Socio-environmental profile of child and adolescents sensitized by house dust mite in northeast of Brazil

Introduction: The association regarding the atopic sensitization to mite aeroallergens and the socio-environmental features is still inconsistent. Objectives: We analyzed the role played by socioeconomic and environmental factors in the prevalence of sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens, and associated with the risk of developing asthma symptoms. Patients and methods: This is a case-control study conducted with 108 patients, aged 1-17. We inquired about family habits, socioeconomic and environmental features. We applied the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Results: We observed patients sensitized to all HDM tested, Derp (42%), Derf (37%) and Blot (33%). Middle family income (OR: 2.74; CI95%: 1.127-6.684), exposure to dog (OR: 3.758, CI95%: 1.127-6.684) and artificial climatization (OR: 4.319, CI95%: 1.398-13.348) were associated with sensitization to Derp. We also observed protective factors, such as sharing of dormitories, washing cycle for bedspreads and the presence of basic sanitation. An increased risk of sensitization to Derf was associated with Blot sensitization (OR: 3.172, CI95%: 1.083-9.292) and presence of mold on the walls (OR: 3.095, CI95%: 1.063-9.008). A protective factor was dormitory sharing. For sensitization to Blot, we observed an increase in the risk associated with Derp sensitization (OR: 3.462, CI95%: 1.191-10.061) and exposure to dog (OR: 3.255, CI95%: 0.987-10.736). In addition, sensitization to Blot increases the risk of developing asthma symptoms (OR: 2.732, CI95%: 0.981-7.606). Conclusion: Our data show distinct sociodemographic and environmental relations that lead to HDM sensitization and increased probability of development of allergic diseases

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Determination of SO(2) in Wines Using a Flow Injection Analysis System with Potentiometric Detection.

This paper describes the development and application of a flow injection analysis system manifold comprising a gas diffusion unit and a potentiometric detector to the determination of free and total SO(2) in white and red wines. A homogeneous crystalline iodide double-membrane tubular electrode was used as detector. SO(2) determination based on the Ripper method was carried out by dosing the iodide formed in the oxidation of SO(2) with iodine, followed by the separation of the formed compound through a diffusion Teflon membrane. The results obtained from the analyses of free and total SO(2) in 30 wine samples showed good agreement between the proposed method and the rapid assay method recommended by the UE and OIV. The relative error deviations of the results obtained by both methods were <6%. This procedure is suitable for samples with approximately 3.2-180 mg L(-)(1) SO(2), performing determinations of 75-100 samples h(-)(1).