition from arid regions may alter the degree of coupling in the phytoplankton-bacteria relationship (measured as BCD:EOC ratio) with consequences for the C-flux through these compartments in marine oligotrophic ecosystem. Firstly, we performed a field study across the south-western (SW) Mediterranean Sea to assess the degree of coupling (BCD:EOC) and how it may be related to metabolic balance (total primary production: community respiration; PPT:CR). Secondly, we conducted a microcosm experiment in two contrasting areas (heterotrophic nearshore and autotrophic open sea) to test the impact of UVR and dust interaction on microbial C flux. In the field study, we found that BCD was not satisfied by EOC (i.e., BCD:EOC >1; uncoupled phytoplankton-bacteria relationship). BCD:EOC ratio was negatively related to PPT:CR ratio across the SW Mediterranean Sea. A spatial pattern emerged, i.e. in autotrophic open sea stations uncoupling was less severe (BCD:EOC ranged 1-2), whereas heterotrophic nearshore stations uncoupling was more severe (BCD:EOC > 2). In the experimental study, in the seawater both enriched with dust and under UVR, BCD:EOC ratio decreased by stimulating autotrophic processes (particulate primary production (PPP) and EOC) in the heterotrophic nearshore area, whereas BCD:EOC increased by stimulating heterotrophic processes [heterotrophic bacterial production (HBP), bacterial growth efficiency (BGE), bacterial respiration (BR)] in the autotrophic open sea. Our results show that this spatial pattern could be reversed under future UVR × Dust scenario. Overall, the impact of greater dust deposition and higher UVR levels will alter the phytoplankton-bacteria C-flux with consequences for the productivity of both communities, their standing stocks, and ultimately, the ecosystem's metabolic balance at the sea surface.

Neighborhood-scale lead (Pb) speciation in Akron, Ohio (USA) soils: primary sources, post-deposition diagenesis, and high concentrations of labile Pb.

Lead (Pb) poses a significant risk to infants and children through exposure to contaminated soil and dust. However, there is a lack of information on Pb speciation and distribution at the neighborhood-scale. This work aimed to determine: (1) the distribution of acid-extractable (labile) Pb and other metals ([M]AE) in two neighborhoods in Akron, Ohio (USA) (Summit Lake and West Akron; n = 82 samples); and (2) Pb speciation and potential sources. Total metal concentration ([M]T) and [M]AE was strongly correlated for Pb and Zn (R2 of 0.66 and 0.55, respectively), corresponding to 35% and 33% acid-extractability. Lead and Zn exhibited a strong positive correlation with each other (R2 = 0.56 for MT and 0.68 for MAE). Three types of Pb-bearing phases were observed by electron microscopy: (1) galena (PbS)-like (5-10 µm); (2) paint chip residuals (10-20 µm); and (3) Pb-bearing Fe-oxides (20 µm). Isotope ratio values for PbAE were 1.159 to 1.245 for 206Pb/207Pb, and 1.999 to 2.098 for 208Pb/206Pb, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two neighborhoods (p = 0.010 for 206Pb/207Pb and p = 0.009 for 208Pb/206Pb). Paint and petrol are the dominant sources of Pb, with some from coal and fly ash. Lead speciation and distribution is variable and reflects a complex relationship between the input of primary sources and post-deposition transformations. This work highlights the importance of community science collaborations to expand the reach of soil sampling and establish areas most at risk based on neighborhood-dependent Pb speciation and distribution for targeted remediation.

Effects of environmental exposure to iron powder on healthy and elastase-exposed mice.

Prolonged exposure to iron powder and other mineral dusts can threaten the health of individuals, especially those with COPD. The goal of this study was to determine how environmental exposure to metal dust from two different mining centers in Brazil affects lung mechanics, inflammation, remodeling and oxidative stress responses in healthy and elastase-exposed mice. This study divided 72 male C57Bl/6 mice into two groups, the summer group and the winter group. These groups were further divided into six groups: control, nonexposed (SAL); nonexposed, given elastase (ELA); exposed to metal powder at a mining company (SAL-L1 and ELA-L1); and exposed to a location three miles away from the mining company (SAL-L2 and ELA-L2) for four weeks. On the 29th day of the protocol, the researchers assessed lung mechanics, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammation, remodeling, oxidative stress, macrophage iron and alveolar wall alterations (mean linear intercept-Lm). The Lm was increased in the ELA, ELA-L1 and ELA-L2 groups compared to the SAL group (p < 0.05). There was an increase in the total number of cells and macrophages in the ELA-L1 and ELA-L2 groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the ELA and SAL groups, the exposed groups (ELA-L1, ELA-L2, SAL-L1, and SAL-L2) exhibited increased expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, neutrophil elastase, TIMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-12, TGF-ß, collagen fibers, MUC5AC, iNOS, Gp91phox, NFkB and iron positive macrophages (p < 0.05). Although we did not find differences in lung mechanics across all groups, there were low to moderate correlations between inflammation remodeling, oxidative stress and NFkB with elastance, resistance of lung tissue and iron positive macrophages (p < 0.05). Environmental exposure to iron, confirmed by evaluation of iron in alveolar macrophages and in air, exacerbated inflammation, initiated remodeling, and induced oxidative stress responses in exposed mice with and without emphysema. Activation of the iNOS, Gp91phox and NFkB pathways play a role in these changes.

[Workplace-associated fever]. / Arbeitsplatzassoziiertes Fieber oder wenn es doch das Zebra ist .

INTRODUCTION: Febrile conditions often have an infectious etiology. However, there are also fevers associated with occupational exposures. A detailed occupational history can hold the key to the diagnosis. In the case of exposure to organic dusts, the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is possible. Thus, HP should be considered in the presence of interstitial lung disease of unclear etiology. Failure to recognize this can have dramatic consequences and, in extreme cases, lead to lung transplantation. Differentially, organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) must be considered. The syndrome of metal fume fever provoked by inhalation of inorganic substances is usually benign and self-limiting. The disease manifests with fever, cough, and flu-like sensations.

Identifying mitigation strategies of comprehensive health centers against dust hazard: a qualitative study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to dust can disrupt healthcare services and severely affect all activity domains of the health system. The aim of this study was to explore mitigation strategies for comprehensive health centers against dust hazard. METHOD: The present study was conducted using a qualitative design with a conventional content analysis approach in 2023. The participants in this study were managers and staff of comprehensive health centers and experts in health in disasters and emergencies in Kerman, Bam, Regan, and Ahvaz. Data were collected through interviews. Data collection continued until data saturation. The collected data were analyzed based on the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Participants' statements, after recording and transcribing, were categorized into semantic units. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software version 2020. RESULTS: The analysis of the data with 23 participants revealed 106 Codes, 13 sub- categories and 5 main categories including: (A) reducing the impact of dust hazards, (B) management functions, (C) empowerment and performance improvement, (D) maintaining and promoting safety, and (E) Inter-sectoral coordination to implement mitigation strategies. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that the mitigation strategies and solutions can be used by health policymakers and planners to reduce the impact of dust hazard, empower and motivate healthcare staff, develop training protocols to enhance risk perception of the staff and members of the community, create the necessary infrastructure for adoption of effective mitigation strategies in healthcare centers to create resilience and continue service delivery.

Air Pollution Drives Macrophage Senescence through a Phagolysosome-15-Lipoxygenase Pathway.

Urban particulate matter (PM; uPM) poses significant health risks, particularly to the respiratory system. Fine particles, such as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and exacerbate a range of health problems, including emphysema, asthma, and lung cancer. PM exposure is also linked to extrapulmonary disorders such as heart and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, prolonged exposure to elevated PM levels can reduce overall life expectancy. Senescence is a dysfunctional cell state typically associated with age but can also be precipitated by environmental stressors. This study aimed to determine whether uPM could drive senescence in macrophages, an essential cell type involved in particulate phagocytosis-mediated clearance. Although it is known that uPM exposure impairs immune function, this deficit is multifaceted and incompletely understood, partly because of the use of particulates such as diesel exhaust particles as a surrogate for true uPM. uPM was collected from several locations in the United States, including Baltimore, Houston, and Phoenix. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were stimulated with uPM or reference particulates (e.g., diesel exhaust particles) to assess senescence-related parameters. We report that uPM-exposed bone marrow-derived macrophages adopt a senescent phenotype characterized by increased IL-1α secretion, senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity, and diminished proliferation. Exposure to allergens failed to elicit such a response, supporting a distinction between different types of environmental exposure. uPM-induced senescence was independent of key macrophage activation pathways, specifically inflammasome and scavenger receptors. However, inhibition of the phagolysosome pathway abrogated senescence markers, supporting this phenotype's attribution to uPM phagocytosis. These data suggest that uPM exposure leads to macrophage senescence, which may contribute to immunopathology.