Molar pregnancy and husband's occupation: do soil and dust have any role?

This case-control study investigated the association between molar pregnancy and husband's work. In the analysis, cases were 30 women with complete mole and controls were 30 matched women with term pregnancies. The husbands of cases were more likely to have occupations involving physical work than non-physical work and this physical work more usually involved exposure to soil and dust. Among all occupations, the husbands of cases were more likely to have occupations which had exposure to soil and dust [P < 0.01]. Comparing all occupations that had exposure to soil and dust with all those who did not have this exposure [physical and non-physical] resulted in a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of molar pregnancy [P < 0.001]

Pulmonary function studies in Pakistani cotton ginners

The present study explored the relationship between the pulmonary functions and exposure to cotton dust. Pulmonary function tests i.e. forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1], and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] were recorded in 64 non smoker cotton ginners. The data on pulmonary function test for healthy Pakistani population from previous studies was used as control. The follow-up study for lung function testing on the same cotton ginners was conducted from 1999 and repeated yearly up to 2005. Because of cotton dust exposure, cotton ginners showed a significant decline in their pulmonary function [P<0.05] .We concluded that the continuous exposure to cotton dust in ginners is associated with an increased progressive impairment of pulmonary functions

Efficacy of the ramathibodi nasal filter in a simulated human airway evaluated by a laser diode portable dust monitor under low laser smoke particle concentration.

The Ramathibodi nasal filter attached to a simulated human airway was proposed to filter laser smoke particles. The simulated human airway composed of nasal and pharyngeal model, airway passage and lung model machine which mimicked the human respiratory system. The laser smoke particles represented a suspended particulate matter in a highly air-pollutted area such as at a main roadside in Bangkok. The experiment was done in the Department of Otolaryngology, Ramathibodi Hospital, from January to March 2000. The simulated human airway got an equal amount of laser smoke particles in a sealed plastic box for 1 min. The residual amount of laser smoke particles in a closed system of the simulated human airway was measured by a laser diode portable dust monitor for 1 min in each cycle and calculated as a mean and standard deviation. Without the Ramathibodi nasal filter of 39 sample pairs, the amounts of PM15, PM10 and PM2.5 were 52.3 +/- 6.8, 43.0 +/- 4.9 and 37.0 +/- 3.5 mcg/m3 respectively. With the Ramathibodi nasal filter of 39 pairs sample, the amounts of PM15, PM10 and PM2.5 were 48.1 +/- 9.9, 39.1 +/- 9.1 and 33.2 +/- 7.2 mcg/m3 respectively. Ramathibodi nasal filter efficacy for all laser smoke particle sizes evaluated statistically using t-test showed significant differences from those without the filter. Filtration efficacy should be tested further in higher concentrations of laser smoke particles and applied in human nasal vestibules under a critical air-polluted condition.

The Ramathibodi nasal filter in a simulated human airway: evaluated with laser smoke particles and a laser diode dust portable monitor.

The Ramathibodi nasal filter was specially designed as a personal respiratory protective device. It was attached to a simulated human airway composed of a nasal and pharyngeal model, airway passage and lung model machine. The system was run in a laser smoke particles environment. The laser smoke particles with suspended particulate matter size of less than 15, 10 and 2.5 microns (PM15, PM10 and PM2.5) were selected. The amount of each particle size in the simulated human airway with and without the Ramathibodi nasal filter was measured continuously by a laser diode portable dust monitor. One hundred sample sizes were analyzed by a descriptive statistical method at the Department of Otolaryngology, Ramathibodi Hospital from January to November 1999. The graphic distribution patterns of each residual particle size in the simulated human airway with and without the Ramathibodi nasal filter were compared. The filtration efficacy of the Ramathibodi nasal filter should be tested further by this experimental model. The device could be applied intermittently in adult nasal vestibules.

Uso da poeira e do ar como indicadores de contaminaçäo ambiental em áreas circunvizinhas a uma fonte de emissäo estacionária de chumbo / Use of dust and air as indicators of environmental pollution in areas adjacent to a source of stationary lead emission

Determinou-se o nível de chumbo (Pb) presente no ar em ambientes externos e na poeira doméstica de residências localizadas próximo a uma reformadora de baterias (RB). Uma das principais fontes de exposiçäo ao Pb säo empresas do setor de RB, que ainda utilizam processos e tecnologia obsoletos em instalaçöes precárias. Na área externa à RB foram realizadas coletas em seis pontos localizados a aproximadamente 25m e a 500m da RB. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o limite para Pb no ar atmosférico (Pb-Ar) de 1,5µg Pb.m-3 foi excedido em 50 por cento das amostras coletadas, variando de 0,03 a 183,3µg Pb.m-3. As coletas nas dependências internas e externas das residências foram realizadas em seis pontos de quatorze residências localizadas a aproximadamente 25m, 50m e a 500m da RB. O limite de Pb na poeira doméstica (Pb-Pd) de 1.500µg Pb.m-2 foi excedido em 44 por cento das amostras coletadas, apresentando valores variáveis de 2,2 a 54.338,9µg Pb.m-2.

First report on sensitization to allergens of a house dust mite, Suidasia pontifica (Acari: Saproglyphidae).

A species of house dust mite, Suidasia pontifica, was recently shown to produce allergens affecting man. The species may be as important as other allergen producing mite in sensitization and causing allergic symptoms in Malaysians. Surveys conducted demonstrated that 80% of the houses surveyed were positive for this mite with densities ranged from 2 to 50 mites per gram of dust. Colonies of the species has been successfully established and materials from those colonies have been used to produce extracts for studies on sensitization to the mites. A total of 85 suspected allergic rhinitis patients were tested and 74.1% demonstrated positive reactions. Extract of this mite should be considered for routine diagnostic testing and possible immunotherapy.

Buckwheat allergy and reports on asthma and atopic disorders in Taiyuan City, Northern China.

Allergy to common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has been reported from Europe and Japan, and a 24 kDa globulin protein has been identified as one of the major allergens. In China also another type, tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) is grown and consumed. Three groups of individuals in Shanxi province, China, were investigated for buckwheat allergy using skin prick test. The groups were: agricultural researchers with occupational exposure to buckwheat (N = 16); workers in a food industry producing buckwheat noodles (N = 25), and patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease consuming buckwheat as functional food (N = 20). Information on atopic disorders and adverse food reactions were collected by a doctors-administered questionnaire. One male industrial worker had a positive skin prick test to buckwheat, but no symptoms while eating or handling buckwheat products. In total, 34% consumed buckwheat food at least every week, and 23% had a weekly consumption of tartary buckwheat. The prevalence of doctor's diagnosed asthma was low (1.6%). Four subjects (6.6%) reported a history of allergic rhinitis, with allergy to cedar pollen, carnation and peach.

Respiratory health of rice millers in Kelantan, Malaysia.

A cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate the effect of rice husk dust in rice millers in Malaysia. Altogether 69 workers participated in this study. They were interviewed using standardized questionnaires and lung function tests were performed. Chest tightness was among the common symptoms (34.9%) complained by workers. Age, duration of employment and smoking status were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (p < 0.01). Lung function tests revealed some degree of impairment compared to the healthy population.

Avaliaçäo respiratória em trabalhadores expostos a poeiras minerais / busca de marcadores inflamatórios = ILI ß, IL6 e TNFÓ / Breathing evaluation in workers exposed to mineral dusts - search of inflammatory markers = IL1ß, IL6 and TNFÓ

A pneumoconiose é uma doença pulmonar de origem ocupacional, considerada de elevada prevalência entre os trabalhadores expostos à poeiras minerais, como a sílica e o asbesto, nos diversos ramos da produçao industrial. A inalaçao destas poeiras minerais pode desenvolver uma fibrose intersticial pulmonar intensa, caracterizada por reaçao inflamatória, liberaçao de fatores quimiotáxicos, produçao de colágeno e conseqüente formaçao de granuloma no pulmao. Os indicadores biológicos podem ser úteis na compreensao deste processo inflamatório do adoecimento pulmonar, na identificaçao da fase pré-fibrogênica, no acompanhamento e no tratamento destas doenças. Realiza um estudo do nível de concentraçao de três citoquinas: Fator de Necrose Tumoral Alfa (TNFÓ, do inglês), interleucina-1ß (IL-1ß) e interleucina-6 (IL-6), no adoecimento pulmonar causado pela exposiçao à sílica e ao asbesto, na pneumoconiose. O objetivo específico foi determinar sua concentraçao no soro sanguíneo de pacientes expostos à sílica e ao asbesto e verificar a associaçao das citoquinas com as exposiçoes e com a pneumoconiose. Foram estudadas 161 pessoas, das quais 107 pacientes trabalhadores expostos à poeiras minerais, sendo 85 expostos à sílica e 22 expostos ao asbesto, e 54 trabalhadores nao expostos no grupo de comparaçao. Para a determinaçao quantitativa da TNFÓ, da IL-1ß e da IL-6, foi coletado sangue de todos os trabalhadores incluídos no projeto e utilizado o método de Elisa para a análise. Encontraram-se, também, diferenças significativas, entre os pacientes com pneumoconiose e o grupo nao exposto para as três citoquinas, em níveis diferenciados. A análise dos resultados nao discriminou o papel das citoquinas na fase pré-fibrótica do adoecimento. Os resultados, no subgrupo exposto à sílica com silicose, nao apresentaram níveis elevados de IL-6 e TNF, mas, apresentaram níveis elevados de IL-1ß das citoquinas dosadas no sangue. No subgrupo exposto ao asbesto com asbestose houve um aumento apenas dos níveis de IL-6. No campo da saúde pública, ainda näo se dispöe de instrumentos capazes de predizerem processos patológicos em trabalhadores expostos à poeiras minerais, principalmente à sílica e ao asbesto. O campo de estudo das citoquinas e outros marcadores mostra-se promissor, mas até o momento, a única arma para reduzir ou eliminar os danos causados por poeiras minerais nos ambientes de trabalho é a retirada do agente nocivo do ambiente.

The effect of allergen immunotherapy on in vitro IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by peripheral mononuclear cells in house dust-sensitive Chinese patients with bronchial asthma.

The IFN-gamma produced by Th1 cells and IL-4 produced by Th2 cells are two most important cytokines in the regulation of IgE production. House dust immunotherapy has been tried in the treatment of house dust-sensitive Chinese asthmatic patients with good results. We examined the influence of such treatment on in vitro IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in house dust-sensitive asthmatic patients. Allergen immunotherapy in house-dust sensitive asthmatic patients can significantly decrease IL-4 production from peripheral mononuclear cells (p<0.05). The production levels of IL-4 in patients without treatment had higher levels than those in patients with hyposensitization (p<0.01). Such therapy also have some effect on promotion of IFN-gamma production in asthmatic patients. In conclusion, immunotherapy with house dust may have the potential ability to shift the Th1/Th2 balance of immune response to allergens and to create a favorable cytokine microenvironment to suppress the allergic reaction in the asthmatic airway.

Ventilatory functions in stone quarry workers of Rajasthan.

Ninety two stone quarry workers from nearby villages of Jodhpur town were, assessed for their lung functions which included measurement of Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in Ist second (FEV1), and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). A detailed questionnaire was administered to all the workers, who were divided into group I (cutting the stone) and group II (loading and unloading the stone) depending on the nature of their Job. The presenting complaints included cough with sputum (55%), chest pain (79%), bodyache (31%) and 21% gave the history as suffering from tuberculosis. Comparison of the lung function results between two groups indicated a significant decrement of FEV1 and PEFR in group II as compared to group I workers. The observed lung functions were also found to be lower on comparison with the normative data from Rajasthan. However, no difference in observed lung function results of smokers and nonsmokers were obtained. Thus the reported lower values of lung functions independent of smoking habits, may be due to occupational stone dust exposure.

Sensibilizaçäo atópica em escolares e adultos de Curitiba, Paraná / Atopic sensitization among schoolchildren and adults in Curitiba, Paraná

Objetivo: Determinar a freqüência de sensibilizaçäo atópica à Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) e Lolium multiflorum ( Lolium ) em escolares e adultos residentes em Curitiba, Paraná. Casuística e método: Foram avaliados 3271 escolares (13 e 14 anos), provenientes de 43 escolas de Curitiba e 3041 adultos (idade > 20anos) funcionários, médicos do Hospital de Clínicas e adultos da UFPR. Realizou-se teste cutâneo alérgico por puntura (TCA) com dois extratos alergênicos: DP 5000 AU/mL e Lolium 1:30 peso/volume (Bayer Corporation, USA). A leitura foi feita após 15 minutos e considerada reaçäo positiva aquela com pápula igual ou superior a 3 mm de diâmetro. Resultados: Observou-se uma freqüência de TCA positivo para DP em 31,3 por cento das crianças e 38,9 por cento dos adultos e para Lolium 4,7 por cento das crianças e 15,4 por cento dos adultos. A sensibilizaçäo exclusiva ao DP em crianças foi de 28,1 por cento, ao Lolium 1,5 por cento e a ambos 3,2 por cento. Em adultos, os valores foram de 26,8 por cento de sensibilidade exclusiva ao DP e 3,3 por cento ao Lolium e para ambos de 12,1 por cento. Conclusäo: Os resultados revelam a alta freqüência de sensibilizaçäo aos ácaros da poeira domiciliar na populaçäo geral e maior freqüência de reaçäo ao pólen de gramíneas em adulto do que em crianças.

A study of forced vital capacity and its predictors among the sand stone quarry workers.

The study assesses the relationship of selected demographic, anthropometric, radiological, work-history and smoking-history related variables with Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in a sample of 168 sand stone quarry workers in a desert environment. Except the variables related to smoking behaviour, all are found significantly associated with FVC. The predictors of FVC screened through the multiple regression analysis were age, weight, height, profusion of opacities in chest X-ray and duration of work. Mean FVC was found significantly lower as compared to the healthy adult population. On an average FVC% was 90% of predicted (Percentage deviation of 10%). A clear increasing trend in FVC% along age/duration of work was observed among the young workers, which may be due to building of muscles in this job. Percentage deviation of 20% or more in FVC was significantly associated with presence of radiological opacities suggestive of silicosis (odds Ratio = 3.3). The diagnostic utility of the same is also assessed.

Analise de mediadores pro-inflamatorios na resposta alergica a antigenos de acaro de poeira domestica em camundongos / Pro-inflamatory mediators analisys in the alergic response to mite antigens of domestic dust in rats

Ha um grande contigente de pacientes com rinite alergica na populacao que nao se beneficiam com os tratamentos convencionais, tornando seu tratamento um desafio para o corpo clinico. A fim de descrever os mecanismos imunes e inflamatorios que envolvem o pulmao na broncoprovocacao por Dhermatophagoides pteronyssinus, o presente estudo utilizou de metodos de citometria de fluxo, cultura de celulas e e contagem total e diferencial de celulas e dosagem de NO para a analise do lavado bronco alveolar...

Role of allergy in nasal polyps of Thai patients.

As distinct from many countries, allergy in Thailand is of the perennial type which may play a role in the formation of nasal polyps. Forty consecutive patients with nasal polyps and 30 normal subjects as control were studied at the Allergy Clinic, Department of Otolaryngology, Pramongkutklao Hospital. A positive clinical history and skin allergy testing are diagnostic criteria for allergy. In the nasal polyps group, these were 28 males and 12 females, aged between 12-65 years, with an average age of 38.5 years. In the control group, there were 18 males and 12 females, aged between 15-53 yeas, with an average age of 34 years. All had received prick skin testing with 6 common aeroallergens. The prick skin test was considered positive when the wheal was > or = 3 mm with surrounding erythema. Twenty-four of 40 patients (60%) with nasal polyps had a positive prick skin test, while 6 in the 30 control cases (20%) had a positive prick skin test. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0019), Odd's ratio = 6.0 which means allergic persons were 6 times more prone to have polyps form than normal persons.

Asma induzida por exposiçäo a agentes ocupacionais / Asthma induced by exposition of occupational agents

Objetivo: Rever a literatura sobre asma ocupacional e ilustrá-la com a apresentação de um caso clínico de asma relacionada com o ambiente de uma fábrica de calçados. Método: Revisar a conceituação, a epidemiologia, os agentes causadores, a fisiopatologia, o diagnóstico, o tratamento, o prognóstico e a prevenção. O caso foi documentado com observação clínica completa, teste de provocação, testes cutâneos e biópsia de pele. Resultado: Ao lado de clara história de associação entre as manifestações asmáticas e o local de trabalho, o teste de provocação apresentou, queda significativa dos valores de VEF1, mostrando reações imediata e tardia, ao pó derivado do polimento de calçados. Uma grande diluição da tinta original provocou reação tardia após injeção intradérmica. A biópsia no local apresentou infiltrado de leucócitos e linfócitos e à microscopia de imunofluorescência, a deposição de complemento no endotélio dos capilares cutâneos. Conclusão: O caso apresentado pode ser diagnosticado como asma ocupacional induzida por agentes pertencentes ao pó derivado do polimento de calçados em uma fábrica de calçados.