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Toxics Mar 2024The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution's effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been... (Review)
Review
The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution's effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been established. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out in this study to investigate the connection between vision disorder and ambient particles (diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM), diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM)) and gaseous pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO), sulfur dioxide (SO), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O)). Twelve relevant studies published by 26 February 2024 were identified in three databases. A pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that for every 10 µg/m increase in PM and NO exposure, a substantially higher incidence of vision disorder was observed (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). No significant correlation existed between exposure to PM, SO and CO and vision disorder. However, O exposure was negatively associated with vision disorder. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that PM exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and that children and adolescents were more susceptible to NO and PM than adults. Overall, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM and NO, may increase the incidence of vision disorder.
PubMed: 38535942
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12030209 -
Dentistry Journal Mar 2024Dental caries in children is a frequent and debilitating condition, whose management is often challenging. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the... (Review)
Review
Dental caries in children is a frequent and debilitating condition, whose management is often challenging. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of ozone applications for the treatment of caries in primary dentition. According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed up to 6 January 2024. Clinical studies using ozone to treat caries of deciduous teeth were considered for inclusion. Out of the 215 records retrieved, seven studies were eventually included in the review, all of which used gaseous ozone. Four studies were judged at high risk of bias, two at low risk, and one of some concerns. The great heterogeneity of designs, outcomes, and protocols made it impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. Despite some limitations, the evidence yielded by the included studies suggests that ozone application, regardless of the protocol applied, is comparable to other interventions in terms of clinical outcomes and anti-bacterial activity, with no reported adverse effects and good patient acceptance. Therefore, ozone application may be a non-invasive approach to treat caries in primary dentition, especially in very young and poorly cooperative patients. Further standardized and rigorous studies are, however, needed to identify the best clinical protocols for this specific field.
PubMed: 38534293
DOI: 10.3390/dj12030069 -
Pediatric Pulmonology May 2024Globally, observational studies have demonstrated an association between high levels of air pollution and asthma attacks in children. It remains unclear whether and to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Globally, observational studies have demonstrated an association between high levels of air pollution and asthma attacks in children. It remains unclear whether and to what extent exposure may be associated with increased near-fatal/fatal attacks.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the evidence for an association between ambient outdoor air pollution and fatal and/or near-fatal asthma (NFA).
METHODS
Following Cochrane methodology, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Open Grey electronic databases for studies reporting the association of fatal/NFA and air pollution (particulate matter [PM], sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, black carbon and ozone [O]) in children. NFA was defined as requiring intensive care unit (ICU) management.
RESULTS
Two reviewers independently screened 1358 papers. A total of 276 studies identified asthma attacks related to air pollution, 272 did not meet inclusion criteria after full-text review. Four observational studies described fatal/NFA, of which three addressed NFA. PM2.5 (per 12.5 µg/m increase) and O (per 22 ppb increase) were associated with NFA in one study (PM2.5, relative risk: 1.26, confidence interval [CI] [1.10-1.44]), O(1.19 [1.01-1.40]). PM10 was associated with ICU admission in the context of thunderstorm asthma. Elemental carbon was associated equally with NFA that did not require an ICU admission (p = 0.67). Studies of fatal asthma including children did not demarcate age within the analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Ozone and PM2.5 have been associated with NFA in children but synthesis is limited by the paucity of studies and methodological heterogeneity. Poor reporting of severities of asthma attacks hinders the assessment of whether outdoor air pollution is associated with an increased number of NFA/fatal attacks in children.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Child; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Environmental Exposure; Ozone
PubMed: 38477643
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26932 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Mar 2024Nitrous oxide (NO) is a common adjuvant to general anaesthesia. It is also a potent greenhouse gas and causes ozone depletion. We sought to quantify the influence of NO... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nitrous oxide (NO) is a common adjuvant to general anaesthesia. It is also a potent greenhouse gas and causes ozone depletion. We sought to quantify the influence of NO as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia on postoperative patient outcomes.
METHODS
We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central for works published from inception to July 6, 2023. RCTs comparing general anaesthesia with or without NO were included. Risk ratios (RRs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. Outcomes were derived from the Standardised Endpoints for Perioperative Medicine (StEP) outcome set. Primary outcomes were mortality and organ-related morbidity, and secondary outcomes were anaesthetic and surgical morbidity.
RESULTS
Of 3305 records, 179 full-text articles were assessed, and 71 RCTs, totalling 22 147 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Addition of NO to general anaesthesia did not influence postoperative mortality or most morbidity outcomes. NO increased the incidence of atelectasis (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.12) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.40), and decreased intraoperative opioid consumption (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.04) and time to extubation (MD -2.17 min, 95% CI -3.32 to -1.03 min).
CONCLUSIONS
NO did not influence postoperative mortality or most morbidity outcomes. Considering the environmental effects of NO, these findings confirm that current policy recommendations to limit its use do not affect patient safety.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
PROSPERO CRD42023443287.
PubMed: 38471989
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.02.011 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Jun 2024Airway inflammation is a common biological response to many types of environmental exposures and can lead to increased nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in exhaled... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Airway inflammation is a common biological response to many types of environmental exposures and can lead to increased nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in exhaled breath. In recent years, several studies have evaluated airway inflammation using fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker of exposures to a range of air pollutants. This systematic review aims to summarize the studies that collected personal-level air pollution data to assess the air pollution-induced FeNO responses and to determine if utilizing personal-level data resulted in an improved characterization of the relationship between air pollution exposures and FeNO compared to using only ambient air pollution exposure data.
RECENT FINDINGS
Thirty-six eligible studies were identified. Overall, the studies included in this review establish that an increase in personal exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants can significantly increase FeNO. Nine out of the 12 studies reported statistically significant FeNO increases with increasing personal PM exposures, and up to 11.5% increase in FeNO per IQR increase in exposure has also been reported between FeNO and exposure to gas-phase pollutants, such as ozone, NO and benzene. Furthermore, factors such as chronic respiratory diseases, allergies, and medication use were found to be effect modifiers for air pollution-induced FeNO responses. About half of the studies that compared the effect estimates using both personal and ambient air pollution exposure methods reported that only personal exposure yielded significant associations with FeNO response. The evidence from the reviewed studies confirms that FeNO is a sensitive biomarker for air pollutant-induced airway inflammation. Personal air pollution exposure assessment is recommended to accurately assess the air pollution-induced FeNO responses. Furthermore, comprehensive adjustments for the potential confounding factors including the personal exposures of the co-pollutants, respiratory disease status, allergy status, and usage of medications for asthma and allergies are recommended while assessing the air pollution-induced FeNO responses.
Topics: Humans; Nitric Oxide; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Biomarkers; Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing; Exhalation
PubMed: 38386269
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00430-1 -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2024Proper treatment of hospital wastewater (HWW) is crucial to minimize the long-term effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. However, the majority of HWW generated... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Proper treatment of hospital wastewater (HWW) is crucial to minimize the long-term effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. However, the majority of HWW generated in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), is discharged without adequate treatment. This systematic review aims to fill the knowledge gap in LMICs by examining the efficacy of HWW treatment and the types of technologies used.
METHODS
Studies included in the review offered valuable insights into the current state of HWW management in LMICs. Between 2000 and 2022, only 36 research studies focused on hospital-based wastewater treatment within LMICs. Data were extracted on wastewater treatment technologies in hospitals or healthcare settings in LMICs. Data on sampling techniques, effectiveness, microorganisms and risk of bias of included studies were recorded.
RESULTS
A total of 36 articles met the eligibility criteria: mentioned about 1) hospitals 2) wastewater treatment 3) LMICs and 4) treatment efficacy. Twenty-two studies were conducted in Asia (22/36), 17 were conducted in countries with high Human Development Index. Constructed wetland, and activated sludge process were the most common technologies used in LMICs. A few studies utilized membrane bioreactors and ozone/UV treatment. Fourteen studies reported the concentration reduction to assess the microbial efficacy of the treatment process, 29/36 studies did not meet the national standards for effluent discharge. Reporting on sampling methods, wastewater treatment processes and efficacy of HWW treatment were at high risk of bias. Extreme heterogeneity in study methods and outcomes reporting precluded meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The existing evidence indicates inadequate microbial treatment in low- and middle-income country hospitals, with this systematic review emphasizing the need for improvement in healthcare waste management. It underscores the importance of long-term studies using innovative treatment methods to better understand waste removal in LMIC hospitals and calls for further research to develop context-specific healthcare waste treatment approaches in these regions.
Topics: Developing Countries; Ecosystem; Hospitals; Treatment Outcome; Wastewater; Water Purification
PubMed: 38365018
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170994 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Feb 2024Some studies have shown the effect of air pollution on migraine. However, it needs to be confirmed in larger-scale studies, as scientific evidence is scarce regarding... (Review)
Review
Some studies have shown the effect of air pollution on migraine. However, it needs to be confirmed in larger-scale studies, as scientific evidence is scarce regarding the association between air pollution and migraine. Therefore, this systematic review aims to determine whether there are associations between outdoor air pollution and migraine. A literature search was performed in Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science. A manual search for resources and related references was also conducted to complete the search. All observational studies investigating the association between ambient air pollution and migraine, with inclusion criteria, were entered into the review. Fourteen out of 1417 identified articles met the inclusion criteria and entered the study. Among the gaseous air pollutants, there was a correlation between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO) (78.3% of detrimental relationships) and carbon monoxide (CO) (68.0% of detrimental relationships) and migraine, but no apparent correlation has been found for sulfur dioxide (SO) (21.2% of detrimental relationships) and ozone (O) (55.2% of detrimental relationships). In the case of particulate air pollutants, particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less (PM) (76.0% of detrimental relationships) and particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM) (61.3% of detrimental relationships) had relationships with migraine. In conclusion, exposure to NO, CO, PM, and PM is associated with migraine headaches, while no conclusive evidence was found to confirm the correlation between O and SO with migraine. Further studies with precise methodology are recommended in different cities around the world for all pollutants with an emphasis on O and SO.
Topics: Humans; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Monitoring; Air Pollution; Air Pollutants; Ozone; Particulate Matter; Sulfur Dioxide; Migraine Disorders; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38363415
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12376-w -
Water Research Apr 2024The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks.... (Review)
Review
The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is responsible for water quality deterioration and a possible source of public health risks. Different factors impact the biological stability of drinking water (DW) in the distribution networks, such as the presence and concentration of nutrients, water temperature, pipe material composition, hydrodynamic conditions, and levels of disinfectant residual. This review aimed to evaluate the current state of knowledge on strategies for DW biofilm disinfection through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the literature published over the last decade. A systematic review method was performed on the 562 journal articles identified through database searching on Web of Science and Scopus, with 85 studies selected for detailed analysis. A variety of disinfectants were identified for DW biofilm control such as chlorine, chloramine, UV irradiation, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and others at a lower frequency, namely, electrolyzed water, bacteriophages, silver ions, and nanoparticles. The disinfectants can impact the microbial communities within biofilms, reduce the number of culturable cells and biofilm biomass, as well as interfere with the biofilm matrix components. The maintenance of an effective residual concentration in the water guarantees long-term prevention of biofilm formation and improves the inactivation of detached biofilm-associated opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, strategies based on multi-barrier processes by optimization of primary and secondary disinfection combined with other water treatment methods improve the control of opportunistic pathogens, reduce the chlorine-tolerance of biofilm-embedded cells, as well as decrease the corrosion rate in metal-based pipelines. Most of the studies used benchtop laboratory devices for biofilm research. Even though these devices mimic the conditions found in real DWDS, future investigations on strategies for DW biofilm control should include the validity of the promising strategies against biofilms formed in real DW networks.
Topics: Disinfection; Drinking Water; Water Supply; Chlorine; Disinfectants; Water Purification; Biofilms; Chlorides
PubMed: 38359597
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121273 -
Journal of Environmental Management Feb 2024Biofiltration utilizes natural mechanisms including biodegradation and biotransformation along with other physical processes for the removal of organic micropollutants... (Review)
Review
Biofiltration utilizes natural mechanisms including biodegradation and biotransformation along with other physical processes for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides and industrial compounds found in (waste)water. In this systematic review, a total of 120 biofiltration studies from 25 countries were analyzed, considering various biofilter configurations, source water types, biofilter media and scales of operation. The study also provides a bibliometric analysis to identify the emerging research trends in the field. The results show that granular activated carbon (GAC) either alone or in combination with another biofiltration media can remove a broad range of OMPs efficiently. The impact of pre-oxidation on biofilter performance was investigated, revealing that pre-oxidation significantly improved OMP removal and reduced the empty bed contact time (EBCT) needed to achieve a consistently high OMP. Biofiltration with pre-oxidation had median removals ranging between 65% and >90% for various OMPs at 10-45 min EBCT with data variability drastically reducing beyond 20 min EBCT. Biofiltration without pre-oxidation had lower median removals with greater variability. The results demonstrate that pre-oxidation greatly enhances the removal of adsorptive and poorly biodegradable OMPs, while its impact on other OMPs varies. Only 19% of studies we reviewed included toxicity testing of treated effluent, and even fewer measured transformation products. Several studies have previously reported an increase in effluent toxicity because of oxidation, although it was successfully abated by subsequent biofiltration in most cases. Therefore, the efficacy of biofiltration treatment should be assessed by integrating toxicity testing into the assessment of overall removal.
Topics: Filtration; Water Purification; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Charcoal; Water
PubMed: 38325285
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120203 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Jun 2024Air pollution has been a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. There have been significant increases in... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Air pollution has been a serious environmental and public health issue worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. There have been significant increases in epidemiological studies on fine particulate matter (PM) and ozone pollution in East Asia, and an in-depth review of epidemiological evidence is urgent. Thus, we carried out a systematic review of the epidemiological research on PM and ozone pollution in East Asia released in recent years.
RECENT FINDINGS
Recent studies have indicated that PM and ozone are the most detrimental air pollutants to human health, resulting in substantial disease burdens for Asian populations. Many epidemiological studies of PM and ozone have been mainly performed in three East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). We derived the following summary findings: (1) both short-term and long-term exposure to PM and ozone could raise the risks of mortality and morbidity, emphasizing the need for continuing improvements in air quality in East Asia; (2) the long-term associations between PM and mortality in East Asia are comparable to those observed in Europe and North America, whereas the short-term associations are relatively smaller in magnitude; and (3) further cohort and intervention studies are required to yield robust and precise evidence that can promote evidence-based policymaking in East Asia. This updated review presented an outline of the health impacts of PM and ozone in East Asia, which may be beneficial for the development of future regulatory policies and standards, as well as for designing subsequent investigations.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Ozone; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Asia, Eastern; Public Health
PubMed: 38321318
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00433-y