ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate ma... more ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate matter (PM) from shipping emissions, the maritime sector is required to find energy-efficient ways to comply mainly by using low fuel sulfur content (FSC) in regulated seas. We studied the PM emission from a research ship diesel engine with fuel switching capability, optimized for HFO used at cruising, operated at representative engine loads resulting to varying excess O2 emission which was an indirect measurement of air–fuel mixture (λ), using heavy fuel oil (HFO, 1.6 S (%m)) and diesel fuel (DF, <0.001 S (%m)). We determined the characteristics and temporal evolution of the PM by using the High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) in combination with aethalometer, particle sizers, online gas phase, and filter measurements. The average emission factors were higher for HFO than for DF with relative percent differences of ∼200, ∼180, ∼150, and ∼145 for SO42−, inorganic elements, organic matter (OM), and PM2.5, respectively, while that for black carbon (BC) was similar for both fuels. The difference between HFO and DF in terms of carbonaceous emissions was higher at 100% and 25% than at 75% and 50% engine loads. The exhaust temperature (T) decreased with increasing λ leading to the enhanced emission of OM in HFO and reduced OM and BC emission in DF. Contributions of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons increased with λ for HFO and decreased with DF. Gas phase total hydrocarbon (THC) was well correlated with BC only for HFO and OM and BC for DF. Overall, using a lower FSC reduced average PM emissions, however, engine load, and λ were strongly linked to the characteristics and temporal evolution of major PM emissions. The information in this study may help the marine sector and policy-making process in evaluating and designing future solutions for shipping emission regulations and diagnostics.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, Jan 14, 2015
Ship diesel combustion particles are known to cause broad cytotoxic effects and thereby strongly ... more Ship diesel combustion particles are known to cause broad cytotoxic effects and thereby strongly impact human health. Particles from heavy fuel oil (HFO) operated ships are considered as particularly dangerous. However, little is known about the relevant components of the ship emission particles. In particular, it is interesting to know if the particle cores, consisting of soot and metal oxides, or the adsorbate layers, consisting of semi- and low-volatile organic compounds and salts, are more relevant. We therefore sought to relate the adsorbates and the core composition of HFO combustion particles to the early cellular responses, allowing for the development of measures that counteract their detrimental effects. Hence, the semi-volatile coating of HFO-operated ship diesel engine particles was removed by stepwise thermal stripping using different temperatures. RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to native and thermally stripped particles in submersed culture. Proteomic changes were ...
Essential cytoskeletal functions of macrophages are migration, phagocytosis of foreign materials,... more Essential cytoskeletal functions of macrophages are migration, phagocytosis of foreign materials, and intracellular transport and digestion The influence of fine and ultrafine test particles (UFP), such as TiO(2), elemental carbon, commercial carbon black, diesel exhaust particulate matter, and urban dust (UrbD), on cytoskeleton-related functions of macrophages, such as phagocytosis, phagosome transport mechanisms, and mechanical cytoskeletal integrity, were studied by flow cytometry and by cytomagnetometry. Additionally, necrosis and apoptosis caused by the test particles was detected. The diameter of the test particles ranged from 12 to 220 nm and the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller specific surface area ranged from 6 to 600 m(2)/g. Primary alveolar macrophages from beagle dogs (BD-AM), obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage, were used as well as macrophages originating from the cell line J774A.1. For cytomagnetometry studies, spherical 1.8-microm ferromagnetic particles served as probes for cy...
While environmental particles are associated with mortality and morbidity related to pulmonary an... more While environmental particles are associated with mortality and morbidity related to pulmonary and cardiovascular (CV) disease, the mechanisms involved in CV health effects are not known. Changes in systemic clotting factors have been associated with pulmonary inflammation. We hypothesized that inhaled ultrafine particles result in an inflammatory response which may stimulate systemic clotting factor release. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to either fine or ultrafine carbon black (CB) for 7 h. The attained total suspended particle concentrations were 1.66 mg/m(3) for ultrafine CB and 1.40 mg/m(3) for fine CB. Particle concentration of ultrafine particles was more than 10 times greater than that of fine particles and the count median aerodynamic diameter averaged 114 nm for the ultrafine and 268 nm for the fine carbon particles. Data were collected immediately, 16 and 48 h following exposure. Only ultrafine CB caused an increase in total bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) leukocytes, whereas both fine (2-fold) and ultrafine (4-fold) carbon particles caused an increase in BAL neutrophils at 16 h postexposure. Exposure to the ultrafine, but not fine, carbon was also associated with significant increases in the total numbers of blood leukocytes. Plasma fibrinogen, factor VII and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were unaffected by particle treatments as was plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidant status (TEAC). Macrophage inflammatory protein-2 mRNA was significantly increased in BAL cells 48 h following exposure to ultrafine CB. The data show that there is a small but consistent significant proinflammatory effect of this exposure to ultrafine particles that is greater than the effect of the same exposure to fine CB.
Inhalation of indoor radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) decay products is the most important so... more Inhalation of indoor radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) decay products is the most important source of exposure to ionizing radiation for the human respiratory tract. Decreasing ventilation rates due to energy saving reasons in new buildings suggest additional active mitigation techniques to reduce the exposure in homes with high radon and thoron concentrations but poor ventilation. Filtration techniques with HEPA filters and simple surgical mask material have been tested for their potential to reduce the indoor exposure in terms of the total effective dose for mixed radon and thoron indoor atmospheres. The tests were performed inside an experimental room providing stable conditions. Filtration (at filtration rates of 0.2 h(-1) and larger) removes attached radon and thoron decay products effectively but indoor aerosol as well. Therefore the concentration of unattached decay products (which have a higher dose coefficient) may increase. The decrease of the attached decay product concentrations could be theoretically described by a slowly decreasing exponential process. For attached radon decay products, it exhibited a faster but weaker removal process compared to attached thoron decay products (-70% for attached radon decay products and -80% for attached thoron decay products at a filtration rate of 0.5 h(-1) with an HEPA filter). The concentration of unattached thoron decay products increased distinctly during the filtration process (+300%) while that of unattached radon decay products rose only slightly though at a much higher level (+17%). In the theoretical description these observed differences could be attributed to the different half-lives of the nuclides. Considering both effects, reduced attached and increased unattached decay product concentrations, filtration could significantly decrease the total effective dose from thoron whereas the overall effect on radon dose is small. A permanent filtration is recommended because of the slow decrease of the thoron decay product concentrations.
The nasal decongestant oxymetazoline (OMZ) exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properti... more The nasal decongestant oxymetazoline (OMZ) exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties (I. Beck-Speier et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006;316:842-851). In a follow up study, we hypothesized that OMZ generates pro-resolving lipoxins being paralleled by production of immune-modulating prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and anti-inflammatory 15(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE] and depletion of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)). Human neutrophils (PMN) were chosen as the cellular system. The effect of OMZ on these parameters as well as on respiratory burst activity and oxidative stress marker 8-isprostane was analyzed in unstimulated and co-stimulated PMN by ultrafine carbon particles (UCP) or opsonized zymosan (OZ), respectively. In unstimulated cells, OMZ induced formation of PGE(2), 15(S)-HETE, and LXA(4). The levels of LTB(4) and 8-isoprostane were not affected, whereas respiratory burst activity was drastically inhibited. In UCP- and OZ-stimulated control cells, all parameters were elevated. Here, OMZ maintained the increased levels of PGE(2), 15(S)-HETE, and LXA(4), but substantially suppressed levels of LTB(4) and 8-isoprostane and inhibited the respiratory burst activity. These findings suggest a switch from the pro-inflammatory eicosanoid class LTB(4) to the pro-resolving LXA(4). Since LXA(4) is most relevant in returning inflamed tissue to homeostasis, OMZ is postulated to terminate rhinitis-related inflammation, thus contributing to shortening of disease duration.
Epidemiologic studies show that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with asthma e... more Epidemiologic studies show that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with asthma exacerbation. Ultrafine particles (diameter <100 nm) may contribute to these adverse effects. To investigate potential adjuvant activity of inhaled elemental carbon ultrafine particles (EC-UFPs) on allergic airway inflammation. The effects of ultrafine particle inhalation on allergic airway inflammation was analyzed in ovalbumin-sensitized mice and nonsensitized controls. Particle exposure (526 microg/m3, 24 hours) was performed 24, 96, or 168 hours before or 24 or 72 hours after ovalbumin aerosol challenge. Allergic inflammation was analyzed at different time points after allergen challenge by means of bronchoalveolar lavage cell count and cytokine/total protein assays, lung histology, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In sensitized mice, inhalation of ultrafine particles 24 hours before allergen challenge caused a significant increase of bronchoalveolar lavage inflammatory cell infiltrate, protein, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 compared with relevant controls. These adjuvant effects were dose- and time-dependent and were still present when particle exposure was performed 4 days before allergen challenge. The adjuvant effect of ultrafine particles was also documented by increased mucus production, peribronchiolar and perivascular inflammation, and enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, particle exposure in sensitized mice after allergen challenge caused only moderate effects, such as a delay of inflammatory infiltrate and a reduction of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Exposure to ultrafine carbon particles before allergen challenge exerts strong adjuvant effects on the manifestation of allergic airway inflammation. Allergen-sensitized individuals may therefore be more susceptible to detrimental health effects of ultrafine particles.
... Aerosols produced by jet nebulizers are polydisperse with mass median aerodynamic diameters (... more ... Aerosols produced by jet nebulizers are polydisperse with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) between 1 and 9 pm and geometric standard deviations (GSD) between *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. 805 806 GA Ferron et al. ...
ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate ma... more ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate matter (PM) from shipping emissions, the maritime sector is required to find energy-efficient ways to comply mainly by using low fuel sulfur content (FSC) in regulated seas. We studied the PM emission from a research ship diesel engine with fuel switching capability, optimized for HFO used at cruising, operated at representative engine loads resulting to varying excess O2 emission which was an indirect measurement of air–fuel mixture (λ), using heavy fuel oil (HFO, 1.6 S (%m)) and diesel fuel (DF, <0.001 S (%m)). We determined the characteristics and temporal evolution of the PM by using the High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) in combination with aethalometer, particle sizers, online gas phase, and filter measurements. The average emission factors were higher for HFO than for DF with relative percent differences of ∼200, ∼180, ∼150, and ∼145 for SO42−, inorganic elements, organic matter (OM), and PM2.5, respectively, while that for black carbon (BC) was similar for both fuels. The difference between HFO and DF in terms of carbonaceous emissions was higher at 100% and 25% than at 75% and 50% engine loads. The exhaust temperature (T) decreased with increasing λ leading to the enhanced emission of OM in HFO and reduced OM and BC emission in DF. Contributions of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons increased with λ for HFO and decreased with DF. Gas phase total hydrocarbon (THC) was well correlated with BC only for HFO and OM and BC for DF. Overall, using a lower FSC reduced average PM emissions, however, engine load, and λ were strongly linked to the characteristics and temporal evolution of major PM emissions. The information in this study may help the marine sector and policy-making process in evaluating and designing future solutions for shipping emission regulations and diagnostics.
Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, Jan 14, 2015
Ship diesel combustion particles are known to cause broad cytotoxic effects and thereby strongly ... more Ship diesel combustion particles are known to cause broad cytotoxic effects and thereby strongly impact human health. Particles from heavy fuel oil (HFO) operated ships are considered as particularly dangerous. However, little is known about the relevant components of the ship emission particles. In particular, it is interesting to know if the particle cores, consisting of soot and metal oxides, or the adsorbate layers, consisting of semi- and low-volatile organic compounds and salts, are more relevant. We therefore sought to relate the adsorbates and the core composition of HFO combustion particles to the early cellular responses, allowing for the development of measures that counteract their detrimental effects. Hence, the semi-volatile coating of HFO-operated ship diesel engine particles was removed by stepwise thermal stripping using different temperatures. RAW 264.7 macrophages were exposed to native and thermally stripped particles in submersed culture. Proteomic changes were ...
Essential cytoskeletal functions of macrophages are migration, phagocytosis of foreign materials,... more Essential cytoskeletal functions of macrophages are migration, phagocytosis of foreign materials, and intracellular transport and digestion The influence of fine and ultrafine test particles (UFP), such as TiO(2), elemental carbon, commercial carbon black, diesel exhaust particulate matter, and urban dust (UrbD), on cytoskeleton-related functions of macrophages, such as phagocytosis, phagosome transport mechanisms, and mechanical cytoskeletal integrity, were studied by flow cytometry and by cytomagnetometry. Additionally, necrosis and apoptosis caused by the test particles was detected. The diameter of the test particles ranged from 12 to 220 nm and the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller specific surface area ranged from 6 to 600 m(2)/g. Primary alveolar macrophages from beagle dogs (BD-AM), obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage, were used as well as macrophages originating from the cell line J774A.1. For cytomagnetometry studies, spherical 1.8-microm ferromagnetic particles served as probes for cy...
While environmental particles are associated with mortality and morbidity related to pulmonary an... more While environmental particles are associated with mortality and morbidity related to pulmonary and cardiovascular (CV) disease, the mechanisms involved in CV health effects are not known. Changes in systemic clotting factors have been associated with pulmonary inflammation. We hypothesized that inhaled ultrafine particles result in an inflammatory response which may stimulate systemic clotting factor release. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to either fine or ultrafine carbon black (CB) for 7 h. The attained total suspended particle concentrations were 1.66 mg/m(3) for ultrafine CB and 1.40 mg/m(3) for fine CB. Particle concentration of ultrafine particles was more than 10 times greater than that of fine particles and the count median aerodynamic diameter averaged 114 nm for the ultrafine and 268 nm for the fine carbon particles. Data were collected immediately, 16 and 48 h following exposure. Only ultrafine CB caused an increase in total bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) leukocytes, whereas both fine (2-fold) and ultrafine (4-fold) carbon particles caused an increase in BAL neutrophils at 16 h postexposure. Exposure to the ultrafine, but not fine, carbon was also associated with significant increases in the total numbers of blood leukocytes. Plasma fibrinogen, factor VII and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were unaffected by particle treatments as was plasma Trolox equivalent antioxidant status (TEAC). Macrophage inflammatory protein-2 mRNA was significantly increased in BAL cells 48 h following exposure to ultrafine CB. The data show that there is a small but consistent significant proinflammatory effect of this exposure to ultrafine particles that is greater than the effect of the same exposure to fine CB.
Inhalation of indoor radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) decay products is the most important so... more Inhalation of indoor radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) decay products is the most important source of exposure to ionizing radiation for the human respiratory tract. Decreasing ventilation rates due to energy saving reasons in new buildings suggest additional active mitigation techniques to reduce the exposure in homes with high radon and thoron concentrations but poor ventilation. Filtration techniques with HEPA filters and simple surgical mask material have been tested for their potential to reduce the indoor exposure in terms of the total effective dose for mixed radon and thoron indoor atmospheres. The tests were performed inside an experimental room providing stable conditions. Filtration (at filtration rates of 0.2 h(-1) and larger) removes attached radon and thoron decay products effectively but indoor aerosol as well. Therefore the concentration of unattached decay products (which have a higher dose coefficient) may increase. The decrease of the attached decay product concentrations could be theoretically described by a slowly decreasing exponential process. For attached radon decay products, it exhibited a faster but weaker removal process compared to attached thoron decay products (-70% for attached radon decay products and -80% for attached thoron decay products at a filtration rate of 0.5 h(-1) with an HEPA filter). The concentration of unattached thoron decay products increased distinctly during the filtration process (+300%) while that of unattached radon decay products rose only slightly though at a much higher level (+17%). In the theoretical description these observed differences could be attributed to the different half-lives of the nuclides. Considering both effects, reduced attached and increased unattached decay product concentrations, filtration could significantly decrease the total effective dose from thoron whereas the overall effect on radon dose is small. A permanent filtration is recommended because of the slow decrease of the thoron decay product concentrations.
The nasal decongestant oxymetazoline (OMZ) exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properti... more The nasal decongestant oxymetazoline (OMZ) exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties (I. Beck-Speier et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006;316:842-851). In a follow up study, we hypothesized that OMZ generates pro-resolving lipoxins being paralleled by production of immune-modulating prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and anti-inflammatory 15(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)-HETE] and depletion of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)). Human neutrophils (PMN) were chosen as the cellular system. The effect of OMZ on these parameters as well as on respiratory burst activity and oxidative stress marker 8-isprostane was analyzed in unstimulated and co-stimulated PMN by ultrafine carbon particles (UCP) or opsonized zymosan (OZ), respectively. In unstimulated cells, OMZ induced formation of PGE(2), 15(S)-HETE, and LXA(4). The levels of LTB(4) and 8-isoprostane were not affected, whereas respiratory burst activity was drastically inhibited. In UCP- and OZ-stimulated control cells, all parameters were elevated. Here, OMZ maintained the increased levels of PGE(2), 15(S)-HETE, and LXA(4), but substantially suppressed levels of LTB(4) and 8-isoprostane and inhibited the respiratory burst activity. These findings suggest a switch from the pro-inflammatory eicosanoid class LTB(4) to the pro-resolving LXA(4). Since LXA(4) is most relevant in returning inflamed tissue to homeostasis, OMZ is postulated to terminate rhinitis-related inflammation, thus contributing to shortening of disease duration.
Epidemiologic studies show that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with asthma e... more Epidemiologic studies show that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with asthma exacerbation. Ultrafine particles (diameter <100 nm) may contribute to these adverse effects. To investigate potential adjuvant activity of inhaled elemental carbon ultrafine particles (EC-UFPs) on allergic airway inflammation. The effects of ultrafine particle inhalation on allergic airway inflammation was analyzed in ovalbumin-sensitized mice and nonsensitized controls. Particle exposure (526 microg/m3, 24 hours) was performed 24, 96, or 168 hours before or 24 or 72 hours after ovalbumin aerosol challenge. Allergic inflammation was analyzed at different time points after allergen challenge by means of bronchoalveolar lavage cell count and cytokine/total protein assays, lung histology, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In sensitized mice, inhalation of ultrafine particles 24 hours before allergen challenge caused a significant increase of bronchoalveolar lavage inflammatory cell infiltrate, protein, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 compared with relevant controls. These adjuvant effects were dose- and time-dependent and were still present when particle exposure was performed 4 days before allergen challenge. The adjuvant effect of ultrafine particles was also documented by increased mucus production, peribronchiolar and perivascular inflammation, and enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, particle exposure in sensitized mice after allergen challenge caused only moderate effects, such as a delay of inflammatory infiltrate and a reduction of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Exposure to ultrafine carbon particles before allergen challenge exerts strong adjuvant effects on the manifestation of allergic airway inflammation. Allergen-sensitized individuals may therefore be more susceptible to detrimental health effects of ultrafine particles.
... Aerosols produced by jet nebulizers are polydisperse with mass median aerodynamic diameters (... more ... Aerosols produced by jet nebulizers are polydisperse with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) between 1 and 9 pm and geometric standard deviations (GSD) between *Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. 805 806 GA Ferron et al. ...
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