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Kleinbeck S, Wolkoff P. Exposure limits for indoor volatile substances concerning the general population: The role of population-based differences in sensory irritation of the eyes and airways for assessment factors. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:617-662. [PMID: 38243103 PMCID: PMC10861400 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Assessment factors (AFs) are essential in the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) and indoor air quality guidelines. The factors shall accommodate differences in sensitivity between subgroups, i.e., workers, healthy and sick people, and occupational exposure versus life-long exposure for the general population. Derivation of AFs itself is based on empirical knowledge from human and animal exposure studies with immanent uncertainty in the empirical evidence due to knowledge gaps and experimental reliability. Sensory irritation in the eyes and airways constitute about 30-40% of OELs and is an abundant symptom in non-industrial buildings characterizing the indoor air quality and general health. Intraspecies differences between subgroups of the general population should be quantified for the proposal of more 'empirical' based AFs. In this review, we focus on sensitivity differences in sensory irritation about gender, age, health status, and vulnerability in people, based solely on human exposure studies. Females are more sensitive to sensory irritation than males for few volatile substances. Older people appear less sensitive than younger ones. However, impaired defense mechanisms may increase vulnerability in the long term. Empirical evidence of sensory irritation in children is rare and limited to children down to the age of six years. Studies of the nervous system in children compared to adults suggest a higher sensitivity in children; however, some defense mechanisms are more efficient in children than in adults. Usually, exposure studies are performed with healthy subjects. Exposure studies with sick people are not representative due to the deselection of subjects with moderate or severe eye or airway diseases, which likely underestimates the sensitivity of the group of people with diseases. Psychological characterization like personality factors shows that concentrations of volatile substances far below their sensory irritation thresholds may influence the sensitivity, in part biased by odor perception. Thus, the protection of people with extreme personality traits is not feasible by an AF and other mitigation strategies are required. The available empirical evidence comprising age, lifestyle, and health supports an AF of not greater than up to 2 for sensory irritation. Further, general AFs are discouraged for derivation, rather substance-specific derivation of AFs is recommended based on the risk assessment of empirical data, deposition in the airways depending on the substance's water solubility and compensating for knowledge and experimental gaps. Modeling of sensory irritation would be a better 'empirical' starting point for derivation of AFs for children, older, and sick people, as human exposure studies are not possible (due to ethical reasons) or not generalizable (due to self-selection). Dedicated AFs may be derived for environments where dry air, high room temperature, and visually demanding tasks aggravate the eyes or airways than for places in which the workload is balanced, while indoor playgrounds might need other AFs due to physical workload and affected groups of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kleinbeck
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Wolkoff P. Indoor air humidity revisited: Impact on acute symptoms, work productivity, and risk of influenza and COVID-19 infection. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114313. [PMID: 38154254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological and experimental findings reconfirm that low indoor air humidity (dry air) increases the prevalence of acute eye and airway symptoms in offices, result in lower mucociliary clearance in the airways, less efficient immune defense, and deteriorate the work productivity. New epidemiological and experimental research also support that the environmental conditions for the risk of infection of influenza and COVID-19 virus is lowest in the Goldilocks zone of 40-60% relative humidity (RH) by decrease of the airways' susceptibility, which can be elevated by particle exposure. Furthermore, low RH increases the generation of infectious virus laden aerosols exhaled from infected people. In general, elevation of the indoor air humidity from dry air increases the health of the airways concomitantly with lower viability of infectious virus. Thus, the negative effects of ventilation with dry outdoor air (low absolute air humidity) should be assessed according to 1) weakened health and functionality of the airways, 2) increased viability and possible increased transmissibility of infectious virus, and 3) evaporation of virus containing droplets to dry out to droplet nuclei (also possible at high room temperature), which increases their floating time in the indoor air. The removal of acid-containing ambient aerosols from the indoor air by filtration increases pH, viability of infectious viruses, and the risk of infection, which synergistically may further increase by particle exposure. Thus, the dilution of indoor air pollutants and virus aerosols by dry outdoor air ventilation should be assessed and compared with the beneficial health effects by control of the center zone of 40-60% RH, an essential factor for optimal functionality of the airways, and with the additional positive impact on acute symptoms, work productivity, and reduced risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
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3
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Effects of indoor summer dehumidification and winter humidification on the physiological and subjective responses of the elderly. J Therm Biol 2023; 111:103390. [PMID: 36585092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the physiological and subjective responses of the elderly to dehumidification in a humid summer and humidification in a dry winter compared with the young. Sixteen elderly and sixteen young subjects participated in the dehumidification experiment (DE) and 13 elderly and 15 young subjects participated in the humidification experiment (HE). The air temperature in the climate chamber was set at 28 °C, and humidity was decreased from 70% relative humidity (RH) to 50% RH for 90 min in the DE. The air temperature was set at 25 °C, and the humidity was increased from 30% RH to 50% RH for 90 min in the HE. Skin temperature, body weight, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration state, saccharin clearance time (SCT), and blinking frequency were measured during exposure; whereby we evaluated humidity sensation, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort. Dehumidification caused a significant decrease in skin temperature in both age groups owing to greater insensible perspiration. Humidification significantly shortened the SCT in both age groups. TEWL increased significantly in the DE and decreased in the HE. For the physiological responses (skin temperature, skin physiology, SCT, and blinking frequency) to dehumidification and humidification, no distinct differences between the age groups were observed. However, subjective responses suggested that the elderly were less sensitive to humidity differences than the young in both the DE and HE.
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Meng Y, Jie Y, Wang C, Zhang L. The Objective Assessment of dry Nose. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2022; 37:83-88. [DOI: 10.1177/19458924221134835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Dry nose (DN) is a common symptom in both patients with rhinitis and healthy individuals; however, it is often overlooked. Objective This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of and propose objective diagnostic criteria for DN. Methods This study was conducted from December, 2018 to October, 2021. Patients with complaints of a dry nasal cavity and normal controls were recruited consecutively from the allergy-rhinology outpatient clinic of Beijing TongRen Hospital. Questionnaires were completed by each participant during recruitment to record demographic data. DN test strips were used to evaluate the severity of DN. The length of the strip was recorded at 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min, respectively. Nasal secretions were collected on sponges and allergic status was assessed based on serum sage levels. Results Twenty (13 men and 7 women) patients with DN and 100 (47 men and 53 women) controls were recruited for the study. The participants’ ages ranged from 23 to 73 years (mean = 47.7 years). Nine of the 20 DN patients were diagnosed with vasomotor rhinitis. The weight of the sponges of DN patients was significantly lower than that of controls. At the last time point (5 min), the strips in the control group were significantly longer than those in the DN group. The reference range of 30 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min of controls was 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 10.9 mm, 13.2 mm, 16.8 mm, and 17.0 mm, respectively. Conclusions Our study indicated that the strip length less than 17.0 mm at 5 min is a valuable reference for the diagnostic of DN in Beijing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
- Research Ward, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Chengshuo Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
- Research Ward, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Luo Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
- Research Ward, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of nasal diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Allergy, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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Qiu Y, Deng Z, Jiang C, Wei K, Zhu L, Zhang J, Jiao C. The Associations of Meteorological and Environmental Factors with Memory Function of the Older Age in Urban Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095484. [PMID: 35564874 PMCID: PMC9105547 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Individual, meteorological, and environmental factors are associated with cognitive function in older age. However, little is known about how meteorological and environmental factors interact with individual factors in affecting cognitive function in older adults. In the current study, we used mixed effects models to assess the association of individual, meteorological, and environmental factors with cognitive function among older adults in urban areas. Data from 2623 adults aged 60 to 91 years from 25 provinces (or autonomous regions/municipalities) from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) were used. We used the memory test in CFPS to measure memory function, while meteorological data from the daily climate data set of China’s surface international exchange stations, and the traffic and greening data compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China, were used to assess meteorological and environmental factors. The ICC of the empty model indicated that 7.7% of the variation in memory test scores for the older adults was caused by provincial characteristics. Results showed that the temperature and relative humidity of provinces moderated the effect of gender on the memory function for the older urban adults. Specifically, in the high temperature areas, memory scores for females were higher than those of males, and in the middle humidity areas, memory scores were also higher for the females than those of males. This study explained how meteorological and environmental factors played roles in influencing demographic factors on memory function among older adults. Further research is needed to better define the role and potential mechanism of this moderation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Qiu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zeming Deng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chujuan Jiang
- School of Music and Dance, Division of Arts, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Kaigong Wei
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jieting Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (C.J.)
| | - Can Jiao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.D.); (K.W.); (L.Z.)
- Center for Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (C.J.)
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Tabernero J, Garcia-Porta N, Artal P, Pardhan S. Intraocular Scattering, Blinking Rate, and Tear Film Osmolarity After Exposure to Environmental Stress. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:12. [PMID: 34379094 PMCID: PMC8362624 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.9.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dry environments, such as those in offices or aircraft cabins, can potentially generate ocular discomfort and alter the tear film. We compare light scatter, blinking rate, and tear osmolarity in young and older subjects after exposure to low humidity using a controlled environmental chamber. Methods Two groups of healthy subjects were recruited; younger (N = 13, 27 ± 6 years) and older (N = 23, 71 ± 7 years). Measurements were carried out before and after 90-minute exposure to low relative humidity (5%) and constant temperature (23 degrees). Ocular light scatter was measured using a double-pass instrument (OQAS, Visiometrics, Spain). Blinking rate was monitored using an infrared video camera. Tear osmolarity was measured using the TearLab system (Escondido, CA, USA). Results Ocular light scatter increased by a factor of 10% after exposure to low humidity in the older group (P = 0.03) but did not change significantly in the younger group. Blinking rate increased significantly (40% more blinks) in both groups but there was no difference between the groups. No significant differences in osmolarity were shown between two age groups or as result of environmental stress. Conclusions Exposure to dry environment increased light scatter in older subjects. Although more blinks were triggered in both younger and older groups to prevent corneal dehydration, there was no difference between the groups. Blink rate and osmolarity are not associated with the difference in light scatter. Translational Relevance Our work approaches a clinical care problem using basic research methods (measuring ocular scatter and blink ratio).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tabernero
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.,Departamento de Electromagnetismo y Electrónica, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
| | - Nery Garcia-Porta
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.,Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pablo Artal
- Laboratorio de Óptica, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Shahina Pardhan
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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The Association of Meteorological Factors with Cognitive Function in Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115981. [PMID: 34199578 PMCID: PMC8199712 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individual and meteorological factors are associated with cognitive function in older adults. However, how these two factors interact with each other to affect cognitive function in older adults is still unclear. We used mixed effects models to assess the association of individual and meteorological factors with cognitive function among older adults. Individual data in this study were from the database of China Family Panel Studies. A total of 3448 older adults from 25 provinces were included in our analysis. Cognitive functions were measured using a memory test and a logical sequence test. We used the meteorological data in the daily climate dataset of China’s surface international exchange stations, and two meteorological factors (i.e., average temperature and relative humidity) were assessed. The empty model showed significant differences in the cognitive scores of the older adults across different provinces. The results showed a main impact of residence (i.e., urban or rural) and a significant humidity–residence interaction on memory performance in older adults. Specifically, the negative association between humidity and memory performance was more pronounced in urban areas. This study suggested that meteorological factors may, in concert with individual factors, be associated with differences in memory function in older adults.
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8
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Kakitsuba N. Underlying mechanism of diurnal change in thermal sensation response at high relative humidity. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102870. [PMID: 33863434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Diurnal changes in physiological and behavioral responses to constant relative humidity (RH) were investigated in summer to validate a hypothesis that thermal sensation responses (TSR) vary with the diurnal cycle while maintained at stable RH's of 60, 70, or 80%. Seven lightly clothed male subjects were exposed to one of three RH while air temperature (Ta) was held at 28 °C from 9:00-18:30. Mean skin temperature (T‾sk) and tympanic temperature (Tty) were monitored at 2-min intervals throughout the experimental period. Cutaneous warm and cool sensation thresholds and stratum corneum water content (SCWC) on the anterior forearm, posterior forearm, and anterior thigh, finger blood flow rate (SkBF) were measured by a thermal stimulator controlled by a Peltier element (Intercross-230; Intercross, Co., Tokyo, Japan), a water content of stratum corneum monitor (Corneometer CM825 & MPA 5; Integral Co., Tokyo, Japan), and a laser flowmeter (ALF21; Advance Co., Tokyo, Japan), accordingly at the end of three periods: 9:30-10:30, 13:30-14:30, and 17:30-18:30. The TSR and the thermal comfort response were also recorded using subjective scales of thermal sensation and comfort thresholds at the end of three periods. The Tty and mean skin temperature (T‾sk) remained unchanged during the day under all RH conditions. Temperature difference between warm and cold sensation thresholds and SkBF decreased slightly towards the evening under all RH conditions whereas SCWC increased from the morning to the evening at 60% and 80% RH. Behaviorally, the subjects responded more than "slightly warm" at 70%, and 80% RH, and then the TSR changed significantly (p < 0.05) to less than "slightly warm" in the evening, although T̅sk remained unchanged at 34.0 °C. The results from the previous study in winter was reconfirmed, and the data verify the hypothesis that TSR changes diurnally even though subjects are exposed to a constant and high RH's and stable Ta. It was confirmed in summertime as previously shown in wintertime that the combined reduction in SkBF to increases SCWC when exposed to high RH explains the altered TSR although Ta are unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Kakitsuba
- Meijo University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Shiogamaguchi 1-501, Tenpaku-ku, 468-8502, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
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9
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Božič A, Kanduč M. Relative humidity in droplet and airborne transmission of disease. J Biol Phys 2021; 47:1-29. [PMID: 33564965 PMCID: PMC7872882 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-020-09562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of infectious diseases are transmitted by respiratory droplets. How long these droplets persist in the air, how far they can travel, and how long the pathogens they might carry survive are all decisive factors for the spread of droplet-borne diseases. The subject is extremely multifaceted and its aspects range across different disciplines, yet most of them have only seldom been considered in the physics community. In this review, we discuss the physical principles that govern the fate of respiratory droplets and any viruses trapped inside them, with a focus on the role of relative humidity. Importantly, low relative humidity-as encountered, for instance, indoors during winter and inside aircraft-facilitates evaporation and keeps even initially large droplets suspended in air as aerosol for extended periods of time. What is more, relative humidity affects the stability of viruses in aerosol through several physical mechanisms such as efflorescence and inactivation at the air-water interface, whose role in virus inactivation nonetheless remains poorly understood. Elucidating the role of relative humidity in the droplet spread of disease would permit us to design preventive measures that could aid in reducing the chance of transmission, particularly in indoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anže Božič
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Kanduč
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Spena A, Palombi L, Corcione M, Quintino A, Carestia M, Spena VA. Predicting SARS-CoV-2 Weather-Induced Seasonal Virulence from Atmospheric Air Enthalpy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9059. [PMID: 33291676 PMCID: PMC7729562 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17239059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several studies have examined the possibility of correlating the virulence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, to the climatic conditions of the involved sites; however, inconclusive results have been generally obtained. Although neither air temperature nor humidity can be independently correlated with virus viability, a strong relationship between SARS-CoV-2 virulence and the specific enthalpy of moist air appears to exist, as confirmed by extensive data analysis. Given this framework, the present study involves a detailed investigation based on the first 20-30 days of the epidemic before public health interventions in 30 selected Italian provinces with rather different climates, here assumed as being representative of what happened in the country from North to South, of the relationship between COVID-19 distributions and the climatic conditions recorded at each site before the pandemic outbreak. Accordingly, a correlating equation between the incidence rate at the early stage of the epidemic and the foregoing average specific enthalpy of atmospheric air was developed, and an enthalpy-based seasonal virulence risk scale was proposed to predict the potential danger of COVID-19 outbreak due to the persistence of weather conditions favorable to SARS-CoV-2 viability. As an early detection tool, an unambiguous risk chart expressed in terms of coupled temperatures and relative humidity (RH) values was provided, showing that safer conditions occur in the case of higher RHs at the highest temperatures, and of lower RHs at the lowest temperatures. Despite the complex determinism and dynamics of the pandemic and the related caveats, the restriction of the study to its early stage allowed the proposed risk scale to result in agreement with the available infectivity data highlighted in the literature for a number of cities around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Spena
- Department of Enterprise Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Palombi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Corcione
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alessandro Quintino
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Mariachiara Carestia
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Andrea Spena
- Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (A.Q.)
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Gallay C, Meylan P, Mermoud S, Johannsen A, Lang C, Rivolta C, Christen-Zaech S. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors associated with the development of atopic dermatitis in infancy: a prospective birth cohort study. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:1367-1377. [PMID: 32144501 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The influence of environmental factors on atopic dermatitis (AD) has been investigated in many cross-sectional studies. It remains however unclear if they could influence AD development early in life. This prospective birth cohort study aimed to monitor aspects of family lifestyle and child's nutrition within a Caucasian population and to assess its association with AD development over the first 2 years of life. Genetic predisposition was evaluated based on family history and profilaggrin genotyping. Of 149 included children, 36 developed AD. Infants with a family history of atopy developed AD 2.6 times more frequently (30 of 97) than infants without atopic predisposition (6 of 52). Genotyping was carried out on 50% of the children included. Profilaggrin mutations (R501X, 2282del4, R2447X, and S3247X) were infrequent in our population. Lower incidence of AD was observed in infants exposed to a damp housing environment, lower household income, and smoking mothers with a higher but not with a lower education level.Conclusion: Family history of atopy was a significant risk factor for AD regardless of the most common, currently defined, FLG mutations. Humidity at home and passive smoking seem associated with AD development in infancy. What is Known: • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with mutations in various genes of the immune system and the epidermal barrier complex in particular filaggrin (FLG) mutation. • Inherited factors alone cannot explain the rising AD; environmental factors are therefore likely to play a decisive role in this rise but the exact role that these factors may play in increasing AD risk in infancy remains unclear. Moreover, the relationship between environmental factors and AD has been the focus of mostly cross-sectional studies and not prospective studies. What is New: • This prospective birth cohort study demonstrates that family history of atopy is a significant risk factor for AD regardless of the most common, currently defined, FLG mutations. • A lower incidence of AD was observed in infants exposed to a moist housing environment, lower household income, and smoking of mothers with a higher but not with a lower education level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gallay
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Meylan
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Mermoud
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Johannsen
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Lang
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Stephanie Christen-Zaech
- Pediatric Dermatology Unit, Departments of Dermatology & Venereology, and Pediatrics, University Hospital Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Chemin de Montétan 16, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Kakitsuba N, Chen Q, Komatsu Y. Diurnal change in psychological and physiological responses to consistent relative humidity. J Therm Biol 2020; 88:102490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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13
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Wolkoff P. The mystery of dry indoor air - An overview. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:1058-1065. [PMID: 30389384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
"Dry air" is a major and abundant indoor air quality complaint in office-like environments. The causality of perceived "dry air" and associated respiratory effects continues to be debated, despite no clear definition of the complaint, yet, has been provided. The perception of "dry air" is semantically confusing without an associated receptor but mimics a proto-state of sensory irritation like a cooling sensation. "Dry air" may also be confused with another common indoor air quality complaint "stuffy air", which mimics the sense of no fresh air and of nasal congestion. Low indoor air humidity (IAH) was dismissed more than four decades ago as cause of "dry air" complaints, rather indoor pollutants was proposed as possible exacerbating causative agents during the cold season. Many studies, however, have shown adverse effects of low IAH and beneficial effects of elevated IAH. In this literature overview, we try to answer, "What is perceived "dry air" in indoor environments and its associated causalities. Many studies have shown that the perception is caused not only by extended exposure to low IAH, but also simultaneously with and possibly exacerbated by indoor air pollutants that aggravate the protective mucous layer in the airways and the eye tear film. Immanent diseases in the nose and airways in the general population may also contribute to the overall complaint rate and including other risk factors like age of the population, use of medication, and external factors like the local ambient humidity. Low IAH may be the single cause of perceived "dry air" in the elderly population, while certain indoor air pollutants may come into play among susceptible people, in addition to baseline contribution of nasal diseases. Thus, perceived "dry air" intercorrelates with dry eyes and throat, certain indoor air pollutants, ambient humidity, low IAH, and nasal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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14
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Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – An overview. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:376-390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Sugihara Y, Ikushima S, Miyake M, Kirisako T, Yada Y, Fujiwara D. Improvement of skin conditions by ingestion of Aspergillus kawachii (Koji) extract containing 14-dehydroergosterol in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2018; 11:115-124. [PMID: 29563825 PMCID: PMC5849931 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s152979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The present study examined the effect of ingestion of Koji extract containing 14-dehydroergosterol (14-DHE), prepared from Aspergillus kawachii NBRC4308, on improvement of skin conditions among healthy volunteers. Subjects and methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 70 healthy adult women who felt that their skin was dry ingested either a placebo dietary supplement or Koji extract (200 mg/day) supplement containing 0.1% 14-DHE for 12 weeks. Throughout the treatment period and for 4 weeks afterward, objective indicators - including moisture content of the stratum corneum, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin wrinkles - were evaluated; in addition, the subjects answered a questionnaire on their skin conditions with ratings on a visual analog scale. Statistical analysis was conducted on the basis of differences from baseline scores. Results Compared with the placebo group, the Koji extract group showed significantly increased forearm moisture at 4, 8, and 16 weeks (p < 0.05 on unpaired t-test). The questionnaire survey showed a marked improvement in skin conditions, particularly crow's feet, in the Koji extract group versus the placebo group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 by unpaired t-test). Furthermore, the Koji extract group showed a trend (p < 0.10) toward improvement in skin moisture (at 4 weeks), dryness around the eyes/mouth (at 4 weeks), and overall skin condition (at 8 weeks) versus the placebo group. Conclusion Ingestion of Koji extract containing 14-DHE was demonstrated to have positive effects toward improving skin conditions - in particular, on increasing skin moisture in the stratum corneum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mika Miyake
- Research Laboratories for Health Science and Food Technologies
| | - Takayoshi Kirisako
- Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Research and Development Division, Kirin Company, Limited, Yokohama
| | - Yukihiro Yada
- Doctorate Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Fujiwara
- Central Laboratories for Key Technologies, Research and Development Division, Kirin Company, Limited, Yokohama
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16
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Kakitsuba N. Current knowledge on the effects of humidity on physiological and psychological responses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1618/jhes.20.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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17
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Rodriguez JD, Lane KJ, Ousler GW, Angjeli E, Smith LM, Abelson MB. Blink: Characteristics, Controls, and Relation to Dry Eyes. Curr Eye Res 2017; 43:52-66. [PMID: 29043838 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2017.1381270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Blink is a complex phenomenon that is profoundly affected by diverse endogenous and exogenous stimuli. It has been studied in the context of cognition, emotional, and psychological states, as an indicator of fatigue and sleepiness, particularly in the automobile and transportation industry, in visual tasking, and finally, as it relates to tear film stability and ocular surface health. The fact that it is highly variable and has input from so many sources makes it very difficult to study. In the present review, the behavior of blink in many of these systems is discussed, ultimately returning in each instance to a discussion of how these factors affect blink in the context of dry eyes. Blink is important to ocular surface health and to an individual's optimal functioning and quality of life. Disturbances in blink, as cause or effect, result in a breakdown of tear film stability, optical clarity, and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark B Abelson
- a Ora, Inc , Andover , MA , USA.,b Department of Ophthalmology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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18
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Azuma K, Ikeda K, Kagi N, Yanagi U, Osawa H. Evaluating prevalence and risk factors of building-related symptoms among office workers: Seasonal characteristics of symptoms and psychosocial and physical environmental factors. Environ Health Prev Med 2017; 22:38. [PMID: 29165170 PMCID: PMC5664800 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-017-0645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial and environmental factors at the workplace play a significant role in building-related symptoms (BRSs). Environmental factors change during summer cooling and winter heating using air-conditioning systems. Thus, significant risk factors in each season need to be clarified. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted during summer in Japan and seasonal differences between summer and winter were evaluated. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 489 offices. Possible risk factors for BRSs associated with the work environment, indoor air quality, and job stressors were examined by multiple regression analyses. Results Among people having at least one BRS, the prevalence of BRSs in summer (27.8%) was slightly higher than that in winter (24.9%). High prevalence was observed for eye and nasal symptoms related to dryness and general symptoms related to psychological distress in both seasons. Analyses revealed that dryness of air was an important and significant risk factor associated with BRSs, and job stressors were significantly associated with general symptoms in both seasons. Conversely, humidity was a significant risk factor of general symptoms in summer (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.43). Carpeting, recently painted walls, and unpleasant chemical odors in summer and noise, dust and dirt, and unpleasant odors such as body or food odors in both seasons were significant risk factors for BRSs. Conclusions Improvements in the physical environmental qualities in an office throughout the year are important along with the reduction in psychological distress related to work. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12199-017-0645-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Koichi Ikeda
- Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, 8-14 Kanda-Surugadai 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8308, Japan
| | - Naoki Kagi
- Department of Mechanical and Environmental Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - U Yanagi
- Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, Kogakuin University, 1-24-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-8677, Japan
| | - Haruki Osawa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, 2-3-6 Minami, Wako, Saitama, 351-0197, Japan
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19
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Liu X, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Wang X. Variation in skin biology to climate in Shanghai, China. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2017; 36:231-236. [PMID: 27825268 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2016.1258708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Mycology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, China and
| | - Yanrui Gao
- Department of Skin & Cosmetics Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyi Zhang
- Department of Skin & Cosmetics Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Department of Skin & Cosmetics Research, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai, China
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20
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Lifestyle and Environmental Influences on Skin. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-810401-9.00028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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21
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Calonge M, Pinto-Fraga J, González-García MJ, Enríquez-de-Salamanca A, López-de la Rosa A, Fernández I, López-Miguel A. Effects of the External Environment on Dry Eye Disease. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2017; 57:23-40. [PMID: 28282312 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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22
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Variáveis psicofisiológicas durante exercício físico frente a diferentes condutas de alimentação e hidratação. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CIÊNCIAS DO ESPORTE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbce.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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23
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Ahrentzen S, Erickson J, Fonseca E. Thermal and health outcomes of energy efficiency retrofits of homes of older adults. INDOOR AIR 2016; 26:582-93. [PMID: 26249033 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitigation of thermal stress and adverse indoor climatic conditions is important to older low-income populations whose age, health, and economic circumstances make them vulnerable to indoor environmental conditions. This research examines whether energy retrofits in affordable housing for older adults can also improve indoor climatic (i.e., temperature, humidity, air infiltration) conditions and whether such improvements correspond with improved health and comfort of residents. An apartment complex for low-income older adults in Phoenix was the study site. In 2010, renovations were undertaken to make it more energy efficient and to replace interior cabinetry, flooring, and paint with materials that had low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fifty-seven residents from 53 apartment units participated in both baseline (pre-renovation) and 1 year post-renovation data collection trials. Environmental measures included temperature, relative humidity, and air infiltration. Health measures included general health, emotional distress, and sleep. Four questions addressed residents' perceptions of temperature quality. Results demonstrated a 19% reduction in energy consumption following the retrofit. In addition, fixed effects statistical models of the panel data showed significant stabilization of unit temperature from pre-retrofit to 1 year post-retrofit. Reductions in an apartment's temperature extremes of 27.2°C (81°F) and above also corresponded with improvement in occupant's reported health over the same time period, although not with occupant's perceptions of thermal comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahrentzen
- Shimberg Center for Housing Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - J Erickson
- Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - E Fonseca
- The Elemental Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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24
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Byber K, Flatz A, Norbäck D, Hitzke C, Imo D, Schwenkglenks M, Puhan MA, Dressel H, Mutsch M. Humidification of indoor air for preventing or reducing dryness symptoms or upper respiratory infections in educational settings and at the workplace. Hippokratia 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Byber
- University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Rämistrasse 100 Zurich Switzerland 8091
| | - Aline Flatz
- Lausanne University Hospital; Cochrane Switzerland, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine; Route de la Corniche 10 Lausanne Switzerland CH-1010
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University; Department of Medical Science; Uppsala Sweden
| | - Christine Hitzke
- University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Rämistrasse 100 Zurich Switzerland 8091
| | - David Imo
- University of Zurich; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Hirschengraben 84 Zurich Switzerland 8001
| | - Matthias Schwenkglenks
- University of Zurich; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute; Hirschengraben 84 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Milo A Puhan
- University of Zurich; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute; Hirschengraben 84 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Holger Dressel
- University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Rämistrasse 100 Zurich Switzerland 8091
| | - Margot Mutsch
- University of Zurich; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute; Hirschengraben 84 Zurich Switzerland
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25
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Wolkoff P, Crump DR, Harrison PTC. Pollutant exposures and health symptoms in aircrew and office workers: Is there a link? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 87:74-84. [PMID: 26641522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Sensory effects in eyes and airways are common symptoms reported by aircraft crew and office workers. Neurological symptoms, such as headache, have also been reported. To assess the commonality and differences in exposures and health symptoms, a literature search of aircraft cabin and office air concentrations of non-reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone-initiated terpene reaction products were compiled and assessed. Data for tricresyl phosphates, in particular tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (ToCP), were also compiled, as well as information on other risk factors such as low relative humidity. A conservative health risk assessment for eye, airway and neurological effects was undertaken based on a "worst-case scenario" which assumed a simultaneous constant exposure for 8h to identified maximum concentrations in aircraft and offices. This used guidelines and reference values for sensory irritation for eyes and upper airways and airflow limitation; a tolerable daily intake value was used for ToCP. The assessment involved the use of hazard quotients or indexes, defined as the summed ratio(s) (%) of compound concentration(s) divided by their guideline value(s). The concentration data suggest that, under the assumption of a conservative "worst-case scenario", aircraft air and office concentrations of the compounds in question are not likely to be associated with sensory symptoms in eyes and airways. This is supported by the fact that maximum concentrations are, in general, associated with infrequent incidents and brief exposures. Sensory symptoms, in particular in eyes, appear to be exacerbated by environmental and occupational conditions that differ in aircraft and offices, e.g., ozone incidents, low relative humidity, low cabin pressure, and visual display unit work. The data do not support airflow limitation effects. For ToCP, in view of the conservative approach adopted here and the rareness of reported incidents, the health risk of exposure to this compound in aircraft is considered negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
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26
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Ambient temperature effect on pulse rate variability as an alternative to heart rate variability in young adult. J Clin Monit Comput 2015; 30:939-948. [PMID: 26511754 PMCID: PMC5082608 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-015-9798-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Pulse rate variability (PRV) is a promising physiological and analytic technique used as a substitute for heart rate variability (HRV). PRV is measured by pulse wave from various devices including mobile and wearable devices but HRV is only measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG). The purpose of this study was to evaluate PRV and HRV at various ambient temperatures and elaborate on the interchangeability of PRV and HRV. Twenty-eight healthy young subjects were enrolled in the experiment. We prepared temperature-controlled rooms and recorded the ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) under temperature-controlled, constant humidity conditions. The rooms were kept at 17, 25, and 38 °C as low, moderate, and high ambient temperature environments, respectively. HRV and PRV were derived from the synchronized ECG and PPG measures and they were studied in time and frequency domain analysis for PRV/HRV ratio and pulse transit time (PTT). Similarity and differences between HRV and PRV were determined by a statistical analysis. PRV/HRV ratio analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between HRV and PRV for a given ambient temperature; this was with short-term variability measures such as SDNN SDSD or RMSSD, and HF-based variables including HF, LF/HF and normalized HF. In our analysis the absolute value of PTT was not significantly influenced by temperature. Standard deviation of PTT, however, showed significant difference not only between low and moderate temperatures but also between low and high temperatures. Our results suggest that ambient temperature induces a significant difference in PRV compared to HRV and that the difference becomes greater at a higher ambient temperature.
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27
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Chajra H, Amstutz B, Schweikert K, Auriol D, Redziniak G, Lefèvre F. Opioid receptor delta as a global modulator of skin differentiation and barrier function repair. Int J Cosmet Sci 2015; 37:386-94. [PMID: 25660727 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to confirm the properties of selective agonist peptide (Rubixyl) contained in the spinach towards opioid receptor delta. In fact, agonist properties of both spinach peptides (Rubiscolin-5 and Rubixyl) towards opioid receptor delta were demonstrated by Zang et al., but their effects on the other opioid receptors were not studied [1]. We also studied the expression of opioid receptor delta in epidermis under normal and stress condition (inflammatory) and its role in epidermis homeostasis under stress condition in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Agonist properties studies were performed using functional agonist cellular model containing human opioid receptors. Opioid receptor delta expression and epidermis homeostasis were studied on human reconstructed epidermis under normal and stress conditions (inflammatory stress) using gene expression (RT-qPCR) and protein expression analysis (immunohistological analysis). Skin repair properties of opioid receptor delta agonist were based on the following parameters TEWL (trans epidermal water loss, hydration and wrinkle depth at periocular and perilabial area) on human volunteers having either intrinsic ageing (more than 40 years old and non-smoker group) and both intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing (more than 40 years old and smoker group). RESULTS We have demonstrated that the Rubixyl peptide is a specific agonist of opioid receptor delta. We have demonstrated that opioid receptor delta expression is modulated under inflammatory condition. The agonist Rubixyl was able to block the depletion of opioid receptor delta seen under inflammatory condition in reconstructed human epidermis. Inflammatory conditions lead to the unbalanced gene and protein expressions of markers involved in epidermis integrity and barrier function properties. The treatment of human reconstructed epidermis with the agonist Rubixyl leads to the normalization of unbalanced gene and protein expressions. In vivo study has confirmed the efficiency of the agonist Rubixyl to repair damaged skin by decreasing TEWL, increasing hydration and decreasing wrinkle depth at the periocular and perilabial area. CONCLUSION In this research, we have demonstrated in vitro (on inflamed reconstructed human epidermis, RHE) and in vivo (on human aged volunteers) that activation by natural agonist peptide of opioid receptor delta reduces the skin inflammation thus leading to improvement in epidermis differentiation and skin barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B Amstutz
- Induchem AG, Volketzwil, Switzerland
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28
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Yokoi A, Endo K, Ozawa T, Miyaki M, Matsuo K, Nozawa K, Manabe M, Takagi Y. A cleanser based on sodium laureth carboxylate and alkyl carboxylates washes facial sebum well but does not induce dry skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 2014; 13:245-52. [DOI: 10.1111/jocd.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Yokoi
- Akita University Hospital; Akita Japan
| | - Koji Endo
- Kao Corporation; Global R&D- Skin Care Products Research; Tokyo Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ozawa
- Kao Corporation; Global R&D- Skin Care Products Research; Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiro Miyaki
- Kao Corporation; Global R&D- Skin Care Products Research; Tokyo Japan
| | - Keiko Matsuo
- Kao Corporation; Global R&D- Skin Care Products Research; Tokyo Japan
| | | | | | - Yutaka Takagi
- Kao Corporation; Global R&D- Skin Care Products Research; Tokyo Japan
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Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, Sakamoto W, Odanaka W, Sato T, Yamasaki T, Kanemitsu T, Masuda Y, Urushibata O. Ingestion of hyaluronans (molecular weights 800 k and 300 k) improves dry skin conditions: a randomized, double blind, controlled study. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2014; 56:66-73. [PMID: 25834304 PMCID: PMC4306664 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.14-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) has been increasingly used as a dietary supplement to improve the skin. However, the effect of ingested HA may depend on its molecular weight (MW) because its physiological activities in the body vary with its MW. In this study, we examined the effects of ingested HA with varying MW on the skin. In this randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study, 61 subjects with dry skin received oral HA (120 mg/day), of MWs 800 k and 300 k or placebo, for 6 weeks. The skin moisture contents of the first two groups increased more than those of the placebo group during the ingestion period. In addition, group HA 300 k exhibited significant improvements in skin moisture content 2 weeks after ingestion ended compared with the placebo group. A questionnaire survey about subjective facial aging symptoms showed that the HA treated groups exhibited significantly improved the skin condition compared with the placebo treated group. Furthermore, dermatologists objectively evaluated the clinical symptoms of the facial and whole body skin, showing that no adverse events were related to daily ingestion of HA. This study shows that both of ingesting HAs (MWs 800 k and 300 k) improved the skin condition by increasing the moisture content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinatsu Kawada
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Takushi Yoshida
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Hideto Yoshida
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Wakako Sakamoto
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Wataru Odanaka
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Toshihide Sato
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamasaki
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kanemitsu
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Yasunobu Masuda
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7 Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Osamu Urushibata
- Department of Dermatology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, 2-17-6 Ohashi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8515, Japan
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30
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Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, Matsuoka R, Sakamoto W, Odanaka W, Sato T, Yamasaki T, Kanemitsu T, Masuda Y, Urushibata O. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J 2014; 13:70. [PMID: 25014997 PMCID: PMC4110621 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is present in many tissues of the body and is essential to maintain moistness in the skin tissues, which contain approximately half the body’s HA mass. Due to its viscosity and moisturizing effect, HA is widely distributed as a medicine, cosmetic, food, and, recently marketed in Japan as a popular dietary supplement to promote skin moisture. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study it was found that ingested HA increased skin moisture and improved treatment outcomes for patients with dry skin. HA is also reported to be absorbed by the body distributed, in part, to the skin. Ingested HA contributes to the increased synthesis of HA and promotes cell proliferation in fibroblasts. These effects show that ingestion of HA moisturizes the skin and is expected to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from dry skin. This review examines the moisturizing effects of dry skin by ingested HA and summarizes the series of mechanisms from absorption to pharmacological action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ryosuke Matsuoka
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo, Japan.
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Balato N, Megna M, Ayala F, Balato A, Napolitano M, Patruno C. Effects of climate changes on skin diseases. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:171-81. [PMID: 24404995 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.875855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Global climate is changing at an extraordinary rate. Climate change (CC) can be caused by several factors including variations in solar radiation, oceanic processes, and also human activities. The degree of this change and its impact on ecological, social, and economical systems have become important matters of debate worldwide, representing CC as one of the greatest challenges of the modern age. Moreover, studies based on observations and predictive models show how CC could affect human health. On the other hand, only a few studies focus on how this change may affect human skin. However, the skin is the most exposed organ to environment; therefore, it is not surprising that cutaneous diseases are inclined to have a high sensitivity to climate. The current review focuses on the effects of CC on skin diseases showing the numerous factors that are contributing to modify the incidence, clinical pattern and natural course of some dermatoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Balato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini, 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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Acute airway effects of airborne formaldehyde in sensitized and non-sensitized mice housed in a dry or humid environment. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:294-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Znamenskaya Y, Sotres J, Engblom J, Arnebrant T, Kocherbitov V. Effect of hydration on structural and thermodynamic properties of pig gastric and bovine submaxillary gland mucins. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:5047-55. [PMID: 22455728 DOI: 10.1021/jp212495t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
One of the essential functions of mucous gel is protection of tissues against dehydration. The effect of hydration on the structural and thermodynamic properties of pig gastric mucin (PGM) and bovine submaxillary gland mucin (BSM) have been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), sorption, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The analysis of sorption isotherms shows the higher water sorption capacity of PGM compared to BSM at RH levels lower than about 78%. The value of the hydration enthalpy at zero water content at 25 °C for both biopolymers is about -20 kJ/mol. Glass transitions of BSM and PGM occur at RH levels between 60 and 70% for both mucins. AFM indicates the presence of a dumbbell structure as well as a fiber-like structure in PGM samples. The experimental volume of the dry dumbbell molecule obtained by AFM is 3140 ± 340 nm(3). Using DSC data, the amount of nonfreezing water was calculated to be about 0.51 g/g of PGM. The phase diagram of PGM demonstrates two regions of different Tg: dependent and independent of hydration levels. In particular, at mucin concentrations from 0 to 67 wt %, the glass transition occurs at a constant temperature of about -15 °C. At higher concentrations of mucin, Tg is increasing with increasing mucin concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Znamenskaya
- Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University , SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden
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Elsner P, Fluhr JW, Gehring W, Kerscher MJ, Krutmann J, Lademann J, Makrantonaki E, Wilhelm KP, Zouboulis CC. Anti-Aging Data and Support Claims - Consensus Statement. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2011; 9 Suppl 3:S1-32. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0379.2011.07746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hurlow J, Bliss DZ. Dry Skin in Older Adults. Geriatr Nurs 2011; 32:257-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2010] [Revised: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Yao L, Gohel MDI, Li Y, Chung WJ. Investigation of pajama properties on skin under mild cold conditions: the interaction between skin and clothing. Int J Dermatol 2011; 50:819-26. [PMID: 21699517 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clothing is considered the second skin of the human body. The aim of this study was to determine clothing-wearer interaction on skin physiology under mild cold conditions. METHODS Skin physiological parameters, subjective sensory response, stress level, and physical properties of clothing fabric from two longitude parallel-designed wear trials were studied. The wear trials involved four kinds of pajamas made from cotton or polyester material that had hydrophilic or hydrophobic treatment, conducted for three weeks under mild cold conditions. Statistical tools, factor analysis, hierarchical linear regression, and logistic regression were applied to analyze the strong predictors of skin physiological parameters, stress level, and sensory response. RESULTS A framework was established to illustrate clothing-wearer interactions with clothing fabric properties, skin physiology, stress level, and sensory response under mild cold conditions. DISCUSSION Fabric has various effects on the human body under mild cold conditions. A fabric's properties influence skin physiology, sensation, and psychological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yao
- Institute of Textiles & Clothing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Yao L, Li Y, Gohel MDI, Chung WJ. The effects of pajama fabrics' water absorption properties on the stratum corneum under mildly cold conditions. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010; 64:e29-36. [PMID: 21075479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction of textiles with the skin is a fertile area for research. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of clothing fabric on the stratum corneum (SC) under mildly cold conditions. METHODS A longitudinal controlled parallel study was designed to investigate the effects of the liquid/moisture absorption properties of pajama fabrics on the SC water content, transepidermal water loss, skin surface acidity (pH), and sebum. RESULTS The hygroscopicity of pajama fabrics had significant associations with the SC water content and transepidermal water loss on the skin of the volunteers' backs. Sebum in the hydrophilic cotton group was slightly lower than in the polyester groups and hydrophobic cotton groups. Subjects felt warmer in the hydrophobic groups than in the hydrophilic groups. The hydrophilicity of the fabric also showed an association with overnight urinary free catecholamines. LIMITATIONS In this study, detailed components of sebum were not analyzed. CONCLUSIONS The hygroscopicity of the fabric may be a key factor influencing SC hydration during daily wear under mildly cold conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yao
- Institute of Textiles and Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Hildenbrand T, Weber RK, Brehmer D. Rhinitis sicca, dry nose and atrophic rhinitis: a review of the literature. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2010; 268:17-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00405-010-1391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Llamas-Velasco M, García-Díez A. Cambio climático y piel: retos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2009.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Abstract
The population of Americans over 65 years of age is growing at an unprecedented rate. Rhinitis is a common and burdensome complaint in this group, and physicians should be aware of the diagnosis and management of the disease. Geriatric rhinitis is a nasal disorder of older persons that presents with a constellation of nasal symptoms. The etiologies of this condition include both inflammatory diseases and the effects of aging on physiology of the upper airway. Possible causes include allergic rhinitis, nonallergic rhinitis (vasomotor rhinitis and gustatory rhinitis), adverse effects of medications, hormonal changes, postnasal drip syndrome, chronic rhinosinusitis and atrophic rhinitis. Nasal symptoms in the older patient present a clinical challenge because of the physiologic effects of the aging nose, the unusual clinical presentation, the presence of multiple comorbidities and the problem of polypharmacy. A number of therapeutic options exist for this disorder, although definitive studies of effective regimens are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl C Nocon
- The Section of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, The Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 1035, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jayant M Pinto
- The Section of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, The Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 1035, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Su SB, Wang BJ, Tai C, Chang HF, Guo HR. Higher prevalence of dry symptoms in skin, eyes, nose and throat among workers in clean rooms with moderate humidity. J Occup Health 2009; 51:364-9. [PMID: 19542676 DOI: 10.1539/joh.q8002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether working under relative humidity (RH) around 55 +/- 5% may lead to dry symptoms among workers in tropical regions. METHODS We recruited 3,154 Taiwanese workers who had no history of skin diseases and compared dry symptoms between clean room workers (RH around 55 +/- 5%) and other workers (RH around 65 +/- 5%). RESULTS Clean room workers had higher prevalences of dry symptoms of the eye (odds ratio [OR]=1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40 to 1.86), nose and throat (OR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.66 to 2.79), and skin (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.73). In clean room workers, however, dry skin symptoms affected the palms (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.39), which are covered by gloves, more frequently than the face (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.94), which is exposed to the room air. We found working in clean rooms (adjusted OR [AOR]=1.38, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.77), 24 to 30 yr of age (AOR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.99), family history of atopic diseases (AOR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.37 to 2.25), and skin moisturizer use (AOR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.06) were independent predictors of skin symptoms. In addition, working in clean rooms was an independent predictor of dry eye (AOR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.60) and dry nose and throat (AOR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.26) symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Whereas the humidity in such working environments is not very low, for workers living in a high humidity environment, the relatively low humidity may still cause dry symptoms of the eye, nose, and throat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Bin Su
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
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Hashiguchi N, Tochihara Y. Effects of low humidity and high air velocity in a heated room on physiological responses and thermal comfort after bathing: An experimental study. Int J Nurs Stud 2009; 46:172-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2008.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Revised: 09/16/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wolkoff P. "Healthy" eye in office-like environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 34:1204-1214. [PMID: 18499257 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2008.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Revised: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 04/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Eye irritation symptoms, e.g. dry eyes, are common and abundant symptoms reported in office-like environments, e.g. aircraft cabins. To improve the understanding of indoor related eye symptomatology, relevant knowledge from the ophthalmological and indoor environmental science literature has been merged. A number of environmental (relative humidity, temperature, draft), occupational (e.g. visual display unit work), and individual (e.g. gender, use of cosmetics, and medication) risk factors have been identified, which are associated with alteration of the precorneal tear film (PTF); these factors may subsequently exacerbate development of eye irritation symptoms by desiccation. Low relative humidity including reduced atmospheric pressure further increases the water evaporation from an altered PTF; in addition, work with visual display units may destabilize the PTF by lower eye blink frequency and larger ocular surface. Results from epidemiological and clinical studies support that relative humidity >40% is beneficial for the PTF. Only few pollutants reach high enough indoor concentrations to cause sensory irritation of the eyes, while an altered PTF may exacerbate their sensory effect. Sustained low relative humidity causes impairment of the PTF, while its stability, including work performance, is retained by low gaze and intermittent breaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Uchiyama T, Nakano Y, Ueda O, Mori H, Nakashima M, Noda A, Ishizaki C, Mizoguchi M. Oral Intake of Glucosylceramide Improves Relatively Higher Level of Transepidermal Water Loss in Mice and Healthy Human Subjects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.54.559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taro Uchiyama
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
| | - Yusuke Nakano
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
| | - Osamu Ueda
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
| | - Hiroshi Mori
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
| | - Masaya Nakashima
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
| | - Akira Noda
- Functional Food Development Group, Functional Food Research & Development Center, Shiseido Co., Ltd. Research Center (Kanazawa-Hakkei)
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Wolkoff P, Kjaergaard SK. The dichotomy of relative humidity on indoor air quality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2007; 33:850-7. [PMID: 17499853 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2006] [Revised: 04/03/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dry and irritated mucous membranes of the eyes and airways are common symptoms reported in office-like environments. Earlier studies suggested that indoor pollutants were responsible. We have re-evaluated, by review of the literature, how low relative humidity (RH) may influence the immediately perceived indoor air quality (IAQ), including odour, and cause irritation symptoms (i.e. longer-term perceived IAQ). "Relative humidity" were searched in major databases, and combined with: air quality, cabin air, dry eyes, formaldehyde, inflammation, mucous membranes, offices, ozone, pungency, sensory irritation, particles, precorneal tear film, sick building syndrome, stuffy air, and VOCs. The impact of RH on the immediately and longer-term perceived IAQ by VOCs, ozone, and particles is complex, because both the thermodynamic condition and the emission characteristics of building materials are influenced. Epidemiological, clinical, and human exposure studies indicate that low RH plays a role in the increase of reporting eye irritation symptoms and alteration of the precorneal tear film. These effects may be exacerbated during visual display unit work. The recommendation that IAQ should be "dry and cool" may be useful for evaluation of the immediately perceived IAQ in material emission testing, but should be considered cautiously about the development of irritation symptoms in eyes and upper airways during a workday. Studies indicate that RH about 40% is better for the eyes and upper airways than levels below 30%. The optimal RH may differ for the eyes and the airways regarding desiccation of the mucous membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- Indoor Environment Group, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Chou TC, Lin KH, Sheu HM, Su SB, Lee CW, Guo HR, Wu TN, Chang HY. Alterations in health examination items and skin symptoms from exposure to ultra-low humidity. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2006; 80:290-7. [PMID: 16902804 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-006-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2006] [Accepted: 07/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several lines of evidence have shown that insufficient humidity could result in health problems but no studies have been performed in ultra-low humidity (ULH) environments. The aims of this study are to investigate the health examination items alterations and skin symptoms of workers exposed to ULH environment based on a longitudinal study design. METHODS Twelve male ULH (RH = 1.5%) workers and 12 age-sex-matched reference workers were selected. The examination items in blood and urine as well as the skin problems were compared between ULH workers and controls, and between ULH workers in 2000 and 2003. Biochemistry analysis of blood and urine were implemented from annual health examinations. Information on skin symptoms and diseases were obtained from a structured questionnaire in 2000 and 2003. RESULTS The alterations in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total cholesterol in blood analysis and only sediment-WBC in urine analysis were found significantly different in 2000. These changes were almost fully recovered in 2003 although a consistently significant elevation in the urine specific gravity was found during the 3-year follow-up period. Skin disorders, however, showed an earlier elevated itching symptom in lower limb and pretibial that developed to physician-diagnosed contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS Long-term ULH exposure could cause progressive pathological changes in the skin and urine concentration elevation. Because low humidity condition occurs frequently in air-conditioned buildings, the findings of this study suggest the population long-term exposed to low humidity should be cautious about health manifestations living in a low humidity environment. While the indoor environment is equipped with an air-conditioner, continuous monitoring on the humidity is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chieh Chou
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Health, China Medical University and Hospital, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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