Ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract attenuates particulate matter-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes and zebrafish

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate fraction derived from Sargassum pallidum extract against particulate matter(PM)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HaCaT cells and zebrafish.Methods:HaCaT cells and zebrafish were used to evaluate the protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract against PM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.The production of nitric oxide(NO),intracellular ROS,prostaglandin E_(2)(PGE_(2)),and pro-inflammatory cytokines,and the expression levels of COX-2,iNOS,and NF-κB were evaluated in PM-induced HaCaT cells.Furthermore,the levels of ROS,NO,and lipid peroxidation were assessed in the PM-exposed zebrafish model.Results:The ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract significantly decreased the production of NO,intracellular ROS,and PGE_(2) in PM-induced HaCaT cells.In addition,the fraction markedly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the expression levels of COX-2,iNOS,and NF-κB.Furthermore,it displayed remarkable protective effects against PM-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress,represented by the reduction of NO,ROS,and lipid peroxidation in zebrafish.Conclusions:The ethyl acetate fraction of Sargassum pallidum extract exhibits a protective effect against PM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation both in vitro and in vivo and has the potential as a candidate for the development of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products.

Changes on Stroke Burden Attributable to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter in China

Objective In recent decades,China has implemented a series of policies to address air pollution.We aimed to assess the health effects of these policies on stroke burden attributable to ambient fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5)).Methods Joinpoint regression was applied to explore the temporal tendency of stroke burden based on data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study.Results The age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life year(DALY)for stroke attributable to ambient PM2.5 in China,increased dramatically during 1990-2012,subsequently decreased at an annual percentage change(APC)of-1.98[95% confidence interval(CI):-2.26,-1.71]during 2012-2019.For ischemic stroke(IS),the age-standardized DALY rates doubled from 1990 to 2014,and decreased at an APC of-0.83(95%CI:-1.33,-0.33)during 2014-2019.Intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)showed a substantial increase in age-standardized DALY rates from 1990 to 2003,followed by declining trends,with APCs of-1.46(95%CI:-2.74,-0.16)during 2003-2007 and-3.33(95%CI:-3.61,-3.06)during 2011-2019,respectively.Conversely,the age-standardized DALY rates for subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)generally declined during 1990-2019.Conclusion Our results clarified the dynamic changes of the ambient PM_(2.5)-attributable stroke burden in China during 1990-2019,highlighting the health effects of air quality improvement policies.

Multi-Pollutant Formation and Control in Pressurized Oxy-Combustion:SO_(x),NO_(x),Particulate Matter,and Mercury

Oxy-combustion is a promising carbon-capture technology,but atmospheric-pressure oxy-combustion has a relatively low net efficiency,limiting its application in power plants.In pressurized oxycombustion(POC),the boiler,air separation unit,flue gas recirculation unit,and CO_(2)purification and compression unit are all operated at elevated pressure;this makes the process more efficient,with many advantages over atmospheric pressure,such as low NO_(x)emissions,a smaller boiler size,and more.POC is also more promising for industrial application and has attracted widespread research interest in recent years.It can produce high-pressure CO_(2)with a purity of approximately 95%,which can be used directly for enhanced oil recovery or geo-sequestration.However,the pollutant emissions must meet the standards for carbon capture,storage,and utilization.Because of the high oxygen and moisture concentrations in POC,the formation of acids via the oxidation and solution of SO_(x)and NO_(x)can be increased,causing the corrosion of pipelines and equipment.Furthermore,particulate matter(PM)and mercury emissions can harm the environment and human health.The main distinction between pressurized and atmospheric-pressure oxy-combustion is the former’s elevated pressure;thus,the effect of this pressure on the pollutants emitted from POC—including SO_(x),NO_(x),PM,and mercury—must be understood,and effective control methodologies must be incorporated to control the formation of these pollutants.This paper reviews recent advances in research on SO_(x),NO_(x),PM,and mercury formation and control in POC systems that can aid in pollutant control in such systems.

Characteristics and fate behavior of environmentally persistent free radicals in atmospheric particulate matter

Background,aim,and scope Environmentally persistent free radicals(EPFRs)have received significant attention due to their longer lifetime and stable existence in various environments.The strong environmental migration ability of particulate matter allows EPFRs to migrate over long-distance transport,thereby impacting the quality of the local atmospheric environment.Additionally,EPFRs can also adhere to atmospheric particles and interact with typical gaseous pollutants to affect atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs can produce some reactive organic species,promoting oxidative stress in the human body,damaging biological macromolecules and ultimately affecting the organism health.EPFRs are considered as a novel type of pollutant that affects human health.Despite their significance,there are few literatures available on the characteristics and fate behaviors of EPFRs up to date.Therefore,supplemental reviews are crucial for providing comprehensive understanding of EPFRs.Materials and methods This review summarizes the characteristics of EPFRs in particulate matter,outlines the generation mechanism and influencing factors of EPFRs,and the impacts of EPFRs on environmental quality and organism health.Results The content of EPFRs in particulate matter ranges from 1017 to 1020 spins∙g−1.Due to the strong mobility of atmospheric particulate matter,the long-term exposure to high levels of EPFRs may aggravate the impact of particulate matter on human health.The interaction between EPFRs and typical gaseous pollutants can alter their fate and influence atmospheric chemical reactions.EPFRs are mainly produced by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons through electron transfer.Additionally,the chemical bond rupture of organic substances through heat treatment or ultraviolet radiation can also produce EPFRs,and heterogeneous reactions are capable producing them as well.The production of EPFRs is not only influenced by transition metal elements and precursors,but also by various environmental factors such as oxygen,temperature,light radiation,and relative humidity.Discussion EPFRs in atmospheric particulates matters are usually rich in fine particulates with obvious seasonal and regional variations.They can easily enter the human respiratory tract and lungs with inhalable particulates,thereby increasing the risk of exposure.Additionally,EPFRs in atmospheric particulates can interact with some typical gaseous pollutants,impacting the life and fate of EPFRs in the atmosphere,and alter atmospheric chemical reactions.Traditionally,EPFRs are generated by transition metal elements and substituted aromatic hydrocarbons undergoing electron transfer in the post-flame and cool-zone regions of combustion systems and other thermal processes to remove HCl,H_(2)O or CO groups,ultimately produce semiquinones,phenoxyls,and cyclopentadienyls.Recent studies have indicated that EPFRs can also be generated under the conditions of without transition metal elemental.Organics can also produce EPFRs through chemical bond rupture during heat treatment or light radiation conditions,as well as through some heterogeneous reactions and photochemical secondary generation of EPFRs.The presence or absence of oxygen has different effects on the type and yield of EPFRs.The concentration,type,and crystal type of transition metal elements will affect the type,content,and atmospheric lifetime of EPFRs.It is generally believed that the impact of transition metal element types on EPFRs is related to the oxidation-reduction potential.The combustion temperature or heat treatment process significantly affects the type and amount of EPFRs.Factors such as precursor loading content,pH conditions,light radiation and relative humidity also influence the generation of EPFRs.EPFRs can interact with pollutants in the environment during their migration and transformation process in environmental medium.This process accelerates the degradation of pollutants and plays a crucial role in the migration and transformation of organic pollutants in environmental media.The reaction process of EPFRs may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)such as∙OH,which can induce oxidative stress,inflammation and immune response to biological lung cells and tissues,leading to chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction,cardiovascular damage and neurotoxic effects,ultimately impacting the health of organisms.Conclusions The interaction mechanism between EPFRs in particulate matter and gaseous pollutants remains unclear.Furthermore,research on the generation mechanism of EPFRs without the participation of transition metals is not comprehensive,and the detection of EPFRs is limited to simple qualitative categories and lack accurate qualitative analysis.Recommendations and perspectives Further research should be conducted on the generation mechanism,measurement techniques,migration pathways,and transformation process of EPFRs.It is also important to explore the interaction between EPFRs in atmospheric particulate matter and typical gaseous pollutants.

Monitoring of Air Quality for Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10) and Heavy Metals Proximate to a Cement Factory in Ewekoro, Nigeria

A cement factory nearby communities raise pollution concerns. This study assessed air pollution levels for respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, zinc and copper) adjacent to a cement factory in Ewekoro and neighbouring communities (Papalantoro, Lapeleko and Itori) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals were measured using an ARA N-FRM cassette sampler. Each location sampled was monitored for eight continuous hours daily for 12 days. The PM2.5, PM10 and heavy metals results were compared with different standards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria’s National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). The PM levels fell within 11 - 19 μg/m3 of the air management level of CAAQS, which signifies continuous actions are needed to improve air quality in the areas monitored but below the NESREA standard. The mean Cd, Cr and Ni concentrations in the cement factory area and the impacted neighbourhoods are higher than the WHO/EU permissible limits, while Zn and Cu were below the WHO/EU permissible limit. A risk assessment hazard quotient (HQ) for Cr was above the WHO/EU safe level (=1) in adults and children throµgh ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact at all the monitoring sites. The HQ for Ni and Cd was higher than the safe level in the cement factory area and Papalantoro, while Zn was at safe levels.

Modeling and Characterization of Fine Particulate Matter Dynamics in Bujumbura Using Low-Cost Sensors

Air pollution is a result of multiple sources including both natural and anthropogenic activities. The rapid urbanization of the cities such as Bujumbura, economic capital of Burundi, is one of these factors. The very first characterization of the spatio-temporal variability of PM2.5 in Bujumbura and the forecasting of PM2.5 concentration have been conducted in this paper using data collected during a year, from August 2022 to August 2023, by low-cost sensors installed in Bujumbura city. For each commune, an hourly, daily and seasonal analysis was carried out and the results showed that the mass concentrations of PM2.5 in the three municipalities differ from one commune to another. The average hourly and annual PM2.5 concentrations exceed the World Health Organization standards. The range is between 28.3 and 35.0 μg/m3. In order to make a prediction of PM2.5 concentration, an investigation of Recurrent Neural Networks with Long Short-Term Memory has been undertaken.

Morphology,Nanostructure,and Oxidation Reactivity of Particulate Matter Emitted by Diesel Blending with Various Aromatics

This study aims to analyze the influence of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(PAH)content in diesel on the physical and chemical properties of diesel soot particles.Four diesel fuels with different PAH content were tested on a 11.6 L direct-injection diesel engine.The raw particulate matter(PM)before the after-treatment devices was collected using the thermophoresis sampling system and the filter sampling system.A transmission electron microscope and Raman spectrometer are used to analyze the physical properties of the soot particles,including morphology,primary particle size distribution,and graphitization degree.A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and thermogravimetric analyzer are used to characterize the surface chemical composition and oxidation reactivity of soot particles,respectively.The results show that as the PAH content in the fuel decreases,the size of the primary soot particles decreases from 29.58 to 26.70 nm.The graphitization degree of soot particles first increases and then decreases,and the relative content of the aliphatic hydrocarbon functional groups of soot particles first decreases and then increases.The T_(10),T_(50),and T_(90) of soot from high-PAH fuel are 505.3,589.3,and 623.5℃,while those from low-PAH fuel are 480.1,557.5,and 599.2℃,respectively.This indicates that exhaust PM generated by the low-PAH fuel has poor oxidation reactivity.However,as the PAH content in fuel is further decreased,the excessively high cetane number may cause uneven mixing and incomplete combustion,leading to enhanced oxidation reactivity.

Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Blood Pressure:Evidence from a Large Chinese Multiple Follow-Up Study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the association of ambient PM_(2.5)exposure with blood pressure(BP)at the population level in China.Methods A total of 14,080 participants who had at least two valid blood pressure records were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey during 2011–2015.Their long-term PM_(2.5)exposure was assessed at the geographical level,on the basis of a regular 0.1°×0.1°grid over China.A mixed-effects regression model was used to assess associations.Results Each decrease of 10μg/m^(3)in the 1 year-mean PM_(2.5)concentration(FPM1Y)was associated with a decrease of 1.24[95%confidence interval(CI):0.84–1.64]mmHg systolic BP(SBP)and 0.50(95%CI:0.25–0.75)mmHg diastolic BP(DBP),respectively.A robust association was observed between the long-term decrease in PM_(2.5)and decreased BP in the middle-aged and older population.Using a generalized additive mixed model,we further found that SBP increased nonlinearly overall with FPM1Y but in an approximately linear range when the FPM1Y concentration was<70μg/m^(3);In contrast,DBP increased approximately linearly without a clear threshold.Conclusion Efficient control of PM_(2.5)air pollution may promote vascular health in China.Our study provides robust scientific support for making the related air pollution control policies.

Human Health Risks from Exposure to Heavy Metals of Suspended Particulate Matter around the Tongon Gold Mine, Côte d’Ivoire

The Tongon mine, the largest gold mine in C?te d’Ivoire, has been in operation since April 2010. However, to our knowledge to date, no study has been conducted on metallic contamination in suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) where there is a lack of information on the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk to human health associated with the exposure of populations in the Tongon area to these pollutants. The general objective of this study is to evaluate the level of contamination of PM10;PM2.5 by heavy metals and their impact on the health of populations exposed to these pollutants in the Tongon gold mine area. The sampling and measurement of suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) were done using a MiniVol TAS passive air sampler. Heavy metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (Nex ION 2000 ICP-MS, USA). The results indicate that the average concentrations of suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10) obtained are all above the recommended exposure limits. In addition, among the heavy metals contained in the suspended particles, the concentrations of arsenic and nickel are high and all above the standard limit values. The assessment of the health risks related to the inhalation of PM10 particles reveals that their inhalation over a long period could cause a carcinogenic risk.

Spatial Analysis of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in South St. Boniface and Mission Industrial Area, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) stays airborne for long periods and can enter the lungs, increasing respiratory and cardiovascular risks. Metal shredders are known sources of PM2.5, lead and other heavy metals. Winnipeg residents of South Saint Boniface (SSB) in Manitoba, Canada, live downwind of the Mission Industrial Area (MIA), which includes a metal shredder, train tracks and other industries. Residents are concerned about the MIA air and noise pollution and wanted ambient air quality monitoring in their mixed land-use area to understand its impact on their health. We measured and mapped the daytime PM2.5, from the MIA and South St. Boniface (SSB) neighborhoods using the Dylos DC 1700 PM over seven months. The Dylos air quality data for PM2.5 was validated by the two federal reference monitors in the city, finding a moderate to very strong correlation (r = 0.52 to 0.83;p-value 0.001), confirming good accuracy. A spatial analysis of the emission data showed that the highest pollution concentration was downwind of the scrap metal shredder in MIA. One-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis revealed significantly higher levels of PM2.5 at MIA and SSB than at the reference sites, which are away from pollution sources. The PM2.5 Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) of 27 μg/m3 was exceeded downwind of the property line of the scrap metal shredder in the MIA for five of the 35 monitoring days averaging between 28.9 μg/m3 to 38.1 μg/m3 over eight hours. The standard was not exceeded in the residential area, although PM2.5 levels higher than background levels increased SSB residents exposure levels. This exceedance of regulatory standards requires action to reduce emissions.

Spatial and Temporal Variation of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Its Health Effects during the Haze Event in Malaysia

This study aims to assess and compare levels of particulate matter(PM10 and PM2.5)in urban and industrial areas in Malaysia during haze episodes,which typically occur in the south west monsoon season.The high concentrations of atmospheric particles are mainly due to pollution from neighbouring countries.Daily PM concentrations were analysed for urban and industrial areas including Alor Setar,Tasek,Shah Alam,Klang,Bandaraya Melaka,Larkin,Balok Baru,and Kuala Terengganu in 2018 and 2019.The analysis employed spatiotemporal to examine how PM levels were distributed.The data summary revealed that PM levels in all study areas were right-skewed,indicating the occurrence of high particulate events.Significant peaks in PM concentrations during haze events were consistently observed between June and October,encompassing the south west monsoon and inter-monsoon periods.The study on acute respiratory illnesses primarily focused on Selangor.Analysis revealed that Klang had the highest mean number of inpatient cases for acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma(AEBA)and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)with values of 260.500 and 185.170,respectively.Similarly,for outpatient cases of AEBA and AECOPD,Klang had the highest average values of 41.67 and 14.00,respectively.Shah Alam and Sungai Buloh did not show a significant increase in cases during periods of biomass burning.The statistical analysis concluded that higher concentrations of PM were associated with increased hospital admissions,particularly from June to September,as shown in the bar diagram.Haze episodes were associated with more healthcare utilization due to haze-related respiratory illnesses,seen in higher inpatient and outpatient visits(p<0.05).However,seasonal variability had minimal impact on healthcare utilization.These findings offer a comprehensive assessment of PM levels during historic haze episodes,providing valuable insights for authorities to develop policies and guidelines for effective monitoring and mitigation of the negative impacts of haze events.

Source profiles of particulate organic matters emitted from cereal straw burnings

Cereal straw is one of the most abundant biomass burned in China but its contribution to fine particulates is not adequately understood. In this study, three main kinds of cereal straws were collected from five grain producing areas in China. Fine particulate matters （PMzs） from the cereal straws subjected to control burnings, both under smoldering and flaming status, were sampled by using a custom made dilution chamber and sampling system in the laboratory. Element carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） was analyzed. 141 compounds of organic matters were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrum （GC-MS）. Source profiles of particulate organic matters emitted from cereal straw burnings were obtained. The results indicated that organic matters contribute a large fraction in fine particulate matters. Levoglucosan had the highest contributions with averagely 4.5% in mass of fine particulates and can be considered as the tracer of biomass burnings. Methyloxylated phenols from lignin degradation also had high concentrations in PM2.5, and contained approximately equal amounts of guaiacyl and syringyl compounds. 13-Sitostrol also made up relatively a large fraction of PMz5 compared with the other sterols （0.18%-0.63% of the total fine particle mass）. Normal alkanes, PAHs, fatty acids, as well as normal alkanols had relatively lower concentrations compared with the compounds mentioned above. Carbon preference index （CPI） of normal alkanes and alkanoic acids showed characteristics of biogenic fuel burnings. Burning status significantly influenced the formations of EC and PAHs. The differences between the emission profiles of straw and wood combustions were displayed by the fingerprint compounds, which may be used to identify the contributions between wood and straw burnings in source apportionment researches.

Characteristics of air particulate matter and their sources in urban and rural area of Beijing, China

During October 1993 and March 1996, the samples of fine and coarse air particulate matter have been collected at representative urban and rural site of Beijing with the Gent Stacked Filter Unit Sampler. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and proton induced X ray emission (PIXE) method were used to determine the elemental composition of the particulate matter. Average elemental concentrations and enrichment factors were calculated for the fine and coarse size fractions. Based on the particulate matter data obtained at urban and rural site together with the chemical constituents of the aerosol from the different sources are discussed. The results show that the relative particulate mass and elemental concentrations of crustal and pollutant elements in the air particulate matter collected over the urban are higher than rural and winter heating period are higher than in ordinary season. Beijing atmosphere is polluted by aerosols from regional and faraway sources. It was noticed that the toxic or harmful elements such as As, Sb, Pb, Cu, Ni, S and Zn were mainly enriched in fine particles with diameter less than 2 μm. A receptor model was used to assess the relative contribution of major air pollution sources at receptor sites in Beijing. Trace elements were used as the markers for the above assessment. Factor analysis method was used to identify possible emission sources of air particles. The major sources of dust soil, coal burning, motor vehicle emission, industry emission and refuse incineration were identified.

Size Distributions and Elemental Compositions of Particulate Matter on Clear,Hazy and Foggy days in Beijing,China

Total suspended particulates （TSP） samples were collected using low pressure impactors （Andersen Series 20-800, USA） on typical clear, hazy and foggy days in Beijing in order to investigate the characteristics of size distributions and elemental compositions of particulate matter （PM） in different weather conditions. The concentrations of sixteen elements, including Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, T1 and Pb were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. The results showed that Ca, A1, Fe, Mg and Ba on foggy days were 2.0 2.6 times higher than on clear days, and 2.3-2.9 times higher than on hazy days. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, As, Se and Pb on foggy days were 163.5, 1186.7, 65.9, 32.0 and 708.2 ng m-3, respectively, in fine particles, and 68.1, 289.5, 19.8, 1.6 and 103.8 ng m-3, respectively, in coarse particles. This was 1.0~8.4 times higher and 1.4-7.4 times higher than on clear and hazy days, respectively. It is then shown that Mg, A1, Fe, Ca and Ba were mainly associated with coarse particles, peaking at 4.7~5.8 μm; that Cd, Se, Zn, As, T1 and Pb were most dominant in fine particles, peaking at 0.43-1.1 μm; and that Na, K, Ni, Cu and Mn had a multi-mode distribution, with peaks at 0.43-1.1 μm and 4.7-5.8 μm. The enrichment factors indicated that coal combustion along with vehicle and industry emissions may be the main sources of pollution elements.

Establishment of Exposure-response Functions of Air Particulate Matter and Adverse Health Outcomes in China and Worldwide

Objective To obtain the exposure-response functions that could be used in health-based risk assessment of particulate air pollution in China. Methods Meta analysis was conducted on the literatures on air particulate matter and its adverse health outcomes in China and worldwide. Results For each health outcome from morbidity to mortality changes, the relative risks were estimated when the concentration of air particulate matter increased to some certain units. Conclusion The exposure-response functions recommended here can be further applied to health risk assessment of air particulate matter in China.

A review of the health effects and exposure-responsible relationship of diesel particulate matter for underground mines

The increasing use of diesel-powered equipment in confined spaces(underground mines) has the potential to over expose underground miners under the threat of diesel particulate matter(DPM). Miners in underground mines can be exposed to DPM concentrations far more than works in other industries. A great number of animal and epidemiological studies have shown that both short-term and long-term DPM exposure have adverse health effect. Based on reviews of related studies, especially some recent evidence, this paper investigated the long and short-term health effects based on animal studies and epidemiological studies. The exposure-response relationship studies were also explored and compared to the current DPM regulation or standards in some countries. This paper found that the DPM health effect studies specifically for miners are not sufficient to draw solid conclusions, and a recommendation limit of DPM concentration can be put in place for better protection of miners from DPM health risk. Current animal studies lack the use of species that have similar lung functions as human for understanding the cancer mode of action in human. And finally, the DPM health hazard will continue to be a challenging topic before the mode of action and reliable exposure-response relationship are established.

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The present study was designed to alert the public opinion and policy makers on the supposed enhancing effects of exposure to ambient air particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 mm (PM 2.5 ) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries. For far too long literature data have been fixated on pulmonary diseases and/or cardiovascular disease, as consequence of particulate exposure, ignoring the link between the explosion of obesity with related syndromes such as NAFLD and air pollution, the worst characteristics of nowadays civilization. In order to delineate a clear picture of this major health problem, further studies should investigate whether and at what extent cigarette smoking and exposure to ambient air PM 2.5 impact the natural history of patients with obesity-related NAFLD,i.e. , development of non alcoholic steatohepatitis, disease characterized by a worse prognosis due its progression towards fibrosis and hepatocarcinoma.

Warthin-starry Silver Method Showing Particulate Matter in Macrophage

Objective To verify whether Warthin-Starry （WS） silver method could detect the air particulate matter （PM）/dust particles （Ps） located within the macrophages in situ. Methods There were 26 autopsy cases that resulted from cerebral hemorrhage （group A）, silicosis （group B）, and fetal death during pregnancy （group C）. Samples were collected separately and serial sections were prepared from the lungs and lymph nodes and stained with hematoxylin and eosin （HE）, WS silver, immunohistochemistry of CD68. Furthermore, ultrathin sections were taken from the WS positive serial sections of groups A and B. Ps were observed under a transmission electron microscope （TEM） and the elements of Ps were measured by X-ray spectrum analysis （X-RSA）. Results In both groups A and B, WS staining was positive for the larger and fine Ps, the so called ＂dust cells＂, but HE staining was almost negative for fine Ps. In group C, no larger or fine Ps were found. Immunohistochemical staining of CD68 certified that the ＂dust cells＂ containing Ps were macrophages. The results of TEM and X-RSA proved that the structure and elements of Ps belonged to PM indeed. Conclusion WS staining is a better than HE staining in showing the location of PM within macrophages.

Impact of Urban 3D Morphology on Particulate Matter 2.5(PM2.5) Concentrations:Case Study of Beijing, China

Urban particulate matter 2.5(PM2.5)pollution and public health are closely related,and concerns regarding PM2.5 are widespread.Of the underlying factors,the urban morphology is the most manageable.Therefore,investigations of the impact of urban three-dimensional(3D)morphology on PM2.5 concentration have important scientific significance.In this paper,39 PM2.5 monitoring sites of Beijing in China were selected with PM2.5 automatic monitoring data that were collected in 2013.This data set was used to analyze the impacts of the meteorological condition and public transportation on PM2.5 concentrations.Based on the elimination of the meteorological conditions and public transportation factors,the relationships between urban 3D morphology and PM2.5 concentrations are highlighted.Ten urban 3D morphology indices were established to explore the spatial-temporal correlations between the indices and PM2.5 concentrations and analyze the impact of urban 3D morphology on the PM2.5 concentrations.Results demonstrated that road length density(RLD),road area density(RAD),construction area density(CAD),construction height density(CHD),construction volume density(CVD),construction otherness(CO),and vegetation area density(VAD)have positive impacts on the PM2.5 concentrations,whereas water area density(WAD),water fragmentation(WF),and vegetation fragmentation(VF)(except for the 500 m buffer)have negative impacts on the PM2.5 concentrations.Moreover,the correlations between the morphology indices and PM2.5 concentrations varied with the buffer scale.The findings could lay a foundation for the high-precision spatial-temporal modelling of PM2.5 concentrations and the scientific planning of urban 3D spaces by authorities responsible for controlling PM2.5 concentrations.

Properties of coarse particles in suspended particulate matter of the North Yellow Sea during summer

Fine particles in seawater commonly form large porous aggregates. Aggregate density and settling velocity determine the behavior of this suspended particulate matter(SPM) within the water column.However, few studies of aggregate particles over a continental shelf have been undertaken. In our case study, properties of aggregate particles, including size and composition, over the continental shelf of the North Yellow Sea were investigated. During a scienti?c cruise in July 2016, in situ ef fective particle size distributions of SPM at 10 stations were measured, while temperature and turbidity measurements and samples of water were obtained from surface, middle, and bottom layers. Dispersed and inorganic particle size distributions were determined in the laboratory. The in situ SPM was divided into(1) small particles(<32 μm),(2) medium particles(32–256 μm) and(3) large particles(>256 μm). Large particles and medium particles dominated the total volume concentrations(VCs) of in situ SPM. After dispersion, the VCs of medium particles decreased to low values(<0.1 μL/L). The VCs of large particles in the surface and middle layers also decreased markedly, although they had higher peak values(0.1–1 μL/L). This suggests that almost all in situ medium particles and some large particles were aggregated, while other large particles were single particles. Correlation analysis showed that primary particles <32 μm in?uenced the formation of these aggregates. Microscopic examination revealed that these aggregates consisted of both organic and inorganic ?ne particles, while large particles were mucus-bound organic aggregates or individual plankton.The vertical distribution of coarser particles was clearly related to water strati?cation. Generally, medium aggregate particles were dominant in SPM of the bottom layer. A thermocline blocked resuspension of?ne material into upper layers, yielding low VCs of medium-sized aggregate particles in the surface layer.Abundant large biogenic particles were present in both surface and middle layers.