| 1. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Development of a LC-MS/MS method for the analysis of volatile primary and secondary amines as NIT (naphthylisothiocyanate) derivatives
- 2004
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Ingår i: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. - : Springer. - 1618-2642 .- 1618-2650. ; 378:4, s. 932-939
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was used for the structure elucidation of eighteen primary and secondary amines and ammonia derivatised with naphthylisothiocyanate (NIT). A fragmentation scheme was established using reference compounds and the scheme was applied to real air samples from a tyre repair shop and from the air above a bacterial culture. The sampling was performed using a solid sorbent, XAD-2, impregnated with NIT, and the derivatives were extracted with acetonitrile and analysed with LC-MS/MS. A three-step process was developed for screening and identifying of volatile amines. The first step, selected reaction monitoring; SRM was applied in order to screen the samples for NIT derivatives. In the second step, a precursor ion scan gave the [M+H]+ ion, and in the third step a product ion scan gave the fragments needed for identification. The detection limits varied between 0.12 and 0.25 ng μL−1 when screening for unknown derivatised amines. It was possible to separate and identify all the amines with the structural information obtained and the method proved to be general, sensitive and well suited for sampling and analysis of complex environmental samples.
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| 2. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Effects on perceived air quality and symptoms of exposure to microbially produced metabolites and compounds emitted from damp building materials
- 2009
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Ingår i: Indoor Air. - : The Authors Journal compilation. - 0905-6947 .- 1600-0668. ; 19:2, s. 102-112
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This work investigated perceived air quality and health effects fromexposure to low to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emittedfrom damp building materials and a mixture of molds growing on the materials.A mixture of Wallemia sebi, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium chrysogenum,Ulocladium botrytis, and Aspergillus versicolor was inoculated on pine wood andparticle board. In Study 1, each of 27 participants took part in two exposureconditions, one with air from molds growing on building materials (low levels ofemissions from the building materials and the mold mixture) and one with blankair, both conditions during 60 min. In Study 2, each of 24 participants wasexposed (10 min) four times in a 2 · 2 design randomly to air from moldybuilding materials (high levels) and blank, with and without nose-clip. Theparticipants rated air quality and symptoms before, during, and after eachexposure. Self-reported tear-film break-up time and attention and processingspeed (Study 1) was also measured. Exposure to high VOC levels increased thereports of perceived poor air quality, and in the condition without nose-clipenhanced skin symptoms were also noted. No such outcome was observed whenexposing the participants to low VOC levels.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Volatile metabolites from microorganisms grown on humid building materials and synthetic media
- 2002
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Monitoring. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 1464-0325 .- 1464-0333. ; 4:5, s. 667-672
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Growth of different microorganisms is often related to dampness in buildings. Both fungi and bacteria produce complicated mixtures of volatile organic compounds that include hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds etc. Microbially produced substances are one possible explanation of odour problems and negative health effects in buildings affected by microbial growth. A mixture of five fungi, Aspergillus versicolor, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Ulocladium botrytis and Wallemia sebi were grown on three different humid building materials (pinewood, particle board and gypsum board) and on one synthetic medium. Six different sampling methods were used, to be able to collect both non-reactive volatile organic compounds and reactive compounds such as volatile amines, aldehydes and carboxylic acids. Analysis was performed using gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography, mass spectrometry was used for identification of compounds. The main microbially produced metabolites found on pinewood were ketones (e.g. 2-heptanone) and alcohols (e.g. 2-methyl-1-propanol). Some of these compounds were also found on particle board, gypsum board and the synthetic medium, but there were more differences than similarities between the materials. For example, dimethoxymethane and 1,3,5-trioxepane and some nitrogen containing compounds were found only on particle board. The metabolite production on gypsum board was very low, although some terpenes (e.g. 3-carene) could be identified as fungal metabolites. On all materials, except gypsum board, the emission of aldehydes decreased during microbial growth. No low molecular weight carboxylic acids were identified.
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| 5. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-
(författare)
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Volatile organic compounds from microorganisms : identification and health effects
- 2006
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Damp building materials are subjected to degradation processes due to moisture and also microbial growth, with both of these giving rise to emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may contribute to indoor air health problems. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate emissions of reactive and non-reactive VOCs from damp building materials and from the microorganisms growing on them, and also to investigate the possible health impact of these compounds. Three studies were carried out in order to study emissions of VOCs. The first investigated emissions from a mixture of five fungi (Aspergillus versicolor, Fusarium culmorum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Ulocladium botrytis and Wallemia sebi) and the second emissions from the bacterium Streptomyces albidoflavus. In both studies the microorganisms were cultivated on three different building materials (pine wood, particle board and gypsum board) and one synthetic media, MEA and TGEA respectively. The bacterium was also cultivated on sand. Air samples from the cultures were collected on six different adsorbents and chemosorbents to sample a wide range of compounds such as VOCs, aldehydes, amines and light-weight organic acids. The samples were analyzed with gas chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography and ion chromatography. Mass spectrometry was used for identification of the compounds. Alcohols and ketones were the predominant compound groups identified. The bacterial culture growing on TGEA emitted ammonia, methylamine, diethylamine and ethylamine. The third study dealt with secondary emissions collected from buildings with moisture and mould problems. Samples were taken when the materials were dry and also after they had been wet for a week. Most alcohols and ketones could be identified from the wet materials. Trimethylamine and triethylamine, were identified from sand contaminated by Bacillus. One study looked at the development of a method for analysis of primary and secondary amines with LC-MS/MS. A three-step process was developed, with the first step screening the samples for NIT derivatives with selected reaction monitoring, SRM. In the second step a precursor ion scan gave the [M+H]+ ion, and the last step involved fragmentation with a product ion scan. It was possible to separate and identify all the investigated amines, which showed that the method was both specific and selective and therefore well suited for the analysis of amines in complex environments. The last study comprised two exposure studies. In study 1 each participant took part in two exposure conditions, one with air from mouldy building materials and one with blank air for a 60 minute period. In study 2 each participant was exposed four times (for a period of 10 min) at random to air from mouldy building materials and blank air, with and without nose-clip. The participants rated air quality and symptoms before, during and after each exposure. Exposure to moderate VOC levels resulted in reports of perceived poor air quality, but no such results were received when exposing the participants to low VOC levels.
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| 6. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from materials collected from buildings affected by microorganisms
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Monitoring. - : Royal Society of Chemistry. - 1464-0325 .- 1464-0333. ; 9:3, s. 240-245
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this study mould damaged materials, including carpet, concrete, gypsum board, insulation, plastic, sand and wood, from 20 different buildings with moisture problems were collected. To study emissions from these materials both conventional methods for sampling, such as collection on Tenax TA, were used as well as complementary methods for sampling a wider spectrum of compounds, such as more volatile VOCs, amines and aldehydes. Analysis was carried out using gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Mass spectrometry was used for identification of compounds. Alcohols and ketones were almost exclusively emitted from the materials after they had been wet for a week. Acids were also emitted in large quantities from wet gypsum board and plastic. No primary or secondary amines could be identified, but two tertiary amines, trimethylamine and triethylamine, were emitted from sand contaminated by Bacillus. The most common moulds found were Penicillium and Aspergillus. A multivariate method (partial least squares, PLS) was used to investigate the emission patterns from the materials. Materials with bacterial growth had a different VOC profile to those with only mould growth.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Andersson, Linus, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Chemical Intolerance Is Associated With Altered Response Bias, not Greater Sensory Sensitivity
- 2020
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Ingår i: i-Perception. - : Sage Publications. - 2041-6695. ; 11:6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chemical intolerance is a surprisingly prevalent condition or affliction characterized by adverse reactions to low levels of chemical, often odorous stimulation. Sufferers often assume that their plight is due to an uncommon sensory acuteness, yet studies repeatedly fail to reveal altered detection thresholds. Here, we investigated whether self-reported chemical intolerance is associated with altered sensory sensitivity or response bias. The sensory acuity (sensitivity; A) and sensory decision rule (criterion; B) to n-butanol was assessed using the method of constant stimuli in 82 participants with different degrees of chemical intolerance (low to high). Higher self-reported chemical intolerance was associated with a lower criterion, but not with sensitivity.
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| 9. |
- Andersson, Linus, et al.
(författare)
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Chemosensory perception, symptoms and autonomic responses during chemical exposure in multiple chemical sensitivity
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 89:1, s. 79-88
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a prevalent medically unexplained symptom characterized by symptom reactions to everyday chemical exposure below hygienic thresholds. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of hyper-reactivity in MCS during whole-body exposure to low concentrations of the odorant n-butanol.Methods: We exposed 18 participants with MCS and 18 non-ill controls to a low concentration of the odorantn-butanol using an exposure chamber. The first 10 min constituted blank exposure, after which then-butanol concentration increased and reached a plateau at 11.5 mg/m3.Results: MCS participants, compared with controls, reported greater perceived odor intensities, more unpleasantness to the exposure and increasing symptoms over time. MCS participants also expressed higher pulse rate and lower pulse rate variability than controls did. No group differences were found for breathing rate or tonic electrodermal activity responses.Conclusions: We conclude that MCS sufferers differ from healthy controls in terms of autonomic responses, symptoms and chemosensory perception during chemical exposure.
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| 10. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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A standardized protocol for comparable analysis of GSH/GSSG by UHPLC-ESI-MSMS for human plasma
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of chromatography. B. - : Elsevier. - 1570-0232 .- 1873-376X. ; 1104, s. 67-72
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Variability in the levels of GSH and GSSG in plasma is suggested to derive from inadequate pre-processing methods. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for comparable and reliable measurements of GSH/GSSG. Venous blood from 8 healthy individuals were collected and divided into 7 different pre-processing procedures. For three of the samples an extraction mixture was added after 0 (baseline), 4 and 8 min and for three of the samples the extraction mixture was added at different times during defrost. A worst case scenario where a sample was left in a cool box during 6 h was also included. The samples were analyzed with UHPLC-ESIMSMS. A large difference in the levels of GSH and GSSG were identified and it was clearly associated with the sample handling procedures. A sample left untreated for 4 min will have significantly reduced amount of GSH. Stability tests showed that the level of GSH was reduced after 3 months in -80 degrees C.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Feasibility and reliability of measures of bioactive lipids in human plasma and nasal mucosa
- 2022
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Ingår i: Journal of chromatography. B. - : Elsevier. - 1570-0232 .- 1873-376X. ; 1206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Analysis of bioactive lipids is increasingly useful in clinical studies, and there is a need for non-invasive and easy-to-use sampling methods that meet the demands of reliability. Samples that can be taken by a non-professional and that can be taken repeatedly so as to provide more detailed information about the inflammatory process are often desired. In this study, the feasibility of non-invasive sampling of nasal mucosa and saliva for the analysis of bioactive lipid mediators (e.g. oxylipins and endocannabinoids) was evaluated in a pilot study (n = 10). In a second study, the reliability (relative and absolute) of sampling of these lipid mediators derived from nasal mucosa and from plasma was assessed by calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman’s limit of agreement. Samples were taken at the same time of day on two occasions from a cohort of individuals with and without building-related intolerance (n = 37). Nasal mucosa proved to be a suitable matrix for the analysis of bioactive lipids and was therefore included in the study on reliability together with the plasma samples. Relative reliability varied among the identified oxylipins and endocannabinoids. Arachidonic acid derivatives showed generally better reliability. Absolute reliability measures also varied indicating that only a subset of the oxylipins and endocannabinoids were suitable as biomarkers in either nasal mucosa or plasma and should therefore be used with caution for that purpose.
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| 13. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Gender differences in nasal chemesthesis : a studyof detection and perceived intensity
- 2011
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Ingår i: Chemosensory Perception. - : Springer. - 1936-5802 .- 1936-5810. ; 4:1/2, s. 25-31
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Women are generally more intolerant than men to ambient substances, for which sensory irritation plays an important role. The aim of the present study was to compare women and men with respect to response bias and sensitivity in irritation detection and to irritation intensity. Twelve women and 12 men were exposed to six concentrations of amyl acetate generated by a dynamic olfactometer. Each concentration was presented eight times in randomized order. Clean-air presentations were interrandomized among the series of amyl acetate stimuli to assess and control for response bias. Ratings of irritation intensity were performed with a Borg CR-100 scale. No gender difference in overall irritation detection sensitivity was found, but a significantly steeper psychometric detection function for women implies keener detectability at relatively high concentrations and poorer detectability at low concentrations. A higher false-alarm rate and higher intensity ratings for blank stimuli for women compared to men did almost reach statistical significance. The data showed no overall gender difference in irritation intensity, but a less steep power function for irritation intensity for women, with relatively weak concentrations being perceived as stronger by women than by men. The results suggest no overall gender difference in irritation detectability, but a larger increase in detectability among women across the stimulus span. The tendency of gender differences in response bias implies differences in strategies when detecting possible health hazards. These strategies together with weak concentrations being perceived as stronger may contribute to women being more intolerant than men to ambient substances.
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| 14. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Human exposure to acrolein : Time-dependence and individual variation in eye irritation
- 2016
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Ingår i: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. - : Elsevier. - 1382-6689 .- 1872-7077. ; 45, s. 20-27
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to examine the time dependence on sensory irritation detection following exposure to threshold levels of acrolein, in humans. The exposures occurred in an exposure chamber and the subjects were breathing fresh air through a mask that covered the nose and mouth. All participants participated in four exposure conditions, of which three consisted of a mixture of acrolein and heptane and one of only heptane. Exposure to acrolein at a concentration half of the TLV-C lead to sensory irritation. The perceived sensory irritation resulted in both increased detectability and sensory irritation after about6.8 min of exposure in 58% of the participants. The study confirm the previously suggested LOAEL of about 0.34 mg/m3 for eye irritation due to acrolein exposure. The sensory irritation was still significant 10 min after exposure. These results have implications for risk assessment and limit setting in occupational hygiene.
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| 15. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Levels of oxylipins, endocannabinoids and related lipids in plasma before and after low-level exposure to acrolein in healthy individuals and individuals with chemical intolerance
- 2017
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Ingår i: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. - : Elsevier BV. - 0952-3278 .- 1532-2823. ; 121, s. 60-67
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Oxylipins and endocannabinoids play important biological roles, including effects upon inflammation. It is not known whether the circulating levels of these lipids are affected by inhalation of the environmental pollutant acrolein. In the present study, we have investigated the consequences of low-level exposure to acrolein on oxylipin, endocannabinoid and related lipid levels in the plasma of healthy individuals and individuals with chemical intolerance (CI), an affliction with a suggested inflammatory origin. Participants were exposed twice (60 min) to heptane and a mixture of heptane and acrolein. Blood samples were collected before exposure, after and 24 h post-exposure. There were no overt effects of acrolein exposure on the oxylipin lipidome or endocannibinoids detectable in the bloodstream at the time points investigated. No relationship between basal levels or levels after exposure to acrolein and CI could be identified. This implicates a minor role of inflammatory mediators on the systemic level in CI.
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| 16. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Physical and chemical trigger factors in environmental intolerance
- 2018
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 221:3, s. 586-592
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Individuals with environmental intolerance (EI) react to exposure from different environmental sources at levels tolerated by most people and that are below established toxicological and hazardous thresholds. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of attributing symptoms to chemical and physical sources in the environment among individuals with different forms of self-reported EI and in referents.Methods: Cross-sectional data from a population-based study, the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study (n = 3406), were used and individuals with self-reported EI to chemicals, buildings, electromagnetic fields and sounds as well as a group with multiple EIs were identified. The Environmental-Symptom Attribution Scale was used to quantify degree to which health symptoms are attributed to 40 specific environmental exposures and sources, with subscales referring to the four types of EI.Results: All EI groups, except the group with building related intolerance (BRI), reported more symptoms from the expected sources compared to the referents. In addition, individuals with chemical and sound intolerance reported symptoms from building related trigger factors, and individuals with electromagnetic hypersensitivity reported symptoms from chemical trigger factors.Conclusions: The study suggests that individuals with BRI react to fewer and more specific trigger factors than do individuals with other EIs, and that it is important to ask about different sources since three of the EI groups attribute their symptoms to a wide variety of sources in addition to the sources to which their EI implicates.
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| 17. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Stress and sleep in relation to severity of building related symptoms
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 65:7, s. 541-545
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This study investigates different aspects of stress and sleep in medically examined individuals with varying severity of building-related symptoms (BRS).METHODS: Three questionnaires were used to assess acute and long-term stress and sleep (Perceived Stress Scale; Shirom Melamed Burnout Questionnaire, and Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire).RESULTS: Individuals with BRS, regardless of severity, did not differ in level of perceived stress (indicator of short-term stress). The indicators of long-term stress differed between the groups where an increased severity was associated with higher levels of burnout and sleep problems.CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests an association between symptom severity and measures of long-term stress and sleep quality. This has implications for the treatment of persons affected by BRS, because not only the environment needs to be treated, but also the concurrent signs of distress, such as burnout or sleep problems.
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| 18. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Symptom-trigger factors other than allergens in asthma and allergy
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Health Research. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0960-3123 .- 1369-1619. ; 26:4, s. 448-457
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several environmental exposures of particular relevance for indoor air quality, such as exposure to odorants, may be associated with asthma and allergy. The aim of this study was to investigate attribution of symptoms and behavioral disruptions to various chemical and physical environmental sources in persons with self-reported asthma and allergy. Data from a population-based study, the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study, were used to compare persons with asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, multiple diagnoses of asthma/allergy and no asthma or allergy. Persons with asthma and multiple diagnoses reported odorous/pungent and buildingrelated environmental factors to trigger symptoms to a larger extent than did the reference group, mainly due to perfume and odors from flowers. They also reported behavioral disruptions and affective reactions to odorous/ pungent environments. These findings increase the understanding of the role of odorants in symptom development and thereby the prevention of health problems in asthma and allergy in indoor air.
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| 19. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Symptoms and oxylipins in plasma before and after exposure to rooms in which individuals have both experienced and not experienced building- related symptoms – an exploratory study
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Health Research. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 0960-3123 .- 1369-1619. ; 32:12, s. 2756-2766
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate if there are differences in symptom ratings and plasma concentrations of oxylipins as a measure of acute inflammation between individuals with building-related symptoms (BRS) and referents during exposure to rooms where people experienced BRS and rooms where they did not experience BRS. Medically examined individuals with BRS and healthy, age and sex matched referents working in the same building were exposed for 60 min. Ratings of symptoms and collection of blood to measure oxylipins in plasma were performed before and after each exposure. Individuals with BRS reported more symptoms (mostly mucosal) than the referents in the problem rooms and there was a tendency towards a difference between the groups in concentration of metabolites from the cyclooxygenase pathway (COX). The mean reported intensity of symptoms among all participants was also found to be positively correlated with both COX and lipoxygenase (LOX-15) oxylipins in problem rooms.
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| 20. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Symptoms from masked acrolein exposure suggest altered trigeminal reactivity in chemical intolerance
- 2017
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Ingår i: Neurotoxicology. - : Elsevier. - 0161-813X .- 1872-9711. ; 60, s. 92-98
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chemical intolerance (CI) is a widespread occupational and public health problem characterized by symptoms that reportedly result from low-levels of chemical exposure. The mechanisms behind CI are unknown, however modifications of the chemical senses (rather than toxic processes) have been suggested as key components. The aim of this study was to investigate whether individuals with self-reported CI report more sensory irritation during masked acrolein exposure compared to controls without CI. Methods: Individuals with CI (n = 18) and controls without CI (n = 19) were exposed in an exposure chamber. Each participant took part in two exposure conditions – one with heptane (the masking compound), and one with heptane and acrolein at a dose below previously reported sensory irritation thresholds. The exposures lasted for 60 min. Symptoms and confidence ratings were measured continuously throughout the exposure as were measurements of electrodermal activity and self-reported tear-film break-up time. Participants were blind to exposure condition. Results: Individuals with CI, compared with controls reported greater sensory irritation in the eyes, nose and throat when exposed to acrolein masked with heptane. There was no difference during exposure to heptane. Conclusions: Masked exposure to acrolein at a concentration below the previously reported detection threshold is perceived as more irritating by individuals with CI compared with controls. The results indicate that there is altered trigeminal reactivity in those with CI compared to controls.
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| 21. |
- Dalton, Pamela, et al.
(författare)
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The Impact of Indoor Malodor : Historical Perspective, Modern Challenges, Negative Effects, and Approaches for Mitigation
- 2020
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Ingår i: Atmosphere. - : MDPI. - 2073-4433. ; 11:2
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Malodors, odors perceived to be unpleasant or offensive, may elicit negative symptoms via the olfactory system’s connections to cognitive and behavioral systems at levels below the known thresholds for direct adverse events. Publications on harm caused by indoor malodor are fragmented across disciplines and have not been comprehensively summarized to date. This review examines the potential negative effects of indoor malodor on human behavior, performance and health, including individual factors that may govern such responses and identifies gaps in existing research. Reported findings show that indoor malodor may have negative psychological, physical, social, and economic effects. However, further research is needed to understand whether the adverse effects are elicited via an individual’s experience or expectations or through a direct effect on human physiology and well-being. Conversely, mitigating indoor malodor has been reported to have benefits on performance and subjective responses in workers. Eliminating the source of malodor is often not achievable, particularly in low-income communities. Therefore, affordable approaches to mitigate indoor malodor such as air fresheners may hold promise. However, further investigations are needed into the effectiveness of such measures on improving health outcomes such as cognition, mood, and stress levels and their overall impact on indoor air quality.
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| 22. |
- Finell, Eerika, et al.
(författare)
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How student perceptions of stuffy air and unpleasant odour are associated with students’ well-being : Cross-level interaction effects of school climate
- 2024
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Ingår i: Journal of Environmental Psychology. - : Elsevier. - 0272-4944 .- 1522-9610. ; 93
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It has been suggested that group-level factors affect how perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) is associated with well-being. Therefore, we analysed how student-perceived social climate at the school-level modified the student-level association between student-perceived unpleasant odour/stuffy air and well-being. The well-being indicators were seven self-reported anxiety symptoms (such as nervous, anxious, or on edge) and two somatic symptoms (headache and tiredness). We analysed a representative sample of Finnish school students (N = 678 schools, N = 71,392 students) by using multilevel modelling and testing cross-level interactions. At the studentlevel, both unpleasant odour and perceived stuffy air were significantly but weakly associated with increased anxiety and somatic symptoms. At the school-level, these IAQ indicators were significantly but weakly associated with increased anxiety and moderately with somatic symptoms. Furthermore, a good social climate at the schoollevel modified the student-level association between perceived stuffy air and anxiety symptoms. Those students who reported stuffy air were more anxious if they studied in a school with poor social climate than good social climate. Our results provide robust evidence that group-level factors may differently modify the relationships between different IAQ indicators and components of well-being.
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| 23. |
- Glas, Bo, 1959-, et al.
(författare)
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Skin sensitivity to capsaicin, perceived stress and burn out among patients with building-related symptoms
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 94:5, s. 791-797
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The mechanisms behind building-related symptoms have remained unknown despite many years of research. It is known that environmental and psychosocial factors are of importance. Some receptors in the Transient Receptor Potential family elicit the same symptoms when stimulated, as reported by those suffering from building-related symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare capsaicin sensitivity between people with and without skin symptoms. A second aim was to investigate perceived stress among individuals with different levels of capsaicin sensitivity.Methods: People referred to an occupational health care unit and judged to have building-related symptoms by a physician answered a questionnaire regarding their symptoms. Solutions with different capsaicin concentrations were applied to participants' nasolabial folds. Self-reported stress and burnout were assessed using two questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ).Results: We found that people who reported facial erythema or itching, stinging, tight or burning facial skin were more sensitive than those without symptoms and similarities with Sensitive Skin are discussed. We also found that participants who reacted to the lowest capsaicin concentrations scored significantly higher on scales for stress and burnout.Conclusions: We found associations between sensitivity to capsaicin and skin symptoms among people with building-related symptoms, as well as associations between capsaicin sensitivity and perceived stress/burnout.
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| 24. |
- Karvala, Kirsi, et al.
(författare)
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Building-Related Environmental Intolerance and Associated Health in the General Population
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 15:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- People frequently attribute adverse symptoms to particular buildings when exposure to pollutants is low, within nonhazardous levels. Our aim was to characterize building-related intolerance (BRI) in the general population. Data were derived from two population-based questionnaire surveys, the Vasterbotten and osterbotten Environmental Health Study. We identified cases of BRI if respondents reported symptoms emerging from residing in certain buildings, when most other people had none. The questionnaires covered lifestyle factors, perceived general health, BRI duration and symptom frequency, the emotional and behavioral impact of BRI, coping strategies, and physician-diagnosed diseases. From the total of 4941 participants, we formed two case groups, 275 (5.6%) fulfilled criteria for self-reported BRI, and 123 (2.5%) for BRI with wide-ranging symptoms. Individuals in both case groups were significantly more often female, single, and perceived their general health as poorer than the referents, i.e., those reporting no BRI symptoms. The mean duration of BRI was 12 years. In both case groups, avoidance behavior was found in over 60%, and nearly half of the sample had sought medical care. BRI with wide-ranging symptoms was associated with elevated odds for all studied comorbidities (somatic and psychiatric diseases and functional somatic syndromes). The perceived health of individuals with BRI is poorer and comorbidities are more frequent than among referents. BRI seems to be similar to other environmental intolerances and shares features with functional somatic syndromes.
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| 25. |
- Köteles, Ferenc, et al.
(författare)
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Associations between symptoms, modern health worries, and somatosensory amplification in patients with building-related symptoms
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Psychosomatic Research. - : Elsevier. - 0022-3999 .- 1879-1360. ; 173
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the associations between somatosensory amplification, modern health worries (MHWs), and symptoms among patients with building-related symptoms (BRS).Methods: Patients with self-reported and medically confirmed BRS (n = 83) were included in this cross-sectional study. The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) was used to quantify the tendency to amplify somatic sensations and perceive them as unpleasant and dangerous. Concerns about harmful effects of modern technologies were assessed with the Modern Health Worries Scale (MHWS). Symptoms commonly found in different forms of environmental intolerance were assessed with the Environmental Hypersensitivity Symptom Inventory (EHSI).Results: Patients with BRS were characterized by more frequent and more severe environmental hypersensitivity symptoms compared to a reference population. Females and those with co-morbid self-reported chemical intolerance reported even more symptoms. MHWS and SSAS scores showed weak to moderate associations with symptoms, even after adjusting for socio-economic variables. However, neither the mean MHWS score or the SSAS score of our sample differed from normative scores.Conclusion: Patients with BRS are not characterized by elevated levels of MHWs and somatosensory amplification, thus other, psychosocial and/or environmental, factors may have contributed to the development of the condition. However, the associations between severity of symptoms and MHWs and somatosensory amplification suggest that psychosocial characteristics may substantially influence symptom experience in this group.
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| 26. |
- Lillqvist, Moa, et al.
(författare)
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Comparable responses to a wide range of olfactory stimulation in women and men
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 13:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The evidence for differences between women and men in terms of olfactory abilities is contradictory. We analyzed women and men's performance and reactions to a wider range of odour exposure outcomes than usually studied, to assess possible differences and similarities between sexes. Measures of sensitivity and sensory decision rule were established in 37 women and 39 men. Perceptual, cognitive, symptom-related and autonomic nervous system (skin conductance level and heart-rate variability) reactions were also assessed during extended ambient odour exposure, as well as participants' self-rated chemical intolerance. Bayesian analyses consistently revealed greater support for sex-related similarities than differences, suggesting that women and men perform and react comparably not only in terms of basic olfactory measures, but also to environmental odour exposure mimicking everyday situations.
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| 27. |
- Lindahl, Roger, et al.
(författare)
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Development of a method for the determination of naphthalene and phenanthrene in workplace air using diffusive sampling and thermal desorption GC-MS analysis
- 2011
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Ingår i: Annals of Occupational Hygiene. - : Oxford University Press. - 0003-4878 .- 1475-3162. ; 55:6, s. 681-687
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Diffusive sampling methods have been validated for the determination of naphthalene and phenanthrene in workplace air. The diffusive sampler tested was the Perkin Elmer ATD tube, and the analysis was performed with thermal desorption, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometric detection. The sampling methods were validated in controlled test atmospheres, mainly according to the protocol proposed in the European standard EN 838. For the determination of naphthalene, the diffusive sampling rate was 0.41 ml min21 with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 19%. The mean sampling rate for phenanthrene was 0.49 ml min21 with a CV of 21%. Field tests confirmed the naphthalene results but could not be used to confirm the phenanthrene results. The method is not recommended for phenanthrene sampling unless the method has been tested in the specific environment and the results confirm the laboratory tests.
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| 28. |
- Meinertz Dantoft, Thomas, et al.
(författare)
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Inflammatory mediator profiling of n-butanol exposed upper airways in individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity
- 2015
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by reports of recurrent symptoms in response to low level exposure to various chemical substances. Recent findings suggests that dysregulation of the immune system may play a role in MCS pathophysiology.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine baseline and low dose n-butanol-induced upper airway inflammatory response profiles in MCS subjects versus healthy controls.METHOD: Eighteen participants with MCS and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Epithelial lining fluid was collected from the nasal cavity at three time points: baseline, within 15 minutes after being exposed to 3.7 ppm n-butanol in an exposure chamber and four hours after exposure termination. A total of 19 cytokines and chemokines were quantified. Furthermore, at baseline and during the exposure session, participants rated the perceived intensity, valence and levels of symptoms and autonomic recordings were obtained.RESULTS: The physiological and psychophysical measurements during the n-butanol exposure session verified a specific response in MCS individuals only. However, MCS subjects and healthy controls displayed similar upper airway inflammatory mediator profiles (P>0.05) at baseline. Likewise, direct comparison of mediator levels in the MCS group and controls after n-butanol exposure revealed no significant group differences.CONCLUSION: We demonstrate no abnormal upper airway inflammatory mediator levels in MCS subjects before or after a symptom-eliciting exposure to low dose n-butanol, implying that upper airways of MCS subjects are functionally intact at the level of cytokine and chemokine production and secretory capacity. This suggests that previous findings of increased cytokine plasma levels in MCS are unlikely to be caused by systemic priming via excessive upper airway inflammatory processes.
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Palmquist, Eva, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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Odor perception and symptoms during acrolein exposure in individuals with and without building-related symptoms
- 2022
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 12:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Building-related symptoms (BRS) is a significant work-related and public health problem, characterized by non-specific symptoms occurring in a particular building. The cause of BRS is unknown, but certain reactive compounds are suggested risk factors. The aim of this controlled exposure study was to investigate whether BRS cases report more odor annoyance and symptoms and show altered autonomous nervous system (ANS) response during exposure to the reactive aldehyde, acrolein in comparison with referents. Individuals with BRS (n = 18) and referents (n = 14) took part in two exposure sessions (80 min). One session contained heptane alone, and the other heptane and acrolein. Perceived odor annoyance; eye, nose, and throat symptoms; and ANS response were measured continuously. BRS cases did not experience more odor annoyance; eye, nose, and throat symptoms; or altered ANS response in comparison with referents during the exposures. Supplementary analyses revealed that BRS cases that also reported chemical intolerance perceived more symptoms than referents during acrolein exposure. Acrolein exposure at a concentration below previously reported sensory irritation detection thresholds is perceived as more irritating by a subgroup of BRS individuals compared with referents. The results of this study indicate that a subset of individuals with building related symptoms (BRS) has a lowered sensory irritation threshold towards acrolein exposure. Future guidelines on chemical exposures to acrolein should take time and individual sensitivity into account.
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| 31. |
- Schéle, Ingrid, 1967-, et al.
(författare)
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Prototype stories of life with Chemical Intolerance : when the environment becomes a threat to health and well-being
- 2019
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Ingår i: Open Psychology. - : De Gruyter Open. - 2543-8883. ; 1:1, s. 239-254
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We aimed to explore how individuals living with Chemical Intolerance (CI) describe the onset and progression of CI, and how they live and cope with CI. The participants were recruited via Swedish websites hosted by CI support groups. A postal survey, including a Life history calender, was sent to potential participants. Eleven respondents fitted the consensus-based criteria for CI while not reporting comorbidity. A narrative analysis of their written replies resulted in five prototypical stories based on similarities in the onset and course of CI. All five stories contain descriptions of alienation from society and insufficient social support. Differences in participants’ perceptions of the symptom onset – with regard to suddenness, the point in life and the perceived cause of symptoms – partly corresponded to etiological theories of CI related to stress or inflammation. Further differences between the prototype stories mainly concern the possible effects on health and well-being related to social support and coping. Given these differences, we recommend that medical professionals and others apply a holistic, context-sensitive approach before discouraging or promoting a specific coping strategy in relation to CI.
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| 32. |
- Sehlström, Malcolm, et al.
(författare)
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The relation of neuroticism to physiological and behavioral stress responses induced by auditory startle
- 2022
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Ingår i: Brain and Behavior. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2162-3279 .- 2162-3279. ; 12:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The negative cognitive effects of the startle response are not yet fully understood. Ecological observations in the aviation field indicate risk for severe outcomes in complex or pressured situations, while sparse previous research suggests milder negative effects on simple cognitive tasks. Neuroticism is proposed as a factor related to the level of negative effects following startle.Methods: This study examined the effects of startle on performance in a choice reaction time task and analyzed relations between performance, neuroticism, and physiological stress.Results: Our results indicate that reaction time directly following startle was not affected, but reaction time in subsequent trials was significantly slower. Neuroticism and physiological stress were both unrelated to this performance effect.Discussion: We argue that higher complexity/demand tasks are necessary to complement the research on base cognitive functioning in relation to startle. If neuroticism is related to startle effects, this is more likely to be found in these higher demand situations.
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| 33. |
- Veenaas, Cathrin, et al.
(författare)
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Differences in chemical composition of indoor air in rooms associated / not associated with building related symptoms
- 2020
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 720
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Building related health effects or symptoms (BRS), known also as sick-building syndrome (SBS), are a phenomenon that is not well understood. In this study, air samples from 51 rooms associated with BRS and 34 control rooms were collected on multi-sorbent tubes and analyzed by a non-target approach using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. The large amount of data gathered was analyzed using multivariate statistics (principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS)).This new analysis approach revealed that in rooms where people experienced BRS, petrochemicals and chemicals emitted from plastics were abundant, whereas in rooms where people did not experience BRS, flavor and fragrance compounds were abundant. Among the petrochemicals benzene and 2-butoxyethanol were found in higher levels in rooms where people experienced BRS. The levels of limonene were sometimes in the range of reported odor thresholds, and similarly 3-carene and beta-myrcene were found in higher concentrations in indoor air of rooms where people did not experience BRS. It cannot be ruled out that these compounds may have influenced the perceived air quality. However, the overall variability in air concentrations was large and it was not possible to accurately predict if the air in a particular room could cause BRS or not.
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