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The World Allergy Organization Journal Sep 2022House dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets have been approved for the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the meta-analysis on...
BACKGROUND
House dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets have been approved for the treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the meta-analysis on the efficacy of HDM-SLIT tablets for HDM-induced AR patients remained limited.
METHODS
Five databases were searched including: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that addressed the efficacy and safetyof HDM-SLIT tablets compared with placebo until January 2022. The primary outcome was a combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) after treatment.
RESULTS
Eight eligible RCTs were identified with a total of 3601 patients treated with HDM-SLIT tablets and 2783 patients who received a placebo. The CSMS was significantly lower in the HDM-SLIT tablet group compared with the placebo (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.28 [95% CI: -0.32 to -0.23]). There was a significant reduction in rhinitis symptom scores, rhinitis medication scores, total combined conjunctivitis scores, and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire scores. The consistent efficacy compared to the placebo has been exhibited over the different kinds and doses of HDM tablets (6 SQ, 12 SQ, 300 IR, and 500 IR) and age groups (>5 years old, adolescents and adults) with low degrees of variability across the studies. There was no significant difference in proportions of participants who were injected with epinephrine between the treatment- and placebo groups.
CONCLUSIONS
HDM-SLIT tablet is an effective treatment in reducing rhinitis symptoms and medication use in AR patients with favorable safety. They also improve quality of life and conjunctivitis symptoms.
PubMed: 36119654
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100691 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Jun 2023Emerging evidence in both developed and developing countries indicate that occupational health hazards and diseases among construction workers constitute a significant...
BACKGROUND
Emerging evidence in both developed and developing countries indicate that occupational health hazards and diseases among construction workers constitute a significant public health challenge. While occupational health hazards and conditions in the construction sector are diverse, a burgeoning body of knowledge is emerging about respiratory health hazards and diseases. Yet, there is a notable gap in the existing literature in terms of comprehensive syntheses of the available evidence on this topic. In light of this research gap, this study systematically reviewed the global evidence on occupational health hazards and related respiratory health conditions among construction workers.
METHODS
Using meta-aggregation, guided by the Condition (respiratory health conditions), Context (construction industry) and Population (construction workers) (CoCoPop) framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, literature searches were conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar for relevant studies on respiratory health conditions affecting construction workers. Four eligibility criteria were used in scrutinising studies for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed based on Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal tool, while the reporting of the results was guided by the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines.
RESULTS
From an initial pool of 256 studies from the various databases, 25 studies published between 2012 and October 2022 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. In all, 16 respiratory health conditions were identified, with cough (ie, dry and with phlegm), dyspnoea/breathlessness and asthma emerging as the top three respiratory conditions among construction workers. The study identified six overarching themes of hazards that are associated with respiratory health conditions among construction workers. These hazards include exposure to dust, respirable crystalline silica, fumes, vapours, asbestos fibres and gases. Smoking and extended period of exposure to the respiratory hazard were found to increase the risk of contracting respiratory diseases.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review indicates that construction workers are exposed to hazards and conditions that have adverse effects on their health and well-being. Given the considerable impact that work-related health hazards can have on the health and socioeconomic well-being of construction workers, we suggest that the implementation of a comprehensive occupational health programme is essential. Such a programme would extend beyond the mere provision of personal protective equipment and would incorporate a range of proactive measures aimed at controlling the hazards and mitigating the risk of exposure to the occupational health hazards.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Construction Industry; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 37364917
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001736 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2023Burdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Burdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result in Ethiopia at different workplaces.
METHODS
Five electronic databases such as: PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched in studies conducted from 2010 to 2021. In this study, we used STATA 14 software for data analysis and the quality of included studies were appraised using the New Castle Ottawa quality assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric results were estimated using effect size and standardized mean differences (SMD).
RESULTS
A total representative of 3511 participants was included in this study. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in occupational exposure at different workplaces was found 13.04% (95% CI: 7.96, 18.12, = 89.2%). On the other hand, the pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in controls was 4.10% (95% CI: 1.86, 6.34, = 76.8%). SMD of spirometric results was significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The SMD of FVC in a litter (L) at 95% of CI: -0.50 (-0.70, -0.30, = 87.7%), SMD of FEV in (L) at 95% CI: -0.54 (-0.72, -0.36, = 84.9%), SMD of FEF%-% in litter per second (L/s) at 95% of CI: -0.42 (-0.67, -0.17, = 81.9%) and SMD of PEFR in L/s at 95% CI: -0.45 (-0.68, -0.21, = 78.4%) were significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls.
CONCLUSION
The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung pattern was higher in people who are working at different workplace that generating dusts and chemicals. The SMD of actual spirometric results were reduced in cases than controls. Therefore, to alleviate this problem appropriate preventive measure would be warranted for those people who are working in different dust and chemical generating environments.
PubMed: 37359412
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1359 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and... Dec 2022Most patients with allergic rhinitis are polysensitized. The efficacy of house dust mite (HDM) allergen immunotherapy (AIT) compared between monosensitized and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Most patients with allergic rhinitis are polysensitized. The efficacy of house dust mite (HDM) allergen immunotherapy (AIT) compared between monosensitized and polysensitized patients remains limited.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the efficacy and safety of HDM AIT compared between monosensitized and polysensitized patients with allergic rhinitis.
METHODS
We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) until June 2022. The primary outcome was the changes from baseline in total nasal symptom score (TNSS). Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in total medication score (TMS), combined symptom medication score (CSMS), visual analog scale (VAS), Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) score, immunological parameters, and adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS
Of 13 eligible studies, 10 prospective cohorts, 2 retrospective cohorts, and 1 matched cohort, we identified 10 studies for quantitative synthesis. There were 1,113 patients with allergic rhinitis, 566 with HDM monosensitization and 547 with polysensitization to HDM and other allergens. There was no significant difference in the pooled mean changes of the 2 groups in TNSS (SMD -0.05, 95%CI: -0.22 to 0.11, p = 0.532) and VAS (SMD -0.20, 95%CI: -0.42 to 0.01, p = 0.060) with moderate certainty of evidence. The changes in TMS, CSMS, and RQLQ were similar between the 2 groups with very low certainty of evidence. The AEs were mild and comparable between the 2 groups. The immunological indices remained inconsistent and were not predictive of clinical responses.
CONCLUSIONS
A single HDM AIT similarly improved clinical outcomes in monosensitized and polysensitized patients with allergic rhinitis.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Sublingual Immunotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Rhinitis, Allergic; Allergens; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Conjunctivitis; Pyroglyphidae
PubMed: 36278778
DOI: 10.12932/AP-190822-1440 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Dec 2020Classroom is where children spend much of their time in; this study aimed to identify the concentration of heavy metals in the classroom dust based on the results of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Classroom is where children spend much of their time in; this study aimed to identify the concentration of heavy metals in the classroom dust based on the results of various studies in the world using the published data up to years 2018.
METHODS
Fifteen studies were selected for the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean concentration of 11 heavy metals including arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc was extracted.
RESULTS
The highest mean concentration of heavy metal (mg/kg) in classroom dust was related to iron (3904.7, 95%CI: 3657.1-8154.3), zinc (429.9, 95%CI: 182.8-677.1) and barium (419.2, 95%CI: 274.7-253.7), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed the maximum concentration (mg/kg) of iron in Iran (16945.5), zinc in Hong Kong (2293.5), barium in China (979.8), manganese in Iran (288.9), lead in Iran (258.8), chromium in Ghana (381.3), copper in Hong Kong (274.4), nickel in Iran (50.1), cobalt in China(43.4), arsenic in China(13.7) and cadmium in Hong Kong(8.7).
CONCLUSION
Even safe and healthy classrooms can threaten children's health by heavy metals. These metals are important since they are naturally found throughout the earth's crust, accumulate in the food chain and contaminate drinking water as well as alloys in school equipment.
PubMed: 34178735
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i12.4809 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Apr 2024Chronic respiratory diseases are a dealing cause of death and disability worldwide. Their prevalence is steadily increasing and the exposure to environmental... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic respiratory diseases are a dealing cause of death and disability worldwide. Their prevalence is steadily increasing and the exposure to environmental contaminants, including Flame Retardants (FRs), is being considered as a possible risk factor. Despite the widespread and continuous exposure to FRs, the role of these contaminants in chronic respiratory diseases is yet not clear. This study aims to systematically review the association between the exposure to FRs and chronic respiratory diseases. Searches were performed using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Science (Science and Social Science Index), WHO Global Health Library and CINAHL EBSCO. Among the initial 353 articles found, only 9 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. No statistically significant increase in the risk for chronic respiratory diseases with exposure to FRs was found and therefore there is not enough evidence to support that FRs pose a significantly higher risk for the development or worsening of respiratory diseases. However, a non-significant trend for potential hazard was found for asthma and rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, particularly considering urinary organophosphate esters (OPEs) including TNBP, TPHP, TCEP and TCIPP congeners/compounds. Most studies showed a predominance of moderate risk of bias, therefore the global strength of the evidence is low. The limitations of the studies here reviewed, and the potential hazardous effects herein identified highlights the need for good quality large-scale cohort studies in which biomarkers of exposure should be quantified in biological samples.
Topics: Humans; Flame Retardants; Organophosphorus Compounds; Organophosphates; Asthma; Environmental Monitoring; Dust; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
PubMed: 38458527
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123733 -
Journal of Global Health 2021By 2030, Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 aims to reduce the premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment. Chronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
By 2030, Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 aims to reduce the premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the second leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years in India. This review was conducted to estimate the prevalence of COPD using systematic review and meta-analysis technique.
METHOD
Search was conducted using six databases for studies on COPD among population above 30 years in India between years 2000 to 2020. Cross-sectional and cohort studies reporting prevalence of COPD and associated risk factors were included in the present review. Screening and data extraction was done by two authors independently. Studies were appraised for quality using the modified New Castle Ottawa scale and reporting quality was assessed using STROBE guidelines.
RESULT
Our search returned 8973 records, from which 23 records fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Overall, the prevalence of COPD among population aged 30 years and above in India was 7%. Risk factors like active and passive smoking, biomass fuel exposure, environmental tobacco smoke, occupational exposure to dust, indoor and outdoor pollution, and increasing age were reported to have a significant association with COPD among Indian population.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest the need for a multicentric national-level research study to understand COPD burden and its contributing risk factors. The findings also suggest the need for COPD sensitive health literacy program focused on early screening and primary prevention of risk factors for COPD, which may help early initiation of self-management practices, that are crucial for better quality of life.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; India; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34484706
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04038 -
Toxics Apr 2023This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air... (Review)
Review
This study reports the search of available data published regarding microbial occupational exposure assessment in poultries, following the PRISMA methodology. Air collection through filtration was the most frequently used. The most commonly used passive sampling method was material collection such as dust, cages, soils, sediment, and wastewater. Regarding assays applied, the majority of studies comprised culture-based methods, but molecular tools were also frequently used. Screening for antimicrobial susceptibility was performed only for bacteria; cytotoxicity, virological and serological assays were also performed. Most of the selected studies focused on bacteria, although fungi, endotoxins, and β-glucans were also assessed. The only study concerning fungi and mycotoxins reported the carcinogenic mycotoxin AFB1. This study gives a comprehensive overview of microbial contamination in the poultry industry, emphasizing this setting as a potential reservoir of microbial pathogens threatening human, animal, and environmental health. Additionally, this research helps to provide a sampling and analysis protocol proposal to evaluate the microbiological contamination in these facilities. Few articles were found reporting fungal contamination in poultry farms worldwide. In addition, information concerning fungal resistance profile and mycotoxin contamination remain scarce. Overall, a One Health approach should be incorporated in exposure assessments and the knowledge gaps identified in this paper should be addressed in further research.
PubMed: 37112601
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040374 -
Medicine Aug 2020A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational dust exposure, and to provide a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and occupational dust exposure, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of COPD caused by occupational factors.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase databases were used to search for original epidemiological literature related to theme. Both random and fixed effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Review Manager was used to perform data analysis.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis in accordance with the inclusion criteria. There was a significantly obvious correlation between occupational dust exposure and COPD of the population-based studies assessed in this article. The risk of developing COPD for workers exposed to dust was 1.51 times higher than for controls (I = 40%, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-1.79). The presence of publication bias was not found.
CONCLUSION
The study provided evidence supporting the association between occupational dust exposure and the risk of developing COPD.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dust; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32846856
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021908 -
Environment International Sep 2023
Meta-Analysis
Response to Letter to the Editor regarding "The prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (silica, asbestos and coal): A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury".
Topics: Humans; Coal; Dust; Prevalence; Silicon Dioxide; Asbestos; Occupational Exposure; Wounds and Injuries; Cost of Illness; World Health Organization
PubMed: 37669593
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108165