Influence of mattress characteristics on house dust mite allergen concentration

BACKGROUND: Exposure to a high level of house dust mite allergens (HDMAs) is considered as a risk factor for HDM sensitization and development of asthma in genetically disposed people. Mattresses are one of the most important sources of HDMA in people's living environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between mattress characteristics and HDMA concentrations on mattresses. METHODS: Dust samples of mattress surfaces were taken to evaluate the level of Der p 1 allergen. All participants filled in a questionnaire about the type of mattress, the type of covering (upper layer) of the mattress, dwelling characteristics and cleaning habits. Humidity and temperature of the bedroom were measured at the time of dust sampling. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-eight questionnaires were filled in. Synthetic upper layer of the mattress was associated with a higher level of Der p 1 compared with cotton upper layer (2.6 vs. 0.8 microg/g Der p 1). Moreover, higher relative humidity (RH) was associated with significant higher concentrations and density of Der p 1. CONCLUSIONS: Two factors were associated with lower levels of Der p 1 found on mattresses, namely: a cotton upper layer of the mattress compared with a layer of synthetic material and lower RH at the time of sampling. As far as we know, the association between type of upper layer and concentration of Der p 1 has not been described before and could lead to the formulation of practical advices in order to reduce HDMA concentrations on mattresses.     

Clinical effectiveness of a mite allergen-impermeable bed-covering system in asthmatic mite-sensitive patients

BACKGROUND: Exposure to allergens plays a role in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and in the chronic inflammatory response seen in asthmatic patients. House dust mites (HDMs) are an important source of allergen. Reduction of these allergens might lead to better lung function and reduction of asthma symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The effect of HDM-impermeable covers on HDM allergen levels, peak flow values, and asthma symptoms were measured. Therefore a randomized clinical trial was carried out. METHODS: Fifty-two allergic asthmatic patients were randomly allocated to use the HDM-impermeable or placebo covers. During the study period, daily peak flow and asthma symptom scores were recorded. Dust samples were taken from the mattresses. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in HDM allergen levels on the mattresses after encasing them with HDM-impermeable covers (reduction of 87% of Der p 1 in micrograms per gram of dust; P <.001). Baseline symptoms were so low that no improvement could be established. Morning peak expiratory flow is significantly higher in the intervention group compared with that seen in the placebo group during the study period (beta=20.2; P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: HDM-impermeable covers significantly decreased the level of HDM allergens. Furthermore, morning peak flow was significantly increased during the intervention period. This study indicates that HDM allergen-avoidance measures might have beneficial effects on allergen reduction and asthma outcome.     

Comparison of changes in physical self-concept, global self-esteem, depression and anxiety following two different psychomotor therapy programs in nonpsychotic psychiatric inpatients

BACKGROUND: The first objective of this study was to compare the changes in physical self-concept, global self-esteem, depression and anxiety after participation in one of two 16-week psychomotor therapy programs for nonpsychotic psychiatric inpatients. The second objective was to study the relationship between changes in these variables. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-nine inpatients were randomly assigned to either a personalized psychomotor fitness program, consisting of aerobic exercise and weight training, or a general program of psychomotor therapy, consisting of different forms of physical exercises and relaxation training. Physical self-concept was evaluated using the Dutch version of the Physical Self-Perception Profile at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after completion of the 16-week interventions. At the same time points, additional variables of global self-esteem, depression and anxiety were assessed by means of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p values ranged from 0.01 to < 0.0001), with no between-group differences. In both groups, the improvement in physical self-concept was correlated with increased global self-esteem and decreased depression and anxiety levels (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that both psychomotor therapy programs are equally effective in enhancing physical self-concept. The relationship between improvements in physical self-concept and enhancements in global self-esteem, depression and anxiety supports the potential role of the physical self-concept in the recovery process of depressed and anxious psychiatric inpatients.     

Prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and its association with allergic manifestations in 4-year-old children in the Netherlands: the PIAMA birth cohort study

The association between helminth infections and childhood atopic diseases remains controversial. The majority of studies have been carried out in tropical areas, whereas less information is available from western countries with low intensity of helminth infections. In the Netherlands, the infection of pigs with Ascaris suum is very common, particularly on pig farms with outdoor facilities. This helminth can also infect humans, causing visceral larva migrans. This study aims at determining the prevalence of antibodies against A. suum and its association with allergic symptoms and sensitisation in a population of 4-year-old children living in the Netherlands. Blood samples from 629 children from the prospective birth cohort Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) study were examined for Ascaris antibodies. Data on allergic symptoms and sensitisation were collected using questionnaires and radioallergosorbent tests (RAST). A total of 45 out of 629 (7%) were found to be Ascaris-seropositive. In addition, a positive association between Ascaris seropositivity and wheeze in the last year, doctor-diagnosed asthma and food and aero-allergen sensitisation was found. These results support the hypothesis that low-level or transient infection with helminths enhances allergic reactivity.     

Bioaccumulation of micropollutants and biomarker responses in caged carp (Cyprinus carpio)

At four different aquatic sites in Flanders (Belgium) with different types and degrees of contamination, juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed in cages for 4 weeks. After exposure, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in the tissues of the carp. Besides pollutant accumulation, several effects were measured as well. Condition measures such as changes in weight, condition factor (CF), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed. In addition, activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and a set of blood biochemical parameters were measured. At all sites, accumulation of metals in the fish tissues was observed. Levels of cadmium and lead at some of the exposure sites were higher than the levels at the start and comparable to levels in fish from moderately metal-contaminated sites. For most organic pollutants, however, levels were not significantly higher than at the start. Only for two PCB congeners, levels had slightly increased but were still lower than levels in carp captured at noncontaminated sites. Although food limitation probably caused some of the observed effects, significant relationships were found between metal load in tissues and CF, AChE, plasma osmolality and HSI. This study shows that caged carp might be useful for the assessment of bioaccumulation and some effects of micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems.     

Susceptibility of Encephalitozoon cuniculi to several drugs in vitro.

In the light of the increased incidence of human Encephalitozoon infections and the absence of an established treatment protocol, a simple in vitro testing method to compare activities of drugs against Encephalitozoon cuniculi was developed. With this in vitro method, the 50% inhibitory concentrations of fumagillin, thiabendazole, albendazole, oxibendazole, and propamidine isethionate for E. cuniculi in rabbit kidney cells were determined. Itraconazole, toltrazuril, metronidazole, ronidazole, and ganciclovir were ineffective in this testing system.     

Assessing the additional impact of fitness training in depressed psychiatric patients receiving multifaceted treatment: a replicated single-subject design

Purpose: Exercise has been put forward as a therapeutic means for the treatment of clinical depression.

Methods: In this study, 29 patients, all with diagnosed with mood disorder, completed daily measurements of depression and physical well-being during periods ranging from 77 to 436 days (M = 146.5). Fitness training was added to the treatment after a period and changes before (A-phase) and after (B-phase) the implementation of this training were the subject of investigation. Data were analysed by means of randomization tests with an AB-design and time-series analysis. Replication of the findings was investigated using Fisher's multiplicative method.

Results: Adding fitness training to the treatment of clinical depression does not systematically lead to changes in self-reported feelings of depression on top of benefits that may be due to other treatments.

Conclusion: Since the present findings are not in agreement with previous studies, the absence of statistically significant changes in self-reported feelings of depression is discussed within the complexity of the 'exercise - depression' relationship in inpatient populations. These included the severity of their depression, the potential ceiling effect of a multifaceted treatment programme and the initial increase in depression due to the confrontational nature of the intervention.     

Glutathione S-transferase alpha levels in epileptic and healthy women preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy.

We studied plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in preconceptionally recruited epileptic women who received antiepileptic drugs (n = 99) and a control group of healthy women (n = 106). Mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in the control group did not show significant changes preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy. Six weeks postpartum, however, a significant increase in the mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentration (p < 0.001) was found as compared to preconceptional levels and levels during pregnancy. The mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentration in epileptic women was significantly higher in the 4th gestational week compared to those determined in healthy pregnant women (1.68 versus 1.08 microg/l, p < 0.001). Values between the groups in the second and third trimester and postpartum period showed no significant differences.     

Passage of Salmonella through the crop and gizzard of broiler chickens fed with fermented liquid feed

In vivo experiments were conducted in order to investigate the passage and bacterial reduction of Salmonella in the crop and gizzard of chickens when fed two different feeds. The chickens were fed dry conventional feed and fermented liquid feed. The fermented feed contains a relatively high concentration of lactic and acetic acid and lactobacilli. One and three week old broiler chickens were necropsied at short intervals after inoculation with Salmonella Enteritidis. Counts of Salmonella from the crop, gizzard, duodenum, caecum and colon/rectum were obtained. This revealed a sharper decrease of Salmonella in the anterior parts of the gastro-intestinal tract in chickens fed with fermented feed than in chickens fed dry feed. It is therefore concluded that fermented feed improves the barrier formed by the crop and gizzard. The reduction of Salmonella is fully realised in the crop and gizzard. The lower intestinal compartment did not show a substantial effect on the reduction of Salmonella. The performed in vivo method appeared to be an appropriate way to study intervention strategies that aim to control Salmonella by improving the barrier function of the upper gastro-intestinal tract.