View clinical trials related to Environmental Exposure.
Filter by:Fungal infections could play a role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient's exacerbations and in lung function impairment. In fact, Aspergillus fumigatus is often isolated from respiratory samples, but few data are available about its clinical significance. Aspergillus colonization could be associated to a higher risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), which, in COPD patients, is characterized by a 2% incidence (probably underestimated) and a high mortality (72 to 95%). Similarly, detection of anti-Aspergillus antibodies is quite frequent in COPD patients but its significance and usefulness for aspergillosis diagnosis and follow-up have not been assessed. Furthermore, several studies suggest a frequent carriage of Pneumocystis jirovecii, reaching 37-55%, with a higher frequency in the most severe COPD stages and a possible role of colonisation in the occurrence and progression of COPD. As these colonization and sensitization phenomena could be related to domestic exposure to airborne or, for P. jirovecii, to human reservoirs, the investigators set-up a study in order to (i) Evaluate how domestic exposure to mould or to P. jirovecii could impact fungal colonization and sensitization frequency in COPD patients, (ii) Study the relationship between these fungal colonization/sensitization phenomena and lung function impairment in the course of COPD and (iii) Have a better understanding of mould and P. jirovecii circulation in the close environment of patients (between airborne, human reservoirs and patients). In fine, this study will provide data (i) On fungal contamination levels (species and conidia concentration) of COPD patient's homes in a French region, (ii) On the relationship between fungal exposure level and colonization/sensitization phenomena, (iii) On the role of fungal colonization/sensitization in lung function impairment, (iv) To design diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive options for the management of COPD patients, taking into account fungal environmental exposure and colonization/sensitization impact on the evolution of the disease.
Dry eye and ocular surface disease account for a lot of morbidity and socio-economic burden in Asia and the rest of the world. This is a small pilot study to evaluate tear function under different conditions of humidity and temperature. This data will be useful for designing future trials in ocular surface and dry eye. The data will likely be used to propose a larger national funded project involving clinical trials. This study involves collaboration between engineers, ocular surface clinicians as well as specialists from the defence science organisation. When successfully completed, the project will increase the capability of Singapore Eye Research Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre to support future industry and academic research in the ocular surface.
The research plan proposes translational studies in relevant animal models and human subjects in order to identify host (genetic) susceptibility factors that confer vulnerability to the prototypal air pollutant, ozone. The results will have significant impact upon, and aid in, understanding mechanisms regulating pro-oxidant lung injury, production and secretion of airway mucins, and clearance of respiratory mucus, and adverse health effects, that occur during and following exposure to airborne respiratory irritants.
Exposure and health study of pesticide and allergen exposures to pregnant women and children. Intervention study is planned after assessment is completed.