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Development Of A System For Pollen Forecasting In Vinnitsa, Ukraine
AB90 Abstracts
340
SUNDAY
Development Of A System For Pollen Forecasting In Vinnitsa, Ukraine V. Rodinkova1, L. M. DuBuske2; 1Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnitsa, UKRAINE, 2Immunology Research Institute of New England, Gardner, MA. RATIONALE: A system of pollen forecasting in Vinnitsa, Ukraine was developed based on pollen monitoring in 1999-2011, and in 2009-2010. METHODS: Pollen counts from 1999-2000 were obtained by gravimetric sampling. Pollen collection in 2009 and in 2010 employed volumetric methods using a Hirst Type Burkard trap at Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in association with the European Aeroallergen Network (EAN). Seasonal allergic patient symptoms at university clinics were correlated using a pollen diary assessing time and severity of ocular, nasal and lung symptoms. Meteorological conditions and solar geomagnetic storms were also noted. RESULTS: Correlation between tree pollen peaks and solar geomagnetic storms was seen. Patients’ symptoms often occur the day before a pollen peak was noted by the Burkard trap especially for Betula allergy in 2010. Tree pollen peaks depend on weather conditions. Peaks of weed pollens were relatively stable but periods of grass pollination were earlier in May, 2010 and 2011 than in 1999 and 2000. A pollen forecast is provided free by text messages and emails to allergy patients at the university clinic and is printed in regional newspapers, broadcast on municipal radio and posted on websites. CONCLUSIONS: The development of systematic analysis of trends in pollen counts and pollen forecast may assist patient with seasonal allergic symptoms in management of their disease.
341
Airborne Exposures To Allergen And Particles With And Without Carpeting B. Mitchell, A. Southey, M. Fox, G. Hughes, T. Yeomans; Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Dublin, IRELAND. RATIONALE: Health bodies and physicians advising on home allergen avoidance measures for asthmatics recommend removal of fitted carpets. Is this necessarily correct? METHODS: Allergen Test Dust (ATD) of known composition was aerosolised into an AC-1 (28.5m3) chamber under controlled conditions. During natural decay, room disturbance and vacuuming, serial airborne particle counts, surface and airborne allergen measurements (augmented ELISA), were undertaken for six different carpets and one hard floor. RESULTS: Following ATD introduction and during room disturbance the greatest airborne particle counts (x104/m3) were identified with the hard floor (1.0mm5157.4, >3.0mm536.6), by comparison with (lowest) Carpet 3 (1.0mm53.2; >3.0mm50.50, p<0.01) and (highest) Carpet 2 (1.0mm544.3; >3.0mm54.5, p<0.05). Airborne allergen (Derp1) measurements (pg/l) were also greater during room disturbance for the hard floor (74.7) than for Carpet 3 and 2 (55.5; 43.2). Vacuuming exaggerated these differences, hard floor (252.7) versus Carpet 3 (55.5) and Carpet 2 (212.0). By contrast, surface allergen measurement (mg/m2) for the hard floor was reduced by vacuuming (14.40.16) while only moderately reduced for Carpet 3 (24.0-11.35) and Carpet 2 (22.5-8.33). Relevant particle counts and airborne allergen levels remained higher for the hard floor than for the carpets post vacuuming. Repeated vacuuming resulted in reduced airborne particles for hard floor and Carpet 2, whereas Carpet 3 was low throughout. CONCLUSION: This study raises significant doubts about the assumed relationship between surface and airborne allergen levels. Some carpets act as a reservoir for allergen resulting in increased surface allergen levels, yet reduced airborne exposures during room disturbance. Are such carpets acceptable?
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2012
342
Mouse and Cockroach Exposure in Rural Arkansas Delta Region Homes A. T. Coleman1, M. Rettiganti1, S. Bai1,2, R. H. Brown1, T. T. Perry1; 1 UAMS/Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR, 2Ohio State, Columbus, OH. RATIONALE: Home characteristics and aeroallergen exposure among rural US children with asthma are poorly described. METHODS: We examined the home environment of rural asthmatic children in the Arkansas Delta region. Home environment questionnaire, home inspection, and settled dust analysis were completed for each participant. Bedroom and kitchen dust samples were analyzed for concentrations of cockroach and mouse allergens. RESULTS: Participants included 95 pediatric asthmatics (median age 9 years, 83% African-American) from Arkansas’ Delta region. The majority (78%) resided in detached (single-family) homes. Evidence of cockroaches (27%), evidence of mice/rats (23%), wall-to-wall carpeting (62%), smokers (27%), and lack of mattress/pillow encasements (100%) were recorded in the homes of participants. Allergen concentrations >1 U/g for Blag1 were detected in 71% of kitchens and 23% of bedrooms; Blag2 >1 U/g in 69% of kitchens, 37% of bedrooms; Musm1 >1.6 mg/g in 43% of kitchens, 33% of bedrooms. Evidence of cockroaches in any room (OR7.27, 95% CI 1.39-71.08) and mildew on bedroom walls/windows (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.06-20.22) were associated with Blag1 >1 U/g. _ 1 U/g (OR Wall-to-wall bedroom carpeting was associated with Blag1 < 5 5.26, 95% CI 1.61-20). Similar associations were found for Blag2. Home characteristics were not associated with Musm1 >1.6 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of mouse and cockroach allergen were frequently detected in the homes of rural pediatric asthmatics; however, few home characteristics were predictive of allergen concentrations. Future studies should establish clinically relevant associations that might place these rural asthmatic children at risk for poor clinical outcomes.
343
The Relationship Between Indoor Particulate Matter and Home Ventilation A. L. Humphrey, L. C. Gard, C. S. Barnes, C. E. Ciaccio; Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO. RATIONALE: Indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations have been shown to correlate with increased asthma symptoms, while poor home ventilation has been associated with elevated presence of asthma triggers. As such, we hypothesized that elevated PM concentrations would be associated with decreased ventilation in the homes of asthmatic children. METHODS: This study was performed as a subanalysis of the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Partnership, a program aimed at improving asthma through environmental home assessment and targeted intervention. Data from 491 rooms of the 81 unique homes with recorded ventilation and PM was included for analysis. PM concentrations (0.3 mm-10 mm) were averaged from readings taken 2 feet and 5 feet from the ground. Ventilation was measured in air changes per hour (ACH). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Both Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were generated. No significant correlation was found between total PM and ACH. Further, no significant correlation was found between individual PM sizes and ACH. A strong correlation was found between the fine PM, 0.3 mm-2.0 mm, as well as the coarse PM, 5.0 mm and 10 mm. No significant correlation was found, however, between fine PM and coarse PM. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that indoor PM is not significantly affected by home ventilation; rather, numerous variables are likely to influence home PM. As PM negatively affects asthma symptoms, comprehensive remediation strategies for PM in homes need to be developed.
340
SUNDAY
Development Of A System For Pollen Forecasting In Vinnitsa, Ukraine V. Rodinkova1, L. M. DuBuske2; 1Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnitsa, UKRAINE, 2Immunology Research Institute of New England, Gardner, MA. RATIONALE: A system of pollen forecasting in Vinnitsa, Ukraine was developed based on pollen monitoring in 1999-2011, and in 2009-2010. METHODS: Pollen counts from 1999-2000 were obtained by gravimetric sampling. Pollen collection in 2009 and in 2010 employed volumetric methods using a Hirst Type Burkard trap at Vinnitsa National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in association with the European Aeroallergen Network (EAN). Seasonal allergic patient symptoms at university clinics were correlated using a pollen diary assessing time and severity of ocular, nasal and lung symptoms. Meteorological conditions and solar geomagnetic storms were also noted. RESULTS: Correlation between tree pollen peaks and solar geomagnetic storms was seen. Patients’ symptoms often occur the day before a pollen peak was noted by the Burkard trap especially for Betula allergy in 2010. Tree pollen peaks depend on weather conditions. Peaks of weed pollens were relatively stable but periods of grass pollination were earlier in May, 2010 and 2011 than in 1999 and 2000. A pollen forecast is provided free by text messages and emails to allergy patients at the university clinic and is printed in regional newspapers, broadcast on municipal radio and posted on websites. CONCLUSIONS: The development of systematic analysis of trends in pollen counts and pollen forecast may assist patient with seasonal allergic symptoms in management of their disease.
341
Airborne Exposures To Allergen And Particles With And Without Carpeting B. Mitchell, A. Southey, M. Fox, G. Hughes, T. Yeomans; Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Dublin, IRELAND. RATIONALE: Health bodies and physicians advising on home allergen avoidance measures for asthmatics recommend removal of fitted carpets. Is this necessarily correct? METHODS: Allergen Test Dust (ATD) of known composition was aerosolised into an AC-1 (28.5m3) chamber under controlled conditions. During natural decay, room disturbance and vacuuming, serial airborne particle counts, surface and airborne allergen measurements (augmented ELISA), were undertaken for six different carpets and one hard floor. RESULTS: Following ATD introduction and during room disturbance the greatest airborne particle counts (x104/m3) were identified with the hard floor (1.0mm5157.4, >3.0mm536.6), by comparison with (lowest) Carpet 3 (1.0mm53.2; >3.0mm50.50, p<0.01) and (highest) Carpet 2 (1.0mm544.3; >3.0mm54.5, p<0.05). Airborne allergen (Derp1) measurements (pg/l) were also greater during room disturbance for the hard floor (74.7) than for Carpet 3 and 2 (55.5; 43.2). Vacuuming exaggerated these differences, hard floor (252.7) versus Carpet 3 (55.5) and Carpet 2 (212.0). By contrast, surface allergen measurement (mg/m2) for the hard floor was reduced by vacuuming (14.40.16) while only moderately reduced for Carpet 3 (24.0-11.35) and Carpet 2 (22.5-8.33). Relevant particle counts and airborne allergen levels remained higher for the hard floor than for the carpets post vacuuming. Repeated vacuuming resulted in reduced airborne particles for hard floor and Carpet 2, whereas Carpet 3 was low throughout. CONCLUSION: This study raises significant doubts about the assumed relationship between surface and airborne allergen levels. Some carpets act as a reservoir for allergen resulting in increased surface allergen levels, yet reduced airborne exposures during room disturbance. Are such carpets acceptable?
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL FEBRUARY 2012
342
Mouse and Cockroach Exposure in Rural Arkansas Delta Region Homes A. T. Coleman1, M. Rettiganti1, S. Bai1,2, R. H. Brown1, T. T. Perry1; 1 UAMS/Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR, 2Ohio State, Columbus, OH. RATIONALE: Home characteristics and aeroallergen exposure among rural US children with asthma are poorly described. METHODS: We examined the home environment of rural asthmatic children in the Arkansas Delta region. Home environment questionnaire, home inspection, and settled dust analysis were completed for each participant. Bedroom and kitchen dust samples were analyzed for concentrations of cockroach and mouse allergens. RESULTS: Participants included 95 pediatric asthmatics (median age 9 years, 83% African-American) from Arkansas’ Delta region. The majority (78%) resided in detached (single-family) homes. Evidence of cockroaches (27%), evidence of mice/rats (23%), wall-to-wall carpeting (62%), smokers (27%), and lack of mattress/pillow encasements (100%) were recorded in the homes of participants. Allergen concentrations >1 U/g for Blag1 were detected in 71% of kitchens and 23% of bedrooms; Blag2 >1 U/g in 69% of kitchens, 37% of bedrooms; Musm1 >1.6 mg/g in 43% of kitchens, 33% of bedrooms. Evidence of cockroaches in any room (OR7.27, 95% CI 1.39-71.08) and mildew on bedroom walls/windows (OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.06-20.22) were associated with Blag1 >1 U/g. _ 1 U/g (OR Wall-to-wall bedroom carpeting was associated with Blag1 < 5 5.26, 95% CI 1.61-20). Similar associations were found for Blag2. Home characteristics were not associated with Musm1 >1.6 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of mouse and cockroach allergen were frequently detected in the homes of rural pediatric asthmatics; however, few home characteristics were predictive of allergen concentrations. Future studies should establish clinically relevant associations that might place these rural asthmatic children at risk for poor clinical outcomes.
343
The Relationship Between Indoor Particulate Matter and Home Ventilation A. L. Humphrey, L. C. Gard, C. S. Barnes, C. E. Ciaccio; Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO. RATIONALE: Indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations have been shown to correlate with increased asthma symptoms, while poor home ventilation has been associated with elevated presence of asthma triggers. As such, we hypothesized that elevated PM concentrations would be associated with decreased ventilation in the homes of asthmatic children. METHODS: This study was performed as a subanalysis of the Kansas City Safe and Healthy Homes Partnership, a program aimed at improving asthma through environmental home assessment and targeted intervention. Data from 491 rooms of the 81 unique homes with recorded ventilation and PM was included for analysis. PM concentrations (0.3 mm-10 mm) were averaged from readings taken 2 feet and 5 feet from the ground. Ventilation was measured in air changes per hour (ACH). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Both Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were generated. No significant correlation was found between total PM and ACH. Further, no significant correlation was found between individual PM sizes and ACH. A strong correlation was found between the fine PM, 0.3 mm-2.0 mm, as well as the coarse PM, 5.0 mm and 10 mm. No significant correlation was found, however, between fine PM and coarse PM. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that indoor PM is not significantly affected by home ventilation; rather, numerous variables are likely to influence home PM. As PM negatively affects asthma symptoms, comprehensive remediation strategies for PM in homes need to be developed.