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Nanobiosensors
Published in Vinod Kumar Khanna, Nanosensors, 2021
Deriving the advantage of specific recognition between antibody (Ab) and antigen (Ag), through Ab–Ag interaction, that forms the basis for immune response to infectious disease-causing agents, immunoassays are widely applied in clinical practice. AuNPs have been used in these assays because of their large surface area and biocompatibility. They provide higher loading density and greater retention of immunoactivity. House dust mites cause heavy atopic diseases, such as asthma and dermatitis. Among allergens (examples of antigenic proteins) from Dermatophagoides farinae, Der f2 shows the highest positive rate for atopic patients. Huang et al. (2006) assembled recombinant dust mite allergen Der f2 molecules on a AuNP-modified GP carbon electrode and used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to monitor the interaction between the allergen and murine monoclonal antibody (MAb). To make an EIS measurement, a small-amplitude signal, usually a voltage between 5 and 50 mV, is applied to a specimen over a range of frequencies in the range 10−3–105 Hz. The EIS instrument records the real (resistance) and imaginary (capacitance) components of the impedance response of the system.
Air, Noise, and Radiation
Published in Gary S. Moore, Kathleen A. Bell, Living with the Earth, 2018
Gary S. Moore, Kathleen A. Bell
Surveys have shown that 30–50 percent of homes surveyed in the northern U.S. and in Canada have problems with moisture while structures in the south may be at higher risk. Wet surfaces, moist carpeting (often associated with concrete floors), water damaged materials, and standing water can all support the growth of molds, mildew, bacteria, and insects such as house and dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on shed human skin, thrive in moist environments, and are powerful allergens. Molds are also potent allergens, and they can provide nutrients to bacteria, spread viruses, emit chemicals such as cancer-causing phenols and trichloroethylene, increase susceptibility to a host of diseases by weakening the immune system, and aggravate asthma.
Indoor Issues and Health Implications (and Ventilation Requirements)
Published in Rodger Edwards, Handbook of Domestic Ventilation, 2006
The house dust mite has long been established as a significant source of allergens. Voorhorst10 demonstrated that D. pteronyssinus derives its nutrition from human skin scales. These scales are steadily shed from the skins of human beings, and are, therefore, a major constituent of house dust. It is not the house dust mite itself that poses the risk to human health, but rather a substance found in its droppings. The Group I allergen widely referred to as Derp I has been shown by Taylor11 to act as a trigger of symptoms within those suffering from asthma. Figure 2.3 gives recommended maximum exposure concentrations for exposure to Derp I and house dust mites as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The lower concentrations must not be exceeded in order that sensitisation of subjects and the development of asthma itself are avoided. If the upper concentrations given are exceeded, then it would be expected that an acute asthma attack would be triggered in most patients who were already allergically sensitised to Derp I.
Indoor exposure assessment for levels of dust mite and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in living houses
Published in International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2023
Sung Ho Hwang, Sangwon Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Wha Me Park
Of the various indoor air pollutants, exposure to dust mite can dramatically impact on human health with asthma and these allergens can trigger mild-to-severe allergic symptoms in sensitized individual. In severe cases, the condition is ongoing, or chronic, resulting in persistent sneezing, cough, congestion, facial pressure, or even a severe asthma attack (American Lung Association 2022). A total of 600 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis and 200 million cases are concomitant with asthma, as reported (Öçal et al. 2020). The main dust mite species include Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p), Dermatophagoides farina (Der f), and Blomia tropicalis, which coexist in most geographical regions (Arlian et al. 2002). Group 1 (Der p1, Der f1), group 2 (Der p2, Der f2), and group 23 (Der p23) are considered the dominant allergens (Aggarwal and Senthilkumaran 2021). Cysteine proteases Der p1 and Der f1 of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, respectively, are considered to be the main ones that are sensitive to people who are more than 80% of people allergic to dust mites (Reginald and Chew 2019).
Has a singular focus of building regulations created unhealthy homes?
Published in Architectural Science Review, 2020
Shruti Nath, Mark Dewsbury, Jeroen Douwes
In Tasmania, extensive studies have been conducted in the past deriving relations between house dampness, mould and concentrations of house dust mite allergens (Couper, Ponsonby, and Dwyer 1998; Ponsonby et al. 2000). In 1995, the average relative humidity in Tasmania during the summer was 66% and the winter value was 76% respectively (Couper, Ponsonby, and Dwyer 1998). Conducive environments for Der p 1 mite growth are ≈25°C and 75% relative humidity (Couper, Ponsonby, and Dwyer 1998). Der p 1 levels are associated with increased humidity and presence of moulds (Ponsonby et al. 2000). Home dampness is a major cause for increased allergen level in homes (Couper, Ponsonby, and Dwyer 1998). The house dust mite allergens are an important contributing factor in asthma and other allergies (Couper, Ponsonby, and Dwyer 1998; Dharmage et al. 1999; Garrett, Hooper, and Hooper 1998). Viitanen and Ojanen (2007), affirmed the risk of mould growth when the internal temperature is between 0°C and 50°C and the relative humidity is above 75%.
Prevalence of house dust mite allergens in low-income homes with evaporative coolers in a semiarid climate
Published in Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health, 2018
James D. Johnston, Taylor P. Barney, Justin H. Crandall, Marinn A. Brown, Tarah R. Westover, Sterling M. Paulson, Madeleine S. Smith, K. Scott Weber
House dust mite allergens are among the most clinically significant antigen exposures affecting humans, with medical outcomes including the development and exacerbation of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.1–5 House dust mites acquire water primarily by absorbing it from humid air.6,7 The critical equilibrium humidity for dust mites to maintain water balance ranges from 55.0% to 75.0% RH at 15.0°C–35.0°C.6,8 Thus, mites are typically absent in arid and semiarid climates unless moisture is added to indoor air.