scholarly journals Deposition Rates of Asthma Triggers on Conventional and Enclosed Window Treatments

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorne PS ◽  
◽  
Metwali N ◽  
Wyland NG ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Window Glass ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Asthma Morbidity ◽  
Cat Allergen ◽  
Window Blinds ◽  
Inhalant Allergens ◽  
Allergies And Asthma ◽  
Asthma Triggers

Environmental interventions are an important element of managing allergies and asthma. Health professionals often recommend that draperies be replaced with window blinds however no data exist on accumulation of inhalant allergens or inflammatory bioaerosols on window treatments. Installing blinds that accumulate less dust may reduce breathing zone exposures when blinds are adjusted if hazardous amounts of bioaerosols are deposited. We sought to determine the rate of accumulation of dust, allergens, bacterial endotoxin and fungal glucan on window blinds of two distinct types mounted on the two types of windows most commonly installed in U.S. homes. The blinds tested were conventional horizontal slat blinds hanging on the inside of the window (roomside blinds) and similar blinds placed between the exterior window glass and an extra pane of glass on the interior side (between-glass blinds). The study was conducted in six households as a paired, repeated measures study. Households were identified for participation, having met the study criteria of children and cats living inside a carpeted home. Standard window blinds accumulated cat allergen, endotoxin and fungal glucan at rates of 5940ng/m², 1910EU/m², and 11,360ng/m² per month. Between-glass blinds reduced the loading of asthma triggers by 25- to 185-fold. Comparison with clinical thresholds associated with asthma morbidity indicates that room-side blinds accumulate potentially hazardous quantities of asthma triggers.

scholarly journals Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti ◽  
John Arko-Mensah ◽  
Paul K. Botwe ◽  
Duah Dwomoh ◽  
Lawrencia Kwarteng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Pm 2.5

Background: Direct and continuous exposure to particulate matter (PM), especially in occupational settings is known to impact negatively on respiratory health and lung function. Objective: To determine the association between concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) in breathing zone and lung function of informal e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. Methods: To evaluate lung function responses to PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm), we conducted a longitudinal cohort study with three repeated measures among 207 participants comprising 142 healthy e-waste workers from Agbogbloshie scrapyard and 65 control participants from Madina-Zongo in Accra, Ghana from 2017–2018. Lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF 25-75) and PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) concentrations were measured, corresponding to prevailing seasonal variations. Socio-demographic data, respiratory exposures and lifestyle habits were determined using questionnaires. Random effects models were then used to examine the effects of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function. Results: The median concentrations of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) were all consistently above the WHO ambient air standards across the study waves. Small effect estimates per IQR of PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) on lung function parameters were observed even after adjustment for potential confounders. However, a 10 µg increase in PM (2.5, 2.5–10 and 10 µm) was associated with decreases in PEF and FEF 25–75 by 13.3% % [β = −3.133; 95% CI: −0.243, −0.022) and 26.6% [β = −0.266; 95% CI: −0.437, 0.094]. E-waste burning and a history of asthma significantly predicted a decrease in PEF by 14.2% [β = −0.142; 95% CI: −0.278, −0.008) and FEV1 by 35.8% [β = −0.358; 95% CI: −0.590, 0.125] among e-waste burners. Conclusions: Direct exposure of e-waste workers to PM predisposes to decline in lung function and risk for small airway diseases such as asthma and COPD.

scholarly journals Randomized Trial of a Portable HEPA Air Cleaner Intervention to Reduce Asthma Morbidity among Latino Children in an Agricultural Community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Drieling ◽  
Paul D. Sampson ◽  
Jennifer E. Krenz ◽  
Maria I. Tchong French ◽  
Karen L. Jansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Asthma Education ◽  
Asthma Morbidity ◽  
Asthma Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Utilization ◽  
Air Cleaners ◽  
Act Score

Abstract BackgroundData on pediatric asthma morbidity and effective environmental interventions in agricultural settings are few.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of HEPA air cleaners on asthma morbidity among a cohort of rural Latino children.MethodsSeventy-five children with poorly controlled asthma and residing in non-smoking homes were randomly assigned to asthma education alone or along with HEPA air cleaners placed in their sleeping area and home living room. Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, asthma symptoms in prior two weeks, unplanned clinical utilization for asthma, creatinine-adjusted urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4 [ng/mg]), and other secondary asthma outcomes were assessed at baseline, six and 12 months later. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations examined differences between groups based on repeated measures. Incident rate ratios of ever experiencing the metrics of poorer asthma health during follow-up (suboptimal asthma management) were estimated using Poisson regression models.ResultsMean intervention group child age was 9.2 years, control mean age was 8.6, and two-thirds of participants were male. In repeated measures analysis, intervention participants were less likely to have an ACT score representing poorly controlled asthma (IRR: 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21–0.97]). In Poisson models, intervention participants had reduced risk of ever experiencing an ACT score representing poorly controlled asthma (IRR: 0.43 [95% CI: 0.21–0.89]), ever having any asthma symptoms in the past two weeks (IRR: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.52–0.98]), and lower risk of any unplanned clinical utilization over the year of follow-up (IRR: 0.35 [95% CI: 0.13–0.94]) compared to control participants. There was a suggestion of greater decrease in uLTE4 (ng/mg creatinine) levels among intervention participants (-10% [95% CI: -20% -1%]).DiscussionHEPA air cleaners may provide additional benefit for child asthma health even in settings with strong asthma education programs and in areas where traditional asthmagens (traffic, tobacco smoke) are not prominent factors.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04919915. Date of retrospective registration: May 19, 2021.

A Systematic Review of Home-Based Multi-Trigger Multi-Component Environmental Interventions to Reduce Asthma Morbidity

2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. S20-S20 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.D. Crocker ◽  
D. Hopkins ◽  
S. Kinyota ◽  
G. Dumitru ◽  
E. Herman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Asthma Morbidity ◽  
Home Based

Effects of forages, dust exposure and proresolving lipids on airway inflammation in horses

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Carla J. Olave ◽  
Kathleen M. Ivester ◽  
Laurent L. Couëtil ◽  
Jackeline Franco-Marmolejo ◽  
Abhijit Mukhopadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airway Inflammation ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Plasma Lipid ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Neutrophil Apoptosis ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Similar Reduction

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3)–derived proresolving lipid mediators (PRLM) in the resolution of mild airway inflammation in horses. ANIMALS 20 horses with mild airway inflammation. PROCEDURES Horses previously eating hay were fed hay pellets (low Ω-3 content; n = 10) or haylage (high Ω-3 content; 9) for 6 weeks. Dust exposure was measured in the breathing zone with a real-time particulate monitor. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at baseline, week 3, and week 6. The effect of PRLM on neutrophil apoptosis and efferocytosis was examined in vitro. BAL fluid inflammatory cell proportions, apoptosis of circulating neutrophils, efferocytosis displayed by alveolar macrophages, and plasma lipid concentrations were compared between groups fed low and high amounts of Ω-3 by use of repeated measures of generalized linear models. RESULTS Dust exposure was significantly higher with hay feeding, compared to haylage and pellets, and equivalent between haylage and pellets. BAL fluid neutrophil proportions decreased significantly in horses fed haylage (baseline, 11.8 ± 2.4%; week 6, 2.5 ± 1.1%) but not pellets (baseline, 12.1 ± 2.3%; week 6, 8.5% ± 1.7%). At week 6, horses eating haylage had significantly lower BAL neutrophil proportions than those eating pellets, and a significantly lower concentration of stearic acid than at baseline. PRLM treatments did not affect neutrophil apoptosis or efferocytosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Despite similar reduction in dust exposure, horses fed haylage displayed greater resolution of airway inflammation than those fed pellets. This improvement was not associated with increased plasma Ω-3 concentrations. Feeding haylage improves airway inflammation beyond that due to reduced dust exposure, though the mechanism remains unclear.

scholarly journals Randomized trial of a portable HEPA air cleaner intervention to reduce asthma morbidity among Latino children in an agricultural community

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Drieling ◽  
Paul D. Sampson ◽  
Jennifer E. Krenz ◽  
Maria I. Tchong French ◽  
Karen L. Jansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Latino Children ◽  
Asthma Morbidity ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Clinical Utilization ◽  
Air Cleaner ◽  
Air Cleaners ◽  
Act Score

Abstract Background Data on pediatric asthma morbidity and effective environmental interventions in U.S. agricultural settings are few. We evaluated the effectiveness of HEPA air cleaners on asthma morbidity among a cohort of rural Latino children. Methods Seventy-five children with poorly controlled asthma and living in non-smoking homes were randomly assigned to asthma education alone or along with HEPA air cleaners placed in their sleeping area and home living room. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, asthma symptoms in prior 2 weeks, unplanned clinical utilization, creatinine-adjusted urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4 [ng/mg]), and additional secondary outcomes were evaluated at baseline, six, and 12 months. Group differences were assessed using multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equations. Incident rate ratios of ever experiencing the metrics of poorer asthma health during follow-up (suboptimal asthma management) were estimated using Poisson regression models in secondary analysis. Results Mean child age was 9.2 and 8.6 years in intervention and control groups, respectively, and two-thirds of participants were male. Primary analysis of repeated measures of ACT score did not differ between groups (HEPA group mean change compared to controls 10% [95% CI: − 12-39%]). A suggestion of greater decrease in uLTE4 (ng/mg creatinine) was observed (− 10% [95% CI: − 20 -1%]). Secondary analysis showed children with HEPAs were less likely to have an ACT score meeting a clinically defined cutoff for poorly controlled asthma using repeated measures (IRR: 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21–0.97]). In Poisson models, intervention participants had reduced risk of ever meeting this cutoff (IRR: 0.43 [95% CI: 0.21–0.89]), ever having symptoms in the past 2 weeks (IRR: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.52–0.98]), and lower risk of any unplanned clinical utilization (IRR: 0.35 [95% CI: 0.13–0.94]) compared to control participants. Discussion The HAPI study showed generally improved outcomes among children in the HEPA air cleaner group. However, primary analyses did not meet statistical significance and many outcomes were subjective (self-report) in this unblinded study, so findings must be interpreted cautiously. HEPA air cleaners may provide additional benefit for child asthma health where traditional asthmagens (traffic, tobacco smoke) are not prominent factors, but larger studies with more statistical power and blinded designs are needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04919915. Date of retrospective registration: May 19, 2021.

The Effect of Kalman-Weighted Averaging and Artifact Rejection on Residual Noise During Auditory Brainstem Response Testing

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-124
Author(s):  
Linda W. Norrix ◽  
Julie Thein ◽  
David Velenovsky
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Weighted Averaging ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Responses ◽  
Residual Noise ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Artifact Rejection ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Active Motor ◽  
Averaging Time

Purpose Low residual noise (RN) levels are critically important when obtaining electrophysiological recordings of threshold auditory brainstem responses. In this study, we examine the effectiveness and efficiency of Kalman-weighted averaging (KWA) implemented on the Vivosonic Integrity System and artifact rejection (AR) implemented on the Intelligent Hearing Systems SmartEP system for obtaining low RN levels. Method Sixteen adults participated. Electrophysiological measures were obtained using simultaneous recordings by the Vivosonic and Intelligent Hearing Systems for subjects in 2 relaxed conditions and 4 active motor conditions. Three averaging times were used for the relaxed states (1, 1.5, and 3 min) and for the active states (1.5, 3, and 6 min). Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to examine RN levels as a function of noise reduction strategy (i.e., KWA, AR) and averaging time. Results Lower RN levels were obtained using KWA than AR in both the relaxed and active motor states. Thus, KWA was more effective than was AR under the conditions examined in this study. Using KWA, approximately 3 min of averaging was needed in the relaxed condition to obtain an average RN level of 0.025 μV. In contrast, in the active motor conditions, approximately 6 min of averaging was required using KWA. Mean RN levels of 0.025 μV were not attained using AR. Conclusions When patients are not physiologically quiet, low RN levels are more likely to be obtained and more efficiently obtained using KWA than AR. However, even when using KWA, in active motor states, 6 min of averaging or more may be required to obtain threshold responses. Averaging time needed and whether a low RN level can be attained will depend on the level of motor activity exhibited by the patient.

Vestibular Function and Motion Sickness Susceptibility: Videonystagmographic Evidence From Oculomotor and Caloric Tests

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-198
Author(s):  
Cynthia G. Fowler ◽  
Margaret Dallapiazza ◽  
Kathleen Talbot Hadsell
Keyword(s):  
Phase Velocity ◽  
Motion Sickness ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Slow Phase Velocity ◽  
Caloric Tests

Purpose Motion sickness (MS) is a common condition that affects millions of individuals. Although the condition is common and can be debilitating, little research has focused on the vestibular function associated with susceptibility to MS. One causal theory of MS is an asymmetry of vestibular function within or between ears. The purposes of this study, therefore, were (a) to determine if the vestibular system (oculomotor and caloric tests) in videonystagmography (VNG) is associated with susceptibility to MS and (b) to determine if these tests support the theory of an asymmetry between ears associated with MS susceptibility. Method VNG was used to measure oculomotor and caloric responses. Fifty young adults were recruited; 50 completed the oculomotor tests, and 31 completed the four caloric irrigations. MS susceptibility was evaluated with the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire–Short Form; in this study, percent susceptibility ranged from 0% to 100% in the participants. Participants were divided into three susceptibility groups (Low, Mid, and High). Repeated-measures analyses of variance and pairwise comparisons determined significance among the groups on the VNG test results. Results Oculomotor test results revealed no significant differences among the MS susceptibility groups. Caloric stimuli elicited responses that were correlated positively with susceptibility to MS. Slow-phase velocity was slowest in the Low MS group compared to the Mid and High groups. There was no significant asymmetry between ears in any of the groups. Conclusions MS susceptibility was significantly and positively correlated with caloric slow-phase velocity. Although asymmetries between ears are purported to be associated with MS, asymmetries were not evident. Susceptibility to MS may contribute to interindividual variability of caloric responses within the normal range.

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