Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicospentaenoic acid (EPA), are important mediators for cardiovascular disease, fetal/infant development, neurological disorders and inflammatory diseases. Supplementation and washout studies are important for future research on the physiological effects of omega-3 fatty acids and for determination of the proper washout period for future cross-over studies. In this study, omega-3 fatty acid blood biomarker comparisons are made for the n-3 HUFA score (% of n-3 HUFAs in total HUFAs) and omega-3 index (sum of EPA + DHA) in plasma, erythrocytes, whole blood and a novel finger-tip prick blood method (FTPB) of analysis. This FTPB method of fatty acid analysis is further tested to determine the potential for its use in fatty acid analysis. In addition, gender differences in response to omega-3 fish oil supplementation are analyzed in all four blood fractions. Nine males and seven females were supplemented with 8 fish-oil capsules per day (providing 3.2 g/day EPA and 1.6 g/day DHA) for four weeks, followed by an eight-week omega-3 washout period. Venous plasma, erythrocyte and whole blood samples were collected during weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 and FTPB samples were collected weekly during supplementation and washout fatty acid analysis was performed. EPA and DHA incorporation is lowest in magnitude in erythrocytes relative to all other blood fractions. Omega-3 blood biomarker comparisons demonstrate that the n-3 HUFA score is a more reliable measure across all blood fractions compared to the omega-3 index. In addition, the n-3 HUFA score demonstrates no differences (p > 0.05) between FTPB and whole blood analysis, providing evidence to support its usefulness as a tool for fatty acid analysis. However, differences (p < 0.05) do exist between these methods for saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-3 PUFAs. Baseline fatty acid levels for DHA, and the DHA:EPA and DHA:DPA ratios tend to be higher (p < 0.05) in females, and docosapentaenoic acid n-3 (DPAn-3) is higher (p > 0.05) in males across all blood fractions. Furthermore, a gender effect (p < 0.05) is seen for the DHA:EPA ratio across all blood fractions. At baseline, female DHA:EPA is higher (p < 0.05) than males with supplementation lowering both male and female values and removing any differences (p > 0.05) between genders. Washout results in a return of levels towards baseline, however, baseline levels are not fully reached. Furthermore, while gender differences do begin to reform during washout, these differences are not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acid responses, particularly DHA:EPA ratio, demonstrate significant gender differences that may be related to differences in long-chain PUFA synthesis pathways between males and females. In addition, the n-3 HUFA score may be a more valuable omega-3 blood biomarker than the omega-3 index, as the n-3 HUFA score displays more consistent levels across all blood fractions. Finally, the FTPB method of analysis may be a useful tool in the measurement of fatty acid composition, however, some microwave methylation problems do exist, specifically in the phospholipid class of lipids.

<p>Everyday thousands of nurses are rendering bedside nursing care in health care settings as a result they are exposed to blood, body fluids and sharp objects that are contaminated with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Therefore they are at risk of getting infected. In 1996, standard precautions were implemented by the Centre of Disease Control to reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms from any source of infection in the hospital. In the year 2008, the three tertiary hospitals together in the Western Cape reported that they had 733 needle prick injuries. Therefore the aim of the study was to determine if nurses comply with and have adequate knowledge of standard precautions. A non-experimental design and a self administered questionnaire were used to collect the data for the study. The study was done at Tygerberg Hospital and the participants (n=143) that were involved in the study were all nursing categories (professional, enrolled nurse and auxiliary nurse). Stratified random sampling was used to ensure that there was a representation of all the nurses working in the different modules at Tygerberg Hospital. Therefore three wards were randomly selected from each module and all the nurses on duty working in the three selected wards were given a questionnaire by the Assistant Director of the specific module. After the data was collected it was analysed through the statistical package for social sciences. The findings of the study showed that nurses have inadequate knowledge regarding standard precautions and the mean score of the nurses overall self reported compliance of standard precautions was 87.5%. The results also showed that when patients are HIV positive nurses intend to over comply the use of personal protective equipment. No association was found between the nurses&rsquo / knowledge and compliance regarding standard precautions. It is therefore important that every nurse should be educated about the basic principles of standard precautions and also the policies and protocols of infection control in order to prevent each nurse from getting infected. Training needs to be implemented starting in the wards through the unit manager to improve all the nurses&rsquo / knowledge and practice.</p>

Background & Objectives: There has been few investigation of the association between the farming related activities or specific characteristics and atopic disease in rural Canadian children. In population-based studies, assuring the quality of information from questionnaires is of concern. We conducted this study in order to: first, identify the prevalence and risk factors of atopy and allergic conditions among school-age children in a rural region of Canada. Also, we sought to evaluate the validity and reliability of a questionnaire report of allergy to assess in this population. Methods: As part of a longitudinal study of lung health in rural residents, we conducted a cross-sectional baseline study in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. This included an initial survey phase followed by a clinical testing phase. A sub-sample of 584 children (grades 1-8) completed skin prick testing to assess atopic status. Of these, 480 children completed a questionnaire report of allergy and atopic outcomes and participated in skin prick testing (SPT). Atopy was defined as a positive reaction to any of 6 allergens (local grasses, wheat dust, cat dander, house dust mite, Alternaria, Clasdosporium)≥3mm compared to the negative control. Agreement between questionnaire report and objective measures of atopy was considered overall and between the specific allergens tested on SPT and those assessed on questionnaire. We considered percent concordance, Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values of reported allergies or allergic conditions in comparison to SPT as the gold standard. Results: The prevalence of atopy as well as allergen-specific sensitizations was similar between farm and non-farm children but supported the notion that livestock farming is protective against atopy. Also, we found that 25.0% of children reported a history of allergic conditions by questionnaire and 19.4% were atopic detected by skin pick test. In our study, the agreement between questionnaire report of specific allergic triggers and atopy measured by SPT was high (83.0% - 89.5%). Conclusion: In children, livestock exposure has a protective effect on SPT positivity.The agreement between questionnaire report of allergic symptoms and atopy measured by SPT was high and the agreement between atopy and report of allergic conditions was moderate.

Magister Curationis - MCur / Everyday thousands of nurses are rendering bedside nursing care in health care settings as a result they are exposed to blood, body fluids and sharp objects that are contaminated with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Therefore they are at risk of getting infected. In 1996, standard precautions were implemented by the Centre of Disease Control to reduce the risk of transmission of micro-organisms from any source of infection in the hospital. In the year 2008, the three tertiary hospitals together in the Western Cape reported that they had 733 needle prick injuries. Therefore the aim of the study was to determine if nurses comply with and have adequate knowledge of standard precautions. A non-experimental design and a self administered questionnaire were used to collect the data for the study. The study was done at Tygerberg Hospital and the participants (n=143) that were involved in the study were all nursing categories (professional, enrolled nurse and auxiliary nurse). Stratified random sampling was used to ensure that there was a representation of all the nurses working in the different modules at Tygerberg Hospital. Therefore three wards were randomly selected from each module and all the nurses on duty working in the three selected wards were given a questionnaire by the Assistant Director of the specific module. After the data was collected it was analysed through the statistical package for social sciences. The findings of the study showed that nurses have inadequate knowledge regarding standard precautions and the mean score of the nurses overall self reported compliance of standard precautions was 87.5%. The results also showed that when patients are HIV positive nurses intend to over comply the use of personal protective equipment. No association was found between the nurses knowledge and compliance regarding standard precautions. It is therefore important that every nurse should be educated about the basic principles of standard precautions and also the policies and protocols of infection control in order to prevent each nurse from getting infected. Training needs to be implemented starting in the wards through the unit manager to improve all the nurses knowledge and practice. / South Africa

Refrigerated Stability of Diluted Succinylcholine, Pancuronium, and Atracurium. T. Archibald1, S. Brown1, A. Gonzalez-Estrada2 1College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN2Quillen College of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN The purpose of this study is to investigate the stored stability of dilutions of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), namely succinylcholine, pancuronium, and atracurium, for skin prick/intradermal testing. Concentrations of NMBAs were monitored by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for a period of 14 days. Dilutions of NMBAs were prepared in saline by factors of 10x, 100x, 1,000x, 10,000x, and 100,000x as sensitivity of the assay allowed. Each drug was prepared with an n = 5 for each dilution, using a different newly opened product for each series. Diluted drug products were stored in a laboratory refrigerator until sampling. On sampling days (day 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14), one milliliter aliquots of each dilution were removed, filtered, and analyzed against freshly prepared set of reference dilutions. The results are expressed as beyond use date (BUD), defined as recovery of drug versus the reference (90-110%). Based on the LC-MS/MS data, the BUD for succinylcholine diluted by 10x and 100x is 48 and 24 hours, respectively. The1000x dilution is also stable for 24 hours.Higher dilutions of succinylcholine (10,000x to100,000x) should be used immediately following preparation (within less than 24 hours), as the potency of these dilutions had decreased below 90% at the 24 hr sampling. .Pancuronium diluted by 10x and 100x, had a BUD of 48 hours, and the1,000x dilution was stable for 24 hours.As with the succinylcholine, the 10,000x and 100,000x dilutions expressed potency of <90% at 24 hours. .Atracurium diluted to 10x had a BUD of 96 hours, the100x dilution is stable for 24 hours yet higher dilutions (1,000x to 10,000x) do not persist beyond 24 hours. . The 100,000x dilution of atracurium was unknown, given than the signal intensity was too weak to monitor by our LC-MS/MS method. With increasing dilution factors, the stability of these drugs in saline decreases, associated with an increasing deviation between samples and freshly prepared references. The most stable dilutions for each of the drugs tested were 10x and 100x. Stability of these drugs is likely compromised by hydrolysis of the ester bonds in the drug molecules.

Kvantsammanflätning har varit ett populärt ämne bland fysiker i snart 100 år då det tydligt belyser hur annorlunda kvantmekanikens värld är jämfört med den klassiska verklighet vi lever i. Med tiden har kvantsammanflätning blivit mer och mer välförstått och teknologier ämnade att utnyttja det har de senaste årtionden kommit allt närmare till industriell använding. Kvantdatorer är fortfarande i forskningsstadiet men idag excisterar det en kvantdator som kan lösa vissa problem betydligt mycket snabbare än en klassisk dator. På grund av algorithmer som Shors faktoriseringsalgoritm och Grovers sökalgoritm så riskerar dagens krypteringsprotokoll för kommunikation att bli otillräckliga. Som svar på detta har en fysikalisk icke-hackbar krypterings metodik tagits fram i form av QKD. Det baseras på att generara krypteringsnycklar från slumptal och att dessa distribueras tack vare kvantsammanflätning. För att lyckas med detta så krävs generering av sammanflätade kvanttillstånd, kvantbitar, samt singel-fotonsdetektorer. I den här masteruppsatsen har en kvantprick karaktäriserats och används för att generera sammanflätade kvantbitar i QNP-gruppens lab på KTH samt för att skicka enstaka fotoner via Stockholms fibernät till Ericsson i Kista där de detekteras av singel foton detectorer. Multifoton sannolikheten har uppmäts till 0.049 för exciton fotoner samt 0.169 för biexciton fotoner i labbet medan ett värde på 0.176 har uppmäts för exciton fotoner detekterade hos Ericsson, vilket är betydligt lägre än singel emission gränsen 0.5 (dvs foton källan sänder ut singel fotoner). Synkronisering av data är avgörande för att få QKD att fungera varpå en post process-tidssynkroniserings metod baserad på biexciton-exciton kaskad-sönderfall har implementerats i lab. / Quantum entanglement has been a popular topic amongst physicists for almost 100 years as it clearly illuminates the extreme difference between the quantum mechanical world and our classical reality. Over time, the quantum physical property of entanglement became more and more well understood and technologies utilizing entanglement are coming closer to reach industry. Quantum computers are still in the research stage but there already exists a quantum computer capable of solving tailored problems significantly faster than a classical computer. Due to algorithms like Shor’s factorization algorithm and Grover’s search algorithm the current cryptography schemes used to ensure secure communication risk rendering obsolete. A response to this was the invention of the theoretically un­hackable Quantum key Distribution (QKD) scheme, based on generating and distributing random cryptography keys by using quantum entanglement. To achieve this, the generation of entangled photons, or qubits, as well as detection of single photons is required. In this thesis a Quantum Dot (QD) is characterized and used to generate quantum entangled states in the Quantum Nano Photonics (QNP)­group lab at KTH as well as sending single photons via the metropolitan fiber network in Stockholm to Ericsson in Kista, where they are detected using single photon detectors. A multi­photon emission probability of 0.049 was measured for the exciton emission and 0.169 for the biexciton emission in the KTH lab as well as a probability of 0.176 was measured for the exciton photons sent to Kista which is significantly lower than the single emitter limit of 0.5 (i.e. the source is emitting pure single photons). Synchronization of data is of high importance in order to implement a working QKD scheme, therefore a post process temporal synchronization method based on the biexciton­exciton cascaded decay is implemented in the lab.

Background: Storage mites are frequently found in our daily environment. Nevertheless, storage mite allergy is often neglected in allergological diagnostics and possible allergies requiring therapy are thus overlooked. Methods: Recommendations for action are made based on a literature review from March 2021 to August 2021 in PubMed, Medline, and GoogleScholar. Results: This review article provides an overview of the species of storage mites, sensitization rates in different countries and occupations, and co-sensitization rates to house dust mite. Recommendations for diagnosis as well as therapy are given. The importance of provocation testing as well as causal therapy by allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is presented. Conclusion: The position paper gives recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of allergic rhinitis in case of storage mite allergy. AIT is recommended in symptomatic allergy and proven storage mite allergy. Reliable detection by provocation testing is advised in this persistent allergy. The therapy should be carried out independently of the treatment of a possible house dust mite allergy.

INTRODUÇÃO: A alergia a camarão é causa comum e potencialmente grave de alergia alimentar IgE mediada, incluindo anafilaxia. Ao contrário de outras alergias alimentares, a alergia a camarão afeta predominantemente adultos e geralmente é vitalícia. Até o momento, não existe terapia específica para a alergia a camarão. Os pacientes necessitam excluir o crustáceo de sua dieta e portar adrenalina auto-injetável, para uso em reações por exposição acidental. A complexidade do perfil alergênico do camarão tem sido cada vez mais reconhecida nos últimos dez anos. A proteína muscular tropomiosina foi o primeiro alérgeno do camarão identificado e é considerada o seu principal alérgeno. Alguns estudos indicam que a tropomiosina apresenta alta especificidade na alergia a camarão, sendo apontada como uma possível e importante ferramenta diagnóstica. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da tropomiosina em pacientes brasileiros em restrição alimentar por suspeita de alergia a camarão. MÉTODOS: Selecionou-se 32 indivíduos com suspeita de alergia a camarão, os quais foram submetidos a testes cutâneos de leitura imediata para camarão (extrato) e \"in natura\" (cru e cozido), ácaros e barata. Também foram realizadas dosagens séricas de IgE específica para camarão, tropomiosina de camarão, ácaros e barata americana. Avaliou-se reatividade clínica a camarão através de testes de provocação oral. O camarão utilizado nos testes cutâneos e nos testes de provocação oral foi o Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (sete barbas). Foi realizado Western Blot 1 D dos pacientes alérgicos. Foram realizados cálculos de valor de corte para teste cutâneo de leitura imediata e IgE sérica específica através da utilização da curva ROC. RESULTADOS: Alergia a camarão foi confirmada em 17 pacientes. A IgE sérica específica para tropomiosina de camarão neste estudo apresentou sensibilidade de 58,8%, especificidade de 60%, valor preditivo positivo de 62,5% e valor preditivo negativo 56%. Em comparação com a IgE especifica para camarão e os testes cutâneos para camarão com extrato e \"in natura\", a IgE específica para tropomiosina apresentou a menor sensibilidade e menor valor preditivo positivo. Em sete pacientes alérgicos, a tropomiosina não foi detectada, apontando a importância de outros alérgenos do camarão, avaliados no Western blot. Os testes cutâneos apresentaram diferença estatística significativa entre alérgicos e não alérgicos e foi possível definir um ponto de corte, útil na distinção entre ambos. Os resultados dos valores de corte do teste cutâneo (média) para extrato comercial foram 5,75 mm, para camarão cru 6,75 mm e para camarão cozido 5,00 mm. Todos os pacientes são atópicos. CONCLUSÃO: A IgE específica para tropomiosina neste estudo não apresentou superioridade diagnóstica quando comparada aos testes cutâneos com camarão \"in natura\" e extrato, e a IgE específica para o camarão. Outros alérgenos, além da tropomiosina, devem ser considerados na avaliação diagnóstica para a alergia a camarão / INTRODUCTION: Shrimp allergy is a common and potentially serious cause of food allergy-mediated IgE, including anaphylaxis. Unlike other food allergies, shrimp allergy affects predominantly adults and is usually lifelong. To date, there is no specific therapy for shrimp allergy. Patients need to exclude the crustacean from their diet and carry selfinjectable adrenaline to be used if the reaction begins after accidental exposure. The complexity of the allergenic profile of shrimp has been increasingly recognized in the last ten years. The tropomyosin muscle protein was the first identified shrimp allergen and is considered its main allergen. Some studies indicate that tropomyosin presents high specificity in shrimp allergy, being pointed out as a possible and important diagnostic tool. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of tropomyosin in Brazilian patients under food restriction due to the suspicion of allergy to shrimp. METHODS: Thirty-two individuals with suspected allergy to shrimp were selected, who underwent immediate skin tests for shrimp (extract) and \"in natura\" (raw and cooked), mites and cockroaches. Serum dosages of IgE specific for shrimp, shrimp tropomyosin, mites and American cockroach were also performed. Clinical reactivity to shrimp was assessed by oral challenge tests. Shrimp used in skin tests and oral challenge tests was Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (seabob). Western Blot 1 D of the allergic patients was performed. Cut-off calculations were performed for immediate-reading skin test and specific serum IgE using the ROC curve. RESULTS: Shrimp allergy was confirmed in 17 patients. Serum IgE specific for shrimp tropomyosin in this study showed sensitivity of 58.8%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 62.5% and negative predictive value of 56%. Compared to shrimp-specific IgE and cutaneous shrimp skin tests with extract and \"in natura\", tropomyosin was not detected, indicating the importance of other shrimp allergens evaluated in the Western blot. The skin tests presented a statistically significant difference between allergic and non-allergic and it was possible to define a cutoff point, useful in distinguishing between both. The results of the cutoff values of the skin test (average) for commercial extract were 5.75 mm, for raw shrimp 6.75 mm and for cooked shrimp 5.00 mm. All patients are atopic. CONCLUSION: The tropomyosin-specific IgE in this study did not present diagnostic superiority when compared to cutaneous tests with in natura shrimp and extract, and shrimp specific IgE. Other allergens, in addition to tropomyosin, should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation for shrimp allergy

Σκοπός: 1) Η μελέτη της αναπνευστικής λειτουργίας εργαζόμενων σε αρτοποιεία, όσον αφορά τα αναπνευστικά συμπτώματα τα σχετικά με την εργασία (βήχας, δύσπνοια, ρινίτιδα, πταρμός και επιπεφυκίτιδα) και τους δείκτες πνευμονικής λειτουργίας (FEV1, FVC, λόγος FEV1/FVC, RV, TLC, λόγος RV/TLC). 2) η μελέτη της ανοσολογικής ευαισθητοποίησης των εργαζομένων στα αλλεργιογόνα των διάφορων αλεύρων που χρησιμοποιούνται στην παραγωγή του άρτου. Μελετήθηκαν 103 άτομα που εργάζονταν σε παραδοσιακά αρτοποιεία στην περιοχή της πόλης των Πατρών. Από αυτούς τους εργαζόμενους οι 58 απασχολούνται αποκλειστικά στην παραγωγή του άρτου και οι υπόλοιποι 45 αποκλειστικά στην πώληση του άρτου. Ελέγχθηκε ο επιπολασμός των αναπνευστικών συμπτωμάτων των σχετικών με την εργασία (βήχας, πταρμός, επιπεφυκίτιδα, δύσπνοια και ρινίτιδα) με την χρήση ερωτηματολόγιου και προσωπικής συνέντευξης των δύο ομάδων ελέγχου. Επίσης ελέγχθηκε η πνευμονική λειτουργία των εργαζομένων με την χρήση σπιρομέτρησης και σωματικής πληθυσμογραφίας, με τον υπολογισμό των δεικτών FEV1, FVC, τον λόγο FEV1/FVC , RV, TLC και τον λόγο RV/TLC). Αναζητήθηκε επίσης το ποσοστό αποφρακτικής και περιοριστικής νόσου και στους παραγωγούς και στους πωλητές του άρτου και το ποσοστό ανταπόκρισης στην βρογχοδιαστολή (ενδεικτικό αναστρέψιμης αποφρακτικής νόσου). Τέλος εξετάστηκε ο επιπολασμός της ανοσολογικής ευαισθητοποίησης των εργαζομένων στα αλλεργιογόνα άρτου (σιτάρι, βρώμη, σίκαλη και κριθάρι) με την χρήση της δερματικής δοκιμασίας δια νυγμού (skin prick test) και της ανοσολογικής ευαισθητοποίησης στα κοινά αλλεργιογόνα (γύρη λουλουδιών, ακάρεα σκόνης και επιθήλια γάτας και σκύλου) (ατοπία) Οι εργαζόμενοι που απασχολούνται αποκλειστικά με την παραγωγή του άρτου εμφανίζουν σε ποσοστό 41,37% ένα τουλάχιστον αναπνευστικό σύμπτωμα σχετικό με την εργασία, έναντι 6,6% των εργαζομένων στην πώληση του άρτου. Το πιο συχνό αναπνευστικό σύμπτωμα είναι η ρινίτιδα (σε ποσοστό 24,13% για τους παραγωγούς και 4,4% για τους πωλητές). Για τους παραγωγούς βρέθηκε συσχέτιση μεταξύ των αναπνευστικών συμπτωμάτων σχετικών με την εργασία και της ανοσολογικής ευαισθητοποίησης σε ένα τουλάχιστον αλλεργιογόνο των αρτοποιείων (p<0.01), και της ανοσολογικής ευαισθητοποίησης στο αλεύρι σίτου (p<0.05). Οι τιμές των πνευμονικών δεικτών FEV1, FVC και FEV1/FVC για τους παραγωγούς κατά μέσο όρο είναι 91,62%, 94,53% και 96,78%, ενώ οι αντίστοιχες τιμές για τους πωλητές είναι 101,69%, 99,93% και 101,56%. Το ποσοστό αποφρακτικής νόσου μεταξύ των παραγωγών είναι 12,06%, ενώ το 20,68% παρουσιάζει ανταπόκριση στη βρογχοδιαστολή>12% (ενδεικτικό αναστρέψιμης αποφρακτικής νόσου-άσθμα). Το ποσοστό περιοριστικής νόσου είναι παρόμοιο για τις δυο ομάδες (12.06% για τους παραγωγούς και 11,1% για τους πωλητές ). Τέλος το 22,41% των παραγωγών άρτου εμφανίζει ευαισθητοποίηση σε ένα τουλάχιστον αλλεργιογόνο του άρτου, έναντι 4,4% των εργαζομένων στην πώληση του άρτου με καθοριστικό παράγοντα την ύπαρξη ατοπίας.(OR=15, 12, p<0.01). Το 17,24% των εργαζομένων στην παραγωγή του άρτου εμφανίζει ευαισθητοποίηση στο αλεύρι σίτου, ενώ μόνο το 2,2% των πωλητών εμφανίζει κάτι ανάλογο με την ατοπία επίσης να συντελεί σημαντικό ρόλο(OR=8.8, p<0.01) Οι εργαζόμενοι στην παραγωγή του άρτου παρουσιάζουν πιο συχνά αναπνευστικά συμπτώματα σχετικά με την εργασία ανοσολογικής προέλευσης, χαμηλότερες τιμές στους δείκτες πνευμονικής λειτουργίας που υποδηλώνουν αποφρακτική νόσο και σε μεγαλύτερο ποσοστό ανοσολογική ευαισθητοποίηση στο αλεύρι σίτου από τους πωλητές άρτου. Σημαντικό ρόλο πιθανόν να παίζει η αυξημένη έκθεση στη συγκέντρωση σκόνης αλευριού στην οποία εκτίθενται οι εργαζόμενοι στην παραγωγή του άρτου σε σχέση με τους πωλητές του άρτου. / Aim: 1) The study of the respiratory function of people working in bakeries, concerning the respiratory symptoms which are related to the work (cough, dyspnoea, rhinitis, sneezing and conjunctivitis) and the indexes of lung function (FEV1, FVC, ratio FEV1/FVC, RV, TLC, ratio RV/TLC). 2) The study of the immunologic sensitization of the people working in the allergies of different flours which are used in bread production. People working in traditional bakeries (103 people) in the area of the town of Patras were studied. Fifty eight of them were working exclusively in the bread production and forty five were working exclusively in the bread sale. The prevalence of the respiratory symptoms, related to the work (cough, sneezing, conjunctivitis, dyspnoea and rhinitis) was examined using a questionnaire and a personal interview of both groups being under examination. The lung function of the employees was also checked using a spirometry and body phlethysmography, calculating the indexes FEV1, FVC, the ratio FEV1/FVC, RV, TLC and the ratio RV/TLC). The percentage of the obstructive and the restrictive impairment both in the bread producers and sellers was also searched as well as the percentage of response in the bronchodilation (indication of inverted obstructive impairment). Finally the prevalence of the immunologic sensitization of people working in the allergies of flours (wheat, oats, rye and barley) was examined using the skin prick test and the immunologic sensitization in common allergies (pollen, house dust mite and animal dander). The people working exclusively in the bread production present at least one respiratory symptom related to their work in a percentage of 41.37%, versus the people working in bread sale with a percentage of 6.6%. The most often respiratory symptom is rhinitis (a 24.13% of bread producers and a 4.4% of bread sellers). There was a connection, for the bread producers, among the respiratory symptoms related to the work and the immunologic sensitization in at least one allergy of bakeries (p<0.01), and the immunologic sensitization in the wheat flour (p<0.05). The rates of the lung ratios FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC are 91.62%, 94.53% and 96.78% on the average for the bread producers, versus the equivalent rates which are 101.69%, 99.93% and 101.56% for the bread sellers. The percentage of obstructive impairment among the bread producers is 12.06%, while a 20.68% present a response in the bronchodilation >12% (indication of inverted obstructive impairment – asthma), and while the percentage of restrictive impairment is similar in both groups (12.06% for bread producers and 11.1% for bread sellers). Finally a 22.41% of the bread producers present sensitization in at least one of the allergies of flour, versus a 4.4% of the bread sellers with a defining factor the existence of atopy. (OR=15, 12, p<0.01). A 17.24% of bread producers present a sensitization in wheat flour, versus a 2.2% of the bread sellers who present something equivalent, with atopy having an important part (OR=8.8, p<0.01). The bread producers present more often respiratory symptoms of immunologic origin connected to the work, lower rates in the ratios of lung function which indicate obstructive illness and a higher percentage of immunologic sensitization to wheat flour versus the bread sellers. The increased exposure in the concentration of wheat dust, that the bread producers versus the bread sellers are exposed, is possible of important part.

Submitted by Geandra Rodrigues (geandrar@gmail.com) on 2018-10-10T13:46:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ingridpimentelcunhamagalhaesdesouzalima.pdf: 1571962 bytes, checksum: 521511b66ed89adf27b01a59f98c7cfc (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2018-10-16T13:34:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ingridpimentelcunhamagalhaesdesouzalima.pdf: 1571962 bytes, checksum: 521511b66ed89adf27b01a59f98c7cfc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-16T13:34:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ingridpimentelcunhamagalhaesdesouzalima.pdf: 1571962 bytes, checksum: 521511b66ed89adf27b01a59f98c7cfc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-24 / O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a positividade do teste cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia para Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae e Blomia tropicalis em pacientes com doenças respiratórias como rinite alérgica e/ou asma com ou sem dermatite atópica. A maioria dos trabalhos existentes nessa área de pesquisa se refere ao emprego desse método diagnóstico na dermatite atópica, mas, neste estudo, a amostra é composta, principalmente, de pacientes com doenças respiratórias. Blomia tropicalis é um ácaro muito incidente no Brasil e só há dois trabalhos que envolvem o emprego deste ácaro da poeira domiciliar típico de países de clima tropical. Os pacientes foram selecionados pela história clínica e foram divididos em dois grupos: I- pacientes com doenças respiratórias, como asma e/ou rinite alérgica, com dermatite atópica e II- pacientes somente com doenças respiratórias. Foi realizado teste cutâneo de leitura imediata e teste de cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia para os três ácaros no mesmo dia. O teste de contato alérgico foi retirado em 48 horas. A análise estatísitica foi realizada em porcentagens e a tabela 1 apresenta as variáveis por sexo e por grupo estudado. Setenta e quatro pacientes, com idades de 2 a 60 anos, foram incluídos neste estudo; 16 no grupo I e 58 no grupo II. Considerando o teste cutâneo de leitura imediata, o ácaro mais prevalente foi o Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, seguido pelo Dermatophagoides farinae e Blomia tropicalis. Em relação ao teste cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia, o ácaro que induziu maior positividade foi o Dermatophagoides farinae (78,4%), seguido pelo Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (77%) e Blomia tropicalis (52,7%). Comparando o teste cutâneo de leitura imediata com o teste cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia, 53 pacientes (71,6%) foram positivos para ambos os testes, e 30 (56,6%) foram positivos ao mesmo ácaro. Foram identificados seis pacientes (8%) que tinham história clinica positiva para alergia e só apresentavam positividade no teste cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia. Estes resultados sugerem que o teste cutâneo de contato alérgico de leitura tardia é relevante e deve ser considerado como um teste diagnóstico adicional, em pacientes com história clínica positiva para doenças respiratórias, com teste cutâneo de leitura imediata negativa. / The aim of this study is to evaluate the positivity rates of atopy patch tests for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis in patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis with or without atopic dermatitis. Most studies have been performed with atopic dermatitis patients, but in our study, most of the patients had respiratory conditions. Blomia tropicalis is a mite that is prevalent in tropical areas, such as Brazil, and only two publications include these three mites, which are present in Brazil. The patients’ clinical histories were collected, and the patients were subjected to skin prick and patch tests with the three different house dust mites on the same day. The patch tests were examined 48 hours later, and then, the patients were divided into two groups: I- patients with respiratory diseases, such as asthma and/or rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis and II-patients with only respiratory diseases. The statistical analysis results are presented as percentages, and Table 1 presents the variables by gender and groups studied. A total of 74 patients ranging in age from 2 to 60 years old were included in this study; 16 patients were included in group I and 58 were included in group II. In the skin prick tests, the most prevalent mite that evoked a reaction was Dermatophagoides pterronyssinus, followed by Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis. Regarding the atopy patch tests, the mite that most frequently induced a positive reaction was Dermatophagoides farinae (78.4%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (77%) and Blomia tropicalis (52.7%). A comparison between the skin prick and atopy patch tests revealed that 53 patients (71.6%) were positive on both tests, and 30 (56.6%) patients were positivite for the same mite. We found six patients (8%) who had a positive clinical history of allergy and only exhibited positivity on the atopy patch test. These results suggest that the mite atopy patch test is relevant and should be considered as an additional test for patients with clinical histories of allergic respiratory disease who have negative prick test results.