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.     

Magnetic resonance contrast media (review)

Translated from Khimiko-farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 540–549, May, 1989.     

Apparent inactivation of alpha 1-antiproteinase by sulphur-containing radicals derived from penicillamine

alpha 1-Antiproteinase is the major inhibitor of proteolytic enzymes, such as elastase, in human plasma. Its elastase-inhibitory capacity can be inactivated by exposure to hydroxyl radicals (.OH) generated either by pulse radiolysis or by an Fe3+-EDTA/H2O2/ascorbic acid system. Inactivation of alpha 1-antiproteinase by radiolytically-generated .OH under anoxic conditions was decreased by adding a range of anti-inflammatory drugs to the reaction mixtures, including the thiol compound penicillamine. However, under conditions favouring formation of oxysulphur radicals, protection by thiols such as penicillamine was much decreased. It is proposed that sulphur-containing radicals resulting from attack of biologically-produced oxidants upon penicillamine in the presence of O2 can themselves inactivate alpha 1-antiproteinase, and that such radicals might contribute to the side-effects produced by penicillamine or gold thiol therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.     

Liability for infectious diseases in day care: legal and practical considerations

A lawsuit directed by parents at a day care program following an outbreak of infectious disease would most likely be based on the legal theory of negligence--the failure to exercise due care as required by circumstances. In the determination of liability for infectious diseases in child day care, the element of causation is most critical. Did the day care facility's actions or failure to act cause the harm? Another important question is whether an infectious disease can be occupational and under what circumstances. Although worker's compensation laws initially had no provisions for occupational disease, now all states recognize responsibility for them. Awareness of potential problems with legal liability and establishment of procedures to minimize risk are important for day care providers, public health officials, clinicians, and parents.     

Synovectomy of the knee in hemophilia

Synovectomy of the knee in patients with hemophilia presenting in countries with demographic characteristics that make central referral difficult is the subject of this article. Ten patients, six surgeons, and two countries contributed to this study, which demonstrated that approximately 40% of these patients had no further hemarthroses into the affected joint and the remainder had reduced frequency and severity of bleeding. Continuous passive motion has an important place in postoperative management, and manipulation with the patient under anesthesia is of doubtful value. The possible relationship between diminished range of movement and a successful outcome in terms of abolition of hemorrhage is explored. One patient underwent synovectomy of the knee without complication; the other nine suffered significant complications.     

Psychiatric syndromes linked to reproductive function in women: a review of current knowledge

Four psychiatric syndromes related to reproductive function in women have been identified: postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), post-hysterectomy depression, and involutional melancholia. The authors review what is known about these syndromes and conclude, first, that postpartum depression comprises three separate syndromes, the most severe of which is most likely a variant of primary affective disorder. Second, research into the syndromal nature, biology, and treatment of PMS is still in its infancy due to a variety of methodological difficulties. Third, the rate of depression among women during the involutional period or following hysterectomy for benign pathology is not higher than it is at other times.     

Enoximone and the therapeutic strategy in patients awaiting emergency cardiac graft

Enoximone is a positive inotropic agent belonging to the group of phosphodiesterase F-III inhibitors. The drug was tested in 34 patients uncontrolled by sympathomimetic drugs and referred to our department for urgent heart transplantation or circulatory assistance. After insertion of a Swan-Ganzgatheter and a radial artery catheter for haemodynamic monitoring, enoximone was administered as a 15-minute intravenous bolus injection of 1 to 2.5 mg/kf every 8 hours, in addition to sympathomimetic agents. Clinical and haemodynamic improvement was observed after thirty minutes in 30 patients. The cardiac index rose from 1.82 to 2.67 l/min/m2 and the pulmonary wedge pressure fell from 30.8 to 18.9 mmHg. Systemic arterial resistance decreased from 2170 to 1520 dyn. s. cm-5, and pulmonary resistance from 5.5 to 4.6 Wood units (p less than 0.01 for all values). Four patients had no haemodynamic improvement and were put on circulatory assistance, using a Jarvik 7 total artificial heart in 3 of them and heterotopic circulatory assistance in one. After clinical investigation for contra-indication to heart transplantation, and as their improved haemodynamic status permitted, 12 of the 30 patients were considered suitable (group B) for heart transplantation. Transplantation was performed within a week of admission in 11 patients without any need for mechanical assistance. One of the group B patients who required implantation of a Jarvik 7 artificial heart died after 12 hours of assistance. Eighteen patients were considered unsuitable for transplantation (group A) and treated medically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synthesis and anti-tuberculous activity of diesters based on isosteviol and dicarboxylic acids

Diesters based on isosteviol and dicarboxylic acids were synthesized and tested for antituberculous activity. Isosteviol and some of its derivatives exhibit appreciable tuberculostatic properties in vitro, the activity being dependent on the length of the polymethylene spacer connecting two ent-beyeran fragments. The mechanism of the antituberculous action of isosteviol derivatives are discussed. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 40, No. 9, pp. 12–13, September, 2006.