Search

Cartas da rede hidrográfica elaboradas por instituições governamentais têm sido utilizadas para delimitação de Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs) no Brasil, mas são frequentes os problemas decorrentes de discrepâncias entre essas cartas e a verdade terrestre. Para caracterizar e quantificar essas discrepâncias, quer sejam metodológicas ou decorrentes da escala dos mapas ou de mudanças temporais, mapeamos as nascentes e cursos d’água em cinco imóveis rurais (totalizando 10.860 ha, nos municípios de Brotas e Ribeirão Bonito, SP) e comparamos com a rede hidrográfica regional mapeada pelo IBGE e pelo IGC. Verificamos, para a região de estudo, superdimensionamento de 157% no número de nascentes e de 83% na extensão dos cursos d'água pelo IBGE e de 209% no número de nascentes e de 84% na extensão dos cursos d'água pelo IGC. Consequentemente, ambos os mapas resultam em superdimensionamento também das APPs. Consideramos, portanto, que tais cartas podem ser utilizadas como referência aproximada da rede hidrográfica, mas não podem oferecer embasamento para nenhuma decisão jurídica ou de planejamento ambiental sem que sejam devidamente corrigidas por uma verificação em campo.

The combined toxicological effects of airborne particulate matter (PM), such as PM2.5, and Asian sand dust (ASD), with surrounding chemicals, particularly quinones, on human airway epithelial cells remain underexplored. In this study, we established an in vitro combination exposure model using 1,2-naphthoquinones (NQ) and 9,10-phenanthroquinones (PQ) along with heated PM (h-PM2.5 and h-ASD) to investigate their potential synergistic effects. The impacts of quinones and heated PM on tetrazolium dye (WST-1) reduction, cell death, and cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were examined. Results revealed that exposure to 9,10-PQ with h-PM2.5 and/or h-ASD dose-dependently increased WST-1 reduction at 1 μM compared to the corresponding control while markedly decreasing it at 10 μM. Higher early apoptotic, late apoptotic, or necrotic cell numbers were detected in 9,10-PQ + h-PM2.5 exposure than in 9,10-PQ + h-ASD or 9,10-PQ + h-PM2.5 + h-ASD. Additionally, 1,2-NQ + h-PM2.5 exposure also resulted in an increase in cell death compared to 1,2-NQ + h-ASD and 1,2-NQ + h-PM2.5 + h-ASD. Quinones with or without h-PM2.5, h-ASD, or h-PM2.5 + h-ASD significantly increased ROS production, especially with h-PM2.5. Our findings suggest that quinones, at relatively low concentrations, induce cell death synergistically in the presence of h-PM2.5 rather than h-ASD and h-PM2.5 + h-ASD, partially through the induction of apoptosis with increased ROS generation.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging life-threatening infectious disease caused by the tickborne SFTS virus (SFTSV), first identified in China in 2009 and then in Japan in 2013. Human SFTS cases were reported to be concentrated in western Japan, but the epidemiological conditions of SFTSV infection in a specific region are still obscure. We performed an epidemiological study of SFTSV in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, located in western Japan. For our research, we collected sera from wild and domestic animals (deer, wild boars, raccoons, cats, and dogs) and ticks from January 2010 to November 2020 in Oita. The anti-SFTSV antibody positivity rate of deer in 2014 was significantly higher than that in 2011 (65% versus 27%, P < 0.001). The anti-SFTSV antibody positivity rates of deer, wild boars, raccoons, wild dogs, domestic dogs, and domestic cats were 55%, 12%, 27%, 1.8%, 0.53%, and 1.4%, respectively. Moreover, RT-PCR could not detect SFTSV in any tick sample. Of the six areas of Oita Prefecture, only the Eastern area showed no incidence or possibility of SFTSV infection among wild and domestic animals, ticks, and human beings. Further investigation is required to assess whether local seroepidemiology in animals will help assess the risk of SFTSV infections in inhabitants.

紀要委員会企画, Special Articles, 2022 年４月１日より保健師助産師看護師学校養成所指定規則の一部を改正した省令（厚生労働省，2019）が適応される。本規則の改正では、地域在宅看護の創設、実習単位が見直され、看護師に求められる社会的役割、及び疾病構造の変化に伴う療養生活の場の多様性に合わせた内容が示された。それに伴い、本学看護学部では本学の理念である生命の尊厳と隣人愛の精神を基盤として、2019 年よりカリキュラム改革を推進し検討を継続した。中長期ビジョン検討会、カリキュラム骨子作成委員会を経て、カリキュラム改革委員会が30 回を超える協議を重ね、新たなカリキュラムを申請するに至った。本稿では、新たなカリキュラムに至った経緯とカリキュラム編成の概要について報告する。

報告, Reports, 慢性疾患は、患者自身が疾患の急性増悪を起こさないようにコントロールすることが重要であるため、看護師が行うセルフマネジメント支援の重要性は大きい。しかし、看護学生にとって、患者のセルフマネジメント力向上の支援をするために、患者と向き合い患者の体験を知るための対話を行うことは難しい。そこで、Ａ大学慢性看護学領域では、慢性疾患を有する人のセルフマネジメント力向上の支援をするために、シナリオを用いた対話学修を学内実習として導入した。 学生は、本学内実習での患者役体験から、看護師の問いかけ方で患者に生じる感情が異なることに気づき、自身のコミュニケーションが患者の体験を知るための対話となっていたか考察を深めることができていた。学生からは、ディスカッション時間の延長を希望する意見があった。今後の課題は、学生の思考がより深まるようにディスカッションの時間配分をはじめ本学内実習全体の構成を検討することである。

紀要委員会企画, Special Articles, 2018 年に本学は看護師特定行為研修指定研修機関に指定され、2019 年から研修を開始した。３年間の研修で 14 名の研修生が、総合病院や訪問看護事業所等において適切な医療を提供するために、特定行為を実施する看護師を目指し、指定の講義・演習・実習を履修した。 本報告では、特定行為実施が望まれる社会的背景、医療現場で求められる特定行為、看護師が行う特定行為の意味、そして特定行為研修の今後の発展等について述べる。

報告, Reports, 統合実習は臨床実践の中で必要な基礎的な知識と技術を統合的に体験するために重要であるが、初めて複数の患者を受け持つため困難感を抱く学生も多い。そこで本学の慢性看護学の統合実習では、2021 年度より学生の臨地における「気づき」を言語化し、さらに他者からの刺激によって自身の気づきが何だったのかを整理して他者に伝えることで学びを促進させる「学びのシェアリング学修」を取り入れた。本学修による効果を高めるために２年次の講義・演習・実習から、学生が安心して自分の考えを表出できる環境を整えるなど段階的な学びを構築したことにより、本学修では学生同士による主体的で活発なディスカッションが行われた。本学修は、学生が臨地における経験を振り返り、実践出来たことや気づきについての学生の思考発話（think aloud）を促し、将来看護職として学び続けていく力を育むためにも非常に重要である。

Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of tissue sections is a powerful tool for observing changes in the tissue structure and is used as the most fundamental and vital technique in histology. However, xenobiotics such as polymers and inorganic or organic materials have low dyeability, making it difficult to observe the distribution of materials across tissues. Raman spectroscopy is an advantageous technique for identifying materials in tissues using spectroscopic fingerprints by laser irradiation without staining. In this study, we developed a combined method for morphological observation and Raman spectral acquisition on the identical tissue slide by employing a decolorization step to remove eosin-induced fluorescence in HE-stained samples. Our method eliminated the fluorescence background and allowed the identical-field pathological observation, enabling simultaneous identification of biological responses and materials in tissues.

Experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that fine particulate matter with a diameter of

Background Studies on the association between smoke haze (hereafter ‘haze’) and adverse health effects have increased in recent years due to extreme weather conditions and the increased occurrence of vegetation fires. The possible adverse health effects on under-five children (U5Y) is especially worrying due to their vulnerable condition. Despite continuous repetition of serious haze occurrence in Southeast Asia, epidemiological studies in this region remained scarce. Furthermore, no study had examined the association accounting for three important aspects (time lag, duration and intensity) concurrently. Objective This study aimed to examine the association between haze and U5Y mortality in Malaysia, considering time lag, duration and intensity of exposure. Methods We performed a time-stratified case-crossover study using a generalized additive model to examine the U5Y mortality related to haze in 12 districts in Malaysia, spanning from 2014 to 2016. A ‘haze day’ was characterized by intensity [based on concentrations of particulate matter (PM)] and duration (continuity of haze occurrence, up to 3 days). Results We observed the highest but non-significant odds ratios (ORs) of U5Y mortality at lag 4 of Intensity-3. Lag patterns revealed the possibility of higher acuteness at prolonged and intensified haze. Stratifying the districts by the 95th-percentile of PM distribution, the ‘low’ category demonstrated marginal positive association at Intensity-2 Duration-3 [OR: 1.210 (95% confidence interval: 1.000, 1.464)]. Conclusions We found a null association between haze and U5Y mortality. The different lag patterns of the association observed over different duration and intensity suggest consideration of these aspects in future studies.

報告, Reports, 成人・慢性看護学領域では、現在、講義・演習・実習科目の連動性や段階的な学びを意識した教育内容への見直しを進めている。統合実習については、2020 年度より、臨地実習と学内演習との連動性や段階的な学びを意識した教育活動を実施した。新型コロナウイルス感染症拡大の影響により臨地実習日数の短縮などがあったが、実習プログラムの大幅な変更をすることなく、実習はでき、実習目標も前年度と同様としたが、学生は実習目標の達成がおおよそできた。教員は、今後も実習や教育形態が変化しても教育の継続性、質の保証がなされるように変化に備えた教育方法の検討を重ねる必要がある。また、こうした教育活動に対する評価を行っていくことが今後の課題にある。本報告では、2020 年度の統合実習（成人・慢性看護学領域）における教育活動の実際と、今後の課題について報告する。

報告, Reports, 2020 年の新型コロナウイルス感染症（以下、COVID-19）の世界的感染拡大により、生活のあらゆる場面における情報通信技術（Information and Communication Technology；以下、ICT）の重要性が飛躍的に高まり、看護基礎教育においては、ICT を生かした看護実践能力を育む新たな教育手法の開発とその知見の蓄積が喫緊の課題となった。 このような学修環境の変化を契機に、2020 年度より本学の成人看護学領域は、専用クラウド上の映像教材（以下、コンテンツ）に個人が所有する端末でアクセスすることで、それらコンテンツを自由に活用できる「映像システム」を取り入れた教育を開始した。 映像システムは、2020 年度開講された全ての成人看護学関連科目において活用され、特にCOVID-19 の感染拡大状況により、その教育手法が大きく影響をうける実習においては、多様な形で用いられていた。今後は、映像システムの活用状況や教育効果に関する評価、さらに組織的な使用環境の整備などが課題である。

報告, Reports, 本学看護学部の成人看護学における3 年次春セメスター必修科目「成人看護援助論演習」では、主体的学修を基盤とする協働学修を取り入れた看護過程演習を実施している。2020 年度においては、新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID-19）拡大により、面接授業が困難となり、遠隔授業による実施を迫られた。本稿では、短期間で修正した具体的な教育の実践内容およびその過程で生じた課題や対応策等について報告した。看護過程演習では、オンデマンド授業を主体に一部同時配信授業を取り入れ、学習管理システム（Learning Management System）を活用し、学生の提出課題へ教員が個別に対応しながら、学修過程を支援した。新型コロナウイルス感染症の収束の兆しが見えない中（2020 年12 月現在）、今後さらに情報通信技術を活用した学生への効果的・効率的な教育方法の在り方を検討していくことが課題である。

報告, Reports, 2020 年度は、新型コロナウイルス感染症（COVID-19）の感染拡大により、多くの看護系大学において、臨地実習の中止または変更を余儀なくされ、本学でも実習施設の方針により5、6 月の臨地実習は中止となった。そこで、慢性看護学領域では、臨地実習に代わる学修方法として、学修の質を担保しつつ感染を拡大させないためにオンラインによる遠隔実習プログラムを構築した。オンデマンド視聴覚教材やe-learning システムを活用し、臨地実習と同様の学修ができるように計画し、実践した。学生の到達度や満足感として、臨地実習と比較し大きな変化はみられなかった一方で、臨床現場における緊張感や感情面での情緒的な学びを得られにくいという課題が挙げられた。今後、Society 5.0 に向けICT（Information and Communication Technology）教育の推進が求められておりオンラインを活用した教育は非常に重要となることが予測される。遠隔実習がより効果的な学修につながるように今後も検討を重ねていきたい。

Numerous epidemiological studies have reported that ozone (O

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have become the standard of care as the first- and second-line treatments for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic and recurrent breast cancers. Although CDK 4/6 inhibitors can markedly prolong progression-free survival, there is no clear evidence of their post-treatment effects. The option of developing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, such as everolimus, has been discussed as a post-treatment option for such patients. This study aimed at determining everolimus' efficacy as a post-treatment option following CDK4/6 inhibitor administration in clinical settings.Thirteen patients who received everolimus as a post-treatment after CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy from December 2017 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival; the secondary endpoints were overall response rate, clinical benefit rate, and overall survival.The median patient age, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 59 years (range=44-76 years), 9.1 months (95% confidence interval=2.3 to not reached), and 37.4 months (95% confidence interval=12.3-37.4), respectively. The overall response rate and clinical benefit rate were 15.3% (2/13) and 46.2% (6/13), respectively.Considering there is a mechanism of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors, everolimus would be important as an effective post-treatment for HR+ or HER2-negative metastatic and recurrent breast cancers treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors in clinical settings.

Background: Osteogenic responses induced by training under hypoxia remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether intermittent hypoxic resistance training affects osteogenic responses. Materials a...

A reduction in heart rate variability (HRV) is reportedly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In previous studies, an inverse association was noted between HRV and particulate air pollution, but the sample populations were small and most consisted only of elderly individuals. We examined the association between 24-h HRV and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in a large study population spanning 7 prefectures in Japan from April 2010 through March 2013. Meta-analysis was also performed. In total, 59,493 records of 24-h HRV for patients aged 20–90 years with symptoms/signs suggestive of heart disease were included in this analysis. Air pollution data were obtained from the National Institute for Environmental Studies. Regression models were used to examine the association between daily concentration of PM2.5 and HRV indices (e.g., standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN), SD of average NN internals calculated over short periods (SDANN), very low frequency (VLF), and ultra-low frequency (ULF)). The model was adjusted for age, sex, temperature, and relative humidity. We examined the lagged association for single (up to lag3) and moving average (up to lag03). We found that decreases in HRV indices, especially for SDNN, SDANN, VLF, and ULF, were associated with PM2.5 in Hokkaido, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa. In contrast, there was no clear association between HRV with PM2.5 in Saitama and Aichi. Meta-analysis revealed significant decreases in SDNN, SDANN, VLF, and ULF were associated with PM2.5. Short-term exposure to PM2.5 was associated with lower 24-h HRV in patients with symptoms/signs suggestive of heart disease.

Titanium dioxide (TiO

A diesel exhaust particle (DEP) is a type of particulate matter that is easily produced from combustion in a diesel power engine. It has been reported that DEPs can cause short- and long-term health problems. This is because DEPs are complex mixtures that are highly inhalable through the airways due to their small particle size. However, the relationship between intracellular localization of DEPs after their deposition in the lungs and the subsequent biological responses remains to be clarified. This is due to difficulties in distinguishing particles that are inside the cells from those that are outside. In this study, A549 human lung epithelial cells were exposed to DEPs at concentrations of 0, 25, 75, or 200 µg/mL for different periods, after that particles in the A549 cells were analyzed by three-dimensional (3D) images obtained from a Raman microscope. The cytotoxic effects of DEPs on the A549 cells were investigated by measuring cell viability, the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. The Raman microscopy revealed that the particles invaded the A549 cells, and at a concentration of 200 µg/mL, they markedly decreased cell viability, increased intracellular ROS production, triggered late apoptosis/necrosis and induced nuclear damage. These results suggest that intracellular DEPs exposed at a high concentration may be highly toxic and can impair the viability of A549 cells. Furthermore, the 3D images from the Raman microscopy can be used to evaluate intracellular particle dynamics.

Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer, can aggravate allergic diseases. DEHP promotes adaptive immune responses, although its effect on the innate immune system remains largely unknown. The present study investigated the effects of DEHP on group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) that produce Th2 cytokines in response to epithelial cell-derived cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-33. ILC2 (lineage-negative, CD45.2+, Sca1+, KLRG1+) were isolated from the lungs of C57BL/6 J mice. Co-exposure to DEHP and IL-33 significantly increased IL-5 release from ILC2, whose level was higher than that of the vehicle and IL-33 alone. The effects of DEHP in the presence of IL-33 showed an inverted-U dose-response. The present is the first report showing that DEHP exacerbates allergy through the innate immune system.

Background Although health effects of air pollutants are well documented in many countries especially in North America and Western Europe, few studies have been conducted in Thailand where pollution mix, weather conditions, and demographic characteristics are different. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ambient air pollution on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods We obtained daily air pollution concentration (O3, NO2, SO2, PM10, and CO) and weather variable monitored in Bangkok from January 2006 to December 2014. Daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were obtained from the National Health Security Office during the study period. A time-series analysis with generalized linear model was used to examine the effects of air pollution on hospital admissions by controlling for long-term trend and other potential confounders. The effect modification by age (0–14 years, 15–64 years, ≥65 years) and gender was also examined. Results An increase of 10 μg/m3 in O3, NO2, SO2, PM10, and 1 mg/m3 in CO at lag 0–1 day was associated with a 0.14% (95% CI: −0.34 to 0.63), 1.28% (0.87 to 1.69), 8.42% (6.16 to 10.74), 1.04% (0.68 to 1.41) and 6.69% (4.33 to 9.11) increase in cardiovascular admission, respectively; and 0.69% (95% CI: 0.18 to 1.21), 1.42% (0.98 to 1.85), 4.49% (2.22 to 6.80), 1.18% (0.79 to 1.57) and 7.69% (5.20 to 10.23) increase in respiratory admission, respectively. The elderly (≥65 years) seemed to be the most susceptible group to the effect of air pollution, whereas the effect estimate for male and female was not significantly different. Conclusions Results from this study contributed the evidence to support the effects of air pollution (O3, NO2, SO2, PM10, and CO) on hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, which might be useful for public health intervention in Thailand.

Recent studies have shown that air pollution is intense and hazardous in Asia compared to other parts of the world due to the late and poor implementation of updated technology in automobiles and industry as well as to the high population density. Respiratory disease, including asthma, is exacerbated by air pollution. However, the effects of PM_(2.5), especially on respiratory allergies in Asian cities, have not yet been examined in detail. In this study, airway epithelial cells were exposed to crude PM_(2.5) particles collected by cyclonic separation from three different Asian cities, namely, Sakai, Bangkok, and Taipei. We compared the cytotoxicity and inflammatory potential of the PM_(2.5) from these cities by measuring IL-6 and IL-8. The samples from Sakai and Bangkok caused cytotoxic effects at a dose of 75 μg mL^(-1) and, moreover, induced the release of IL-6 and IL-8 even at low doses. The release of these two interleukins was highly associated with fluoranthene derivatives, microbial factors (endotoxin and β-glucan), metals (e.g., Ti), and organic (OC2 and OC3) and elemental carbon (EC1) in the PM_(2.5). Thus, these components potentially contribute to cellular damage and a pro-inflammatory response in the airway epithelial cells, and the effect depends on PM_(2.5) sources in the locations.

Measures for protecting against PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 µm), which exacerbates respiratory diseases, have not been established. The present study investigated the effects of extracts of curry powder and its components on pro-inflammatory responses, extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, induced by the PM2.5 component, DEP (diesel exhaust particles). Airway epithelial cells were exposed to DEP in the presence of curry powder, or its major and/or anti-inflammatory components, clove and turmeric. Curry powder, clove, and turmeric inhibited DEP-induced IL-6 release and extracellular ROS; in the absence of clove and turmeric, these effects of curry powder were mild but similar. Among the other curry spices, cinnamon decreased IL-6 and extracellular ROS, and coriander decreased IL-6 alone. This is the first report on the protective effects of extracts of curry powder and its components, against PM2.5-induced airway inflammation, which may be partly through inhibition of extracellular ROS.

Background Kidney dysfunction is considered a cardiovascular risk factor. However, few longitudinal studies have examined the effects of air pollution on kidney function. We evaluated associations between long-term air pollution exposure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using data from a cohort of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. Methods This longitudinal study included 1839 subjects (aged 52–71 years in 2002) from the EGAT1 cohort study during 2002–2012. eGFR, based on creatinine, was measured in 2002, 2007, and 2012. Annual mean concentrations of air pollutants (i.e., particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)) prior to a measurement of creatinine were assessed with the ordinary kriging method. Mixed-effect linear regression models were used to assess associations between air pollutants and eGFR, while controlling for potential covariates. eGFR values are expressed as percent change per interquartile range (IQR) increments of each pollutant. Results Lower eGFR was associated with higher concentrations of PM10 (−1.99%, 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.33, −0.63), SO2 (−4.89%, 95%CI: −6.69, −3.07), and CO (−0.97%, 95%CI: −1.96, 0.03). However, after adjusting for temperature, relative humidity, PM10, and SO2, no significant association was observed between CO and eGFR. Conclusions Our findings support the hypothesis that long-term exposure to high concentrations of PM10 and SO2 is associated with the progression of kidney dysfunction in subjects of the EGAT cohort study.

Background Upper Northern Thailand (UNT) has been episodically affected by air pollution from vegetation burning, which causes adverse respiratory health effects. However, no study has evaluated the effect of regulatory actions to prohibit vegetation burning on respiratory morbidity. We examined the effect of a burning ban enforced in May 2016 on hospital visits for respiratory diseases in UNT. Methods This study used data from eight provinces in UNT. Analyses were conducted for January to April of 2014–2016 (before ban enforcement) and January to April of 2017–2018 (after ban enforcement). Particulate matter of 10 microns in diameter or smaller (PM10) concentrations, numbers of satellite fire hotspots and age-standardized rates of hospital visits for respiratory diseases before and after ban enforcement were compared. The effect of the ban on hospital visits for respiratory diseases was evaluated using an interrupted time-series analysis controlled for season-specific temporal trends, day of week, public holiday, temperature, relative humidity, number of hospitals and offset population, with gastrointestinal diseases as a negative control. A meta-analysis was performed to pool province-specific effect estimates. Results The daily average PM10 concentration and the number of fire hotspots decreased after ban enforcement in all provinces in UNT, with percent changes ranging from 5.3 to 34.3% and 14.3 to 81.5%, respectively. The adjusted pooled effect estimates of hospital visits for respiratory diseases decreased by 9.1% (95% CI: 5.1, 12.9), whereas a null association was observed for gastrointestinal diseases. Conclusion The burning ban had a positive impact on both air pollution levels and rates of hospital visits for respiratory diseases in UNT.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently a serious global issue. Epidemiological studies have identified air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), as a risk factor for COVID-19 infection and severity of illness, in addition to numerous factors such as pre-existing conditions, aging and smoking. However, the mechanisms by which air pollution is involved in the manifestation and/or progression of COVID-19 is still unknown. In this study, we used a mouse model exposed to crude PM, collected by the cyclone method, to evaluate the pulmonary expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine type 2 (TMPRSS2), the two molecules required for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into host cells. Multiplex immunohistochemical analysis revealed that exposure to PM increased the expression of these two molecules at the same site. Furthermore, image cytometry analysis revealed increased expression of these proteins, particularly, in the alveolar type 2 cells and macrophages, which are potential targets for SARS-CoV-2. Our findings provide an experimental evidence that exposure to PM may adversely affect the manifestation and progression of COVID-19, mediated by the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the site of entry. The study results suggest that examining these effects might help to advance our understanding of COVID-19 and aid the development of appropriate social interventions., Highlights • Studies have identified an association between particulate matter (PM) and COVID-19. • Coarse and fine particles collected by the cyclone were used for in vivo studies. • PM increases expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the murine lung. • Alveolar type 2 cells and macrophages were identified as the main sites of expression. • PM might aggravate COVID-19 via the increased expression of these molecules.

Few studies have focused on the effects of exposure to air pollutants from vegetation fire events (including forest fire and the burning of crop residues) among children. In this study we aimed to investigate the association between PM

Background Several studies have shown the health effects of air pollutants, especially in China, North American and Western European countries. But longitudinal cohort studies focused on health effects of long-term air pollution exposure are still limited in Southeast Asian countries where sources of air pollution, weather conditions, and demographic characteristics are different. The present study examined the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and self-reported morbidities in participants of the Thai cohort study (TCS) in Bangkok metropolitan region (BMR), Thailand. Methods This longitudinal cohort study was conducted for 9 years from 2005 to 2013. Self-reported morbidities in this study included high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. Air pollution data were obtained from the Thai government Pollution Control Department (PCD). Particles with diameters ≤10 μm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) exposures were estimated with ordinary kriging method using 22 background and 7 traffic monitoring stations in BMR during 2005–2013. Long-term exposure periods to air pollution for each subject was averaged as the same period of person-time. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between long-term air pollution exposure with self-reported high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes. Results of self-reported morbidity were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO. Results After controlling for potential confounders, we found that an IQR increase in PM10 was significantly associated with self-reported high blood pressure (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.23) and high blood cholesterol (HR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.12), but not with diabetes (HR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.91, 1.21). SO2 was also positively associated with self-reported high blood pressure (HR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.38), high blood cholesterol (HR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.30), and diabetes (HR = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.92, 1.60). Moreover, we observed a positive association between CO and self-reported high blood pressure (HR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.15), but not for other diseases. However, self-reported morbidities were not associated with O3 and NO2. Conclusions Long-term exposure to air pollution, especially for PM10 and SO2 was associated with self-reported high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes in subjects of TCS. Our study supports that exposure to air pollution increases cardiovascular disease risk factors for younger population., Highlights • Evidence on health effects of long-term air pollution exposure are still limited in Southeast Asia. • SO2 was associated with an increased risks of self-reported high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. • Increase of PM10 was also associated with the incidences of high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. • The effects were observed even at the level below the National Standard Limit. • This study suggests air pollution increases cardiovascular disease risk factors for younger population.

Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that short-term exposure to ambient PM

Ambient particulate matter (PM) epidemiologically exacerbates respiratory and immune health, including allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA). Although fine and coarse particles can affect respiratory tract, the differences in their effects on the upper and lower respiratory tract and immune system, their underlying mechanism, and the components responsible for the adverse health effects have not been yet completely elucidated. In this study, ambient fine and coarse particles were collected at three different locations in Japan by cyclone technique. Both particles collected at all locations decreased the viability of nasal epithelial cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs), increased the production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β from bronchial epithelial cells and APCs, and induced expression of dendritic and epithelial cell (DEC) 205 on APCs. Differences in inflammatory responses, but not in cytotoxicity, were shown between both particles, and among three locations. Some components such as Ti, Co, Zn, Pb, As, OC (organic carbon) and EC (elemental carbon) showed significant correlations to inflammatory responses or cytotoxicity. These results suggest that ambient fine and coarse particles differently affect nasal and bronchial epithelial cells and immune response, which may depend on particles size diameter, chemical composition and source related particles types.

This paper discusses the need for education in ‘Information Literacy in Times of Disaster’ in Japanese language education for non-native speakers of Japanese who are staying in Japan. ‘Information Literacy in Times of Disaster’ refers to the ability to obtain necessary information and transmit it as appropriate in the circumstances when a major natural disaster occurs, such as an earthquake. After the April 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the author investigated the behavior of international students when the earthquake occurred, the criteria for their decisions, their means of collecting information and other matters. The results revealed the issue that international students’ behavior frequently relied on others’ words and they could not make decisionsindependently. The factors causing these issues include: (1) lack of knowledge and understanding of Japanese language and Japanese society; (2) psychological distance from information in Japanese; and (3) capacity to analyze information. This report proposes the development of methods of teaching ‘Information Literacy in Times of Disaster’ to resolve these issues and discusses how the development of these teaching methods will contribute to furthering information literacy education in Japanese languageeducation.

Particulate matter with diameters