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Dan Norback - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide feno among students in penang malaysia in relation to signs of dampness at school and Fungal DNA in school dust
Science of The Total Environment, 2017Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Zailina Hashim, Vinoshini Sooria, Syazwan Aizat Ismail, Gunilla WieslanderAbstract:Few health studies exist on dampness and mould in schools in the tropics. We studied associations between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students and dampness and Fungal DNA in schools in Malaysia. A total of 368 randomly selected students from 32 classrooms in 8 secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia, participated (58% participation rate). Information on current respiratory symptoms and the home environment was collected by a standardised questionnaire. FeNO was measured by NIOX MINO (50 ml/min). The classrooms were inspected and dust was collected by vacuuming on special filters and was analysed for five Fungal DNA sequences by quantitative PCR. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression (school, classroom, student) were applied adjusting for demographic data and the home environment. Totally 10.3% reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 15.1% current wheeze, 12.4% current asthma, 37.3% daytime breathlessness, 10.2% nocturnal breathlessness, 38.9% airway infections and 15.5% had pollen or furry pet allergy. The geometric mean of FeNO was 19.9 ppb and 45% had elevated FeNO (> 20 ppb). Boys had higher levels of FeNO. Chinese had less daytime breathlessness than Malay (OR = 0.30: p < 0.001). Indoor carbon dioxide levels were low (380–720 ppm). Dampness was observed in 18% of the classrooms and was associated with respiratory infections (OR = 3.70; 95% CI 1.14–12.1) and FeNO (p = 0.04). Aspergillus versicolor DNA was detected in 67% of the classrooms. Higher numbers of Aspergillus versicolor DNA in classroom dust were associated with wheeze (p = 0.006), current asthma (p = 0.002), respiratory infections (p = 0.005) and elevated FeNO levels (p = 0.02). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were common among the students and the high FeNO levels indicate ongoing airway inflammation. Building dampness and the mould Aspergillus versicolor in schools in Malaysia can be risk factors for impaired respiratory health among the students.
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endotoxin ergosterol muramic acid and Fungal DNA in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome sbs in junior high school students
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Lennart LarssonAbstract:This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and Fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of Fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio = 3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR = 3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR = 2.66), headache (OR = 2.13) and tiredness (OR = 2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001) and rhinitis (p = 0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p < 0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p = 0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p = 0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p = 0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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endotoxin ergosterol Fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
PLOS ONE, 2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
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Associations between respiratory health among pupils (N = 462) from junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and concentration of Fungal DNA and allergens in vacuumed dust.
2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:Asp/Pen: Aspergillus/Penicillium, A. versicolor: Aspergillus versicolor, S. Chartarum: Stachybotrys chartarum.HDM = house dust mites, CR: Cockroach.Reported data was Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) by a 2-level hierarchic logistic regression model adjusted for gender, race, tobacco smoking and heredity:(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in total Fungal DNA).(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in Asp/Pen DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in A. versicolor DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in Streptomyces DNA).(OR calculated for 1 CE/g dust increase in S. chartarum DNA).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of house dust mite (HDM) allergens).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of cockroach (CR) allergens).*p
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furry pet allergens Fungal DNA and microbial volatile organic compounds mvocs in the commercial aircraft cabin environment
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2013Co-Authors: Torsten Lindgren, Guihong Cai, Moran Guo, Hakan Lundgren, Dan NorbackAbstract:There has been concern about the cabin environment in commercial aircraft. We measured cat, dog and horse allergens and Fungal DNA in cabin dust and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) in cabin air. Samples were collected from two European airline companies, one with cabins having textile seats (TSC) and the other with cabins having leather seats (LSC), 9 airplanes from each company. Dust was vacuumed from seats and floors in the flight deck and different parts of the cabin. Cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f1) and horse allergens (Equ cx) were analyzed by ELISA. Five sequences of Fungal DNA were analyzed by quantitative PCR. MVOCs were sampled on charcoal tubes in 42 TSC flights, and 17 compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selective ion monitoring (SIM). MVOC levels were compared with levels in homes from Nordic countries. The weight of dust was 1.8 times larger in TSC cabins as compared to LSC cabins (p < 0.001). In cabins with textile seats, the geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Fel d1, Can f1 and Equ cx were 5359 ng g−1, 6067 ng g−1, and 13 703 ng g−1 (GM) respectively. Levels of Fel d1, Can f1 and Equ cx were 50 times, 27 times and 75 times higher respectively, in TSC cabins as compared to LSC cabins (p < 0.001). GM levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA, Aspergillus versicolor DNA, Stachybotrys chartarum DNA and Streptomyces DNA were all higher in TSC as compared to LSC (p < 0.05). The sum of MVOCs in cabin air (excluding butanols) was 3192 ng m−3 (GM), 3.7 times higher than in homes (p < 0.001) and 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol concentrations were 15–17 times higher as compared to homes (p < 0.001). Concentrations of isobutanol, 1-butanol, dimethyldisulfide, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 3-octanone, isobutyl acetate and ethyl-2-methylbutyrate were lower in cabin air as compared to homes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, textile seats are much more contaminated by pet allergens and Fungal DNA than leather seats. The use of seats with smooth surfaces should be encouraged. The MVOC levels differed between cabin air and homes.
Guihong Cai - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide feno among students in penang malaysia in relation to signs of dampness at school and Fungal DNA in school dust
Science of The Total Environment, 2017Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Zailina Hashim, Vinoshini Sooria, Syazwan Aizat Ismail, Gunilla WieslanderAbstract:Few health studies exist on dampness and mould in schools in the tropics. We studied associations between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students and dampness and Fungal DNA in schools in Malaysia. A total of 368 randomly selected students from 32 classrooms in 8 secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia, participated (58% participation rate). Information on current respiratory symptoms and the home environment was collected by a standardised questionnaire. FeNO was measured by NIOX MINO (50 ml/min). The classrooms were inspected and dust was collected by vacuuming on special filters and was analysed for five Fungal DNA sequences by quantitative PCR. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression (school, classroom, student) were applied adjusting for demographic data and the home environment. Totally 10.3% reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 15.1% current wheeze, 12.4% current asthma, 37.3% daytime breathlessness, 10.2% nocturnal breathlessness, 38.9% airway infections and 15.5% had pollen or furry pet allergy. The geometric mean of FeNO was 19.9 ppb and 45% had elevated FeNO (> 20 ppb). Boys had higher levels of FeNO. Chinese had less daytime breathlessness than Malay (OR = 0.30: p < 0.001). Indoor carbon dioxide levels were low (380–720 ppm). Dampness was observed in 18% of the classrooms and was associated with respiratory infections (OR = 3.70; 95% CI 1.14–12.1) and FeNO (p = 0.04). Aspergillus versicolor DNA was detected in 67% of the classrooms. Higher numbers of Aspergillus versicolor DNA in classroom dust were associated with wheeze (p = 0.006), current asthma (p = 0.002), respiratory infections (p = 0.005) and elevated FeNO levels (p = 0.02). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were common among the students and the high FeNO levels indicate ongoing airway inflammation. Building dampness and the mould Aspergillus versicolor in schools in Malaysia can be risk factors for impaired respiratory health among the students.
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Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils
2016Co-Authors: Pawel Markowicz, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Xin Lai, Michael Dho Spangfort, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1 % pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1 % pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night tim
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endotoxin ergosterol muramic acid and Fungal DNA in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome sbs in junior high school students
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Lennart LarssonAbstract:This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and Fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of Fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio = 3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR = 3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR = 2.66), headache (OR = 2.13) and tiredness (OR = 2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001) and rhinitis (p = 0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p < 0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p = 0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p = 0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p = 0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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endotoxin ergosterol Fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
PLOS ONE, 2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
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Associations between respiratory health among pupils (N = 462) from junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and concentration of Fungal DNA and allergens in vacuumed dust.
2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:Asp/Pen: Aspergillus/Penicillium, A. versicolor: Aspergillus versicolor, S. Chartarum: Stachybotrys chartarum.HDM = house dust mites, CR: Cockroach.Reported data was Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) by a 2-level hierarchic logistic regression model adjusted for gender, race, tobacco smoking and heredity:(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in total Fungal DNA).(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in Asp/Pen DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in A. versicolor DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in Streptomyces DNA).(OR calculated for 1 CE/g dust increase in S. chartarum DNA).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of house dust mite (HDM) allergens).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of cockroach (CR) allergens).*p
Jamal Hisham Hashim - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide feno among students in penang malaysia in relation to signs of dampness at school and Fungal DNA in school dust
Science of The Total Environment, 2017Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Zailina Hashim, Vinoshini Sooria, Syazwan Aizat Ismail, Gunilla WieslanderAbstract:Few health studies exist on dampness and mould in schools in the tropics. We studied associations between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students and dampness and Fungal DNA in schools in Malaysia. A total of 368 randomly selected students from 32 classrooms in 8 secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia, participated (58% participation rate). Information on current respiratory symptoms and the home environment was collected by a standardised questionnaire. FeNO was measured by NIOX MINO (50 ml/min). The classrooms were inspected and dust was collected by vacuuming on special filters and was analysed for five Fungal DNA sequences by quantitative PCR. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression (school, classroom, student) were applied adjusting for demographic data and the home environment. Totally 10.3% reported doctor's diagnosed asthma, 15.1% current wheeze, 12.4% current asthma, 37.3% daytime breathlessness, 10.2% nocturnal breathlessness, 38.9% airway infections and 15.5% had pollen or furry pet allergy. The geometric mean of FeNO was 19.9 ppb and 45% had elevated FeNO (> 20 ppb). Boys had higher levels of FeNO. Chinese had less daytime breathlessness than Malay (OR = 0.30: p < 0.001). Indoor carbon dioxide levels were low (380–720 ppm). Dampness was observed in 18% of the classrooms and was associated with respiratory infections (OR = 3.70; 95% CI 1.14–12.1) and FeNO (p = 0.04). Aspergillus versicolor DNA was detected in 67% of the classrooms. Higher numbers of Aspergillus versicolor DNA in classroom dust were associated with wheeze (p = 0.006), current asthma (p = 0.002), respiratory infections (p = 0.005) and elevated FeNO levels (p = 0.02). In conclusion, respiratory symptoms were common among the students and the high FeNO levels indicate ongoing airway inflammation. Building dampness and the mould Aspergillus versicolor in schools in Malaysia can be risk factors for impaired respiratory health among the students.
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Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils
2016Co-Authors: Pawel Markowicz, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Xin Lai, Michael Dho Spangfort, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1 % pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1 % pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night tim
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endotoxin ergosterol muramic acid and Fungal DNA in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome sbs in junior high school students
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Lennart LarssonAbstract:This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and Fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of Fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio = 3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR = 3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR = 2.66), headache (OR = 2.13) and tiredness (OR = 2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001) and rhinitis (p = 0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p < 0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p = 0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p = 0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p = 0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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endotoxin ergosterol Fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
PLOS ONE, 2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
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Associations between respiratory health among pupils (N = 462) from junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and concentration of Fungal DNA and allergens in vacuumed dust.
2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:Asp/Pen: Aspergillus/Penicillium, A. versicolor: Aspergillus versicolor, S. Chartarum: Stachybotrys chartarum.HDM = house dust mites, CR: Cockroach.Reported data was Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) by a 2-level hierarchic logistic regression model adjusted for gender, race, tobacco smoking and heredity:(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in total Fungal DNA).(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in Asp/Pen DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in A. versicolor DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in Streptomyces DNA).(OR calculated for 1 CE/g dust increase in S. chartarum DNA).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of house dust mite (HDM) allergens).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of cockroach (CR) allergens).*p
Lennart Larsson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils
2016Co-Authors: Pawel Markowicz, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Xin Lai, Michael Dho Spangfort, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1 % pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1 % pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night tim
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endotoxin ergosterol muramic acid and Fungal DNA in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with rhinitis and sick building syndrome sbs in junior high school students
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Lennart LarssonAbstract:This paper studied associations between ocular symptoms, rhinitis, throat and dermal symptoms, headache and fatigue in students by ethnicity and in relation to exposure to chemical microbial markers and Fungal DNA in vacuumed dust in schools in Malaysia. A total of 462 students from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated (96% response rate). Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of five types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10, C12, C14, C16 and C18 3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol and five sequences of Fungal DNA. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 11.9% reported weekly ocular symptoms, 18.8% rhinitis, 15.6% throat and 11.1% dermal symptoms, 20.6% headache and 22.1% tiredness. Totally 21.1% reported pollen or furry pet allergy (atopy) and 22.0% parental asthma or allergy. Chinese students had less headache than Malay and Indian had less rhinitis and less tiredness than Malay. Parental asthma/allergy was a risk factor for ocular (odds ratio = 3.79) and rhinitis symptoms (OR = 3.48). Atopy was a risk factor for throat symptoms (OR = 2.66), headache (OR = 2.13) and tiredness (OR = 2.02). There were positive associations between amount of fine dust in the dust samples and ocular symptoms (p < 0.001) and rhinitis (p = 0.006). There were positive associations between C14 3-OH and rhinitis (p < 0.001) and between C18 3-OH and dermal symptoms (p = 0.007). There were negative (protective) associations between levels of total endotoxin (LPS) (p = 0.004) and levels of ergosterol (p = 0.03) and rhinitis and between C12 3-OH and throat symptoms (p = 0.004). In conclusion, the amount of fine dust in the classroom was associated with rhinitis and other SBS symptoms and improved cleaning of the schools is important. Endotoxin in the school dust seems to be mainly protective for rhinitis and throat symptoms but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. The ethnic differences in symptoms among the students deserve further attention.
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endotoxin ergosterol Fungal DNA and allergens in dust from schools in johor bahru malaysia associations with asthma and respiratory infections in pupils
PLOS ONE, 2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, Fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and Fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five Fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.
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Associations between respiratory health among pupils (N = 462) from junior high schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia and concentration of Fungal DNA and allergens in vacuumed dust.
2014Co-Authors: Dan Norback, Guihong Cai, Lennart Larsson, Pawel Markowicz, Zailina Hashim, Faridah Ali, Yi-wu Zheng, Michael Dho Spangfort, Xu Xin Lai, Jamal Hisham HashimAbstract:Asp/Pen: Aspergillus/Penicillium, A. versicolor: Aspergillus versicolor, S. Chartarum: Stachybotrys chartarum.HDM = house dust mites, CR: Cockroach.Reported data was Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) by a 2-level hierarchic logistic regression model adjusted for gender, race, tobacco smoking and heredity:(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in total Fungal DNA).(OR calculated for 105 CE/g dust increase in Asp/Pen DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in A. versicolor DNA).(OR calculated for 100 CE/g dust increase in Streptomyces DNA).(OR calculated for 1 CE/g dust increase in S. chartarum DNA).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of house dust mite (HDM) allergens).(OR calculated for 100 ng/g dust increase in sum of cockroach (CR) allergens).*p
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a longitudinal study of sick building syndrome among pupils in relation to microbial components in dust in schools in china
Science of The Total Environment, 2011Co-Authors: Xin Zhang, Lennart Larsson, Zhuohui Zhao, Tobias Nordquist, Aleksandra Sebastian, Dan NorbackAbstract:There are few longitudinal studies on sick building syndrome (SBS), which include ocular, nasal, throat, and dermal symptoms, headache, and fatigue. We studied the associations between selected microbial components, Fungal DNA, furry pet allergens, and incidence and remission of SBS symptoms in schools in Taiyuan, China. The study was based on a two-year prospective analysis in pupils (N=1143) in a random sample of schools in China. Settled dust in the classrooms was collected by vacuum cleaning and analyzed for lipopolysaccharide (LPS), muramic acid (MuA), and ergosterol (Erg). Airborne dust was collected in Petri dishes and analyzed for cat and dog allergens and Fungal DNA. The relationship between the concentration of allergens and microbial compounds and new onset of SBS was analyzed by multi-level logistic regression. The prevalence of mucosal and general symptoms was 33% and 28%, respectively, at baseline, and increased during follow-up. At baseline, 27% reported at least one symptom that improved when away from school (school-related symptoms). New onset of mucosal symptoms was negatively associated with concentration of MuA, total LPS, and shorter lengths of 3-hydroxy fatty acids from LPS, C14, C16, and C18. Onset of general symptoms was negatively associated with C18 LPS. Onset of school-related symptoms was negatively associated with C16 LPS, but positively associated with total Fungal DNA. In general, bacterial compounds (LPS and MuA) seem to protect against the development of mucosal and general symptoms, but Fungal exposure measured as Fungal DNA could increase the incidence of school-related symptoms.
David N Fredricks - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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sequencing and analysis of Fungal rrna operons for development of broad range Fungal pcr assays
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2009Co-Authors: Prasanna D Khot, David N FredricksAbstract:rRNA genes are attractive targets for developing PCR assays targeting human Fungal pathogens. Most studies have focused on the 18S rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacers, and the 5′ end of the 28S rRNA gene. An approximately 2,900-bp region of the 28S rRNA gene remains largely unexplored because sequences of many medically relevant fungi are either unavailable or undefined in genomic databases. The internal transcribed spacers and 28S rRNA gene of nine medically and phylogenetically important fungi were sequenced. In addition, 42 sequences from this region were acquired from public databases, resulting in an alignment of 51 Fungal sequences spanning 30 Fungal genera. For the nearly 3,950-bp region from the 3′ end of 18S rRNA gene to the 3′ end of the 28S rRNA gene, 27 broad-range PCR primers were designed such that their sequence homology with the human rRNA gene was minimal. All 62 possible amplicons in the size range from 75 to 400 bp from 27 primers were screened using Fungal genomic DNA from 26 species spanning 14 genera. Eleven of the 62 amplicons did not cross-react with 1 μg/PCR human DNA but simultaneously amplified 10 fg of Fungal DNA. Phylogenetic distance matrices were calculated for regions covered by these 11 amplicons based on 51 fungi. Two of these 11 amplicons successfully amplified 30 fg of Fungal DNA from 25 of 26 fungi and provided the most phylogenetic information for species identification based on the distance matrices. These PCR assays hold promise for detection and identification of Fungal pathogens in human tissues.
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comparison of six DNA extraction methods for recovery of Fungal DNA as assessed by quantitative pcr
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: David N Fredricks, Caitlin Smith, Amalia MeierAbstract:The detection of Fungal pathogens in clinical samples by PCR requires the use of extraction methods that efficiently lyse Fungal cells and recover DNA suitable for amplification. We used quantitative PCR assays to measure the recovery of DNA from two important Fungal pathogens subjected to six DNA extraction methods. Aspergillus fumigatus conidia or Candida albicans yeast cells were added to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and subjected to DNA extraction in order to assess the recovery of DNA from a defined number of Fungal propagules. In order to simulate hyphal growth in tissue, Aspergillus fumigatus conidia were allowed to form mycelia in tissue culture media and then harvested for DNA extraction. Differences among the DNA yields from the six extraction methods were highly significant (P < 0.0001) in each of the three experimental systems. An extraction method based on enzymatic lysis of Fungal cell walls (yeast cell lysis plus the use of GNOME kits) produced high levels of Fungal DNA with Candida albicans but low levels of Fungal DNA with Aspergillus fumigatus conidia or hyphae. Extraction methods employing mechanical agitation with beads produced the highest yields with Aspergillus hyphae. The MasterPure yeast method produced high levels of DNA from C. albicans but only moderate yields from A. fumigatus. A reagent from one extraction method was contaminated with Fungal DNA, including DNA from Aspergillus and Candida species. In conclusion, the six extraction methods produce markedly differing yields of Fungal DNA and thus can significantly affect the results of Fungal PCR assays. No single extraction method was optimal for all organisms.
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comparison of six DNA extraction methods for recovery of Fungal DNA as assessed by quantitative pcr
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005Co-Authors: David N Fredricks, Caitlin Smith, Amalia MeierAbstract:The detection of Fungal pathogens in clinical samples by PCR requires the use of extraction methods that efficiently lyse Fungal cells and recover DNA suitable for amplification. We used quantitative PCR assays to measure the recovery of DNA from two important Fungal pathogens subjected to six DNA extraction methods. Aspergillus fumigatus conidia or Candida albicans yeast cells were added to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and subjected to DNA extraction in order to assess the recovery of DNA from a defined number of Fungal propagules. In order to simulate hyphal growth in tissue, Aspergillus fumigatus conidia were allowed to form mycelia in tissue culture media and then harvested for DNA extraction. Differences among the DNA yields from the six extraction methods were highly significant (P
