Effects of nasal allergens and environmental particulate matter on brainstem metabolites and the consequence of brain-spleen axis in allergic rhinitis.

Background: The growing consensus links exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) with an increased risk of respiratory diseases. However, little is known about the additional effects of particulate matter on brainstem function in allergic rhinitis (AR). Furthermore, it is unknown to what extent the PM-induced effects in the brainstem affect the inflammatory response in AR.

Closed-loop recycling of sulfur-rich polymers with tunable properties spanning thermoplastics, elastomers, and vitrimers.

The development of closed-loop recycling polymers that exhibit excellent performance is of great significance. Sulfur-rich polymers possessing excellent optical, thermal, and mechanical properties are promising candidates for chemical recycling but lack efficient synthetic strategies for achieving diverse structures. Herein, we report a universal synthetic strategy for producing polytrithiocarbonates, a class of sulfur-rich polymers, via the polycondensation of dithiols and dimethyl trithiocarbonate.

Association between diurnal temperature range and respiratory tract infections.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between emergency-room visits for respiratory tract infection (RTI) with diurnal temperature range (DTR), a weather parameter closely associated with urbanization and global climate change.

Methods: We conducted a semiparametric time-series analysis to estimate the percentage increase in emergency-room visits for RTI associated with changes in DTR after adjustment for daily weather conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and outdoor air pollution.

Results: DTR was significantly associated with daily emergency-room visits for RTI.

[Effects of airborne fine particulate matter on human respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function].

Objective: to explore effects of airborne fine particulate matter exposure on human respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function.

Methods: one hundred and seven field traffic policemen were recruited as airborne fine particulate matter high-exposure group and one hundred and one male residents as common exposure group. The individual sampler was used to measure fine particulate matter exposure levels of the two groups.