Publications by authors named "J L BALMES"

Background: Coccidioidomycosis, caused by inhalation of spp. spores, is an emerging infectious disease that is increasing in incidence throughout the southwestern US. The pathogen is soil-dwelling, and spore dispersal and human exposure are thought to co-occur with airborne mineral dust exposures, yet fundamental exposure-response relationships have not been conclusively estimated.

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Climate change is a major driver of the frequency and severity of wildfires caused by extended periods of drought and hotter, drier weather superimposed on the legacy of fire suppression in the Mountain West of the United States. In recent years, increased wildfire smoke has negated the improvements in air quality made by clean energy transitions. Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and solids, a chief constituent of which is fine particulate matter (PM).

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Article Synopsis
  • Fine particulate matter (PM) exposure can lead to immune system issues through epigenetic changes, potentially impacting pregnancy outcomes.
  • The study used advanced profiling techniques to link PM exposure with altered immune responses and specific histone modifications in immune cells of both pregnant and nonpregnant women.
  • Findings suggest that high maternal PM exposure correlates with lower IL-27 levels in newborns and affects the inflammatory response in pregnant women, indicating possible pathways for complications during pregnancy.
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Background: Cooking-related emissions contribute to air pollutants in the home and may influence children's health outcomes.

Objective: In this pilot study, we investigate the effects of a cooking ventilation intervention in homes with gas stoves, including a video-based educational intervention and range hood replacement (when needed) in children's homes.

Methods: This was a pilot (n = 14), before-after trial (clinicaltrials.

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Introduction: Air pollution is widely acknowledged as a significant factor in respiratory outcomes, including coughing, wheezing, emergency department (ED) visits, and even death. Although several literature reviews have confirmed the association between air pollution and respiratory outcomes, they often did not standardize associations across different studies and overlooked other increasingly impactful pollutants such as trace metals. Recognizing the importance of consistent comparison and emissions of non-exhaust particles from road traffic, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate the standardized effects of various criteria pollutants and trace metals on respiratory health.

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