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Pathomsiriwong W, Aroonsrimorakot S, Taratima W, Maneerattanarungroj P, Reanprayoon P. Exploring airborne fungal contaminations and air quality pollution in nine ancient stone temples, Surin, Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:33733-33751. [PMID: 38687449 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This study provided crucial insights into the concentrations of airborne fungi, environmental parameters, and atmospheric pollution in Thailand's ancient stone temples. Airborne fungi were identified based on morphological characteristics. Airborne fungi, meteorological parameters, and atmospheric pollutants concurrently assessed during each sampling event, evaluating indoor/outdoor ratio. Prevalent genera included Penicillium (14.36%), Aspergillus (10.94%), Cladosporium (10.74%), Rhizopus (6.31%), and Fusarium (5.90%), with an average fungi concentration of 4884.46 ± 724.79 CFU/m3. Eighteen fungal species out of the 64 airborne fungi identified were well-known serious pathogenic agents, contributing not only to structural deterioration but also to human health. Significant variations were observed between indoor and outdoor environments and across diverse landscapes, particularly for PM10 (ranging from 43.47 to 121.31 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (ranging from 29.59 to 89.60 µg/m3), with intensive incense burning identified as a prominent source of indoor atmospheric pollution. Historical temples, particularly situated in urban areas, were identified as significant reservoirs of airborne fungi. Correlations between meteorological parameters and pollutants revealed strong associations. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis elucidated distinct patterns in airborne fungal concentrations and contaminations. This study analyzed environmental factors, pollutants, airborne fungi, and geographical variations from July 2020 to March 2021. Understanding prevalent genera, airborne fungi concentrations, pathogenic species, biodeterioration, and environmental dynamics provided strategies for improving indoor air quality and mitigating airborne fungal contamination in archaeological buildings worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattanachai Pathomsiriwong
- Program of Environmental Science, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, 32000, Thailand
| | - Sayam Aroonsrimorakot
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Worasitikulya Taratima
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Pradub Reanprayoon
- Program of Environmental Science, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, 32000, Thailand.
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Matthaios VN, Holland I, Kang CM, Hart JE, Hauptman M, Wolfson JM, Gaffin JM, Phipatanakul W, Gold DR, Koutrakis P. The effects of urban green space and road proximity to indoor traffic-related PM 2.5, NO 2, and BC exposure in inner-city schools. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00669-8. [PMID: 38615139 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since there are known adverse health impacts of traffic-related air pollution, while at the same time there are potential health benefits from greenness, it is important to examine more closely the impacts of these factors on indoor air quality in urban schools. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the association of road proximity and urban greenness to indoor traffic-related fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon (BC) in inner-city schools. METHODS PM2.5, NO2, and BC were measured indoors at 74 schools and outdoors at a central urban over a 10-year period. Seasonal urban greenness was estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with 270 and 1230 m buffers. The associations between indoor traffic-related air pollution and road proximity and greenness were investigated with mixed-effects models. RESULTS The analysis showed linear decays of indoor traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC by 60%, 35%, and 22%, respectively for schools located at a greater distance from major roads. The results further showed that surrounding school greenness at 270 m buffer was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with lower indoor traffic-related PM2.5: -0.068 (95% CI: -0.124, -0.013), NO2: -0.139 (95% CI: -0.185, -0.092), and BC: -0.060 (95% CI: -0.115, -0.005). These associations were stronger for surrounding greenness at a greater distance from the schools (buffer 1230 m) PM2.5: -0.101 (95% CI: -0.156, -0.046) NO2: -0.122 (95% CI: -0.169, -0.075) BC: -0.080 (95% CI: -0.136, -0.026). These inverse associations were stronger after fully adjusting for regional pollution and meteorological conditions. IMPACT STATEMENT More than 90% of children under the age of 15 worldwide are exposed to elevated air pollution levels exceeding the WHO's guidelines. The study investigates the impact that urban infrastructure and greenness, in particular green areas and road proximity, have on indoor exposures to traffic-related PM2.5, NO2, and BC in inner-city schools. By examining a 10-year period the study provides insights for air quality management, into how road proximity and greenness at different buffers from the school locations can affect indoor exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- V N Matthaios
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Public Health Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - I Holland
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C M Kang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J E Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Hauptman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J M Wolfson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J M Gaffin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - W Phipatanakul
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D R Gold
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Lee JY, Choi YH, Choi HI, Moon KW. Association between environmental mercury exposure and allergic disorders in Korean children: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycles 3-4 (2015-2020). Sci Rep 2024; 14:1472. [PMID: 38233475 PMCID: PMC10794242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51811-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Although previous studies have suggested potential adverse effects of mercury on a child's immune system, the associations have been inconsistent. We aimed to determine the association between urinary mercury levels and allergic diseases in Korean children with high mercury exposure. Data from 853 and 710 children aged 6-11 years in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015-2017) and cycle 4 (2018-2020) were analyzed. We examined the association between mercury exposure and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and allergic multimorbidity. After adjusting for all covariates, the urinary mercury level was positively associated with AD in the 2015-2017 study (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.79) and AR in 2018-2020 study (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.10). Pooled effects showed OR of 1.34 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.79) for AD and 1.47 (95% CI = 1.01, 2.12) for allergic multimorbidity. The association with allergic multimorbidity was greater in boys (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.49) than in girls (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.73, 2.14). These results suggest that environmental mercury exposure may exacerbate symptoms of atopic dermatitis and allergic multimorbidity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Youn Lee
- School of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Il Choi
- Department of Infection Biology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Munhwa-ro 266, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, South Korea.
| | - Kyong Whan Moon
- School of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
- BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
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Gueye-Ndiaye S, Hauptman M, Yu X, Li L, Rueschman M, Castro-Diehl C, Sofer T, Owens J, Gold DR, Adamkiewicz G, Metwali N, Thorne PS, Phipatanakul W, Redline S. Multilevel Risk Factors for Sleep-Disordered Breathing-Related Symptom Burden in an Urban Pediatric Community-Based Sample. CHEST PULMONARY 2023; 1:100019. [PMID: 38222082 PMCID: PMC10786403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chpulm.2023.100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) disproportionately affects children with low socioeconomic status (SES). The multilevel risk factors that drive these associations are not well understood. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the associations between SDB risk factors, including individual health conditions (obesity, asthma, and allergies), household SES (maternal education), indoor exposures (environmental tobacco smoke [ETS] and pests), and neighborhood characteristics (neighborhood disadvantage), and pediatric SDB symptoms? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional analyses were performed on 303 children (aged 6-12 years) enrolled in the Environmental Assessment of Sleep Youth study from 2018 to 2022. Exposures were determined by caregiver reports, assays of measured settled dust from the child's bedroom, and neighborhood-level Census data (deriving the Childhood Opportunity Index to characterize neighborhood disadvantage). The primary outcome was the SDB-related symptom burden assessed by the OSA-18 questionnaire total score. Using linear regression models, we calculated associations between exposures and SDB-related symptom burden, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, then health conditions, indoor environment, and neighborhood factors. RESULTS The sample included 303 children (39% Hispanic, Latino, Latina, or Spanish origin; 30% Black or African American; 22% White; and 11% other). Increasing OSA-18 total scores were associated with low household SES after adjustment for demographic factors, and with asthma, allergies, ETS, pests (mouse, cockroach, and rodents), and an indoor environmental index (sum of the presence of pests and ETS; 0-2) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Even after further adjusting for asthma, allergies, and neighborhood disadvantage, ETS and pest exposure were associated with OSA-18 (ETS: β = 12.80; 95% CI, 7.07-18.53, also adjusted for pest; pest exposure: β = 3.69; 95% CI, 0.44-6.94, also adjusted for ETS). INTERPRETATION In addition to associations with ETS, a novel association was observed for indoor pest exposure and SDB symptom burden. Strategies to reduce household exposure to ETS and indoor allergens should be tested as approaches for reducing sleep health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyni Gueye-Ndiaye
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Xinting Yu
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Le Li
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Michael Rueschman
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Cecilia Castro-Diehl
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Tamar Sofer
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Judith Owens
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Diane R Gold
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Nervana Metwali
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Susan Redline
- Harvard Medical School (S. G.-N., M. H., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., J. O., D. R. G., W. P., and S. R.); the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders (S. G.-N., X. Y., L. L., M. R., C. C.-D., and S. R.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine(S. G.-N.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Division of General Pediatrics (M. H.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Region1 New England Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) (M. H.); the Department of Statistics (T. S.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Division of Neurology (J. O.), Boston Children's Hospital; the Department of Medicine (D. R. G.), Brigham and Women's Hospital; the Department of Environmental Medicine (D. R. G. and G. A.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (N. M. and P. S. T.), University of Iowa College of Public Health; the Division of Allergy/Immunology (W. P.), Boston Children's Hospital; and the Department of Epidemiology (S. R.), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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Takaoka M, Suzuki K, Norbäck D. Rhinitis in Japanese students - associations with window pane condensation, recent indoor painting, wooden home and dog allergen at school. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:1502-1514. [PMID: 35881888 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2104225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We studied risk factors for rhinitis in Japanese homes and schools. A questionnaire was sent to students in four schools (12-15 y age), 1048 (99.2%) participated. Crowdedness and furry pet allergens were measured in their classrooms. Household environment data was collected by a questionnaire. Risk factors were identified by multi-level logistic regression with mutual adjustment. The prevalence of current rhinitis was 60.3%, current rhinoconjunctivitis 24.4% and weekly rhinitis 29.5%. Window condensation (AORs1.69-1.90) and indoor painting (AORs1.72-1.76) at home were associated with rhinitis. The association between painting and rhinitis was stronger in girls (interaction p = 0.002) and in wooden homes (interaction p = 0.05). Dog allergen (Can f 1) in classroom air was associated with rhinitis (p = 0.04). In conclusion, window pane condensation and indoor painting can be household risk factors for rhinitis and dog allergen may be a risk factor in Japanese schools. Girls can be more sensitive to emissions from indoor paint than boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Takaoka
- Department of Biosphere Sciences, School of Human Sciences, Kobe College, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Kyoko Suzuki
- Department of Biosphere Sciences, School of Human Sciences, Kobe College, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University and University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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6
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Lin G, Chau CI, Hu H, Ung COL. Pharmacist intervention for pediatric asthma: A systematic literature review and logic model. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023; 19:1487-1510. [PMID: 37679253 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is highly prevalent in children. Evidence about pharmacist-led interventions in the management of pediatric asthma is emerging. OBJECTIVE To summarize empirical evidence of pharmacist-led interventions for pediatric asthma patients, and to identify the components of a logic model, which can inform evidence-based pharmacy practice. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Embase Scopus, ScienceDirect, Medline and CNKI were searched. Studies concerning pharmacist-led interventions for pediatric asthma patients with an interventional design published between January 2013 and February 2023 were selected for analysis. Literature was searched and retrieved according to PRISMA guidelines. Components of pharmacist-led interventions were compiled into a logic model comprising input, activity, output, outcome and contextual factors. RESULTS The initial search retrieved 2291 records and 35 were included in the analysis. The main interventional activities included optimising medicines use and prevention and control of asthma. Commonly reported outputs were medication adherence, knowledge and inhaler technique. The main economic outcomes included cost of medication and hospitalization; clinical outcomes included Childhood Asthma Control Test/Asthma Control Test scores and lung function in FEV1% and PEF%; humanistic outcomes included patients' quality of life and satisfaction. Social, economic, political, and technological factors were identified as contextual factors. CONCLUSION The logic model summarized components of interventions evaluated in literature. It provides a blueprint for pharmacist-led management of pediatric asthma. Further research can focus on the pharmacists' role in a multidisciplinary healthcare professional team and transition of care in patient-centered management of pediatric asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
| | - Chi Ian Chau
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao; Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao; Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao.
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7
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Margolis RHF, Patel SJ, Krueger J, Brewer T, Williams A, Stringfield S, Teach SJ, Parikh K. Association between social needs and asthma control among children evaluated at a single-center high-risk asthma clinic. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1947-1949.e1. [PMID: 36921799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H F Margolis
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC.
| | - Shilpa J Patel
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC; Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Julie Krueger
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Taylor Brewer
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC; George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Andrea Williams
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Shayla Stringfield
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Stephen J Teach
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC; Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Kavita Parikh
- Center for Translational Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC; Division of Hospital Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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8
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Hashim Z, Than LTL, Hashim JH, Norbäck D. Fungi composition in settled dust associated with fractional exhaled nitric oxide in school children with asthma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158639. [PMID: 36089033 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungi exposure has been significantly linked to respiratory illness. However, numerous fungi taxa that are potentially allergenic still undocumented and leave a barrier to establishing a clear connection between exposure and health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the association of fungi composition in settled dust with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels among school children with doctor-diagnosed asthma. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among secondary school students in eight schools in the urban area of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 470 school children (aged 14 years old) were randomly selected and their FeNO levels were measured and allergic skin prick tests were conducted. The settled dust samples were collected and analysed by using metagenomic technique to determine the fungi composition. The general linear regression with complex sampling was employed to determine the interrelationship. In total, 2645 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were characterised from the sequencing process which belongs to Ascomycota (60.7 %), Basidiomycota (36.4 %), Glomeromycota (2.9 %) and Chytridiomycota (0.04 %). The top five mostly abundance in all dust samples were Aspergillus clavatus (27.2 %), followed by Hyphoderma multicystidium (12.2 %), Verrucoconiothyrium prosopidis (9.4 %), Ganoderma tuberculosum (9.2 %), and Heterochaete shearii (7.2 %). The regression results indicated that A. clavatus, Brycekendrickomyces acaciae, Candida parapsilosis, Hazslinszkyomyces aloes, H. multicystidium, H. shearii, Starmerella meliponinorum, V. prosopidis were associated in increased of FeNO levels among the asthmatic group at 0.992 ppb (95 % CI = 0.34-1.68), 2.887 ppb (95 % CI = 2.09-3.76), 0.809 ppb (95 % CI = 0.14-1.49), 0.647 ppb (95 % CI = 0.36-0.94), 1.442 ppb (95 % CI = 0.29-2.61), 1.757 ppb (95 % CI = 0.59-2.87), 1.092 ppb (95 % CI = 0.43-1.75) and 1.088 ppb (95 % CI = 0.51-1.62), respectively. To our knowledge, this is a new finding. The findings pointed out that metagenomics profiling of fungi could enhance our understanding of a complex interrelation between rare and unculturable fungi with airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Mukharesh L, Greco KF, Banzon T, Koutrakis P, Li L, Hauptman M, Phipatanakul W, Gaffin JM. Environmental radon and childhood asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:3165-3168. [PMID: 36101499 PMCID: PMC9682467 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lana Mukharesh
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimberly F Greco
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research (ICCTR), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tina Banzon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petros Koutrakis
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Longxiang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marissa Hauptman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan M Gaffin
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Ludden T, O’Hare K, Shade L, Reeves K, Patterson CG, Tapp H. Implementation of Coach McLungsSM into primary care using a cluster randomized stepped wedge trial design. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:285. [PMID: 36333727 PMCID: PMC9636750 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-02030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease that is difficult to manage and associated with marked disparities in outcomes. One promising approach to addressing disparities is shared decision making (SDM), a method by which the patient and provider cooperatively make a decision about asthma care. SDM is associated with improved outcomes for patients; however, time constraints and staff availability are noted implementation barriers. Use of health information technology (IT) solutions may facilitate the utilization of SDM. Coach McLungsSM is a collaborative web-based application that involves pediatric patients, their caregivers, and providers in a personalized experience while gathering patient-reported data. Background logic provides decision support so both audiences can develop a well-informed treatment plan together. The goal of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the Coach McLungsSM intervention into primary care. Methods Implementation will be evaluated using a stepped wedge randomized control study design at 21 pediatric and family medicine practices within a large, integrated, nonprofit healthcare system. We will measure changes in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and oral steroid use, which serve as surrogate measures for patient-centered asthma outcomes. We will use a generalized linear mixed models with logit link to test the hypothesis for the reduction in exacerbation rates specifying the fixed effects of intervention and time and random effects for practice and practice*time. This design achieves 84% power to detect the hypothesized effect size difference of 10% in overall exacerbation between control (40%) and intervention (30%) periods (two-sided, p = 0.05). Implementation will be guided using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC), a compilation of implementation strategies, and evaluated using the CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) and RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance). Discussion We anticipate that a tailored implementation of Coach McLungsSM across diverse primary care practices will lead to a decrease in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and oral steroid use for patients in the intervention group as compared to the control condition. Trial Registration: Clincaltrials.gov, NCT05059210. Registered 28 September 2021, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05059210 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-02030-1.
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11
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Mortelliti CL, Banzon TM, Phipatanakul W, Vieira CZ. Environmental Exposures Impact Pediatric Asthma Within the School Environment. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2022; 42:743-760. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Miura SST, Bernat D, Reid KM, Macdonald M, Porter L, Choi K. Current Tobacco Use Trends and Harm Perceptions Among High School Students by Asthma Status and Sex, 2012-2018. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:521-529. [PMID: 35266149 PMCID: PMC9869457 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco use is known to worsen asthma management. No studies have investigated how trends in youth tobacco use and related harm perceptions vary by asthma status and sex. This study examined these trends among Florida high school students during 2012-2018. METHODS Data from the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey were analyzed. Public high school students (grades 9-12) with known asthma status were included along with their current tobacco product use, tobacco product harm perceptions, and demographics. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess trends in tobacco product use and harm perceptions and test differences by asthma status and sex. RESULTS From 2012 to 2018, high school students with asthma had the slowest decline in cigarette and cigar use prevalence (asthma status-time interaction p = .01) compared to those with no asthma. Cigarette and cigar smoking were perceived as less harmful over time, except among females with asthma who smoked cigarettes (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Those with asthma showed a slower decline and were more likely to smoke cigarettes. Results indicate that further public health efforts are needed to address tobacco use among high school students with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Selica T Miura
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Debra Bernat
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC, 20052., USA
| | - Keshia M Reid
- Public Health Research Unit, Division of Community Health Promotion, Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A24, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-1712, USA
| | - Megan Macdonald
- Division of Children's Medical Services, Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress, Bin A06, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-1712, USA
| | - Lauren Porter
- Public Health Research, Division of Community Health Promotion, Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A24, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-1712, USA
| | - Kelvin Choi
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 3 Room 5W05, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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13
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Maciag MC, Phipatanakul W. Update on indoor allergens and their impact on pediatric asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2022; 128:652-658. [PMID: 35227902 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent decades, many indoor allergens have been identified, including dust mite, cat, dog, mouse, cockroach, and indoor molds, which have important health effects particularly in sensitized individuals with asthma. This review aims to update our understanding regarding the extent of these exposures in the indoor environment, review strategies for reducing their levels in the environment, and highlight innovative recent trials targeting these exposures and their impact on pediatric asthma morbidity. DATA SOURCES Recent practice parameter updates on indoor allergen exposures, seminal studies, and recent peer-reviewed journal articles are referenced. STUDY SELECTIONS This review cites recent cohort studies of well-characterized pediatric patients with asthma and innovative randomized controlled trials evaluating exposure to environmental allergens, interventions to limit these exposures, and their outcomes. RESULTS Links between indoor aeroallergen exposures and health outcomes have been well established. However, only some allergen reduction interventions have been successful in improving health outcomes. CONCLUSION There are many complicating factors involved in allergic exposures and health outcomes. The interplay between patient genetic factors, indoor allergic triggers, airborne irritants and pollutants, and microbial exposures complicates the study of indoor allergen exposures and their impact on asthma morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Maciag
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Asthma and Allergy Affiliates, Salem, Massachusetts
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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14
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Kalayci O, Miligkos M, Pozo Beltrán CF, El-Sayed ZA, Gómez RM, Hossny E, Le Souef P, Nieto A, Phipatanakul W, Pitrez PM, Xepapadaki P, Jiu-Yao W, Papadopoulos NG. The role of environmental allergen control in the management of asthma. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100634. [PMID: 35341023 PMCID: PMC8917313 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergen exposure may exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitized patients. Allergen reduction or avoidance measures have been widely utilized; however, there is ongoing controversy on the effectiveness of specific allergen control measures in the management of children with asthma. Often, allergen avoidance strategies are not recommended by guidelines because they can be complex or burdensome, although individual patients may benefit. Here we explore the potential for intervention against exposure to the major allergens implicated in asthma (ie, house dust mites, indoor molds, rodents, cockroaches, furry pets, and outdoor molds and pollens), and subsequent effects on asthma symptoms. We critically assess the available evidence regarding the clinical benefits of specific environmental control measures for each allergen. Finally, we underscore the need for standardized and multifaceted approaches in research and real-life settings, which would result in the identification of more personalized and beneficial prevention strategies.
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15
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Irahara M, Yamamoto-Hanada K, Saito-Abe M, Sato M, Miyaji Y, Yang L, Mitsubuchi H, Oda M, Sanefuji M, Ohga S, Ikegami A, Mise N, Suga R, Shimono M, Yamazaki S, Nakayama SF, Ohya Y. Fluctuations of aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulins and children's allergic profiles: Japan Environment & Children's Study of a pilot cohort. Allergol Int 2022; 71:335-344. [PMID: 35219607 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunoglobulins have a crucial role in allergic diseases. Most wheeze episodes develop before school age, and allergic rhinitis later develops during early elementary school years. However, the clinical background and cytokine/chemokine profiles associated with changes in immunoglobulins during early school-age are poorly understood. METHODS This study used blood samples from children participating in the JECS Pilot Study. We examined nineteen kinds of aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG1, IgG4, and IgA) levels in patients at age 6 and age 8. Fluctuations of Der f 1- and Cry j 1-specific immunoglobulins levels during the two periods were compared to assess the frequency of allergic statuses and clusters of cytokine/chemokine profiles. RESULTS The medians of aeroallergen-specific IgE levels did not fluctuate, and almost all IgG1 and IgG4 decreased. In IgA, four (e.g., Der f 1) increased, whereas the other four (e.g., Cry j 1) decreased. The ratio of the Der f 1-specific IgG1 level at age 8 to that at age 6 was higher in children with poor asthma control than in children with better asthma control. Moreover, the cytokine/chemokine cluster with relatively lower IL-33 and higher CXCL7/NAP2 was associated with lower Der f 1- and Cry j 1-specific IgG4 levels, but not IgE levels. CONCLUSIONS The cluster of cytokine/chemokine profiles characterized by lower IL-33 and higher CXCL7/NAP2 was associated with the maintenance of aeroallergen-specific IgG4 levels. This result provides a basis for considering the control of aeroallergen-specific immunoglobulins.
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Human allergy to cats affects a substantial and growing proportion of the global population, and cat allergy is regarded as the third most common cause of human respiratory allergies, and the second most common indoor cause. Veterinarians will frequently encounter owners who are cat-allergic, and having an understanding of this disease and the methods available to help control the allergy will assist them in giving appropriate advice, alongside human healthcare professionals. AIM The aim of this review is to summarise currently available data on the prevalence, causes, symptoms and control of human allergy to cats. In terms of managing cat allergy, the emphasis is on reviewing current and emerging modalities to reduce environmental exposure to cat allergens rather than on pharmacotherapy or immunotherapy, as it is in these areas in particular that the veterinarian may be able to offer help and advice to complement that of human healthcare professionals. EVIDENCE BASE The information in this review is drawn from the current and historical literature on human allergy to cats, and approaches to reduce exposure to cat allergens and manage symptoms of cat allergy.
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17
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Sayed S, Diwadkar AR, Dudley JW, O'Brien J, Dvorin D, Kenyon CC, Himes BE, Hill DA, Henrickson SE. COVID-19 Pandemic–Related Reductions in Pediatric Asthma Exacerbations Corresponded with an Overall Decrease in Respiratory Viral Infections. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY: IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:91-99.e12. [PMID: 34785388 PMCID: PMC8590625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Respiratory viruses, air pollutants, and aeroallergens are all implicated in worsening pediatric asthma symptoms, but their relative contributions to asthma exacerbations are poorly understood. A significant decrease in asthma exacerbations has been observed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, providing a unique opportunity to study how major asthma triggers correlate with asthma activity. Objective To determine whether changes in respiratory viruses, air pollutants, and/or aeroallergens during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic were concomitant with decreased asthma exacerbations. Methods Health care utilization and respiratory viral testing data between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020, were extracted from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network’s electronic health record. Air pollution and allergen data were extracted from US Environmental Protection Agency public databases and a National Allergy Bureau–certified station, respectively. Pandemic data (2020) were compared with historical data. Results Recovery of in-person asthma encounters during phased reopening (June 6 to November 15, 2020) was uneven: primary care well and specialty encounters reached 94% and 74% of prepandemic levels, respectively, whereas primary care sick and hospital encounters reached 21% and 40% of prepandemic levels, respectively. During the pandemic, influenza A and influenza B decreased to negligible frequency when compared with prepandemic cases, whereas respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus infections decreased to low (though nonnegligible) prepandemic levels, as well. No changes in air pollution or aeroallergen levels relative to historical observations were noted. Conclusions Our results suggest that viral respiratory infections are a primary driver of pediatric asthma exacerbations. These findings have broad relevance to both clinical practice and the development of health policies aimed at reducing asthma morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Sayed
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Avantika R Diwadkar
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jesse W Dudley
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | | | | | - Chén C Kenyon
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness and PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Blanca E Himes
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - David A Hill
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - Sarah E Henrickson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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18
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Foo ACY, Mueller GA. Abundance and Stability as Common Properties of Allergens. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2021; 2:769728. [PMID: 35386965 PMCID: PMC8974735 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.769728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been many attempts to identify common biophysical properties which differentiate allergens from their non-immunogenic counterparts. This review will focus on recent studies which examine two such factors: abundance and stability. Anecdotal accounts have speculated that the elevated abundance of potential allergens would increase the likelihood of human exposure and thus the probability of sensitization. Similarly, the stability of potential allergens dictates its ability to remain a viable immunogen during the transfer from the source to humans. This stability could also increase the resilience of potential allergens to both gastric and endosomal degradation, further skewing the immune system toward allergy. Statistical analyses confirm both abundance and stability as common properties of allergens, while epidemiological surveys show a correlation between exposure levels (abundance) and allergic disease. Additional studies show that changes in protein stability can predictably alter gastric/endosomal processing and immunogenicity, providing a mechanistic link between stability and allergenicity. However, notable exceptions exist to both hypotheses which highlight the multifaceted nature of immunological sensitization, and further inform our understanding of some of these other factors and their contribution to allergic disease.
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Outdoor Mold and Respiratory Health: State of Science of Epidemiological Studies. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 10:768-784.e3. [PMID: 34648953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fungal spores are the predominant biological particulates in outdoor air. However, in contrast to pollens or outdoor air pollution, little is known about their respiratory health risks. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to conduct the first review of epidemiological studies on the short- and long-term effects of outdoor mold exposure on respiratory health in children and adults. METHODS Health outcomes included asthma, lung function, and rhinitis. Cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies using quantitative measures of outdoor mold exposure (optical microscopy, culture-based methods) were selected, providing that important confounding factors including temporal trends or meteorological factors were accounted for. A systematic literature search was performed up to June 2020, leading to the selection of 37 publications. RESULTS Most studies were longitudinal and investigated short-term effects. There is evidence of an association between outdoor fungal exposure and an increase in asthma exacerbation among children for total spores, 2 phyla (ascomycetes, basidiomycetes), and 2 taxa (Cladosporium, Alternaria). A few studies also suggested an association for Coprinus, Ganoderma, Aspergillus-Penicillium, Botrytis, and Epicoccum in children, but this needs to be confirmed. Some studies reported mold associations with rhinitis, lung function, and among adults, but these were few in number or inconsistent. DISCUSSION Further ecological studies in different regions that measure exposure to all taxa over several years are required to better understand their impact on rhinitis, asthma exacerbations and lung function. Larger panel studies are necessary to identify threshold effects in susceptible individuals. Finally, further research should assess the long-term effects of outdoor mold.
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Isa KNM, Jalaludin J, Elias SM, Than LTL, Jabbar MA, Saudi ASM, Norbäck D, Hashim JH, Hashim Z. Metagenomic characterization of indoor dust fungal associated with allergy and lung inflammation among school children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 221:112430. [PMID: 34147866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of school children to indoor air pollutants has increased allergy and respiratory diseases. The objective of this study were to determine the toxicodynamic interaction of indoor pollutants exposure, biological and chemical with expression of adhesion molecules on eosinophil and neutrophil. A self-administered questionnaire, allergy skin test, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) analyser were used to collect information on health status, sensitization to allergens and respiratory inflammation, respectively among school children at age of 14 years. The sputum induced were analysed to determine the expression of CD11b, CD35, CD63 and CD66b on eosinophil and neutrophil by using flow cytometry technique. The particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2, CO2, and formaldehyde, temperature, and relative humidity were measured inside the classrooms. The fungal DNA were extracted from settled dust collected from classrooms and evaluated using metagenomic techniques. We applied chemometric and regression in statistical analysis. A total of 1869 unique of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of fungi were identified with dominated at genus level by Aspergillus (15.8%), Verrucoconiothyrium (5.5%), and Ganoderma (4.6%). Chemometric and regression results revealed that relative abundance of T. asahii were associated with down regulation of CD66b expressed on eosinophil, and elevation of FeNO levels in predicting asthmatic children with model accuracy of 63.6%. Meanwhile, upregulation of CD11b expressed on eosinophil were associated with relative abundance of A. clavatus and regulated by PM2.5. There were significant association of P. bandonii with upregulation of CD63 expressed on neutrophil and exposure to NO2. Our findings indicate that exposure to PM2.5, NO2, T. asahii, P.bandonii and A.clavatus are likely interrelated with upregulation of activation and degranulation markers on both eosinophil and neutrophil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juliana Jalaludin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Saliza Mohd Elias
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar
- Department of Population Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sungai Long, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Shakir Mohd Saudi
- Environmental Health Research Cluster (EHRc), Environmental Healthcare Section, Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science, Universiti Selangor, Shah Alam Campus, Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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21
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Sun F, Liang Y, Lin M, Tan C, Chen M, Tu C, Shi H, Li Y, Yu J, Liu J. Regulatory T cell deficiency in patients with eosinophilic asthma. J Asthma 2021; 59:1703-1711. [PMID: 34346277 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2021.1962908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of information about regulatory T cells (Tregs) and inflammatory phenotypes in patients with asthma. In this study, we aimed to compare the characteristics of Tregs in patients with eosinophilic asthma. Forty healthy and 120 stable asthmatic patients were recruited. Sputum and airway inflammatory phenotypes were assessed, and all patients were followed for one year. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and Dermatophagoides farina (Derp) to detect CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3+ T cells and Foxp3 levels. Interleukin (IL)-13, IL-5, IL-17, IL-9, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were measured. We found that 38.33% of patients had eosinophilic asthma, 13.33% had neutrophilic asthma, 6.67% had mixed granulocytic asthma, and 41.67% had pauci-granulocytic asthma. The eosinophilic asthma patients had a relatively high Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, an increased prediction and improvement FEV1(%) rate, and elevated total IgE serum levels (P < 0.05). T helper cell 2 (Th2) cytokines IL-13 and IL-5 were predominantly expressed in the eosinophilic phenotype, while the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and Th17 cytokine were found in the neutrophilic phenotype. IL-10 was significantly lower in eosinophilic asthmatic patients compared to the controls (P < 0.05). CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3+ T cells (%Tregs) and Foxp3 gene expression in the PHA stimulated eosinophilic asthma samples were significantly lower compared to the control samples (P < 0.05). The airway inflammation phenotypes remained stable after one-year of therapy. Asthmatic patients with the eosinophilic phenotype in this study were deficient in Tregs, as characterized by a Th2 cell-biased pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfei Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yingjian Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Minmin Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Cuiyan Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Meizhu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Changli Tu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Honglei Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yanlei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinyan Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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22
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Norbäck D, Hashim Z, Ali F, Hashim JH. Asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in Malaysian students-associations with ethnicity and chemical exposure at home and school. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111061. [PMID: 33785322 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little is known on respiratory effects of indoor chemicals in the tropics. We investigated associations between asthma and respiratory infections in Malaysian students and chemical exposure at home and at school. Moreover, we investigated differences in home environment between the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian). Totally, 462 students from 8 junior high schools in Johor Bahru participated (96% participation rate). The students answered a questionnaire on health and home environment. Climate, carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were measured inside and outside the schools. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to study associations between exposure and health. Totally 4.8% were smokers, 10.3% had wheeze, 9.3% current asthma, and had 18.8% any respiratory infection in the past 3 months. Malay students had more dampness or mould (p < 0.001), more environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (p < 0.001) and more cats (p < 0.001) at home as compared to Chinese or Indian students. Wheeze was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.02; lower in Indian), atopy (p = 0.002), current smoking (p = 0.02) and recent indoor painting at home (p = 0.03). Current asthma was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.001; lower in Chinese) and para-dichlorobenzene in classroom air (p = 0.008). Respiratory infections were related to atopy (p = 0.002), ethylbenzene (p = 0.02) and para-dichlorobenzene (p = 0.01) in classroom air. Para-dichlorobenzene is used in Asia against insects. In conclusion, chemical emissions from recent indoor painting at home can increase the risk of wheeze. In schools, para-dichlorobenzene can increase the risk of current asthma and respiratory infections while ethylbenzene can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Norbäck
- Uppsala University, Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faridah Ali
- Primary Care Unit, Johor State Health Department, 80100, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Jamal Hisham Hashim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Selangor, 40000, Shah Alam, Malaysia; Department of Community Health, National University of Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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23
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Chavasse RJPG, Coffey T, Brown-Bampoe O, Adebayo I, Kumar V. Implementation of a school emergency asthma bag. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:619. [PMID: 32816689 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J P G Chavasse
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Saint George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Coffey
- Children's Services, NHS Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group, London, UK
| | - Olive Brown-Bampoe
- Merton School Nursing Service, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust Merton, Morden, UK
| | - Iquo Adebayo
- Locality Lead 0-19 Services, NHS Wandsworth, London, UK
| | - Vinodh Kumar
- Saint George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Chang YS. Gyeonggi-do Atopy · Asthma Education Information Center in Korea: a key partner in the Korean Asthma Allergy Program. Asia Pac Allergy 2021; 11:e12. [PMID: 33604282 PMCID: PMC7870373 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2021.11.e12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are common and cause high socioeconomic burden. Allergic disease is a matter of not just for a patient, but also for a family and the society. The Korean government, the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency, started the nationwide asthma and atopic disease prevention and management plan in collaborations with the opinion leaders from the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, and the Korea Asthma Allergy Foundation since 2007. Seoul Atopy · Asthma Education Information Center was established in 2008 by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Seoul metropolitan government to provide the reliable and accurate information on asthma and allergic diseases. In 2011, Gyeonggi-do Atopy ∙ Asthma Education Information Center was established by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Gyeonggi-do provincial government. The activities of the center are as follows: (1) atopy ∙ asthma-friendly school program, (2) development/distribution of the educational materials, (3) open lectures for the community, patients, their caregivers, older people, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors, (4) collaborations with the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the Gyeonggi-do provincial government, the office of education, and the public health centers, (5) collaborations with the Gyeonggi-do fire services to educate 119 rescue teams on the allergic emergency conditions, (6) international collaborations. In this article, 10 years of experience and achievement from the Gyeonggi-do Atopy ∙ Asthma Education Information Center were described, especially on the atopy ∙ asthma-friendly school program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Seok Chang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
- Gyeonggi-do Atopy · Asthma Education Information Center, Seongnam, Korea
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25
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Characterization of Responsive Plasters for Passive Moisture and Temperature Control. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10249116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Ambient comfort maintenance accompanied by excessive energy consumption is hugely criticized concerning the limited sustainability of the building sector in the long-term. In this sense, the energy reduction strategies based on the employment of passive air-control techniques are viewed as a prospective solution for improved energy performance. In order to contribute to this significant issue, this paper is aimed at the design and material characterization of novel plaster with an improved thermal and humidity control performance. For this purpose, a form-stable diatomite/dodecanol-based phase change material together with superabsorbent polymer are used as admixtures for the passive moderation of indoor air quality by newly designed modified plasters. The experimental assessment of the functional properties by means of mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and hygric properties is performed. Considering the goal of the paper, particular attention is paid to the characterization of water vapor storage and moisture buffering according to the Nordtest method. Differential scanning calorimetry is employed for the description of phase change intervals as well as the specific enthalpy of phase change. The obtained results point to significant improvements in the hygroscopic performance and increased thermal energy storage that can be used for passive moderation of the indoor temperature and reduction of the relative humidity swings.
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26
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Zeng XW, Lowe AJ, Lodge CJ, Heinrich J, Roponen M, Jalava P, Guo Y, Hu LW, Yang BY, Dharmage SC, Dong GH. Greenness surrounding schools is associated with lower risk of asthma in schoolchildren. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105967. [PMID: 32702595 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the effect of residential greenness on respiratory health in children with inconsistent results. However, there are no studies investigating the association between greenness around schools, a representative environment for children and childhood asthma. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between greenness surrounding schools and asthma in schoolchildren. METHODS We recruited 59,754 schoolchildren from 94 schools in 2012-2013 from the Seven Northeast Cities Study, China. Greenness surrounding schools was measured using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) at buffers from 30 to 1000 m. Asthma symptoms were collected from validated self-reported questionnaires. Logistic mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate the associations between greenness surrounding school and childhood asthma after adjustment for covariates. RESULTS We found that greenness surrounding schools in all buffered sizes was negatively associated with the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms in schoolchildren. A 0.1-unit increase in NDVI1000m was associated with lower odds of current asthma (odds ratio: 0.81, 95% confidential interval: 0.75, 0.86) and current wheeze (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.94) in children after covariate adjustments. Higher greenness was associated with less asthma symptoms in a dose-response pattern (P for trend < 0.05). The estimated associations appeared to be stronger in children exposure to higher air pollution level. The observed associations varied across seven cities. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest beneficial associations of greenness surrounding schools with childhood asthma. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Joachim Heinrich
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich 80336, Germany; Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Marjut Roponen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Pasi Jalava
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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27
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Taquechel K, Diwadkar AR, Sayed S, Dudley JW, Grundmeier RW, Kenyon CC, Henrickson SE, Himes BE, Hill DA. Pediatric Asthma Health Care Utilization, Viral Testing, and Air Pollution Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 8:3378-3387.e11. [PMID: 32827728 PMCID: PMC7438361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused dramatic changes in daily routines and health care utilization and delivery patterns in the United States. Understanding the influence of these changes and associated public health interventions on asthma care is important to determine effects on patient outcomes and identify measures that will ensure optimal future health care delivery. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify changes in pediatric asthma-related health care utilization, respiratory viral testing, and air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS For the time period January 17 to May 17, 2015 to 2020, asthma-related encounters and weekly summaries of respiratory viral testing data were extracted from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia electronic health records, and pollution data for 4 criteria air pollutants were extracted from AirNow. Changes in encounter characteristics, viral testing patterns, and air pollution before and after Mar 17, 2020, the date public health interventions to limit viral transmission were enacted in Philadelphia, were assessed and compared with data from 2015 to 2019 as a historical reference. RESULTS After March 17, 2020, in-person asthma encounters decreased by 87% (outpatient) and 84% (emergency + inpatient). Video telemedicine, which was not previously available, became the most highly used asthma encounter modality (61% of all visits), and telephone encounters increased by 19%. Concurrently, asthma-related systemic steroid prescriptions and frequency of rhinovirus test positivity decreased, although air pollution levels did not substantially change, compared with historical trends. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia was accompanied by changes in pediatric asthma health care delivery patterns, including reduced admissions and systemic steroid prescriptions. Reduced rhinovirus infections may have contributed to these patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Taquechel
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Avantika R Diwadkar
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Samir Sayed
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jesse W Dudley
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Robert W Grundmeier
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Chén C Kenyon
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness and PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Sarah E Henrickson
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - Blanca E Himes
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - David A Hill
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa; Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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28
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Bowman AF, Copeland DJ, Miller KS. Asthma Health Policies in Schools: Implications for Nurse Practitioners. J Nurse Pract 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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29
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Influence of Superabsorbent Polymers on Moisture Control in Building Interiors. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13082009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Moisture loads in building interiors are accompanied by a deterioration of the indoor air quality. Such a phenomenon may induce serious health risks for building inhabitants as well as degradation of furnishing. Unfortunately, the employment of additional heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) devices does not comply with the sustainability principle due to increased energy consumption, thus cannot be viewed as an efficient solution. This study deals with the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in cement-lime plasters, thus extends the current state of knowledge and outlines further possible development of novel moisture responsive plasters since lightweight aggregates do not provide the desired performance. To be specific, this paper contemplates the experimental analysis of novel plasters modified by 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt. % of SAP to obtain input parameters for computational modeling. Based on the obtained outputs, the incorporation of SAP admixture resulted in a substantial increase in moisture transport properties including the water absorption coefficient and water vapor diffusion properties. The performed computational modeling revealed a considerable reduction of relative humidity fluctuations, thus mitigation of potential health issues associated with undesired moisture content in building interiors. Achieved results indicate that the SAP enhanced plasters have substantial passive moisture buffering performance and thus may contribute to the improvement of indoor air quality.
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30
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Moghtaderi M, Ashraf MA, Teshnizi SH, Nabavizadeh H, Farjadian S, Fereidouni M. The level of allergens in dust samples collected from selected schools in Shiraz, Iran and its asthma-risk implications. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2020; 48:90-94. [PMID: 31477397 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both home and school are important places where children are exposed to various indoor allergens. This study aimed to identify the profile of indoor allergens in schools and its impact on asthma development. METHODS A total of 104 classrooms from 52 schools were selected for dust collection during the fall of 2017. The levels of indoor allergens including dust mite (Der f1, Der p1), cat (Fel d1), cockroach (Bla g1) and mouse (Mus m1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnosis of asthma was made in all students of the selected classes by the allergist. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS Out of 2816 students in the selected classes, 180 students were involved with asthma. Students were mostly exposed to Bla g1 (83.1%), followed by Der f1 (51.5%), Mus m 1 (45.5%), Der p1 (8.9%) and Fel d1 (7.9%) in the dust collected from 101 classrooms. Although levels of all studied allergens in the settled dust of the classrooms were low, there was a relationship between Fel d1 in the classroom dust and development of asthma. CONCLUSION This study showed considerable levels of cockroach allergens in schools. Exposure to cat allergen in our schools played an important role in asthma development; further school-based investigations require evaluating the role of classroom allergen on asthma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moghtaderi
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M A Ashraf
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - S H Teshnizi
- Clinical Research Development Center of Children Hospital, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - H Nabavizadeh
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - S Farjadian
- Allergy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Fereidouni
- Allergy and Immunology Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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