Home dampness, childhood asthma, hay fever, and airway symptoms in Shanghai, China: associations, dose-response relationships, and lifestyle's influences

Numerous studies of associations between dampness and respiratory diseases have been conducted, but their implications remain inconclusive. In this study of 13,335 parent-reported questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%), we analyzed associations between home dampness and asthma and related symptoms in 4- to 6-year-old children in a cross-sectional study of Shanghai. Indicators of home dampness were strongly and significantly associated with dry cough, wheeze, and rhinitis symptoms. In the current residence, children with visible mold spots (VMS) exposure had 32% higher risk of asthma (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.07-1.64); damp clothing and/or bedding (frequently) was strongly associated with dry cough (1.78, 1.37-2.30); condensation on windows was strongly associated with hay fever (1.60, 1.27-2.01). In the early-life residence, VMS or damp stains (frequently) were strongly associated with dry cough (2.20, 1.55-3.11) and rhinitis ever (1.57, 1.11-2.21). Associations between dampness and diseases among children with or without family history of atopy were similar. The total number of dampness indicators had strong dose-response relationships with investigated health outcomes. Actions, including opening windows of the child's room at night and cleaning the child's room frequently, could potentially mitigate 25% of home VMS, thereby preventing more than 1.5% of attributable risk of the studied symptoms.

Responses of Phanerochaete chrysosporium to toxic pollutants: physiological flux, oxidative stress, and detoxification

The white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been widely used for the treatment of waste streams containing heavy metals and toxic organic pollutants. The development of fungal-based treatment technologies requires detailed knowledge of the relationship between bulk water quality and the physiological responses of fungi. A noninvasive microtest technique was used to quantify real-time changes in proton, oxygen, and cadmium ion fluxes following the exposure of P. chrysosporium to environmental toxic (2,4-dichlorophenol and cadmium). Significant changes in H(+) and O(2) flux occurred after exposure to 10 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenol and 0.1 mM cadmium. Cd(2+) flux decreased with time. Reactive oxygen species formation and antioxidant levels increased after cadmium treatment. Superoxide dismutase activity correlated well with malondialdehyde levels (r(2) = 0.964) at low cadmium concentrations. However, this correlation diminished and malondialdehyde levels significantly increased at the highest cadmium concentration tested. Real-time microscale signatures of H(+), O(2), and Cd(2+) fluxes coupled with oxidative stress analysis can improve our understanding of the physiological responses of P. chrysosporium to toxic pollutants and provide useful information for the development of fungal-based technologies to improve the treatment of wastes cocontaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants.

[Comparison study on phosphorus removal between single-stage oxic process and anaerobic/aerobic process]

To compare the efficiency of phosphorus removal between anaerobic/aerobic process (SBR1) and single-stage oxic process (SBR2), two SBRs were conducted using acetate as the sole carbon source which is the most extensive substrate in municipal wastewater. The results obtained from three months experiment showed that the phosphorus removal efficiency and the TP removed on a unit MLSS were 91.72%, 3.23 mg x g(-1) (SBR1)and 71.70%, 2.91 mg x g(-1) (SBR2) respectively during steady operation. The further study found that a significant increase of PHA associated with an decrease of glycogen in SBR1 while a significant synthesis of PHA increased with the accumulation of glycogen in SBR2, indicating glycogen was not essential for the synthesis of PHA in single-stage oxic process. Furthermore, obvious phosphorus release was observed in both SBRs during idle period, but the content of phosphorus released in SBR2 (13.28 mg x L(-1)) was significantly higher than that in SBR1 (2.6 mg x L(-1)). The possible reason for SBR1 and SBR2 exhibited different phosphorus removal efficiencies was that microorganisms in both SBRs had different cyclic storage and consumption process of energy storages during metabolic process.

Coarsening of extracellularly biosynthesized cadmium crystal particles induced by thioacetamide in solution

A novel coarsening route for extracellularly biosynthesized cadmium nanocrystals was investigated for the first time. In this process, the white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor was employed to take up cadmium ions and synthesize extracellular cadmium crystal particles. The coarsening of the particles was induced by thioacetamide under certain conditions. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the formed cadmium crystal particles were coarsened from about 100nm to 2-3μm. The corresponding energy-dispersive X-ray spectra confirmed the presence of proteins in the particles. The maximum removal efficiency of Cd(II) increased from 17% to 87%, and the corresponding sorption capacity of biomass increased from 4 to 24mgg(-1) with the completion of the coarsening process. The properties of the coarsened particles were also examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis of fungal mycelial pellets embedded with the coarsened particles confirmed the formation of cubic crystalline cadmium sulfide particles. The TEM results suggest that the coarsened particles were composed of clusters of several smaller particles. The changes in the functional groups on the biomass surface were studied through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Based on the results above, a possible mechanism for the formation and coarsening of cadmium crystal particle is also discussed.

Percutaneous internal maxillary arterial embolization with ethylcellulose microspheres. Results in an animal model

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the use of ethylcellulose microspheres as long-term and peripheral emboli for percutaneous maxillofacial arterial embolization.

METHODS

Eight mongrel dogs were selected randomly for internal maxillary artery embolization with ethylcellulose microspheres. After embolization, angiographic, microangiographic, and histologic examinations were performed.

RESULTS

Ethylcellulose microspheres were trapped in the peripheral arterioles from 24 hours to 6 months after embolization. Degenerative changes of maxilla, mandible, and dental pulp occurred after the embolization of the internal maxillary artery with the microspheres. No evidence of whole or focal necrosis of the bones and surrounding soft tissues was found between 24 hours and 6 months after embolization.

CONCLUSION

Ethylcellulose microspheres can be used as an alternative long-term and peripheral embolic agent, with potential for percutaneous maxillofacial arterial embolization.

Experimental maxillofacial arterial chemoembolization with encased-cisplatin ethylcellulose microspheres

PURPOSE

To compare chemoembolization with conventional chemotherapy and explore the possibility of chemoembolization in the oral and maxillofacial region using encased-anticancer-drug microspheres.

METHOD

Six mongrel dogs were divided into two equal groups, an experimental group undergoing maxillofacial arterial chemoembolization with cisplatin encased in ethylcellulose microspheres, and a control group undergoing the conventional chemotherapy with cisplatin. The peripheral venous cisplatin concentration and the cisplatin concentration at the local tissue were determined.

RESULT

The experiment showed a significant difference in the peripheral venous cisplatin concentration between the two groups and between the time period. There was also a significant interaction between groups and time. The peak concentration in the experimental group appeared 12 to 24 hours after chemoembolization. The peak concentration in the control group appeared immediately after the anticancer drug was infused. There was a significant difference in the concentration in the local tissue between the two groups, when all time periods were aggregated.

CONCLUSION

Compared with conventional chemotherapy, the maxillofacial arterial chemoembolization with cisplatin encased in ethylcellulose microspheres significantly decreases the cisplatin concentration in the peripheral venous circulation and increases the concentration in the local tissues, allowing for the possibility of target cancer therapy.

Recurrent swelling of parotid glands and Sjögren's syndrome

This study included 125 patients with chronic parotitis, and it presents in particular, a long-term clinical, laboratory, and sialographic study of 22 patients who were diagnosed as having adult recurrent sialadenitis of the parotid glands (ARSPG). Twelve of the 22 patients with ARSPG were shown to have Sjögren's syndrome (SS). These patients had recurrent parotid gland swelling for 1.5-14 years (mean, 5.2 years) before xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca occurred. Ten of the 22 patients with ARSPG did not develop SS, but did experience recurrent parotitis which extended from childhood into adulthood. The ARSPG underwent remission in seven of these patients. It is suggested that patients with ARSPG, but without a history of parotid gland swellings in childhood, should be diagnosed provisionally as having subclinical SS (SCSS).

Recurrent parotitis in adults. Report of 35 cases

Clinical, laboratory and sialographic findings were studied in 35 adult patients with recurrent parotitis. The patients were followed up for 0.5-23 years. The results showed that sialographic recovery occurred 3-5 years after disappearance of clinical symptoms. Recurrent parotitis is not a autoimmune disease, and remission may take place spontaneously, including clinical and sialographic healing. However, marked degeneration of the parotid gland or chronic obstructive parotitis may develop consequently. The differential diagnosis of recurrent parotitis in adults is also discussed.

Sialographic changes related to clinical and pathologic findings in chronic obstructive parotitis

This paper presents the results from a study of 23 patients with chronic obstructive parotitis (COP) in whom the sialographic changes were related to the clinical and histopathologic features. The sialographic changes were divided into four types. The stimulated parotid flow rate (SPFR) was normal in sialography Type I patients, while SPFR was significantly reduced in Types II, III, and IV patients, as compared with healthy persons. The changes observed by light microscopy were irregular dilation and chronic inflammation of main and branching ducts with saliva deposits in the enlarged luminal system. Ultrastructural changes included degeneration of ductal epithelial cells, marked proliferation of periductal fibrous tissue, and moderately electron-dense deposits in the lumen of the dilated peripheral ducts. The extent of the histopathologic changes largely paralleled the severity of the sialographic changes. These findings indicate that COP is a relatively common inflammatory disease and that the sialographic classification reflects the severity of the disease.

[Chronic obstructive parotitis: a report of 92 cases]

This article presents 92 cases (117 diseased parotid glands) of chronic obstructive parotitis with studies by clinical, sialographical, sequential quantitative scintigraphy methods and with investigation of the treatment. The nature of this disease is that various local factors cause obstruction of saliva flow resulting in recurrent swelling of parotid, in which the main feature in sialography is irregular dilatation of the main duct and branch duct. Sialographical manifestations can be divided into four types. Conservative, operative therapy and injection into diseased gland with 1% methyl violet are introduced to treat this disease. Long follow-up findings show that type I in sialography can be cured by conservative method, but other types to not respond to this method and should be treated by other methods, such as parotidectomy. We have used 1% methyl violet to treat cases who have swelling of parotid after conservative therapy. It is considered to be a simple, practical and good method and should only be used in this disease. There are no other side effects except swelling of parotid for a few weeks. Especially it can be used to treat the anterior part of main duct left over by parotidectomy, which still gives off purulent discharge.

Chronic obstructive parotitis. Report of ninety-two cases

Clinical, sialographic, and sequential quantitative scintigraphic characteristics of 92 cases of chronic obstructive parotitis (in 117 diseased parotid glands) are reported, and the treatment investigated. The cardinal feature of this disease is obstruction or retarded salivary flow resulting in recurrent swellings and retrograde infection. The main characteristic seen in sialograms is irregular dilation of the main and branching ducts. On the basis of sialographic findings, the ducts are classified into four types. This classification reflects the severity of the disease and can also be used as a guide to treatment.

[Recurrent parotitis in childhood (report of 102 cases)]

This article presents 102 cases of recurrent parotitis in childhood with studies of clinical findings, sialographic manifestations, dynamic functions of the parotid gland examined with radionuclide, laboratory findings and follow-up studies of 28 cases including sialography. The following conclusions are reached: 1. The etiology is retrograde infection induced by mumps virus and upper respiratory infection which lower the resistance of the child. Familial abnormalities are potential factors. Incomplete immune function of the children is also a factor related to pathogenesis of this disease, and following growth and development of the immune system this disease will undergo remission. 2. This disease involves both parotid gland generally. 3. Sialographic manifestations will disappear following subsidence of clinical symptoms, but it may take years. 4. If the disease has not been cured in childhood, it may continue to adult and then healing will take place. Relationship with Sjögren's syndrome has not been revealed.

Recurrent parotitis in children. A report of 102 cases

This article presents 102 cases of recurrent parotitis in children with studies of clinical findings, sialographic manifestations, dynamic functions of the parotid gland examined with radionuclide, laboratory findings and follow-up studies of 28 cases with sialography. The following conclusions are reached: 1. Retrograde infection induced by the mumps virus and upper respiratory infection seem to play a major role in the etiology of recurrent parotitis. Familial abnormalities are potential factors. Incomplete immune functions of the children are factors related to the pathogenesis, and following growth and development of the immune system, this disease will undergo remission; 2. Sequential scintigraphy shows normal uptake and retarded excretion function of the parotid; 3. Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate that the patients are free from symptoms for many years, but the punctate dilatation in sialography may diminish, disappear, or be unchanged; and 4. If the disease is not cured in childhood, it may continue into adulthood and healing will take place eventually. Relationship with Sjogren's syndrome has not been revealed.

Computed tomography of parotid masses

Fifty-six patients with parotid masses, benign tumors in 22, malignant tumors 26 and other diseases 8, were examined by CT scan, which can differentiate intrinsic from extrinsic parotid lesions, especially deep lobe from parapharyngeal tumors and typical benign tumors from malignant ones, but may fail to differentiate aggressive benign tumors from low-grade malignant ones. CT sialography was done to detect the relation between the trunk of the facial nerves and tumor according to the band of normal parotid tissue between the tumor and posterior border of the mandibular ramus, and incremental dynamic CT with intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium to detect the relation between the tumor and carotid sheath. We conclude that the images of CT sialography are much better than those of plain CT and intravenous enhancement CT.

Radiographic, pathological and operative observations of cases with TMJ disturbance syndrome

A group of 30 operative cases (32 sides) with TMJ disturbance syndrome was included in the present study. The authors carried out a comparative study between radiographic, pathological and operative observations for these cases. Based on this study, we are confident that the nature of the organic destructive stage of the TMJ disturbance syndrome is essentially a secondary degenerative arthrosis, and that those cases showing transient PDS are probably functional and reversible; however, the indolent and deferred cases with internal derangement of TMJ actually belong to earlier manifestations of degenerative arthrosis.

Clinical application of angiography of oral and maxillofacial hemangiomas. Clinical analysis of seventy cases

Angiographic findings in seventy cases of maxillofacial hemangioma are reported. The tumors have been divided into four types: (1) plexiform hemangioma, (2) cavernous hemangioma with venous drainage, (3) cavernous hemangioma without venous drainage, and (4) the so-called "diffuse type" of cavernous hemangioma. The angiographic features of the four types are described, and clinical application is evaluated. The angiograms demonstrate the location, extent, blood supply, and drainage of the tumors and show whether they communicate intracranially, thus providing valuable criteria for planning and determining the mode of treatment.