Autism spectrum disorders are a member of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) that have been increasing dramatically since described by Leo Kanner in 1943. In the past decade, the number of epidemiological publications addressing air pollution exposures and autism has grown correspondingly, but the association is still unclear. Whether air pollutants play a causal role and which substances are related with autism requires further study. We systematically reviewed the literature from 2005 to 2016 in MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), Web of Science, and PubMed and summarized the association between different air pollutants and autism. Furthermore, we further discussed the exposure time window and potential confounders that should be considered in the association analysis studies. Our objective is to summarize the association between different air pollutants and autism with literature, which has been published since 2005, and explore whether the exposure time window and potential confounders have influence on this association. These results could provide more comprehensive information about the association between air pollutants and autism and be helpful towards further validation study.
It is well-known that Poria vaporaria (Pers.:Fr.) Cooke, Paecilomyces variotii Bainier and Aspergillus niger are fungi and molds which destroy bamboo. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antibacterial activity of 16 flavonoids in preventing the actions of these three bamboo-destroying fungi and molds (Poria vaporaria (Pers.:Fr.) Cooke, Paecilomyces variotii Bainier and Aspergillus niger). The results showed that baicalein(1) exerted the highest inhibitory effect on Poria vaporaria (Pers.:Fr.) Cooke and Paecilomyces variotii Bainier indicating that baicalein(1) may be considered as a potential agent to develop as natural bactericide to preserve natural bamboo. 相似文献
Environmental indicator systems are a fundamental tool in quantifying the environmental component of sustainable development.
They are useful because they quantify the status and trends of key environmental parameters and provide information on the
environment that allows authorities and communities to make informed decisions. This article analyzes the basic framework
for Chinese environmental indicator systems and presents a “core” set of environmental indicators. In our research, we used
a theme approach to develop the environmental indicator systems. We performed two case studies of selected indicators. In
the first, we used an urban ambient air pollution composite index and an urban ambient air pollution indicator for three main
pollutants to examine trends in urban air pollution in China from 1990 to 2000 at regional and national levels. The results
indicate that China has made some progress towards controlling urban air pollution, but must do more in order to reach acceptable
pollution levels. We think that an aggregated index and disaggregated indicators have important complementary roles in the
policy-making processes. In the second case study, we developed and constructed a grassland degradation index that aggregates
information on the extent and severity of grassland degradation. Taking the Xilinhaote region of Inner Mongolia as the study
area, we calculated this index by combining remote-sensing data, a geographical information system (GIS), and field investigation.
Based on these results, we provide recommendations regarding further development and measurement of environmental indicators
in China. 相似文献
Along with their rapid progress, developing countries have had to deal with more environmental problems, which have been a cause for concern among policy makers and the public in general. This study cites two accidents that happened in China in 2006 that caused serious environmental problems in nearby communities and discusses the problems these accidents created and the resulting disputes among the concerned people. Pollution-causing accidents not only pose threats to the health of the victims but also give rise to environmental disputes that jeopardise national security and social stability. Conflicts normally ensue following a pollution-causing accident, which are more likely to happen within a development zone or industrial park. Few environmental conflicts in the past decades were resolved through litigation. Nevertheless, there are lapses in the regulatory system, which have to be addressed to ensure that the public's rights and interests are protected. Currently, reports on pollution-causing accidents are difficult to obtain and are often released very late. A majority of industrial firms operate without environmental clearance, thus highlighting the government's inefficiency in environmental management. It is about time that the Chinese government takes seriously the use of the Environmental Impact Assessment. 相似文献
