| 1. |
- Arvidson, Nils Gunnar, et al.
(författare)
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Circadian rhytm of serum interleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis
- 1994
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Ingår i: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. - 0003-4967 .- 1468-2060. ; 53:8, s. 521-4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES--To test the hypothesis of a diurnal variation in circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory connective tissue diseases. METHODS--Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured at three hour intervals from 7:30 to 22:30 in 48 patients with different rheumatic diseases as well as ten healthy controls. In four of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, serum IL-6 levels were measured before and after one week of treatment with prednisolone 15-20 mg daily. RESULTS--IL-6 and TNF-alpha could not be detected in serum from healthy controls. However, serum IL-6 levels were substantially increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed a statistically significant circadian variation in levels of IL-6. Peak values appeared in the morning and low values in the afternoon and evening. In contrast, levels were low and stable in other connective tissue diseases. Levels of TNF-alpha were low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and high in patients with other connective tissue diseases, but without circadian rhythm. After treatment with prednisolone, levels of serum IL-6 decreased significantly, but the circadian rhythm remained. CONCLUSIONS--The circadian rhythm of circulating IL-6 might correspond to the circadian rhythm of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis. The diurnal variation of IL-6, and possibly other cytokines, might explain the conflicting results previously reported on the inter-relationship between circulating IL-6 levels and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
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| 2. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Acute Health Effects on Planters of Conifer Seedlings Treated with Insecticides
- 2009
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1475-3162 .- 0003-4878. ; 53:4, s. 383-390
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess acute health effects on planters caused by planting conifer seedlings treated with two insecticides, with active ingredients imidacloprid and cypermethrin, in comparison with untreated seedlings. Methods: The investigation was a double-blind crossover study, which included a follow-up of 19 planters over a 3-week period. During Week 1, the 19 planters handled untreated conifer seedlings while they planted imidacloprid- and cypermethrin-treated seedlings during study Week 2 and 3, respectively. Signs and symptoms of acute health effects were documented by a questionnaire, administered by the field staff, during these 3 weeks. Inflammation markers in the nasal mucous membrane were also measured as an objective test. Exposure to cypermethrin was further assessed by measuring 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) in urine. No validated biomarker was available to assess internal exposure to imidacloprid. Results: No clear, acute adverse health effects could be found in planters during the week of exposure to conifer seedlings treated with imidacloprid (Merit Forest) or cypermethrin (Forester), as compared to during the week of planting untreated seedlings. During the week of cypermethrin exposure, the individuals had 3-PBA values that were 12-54% higher (P < 0.05), depending on the worker, than those observed during the untreated week. There were no statistically significant correlations between the raised levels of 3-PBA and self-reported health problems. These results have been obtained during planting in late summer/early autumn and with good use of protective clothing. Conclusions: No clear, acute adverse health effects could be found in planters after exposure to conifer seedlings treated with imidacloprid (Merit Forest) or cypermethrin (Forester), as compared with planting untreated seedlings. The metabolite, 3-PBA, was found in low levels in urine and was increased after exposure to cypermethrin. However, no clear relationships could be found between exposure and reported symptoms or between elevated 3-PBA levels and reported symptoms.
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| 3. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Air quality in Horse Stables
- 2011
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Ingår i: Chemistry, emission control, radioactive pollution and indoor air quality. - Rijeka : IN-TECH. - 9789533073163 - 9533073160 ; , s. 655-680
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
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| 4. |
- Elfman, Lena, 1949-
(författare)
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Biochemical and immunological characterization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo marmorata electric organ
- 1981
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Neuronal information transfer in vertebrate skeletal muscle and in the electric organ of e.g. Torpedo is mediated by acetylcholine (ACh). The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) complex translates the binding of ACh into permeability changes. This study aims at a greater understanding of the function of nAChR and its involvement in the autoimmune disease Myasthenia gravis.The nAChR has been purified by affinity chromatography and ionexchange chromatography. A method has been developed, using preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to isolate individual polypeptides. These polypeptides have been characterized with regard to some of their biochemical and immunological properties.The nAChR complex is an intrinsic membrane glycoprotein. The constituent polypeptides have apparent molecular weights of 41 000, 47 000, 55 000 and 65 000 daltons. Rats immunized against nAChR and isolated polypeptides developed, at the same time as circulating antibodies were demonstrated, clinical signs of severe muscle weakness. This experimentally induced disease is called experimental autoimmune Myasthenia gravis (EAMG). The 41 000 polypeptide, identified as the ACh binding site chain, was shown to carry the main immunological determinants resonsible for the development of EAMG. The ultrastructural morphology of the neuromuscular junctions from rats immunized with the 41 000 polypeptide showed the same degree of degeneration as those observed with the nAChR complex. The antibody titres and the incidence and severity of EAMG was greatly enhanced by use of additional adjuvant, such as Bordetella pertussis. Stimulation with the lymphocyte-stimulating-factor, LPF, seems to exert a more controlled adjuvant effect than pertussis. These results underline the involvement of cell mediated immune response in MG and EAMG. A high molecular weight polypeptide of 93 000 dalton was always present in the nAChR preparations which, by immunological techniques, was identified as the catalytic subunit of (Na+ , K+ )-ATPase. The 93 000 polypeptide plays no role in the pathogenesis of EAMG. (Na+ , K+ )-ATPase may, however, have a structural-functional relationship with nAChR in the membrane, which is essential for cholinergic neurotransmission.
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| 5. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Detection of Horse Allergen around a Stable
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger AG. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 145:4, s. 269-276
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Integrating horse stables with built-up areas may lead to conflicts. Dispersion of horse allergen may become a health risk for allergic people. The aim was to measure the dispersion of horse allergen around a stable, considering wind speed and direction and vegetation. The disturbance of staff at a workplace nearby a stable was investigated. Methods: Air sampling was performed around a stable (32 horses) at distances of 50-500 m in all directions. Sampling was done with a pump and an IOM sampler. Samples were collected at 50 points during all seasons. Horse allergen levels were determined using ELISA. Disturbance by horses was studied with a questionnaire handed to the employees in an office near the stable. Results: The median horse allergen level at the stable entrance was 316 U/m3, in the horse fields 40 U/m3 and in the whole source area 16 U/m3, which declined to <2 U/m3 at about 50 m from the source area. Downwind of the prevailing winds low levels of horse allergen (2-4 U/m3) could sometimes be detected at up to 500 m. The staff, including those allergic to horses, managed to tolerate horses close to the workplace. Conclusions: At low winds horse allergen spread in ambient air about 50 m from the stable and horse fields. At higher winds low allergen levels were sometimes found in open areas up to 500 m from the source area. These levels were similar to those found in the office after moving away from the stable area. The employees did not report more symptoms of allergy or asthma while working close to the stable compared to after the move.
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| 6. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Detection of pesticides used in rice cultivation in streams on the island of Leyte in the Philippines
- 2011
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Ingår i: Agricultural Water Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 0378-3774 .- 1873-2283. ; 101:1, s. 81-87
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Targeted sampling of water was performed in streams, the river mouth, and the municipal drinking-water tap in the vicinity of San Francisco, South Leyte, Philippines. Samples were processed on site and transported back to Sweden for analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the pesticides commonly used in the area. Collaborations were initiated with employees at the local Department of Agriculture and Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council to learn more about the rice cultivation in this area and times for spraying. Detectable levels of pesticides λ-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin and deltamethrin (0.0005–1.4 μg/L) were found in representative water samples. In 47% of samples the detected levels exceeded the recommended limit values for pesticides in surface water according to Swedish guidelines (Swedish Chemicals Agency, 2008). The analysis of samples taken at the river mouth revealed measurable levels of λ-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin, which means that residues of pesticides applied to rice paddy fields were shown to end up at the river mouth. The success of the sampling and analysis methods was confirmed by the data which was in accordance with the expected effect of dilution from day to day. Variable levels of insecticides in the river and all the way down to the sea may have adverse health effects on people using the water and on the aquatic environment, including sensitive coral reefs. This situation is applicable not only to the Philippines, but also to the whole of Southeast Asia, with approximately 70% of their human population living in coastal areas. As Southeast Asia encompasses approximately 34% of the world's coral reefs and between a quarter and a third of the world's mangroves, as well as the global biodiversity triangle formed by the Malay Peninsula, the Philippines, and New Guinea, the need to reduce the impacts of marine pollution in this region is of great importance.
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| 7. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of horse stable environment on human airways
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 4, s. 10-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Many people spend considerable amount of time each day in equine stable environments either as employees in the care and training of horses or in leisure activity. However, there are few studies available on how the stable environment affects human airways. This study examined in one horse stable qualitative differences in indoor air during winter and late summer conditions and assessed whether air quality was associated with clinically detectable respiratory signs or alterations to selected biomarkers of inflammation and lung function in stable personnel. METHODS: The horse stable environment and stable-workers (n = 13) in one stable were investigated three times; first in the winter, second in the interjacent late summer and the third time in the following winter stabling period. The stable measurements included levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, total and respirable dust, airborne horse allergen, microorganisms, endotoxin and glucan. The stable-workers completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, underwent nasal lavage with subsequent analysis of inflammation markers, and performed repeated measurements of pulmonary function. RESULTS: Measurements in the horse stable showed low organic dust levels and high horse allergen levels. Increased viable level of fungi in the air indicated a growing source in the stable. Air particle load as well as 1,3-beta-glucan was higher at the two winter time-points, whereas endotoxin levels were higher at the summer time-point. Two stable-workers showed signs of bronchial obstruction with increased PEF-variability, increased inflammation biomarkers relating to reported allergy, cold or smoking and reported partly work-related symptoms. Furthermore, two other stable-workers reported work-related airway symptoms, of which one had doctor's diagnosed asthma which was well treated. CONCLUSION: Biomarkers involved in the development of airway diseases have been studied in relation to environmental exposure levels in equine stables. Respirable dust and 1,3-beta-glucan levels were increased at winter stabling conditions. Some employees (3/13) had signs of bronchial obstruction, which may be aggravated by working in the stable environment. This study contributes to the identification of suitable biomarkers to monitor the indoor horse stable environment and the personnel. An improved management of the stable climate will be beneficial for the health of both stable workers and horses.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Haeger-Eugensson, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Uppskattning av spridning av hästallergen i luft exempel från Solvalla
- 2014
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Det är idag känt att hästverksamheter alstrar s.k. hästallergen (som sitter partikulärt bundet på mjäll, hud- och hårflagor från hästar), vilket i sin tur ökar risken för allergenspridning och därmed risken för en negativ påverkan på människors hälsa. I såväl Sverige som i övriga Europa finns konflikter mellan hästnäringen och boende i närheten av hästanläggningar till följd av den ökande andelen hästar som lokaliseras allt närmare tättbebyggda områden. Det finns därför en stor efterfrågan på metodik för att på ett realistiskt sätt erhålla relevanta emissioner för bedömning av och rekommendationer för hur miljöbelastningen i olika områden ska hanteras. Syftet med föreliggande studie var att vidareutveckla tidigare framtagna emissionsfaktorer för hästallergen avseende både direktemission från hästar i stall och travbana och från passiv damning från hagar och travbana utan hästar. Då både den passiva emissionen (uppvirvling) och depositionen är beroende av väderleken har lokala meteorologiska förhållanden inkluderats i beräkningarna i syfte att visa det lokala haltmönstret. För att kunna bestämma emissionsfaktorer, och därmed halter i luft, vid olika typer av aktiviteter genomfördes mätningar av hästallergen. För att studera om det förelåg någon kontinuerlig passiv belastning mättes också kring hagen utan hästar närvarande. Det finns idag inga gränsvärden för mängden pälsdjursallergen i luften och risk för utveckling av allergiska symtom. Undersökningar har dock visat att vid halter <0,1-2 U/m3 upplevde inte personer med hästallergi några besvär. Ovanstående resultat visar att haltnivåer upp till 8-12 U/m3 förekommer vid de närmast belägna husen norr om Solvalla, under 0,1 procent av årets timmar (8 timmar/år), vilket representerar tillfällen med mycket dålig omblandning av luften i kombination med höga utsläpp. Vid 1 procent av årets timmar (87 timmar/år) förekommer vid samma platser som ovan, haltnivåer på mellan 4-6 U/m3. Resultatet från percentilberäkningarna antas representera extremsituationer, det vill säga då tillfällen med de högsta emissionerna sammanfaller med de sämsta spridningsförutsättningarna. Högre haltnivåer men för ett mycket mindre område erhålls söder om Solvalla på baksidan läktarna innan de planerade husen. I den här genomförda studien var överenstämmelsen god mellan uppmätta och beräknade halter av hästallergen varför uppskattningen av de lokala emissionsfaktorerna för Solvalla även antas kunna användas för att beskriva framtida förhållanden.
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| 11. |
- Haeger-Eugensson, Marie, et al.
(författare)
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Use of a 3-D Dispersion Model for Calculation of Distribution of Horse Allergen and Odor around Horse Facilities
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 11:4, s. 3599-3617
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The interest in equestrian sports has increased substantially during the last decades, resulting in increased number of horse facilities around urban areas. In Sweden, new guidelines for safe distance have been decided based on the size of the horse facility (e.g., number of horses) and local conditions, such as topography and meteorology. There is therefore an increasing need to estimate dispersion of horse allergens to be used, for example, in the planning processes for new residential areas in the vicinity of horse facilities. The aim of this study was to develop a method for calculating short- and long-term emissions and dispersion of horse allergen and odor around horse facilities. First, a method was developed to estimate horse allergen and odor emissions at hourly resolution based on field measurements. Secondly, these emission factors were used to calculate concentrations of horse allergen and odor by using 3-D dispersion modeling. Results from these calculations showed that horse allergens spread up to about 200 m, after which concentration levels were very low (<2 U/m(3)). Approximately 10% of a study-group detected the smell of manure at 60m, while the majority80%-90%detected smell at 60 m or shorter distance from the manure heap. Modeling enabled horse allergen exposure concentrations to be determined with good time resolution.
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| 12. |
- Kim, Jeong-Lim, 1981-
(författare)
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Environmental Factors in Relation to Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms among Schoolchildren in Sweden and Korea
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis studied environmental factors in relation to asthma and respiratory symptoms among schoolchildren in two countries. In Sweden, 1014 pupils (5-14 year) in 8 schools participated. Wheeze was reported by 7.8%, current asthma by 5.9%, doctor-diagnosed asthma by 7.7%, cat allergy by 6.8% and dog allergy by 4.8%. Current asthma was less common among those consuming more fresh milk and fish. Doctor-diagnosed asthma was less common among those consuming olive oil. Cat, dog and horse allergens were common in settled dust and related to respiratory symptoms. Pupils consuming butter and fresh milk had less respiratory symptoms in relation to allergen exposure. In schools with increased levels of microbial volatile organic compounds and selected plasticizers (Texanol and TXIB) asthma and respiratory symptoms were more common.In Korea, 2365 pupils (9-11 year) in 12 schools participated (96%). In total, wheeze was reported by 8.0%, current asthma by 5.7%, doctor-diagnosed asthma by 5.4%, cat allergy by 2.6% and dog allergy by 4.9%. Contamination of dog and mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) allergen was common while cat allergen was uncommon. Remodelling, changing floor and building dampness at home were positively associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms. The strongest associations were found for floor dampness. Indoor/outdoor concentration of NO2, formaldehyde and ultrafine particles (UFP) at schools were positively associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms. When comparing Sweden and Korea, Korean pupils had more breathlessness and asthma but reported less cat and pollen allergy. Swedish schools had CO2-levels below 1000 ppm, while most Korean schools exceeded this standard. Since both home and school environment may affect pupil’s asthma and respiratory symptoms, air quality should be an important health issue. Moreover, changes in dietary habits may be beneficial to decrease asthma and allergies. Furthermore, interaction between diet and environment needs to be further investigated.
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| 13. |
- Kim, Jeong-Lim, et al.
(författare)
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Indoor molds, bacteria, microbial volatile organic compounds and plasticizers in schools : associations with asthma and respiratory symptoms in pupils
- 2007
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Ingår i: Indoor Air. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0905-6947 .- 1600-0668. ; 17:2, s. 153-163
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigated asthma and atopy in relation to microbial and plasticizer exposure. Pupils in eight primary schools in Uppsala (Sweden) answered a questionnaire, 1014 (68%) participated. Totally, 7.7% reported doctor-diagnosed asthma, 5.9% current asthma, and 12.2% allergy to pollen/pets. Wheeze was reported by 7.8%, 4.5% reported daytime breathlessness, and 2.0% nocturnal breathlessness. Measurements were performed in 23 classrooms (May–June), 74% had <1000 ppm CO2 indoors. None had visible mold growth or dampness. Mean total microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) concentration was 423 ng/m3 indoors and 123 ng/m3 outdoors. Indoor concentration of TMPD-MIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, Texanol) and TMPD-DIB (2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, TXIB), two common plasticizers, were 0.89 and 1.64 μg/m3, respectively. MVOC and plasticizer concentration were correlated (r = 0.5; P < 0.01). Mold concentration was 360 cfu/m3 indoors and 980 cfu/m3 outdoors. At higher indoor concentrations of total MVOC, nocturnal breathlessness (P < 0.01) and doctor-diagnosed asthma (P < 0.05) were more common. Moreover, there were positive associations between nocturnal breathlessness and 3-methylfuran (P < 0.01), 3-methyl-1-butanol (P < 0.05), dimethyldisulfide (P < 0.01), 2-heptanone (P < 0.01), 1-octen-3-ol (P < 0.05), 3-octanone (P < 0.05), TMPD-MIB (P < 0.05), and TMPD-DIB (P < 0.01). TMPD-DIB was positively associated with wheeze (P < 0.05), daytime breathlessness (P < 0.05), doctor-diagnosed asthma (P < 0.05), and current asthma (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to MVOC and plasticizers at school may be a risk factor for asthmatic symptoms in children.
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| 14. |
- Kim, Jeong-Lim, et al.
(författare)
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Respiratory Health among Korean Pupils in Relation to Home, School and Outdoor Environment
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Korean medical science. - : Korean Academy of Medical Sciences. - 1011-8934 .- 1598-6357. ; 26:2, s. 166-173
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There are few studies about school-environment in relation to pupils' respiratory health, and Korean school-environment has not been characterized. All pupils in 4th grade in 12 selected schools in three urban cities in Korea received a questionnaire (n = 2,453), 96% participated. Gaseous pollutants and ultrafine particles (UFPs) were measured indoors (n = 34) and outdoors (n = 12) during winter, 2004. Indoor dampness at home was investigated by the questionnaire. To evaluate associations between respiratory health and environment, multiple logistic- and multi-level regression models were applied adjusting for potential confounders. The mean age of pupils was 10 yr and 49% were boys. No school had mechanical ventilation and CO2-levels exceeded 1,000 ppm in all except one of the classrooms. The indoor mean concentrations of SO2, NO2, O-3 and formaldehyde were 0.6 mu g/m(3), 19 mu g/m(3), 8 mu g/m(3) and 28 mu g/m(3), respectively. The average level of UFPs was 18,230 pt/cm(3) in the classrooms and 16,480 pt/cm(3) outdoors. There were positive associations between wheeze and outdoor NO2, and between current asthma and outdoor UFPs. With dampness at home, pupils had more wheeze. In conclusion, outdoor UFPs and even low levels of NO2 may adversely contribute to respiratory health in children. High CO2-levels in classrooms and indoor dampness/mold at home should be reduced.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Kim, Jeong-Lim, et al.
(författare)
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Respiratory symptoms, asthma and allergen levels in schools : comparison between Korea and Sweden
- 2007
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Ingår i: Indoor Air. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0905-6947 .- 1600-0668. ; 17:2, s. 122-129
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We studied reports on respiratory symptoms, asthma and atopic sensitisation in relation to allergen contamination in Korean schools and compared with data from a previous Swedish study performed in eight primary schools. Korean pupils (n = 2365) in 12 primary schools first completed a questionnaire. Then airborne and settled dust were collected from 34 classrooms and analyzed for allergens by ELISA. In both countries, boys reported more symptoms. The prevalence of wheeze was similar, while daytime [odds ratio (OR) = 14.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.0–21.9] and nocturnal breathlessness (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.5–6.4) were much higher among Korean students. In Korean schools, dog allergen (Can f 1) was the most common followed by mite allergen (Der f 1), while cat (Fel d 1), dog, and horse allergen (Equ cx) were abundant in Sweden. Moreover, CO2 levels were high in most Korean schools (range 907–4113 ppm). There was an association between allergen levels in dust and air samples, and number of pet-keepers in the classrooms. In conclusion, allergen contamination in Korean schools may be an important public issue.
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| 17. |
- Mattsson, Magnus, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of Particulate Air Cleaners on the Content of airborne Dust and Cat Allergen in Classrooms
- 2004
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Ingår i: Roomvent 2004. - 9729797323
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Electrostatic air cleaners (precipitators) were tested in four classrooms during ordinary lessons for four weeks. Airborne dust in the classrooms was collected on filters using two different kinds of samplers: IOM-sampler and a new kind of ionizing sampler. The amount of collected dust was evaluated by visual inspection (“filter blackening”) and the content of cat allergen was measured using an amplified ELISA assay. It was found that the filter blackening was 64% lower when the air cleaners were active than when they where inactive (p<0.001). This suggests that the air cleaners were effective in reducing the content of airborne particulate matter. The reduction in cat allergen appeared however to be less substantial. The variance of the allergen data was unexpectedly large, presumably due to relatively few allergen-carrying particles in the sampled air. It is believed that larger sampling volumes are needed to get more reliable data of airborne cat allergen in spaces where the allergen is emitted indirectly.
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| 18. |
- Merritt, A-S, et al.
(författare)
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Measurement of horse allergen (Equ cx) in schools
- 2011
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Ingår i: ISRN Allergy. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2090-553X .- 2090-5521.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background. The presence of horse allergen in public places is not well-known, unlike for instance cat and dog allergens, which have been studied extensively. The aim was to investigate the presence of horse allergen in schools and to what extent the influence of number of children with regular horse contact have on indoor allergen levels. Methods. Petri dishes were used to collect airborne dust samples during one week in classrooms. In some cases, vacuumed dust samples were also collected. All samples were extracted, frozen and analysed for Equ cx content shortly after sampling, and some were re-analysed six years later with a more sensitive ELISA assay. Results. Horse allergen levels were significantly higher in classrooms, in which many children had horse contact, regardless of sampling method. Allergen levels in extracts from Petri dish samples, which had been kept frozen, dropped about 53% over a six-year period. Conclusion. Horse allergen was present in classrooms and levels were higher in classrooms where many children had regular horse contact in their leisure time. This suggests that transfer of allergens takes place via contaminated clothing. Measures should be taken to minimize possible transfer and deposition of allergens in pet-free environments, such as schools.
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| 19. |
- Reynolds, Stephen J., et al.
(författare)
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Systematic Review of Respiratory Health Among Dairy Workers
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Agromedicine. - 1059-924X .- 1545-0813. ; 18:3 SI, s. 219-243
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The dairy industry is changing on a global scale with larger, more efficient operations. The impact of this change on worker health and safety, specifically, associations between occupational lung disease and inhalation exposures, has yet to be reported in a comprehensive review of the scientific literature. Therefore, a three-tier process was used to identify information using a keyword search of online databases of scientific literature. Of the 147 citations reviewed, 52 met initial screening criteria, and 30 were included in this review. Dairy workers experience lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Recent pulmonary function studies have identified obstructive lung changes among dairy farm workers. The increased scale of dairy production with significant changes in technology and work practices has altered inhalation exposure patterns among dairy workers. The inhalation exposure in the dairy work environment may elicit differing inflammatory responses in relation to timing of initial exposure as well as to repeated exposures. Few studies have measured inhalation exposure while simultaneously assessing the impact of the exposure on lung function of dairy farm workers. Even fewer studies have been implemented to assess the impact of aerosol control technology to reduce inhalation exposure. Future research should evaluate worker exposure to aerosols through a task-based approach while utilizing novel methods to assess inhalation exposure and associated inflammatory responses. Finally, potential solutions should be developed and tested to reduce inhalation exposure to inflammatory agents and respiratory diseases in the dairy farm work environment.
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| 20. |
- Riihimäki, Miia, et al.
(författare)
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Markers of respiratory inflammation in horses in relation to seasonal changes in air quality in a conventional racing stable
- 2008
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Ingår i: Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research-Revue Canadienne de Recherche Veterinaire. - 0830-9000. ; 72:5, s. 432-439
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Airborne factors in a conventionally managed racing stable and markers of pulmonary inflammation in the stabled horses were investigated on 3 occasions at 6-month intervals, including 2 winter periods and the intervening summer period. The stable measurements included inside and outside ambient temperature and relative humidity, levels of total and respirable dust, endotoxin, and 1,3-beta-glucan. Horses (n = 12) were examined in detail clinically as well as by endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of BAL-cells for IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA. Indoor measurements showed low dust levels irrespective of season. Inhalable dust, as well as 1,3-beta-glucan, were higher during the winter stabling period, whereas endotoxin levels were higher during summer. Complete data from all sampling occasions to be used for further evaluation was obtained for only 8 of the horses. There was a trend for elevation of BAL neutrophils in the horses during winter stabling that coincided with a 3.7-fold increased expression of IL-6 mRNA in BAL cells (P = 0.014). Compared to summer sampling, IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in only 1 of the winter sampling occasions, implicating influence on immune regulation by factor/s apart from seasonal differences. Our findings suggest up-regulation of innate immunity in the airways of stabled horses; in particular involving IL-6 in association with mild elevations in respirable dust, 1,3-beta-glucan, and/or cold ambient air. However, given that this study was observational, other unmeasured environmental factors associated with winter stabling need to be considered.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Schoos, A.-M. M., et al.
(författare)
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Early indoor aeroallergen exposure is not associated with development of sensitization or allergic rhinitis in high-risk children
- 2016
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Ingår i: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 71:5, s. 684-691
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rationale: Allergen exposure is associated with the development of allergic sensitization in childhood as reflected by global variations in sensitization patterns. However, there is little evidence to support a direct association.Objectives: To investigate the association between perinatal aeroallergen exposure and sensitization and rhinitis to such allergens later in childhood.Methods: Allergic sensitization to cat, dog, and house dust mites was diagnosed longitudinally using skin prick tests and specific IgE measurements at 1/2, 11/2, 4, 6, and 13 years in 399 children from the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood(2000) birth cohort. Rhinitis was diagnosed at 7 and 13 years. Allergen exposure was defined as dog or cat in the home during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy or the first year of life and as allergen levels of dog, cat, and house dust mite in bed dust samples at 1 year. Associations between exposure and outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression and stratified for eczema status and test method (skin prick test and specific IgE).Results: We found no association between dog or cat exposure in perinatal life and sensitization or rhinitis during childhood. Similarly, there was no association between levels of allergens in bed dust samples and sensitization or rhinitis during childhood.Conclusion: Perinatal indoor aeroallergen exposure does not seem to affect development of allergic sensitization or rhinitis during childhood questioning the relevance of allergen avoidance as a preventive measure. Other factors such as timing of allergen exposure or other environmental adjuvants may contribute in a more complex pathway to sensitization.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Victor, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
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Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander and saliva from ten horse breeds
- 2019
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Ingår i: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : WILEY. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 49:5, s. 701-711
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Horses are an important source of allergens, but the distribution of horse allergens is poorly understood. Five horse allergens have been identified, Equ c 1-4 and 6. Equ c 4 seems to be an important allergen, with an IgE-binding frequency of 77% in horse-sensitized individuals.0000 Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander, saliva and urine from ten horse breeds. Method: The study population included 170 horses (87 mares, 27 stallions, 56 geldings) from ten breeds. Horse dander, saliva and urine samples were collected. Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 were quantified using a two-site sandwich ELISA (mAb 103 and 14G4) and were expressed as Equ c 4 U/mu g protein. Results: The horse allergen Equ c 4 was present in all dander and saliva samples from ten horse breeds, with high within-breed and inter-breed variations; GM values were 639 Equ c 4 U/mu g protein (range 5-15 264) for dander and 39.5 (4-263) for saliva. Equ c 4 was found in 19/21 urine samples. Adjusted for age, sex and changes over time, no differences between breeds could be seen in dander, while in saliva the North Swedish horse showed lower levels of Equ c 4 than any other breed. The levels of Equ c 4 protein in dander and saliva were significantly higher in samples from stallions compared to mares and geldings, independent of breed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results show a high variability in allergen levels of Equ c 4 in dander and saliva both within and between breeds. Significantly higher levels were found in stallions compared to mares and geldings, independent of breed. Results suggest that none of the horse breeds studied can be recommended for individuals allergic to Equ c 4.
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| 25. |
- Victor, Susanne, et al.
(författare)
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Measurement of Horse Allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 : A Comparison among Breeds
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 183:11, s. 1166-1177
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Horse allergens are less studied than allergens from other furry animals and these allergens must be evaluated to understand the complexity of allergy to horses. The aims of this study were to develop assays for the horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva and to determine their levels in ten horse breeds. The study also included a comparison of these findings with previous results on the levels of Equ c 4 performed on the same study population. Method: The study population included 170 horses from 10 horse breeds including American Curly and Russian Bashkir horse, which have been suggested to be hypoallergenic. Competitive ELISA assays were developed, with polyclonal antibodies as capture antibodies, for the detection of Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 in dander and saliva samples. Results: The horse allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 were found in all dander and saliva samples from the ten horse breeds. The GM level (ng/mu g protein) of Equ c 1 in dander was 470 (range 129-2,569) and in saliva samples, 40 (range 6-160). The GM level of Equ c 2 in dander was 138 (range 18-1,650) and in saliva samples, 0.8 (range 0.03-17). In dander, there were no significant differences in Equ c 1 and Equ c 2 GM levels between stallions, mares, and geldings. Conclusion: Our results show high intra- and inter-breed variability. Neither the American Curly horse nor the Russian Bashkir horse, earlier categorized as hypoallergenic breeds, was associated with lower allergen levels of Equ c 1, Equ c 2, or Equ c 4 than the other horse breeds investigated.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Wålinder, Robert, et al.
(författare)
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Installation of mechanical ventilation in a horse stable : effects on air quality and human and equine airways
- 2011
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Ingår i: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1342-078X .- 1347-4715. ; 16:4, s. 264-272
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES:To examine the effects of installing a mechanical ventilation system at a riding-school stable on indoor air quality and human and horse airways.METHODS:The intervention was the installation of mechanical ventilation in a riding-school stable. Carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, particles, horse allergen, microorganisms and endotoxins were measured in the stable. The stable-workers and riding-students completed a questionnaire and underwent the following tests: analysis of nasal lavage for inflammation biomarkers; levels of exhaled nitrogen oxide (NO); measurements of daily peak-expiratory flow (PEF). The horses were examined clinically by airway endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and were analysed for cytology and biomarkers.RESULTS:Levels of CO2 were nearly halved and airborne horse allergen levels were markedly reduced (5-0.8 kU/m3) after the intervention. A decreased level of ultrafine particles was observed (8000-5400 particles/cm3) after the intervention, while total and respirable dust levels were mainly unchanged (200 and 130 μg/m3). Levels of microorganisms in surface samples decreased following the intervention, whereas airborne microorganisms and endotoxin increased. There was no significant change in human symptoms, PEF-variability, exhaled NO or inflammatory biomarkers in the nasal lavage. In horses, the mean score of lower airway mucus was significantly reduced together with the mean level of expression of interleukin-6 mRNA in BAL cells after the intervention.CONCLUSIONS:The installation of a mechanical ventilation system resulted in an increased air exchange rate, as demonstrated by reduced levels of CO2, ammonia, ultrafine particles and horse allergen. There was no significant clinical effect on human airways, but there was a tendency for reduced inflammation markers. The results on the horses may indicate less impact on their airways after the intervention.
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| 28. |
- Zhao, Zhu, et al.
(författare)
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A comparative study of asthma, pollen, cat and dog allergy among pupils and allergen levels in schools in Taiyuan city, China, and Uppsala, Sweden
- 2006
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Ingår i: Indoor Air. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0905-6947 .- 1600-0668. ; 16:6, s. 404-413
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We compared the school environment, asthma and allergy in 10 schools in Taiyuan, China, with eight schools in Uppsala, Sweden. In total 2193 pupils (mean age 13 years) participated. Chinese pupils had more respiratory symptoms, particularly daytime breathlessness after exercise (29.8% vs. 7.1%; P < 0.001), while cat allergy (1.2% vs. 6.6%; P < 0.001) and dog allergy (1.3% vs. 4.0%; P < 0.01) was less common. Cumulative incidence of asthma (1.8% vs. 9.5%; P < 0.001) and doctor's diagnosed asthma (1.2% vs. 9.0%; P < 0.001) were less common in China, indicating an under-diagnosis of asthma. Chinese classrooms were colder (mean 14.7 vs. 21.4 degrees C), more humid (mean 42% vs. 31% RH) and had higher CO2-levels (mean 2211 vs. 761 ppm). Levels of cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1) allergens were low in settled dust from China (< 200 ng/g dust), but high in airborne dust on Petri-dishes (GM 16.8 ng/m2/day for Fel d1 and 17.7 for Can f1). The Swedish settled dust contained cat, dog and horse allergens in high levels (median 1300 ng/g, 1650 ng/g, 1250 U/g dust, respectively). In conclusion, there were large differences in the school environment, and in respiratory symptom and allergy. Allergen measurements in settled dust only may largely underestimate the classroom exposure. Practical Implications There is a need to improve the school environment, both in China and Sweden. The Swedish schools contained high levels of cat, dog and horse allergens and more amounts of open shelves and textiles that can accumulate dust and allergens. The air measurements indicated that Chinese schools may contain significant amounts of cat and dog allergen, and analysis of settled dust only may not reflect the true allergen exposure. Since the Chinese schools had no mechanical ventilation, they could not fulfill the ventilation standard in winter, and hence there is a need for improving the ventilation. The great discrepancy between respiratory symptoms and reports on asthma, and the high prevalence of attacks of breathlessness without wheeze, may have implication for future questionnaire studies on asthma in China.
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