Regiani Oliveira - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Regiani Oliveira

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of air pollution on pneumonia-related emergency department visits in a region of extensive sugar cane plantations: a 30-month time-series study

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Atmospheric microplastic fallout in outdoor and indoor environments in São Paulo megacity

Science of The Total Environment, 2022

Plastics are widely used by society, and their degradation into millimetre fragments, called micr... more Plastics are widely used by society, and their degradation into millimetre fragments, called microplastics (MPs), has become a global environmental threat to ecosystems and human health. However, airborne MPs' presence and fallout fluxes from the atmosphere are poorly understood and can vary significantly by different conditions, especially in megacities of low- and middle-income countries, where high levels of vehicular air pollution, a high-density population, high plastic use, and inadequate disposal are environmental threats related to airborne MPs. In this study, we investigate the amount, chemical composition, and morphological characteristics of outdoor and indoor airborne MPs fallout in the megacity of São Paulo and assess the influence of weather and seasons on airborne MPs fallout. The results were as follows: MPs were found in all samples with an average fallout rate of 309.40 ± 214.71 MPs/m2/day in the indoor environment, and 123.20 ± 47.09 MPs/m2/day in the outdoor environment; MPs concentrations were higher in the indoor environment than the outdoor environment, with more fibres than particles; polyester fibres (100%), polyethylene (59%) and polypropylene (26%) particles were the dominant polymers indoors, while in outdoors, polyester fibres (76%) and polyethylene (67%) and polyethylene terephthalate (25%) particles were dominant. Fragment was the dominant morphology of particles found in indoor and outdoor samples (64% and 74%, respectively). Outdoor MPs fallout correlated positively with rainfall, wind velocity, and relative humidity. This evidence is the first on airborne MPs in a Latin America megacity and highlights the relevant role that this source plays in different environments.

Research paper thumbnail of Lipid peroxidation in Tradescantia pallida: a new bioindicator response of air pollutants

Research paper thumbnail of Four Years of Experience with the Sao Paulo University Medical School Community Garden

World Sustainability Series, 2018

The School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University Community Garden (FMUSP Community Garden), formed in... more The School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University Community Garden (FMUSP Community Garden), formed in June 2013, occupies an area of 520 m2. In the concreted area, vegetables and herbs are grown in large vessels (http://www.facebook.com/HortaDaFmusp). The garden runs on an agroecological basis using locally made compost (garden leaves and horse manure) and bio fertilizers provided by volunteers and the local restaurant (coffee powder). In the garden several herbs, medicinal plants, wild food plants and different types of seasonal vegetables are cultivated. The harvest is open for the entire community. Five medical students received financial support from the University to work 40 h per month to maintain the FMUSP Community Garden. Educational activities for the community include workshops (on medicinal herbs and wild food plants) and cooking events with students and volunteers including an elderly group, focused on healthy eating. In addition, a Ph.D. student conducted studies addressing the role of air pollution on urban gardens using the garden as an experimental site. In summary, the FMUSP Community Garden has provided sustainable, educational and research activities focused on sustainability and healthy eating in the medical campus, on a low budget, for the community. We believe this paper is important because it describes how this experience has benefited many health-related professionals and complements medical teaching. The FMUSP Community Garden has shown that agriculture in large urban centers is possible. The results were very promising, involving students, staff, patients and the surrounding community.

Research paper thumbnail of The Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) As A Screening Tool To Assess Air Pollution Exposition In An Elderly Population

ISEE Conference Abstracts, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Quantification of airborne SARS-CoV-2 genomic particles in different hospital settings

Scientific Reports, 2021

We quantified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of different hospital settings and the au... more We quantified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of different hospital settings and the autopsy room of the largest medical centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR was used to determine the presence of the envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the nucleocapsid protein genes. The E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples at the ICU-COVID-19 ward and in 5 out of 7 samples at the ward-COVID-19. Similarly, in the non-dedicated facilities, the E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples collected in the ICU and 4 out of 7 samples in the ward. In the necropsy room, 6 out of 7 samples were positive for the E-gene. When both wards were compared, the non-COVID ward presented a significantly higher concentration of the E-gene than in the COVID-19 ward (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in E-gene concentration between the ICU-COVID-19 and the ICU (p = 0.548). Likewise, there was no significant difference among E-gene concentrations found in the autopsy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Airborne microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 in total suspended particles in the area surrounding the largest medical centre in Latin America

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021

Plastics are ubiquitously used by societies, but most of the plastic waste is deposited in landfi... more Plastics are ubiquitously used by societies, but most of the plastic waste is deposited in landfills and in the natural environment. Their degradation into submillimetre fragments, called microplastics, is a growing concern due to potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. Microplastics are present in the air and may be inhaled by humans, but whether they have deleterious effects on the respiratory system remain unknown. In this study, we determined the presence of microplastics in human lung tissues obtained at autopsies. Polymeric particles (n = 33) and fibres (n = 4) were observed in 13 of 20 tissue samples. All polymeric particles were smaller than 5.5 µm in size, and fibres ranged from 8.12 to 16.8 µm. The most frequently determined polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Deleterious health outcomes may be related to the heterogeneous characteristics of these contaminants in the respiratory system following inhalation.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of long-standing exposure to heavy-duty diesel vehicle traffic on respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation in older adults

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial Distribution Of Atmospheric Pollutants Through Biomonitoring In Tree Bark Using X-Ray Fluorescence

Eclética Química Journal, 2018

Several studies have shown that tree barks can absorb air contaminants, therefore, trees can be u... more Several studies have shown that tree barks can absorb air contaminants, therefore, trees can be used as biomonitors to identify the distribution of atmospheric pollutants. The city of Paranaguá, located at the coast of the Paraná State in Brazil, hosts the largest bulk cargo port in Latin America and an elevated number of fertilizer processing industries. In this study we used tree barks coupled to X-ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis to biomonitor the distribution of air pollutants in the city of Paranaguá. We identified a visual correlation between the level of the elements K and Cl, with high levels detected near fertilizer warehouses. A relation between Fe levels and position of railways and train stations were also clear. The low levels of the elements Zn, Al, Ba and Mg detected in a traffic restricted zone confirm the use of these elements as markers of vehicles traffic and validate the approach of using tree barks for air pollution biomonitoring.

Research paper thumbnail of KIDS SAVE LIVES BRAZIL: A successful pilot program to implement CPR at primary and high schools in Brazil resulting in a state law for a training CPR week

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship between Nrf2-Keap1 system and cell death in BEAS-2B exposed to Diesel Exhaust Particles

Airway Cell Biology and Immunopathology, 2017

Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) are one of the sources of ultrafine particle inhaled daily and it ... more Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) are one of the sources of ultrafine particle inhaled daily and it has been linked to respiratory diseases, due to its ability to generate oxidative stress and cause cell death in the airways. To protection, airway epithelium activates antioxidant defense mechanisms, in which Nrf2-Keap1 system is an important inductor of cytoprotective enzymes, as NQO1 and HMOX1. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Nrf2-Keap1 system and cell death in human bronchial cells exposed to DEP. For this purpose, we used the immortalized cell line BEAS-2B and exposed them to different concentrations of DEP, collected from a 1 week of routine operation of a bus from Sao Paulo city. We analyzed cytotoxicity by MTT and Trypan Blue (TB), and RT-PCR expression of Nrf2 and HMOX1. The study groups were: 1) control (LHC-9 culture medium); 2) 10 µg/mL, 3) 50 µg/L; 4) 100 µg/mL (DEP dissolved in LHC-9). Cells were exposed 1 and 2 hours for each concentration. Our results for MTT showed a significant difference between times of exposure (p=0.015), in which MTT decrease as concentration increase. However, TB results showed a significant difference between concentrations (p=0.004), in which cell death increase as concentration increase. Nrf2 gene expression decreased significantly among DEP concentration (p=0.003), whereas HMOX1 gene expression decreased significantly among exposure time (p=0.041). We observed that concentration and time increase the probability of death cellular and decrease the expression of HMOX1 and Nrf2 suggesting that cytoprotective enzymes are unable to protect the cell as DEP concentration and time of exposure increase.

Research paper thumbnail of Aerobic exercise in polluted urban environments: effects on airway defense mechanisms in young healthy amateur runners

Journal of Breath Research, 2016

In this study, the effects of aerobic exercise on the upper airways and their defense mechanisms ... more In this study, the effects of aerobic exercise on the upper airways and their defense mechanisms were investigated in athletes. The athletes ran in two different environments: the downtown streets of the city of São Paulo (Street), more polluted, and an urban forest (Forest), less polluted. Thirty-eight young healthy athletes ran for 45 min d(-1) randomly during five consecutive days, with an interval of 48 h before changing environment. Clinical parameters and respiratory tract defense markers were evaluated before and after the first run on Mondays (1 d) and on Fridays (5 d). Street presented higher mean PM2.5 concentrations (65.1 ± 39.1 µg m(-3), p < 0.001) and lower temperature (22.0 °C, p = 0.010) than Forest (22.6 ± 15.3 µg m(-3) and 22.8 °C). After 1 d Street running, subjects showed an increment in heart rate (p < 0.001). At day 5, there was twice the number of athletes with impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) in the Street runners group when compared to the Forest runners group. Exhaled breath condensate pH values increased in the Forest group, with significant differences between groups in day 1 (p = 0.006) and day 5 (p < 0.001), despite the fact that both groups showed values within the normal range. After exposure to both environments, the number of cells in the nasal lavage fluid was reduced after exercise (p = 0.014), without alterations in cell type and IL-8 and IL-10 concentrations. Aerobic exercise can either maintain or acutely enhance MCC and it may help to regulate inflammatory responses in the airways. Here we show that exercise practice in polluted outdoor environment, over a 5 d period, impairs MCC. In contrast, athletes running in the less polluted environment (Forest) show higher exhaled breath condensate pH values when compared to those who exercised in a more polluted environment (Street).

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of traffic-related elements in tree bark and pollen abortion rates for assessing air pollution exposure on respiratory mortality rates

Environment international, Feb 17, 2016

The majority of epidemiological studies correlate the cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution ... more The majority of epidemiological studies correlate the cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution exposure by considering the concentrations of pollutants measured from conventional monitoring networks. The conventional air quality monitoring methods are expensive, and their data are insufficient for providing good spatial resolution. We hypothesized that bioassays using plants could effectively determine pollutant gradients, thus helping to assess the risks associated with air pollution exposure. The study regions were determined from different prevalent respiratory death distributions in the Sao Paulo municipality. Samples of tree flower buds were collected from twelve sites in four regional districts. The genotoxic effects caused by air pollution were tested through a pollen abortion bioassay. Elements derived from vehicular traffic that accumulated in tree barks were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Mortality data were collected from the...

Research paper thumbnail of Atmospheric metal pollutants and environmental injustice: A methodological approach to environmental risk analysis using fuzzy logic and tree bark

Ecological Indicators, 2016

Abstract Air pollution is the single largest environmental risk today and is increasing in develo... more Abstract Air pollution is the single largest environmental risk today and is increasing in developing countries. In addition, exposure to air pollution is correlated to poor socioeconomic conditions owing to political processes and cultural and historic occupation of land. Ports have several structures that are potential emitters of pollutants such as large ship engines, diesel trucks, and trains. Owing to the considerable costs of implementing direct monitoring networks, alternatives like biomonitoring are an interesting approach to evaluate the environmental status of a particular area using living organisms or their parts such as bark, even though the use of bark as a biomonitor has several problems such as difficulties in determining the exposure period and its correlation with human exposure. Therefore, the use of a complementary mathematical logic is necessary. This study describes a methodological approach to evaluate the environmental risk from air pollution integrating data on environmental pollutants from tree bark using Fuzzy logic, based in the port city of Paranagua in the state of Parana in Brazil, and validated using income indicators. The results indicate that the risk distribution patterns have an inverse relationship with the income indicator, i.e., higher risk levels indicate lower income levels and vice versa. It was concluded that the system was able to identify the distribution of risk and that there is a context of environmental injustice in the region, where the environmental risk related to air pollution is inversely proportional to income levels. This type of information provides a decision making tool for environmental risk analysis from air pollution and can be used in the definition of public policies.

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-urban biomonitoring: Source apportionment using tree barks to identify air pollution sources

Environment international, Jan 17, 2016

It is of great interest to evaluate if there is a relationship between possible sources and trace... more It is of great interest to evaluate if there is a relationship between possible sources and trace elements using biomonitoring techniques. In this study, tree bark samples of 171 trees were collected using a biomonitoring technique in the inner city of São Paulo. The trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, S, Sr and Zn) were determined by the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the plausible sources associated with tree bark measurements. The greatest source was vehicle-induced non-tailpipe emissions derived mainly from brakes and tires wear-out and road dust resuspension (characterized with Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), which was explained by 27.1% of the variance, followed by cement (14.8%), sea salt (11.6%) and biomass burning (10%), and fossil fuel combustion (9.8%). We also verified that the elements related to vehicular emission showed different concentrations at different...

Research paper thumbnail of Traffic related elements in tree barks and pollen abortion rates are effective to assess the effects of air pollution exposure on human health

European Respiratory Journal, 2015

The majority of epidemiological studies correlate cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution expo... more The majority of epidemiological studies correlate cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution exposure considering the concentration of pollutants measured from conventional monitoring networks. Conventional methodologies of air quality monitoring are expensive and have insufficient distribution for resolution in micro-scale spatial. We hypothesized that bioassays using plants could effectively determine gradients of pollutants helping to assess the associated risk of air pollution exposure. The regions of study were determined from the prevalence of cardiorespiratory deaths in Sao Paulo municipality considering different concentrations of air pollution. Samples of flower buds and barks of trees were collected in twelve sites at four districts. The genotoxic effects caused by air pollution were tested by bioassay of pollen abortion. The accumulation of elements derived from vehicular traffic in tree barks was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Mortality data were collected from the program of mortality information. The data from elements accumulation were treated by Principal Components Analysis. Pearson correlation and exponential regression were performed considering the elements,pollen abortion rates and the mortality data. PCA analysis identified two components representing the elements related to vehicular traffic (Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, S and, Zn). These elements showed a strong correlation considering mortality (R² >0.87) and pollen abortion rates (R² >0.82). The results demonstrate that bark trees and pollen abortion allow relating vehicular traffic and associated outcomes, as genotoxic effects and mortality data.

Research paper thumbnail of Biomonitoramento passivo com casca de aroeira vermelha (Myracrodruon urundeuva Lorenzi Harri) para verificar a variabilidade espacial da poluição atmosférica em uma região do Distrito Federal, Brasil

Engenharia Sanitaria e Ambiental, 2014

O biomonitoramento é uma técnica alternativa que utiliza organismos vivos para verificar mudanças... more O biomonitoramento é uma técnica alternativa que utiliza organismos vivos para verificar mudanças no meio ambiente ocasionadas pela poluição da água, ar e solo. Tendo como foco as emissões atmosféricas localizadas na região da Fercal no Distrito Federal, o presente estudo objetivou coletar amostras de casca da árvore da espécie Myracrodruon urundeuva para verificar a variabilidade espacial dos elementos químicos presentes na área de estudo. A análise de componente principal (PCA) permitiu agrupar os elementos em três fatores, distribuídos no fator 1: Zn, Fe, Al, S e Ba; no fator 2: Cu, P, Ca e Sr; e no fator 3: Mg e K. O fator 1 é o que melhor descreve o objeto de pesquisa. Este estudo permitiu demonstrar a viabilidade do método de biomonitoramento com casca de aroeira vermelha (Myracrodruon urundeuva) como instrumento de mensuração da poluição atmosférica.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of chronic exposure to air pollution from Sao Paulo city on coronary of Swiss mice, from birth to adulthood

Toxicologic pathology, 2009

To explore the hypothesis that air pollution promotes cardiovascular changes, Swiss mice were con... more To explore the hypothesis that air pollution promotes cardiovascular changes, Swiss mice were continuously exposed, since birth, in two open-top chambers (filtered and nonfiltered for airborne particles <or= 0.3 microm) placed 20 m from a street with heavy traffic in downtown Sao Paulo, twenty-four hours per day for four months. Fine particle (PM(2.5)) concentration was determined gravimetrically; hearts were analyzed by morphometry. There was a reduction of the PM(2.5) inside the filtered chamber (filtered = 8.61+/-0.79 microg/m(3), nonfiltered = 18.05+/-1.25 microg/m(3), p…

Research paper thumbnail of Air pollution from biomass burning and asthma hospital admissions in a sugar cane plantation area in Brazil

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 2007

To evaluate the association between the total suspended particles (TSPs) generated from preharves... more To evaluate the association between the total suspended particles (TSPs) generated from preharvest sugar cane burning and hospital admission due to asthma (asthma hospital admissions) in the city of Araraquara. Design: An ecological time-series study. Total daily records of asthma hospital admissions (ICD 10th J15) were obtained from one of the main hospitals in Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 23 March 2003 to 27 July 2004. The daily concentration of TSP (mg/m 3) was obtained using Handi-vol equipment (Energética, Brazil) placed in downtown Araraquara. The local airport provided the daily mean figures of temperature and humidity. The daily number of asthma hospital admissions was considered as the dependent variable in Poisson's regression models and the daily concentration of TSP was considered the independent variable. The generalised linear model with natural cubic spline was adopted to control for long-time trend. Linear terms were used for weather variables. Results: TSP had an acute effect on asthma admissions, starting 1 day after TSP concentrations increased and remaining almost unchanged for the next four days. A 10 mg/m 3 increase in the 5-day moving average (lag1-5) of TSP concentrations was associated with an increase of 11.6% (95% CI 5.4 to 17.7) in asthma hospital admissions. Conclusion: Increases in TSP concentrations were definitely associated with asthma hospital admissions in Araraquara and, despite using sugar cane alcohol to reduce air pollution from automotive sources in large Brazilian urban centres, the cities where sugar cane is harvested pay a high toll in terms of public health.

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of air pollution on pneumonia-related emergency department visits in a region of extensive sugar cane plantations: a 30-month time-series study

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Atmospheric microplastic fallout in outdoor and indoor environments in São Paulo megacity

Science of The Total Environment, 2022

Plastics are widely used by society, and their degradation into millimetre fragments, called micr... more Plastics are widely used by society, and their degradation into millimetre fragments, called microplastics (MPs), has become a global environmental threat to ecosystems and human health. However, airborne MPs' presence and fallout fluxes from the atmosphere are poorly understood and can vary significantly by different conditions, especially in megacities of low- and middle-income countries, where high levels of vehicular air pollution, a high-density population, high plastic use, and inadequate disposal are environmental threats related to airborne MPs. In this study, we investigate the amount, chemical composition, and morphological characteristics of outdoor and indoor airborne MPs fallout in the megacity of São Paulo and assess the influence of weather and seasons on airborne MPs fallout. The results were as follows: MPs were found in all samples with an average fallout rate of 309.40 ± 214.71 MPs/m2/day in the indoor environment, and 123.20 ± 47.09 MPs/m2/day in the outdoor environment; MPs concentrations were higher in the indoor environment than the outdoor environment, with more fibres than particles; polyester fibres (100%), polyethylene (59%) and polypropylene (26%) particles were the dominant polymers indoors, while in outdoors, polyester fibres (76%) and polyethylene (67%) and polyethylene terephthalate (25%) particles were dominant. Fragment was the dominant morphology of particles found in indoor and outdoor samples (64% and 74%, respectively). Outdoor MPs fallout correlated positively with rainfall, wind velocity, and relative humidity. This evidence is the first on airborne MPs in a Latin America megacity and highlights the relevant role that this source plays in different environments.

Research paper thumbnail of Lipid peroxidation in Tradescantia pallida: a new bioindicator response of air pollutants

Research paper thumbnail of Four Years of Experience with the Sao Paulo University Medical School Community Garden

World Sustainability Series, 2018

The School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University Community Garden (FMUSP Community Garden), formed in... more The School of Medicine, Sao Paulo University Community Garden (FMUSP Community Garden), formed in June 2013, occupies an area of 520 m2. In the concreted area, vegetables and herbs are grown in large vessels (http://www.facebook.com/HortaDaFmusp). The garden runs on an agroecological basis using locally made compost (garden leaves and horse manure) and bio fertilizers provided by volunteers and the local restaurant (coffee powder). In the garden several herbs, medicinal plants, wild food plants and different types of seasonal vegetables are cultivated. The harvest is open for the entire community. Five medical students received financial support from the University to work 40 h per month to maintain the FMUSP Community Garden. Educational activities for the community include workshops (on medicinal herbs and wild food plants) and cooking events with students and volunteers including an elderly group, focused on healthy eating. In addition, a Ph.D. student conducted studies addressing the role of air pollution on urban gardens using the garden as an experimental site. In summary, the FMUSP Community Garden has provided sustainable, educational and research activities focused on sustainability and healthy eating in the medical campus, on a low budget, for the community. We believe this paper is important because it describes how this experience has benefited many health-related professionals and complements medical teaching. The FMUSP Community Garden has shown that agriculture in large urban centers is possible. The results were very promising, involving students, staff, patients and the surrounding community.

Research paper thumbnail of The Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) As A Screening Tool To Assess Air Pollution Exposition In An Elderly Population

ISEE Conference Abstracts, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Quantification of airborne SARS-CoV-2 genomic particles in different hospital settings

Scientific Reports, 2021

We quantified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of different hospital settings and the au... more We quantified the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air of different hospital settings and the autopsy room of the largest medical centre in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Real-time reverse-transcription PCR was used to determine the presence of the envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the nucleocapsid protein genes. The E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples at the ICU-COVID-19 ward and in 5 out of 7 samples at the ward-COVID-19. Similarly, in the non-dedicated facilities, the E-gene was detected in 5 out of 6 samples collected in the ICU and 4 out of 7 samples in the ward. In the necropsy room, 6 out of 7 samples were positive for the E-gene. When both wards were compared, the non-COVID ward presented a significantly higher concentration of the E-gene than in the COVID-19 ward (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in E-gene concentration between the ICU-COVID-19 and the ICU (p = 0.548). Likewise, there was no significant difference among E-gene concentrations found in the autopsy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Airborne microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 in total suspended particles in the area surrounding the largest medical centre in Latin America

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021

Plastics are ubiquitously used by societies, but most of the plastic waste is deposited in landfi... more Plastics are ubiquitously used by societies, but most of the plastic waste is deposited in landfills and in the natural environment. Their degradation into submillimetre fragments, called microplastics, is a growing concern due to potential adverse effects on the environment and human health. Microplastics are present in the air and may be inhaled by humans, but whether they have deleterious effects on the respiratory system remain unknown. In this study, we determined the presence of microplastics in human lung tissues obtained at autopsies. Polymeric particles (n = 33) and fibres (n = 4) were observed in 13 of 20 tissue samples. All polymeric particles were smaller than 5.5 µm in size, and fibres ranged from 8.12 to 16.8 µm. The most frequently determined polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Deleterious health outcomes may be related to the heterogeneous characteristics of these contaminants in the respiratory system following inhalation.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of long-standing exposure to heavy-duty diesel vehicle traffic on respiratory symptoms and airway inflammation in older adults

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial Distribution Of Atmospheric Pollutants Through Biomonitoring In Tree Bark Using X-Ray Fluorescence

Eclética Química Journal, 2018

Several studies have shown that tree barks can absorb air contaminants, therefore, trees can be u... more Several studies have shown that tree barks can absorb air contaminants, therefore, trees can be used as biomonitors to identify the distribution of atmospheric pollutants. The city of Paranaguá, located at the coast of the Paraná State in Brazil, hosts the largest bulk cargo port in Latin America and an elevated number of fertilizer processing industries. In this study we used tree barks coupled to X-ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis to biomonitor the distribution of air pollutants in the city of Paranaguá. We identified a visual correlation between the level of the elements K and Cl, with high levels detected near fertilizer warehouses. A relation between Fe levels and position of railways and train stations were also clear. The low levels of the elements Zn, Al, Ba and Mg detected in a traffic restricted zone confirm the use of these elements as markers of vehicles traffic and validate the approach of using tree barks for air pollution biomonitoring.

Research paper thumbnail of KIDS SAVE LIVES BRAZIL: A successful pilot program to implement CPR at primary and high schools in Brazil resulting in a state law for a training CPR week

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship between Nrf2-Keap1 system and cell death in BEAS-2B exposed to Diesel Exhaust Particles

Airway Cell Biology and Immunopathology, 2017

Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) are one of the sources of ultrafine particle inhaled daily and it ... more Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) are one of the sources of ultrafine particle inhaled daily and it has been linked to respiratory diseases, due to its ability to generate oxidative stress and cause cell death in the airways. To protection, airway epithelium activates antioxidant defense mechanisms, in which Nrf2-Keap1 system is an important inductor of cytoprotective enzymes, as NQO1 and HMOX1. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Nrf2-Keap1 system and cell death in human bronchial cells exposed to DEP. For this purpose, we used the immortalized cell line BEAS-2B and exposed them to different concentrations of DEP, collected from a 1 week of routine operation of a bus from Sao Paulo city. We analyzed cytotoxicity by MTT and Trypan Blue (TB), and RT-PCR expression of Nrf2 and HMOX1. The study groups were: 1) control (LHC-9 culture medium); 2) 10 µg/mL, 3) 50 µg/L; 4) 100 µg/mL (DEP dissolved in LHC-9). Cells were exposed 1 and 2 hours for each concentration. Our results for MTT showed a significant difference between times of exposure (p=0.015), in which MTT decrease as concentration increase. However, TB results showed a significant difference between concentrations (p=0.004), in which cell death increase as concentration increase. Nrf2 gene expression decreased significantly among DEP concentration (p=0.003), whereas HMOX1 gene expression decreased significantly among exposure time (p=0.041). We observed that concentration and time increase the probability of death cellular and decrease the expression of HMOX1 and Nrf2 suggesting that cytoprotective enzymes are unable to protect the cell as DEP concentration and time of exposure increase.

Research paper thumbnail of Aerobic exercise in polluted urban environments: effects on airway defense mechanisms in young healthy amateur runners

Journal of Breath Research, 2016

In this study, the effects of aerobic exercise on the upper airways and their defense mechanisms ... more In this study, the effects of aerobic exercise on the upper airways and their defense mechanisms were investigated in athletes. The athletes ran in two different environments: the downtown streets of the city of São Paulo (Street), more polluted, and an urban forest (Forest), less polluted. Thirty-eight young healthy athletes ran for 45 min d(-1) randomly during five consecutive days, with an interval of 48 h before changing environment. Clinical parameters and respiratory tract defense markers were evaluated before and after the first run on Mondays (1 d) and on Fridays (5 d). Street presented higher mean PM2.5 concentrations (65.1 ± 39.1 µg m(-3), p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) and lower temperature (22.0 °C, p = 0.010) than Forest (22.6 ± 15.3 µg m(-3) and 22.8 °C). After 1 d Street running, subjects showed an increment in heart rate (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). At day 5, there was twice the number of athletes with impaired nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) in the Street runners group when compared to the Forest runners group. Exhaled breath condensate pH values increased in the Forest group, with significant differences between groups in day 1 (p = 0.006) and day 5 (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), despite the fact that both groups showed values within the normal range. After exposure to both environments, the number of cells in the nasal lavage fluid was reduced after exercise (p = 0.014), without alterations in cell type and IL-8 and IL-10 concentrations. Aerobic exercise can either maintain or acutely enhance MCC and it may help to regulate inflammatory responses in the airways. Here we show that exercise practice in polluted outdoor environment, over a 5 d period, impairs MCC. In contrast, athletes running in the less polluted environment (Forest) show higher exhaled breath condensate pH values when compared to those who exercised in a more polluted environment (Street).

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness of traffic-related elements in tree bark and pollen abortion rates for assessing air pollution exposure on respiratory mortality rates

Environment international, Feb 17, 2016

The majority of epidemiological studies correlate the cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution ... more The majority of epidemiological studies correlate the cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution exposure by considering the concentrations of pollutants measured from conventional monitoring networks. The conventional air quality monitoring methods are expensive, and their data are insufficient for providing good spatial resolution. We hypothesized that bioassays using plants could effectively determine pollutant gradients, thus helping to assess the risks associated with air pollution exposure. The study regions were determined from different prevalent respiratory death distributions in the Sao Paulo municipality. Samples of tree flower buds were collected from twelve sites in four regional districts. The genotoxic effects caused by air pollution were tested through a pollen abortion bioassay. Elements derived from vehicular traffic that accumulated in tree barks were determined using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Mortality data were collected from the...

Research paper thumbnail of Atmospheric metal pollutants and environmental injustice: A methodological approach to environmental risk analysis using fuzzy logic and tree bark

Ecological Indicators, 2016

Abstract Air pollution is the single largest environmental risk today and is increasing in develo... more Abstract Air pollution is the single largest environmental risk today and is increasing in developing countries. In addition, exposure to air pollution is correlated to poor socioeconomic conditions owing to political processes and cultural and historic occupation of land. Ports have several structures that are potential emitters of pollutants such as large ship engines, diesel trucks, and trains. Owing to the considerable costs of implementing direct monitoring networks, alternatives like biomonitoring are an interesting approach to evaluate the environmental status of a particular area using living organisms or their parts such as bark, even though the use of bark as a biomonitor has several problems such as difficulties in determining the exposure period and its correlation with human exposure. Therefore, the use of a complementary mathematical logic is necessary. This study describes a methodological approach to evaluate the environmental risk from air pollution integrating data on environmental pollutants from tree bark using Fuzzy logic, based in the port city of Paranagua in the state of Parana in Brazil, and validated using income indicators. The results indicate that the risk distribution patterns have an inverse relationship with the income indicator, i.e., higher risk levels indicate lower income levels and vice versa. It was concluded that the system was able to identify the distribution of risk and that there is a context of environmental injustice in the region, where the environmental risk related to air pollution is inversely proportional to income levels. This type of information provides a decision making tool for environmental risk analysis from air pollution and can be used in the definition of public policies.

Research paper thumbnail of Intra-urban biomonitoring: Source apportionment using tree barks to identify air pollution sources

Environment international, Jan 17, 2016

It is of great interest to evaluate if there is a relationship between possible sources and trace... more It is of great interest to evaluate if there is a relationship between possible sources and trace elements using biomonitoring techniques. In this study, tree bark samples of 171 trees were collected using a biomonitoring technique in the inner city of São Paulo. The trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, S, Sr and Zn) were determined by the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the plausible sources associated with tree bark measurements. The greatest source was vehicle-induced non-tailpipe emissions derived mainly from brakes and tires wear-out and road dust resuspension (characterized with Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), which was explained by 27.1% of the variance, followed by cement (14.8%), sea salt (11.6%) and biomass burning (10%), and fossil fuel combustion (9.8%). We also verified that the elements related to vehicular emission showed different concentrations at different...

Research paper thumbnail of Traffic related elements in tree barks and pollen abortion rates are effective to assess the effects of air pollution exposure on human health

European Respiratory Journal, 2015

The majority of epidemiological studies correlate cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution expo... more The majority of epidemiological studies correlate cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution exposure considering the concentration of pollutants measured from conventional monitoring networks. Conventional methodologies of air quality monitoring are expensive and have insufficient distribution for resolution in micro-scale spatial. We hypothesized that bioassays using plants could effectively determine gradients of pollutants helping to assess the associated risk of air pollution exposure. The regions of study were determined from the prevalence of cardiorespiratory deaths in Sao Paulo municipality considering different concentrations of air pollution. Samples of flower buds and barks of trees were collected in twelve sites at four districts. The genotoxic effects caused by air pollution were tested by bioassay of pollen abortion. The accumulation of elements derived from vehicular traffic in tree barks was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Mortality data were collected from the program of mortality information. The data from elements accumulation were treated by Principal Components Analysis. Pearson correlation and exponential regression were performed considering the elements,pollen abortion rates and the mortality data. PCA analysis identified two components representing the elements related to vehicular traffic (Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, S and, Zn). These elements showed a strong correlation considering mortality (R² >0.87) and pollen abortion rates (R² >0.82). The results demonstrate that bark trees and pollen abortion allow relating vehicular traffic and associated outcomes, as genotoxic effects and mortality data.

Research paper thumbnail of Biomonitoramento passivo com casca de aroeira vermelha (Myracrodruon urundeuva Lorenzi Harri) para verificar a variabilidade espacial da poluição atmosférica em uma região do Distrito Federal, Brasil

Engenharia Sanitaria e Ambiental, 2014

O biomonitoramento é uma técnica alternativa que utiliza organismos vivos para verificar mudanças... more O biomonitoramento é uma técnica alternativa que utiliza organismos vivos para verificar mudanças no meio ambiente ocasionadas pela poluição da água, ar e solo. Tendo como foco as emissões atmosféricas localizadas na região da Fercal no Distrito Federal, o presente estudo objetivou coletar amostras de casca da árvore da espécie Myracrodruon urundeuva para verificar a variabilidade espacial dos elementos químicos presentes na área de estudo. A análise de componente principal (PCA) permitiu agrupar os elementos em três fatores, distribuídos no fator 1: Zn, Fe, Al, S e Ba; no fator 2: Cu, P, Ca e Sr; e no fator 3: Mg e K. O fator 1 é o que melhor descreve o objeto de pesquisa. Este estudo permitiu demonstrar a viabilidade do método de biomonitoramento com casca de aroeira vermelha (Myracrodruon urundeuva) como instrumento de mensuração da poluição atmosférica.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of chronic exposure to air pollution from Sao Paulo city on coronary of Swiss mice, from birth to adulthood

Toxicologic pathology, 2009

To explore the hypothesis that air pollution promotes cardiovascular changes, Swiss mice were con... more To explore the hypothesis that air pollution promotes cardiovascular changes, Swiss mice were continuously exposed, since birth, in two open-top chambers (filtered and nonfiltered for airborne particles <or= 0.3 microm) placed 20 m from a street with heavy traffic in downtown Sao Paulo, twenty-four hours per day for four months. Fine particle (PM(2.5)) concentration was determined gravimetrically; hearts were analyzed by morphometry. There was a reduction of the PM(2.5) inside the filtered chamber (filtered = 8.61+/-0.79 microg/m(3), nonfiltered = 18.05+/-1.25 microg/m(3), p…

Research paper thumbnail of Air pollution from biomass burning and asthma hospital admissions in a sugar cane plantation area in Brazil

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 2007

To evaluate the association between the total suspended particles (TSPs) generated from preharves... more To evaluate the association between the total suspended particles (TSPs) generated from preharvest sugar cane burning and hospital admission due to asthma (asthma hospital admissions) in the city of Araraquara. Design: An ecological time-series study. Total daily records of asthma hospital admissions (ICD 10th J15) were obtained from one of the main hospitals in Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 23 March 2003 to 27 July 2004. The daily concentration of TSP (mg/m 3) was obtained using Handi-vol equipment (Energética, Brazil) placed in downtown Araraquara. The local airport provided the daily mean figures of temperature and humidity. The daily number of asthma hospital admissions was considered as the dependent variable in Poisson's regression models and the daily concentration of TSP was considered the independent variable. The generalised linear model with natural cubic spline was adopted to control for long-time trend. Linear terms were used for weather variables. Results: TSP had an acute effect on asthma admissions, starting 1 day after TSP concentrations increased and remaining almost unchanged for the next four days. A 10 mg/m 3 increase in the 5-day moving average (lag1-5) of TSP concentrations was associated with an increase of 11.6% (95% CI 5.4 to 17.7) in asthma hospital admissions. Conclusion: Increases in TSP concentrations were definitely associated with asthma hospital admissions in Araraquara and, despite using sugar cane alcohol to reduce air pollution from automotive sources in large Brazilian urban centres, the cities where sugar cane is harvested pay a high toll in terms of public health.