Use of air-cleaning devices to create airborne particle-free spaces intended to alleviate allergic rhinitis and asthma during sleep

Comprehensive quantitative experiments were performed to assess the capabilities of several air-cleaning devices to create a particle-free microenvironment as a therapy for sleeping persons affected by allergic rhinitis and asthma. Six devices were evaluated, of which five were portable and intended to provide general air cleaning for bedroom-sized spaces. The sixth was intended for installation in front of the headboard of a bed and was designed to provide clean air focused in a space occupied by a sleeping person. The air-cleaning methods of the selected devices included high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtering and electrostatic precipitation. Particle concentration measurements for six particle-size ranges and sound intensity measurements were made during 8-h, sleep-simulating periods. The effects of four parameters were studied: (i) device location, (ii) controlled air motion in the laboratory, (iii) airflow rate setting of the air-cleaning device, and (iv) controlled disturbances. To ensure a totally objective study, a special laboratory facility was constructed which enabled complete control of the experimental conditions. The measured concentration histories provided comprehensive evidence of the relative capabilities of the various devices for the specific air-cleaning function. It was found that the device designed to focus the cleaned air in the sleeping space fulfilled its goal and, in that regard, was clearly superior to all of the other air-cleaning devices. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is evidence that allergic reactions are triggered by the presence of airborne particles and that these reactions can be mitigated by particle removal. This strategy can be implemented by the use of air-cleaning devices which are capable of creating particle-free zones at locations where human activity occurs. In particular, the creation of a particle-free zone which encompasses the breathing space of a sleeping person holds promise of mitigating sleep-disturbing allergic reactions.     

鼻炎热疗仪嵌入式系统设计

介绍了鼻炎热疗仪嵌入式系统软、硬件设计方案。硬件方案包括:温度测量控制方案,雾化蒸汽产生、加热控制方案,液位监测方案,人/机接口方案。软件方案包括:基本软件控制流程,上电复位和WDT强制复位的识别与处理方法。介绍了负荷变化大、温度对象特性非线性严重的控制算法。临床应用结果证明,设计的嵌入式系统方案合理,稳定性、可靠性、温度测量控制精度、雾化蒸汽流量等各项指标满足临床应用要求。     

An Exploratory Pilot Study of Genetic Marker for IgE-Mediated Allergic Diseases with Expressions of FcεR1α and Cε

The high affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor-FcεR1 is mainly expressed on the surface of effector cells. Cross-linking of IgE Abs bound to FcεR1 by multi-valent antigens can induce the activation of these cells and the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Since FcεR1 plays a central role in the induction and maintenance of allergic responses, this study aimed to investigate the association of FcεR1 with the allergic phenotype of Cε expression and cytokine and histamine release from peripheral leukocytes. Peripheral leukocytes from 67 allergic and 50 non-allergic subjects were used for genotyping analysis. Peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used for Cε expression and ELISpot analysis, while polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) were used for histamine release. The association between genotype polymorphism of the FcεR1α promoter region (rs2427827 and rs2251746) and allergic features of Cε expression and histamine were analyzed, and their effects on leukocytes function were compared with wild type. The genotype polymorphisms of FcεR1α promoter region with CT and TT in rs2427827 and TC in rs2251746 were significantly higher in allergic patients than in non-allergic controls. Patients with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of FcεR1α promoter region had high levels of total IgE, mite-specific Der p 2 (Group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus)-specific IgE and IgE secretion B cells. The mRNA expression of FcεR1α was significantly increased after Der p2 stimulation in PBMCs with SNPs of the FcεR1α promoter region. Despite the increased Cε mRNA expression in PBMCs and histamine release from PMNs and the up-regulated mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 secretions after Der p2 stimulation, there was no statistically significant difference between SNPs of the FcεR1α promoter region and the wild type. SNPs of FcεR1α promoter region were associated with IgE expression, IgE producing B cells, and increased Der p2-induced FcεR1α mRNA expression. These SNPs may be used as a disease marker for IgE-mediated allergic inflammation caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.     

Loratidine buccal films for allergic rhinitis: development and evaluation

The objective of this study was to develop a novel patient compliant buccoadhesive film capable of providing a prolonged protection against allergic symptoms. Polymeric buccoadhesive films of loratidine were prepared using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)-E5 and K100 blend and Eudragit® NE 30D as retardant. Films were prepared using solvent-casting method. The developed films were evaluated for physical properties, hydration, mucoadhesion time, drug release, etc. All the prepared films exhibited excellent mechanical strength and uniform drug content. Increase in drug content did not influence the physicomechanical properties of the film. The mucoadhesive strength of films was significantly enhanced with increase in HPMC content. Increase in Eudragit® NE 30 D content in the film decreases the hydration, erosion and drug release, but enhances the mucoadhesion time. Furthermore, the release of loratidine from the prepared films followed Hixson–Crowell kinetics. Studies in healthy human volunteers using placebo films indicate that the prepared films possess prolonged mucoadhesion in-vivo, and this could potentially lead to clinically relevant drug delivery system.     

The effect of low‐volatile organic compounds,water‐based paint on aggravation of allergic disease in schoolchildren

Whether indoor painting aggravates preexisting allergic diseases remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of new classroom painting on aggravation of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Studied school was previously painted with conventional water‐based paint 20 years ago and had natural ventilation system. We identified a total of 172 children aged 10–12 years with allergic diseases in 17 classrooms, which were allocated to newly painted rooms with low‐volatile organic compounds (VOC), water‐based paint, or existing rooms. After painting, there was no intervention or internal airflow to influence indoor air environment in both classrooms. We prospectively assessed the symptom severity and serious events of allergic diseases between both classrooms at baseline and after one and eight weeks after painting. At one and eight weeks, there were no significant changes in the Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, the fractional nitric oxide levels, lung function in asthmatic children in either classroom. There were also no significant changes in the severity score of AR or AD, or serious events in all allergic diseases. These findings suggest classroom painting with this new paint at the levels encountered in this study might not be a major aggravating factor for school‐aged children with allergic diseases.     

变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜水通道蛋白5的表达

目的探讨水通道蛋白5(aquaporin 5,AQP5)在变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织中的表达。方法应用qPCR和Western blot分别检测20只正常小鼠和20只变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织中AQP5 mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织中AQP5mRNA和蛋白显著高于正常小鼠(P<0.05)。结论 AQP5在变应性鼻炎小鼠鼻黏膜组织中高表达,对AQP5的研究开发可能会成为变应性鼻炎新的基因治疗靶点。     

Relationship between climate, pollen concentrations of Ambrosia and medical consultations for allergic rhinitis in Montreal, 1994-2002

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of meteorological factors on Ambrosia pollen concentrations and its impact on medical consultations for allergic rhinitis of residents from various socio-economic levels in Montréal (Québec, Canada) between 1994 and 2002. The study was conducted to recognize the sensitivity of pollen productivity to daily climate variability in order to estimate the consequences on human health vulnerability in the context of global climate change. Information related to medical consultations for allergic rhinitis due to pollen comes from the Quebec Health Insurance Board (Régie de l'assurance-maladie du Québec). Ambrosia pollen concentration was measured by the Aerobiology Research Laboratories (Nepean, Ontario). Daily temperature (maximum, minimum, and mean) and precipitation data were obtained from the Meteorological Service of Canada. Socio-economic data come from the 1996 and 2001 census data of Statistics Canada. Between 1994 and 2002, during the Ambrosia pollen season, 7667 consultations for allergic rhinitis due to pollen were recorded. We found a significant association between the number of medical consultations and pollen levels. Significant associations were detected for over-consultation the day of exposure, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after exposure to high levels of pollen. The consultation rate is higher from low-income residents (3.10 consultations per 10,000 inhabitants) than for high-income (1.65 consultations per 10,000 inhabitants). Considering the demonstrated impact of pollen levels on health, it has become critical to ensure adequate monitoring of Ambrosia and its meteorological sensivity in the context of the anticipated climate change and its potential consequences on human health.     

卵白蛋白对变应性鼻炎小鼠模型的影响

目的研究卵白蛋白(ovalbumin, OVA)对变应性鼻炎(过敏性鼻炎)小鼠模型的影响。方法小鼠随机分为7组:对照组、高浓度OVA模型+PBS组、中浓度OVA模型+PBS组、低浓度OVA模型+PBS组、高浓度OVA+阳性药组、中浓度OVA+阳性药组、低浓度OVA+阳性药组。采用OVA全身致敏及局部攻击相结合的方法构建变应性鼻炎小鼠模型,以PBS、丙酸氟替卡松(0.008 mg/kg)滴鼻,观察小鼠鼻部抓挠、喷嚏数症状和脏器指数; ELISA法定量检测血清免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)和干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)的含量;制备脾细胞悬液对比脾细胞悬液CD4+CD25+T细胞变化。结果建模成功后,高浓度OVA+阳性药组与高浓度OVA模型+PBS组相比,血清IgE、IL-10、IL-4、IFN-γ水平和CD4+CD25+T细胞水平变化不明显,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);中、低浓度OVA+阳性药组与中、低浓度OVA模型+PBS组相比,血清IgE、IL-10和IL-4水平显著降低, CD4+CD25+T细胞水平和IFN-γ水平显著升高, IFN-γ/IL-4比值升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.001或P0.05)。结论卵白蛋白的浓度选择对变应性鼻炎模型影响较大,致敏用卵白蛋白为中浓度时对阳性药的检测效率较高。     

超激光穴位照射结合药物治疗过敏性鼻炎的临床观察

目的：观察超激光穴位照射结合药物治疗过敏性鼻炎的临床观察疗效。方法：治疗组39例行超激光穴位照射,同时口服药物治疗。对照组36例只行口服药物治疗。结果：治疗组和对照组总有效率分别为84．61％和63．89％,两组比较有极显著性意义（P〈0．05）,治疗组疗效优于对照组。结论：超激光穴位照射结合药物治疗过敏性鼻炎疗效高。     

常年性鼻炎Nd:YAG激光治疗观察

采用Nd:YAG激光照射筛前神经鼻中隔支,筛前神经外侧支及下鼻中下端游离线治疗血管运动性鼻炎和常年变应性鼻炎共416例,其中血管运动性鼻炎316例,有效285例,无效60例,有效率90%,变应性鼻炎100例,有效40例,无效60例,有效率40%.结果表明,Nd:YAG激光照射筛前神经,对血管运动性鼻炎疗效好,对变应性鼻炎疗效差。并对作用机理作了初步探讨。