Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Southern Iran (Bandar Abbas City)

ObjectiveTo estimate and report the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women of Bandar Abbas, a city in southern Iran.MethodsFrom March 2002 to March 2004, 800 pregnant women underwent assessment for GDM in obstetrics clinics in Bandar Abbas. The medical history and risk factors for GDM were recorded, and the weight, height, and blood pressure were measured. All the women were screened for GDM by a 1-hour, 50-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with a cutoff point of 130 mg/dL. All patients with a “positive” screening test result underwent a 3-hour OGTT with 100 g of glucose.ResultsThe prevalence rate of GDM in our study was 6.3% (95% confidence interval, 4.7% to 8.4%) and 8.9% (95% confidence interval, 6.9% to 11.3%) with use of the National Diabetes Data Group and the Carpenter and Coustan criteria, respectively. The patients with GDM were significantly older than the normal group of pregnant women (28.2 ± 5.6 years versus 24.6 ± 5.2 years, respectively) (P < 0.001). The mean number of pregnancies, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the normal pregnant women (P < 0.05). Among the recorded risk factors, only age ≥ 25 years, history of macrosomia in previous newborns, and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² were significantly more prevalent in the GDM group than in the normal group (P < 0.05). If selective screening criteria for GDM had been applied, 11.3% of patients with GDM would have been missed.ConclusionThis study showed a higher prevalence of GDM in Bandar Abbas in comparison with other parts of Iran. Screening for GDM in all pregnant women in Bandar Abbas seems necessary, regardless of the presence of risk factors for GDM. (Endocr Pract. 2005;11:313-318)     

The fauna, number and spatial distribution of mites (Acari) in house dust in Moscow

There is a wide and strong allergenic background in Moscow, which is determined by relatively high population density and regular frequency of the allergenic mites in various premises. 34 species have been identified, 5 of them are allergen producers. The mites of the family Pyroglyphidae are the main component of the house dust fauna. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae distributed all over the world are predominate. A comparative evaluation of the fauna structure, numbers and frequency of the allergenic mites in the flat dust of the allergic patients and healthy people as well as premises is given. Possible importance of the premises in prevalence and circulation of the allergenic mites in the modern town is estimated for the first time.     

Molecular identification of house dust mites and storage mites

Mites are known causes of allergic diseases. Currently, identification of mites based on morphology is difficult if only one mite is isolated from a (dust) sample, or when only one gender is found, or when the specimen is not intact especially with the loss of the legs. The purpose of this study was to use polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) of the ITS2 gene, to complement the morphological data for the identification of mites to the species level. For this, six species were cultured: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Aleuroglyphus ovatus and Glycycometus malaysiensis. Genomic DNA of the mites was extracted, quantified, amplified and digested individually with restriction enzymes. Hinf I and Ple I differentiated the restriction patterns of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae. Bfa I and Alu I enzymes differentiated B. tropicalis and G. malaysiensis. Ple I enzyme was useful for the differentiation between T. putrescentiae and A. ovatus. Bfa I was useful for the differentiation of G. malaysiensis from the rest of the species. In conclusion, different species of mites can be differentiated using PCR–RFLP of ITS2 region. With the established PCR–RFLP method in this study, identification of these mites to the species level is possible even if complete and intact adult specimens of both sexes are not available. As no study to date has reported PCR–RFLP method for the identification of domestic mites, the established method should be validated for the identification of other species of mites that were not included in this study.     

Allergenic mites (Acariformes, Pyroglyphidae) in house dust

Paper is the second part of the literature review on house dust mites (including 1985). It deals with the diagnosis of the dust mite allergy, the nature of the mite allergens, distribution and population density of the mites in various premises, seasonal population dynamics and population age structure of the dermatophagoid mites, life cycle and breeding of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae on different food substrates. The methods of the house dust mite control are discussed. The original data on the house dust mite distribution in Moscow is shown. A comparative estimation of the results of mite antigens in the house dust discovering by the acarological and three immunological methods are given.     

Water balance and humidity requirements of house dust mites

The house dust mites,Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus andEuroglyphus maynei, are prevalent in homes in humid geographical areas throughout the world. These mites thrive in humid environments in human dwellings where there is no liquid water to drink. However, their bodies contain 70–75% water by weight, which must be maintained in order to reproduce. Their primary source of water is water vapor which is actively extracted from unsaturated air. At relative humidities above 65–70%, adequate amounts of water can be extracted from unsaturated air to compensate for that lost by all avenues. Active uptake is associated with ingestion of a hyperosmotic solution which is secreted by the supracoxal glands. Active mites do not survive longer than 6–11 days at RHs 50%. They survive extended dry periods by forming a desiccation-resistant protonymphal stage which can survive for months at RHs below the critical humidity for active stages. Feeding rate and allergen production is directly influenced by RH. Mites feed, multiply, and produce more fecal matter at higher RHs than at lower ones.     

Effectiveness of benzyl benzoate in elimination of house dust mites

The effect of elimination treatment with benzyl benzoate was examined in 30 adults with asthma caused by sensitivity to house dust mites. The patients were randomised into a control and an active group, who treated their mattresses with benzyl benzoate (Acarosan^®). The study lasted 12 months and the effect of the treatment was monitored by monthly dust sampling, analyzed for major allergens fromDermatophagoides pteronyssinus andfarinae by the ELISA method and for guanine by the Acarex^® method. The clinical effect was assessed by measuring lung function, daily peak flows, symptoms and medicine consumption as well as skin prick tests, and specific IgE to mite allergens. For both groups, a significant decrease was observed in house dust mite allergens, but there was no significant difference between the groups. No considerable differences were observed in clinical parameters within or between the groups. A good correlation was observed between ELISA and Acarex^®. but the latter showed a major variation in the different classes. In conclusion. treatment of mattresses with benzyl benzoate had no effect in a group of patients with asthma due to house dust mite allergy. Regular vacuum cleaning of the bed may reduce house dust mite allergen exposure.     

Seasonal prevalence of allergenic mites in house dust of Kolkata Metropolis,India

During the past few decades, house dust mites have attracted worldwide interest among medical entomologists and acarologists because of their importance in causing nasobronchial allergic disorders in human beings. House dust mites are present throughout the year; however, their relative densities differ in different seasons and habitats. Because the prevalence of house dust mite allergen is important epidemiologically and clinically, detailed knowledge on the seasonal abundance of important allergenic mites is of great importance for better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. In view of this, a systematic survey was carried out on the prevalence of total mites and four common allergenic mites in the city of Kolkata for two consecutive years. Both bed and bedroom floor dust were collected separately from homes inhabited by asthmatic patients situated in different corners of the city on monthly basis from January 2004 to December 2005. The population levels of total mites and four common allergenic mites, namely Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Austroglycyphagus geniculatus, and Blomia tropicalis separately, were highest during the pre-monsoon period (March–May), irrespective of habitat, whereas densities were low in all cases during winter (December–February). The study indicates that season had the most significant effect on the relative abundance of house dust mites except Dermatophagoides farinae, irrespective of habitat.     

Ecological data on house dust mites in the city of Semipalatinsk

Distribution of mites of the genus Dermatophagoides in flats of allergic patients depending on the type of the building structure, relative air humidity and season of the year was studied. The mites are most frequently encountered in houses of wood or adobe with high air humidity. Autumn is an optimum season for reproduction of mites.     

Effectiveness of education for control of house dust mites and cockroaches in Seoul, Korea

We evaluated the efficacy of health education in reducing indoor arthropod allergens in Seoul. The mite control measures comprised the use of mite-proof mattress and pillow coverings, regular washing of potentially infested materials, maintenance of a low humidity, removal of carpets, and frequent vacuum cleaning. Cockroach control measures included trapping, application of insecticides, and protecting food. Of 201 homes enrolled in October 1999, 63 volunteers were included in a 2-year follow-up survey between April 2000 and January 2002. Before intervention, the density of mites/g of dust varied greatly; 27.1/g in childrenos bedding, 20/g in adult bedding, 7.2/g on the floors of childrenos bedrooms, 6.8/g in sofas, 5.9/g on the floors of adultos bedrooms, 3.9/g on living room floors, 3.7/g in carpets, and 1.9 mites/g on kitchen floors. The predominant mite species and house percentages infested were; Dermatophagoides farinae 93%, D. pteronyssinus 9%, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae 8%. Comparing 1999 and 2001 infestations, before and after 25 mo of education, mite abundance was reduced by 98%, from 23.7 to 0.57 mites/g of dust. In 1999, cockroaches were detected in 62% homes: 36% Blattella germanica and 35% Periplaneta spp., including 9% double infestations of B. germanica and P. americana. Following intervention, cockroach infestation rates decreased to 22% of houses in 2000 and 23% in 2001. We conclude that continuous and repetitive health education resulted in the effective control of domestic arthropods.     

The detection of house dust mites in the apartments of children with allergic diseases

The acarological study of house dust in 239 apartments of children with different allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, rhinosinusitis, atopic dermatitis) developing as the result of indoor sensitization has been carried out. The significant difference between the occurrence of house-dust mites in apartments inhabited by healthy and sick children has been established. The occurrence of mites and their number have been found to affect the symptoms of an allergic disease and its exacerbation.     

The colonisation of new houses by house dust mites (Acari: Pyroglyphidae)

House dust mites,Dermatophagoides species (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), produce allergens, known for the provocation of asthma and other allergic reactions. To determine the time needed for complete colonisation of a new house by house dust mites, dust samples were collected from carpets of houses varying from 2 weeks to 2 years in age. In contrast to the expectation, no relation was found between age of the houses on the one hand and average levels of mite-allergensDer pI andDer pII and mite numbers on the other. However, presence of dogs appeared to be positively related to allergen levels. Furthermore, carpets in bedrooms appeared to contain more allergens than carpets in living-rooms. Finally, the age of the mattress was not related to allergen levels of bedroom floors.     

Methods of assessment and control of house dust mites population and mite allergen exposure

The work is devoted to analysis of various methods of assessment and control of house dust mites population and mite allergens in city dwellings using own results and the literature data. Data about in-house dust mites biology and ecology, mechanisms of their migration and circulation in modern city conditions are presented. The comparison of several methods of mites number assessment and mite allergens exposure (classical acarological analysis, colorimetric method of guanine detection in house dust, immunochemical methods) has been performed and their advantages and disadvantages analyzed. As choice of adequate avoidance measures is one of the key question, various such measures (mechanical, physical and chemical) have been compared.     

The legal position of psycho-geriatric patients in nursing homes and residential homes

Recently the Law on Formal Admission to Psychiatric Hospitals was evaluated for the second time. This law aims to protect the legal position of psychiatric patients, who have been involuntarily admitted. This patient group includes psycho-geriatric patients who are admitted to residential and nursing homes for which this is indicated. In this article the part of the evaluation concerning the internal legal position of psycho-geriatric patients is reported. This part of the study investigated both the knowledge of the law in practice and its correct application, as well as the suitability of the law for this domain of health care. The conclusion can be drawn that residential and nursing homes are aware of the laws purposes, but health care practitioners find it hard to follow certain aspects of the law's procedures, especially regarding the use of restraints. The main reason for this is that the Formal Admission Law was designed for a psychiatric setting, which cannot easily be translated to the position of psycho-geriatric patients. The suggestion is made that the Government will develop new legislation, which reflects special characteristics of psycho-geriatric care. Meanwhile health institutions have to take measures in order to improve the legal position of patients in this sector.     

Abundance of house dust mites in relation to climate in contrasting agricultural settlements in Israel

The correlation between climatic conditions and mite numbers in houses from rural areas was studied in 13 agricultural communities (kibbutzim and moshavim) in nine geo-climatic subregions of Israel. Mites were present in 97% of the dust samples. The average number of mites per gram of dust in the different localities ranged between 84 and 2053. The maximum number of mites (7440/g dust) was found in a carpet from a house in Geva Carmel in the northern coastal region. The most prevalent species of mites were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, which were found in 85.6% and 71.3% of the samples, respectively. The house dust mites D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and Euroglyphus maynei constituted 94.8% of the mites. Most of the mites were isolated from the carpets and sofas (37.0% and 33.7%, respectively), and a smaller number from beds (29.3%). The smallest number of mites (< or = 250/g dust) were found at a minimum relative humidity (RH) of 30% and lower, with a maximum temperature of 32 degrees C and higher, i.e. in the Jordan valley and Negev mountains. A greater number of mites (250-500/g dust) were found at a minimum ambient RH of 35-40% and a maximum temperature of 32 degrees C and higher, i.e. the Hula valley. A large number of mites (500-1000/g dust) were found at a minimum RH of 35-40% with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees C and lower, i.e. in the Judean and Samarian range, as well as in upper Galilee. The largest number of mites (1000-2000/g dust) was found at a minimum RH of 45% and higher, with a maximum temperature ranging between 30 and 32 degrees C. These conditions occur in the coastal strip, the coastal plain and in the Judean and Samarian foothills. A monthly examination of two houses in Zova, a kibbutz in the Judean hills next to Jerusalem, and two houses from Palmachim, a kibbutz in the coastal region, revealed that the highest prevalence of mites was found in the months April-November and May-November, respectively. In Zova, the highest number of mites were found during the months of June and July while the highest concentrations of D. pteronyssinus-antigen (Der p I) were measured during the month of September. A positive correlation between mite numbers and the quantity of Der p I in house dust was found.     

青海省寄生螨类的区系分布

根据建国以来的大量研究调查资料,对青海地区已记载的寄生螨类（主要包括革螨、恙螨）计10科33属100余种进行了初步的区系分布、数量与宿主关系的探讨。（1）河湟谷地小区[1]：计有45种,主要有：赛氏血革螨、秉氏血革螨、旱獭青厉螨、毒厉螨、鼠兔赫刺螨、褪色巨螯螨、似田鼠新恙螨、旱獭新恙螨等;（2）柴达木盆地小区：计有15种,具代表性种类为乌兰纤恙螨;（3）祁连青南小区：计有85种,具代表性种类为久治真棒恙螨、玉树羽叶恙螨和朱雀禽棒恙螨;（4）羌塘高原小区：计有3种,皆为血厉螨属种类。     

Length–weight relationships of 10 fish species collected from stake traps in the muddy shores of the inter‐tidal zone of Bandar Abbas city,Persian Gulf,Iran

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) are presented for ten fish species of seven families from the muddy shores of the intertidal zone in the northeast of the Persian Gulf, Bandar Abbas, Iran. To the best knowledge of the authors, this study presents the first reference on LWR for eight of the species.     

Immunotherapy in the complex treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis with sensitization to house dust mites

Ninety-nine patients aged 16-52 years with disseminated atopic dermatitis at the remission were examined and treated. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the method of therapy. Group 1 (28 patients aged 17-52 years, found to be sensitive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae) received, in addition to standard treatment, immunotherapy (oral hyposensitization with mite allergens) in combination with ointment containing retinopalmitate and methyluracil. Group 2 (39 patients aged 17-40 years) received standard treatment combined with the administration of placebo. Group 3 (32 patients aged 16-27 years) received only standard therapy. Groups 2 and 3 were used for comparison. The results of treatment were evaluated according to changes in the immune status of the patients and a complex of clinical characteristics. Essential improvement in clinical characteristics and the normalization of immunological parameters were registered in group 1, which proved that immunotherapy was effective and safe.     

Acarapis mites of honey-bee,Apis mellifera in Iran

An extensive survey of colonies of the honey-bee, Apis mellifera, was conducted from December 1991 to February 1993 for the presence of both internal and external Acarapis mites in 21 provinces of Iran. Ten apiaries from each province and 5 hives/apiary were randomly selected for examination. A. woodi (R.) was found in 19 of the 139 apiaries sampled. The infested colonies were found in 7 of 21 provinces surveyed. Two external mites, A. dorsalis M. and A. externus M. were also found in honey-bee colonies in 8 provinces.