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Fonderson MS, van Meel ER, Bindels P, Bohnen A, Burdorf A, de Schepper E. Air pollution and childhood respiratory consultations in primary care: a systematic review. Arch Dis Child 2024; 109:297-303. [PMID: 38272647 PMCID: PMC10958259 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor air pollution is a known risk factor for respiratory morbidity worldwide. Compared with the adult population, there are fewer studies that analyse the association between short-term exposure to air pollution and respiratory morbidity in children in primary care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether children in a primary care setting exposed to outdoor air pollutants during short-term intervals are at increased risk of respiratory diagnoses. METHODS A search in Medline, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases throughout March 2023. Percentage change or risk ratios with corresponding 95% CI for the association between air pollutants and respiratory diseases were retrieved from individual studies. Risk of bias assessment was conducted with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort or case-control studies and an adjusted NOS for time series studies. RESULTS From 1366 studies, 14 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Most studies had intermediate or high quality. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity in exposure and health outcome. Overall, studies on short-term exposure to air pollutants (carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter ≤10 µm (PM10)) were associated with increased childhood respiratory consultations in primary care. In general, exposure to ozone was associated with a reduction in respiratory consultations. CONCLUSIONS The evidence suggests CO, SO2, NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 are risk factors for respiratory diseases in children in primary care in the short term. However, given the heterogeneity of the studies, interpretation of these findings must be done with caution. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022259279.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick Bindels
- General Practice, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur Bohnen
- General Practice, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Burdorf
- Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Choi YJ, Oh JW. The Impact of Climate Change on the Sporulation of Atmospheric Fungi. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2024; 44:45-54. [PMID: 37973259 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2023.07.005] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. Global Change Research Program, Fourth National Climate Assessment reports that it is extremely likely that human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse gases, are the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century. There are no convincing alternative explanations supported by observational evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 153 Gyungchun-Ro, Guri, Gyunggi-Do 11923, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 153 Gyungchun-Ro, Guri, Gyunggi-Do 11923, Korea.
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3
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Olsen Y, Arildskov E, Hansen SN, Pedersen M, Dharmage SC, Kloster M, Sigsgaard T. Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores and acute asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1256-1267. [PMID: 37748858 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are ubiquitous. Few studies have assessed their impact on asthma hospitalizations providing conflicting results, mainly focused on vulnerable paediatric populations. We aimed to study the impact of outdoor Alternaria and Cladosporium concentrations on acute hospitalizations in the Capital Region of Denmark. METHODS This is a bi-directional case-crossover study with 26 years of national registry data at individual level on acute asthma hospitalizations and daily average data on Alternaria and Cladosporium, pollen (Artemisia, Poaceae), maximal temperature, and air pollution. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations. Concentration quartiles at lag 0 were used for categorizing the exposure. RESULTS For lags 0-2, the odds of hospitalization were significantly higher for both Alternaria and Cladosporium at concentration quartile 2-4 compared with quartile 1. When stratified for age and sex, odds of hospitalization at Alternaria quartiles 2-4 were significantly higher in males below 40 years at lag 0-2, and at lag 0 in females (18-30 years), while quartiles 2-4 of Cladosporium concentrations were associated with significantly higher odds in boys (0-17 years) at lag 1-3, males (18-39 years) at lag 0-1, females (18-39 years) at lag 1-2, males (40-64 years) at lag 0-2, females (40-64 years) at lag 0 and 2, in seniors (65+ years) male at lag 1-2 and female at lag 0-1. The effect of Alternaria varied significantly depending on the level of Cladosporium (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Ambient Alternaria and Cladosporium spores can induce asthma hospitalizations. Males are more susceptible to both genera. Males and females under age 40 years are more susceptible to Alternaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Olsen
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elias Arildskov
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Stefan Nygaard Hansen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Pedersen
- Department of Public Health - Section of Environment, Occupation & Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Institute of Public Health & Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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4
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Choi YJ, Lee KS, Jeong JH, Kim K, Yang S, Na JY, Hwang JK, Choe Y, Kim KR, Han MJ, Lee YS, Oh JW. Annual Change in Fungal Concentrations and Allergic Sensitization Rates to Alternaria and Cladosporium in Korea During the Period 1998-2022. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:825-836. [PMID: 37957798 PMCID: PMC10643852 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atmospheric fungi are associated with respiratory allergies in humans, and some fungal spores can cause allergic diseases. Environmental and biological factors influence the concentrations of atmospheric spores. In this study, we evaluated the climate change-induced annual variations in fungal spore concentrations and allergic sensitization rates in the Seoul Metropolitan Area over a period of 25 years. METHODS Fungal spores and pollen were obtained from Hanyang University Seoul and Guri Hospitals; they were identified and counted for 25 years (1998-2022). The study participants included patients who underwent tests for allergic diseases in both hospitals. Their allergenic sensitization rates were determined via allergic skin prick and serum tests, after which their sensitization rates to allergenic fungi and pollens were calculated. The daily climatic variables were obtained from the Korea Meteorological Administration. RESULTS The total annual atmospheric fungal concentrations decreased in both areas during the period. Simultaneously, we recruited 21,394 patients with allergies (asthma, 1,550; allergic rhinitis, 5,983; and atopic dermatitis, 5,422) from Seoul and Guri Hospitals for allergenic fungal sensitization evaluations over the period. The allergenic fungal sensitization rates decreased annually in both areas over that time `+(Alternaria [3.5%] and Cladosporium [4.4%] in 1998; Alternaria [0.2%] and Cladosporium [0.2%] in 2022). In contrast, the annual pollen concentrations increased with the sensitization rates to pollen in children. CONCLUSIONS The atmospheric fungal concentrations decreased annually, with allergic sensitization rate decreasing over the period of 25 years. Allergenic fungal sporulation could decrease with climate changes, such as desertification and drought. Extended monitoring periods and further large-scale studies are required to confirm the causality and to evaluate the impact of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Jin Hyeok Jeong
- Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yoon Na
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Kyoon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Yunsoo Choe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Kyu Rang Kim
- Impact-based Forecast Research Team, High Impact Weather Research Department, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Seogwipo, Korea
| | - Mae-Ja Han
- Impact-based Forecast Research Team, High Impact Weather Research Department, National Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Seogwipo, Korea
| | - Yung-Seop Lee
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea.
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Segers FJ, Dijksterhuis J, Giesbers M, Debets AJ. Natural folding of airborne fungal spores: a mechanism for dispersal and long-term survival? FUNGAL BIOL REV 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Thunderstorms, Pollen, and Severe Asthma in a Midwestern, USA, Urban Environment, 2007-2018. Epidemiology 2022; 33:624-632. [PMID: 35580240 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown an association between individual thunderstorm events in the presence of high pollen, commonly called thunderstorm asthma, and acute severe asthma events, but little work has studied risk over long periods of time, using detailed measurements of storms and pollen. METHODS We estimated change in risk of asthma-related emergency room visits related to thunderstorm asthma events in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area over the years 2007-2018. We defined thunderstorm asthma events as daily occurrence of two or more lightning strikes during high pollen periods interpolating weather and pollen monitor data and modeling lightning counts. We acquired daily counts of asthma-related emergency department visits from the Minnesota Hospital Association and used a quasi-Poisson time-series regression to estimate overall relative risk of emergency department visits during thunderstorm asthma events. RESULTS We observed a 1.047 times higher risk (95% CI:1.012,1.083) of asthma-related emergency department visits on the day of thunderstorm asthma event. Our findings are robust to adjustment for temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, ozone, PM2.5, day of week, and seasonal variation in asthma cases. Occurrence of lightning alone or pollen alone showed no association with risk of severe asthma. A two-stage analysis combining individual zip code level results shows similar RR and we see no evidence of spatial correlation or spatial heterogeneity of effect. DISCUSSION Our results support an association between co-occurrence of lightning and pollen and risk of severe asthma events. Our approach incorporates lightning and pollen data and small-spatial area exposure and outcome counts.
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Al-Nesf MA, Gharbi D, Mobayed HM, Mohammed Ali R, Dason BR, Adeli M, Tuffaha A, Sattar HA, Trigo MDM. The correlation between middle schoolchildren allergic symptoms and airborne particle season: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29210. [PMID: 35512079 PMCID: PMC9276151 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited studies correlate allergic symptoms and associated outdoor biological particle exposure among schoolchildren globally.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the seasonality of symptoms of allergic diseases among middle schoolchildren and the annual variation of airborne pollen and fungal spore in a hot and humid geographical region (Qatar).During November 2017 to January 2018, a self-reported study of middle schoolchildren living in the Doha capital city of Qatar was conducted, and data gathered were evaluated in relation to the collected monthly pollen and fungal spores. Participants' data were collected by conducting a survey based on a modified questionnaire adopted from the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). The airborne pollen and fungal spore in Doha's atmosphere were extracted from the Doha aerobiology project (2017-2020).Among the 1000 distributed questionnaires, 100 were excluded due to significant missing data and 644 middle schoolchildren living in Doha city responded and were included in the final analysis. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) pattern among the responders with positive symptoms were strongly linked with the higher airborne fungal spore incidence during the month of November. Out of 331 students with positive symptoms, the prevalence of AR, lifetime wheeze, and eczema was 62.8%, 28.1%, and 26.6%, respectively. Asthma was significantly higher in Qatari (39.8%) compared to non-Qatari (26.7%) middle schoolchildren (P = .02).Outdoor aeroallergen may be a contributing factor in addition to other environmental and genetic predisposing factors for childhood atopic diseases in the prevalence rate of allergic symptoms among middle schoolchildren in the peninsula of Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorra Gharbi
- Allergy and Immunology Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
| | - Hassan M. Mobayed
- Allergy and Immunology Division, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria del Mar Trigo
- Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain
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Di Cicco M, Del Tufo E, Fasola S, Gracci S, Marchi MG, Fibbi L, Cilluffo G, Ferrante G, Peroni DG, La Grutta S. The Effect of Outdoor Aeroallergens on Asthma Hospitalizations in Children in North-Western Tuscany, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063586. [PMID: 35329272 PMCID: PMC8949088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Few data are currently available on the effects of aeroallergens in triggering respiratory symptoms in children. To evaluate the potential effects of daily outdoor aeroallergens loads on childhood admissions, in this case-crossover study, we analyzed data from 85 children hospitalized at the University Hospital of Pisa, Italy, for asthma or asthma-like symptoms without respiratory infection, between 2010 and 2019. Data were linked to outdoor allergens, temperature, nitrogen dioxide, and relative humidity observed during the same period. A 10-grains/m3 increase in the total aeroallergen concentration was associated with an increased risk of admission at lag 0 (OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.011–1.098), with a smaller effect at lag 1 (OR = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.008–1.067) and lag 2 (OR = 1.021, 95% CI: 1.003–1.039). Trends to larger effects were observed in children with sensitization to one or more aeroallergens (OR = 1.085, 95% CI: 1.004–1.173 at lag 0), in males (OR = 1.069, 95% CI: 1.009–1.132 at lag 0) and in older children (OR = 1.065, 95% CI: 1.007–1.127 at lag 0). Our study shows an association between increased outdoor allergens loads and asthma or asthma-like symptoms in children up to at least two days prior to hospitalization, suggesting that tracking aeroallergen counts may be useful to improve the management of respiratory allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Di Cicco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma n. 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.T.); (S.G.); (D.G.P.)
- Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma n. 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-992-797
| | - Ester Del Tufo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma n. 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.T.); (S.G.); (D.G.P.)
- Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma n. 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fasola
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, IFT, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.F.); (S.L.G.)
| | - Serena Gracci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma n. 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.T.); (S.G.); (D.G.P.)
- Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma n. 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Marchi
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Tuscany (ARPAT), 50144 Florence, Italy;
| | - Luca Fibbi
- Laboratory for Meteorology and Environmental Modelling (LaMMA Consortium), 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
- Institute of Bioeconomy, IBE, National Research Council, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cilluffo
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giuliana Ferrante
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Diego G. Peroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma n. 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.D.T.); (S.G.); (D.G.P.)
- Allergology Section, Pediatrics Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma n. 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, IFT, National Research Council, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.F.); (S.L.G.)
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Drag-minimizing spore/pollen-mimicking microparticles for enhanced pulmonary drug delivery: CFD and experimental studies. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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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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Rapeport WG, Ito K, Denning DW. The role of antifungals in the management of patients with severe asthma. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:46. [PMID: 33292524 PMCID: PMC7646070 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with asthma, the inhalation of elevated amounts of fungal spores and hyphae may precipitate the onset of asthma or worsen control to the extent of being life-threatening. Sensitisation to fungi, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, is found in 15% to 48% of asthmatics in secondary care and is linked to worse asthma control, hospitalisation, bronchiectasis and fixed airflow obstruction, irrespective of whether allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is diagnosed. ABPA represents a florid response to the presence of Aspergillus spp. but up to 70% of patients with severe asthma exhibit sensitisation to different fungi without meeting the diagnostic criteria for ABPA. The presence of persistent endobronchial colonisation with fungi, especially A. fumigatus, is linked to significantly higher rates of radiological abnormalities, lower post-bronchodilator FEV1 and significantly less reversibility to short acting bronchodilators. The therapeutic benefit for antifungal intervention in severe asthma is based on the assumption that reductions in airway fungal burden may result in improvements in asthma control, lung function and symptoms (especially cough). This contention is supported by several prospective studies which demonstrate the effectiveness of antifungals for the treatment of ABPA. Significantly, these studies confirm lower toxicity of treatment with azoles versus high dose oral corticosteroid dosing regimens for ABPA. Here we review recent evidence for the role of fungi in the progression of severe asthma and provide recommendations for the use of antifungal agents in patients with severe asthma, airways fungal infection (mycosis) and fungal colonisation. Documenting fungal airways colonisation and sensitisation in those with severe asthma opens up alternative therapy options of antifungal therapy, which may be particularly valuable in low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Garth Rapeport
- Airways Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, SW3 6LY, UK.
| | - Kazuhiro Ito
- Airways Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, SW3 6LY, UK
- Pulmocide Ltd., 44 Southampton Building, London, WC2A 1AP, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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12
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Tiew PY, Ko FWS, Pang SL, Matta SA, Sio YY, Poh ME, Lau KJX, Mac Aogáin M, Jaggi TK, Ivan FX, Gaultier NE, Uchida A, Drautz-Moses DI, Xu H, Koh MS, Hui DSC, Tee A, Abisheganaden JA, Schuster SC, Chew FT, Chotirmall SH. Environmental fungal sensitisation associates with poorer clinical outcomes in COPD. Eur Respir J 2020; 56:13993003.00418-2020. [PMID: 32341102 PMCID: PMC7453645 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00418-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Allergic sensitisation to fungi such as Aspergillus are associated to poor clinical outcomes in asthma, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis; however, clinical relevance in COPD remains unclear. Methods Patients with stable COPD (n=446) and nondiseased controls (n=51) were prospectively recruited across three countries (Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong) and screened against a comprehensive allergen panel including house dust mites, pollens, cockroach and fungi. For the first time, using a metagenomics approach, we assessed outdoor and indoor environmental allergen exposure in COPD. We identified key fungi in outdoor air and developed specific-IgE assays against the top culturable fungi, linking sensitisation responses to COPD outcomes. Indoor air and surface allergens were prospectively evaluated by metagenomics in the homes of 11 COPD patients and linked to clinical outcome. Results High frequencies of sensitisation to a broad range of allergens occur in COPD. Fungal sensitisation associates with frequent exacerbations, and unsupervised clustering reveals a “highly sensitised fungal predominant” subgroup demonstrating significant symptomatology, frequent exacerbations and poor lung function. Outdoor and indoor environments serve as important reservoirs of fungal allergen exposure in COPD and promote a sensitisation response to outdoor air fungi. Indoor (home) environments with high fungal allergens associate with greater COPD symptoms and poorer lung function, illustrating the importance of environmental exposures on clinical outcomes in COPD. Conclusion Fungal sensitisation is prevalent in COPD and associates with frequent exacerbations representing a potential treatable trait. Outdoor and indoor (home) environments represent a key source of fungal allergen exposure, amenable to intervention, in “sensitised” COPD. Fungal sensitisation associates with frequent exacerbations in COPD, and represents a treatable trait. Outdoor and indoor environments represent a key source of fungal allergen exposure, amenable to intervention, in “sensitised” COPD patients.https://bit.ly/2Vw3kHi
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yee Tiew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Fanny Wai San Ko
- Dept of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sze Lei Pang
- Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sri Anusha Matta
- Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Yie Sio
- Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mau Ern Poh
- Dept of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kenny J X Lau
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Micheál Mac Aogáin
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Tavleen Kaur Jaggi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Nicolas E Gaultier
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Akira Uchida
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Daniela I Drautz-Moses
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Huiying Xu
- Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Mariko Siyue Koh
- Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - David Shu Cheong Hui
- Dept of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Augustine Tee
- Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Stephan C Schuster
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Fook Tim Chew
- Dept of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjay H Chotirmall
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Olaniyan T, Dalvie MA, Röösli M, Naidoo RN, Künzli N, de Hoogh K, Berman D, Parker B, Leaner J, Jeebhay MF. Short term seasonal effects of airborne fungal spores on lung function in a panel study of schoolchildren residing in informal settlements of the Western Cape of South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 260:114023. [PMID: 32018199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The individual effects of biological constituents of particulate matter (PM) such as fungal spores, on lung function in children are not well known. This study investigated the seasonal short-term effect of daily variation in Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spores on lung function in schoolchildren. METHODS This panel study evaluated 313 schoolchildren in informal settlements of the Western Cape of South Africa, exposed to spores of two commonly encountered fungi, Alternaria and Cladosporium species. The children provided forced-expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV1) and peak-expiratory flow (PEF) measurements thrice daily for two consecutive school-weeks in summer and winter. Daily PM10 levels, from a stationary ambient air quality monitor and fungal spore levels using spore traps were measured in each study area throughout the year. The effects of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores, on lung function were analysed for lag periods up to five-days, adjusting-for PM10, other pollen exposures, study area, and other host and meteorological factors. Same-day exposure-response curves were computed for both fungal species. RESULTS There was more variability in Alternaria spores level with noticeable peaks in summer. There were consistent lag-effects for Alternaria on PEF compared to Cladosporium, with the largest PEF deficit observed in winter (mean deficit: 13.78 L/min, 95%CI: 24.34 to -3.23 L/min) per 10spores/m3 increase in Alternaria spores on lag day-2. Although there were no observable lag-effects for Alternaria and Cladosporium on FEV1, same-day effects of Cladosporium spores on FEV1 was present across both seasons. Threshold effects of Alternaria on both PEF and FEV1 deficits were apparent at levels of 100 spores/m3, but could not be explored for Cladosporium beyond the levels observed during the study. CONCLUSION The study provides evidence for the independent effects of daily exposure to ambient fungal spores of Alternaria and Cladosporium on lung function deficits, more especially in winter for PEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyib Olaniyan
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | - Nino Künzli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, 4002, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Dilys Berman
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Bhawoodien Parker
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Developmental Planning, Western Cape Government, South Africa.
| | - Joy Leaner
- Department of Environmental Affairs and Developmental Planning, Western Cape Government, South Africa.
| | - Mohamed F Jeebhay
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Occupational Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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14
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Neisi A, Borsi SH, Dastoorpoor M, Kiasat N, Goudarzi G, AlizadehAttar G, Angali KA, AlizadehAttar S. Relationship between environmental Fungi and changes in lung function indices of new referral allergic patients in Ahvaz city under normal and dust conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2019; 17:961-967. [PMID: 32030166 PMCID: PMC6985357 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-019-00411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aim of this study was to determine whether any specific fungal spores could be responsible for changes observed in lung function indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1042 new allergic patients were selected from July 2017 to May 2018 in Ahvaz City, Iran. Fungal samples were collected in normal and dusty condition within 5 and 2 min, respectively. Sampling was repeated once every 6 days and also in the dusty days. RESULTS Average numbers of fungi colony were 639.86 and 836.44 CFU m-3 under normal and dusty conditions, respectively. Most common fungi in Ahwaz City air were Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Flavus and Alternaria sp.. Highest fungal mean concentrations, 392 and 480 CFU m-3, were related to Cladosporium sp. under normal and dust conditions, respectively. Average total numbers of colony fungal were 614, 483, 1082, 424 CFU m-3 and 856, 701, 1418, 418 CFU m-3 during the spring, summer, autumn, and winter under normal and dusty conditions, respectively. Patients were evaluated by measured lung function parameters of FEV1 (L), FEV1 (%pred), FVC (L), FVC (%pred), and FEV1/FVC ratio with mean values of 1.85, 58.32, 2.63, 68.18, and 69.43, respectively. CONCLUSION Increases in mean total spores of fungi in spring were accompanied by decreases in FEV1/FVC ratio. Enhanced spores of Cladosporium sp. in spring led to reduced FEV1/FVC ratio. Increase the spores of Curvularia sp. in summer decreased by FEF25-75%. The augmented spores of Drechslera sp. in summer were associated with declined FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio. Enhanced fungal spores of Rhizopus sp. in spring resulted in lowered FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and FEF25-75%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolkazem Neisi
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health Faculty, Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed-Hamid Borsi
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Dastoorpoor
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Neda Kiasat
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Goudarzi
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health Faculty, Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza AlizadehAttar
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Somayeh AlizadehAttar
- Environmental Health Department, Public Health Faculty, Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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15
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Tham R, Erbas B, Dharmage SC, Tang ML, Aldakheel F, Lodge CJ, Thomas PS, Taylor PE, Abramson MJ, Lowe AJ. Outdoor fungal spores and acute respiratory effects in vulnerable individuals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108675. [PMID: 31450143 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many outdoor fungal spores are ubiquitous, respirable and possibly allergenic. They may contribute to asthma symptoms; however, little is known about their effects on respiratory function. OBJECTIVE To investigate if outdoor fungal spore levels were associated with lung function or airway inflammation, and whether fungal sensitization or current asthma modified any associations. METHODS Cross-sectional associations between same day (Lag0) and cumulative 3-day lagged (Lag0-3) counts of 12 outdoor fungal spore taxa and pre-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEF25%-75%), bronchodilator response (BDR) and airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) nitrogen oxides (NOx) and pH were investigated in 936 Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study participants during September 2009 to December 2011. Generalized linear models were used to quantify associations with lung function, FeNO and EBC pH; generalized estimating equations for BDR; and ordinal logistic regression for EBC NOx. Models were adjusted for age, sex, height, temperature, relative humidity, grass pollen and sample storage time. Potential effect modification by fungal sensitization and current asthma were examined using interaction terms. RESULTS Mixed associations were found. Higher levels of Ustilago/smuts were associated with lower lung function at Lag0 (FEV1: 21ml [95%CI -36, -7]; FEF25%-75%: 39ml [-65, -13]) and Lag0-3 (FEV1: 9ml [-14, -4]; FEF25%-75% -18ml [-27, -9]). Positive BDR was associated with Ustilago/smuts (Lag0 OR = 1.1 [1.04, 1.2]; Lag0-3 OR = 1.04 [1.02, 1.07]), Alternaria (Lag0 OR = 1.3 [1.0, 1.6]) and Drechslera (Lag0 OR = 1.1 [1.03, 1.2]). Higher EBC NOx was associated with Cladosporium (Lag0-3 OR = 1.1 [1.0, 1.2]), Alternaria (Lag0-3 OR = 1.1 [1.0, 1.3]). No associations were found with higher FeNO. In those with fungal sensitization, Ustilago/smuts and Drechslera were associated with lower FEV1 and FVC; Cladosporium was associated with increased FEV1, FVC and FEF25%-75% but also with higher FeNO and lower EBC pH. In those with current asthma, Alternaria, Ustilago/smuts and Drechslera were associated with lower FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75% and EBC pH. CONCLUSION Exposure to outdoor fungal spores may be associated with lower lung function and increased airway inflammation, particularly in those with fungal sensitization and/or current asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mimi Lk Tang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fahad Aldakheel
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Caroline J Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul S Thomas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip E Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Azmeh R, Greydanus DE, Agana MG, Dickson CA, Patel DR, Ischander MM, Lloyd RD. Update in Pediatric Asthma: Selected Issues. Dis Mon 2019; 66:100886. [PMID: 31570159 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex condition that affects 14% of the world's children and the approach to management includes both pharmacologic as well as non-pharmacologic strategies including attention to complex socioeconomic status phenomena. After an historical consideration of asthma, allergic and immunologic aspects of asthma in children and adolescents are presented. Concepts of socioeconomic aspects of asthma are considered along with environmental features and complications of asthma disparities. Also reviewed are links of asthma with mental health disorders, sleep disturbances and other comorbidities. A stepwise approach to asthma management is discussed that includes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies in the pediatric population. The role of immunotherapy and use of various immunomodulators are considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua Azmeh
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States.
| | - Marisha G Agana
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Cheryl A Dickson
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States; Health Equity and Community Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
| | - Dilip R Patel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Mariam M Ischander
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Robert D Lloyd
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Yakima, Washington, United States
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17
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Bundle N, Verlander NQ, Morbey R, Edeghere O, Balasegaram S, de Lusignan S, Smith G, Elliot AJ. Monitoring epidemiological trends in back to school asthma among preschool and school-aged children using real-time syndromic surveillance in England, 2012-2016. J Epidemiol Community Health 2019; 73:825-831. [PMID: 31262728 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2018-211936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Back to school (BTS) asthma has been previously reported in children; however, its epidemiology and associated healthcare burden are unclear. We aimed to describe the timing and magnitude of BTS asthma using surveillance data from different health services in England. METHODS : Asthma morbidity data from emergency department attendances and general practitioner (GP) consultations between April 2012 and December 2016 were used from national syndromic surveillance systems in England. Age-specific and sex-specific rates and time series of asthma peaks relative to school term dates were described. The timing of a BTS excess period and adjusted rates of asthma relative to a baseline period were estimated using cumulative sum control chart plots and negative binomial regression. RESULTS : BTS asthma among children aged below 15 years was most pronounced at the start of the school year in September. This effect was not present among those aged 15 years and above. After controlling for sex and study year, the adjusted daily rate of childhood GP in-hours asthma consultations was 2.5-3 times higher in the BTS excess period, with a significantly higher effect among children aged 0-4 years. A distinct age-specific pattern of sex differences in asthma presentations was present, with a higher burden among males in children and among females aged over 15 years. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of a BTS asthma peak in children using surveillance data across a range of healthcare systems, supporting the need for further preventative work to reduce the impact of BTS asthma in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bundle
- United Kingdom Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Public Health England, London, UK.,Field Epidemiology South East and London, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Neville Q Verlander
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Roger Morbey
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Obaghe Edeghere
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Sooria Balasegaram
- Field Epidemiology South East and London, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- Research & Surveillance Centre, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Gillian Smith
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Alex J Elliot
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
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18
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Harun NS, Lachapelle P, Douglass J. Thunderstorm-triggered asthma: what we know so far. J Asthma Allergy 2019; 12:101-108. [PMID: 31190900 PMCID: PMC6512777 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s175155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Thunderstorm-triggered asthma (TA) is the occurrence of acute asthma attacks immediately following a thunderstorm. Epidemics have occurred across the world during pollen season and have the capacity to rapidly inundate a health care service, resulting in potentially catastrophic outcomes for patients. TA occurs when specific meteorological and aerobiological factors combine to affect predisposed patients. Thunderstorm outflows can concentrate aeroallergens, most commonly grass pollen in TA, at ground level to release respirable allergenic particles after rupture by osmotic shock related to humidity and rainfall. Inhalation of high concentrations of these aeroallergens by sensitized individuals can induce early asthmatic responses which are followed by a late inflammatory phase. Other environmental factors such as rapid temperature change and agricultural practices contribute to the causation of TA. The most lethal TA event occurred in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016. Studies on the affected individuals found TA to be associated with allergic rhinitis, ryegrass pollen sensitization, pre-existing asthma, poor adherence to inhaled corticosteroid preventer therapy, hospital admission for asthma in the previous year and outdoor location at the time of the storm. Patients without a prior history of asthma were also affected. These factors are important in extending our understanding of the etiology of TA and associated clinical indicators as well as possible biomarkers which may aid in predicting those at risk and thus those who should be targeted in prevention campaigns. Education on the importance of recognizing asthma symptoms, adherence to asthma treatment and controlling seasonal allergic rhinitis is vital in preventing TA. Consideration of allergen immunotherapy in selected patients may also mitigate risk of future TA. Epidemic TA events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity with climate change, and identifying susceptible patients and preventing poor outcomes is a key research and public health policy priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur-Shirin Harun
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Lung Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Philippe Lachapelle
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Pulmonary Division, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jo Douglass
- Lung Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia
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19
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Isiugo K, Jandarov R, Cox J, Ryan P, Newman N, Grinshpun SA, Indugula R, Vesper S, Reponen T. Indoor particulate matter and lung function in children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 663:408-417. [PMID: 30716631 PMCID: PMC6392459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
People generally spend more time indoors than outdoors resulting in a higher proportion of exposure to particulate matter (PM) occurring indoors. Consequently, indoor PM levels, in contrast to outdoor PM levels, may have a stronger relationship with lung function. To test this hypothesis, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and fungal spore data were simultaneously collected from the homes of forty-four asthmatic children aged 10-16 years. An optical absorption technique was utilized on the collected PM2.5 mass to obtain concentrations of black carbon (BC) and ultraviolet light absorbing particulate matter, (UVPM; a marker of light absorbing PM2.5 emitted from smoldering organics). Enrolled children completed spirometry after environmental measurements were made. Given the high correlation between PM2.5, BC, and UVPM, principal component analysis was used to obtain uncorrelated summaries of the measured PM. Separate linear mixed-effect models were developed to estimate the association between principal components of the PM variables and spirometry values, as well as the uncorrelated original PM variables and spirometry values. A one-unit increase in the first principal component variable representing indoor PM (predominantly composed of UVPM and PM2.5) was associated with 4.1% decrease (99% CI = -6.9, -1.4) in FEV1/FVC ratio. 11.3 μg/m3 increase in indoor UVPM was associated with 6.4% and 14.7% decrease (99% CI = -10.4, -2.4 and 99% CI = -26.3, -2.9, respectively) in percent predicted FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75 respectively. Additionally, 17.7 μg/m3 increase in indoor PM2.5 was associated with 6.1% and 12.9% decrease (99% CI = -10.2, -1.9 and 99% CI = -24.9, -1.0, respectively) in percent predicted FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75, respectively. Outdoor PM, indoor BC, and indoor fungal spores were not significantly associated with lung function. The results indicate that indoor PM is more strongly associated with lung function in children with asthma as compared with outdoor PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelechi Isiugo
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roman Jandarov
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennie Cox
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; University of Cincinnati, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Newman
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; University of Cincinnati, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sergey A Grinshpun
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Reshmi Indugula
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Tiina Reponen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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20
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James KA, Strand M, Hamer MK, Cicutto L. Health Services Utilization in Asthma Exacerbations and PM 10 Levels in Rural Colorado. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018; 15:947-954. [PMID: 29979621 PMCID: PMC6322037 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201804-273oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The San Luis Valley in rural Colorado often has elevated levels of ambient particulate matter. To date little is known about the impact of ambient particulate matter levels and medical care utilization due to asthma exacerbation in rural communities. OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of ambient particulate matter concentrations on emergency/urgent visits and hospitalizations for asthma in a rural community. METHODS Daily ambient particulate matter concentrations from an air quality monitor in the San Luis Valley (2003-2012) were obtained from the state health department. Deidentified data for emergency/urgent visits with a diagnosis code for asthma were collected from the local health care system organization. A generalized linear model using splines and employing generalized estimating equations for correlated measures over time was used to examine the association between daily counts of emergency/urgent visits for asthma and 3- to 5-day averaged ambient particulate matter concentrations. RESULTS For each 15-μg/m3 increase in 3-day averaged ambient particulate matter, there was an associated 3.1% increase in hospital counts for all patients with asthma (95% confidence interval, 0.3-5.9%; P = 0.03). When the 3-day average exceeded 50 μg/m3, asthma hospital visits increased by 16.8% (P = 0.03), and when it exceeded 100 μg/m3, visits increased by 65.8% (P = 0.002). In children, the odds of one asthma event requiring an emergency/urgent care visit increased 5.0% with each 15-μg/m3 increase in 3-day averaged ambient particulate matter (P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS We observed associations between ambient air levels of particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm and emergency/urgent care visits and hospitalization counts in a rural U.S. community prone to dust storms and Environmental Protection Agency exceedances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Cicutto
- 1 University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and
- 2 National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
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21
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Žukovskaja O, Kloß S, Blango MG, Ryabchykov O, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA, Bocklitz TW, Cialla-May D, Weber K, Popp J. UV-Raman Spectroscopic Identification of Fungal Spores Important for Respiratory Diseases. Anal Chem 2018; 90:8912-8918. [PMID: 29956919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fungal spores are one of several environmental factors responsible for causing respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and aspergillosis. These spores also are able to trigger exacerbations during chronic forms of disease. Different fungal spores may contain different allergens and mycotoxins, therefore the health hazards are varying between the species. Thus, it is highly important quickly to identify the composition of fungal spores in the air. In this study, UV-Raman spectroscopy with an excitation wavelength of 244 nm was applied to investigate eight different fungal species implicated in respiratory diseases worldwide. Here, we demonstrate that darkly colored spores can be directly examined, and UV-Raman spectroscopy provides the information sufficient for classifying fungal spores. Classification models on the genus, species, and strain levels were built using a combination of principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis followed by evaluation with leave-one-batch-out-cross-validation. At the genus level an accuracy of 97.5% was achieved, whereas on the species level four different Aspergillus species were classified with 100% accuracy. Finally, classifying three strains of Aspergillus fumigatus an accuracy of 89.4% was reached. These results demonstrate that UV-Raman spectroscopy in combination with innovative chemometrics allows for fast identification of fungal spores and can be a potential alternative to currently used time-consuming cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Žukovskaja
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Research Campus Infectognostic , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Sandra Kloß
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Matthew G Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology , Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI) , Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Oleg Ryabchykov
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology , Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI) , Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology , Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI) , Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology , Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Neugasse 25 , 07743 Jena , Germany
| | - Thomas W Bocklitz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Dana Cialla-May
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Research Campus Infectognostic , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Karina Weber
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Research Campus Infectognostic , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics , Friedrich Schiller University Jena , Helmholtzweg 4 , 07745 Jena , Germany.,Research Campus Infectognostic , Philosophenweg 7 , 07743 Jena , Germany.,Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena-Member of the Research Alliance "Leibniz Health Technologies" , Albert-Einstein-Straße 9 , 07745 Jena , Germany
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22
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Guilbert A, Cox B, Bruffaerts N, Hoebeke L, Packeu A, Hendrickx M, De Cremer K, Bladt S, Brasseur O, Van Nieuwenhuyse A. Relationships between aeroallergen levels and hospital admissions for asthma in the Brussels-Capital Region: a daily time series analysis. Environ Health 2018; 17:35. [PMID: 29642904 PMCID: PMC5896062 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor pollen grain and fungal spore concentrations have been associated with severe asthma exacerbations at the population level. The specific impact of each taxon and the concomitant effect of air pollution on these symptoms have, however, still to be better characterized. This study aimed to investigate the short-term associations between ambient concentrations of various aeroallergens and hospitalizations related to asthma in the Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium), an area recording especially high rates of admissions. METHODS Based on administrative records of asthma hospitalizations and regular monitoring of 11 tree/herbaceous pollen taxa and 2 fungal spore taxa, daily time series analyses covering the 2008-2013 period were performed. Effects up to 6 days after exposure were captured by combining quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag models, adjusting for seasonal and long-term trends, day of the week, public holidays, mean temperature and relative humidity. Effect modification by age and air pollution (PM, NO2, O3) was tested. RESULTS A significant increase in asthma hospitalizations was observed for an interquartile range increase in grass (5.9%, 95% CI: 0.0, 12.0), birch (3.2%, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.3) and hornbeam (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.2, 1.3) pollen concentrations. For several taxa including grasses, an age modification effect was notable, the hospitalization risk tending to be higher in individuals younger than 60 years. Air pollutants impacted the relationships too: the risk appeared to be stronger for grass and birch pollen concentrations in case of high PM10 and O3 concentrations respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that airborne grass, birch and hornbeam pollen are associated with severe asthma exacerbations in the Brussels region. These compounds appear to act in synergy with air pollution and to more specifically affect young and intermediate age groups. Most of these life-threatening events could theoretically be prevented with improved disease diagnosis/management and targeted communication actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Guilbert
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek Agoralaan Gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Bruffaerts
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucie Hoebeke
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Packeu
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke Hendrickx
- Mycology and Aerobiology Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen De Cremer
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Bladt
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Brasseur
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Health and Environment Unit, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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23
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Passali D, Cingi C, Staffa P, Passali F, Muluk NB, Bellussi ML. The International Study of the Allergic Rhinitis Survey: outcomes from 4 geographical regions. Asia Pac Allergy 2018; 8:e7. [PMID: 29423374 PMCID: PMC5796967 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and is characterised by one or more symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. Objective We investigated the features of AR and the physician's approach to the management of AR patients in four geographical regions. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey concerning AR was completed by Honorary and Corresponding Members of the Italian Society of Rhinology from different countries among 4 world geographical regions—Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Results The prevalence of AR was reported to be 15%–25%. Children and adolescents, as well as young adults, were the age groups more affected by AR with comorbidities of asthma, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and nasal polyposis. Nasal symptoms of AR were more intense in the spring (51.92%) and autumn (28.85%). The most common aero-allergens were pollen and mites (67.31%), animal dander and pollutants (23.08%), and fungal allergens (21.15%). Allergen-specific immunotherapy was prescribed for both perennial and seasonal allergens (32.69%) via sublingual swallow (46.15%) and subcutaneous (32.69%) routes. For the AR patients, the most prescribed drugs were intranasal corticosteroids (86.54%) and oral H1-antihistamines (82.69%). Conclusion A network of experts can improve our knowledge concerning AR epidemiology, and together with guidelines, could assist practitioners and otolaryngologists in standardising the diagnosis and treatment of AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiderio Passali
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cemal Cingi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, 26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Paola Staffa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Nuray Bayar Muluk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Medicine, 71450 Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Maria Luisa Bellussi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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24
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Osborne NJ, Alcock I, Wheeler BW, Hajat S, Sarran C, Clewlow Y, McInnes RN, Hemming D, White M, Vardoulakis S, Fleming LE. Pollen exposure and hospitalization due to asthma exacerbations: daily time series in a European city. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:1837-1848. [PMID: 28500390 PMCID: PMC5643363 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to pollen can contribute to increased hospital admissions for asthma exacerbation. This study applied an ecological time series analysis to examine associations between atmospheric concentrations of different pollen types and the risk of hospitalization for asthma in London from 2005 to 2011. The analysis examined short-term associations between daily pollen counts and hospital admissions in the presence of seasonal and long-term patterns, and allowed for time lags between exposure and admission. Models were adjusted for temperature, precipitation, humidity, day of week, and air pollutants. Analyses revealed an association between daily counts (continuous) of grass pollen and adult hospital admissions for asthma in London, with a 4-5-day lag. When grass pollen concentrations were categorized into Met Office pollen 'alert' levels, 'very high' days (vs. 'low') were associated with increased admissions 2-5 days later, peaking at an incidence rate ratio of 1.46 (95%, CI 1.20-1.78) at 3 days. Increased admissions were also associated with 'high' versus 'low' pollen days at a 3-day lag. Results from tree pollen models were inconclusive and likely to have been affected by the shorter pollen seasons and consequent limited number of observation days with higher tree pollen concentrations. Future reductions in asthma hospitalizations may be achieved by better understanding of environmental risks, informing improved alert systems and supporting patients to take preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Osborne
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK.
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Ian Alcock
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Rachel N McInnes
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
- Met Office Hadley Centre, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB, UK
| | | | - Mathew White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Environmental Change Department, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
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25
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Tham R, Katelaris CH, Vicendese D, Dharmage SC, Lowe AJ, Bowatte G, Taylor P, Burton P, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. The role of outdoor fungi on asthma hospital admissions in children and adolescents: A 5-year time stratified case-crossover analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:42-49. [PMID: 28024227 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some fungal spores can trigger asthma exacerbation but knowledge of which outdoor fungal spores contribute to asthma hospitalisation is limited. OBJECTIVES To examine the role of outdoor fungal spores in child and adolescent asthma hospitalisations. METHODS We conducted a bi-directional time-stratified case-crossover study of child and adolescent asthma hospitalisations over 5 years. Conditional logistic regression assessed the role of 20 fungi taxa (Same day [L0] and lagged [L1-3]) adjusted for maximum temperature, humidity and grass pollen. Strata specific effects were explored if there was evidence of effect modification by age, sex, air pollutants or grass pollen. Non-linear effects examined with Generalized Additive Models. RESULTS Of 2098 children hospitalised for asthma, 60% were boys; mean age was 5.5±3.7 years. Fungal spore counts peaked during warm months. Regression models found weak associations with Coprinus [L0,L1: OR=1.03, 1.01-1.06], Periconia [L0: OR=1.03, 1.001-1.07] and Chaetomium [L2: OR=1.08, 1.0-1.2]. Sex appeared to act as an effect modifier with girls having stronger associations with Cladosporium, Coprinus and total fungi. Older adolescent (14-18 years) hospitalisation was significantly associated with Coprinus and Ustilago/smuts. Air pollutants and grass pollen did not appear to act as effect modifiers. Non-linearity was not detected. CONCLUSION There may be associations between some outdoor fungal spores and asthma hospitalisations. Further research needed to explore whether these findings can be replicated; and examine whether fungal sensitisation and/or human rhinovirus infections are associated with stronger effects. If findings are replicated, then the need to develop predictive models for fungal spore distribution and levels may become more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Constance H Katelaris
- Western Sydney University, Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gayan Bowatte
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Philip Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Pamela Burton
- Western Sydney University, Department of Medicine, Immunology and Allergy, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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26
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Camacho I, Grinn-Gofroń A, Camacho R, Berenguer P, Sadyś M. Madeira-a tourist destination for asthma sufferers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:1739-1751. [PMID: 27240963 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Madeira Island is a famous tourist destination due to its natural and climatic values. Taking into account optimal weather conditions, flora richness and access to various substrates facilitating fungal growth, we hypothesised a very high risk of elevated fungal spore and pollen grain concentrations in the air of Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Concentration levels of the most allergenic taxa were measured from 2003 to 2009, using a 7-day volumetric air sampler, followed by microscopy analysis. Dependence of bioaerosols on the weather conditions and land use were assessed using spatial and statistical tools. Obtained results were re-visited by a comparison with hospital admission data recorded at the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal. Our results showed that despite propitious climatic conditions, overall pollen grain and fungal spore concentrations in the air were very low and did not exceed any clinically established threshold values. Pollen and spore peak concentrations also did not match with asthma outbreaks in the winter. Identification of places that are "free" from biological air pollution over the summer, such as Madeira Island, is very important from the allergic point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Camacho
- Life Science Competence Centre, Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal.
| | - Agnieszka Grinn-Gofroń
- Department of Plant Taxonomy and Phytogeography, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13 Street, 71-415, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Roberto Camacho
- Life Science Competence Centre, Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Pedro Berenguer
- Centro de Química da Madeira (CQM), Madeira University, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390, Funchal, Portugal
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27
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Contribution of Leptosphaeria species ascospores to autumn asthma in areas of oilseed rape production. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016; 117:495-501.e1. [PMID: 27788878 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increase in the number of hospital admissions from September to November in the northern hemisphere has been frequently reported. At this time, some species of fungal genus Leptosphaeria produce numerous ascospores, which are easily airborne. However, we lack knowledge about whether Leptosphaeria produces allergenic proteins. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of Leptosphaeria ascospores to contribute to autumn asthma. METHODS Detailed bioinformatic analysis of proteins produced by Leptosphaeria maculans available in databases was performed and the data compared with allergens found in other airborne fungi. The concentrations of Leptosphaeria ascospores detected at 2 sites were compared to these obtained in other environments worldwide. RESULTS We found that Leptosphaeria species produce proteins with a high identity to commonly known aeroallergens of several well-characterized molds. The level of amino acid identity significantly exceeded the allergen identity thresholds recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (35%), which indicates allergenic properties of L maculans and ensures the same properties in the other Leptosphaeria species. CONCLUSION High concentrations of Leptosphaeria species ascospores in the autumn and postulated allergenicity of their proteins strongly suggest that this genus contributes to worldwide reported autumn asthma. The finding opens the question of allergenicity of the other never studied fungal species present in aeroplankton.
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28
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Kallawicha K, Chuang YC, Lung SCC, Han BC, Ting YF, Chao HJ. Exposure to ambient bioaerosols is associated with allergic skin diseases in Greater Taipei residents. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 216:845-850. [PMID: 27389548 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Allergic skin diseases may result from various types of chemical and biological allergens. This study investigated the association between ambient bioaerosol exposure and allergic skin diseases by using the exposure data obtained from land use regression models and interpolated data. Data on daily average outpatient visits for atopic dermatitis (ICD-9-CM 691.8) and contact dermatitis and other eczema (ICD-9-CM 692.9) between November 2011 and August 2012 were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the associations between the skin diseases and ambient bioaerosol levels. The results indicated that during the study period, contact dermatitis and other eczema were more prevalent than atopic dermatitis in the study area. Most cases were observed in districts of Taipei City and 3 major districts of New Taipei City, namely Xinzhuang, Banqiao, and Xindian. In univariate analysis, most bioaerosols were positively associated with both skin diseases. After adjustment for air pollution and sociodemographic factors, exposure to total fungal spores was significantly associated with atopic dermatitis in males (relative risk [RR] = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.19). Contact dermatitis and other eczema had significant relationships with Cladosporium in males (RR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.02-1.14) and with Aspergillus/Penicillium in females (RR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02-1.07). Meteorological parameters, namely wind speed, temperature, and rainfall, were also significantly associated with skin diseases. Our findings reveal that exposure to ambient bioaerosols is a significant and independent risk factor for allergic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kraiwuth Kallawicha
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Bor-Cheng Han
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Ting
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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29
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Tham R, Vicendese D, Dharmage SC, Hyndman RJ, Newbigin E, Lewis E, O'Sullivan M, Lowe AJ, Taylor P, Bardin P, Tang MLK, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. Associations between outdoor fungal spores and childhood and adolescent asthma hospitalizations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:1140-1147.e4. [PMID: 27523960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood asthma is a significant public health problem and severe exacerbations can result in diminished quality of life and hospitalization. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the contribution of outdoor fungi to childhood and adolescent asthma hospitalizations. METHODS The Melbourne Air Pollen Children and Adolescent study is a case-crossover study of 644 children and adolescents (aged 2-17 years) hospitalized for asthma. The Melbourne Air Pollen Children and Adolescent study collected individual data on human rhinovirus infection and sensitization to Alternaria and Cladosporium and daily counts of ambient concentrations of fungal spores, pollen, and air pollutants. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess associations with increases in spore counts while controlling for potential confounding and testing interactions. RESULTS Exposure to Alternaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), Leptosphaeria (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), Coprinus (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), Drechslera (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05), and total spores (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09) was significantly associated with child asthma hospitalizations independent of human rhinovirus infection. There were significant lagged effects up to 3 days with Alternaria, Leptosphaeria, Cladosporium, Sporormiella, Coprinus, and Drechslera. Some of these associations were significantly greater in participants with Cladosporium sensitization. CONCLUSIONS Exposures to several outdoor fungal spore taxa, including some not reported in previous research, are associated with the risk of child and adolescent asthma hospitalization, particularly in individuals sensitized to Cladosporium. We need further studies to examine cross-reactivity causing asthma exacerbations. Identifying sensitization to multiple fungal allergens in children with asthma could support the design and implementation of more effective strategies to prevent asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Don Vicendese
- School of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali C Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rob J Hyndman
- Department of Econometrics & Business Statistics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ed Newbigin
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Lewis
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Molly O'Sullivan
- Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian J Lowe
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip Taylor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Philip Bardin
- Monash Lung & Sleep, Monash Medical Centre and University and Hudson Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Allergy & Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bircan Erbas
- School of Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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30
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Yoo Y. Does Specific Fungal Allergen Really Matter? ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2016; 8:389-90. [PMID: 27334775 PMCID: PMC4921691 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2016.8.5.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea. .,Allergy Immunology Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Allergen Challenge Chamber: an innovative solution in allergic rhinitis diagnosis. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2015; 32:421-5. [PMID: 26755904 PMCID: PMC4697023 DOI: 10.5114/pdia.2015.56096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Allergen Challenge Chamber (ACC) is definitely a serious challenge on the one hand and an innovative solution in allergic rhinitis diagnosis on the other. The gradual validation of the chamber (according to the test protocol) will allow for standardisation, which is a process undertaken by centres worldwide. The process of designing a consistent system that allows for creating conditions as those in the case of natural inhalation took into account all the aspects (technical specification) necessary to ensure appropriate inhalation.
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32
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Fernández-Rodríguez S, Sadyś M, Smith M, Tormo-Molina R, Skjøth CA, Maya-Manzano JM, Silva-Palacios I, Gonzalo-Garijo Á. Potential sources of airborne Alternaria spp. spores in South-west Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 533:165-76. [PMID: 26156135 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Fungi belonging to the genus of Alternaria are recognised as being significant plant pathogens, and Alternaria allergens are one of the most important causes of respiratory allergic diseases in Europe. This study aims to provide a detailed and original analysis of Alternaria transport dynamics in Badajoz, SW Spain. This was achieved by examining daily mean and hourly observations of airborne Alternaria spores recorded during days with high airborne concentrations of Alternaria spores (>100 s m(-3)) from 2009 to 2011, as well as four inventory maps of major Alternaria habitats, the overall synoptic weather situation and analysis of air mass transport using Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model and geographic information systems. Land use calculated within a radius of 100 km from Badajoz shows that crops and grasslands are potentially the most important local sources of airborne Alternaria spores recorded at the site. The results of back trajectory analysis show that, during the examined four episodes, the two main directions where Alternaria source areas were located were: (1) SW-W; and (2) NW-NE. Regional scale and long distance transport could therefore supplement the airborne catch recorded at Badajoz with Alternaria conidia originating from sources such as crops and orchards situated in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Fernández-Rodríguez
- University of Extremadura, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Avda Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Magdalena Sadyś
- University of Worcester, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, United Kingdom; Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Smith
- Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Biology, Laboratory of Aeropalynology, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Rafael Tormo-Molina
- University of Extremadura, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Avda Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Carsten Ambelas Skjøth
- University of Worcester, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ, United Kingdom
| | - José María Maya-Manzano
- University of Extremadura, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Avda Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Silva-Palacios
- University of Extremadura, Department of Applied Physics, Engineering Agricultural School, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ángela Gonzalo-Garijo
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Department of Allergology, 06080 Badajoz, Spain
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Abstract
Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children. It cannot be prevented but can be controlled. Industrialized countries experience high lifetime asthma prevalence that has increased over recent decades. Asthma has a complex interplay of genetic and environmental triggers. Studies have revealed complex interactions of lung structure and function genes with environmental exposures such as environmental tobacco smoke and vitamin D. Home environmental strategies can reduce asthma morbidity in children but should be tailored to specific allergens. Coupled with education and severity-specific asthma therapy, tailored interventions may be the most effective strategy to manage childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P Hollenbach
- Department of Pediatrics, Asthma Center, The Children's Center for Community Research, CT Children's Medical Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Michelle M Cloutier
- Department of Pediatrics, Asthma Center, The Children's Center for Community Research, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA.
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Zimmermann B, Tkalčec Z, Mešić A, Kohler A. Characterizing aeroallergens by infrared spectroscopy of fungal spores and pollen. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124240. [PMID: 25867755 PMCID: PMC4395086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal spores and plant pollen cause respiratory diseases in susceptible individuals, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aeroallergen monitoring networks are an important part of treatment strategies, but unfortunately traditional analysis is time consuming and expensive. We have explored the use of infrared spectroscopy of pollen and spores for an inexpensive and rapid characterization of aeroallergens. Methodology The study is based on measurement of spore and pollen samples by single reflectance attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SR-ATR FTIR). The experimental set includes 71 spore (Basidiomycota) and 121 pollen (Pinales, Fagales and Poales) samples. Along with fresh basidiospores, the study has been conducted on the archived samples collected within the last 50 years. Results The spectroscopic-based methodology enables clear spectral differentiation between pollen and spores, as well as the separation of confamiliar and congeneric species. In addition, the analysis of the scattering signals inherent in the infrared spectra indicates that the FTIR methodology offers indirect estimation of morphology of pollen and spores. The analysis of fresh and archived spores shows that chemical composition of spores is well preserved even after decades of storage, including the characteristic taxonomy-related signals. Therefore, biochemical analysis of fungal spores by FTIR could provide economical, reliable and timely methodologies for improving fungal taxonomy, as well as for fungal identification and monitoring. This proof of principle study shows the potential for using FTIR as a rapid tool in aeroallergen studies. In addition, the presented method is ready to be immediately implemented in biological and ecological studies for direct measurement of pollen and spores from flowers and sporocarps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Zimmermann
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Zdenko Tkalčec
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Armin Mešić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Achim Kohler
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Kanchongkittiphon W, Mendell MJ, Gaffin JM, Wang G, Phipatanakul W. Indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma: an update to the 2000 review by the Institute of Medicine. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:6-20. [PMID: 25303775 PMCID: PMC4286274 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found relationships between specific indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma. OBJECTIVES In this review we provide an updated summary of knowledge from the scientific literature on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma. METHODS Peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2013 on indoor exposures and exacerbation of asthma were identified through PubMed, from reference lists, and from authors' files. Articles that focused on modifiable indoor exposures in relation to frequency or severity of exacerbation of asthma were selected for review. Research findings were reviewed and summarized with consideration of the strength of the evidence. RESULTS Sixty-nine eligible articles were included. Major changed conclusions include a causal relationship with exacerbation for indoor dampness or dampness-related agents (in children); associations with exacerbation for dampness or dampness-related agents (in adults), endotoxin, and environmental tobacco smoke (in preschool children); and limited or suggestive evidence for association with exacerbation for indoor culturable Penicillium or total fungi, nitrogen dioxide, rodents (nonoccupational), feather/down pillows (protective relative to synthetic bedding), and (regardless of specific sensitization) dust mite, cockroach, dog, and dampness-related agents. DISCUSSION This review, incorporating evidence reported since 2000, increases the strength of evidence linking many indoor factors to the exacerbation of asthma. Conclusions should be considered provisional until all available evidence is examined more thoroughly. CONCLUSION Multiple indoor exposures, especially dampness-related agents, merit increased attention to prevent exacerbation of asthma, possibly even in nonsensitized individuals. Additional research to establish causality and evaluate interventions is needed for these and other indoor exposures.
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Tham R, Dharmage SC, Taylor PE, Katelaris CH, Vicendese D, Abramson MJ, Erbas B. Outdoor fungi and child asthma health service attendances. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2014; 25:439-49. [PMID: 24902620 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a significant global public health issue. Severe asthma exacerbations can be triggered by environmental factors and require medical care from health services. Although it is known that fungal exposure may lead to allergic sensitization, little is understood about its impact on asthma exacerbations. This review aims to examine whether outdoor fungi play a significant role in child asthma exacerbations. Systematic search of seven electronic databases and hand searching for peer-reviewed studies published in English, up to 31 August 2013. Inclusion criteria were study population aged <18 yr, diagnosis of asthma, attended a health service; outdoor fungi exposure was reported. Quality and risk of bias assessments were conducted. Due to significant heterogeneity, meta-analysis was not conducted. Of the 1896 articles found, 15 were eligible. Findings were not consistent, possibly due to methodological variations in exposure classifications, statistical methods and inclusion of confounders. Cross-sectional studies found no or weak associations. All but one time series studies indicated an association that varied between fungal species. Increasing evidence indicates that asthmatic children are susceptible to asthma exacerbations when exposed to outdoor fungal spores. There is limited understanding of the contributions of different fungal species. Research is needed to investigate interactions of outdoor fungi with pollen, air pollutants and respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tham
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Geiser M, Wigge C, Conrad ML, Eigeldinger-Berthou S, Künzi L, Garn H, Renz H, Mall MA. Nanoparticle uptake by airway phagocytes after fungal spore challenge in murine allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis. BMC Pulm Med 2014; 14:116. [PMID: 25027175 PMCID: PMC4110072 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-14-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In healthy lungs, deposited micrometer-sized particles are efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages present on airway surfaces; however, uptake of nanoparticles (NP) by macrophages appears less effective and is largely unstudied in lung disease. Using mouse models of allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we investigated NP uptake after challenge with common biogenic ambient air microparticles. Methods Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from diseased mice (allergic asthma: ovalbumin [OVA] sensitized and COPD: Scnn1b-transgenic [Tg]) and their respective healthy controls were exposed ex vivo first to 3-μm fungal spores of Calvatia excipuliformis and then to 20-nm gold (Au) NP. Electron microscopic imaging was performed and NP uptake was assessed by quantitative morphometry. Results Macrophages from diseased mice were significantly larger compared to controls in OVA-allergic versus sham controls and in Scnn1b-Tg versus wild type (WT) mice. The percentage of macrophages containing AuNP tended to be lower in Scnn1b-Tg than in WT mice. In all animal groups, fungal spores were localized in macrophage phagosomes, the membrane tightly surrounding the spore, whilst AuNP were found in vesicles largely exceeding NP size, co-localized in spore phagosomes and occasionally, in the cytoplasm. AuNP in vesicles were located close to the membrane. In BAL from OVA-allergic mice, 13.9 ± 8.3% of all eosinophils contained AuNP in vesicles exceeding NP size and close to the membrane. Conclusions Overall, AuNP uptake by BAL macrophages occurred mainly by co-uptake together with other material, including micrometer-sized ambient air particles like fungal spores. The lower percentage of NP containing macrophages in BAL from Scnn1b-Tg mice points to a change in the macrophage population from a highly to a less phagocytic phenotype. This likely contributes to inefficient macrophage clearance of NP in lung disease. Finally, the AuNP containing eosinophils in OVA-allergic mice show that other inflammatory cells present on airway surfaces may substantially contribute to NP uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Geiser
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Chen BY, Jasmine Chao H, Wu CF, Kim H, Honda Y, Guo YL. High ambient Cladosporium spores were associated with reduced lung function in schoolchildren in a longitudinal study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 481:370-376. [PMID: 24607630 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In our previous longitudinal study, we found that exposure to current levels of ambient total fungal spores was related to a reduction of childhood lung function. However, the biological properties of various taxa of fungal spores varied greatly, as well as their health effects. In this study, we aimed to determine whether any specific fungal spores were responsible for observed changes in lung function. METHODS Measurement of lung function was conducted for 100 elementary and middle-school students on 5-10 occasions from October 2007 to November 2009 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. During the week of each lung function measurement, continuous daily concentrations of fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday. The counts of fungal spores belonging to specific taxa were identified. A mixed-effect model with repeated measurements was used to analyze the association of lung function and exposure to each specific taxon of fungal spores. Forward stepwise regression was applied to determine which specific fungal spores were the most closely related to lung function changes. The non-linear relationship was examined using a generalized additive model. The piecewise linear regression was then applied to determine the threshold value. RESULTS A total of 824 measurements were obtained from 100 participants. Among all the species of fungal spores, only Cladosporium spores were found to be negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) one day later. This association was stronger than the one between the total spore counts and lung function. The threshold of exposure where lung function effect became observable was approximately 1,500 spores/m(3). CONCLUSION This study showed that ambient Cladosporium was most strongly associated with the observed lung function changes among schoolchildren. Replication of these preliminary findings in other geographic areas with different populations would be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Medicine and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - H Jasmine Chao
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fu Wu
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, NTU, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yasushi Honda
- Environmental Epidemiology Group, School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Medicine and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, NTU, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zubairi ABS, Azam I, Awan S, Zafar A, Imam AA. Association of airborne Aspergillus with asthma exacerbation in Southern Pakistan. Asia Pac Allergy 2014; 4:91-8. [PMID: 24809014 PMCID: PMC4005352 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2014.4.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to airborne fungi has been related with exacerbation of asthma in adults and children leading to increased outpatient, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Hypersensitivity to these airborne fungi may be an important initial predisposing factor in the development and exacerbation of asthma. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine an association between fungal types and spore concentrations with the risk of asthma exacerbation in adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2008 to August 2009 at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. All adult (age≥16 years) patients presenting to the hospital with acute asthma exacerbation were enrolled after informed consent. A home survey was conducted for each patient to assess their environmental characteristics. Indoor air samples were also obtained from the patient's home to determine the type and spore concentration of fungi within the week of their enrollment in the study. RESULTS Three hundred and ninety-one patients with an acute asthma exacerbation were enrolled during the study period. The mean age of participants was 46 years (standard deviation, ±18 years) and 247 (63.2%) were females. A trend of higher asthma enrollment associated with higher Aspergillus concentrations was found in two consecutive summers. A total of nineteen types of fungi were found in air samples. Aspergillus spp. was the most frequently isolated fungus with acute asthma exacerbation. CONCLUSION An association of higher concentration of indoor Aspergillus spp. with asthma exacerbation in adults was observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iqbal Azam
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Safia Awan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Afia Zafar
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
| | - Asif Ali Imam
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
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Denning DW, Pashley C, Hartl D, Wardlaw A, Godet C, Del Giacco S, Delhaes L, Sergejeva S. Fungal allergy in asthma-state of the art and research needs. Clin Transl Allergy 2014; 4:14. [PMID: 24735832 PMCID: PMC4005466 DOI: 10.1186/2045-7022-4-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitization to fungi and long term or uncontrolled fungal infection are associated with poor control of asthma, the likelihood of more severe disease and complications such as bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Modelling suggests that >6.5 million people have severe asthma with fungal sensitizations (SAFS), up to 50% of adult asthmatics attending secondary care have fungal sensitization, and an estimated 4.8 million adults have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). There is much uncertainty about which fungi and fungal allergens are relevant to asthma, the natural history of sensitisation to fungi, if there is an exposure response relationship for fungal allergy, and the pathogenesis and frequency of exacerbations and complications. Genetic associations have been described but only weakly linked to phenotypes. The evidence base for most management strategies in ABPA, SAFS and related conditions is weak. Yet straightforward clinical practice guidelines for management are required. The role of environmental monitoring and optimal means of controlling disease to prevent disability and complications are not yet clear. In this paper we set out the key evidence supporting the role of fungal exposure, sensitisation and infection in asthmatics, what is understood about pathogenesis and natural history and identify the numerous areas for research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Denning
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK ; Education and Research Centre, UHSM, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Catherine Pashley
- Leicester Institute for Lung Health and Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Domink Hartl
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrew Wardlaw
- Leicester Institute for Lung Health and Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK
| | - Cendrine Godet
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU la Milétrie, Poitiers, France
| | - Stefano Del Giacco
- Department of Medical Sciences "M. Aresu", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laurence Delhaes
- Biology & Diversity of Emerging Eukaryotic Pathogens (BDEEP), Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019, CNRS UMR8204, IFR142, Lille Pasteur Institute, Lille Nord de France University (EA4547), Lille, France ; Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Regional Hospital Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lille, France
| | - Svetlana Sergejeva
- Translational Immunology Group, Institute of Technology, Tartu University, Tartu, Estonia ; North Estonia Medical Centre, Tallinn, Estonia
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Aggarwal AN, Chakrabarti A. Does climate mould the influence of mold on asthma? Lung India 2013; 30:273-6. [PMID: 24339481 PMCID: PMC3841680 DOI: 10.4103/0970-2113.120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Nath Aggarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Canova C, Heinrich J, Anto JM, Leynaert B, Smith M, Kuenzli N, Zock JP, Janson C, Cerveri I, de Marco R, Toren K, Gislason T, Nowak D, Pin I, Wjst M, Manfreda J, Svanes C, Crane J, Abramson M, Burr M, Burney P, Jarvis D. The influence of sensitisation to pollens and moulds on seasonal variations in asthma attacks. Eur Respir J 2013; 42:935-45. [PMID: 23471350 PMCID: PMC3787817 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00097412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
No large study has described the seasonal variation in asthma attacks in
population-based asthmatics in whom sensitisation to allergen has been
measured. 2637 young adults with asthma living in 15 countries reported the months in which
they usually had attacks of asthma and had skin-prick tests performed.
Differences in seasonal patterns by sensitisation status were assessed using
generalised estimating equations. Most young adults with asthma reported periods of the year when their asthma
attacks were more common (range: 47% in Sweden to 86% in
Spain). Seasonal variation in asthma was not modified by sensitisation to
house dust mite or cat allergens. Asthmatics sensitised to grass, birch and
Alternaria allergens had different seasonal patterns to
those not sensitised to each allergen, with some geographical variation. In
southern Europe, those sensitised to grass allergens were more likely to report
attacks occurred in spring or summer than in winter (OR March/April 2.60,
95% CI 1.70–3.97; OR May/June 4.43, 95% CI
2.34–8.39) and smaller later peaks were observed in northern Europe
(OR May/June 1.25, 95% CI 0.60–2.64; OR July/August 1.66,
95% CI 0.89–3.10). Asthmatics reporting hay fever but who were
not sensitised to grass showed no seasonal variations. Seasonal variations in asthma attacks in young adults are common and are
different depending on sensitisation to outdoor, but not indoor, allergens. Seasonal variation in asthma attacks is associated with sensitisation to
pollens and moulds, but not indoor allergenshttp://ow.ly/nsuRS
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Gonzalez-Barcala FJ, Aboal-Viñas J, Aira MJ, Regueira-Méndez C, Valdes-Cuadrado L, Carreira J, Garcia-Sanz MT, Takkouche B. Influence of pollen level on hospitalizations for asthma. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2013; 68:66-71. [PMID: 23428055 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2011.638950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The effect of pollen level on asthma hospitalizations is still under debate. The aim of this study was to analyze hospital admissions due to asthma and its relation with environmental pollen and meteorological factors. During 13 years, we included every patient admitted with asthma as primary or secondary diagnosis. For this purpose, we used a case-crossover analysis to compare pollen concentrations at the time of admission with values of the same variables 2 to 6 days before admission. We included 6,687 hospital admissions. High maximum temperature and low humidity were associated with lower risk of asthma admissions. High mean pollen levels exerted a moderate effect and high maximum pollen levels led to a dramatic increase of hospital admissions due to asthma, especially among females. In conclusion, environmental pollen level increases the risk of asthma hospital admissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Gonzalez-Barcala
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Wasilevich EA, Rabito F, Lefante J, Johnson E. Short-term outdoor temperature change and emergency department visits for asthma among children: a case-crossover study. Am J Epidemiol 2012; 176 Suppl 7:S123-30. [PMID: 23035136 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kws326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although weather changes are known to cause asthma symptoms, their impact on asthma-related health-care utilization is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between short-term outdoor temperature change and asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits among children 3-18 years of age in Detroit, Michigan, in 2000-2001. Descriptive analyses of patient and ED visit characteristics were performed. A case-crossover study utilizing time-stratified controls was conducted to determine the impact of maximum temperature change and change rate measured during 4-, 8-, 12-, and 24-hour periods. Multivariable conditional logistic regression demonstrated the relation between ED visits and temperature change after controlling for other weather and pollutant measures. There were 4,804 asthma-related ED visits during the study period, and they occurred most frequently in the fall and during morning hours. The case-crossover study showed a statistically significant inverse relation between ED visits and maximum 24-hour temperature change after adjustment for climatic factors (for temperature change, odds ratio = 0.992, P = 0.04; for temperature change rate, odds ratio 0.972, P = 0.01). The association persisted after air pollutant measures were added to the model, although the association was not significant. Despite the finding that a greater 24-hour temperature change decreased the risk of asthma-related ED visits, the overall results suggested a negligible association with short-term temperature change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Wasilevich
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
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Seasonal variations of indoor microbial exposures and their relation to temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:8289-97. [PMID: 23001651 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02069-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor microbial exposure has been related to adverse pulmonary health effects. Exposure assessment is not standardized, and various factors may affect the measured exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal variation of selected microbial exposures and their associations with temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rates in Danish homes. Airborne inhalable dust was sampled in five Danish homes throughout the four seasons of 1 year (indoors, n = 127; outdoors, n = 37). Measurements included culturable fungi and bacteria, endotoxin, N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase, total inflammatory potential, particles (0.75 to 15 μm), temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rates. Significant seasonal variation was found for all indoor microbial exposures, excluding endotoxin. Indoor fungi peaked in summer (median, 235 CFU/m(3)) and were lowest in winter (median, 26 CFU/m(3)). Indoor bacteria peaked in spring (median, 2,165 CFU/m(3)) and were lowest in summer (median, 240 CFU/m(3)). Concentrations of fungi were predominately higher outdoors than indoors, whereas bacteria, endotoxin, and inhalable dust concentrations were highest indoors. Bacteria and endotoxin correlated with the mass of inhalable dust and number of particles. Temperature and air exchange rates were positively associated with fungi and N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase and negatively with bacteria and the total inflammatory potential. Although temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rates were significantly associated with several indoor microbial exposures, they could not fully explain the observed seasonal variations when tested in a mixed statistical model. In conclusion, the season significantly affects indoor microbial exposures, which are influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rates.
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Daily effects of air pollutants and pollen types on asthma and COPD hospital emergency visits in the industrial and Mediterranean Spanish city of Cartagena. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2012; 40:231-7. [PMID: 21890258 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2011.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations found in time-series studies on hospital emergency room (ER) visits due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with single air pollutants show some lack of consistency. The respiratory effects of aeroallergens in the air pollution mix are not well established. Non-linear relationships of different airborne pollen types with certain respiratory diseases have also been described. We aim to study the short-term effects of major air pollutants and aeroallergen pollen on asthma and COPD hospital ER visits in the industrial and Mediterranean Spanish city of Cartagena during 1995-1998. METHODS The association of asthma and COPD to ER visits with mean levels of sulphur and nitrogen dioxides (SO(2) and NO(2)), total suspended particles (TSP), ozone (O(3)), and the main allergenic airborne pollen types were analysed using Poisson regression with Generalised Additive Models, taking into account delayed effects and adjusting for long-term trends, seasonality, weather conditions, holidays and flu notifications. RESULTS Multipollutant models showed a similar relative risk (RR) increase (in %), of around 5% in asthma and COPD ER visits per 10 μg/m(3) SO(2) increments. The risk of an ER visit for the same NO(2) increment was 2.6% for asthma and 3.3% for COPD. Visits to the ER due to asthma showed a positive increase with both Urticaceae and Poaceae levels, but did not substantially modify the previous percentages. CONCLUSIONS Air levels of SO(2) and NO(2) were associated with a substantial increased risk in ER visits due to asthma and COPD. The inclusion of Poaceae and Urticaceae pollen did not alter that association.
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Hansen VM, Meyling NV, Winding A, Eilenberg J, Madsen AM. Factors affecting vegetable growers' exposure to fungal bioaerosols and airborne dust. THE ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2012; 56:170-81. [PMID: 22003240 PMCID: PMC3277710 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mer090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We have quantified vegetable growers' exposure to fungal bioaerosol components including (1→3)-β-d-glucan (β-glucan), total fungal spores, and culturable fungal units. Furthermore, we have evaluated factors that might affect vegetable growers' exposure to fungal bioaerosols and airborne dust. Investigated environments included greenhouses producing cucumbers and tomatoes, open fields producing cabbage, broccoli, and celery, and packing facilities. Measurements were performed at different times during the growth season and during execution of different work tasks. Bioaerosols were collected with personal and stationary filter samplers. Selected fungal species (Beauveria spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium olsonii, and Penicillium brevicompactum) were identified using different polymerase chain reaction-based methods and sequencing. We found that the factors (i) work task, (ii) crop, including growth stage of handled plant material, and (iii) open field versus greenhouse significantly affected the workers' exposure to bioaerosols. Packing of vegetables and working in open fields caused significantly lower exposure to bioaerosols, e.g. mesophilic fungi and dust, than harvesting in greenhouses and clearing of senescent greenhouse plants. Also removing strings in cucumber greenhouses caused a lower exposure to bioaerosols than harvest of cucumbers while removal of old plants caused the highest exposure. In general, the exposure was higher in greenhouses than in open fields. The exposures to β-glucan during harvest and clearing of senescent greenhouse plants were very high (median values ranging between 50 and 1500 ng m(-3)) compared to exposures reported from other occupational environments. In conclusion, vegetable growers' exposure to bioaerosols was related to the environment, in which they worked, the investigated work tasks, and the vegetable crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinni M. Hansen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Vitt Meyling
- Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anne Winding
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Eilenberg
- Department of Agriculture and Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, is associated with reversible airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness to triggers; clinical symptoms include wheezing, episodic cough, shortness of breath, and increased mucous production. Ambient or outdoor environmental exposure to ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides has been well documented to exacerbate asthma. Children appear to be most vulnerable to the harmful effects of ambient air pollutants. As their lungs are not completely developed, children may experience greater exposure to environmental pollutants than adults and the higher doses of varied composition may remain in their lungs for a greater duration. Altogether, the negative effects of air pollutants on pulmonary function place children at a greater risk of air pollutant-induced exacerbation of asthma for the duration of their lives. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to assess recently published literature regarding the influence of air pollution on asthma in children. METHODS For this work, we reviewed articles found in PubMed using the key words "outdoor air pollution, asthma, and children" which were published between 2006 and 2009. Only those articles that had a full version available in PubMed were analyzed. RESULTS We reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2009 examining the effect of outdoor air pollution on asthma in children. In total, we evaluated 25 articles; of these, 9 were published in 2006, 3 in 2007, 8 in 2008, and 5 in 2009. Of these 25 studies, 1 was a clinical trial, 6 were cross-sectional, 4 were case-control (2 with a case-crossover design), 12 were cohort prospective, and 2 were cohort retrospective studies with varied follow-up times ranging from 10 days to 7 years. The ages of children also differed, ranging from birth to 18 years of age. CONCLUSIONS All studies reviewed in this work indicate that outdoor air pollution affects the appearance and exacerbation of asthma in children. Although these findings are of great interest, the limitations of noted works make future investigations of the effect of air pollution on asthma in children essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Tzivian
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Chen BY, Chao HJ, Chan CC, Lee CT, Wu HP, Cheng TJ, Chen CC, Guo YL. Effects of ambient particulate matter and fungal spores on lung function in schoolchildren. Pediatrics 2011; 127:e690-8. [PMID: 21339279 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies examining the combined health effects of both have been relatively lacking. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate whether exposure to air pollutants and fungal spores might exacerbate childhood respiratory health. METHODS Study participants were 100 elementary and middle-school students in Taipei County, Taiwan. A structured respiratory health questionnaire was administered in September 2007, followed by monthly spirometry from October 2007 to June 2008. During the study period, complete daily monitoring data for criteria air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration monitoring station and Aerosol Supersite. Fungal spores were measured from Sunday to Saturday in the week when lung-function measurements were made for each study month. Lung-function measurements were compared with air pollutants and fungal spores using mixed-effects models with 1-day-lag modeling. RESULTS The particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less level 1 day before the lung function measurements was negatively associated with forced vital capacity. The fungal spore level was negatively associated with both forced expiratory vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. O(3) level was negatively associated with forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of forced vital capacity, and average expiratory flow over the middle half of forced vital capacity. CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less and fungal spores might cause adverse effects on the vital capacity of schoolchildren. Exposure to O(3) adversely affected small airway function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yu Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lyons TW, Wakefield DB, Cloutier MM. Mold and Alternaria skin test reactivity and asthma in children in Connecticut. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2011; 106:301-7. [PMID: 21457878 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitivity to mold has been associated with asthma incidence, persistence, and severity. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between skin test reactivity (STR) to molds and specifically to Alternaria and asthma severity in a group of ethnically diverse children in Connecticut. METHODS Demographics and STR to 14 local allergens, including Alternaria, Penicillium, and mold mix, were obtained for 914 Puerto Rican, African American, and non-Hispanic white children. RESULTS A total of 126 children (14%) had a positive skin test result to mold, and 58 (6%) demonstrated STR to Alternaria. Compared with non-Hispanic white children, there was no difference in the likelihood of being sensitized to Alternaria for Puerto Rican and African American children (odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-1.5; and OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.4-2.2; respectively). In an adjusted analysis, Alternaria STR was associated with severe, persistent asthma (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-8.6) but did not predict increasing asthma severity. STR to cat (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.9) and dog (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.0) was also associated with severe persistent asthma. Alternaria STR was associated with severe persistent asthma independent of the total number of positive skin test results. CONCLUSIONS Mold and Alternaria STR were uncommon among children in Connecticut. Alternaria STR was not associated with increasing asthma severity but was associated with severe, persistent asthma independent of the total number of positive skin test results. There was no association between ethnicity and Alternaria STR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd W Lyons
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
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