Louise Weschler - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Louise Weschler

Journal of Asthma, Feb 6, 2017

American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Sep 1, 2006

Sports Medicine, 2005

ABSTRACT In 1958, Edelman and colleagues empirically showed plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p) ... more ABSTRACT In 1958, Edelman and colleagues empirically showed plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p) to be primarily a function of the sum of exchangeable sodium and potassium (E) divided by total body water (TBW). Based on Edelman's equation, Nguyen and Kurtz derived an equation to show how [Na+]p changes as a function of TBW, change in TBW (DeltaTBW), and change in the sum of exchangeable sodium and potassium (DeltaE). Using the Nguyen-Kurtz equation, the present study examines the sensitivity of [Na+]p to these parameters: [Na+]p is very sensitive to DeltaTBW and moderately sensitive to DeltaE, and is modulated by TBW. For example, for a person with 50 L TBW, a net increase of 1L water lowers [Na+]p by 3.2 mEq/L, but for a person with 25 L TBW it lowers [Na+]p by 6.3 mEq/L (assuming initial [Na+]p is 140 mEq/L). In each case, a loss of 159 mEq of sodium plus potassium (roughly equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons of table salt) would be required to produce the same effect as the net increase of 1 L water. The present review demonstrates why fluid overload predominates over electrolyte loss in the aetiology of exercise-associated hyponatraemia (EAH), and why the excretion of electrolyte-dilute urine is highly effective in correcting EAH (nonetheless, loss of sodium and potassium is significant in long events in warm weather). Sports drinks will, if overconsumed, result in hyponatraemia. Administration of a sports drink to an athlete with fluid overload hyponatraemia further lowers [Na+]p and increases fluid overload. Administration of either a sports drink or normal (0.9%) saline increases fluid overload.

Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct 1, 2008

Kexue tongbao, Sep 1, 2013

Journal of Applied Physiology, Dec 22, 2005

American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Apr 1, 2012

Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct 1, 2008

Building and Environment, Apr 1, 2023

Journal of Asthma, Nov 18, 2016

We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other ... more We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other dietary introductions with prevalences of asthma, wheeze, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema among preschool children. During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 kindergartens from five districts of Shanghai, China and obtained 13,335 questionnaires of children 4-6 year-old. We used multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the target associations. Compared to children who were never BF, children who were exclusively breastfed for three-six months had the lowest risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.72-0.91) and wheeze (0.93, 0.87-0.99); and exclusive BF >6 months was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hay fever (0.93, 0.89-0.97), rhinitis (0.97, 0.94-0.99), pneumonia (0.97, 0.94-0.99), and eczema (0.96, 0.93-0.99). No significant associations were found between time when fruits or vegetables were introduced and the studied diseases. Associations were independent of the child's sex and parent's ownership of the current residence. Longer duration BF was only significantly protective when there was no family history of atopy. This study suggests that heredity, but not sex and socioeconomic status, may negatively impact the effect of BF on childhood airway and allergic diseases. Our findings support China's national recommendation that mothers provide exclusive BF for the first four months, and continue partial BF for more than six months.

Building and Environment, Sep 1, 2016

Abstract We analyzed perceptions of odors and dryness and their associations with asthma and alle... more Abstract We analyzed perceptions of odors and dryness and their associations with asthma and allergic symptoms in 1–8 year-old children in Baotou, China. In this cross-sectional study, parents returned 4801 completed questionnaires. Odors reported frequently or sometimes were stuffy odor,45.2%; unpleasant odor,33.8%; pungent odor, 9.7%; moldy odor, 9.2%; tobacco smoke odor, 33.2%; dry air, 72.4% and humid air,22.5%.Perceptions of all odors and of dry air (POD)were strongly associated with the risk of children’s asthma and allergies but the perception of humid air was not. Dwelling owners reported significantly less odor perception than renters. Significant risk factors for POD were family history of asthma or allergies, living near a main road or highway, evidence of moisture related problems and never exposing bedding to sunshine. A higher proportion of women and allergic persons reported POD. The perception of dryness positively correlated with the use of humidifiers. We conclude that perception of odors and/or dryness can be proxies for indoor pollution, and as such, indicators of increased risk for children’s asthma and allergic symptoms. Reducing moisture related signs and keeping good sanitary habits, both of which can be at least partially accomplished by ventilation, are likely effective strategies for addressing odors and dryness problems in residences.

Building and Environment, Nov 1, 2015

ABSTRACT The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) among children has increased markedly in Beijin... more ABSTRACT The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) among children has increased markedly in Beijing during the last two decades. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of AR and to identify indoor risk factors for AR among preschool children. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Beijing, 2011. Parents of 5388 3-6 years old children (65% response rate) from randomly selected kindergartens in Beijing participated in this study. A Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors. Our survey found that the prevalences of “AR symptoms ever,” “AR symptoms current” (AR symptoms in the last 12 months) and “doctor-diagnosed AR” are 49.5%, 45.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Confounding factors for “AR symptoms” and/or “doctor-diagnosed AR” are gender, age, family allergic history, breastfeeding and current environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). New furniture, condensation on window pane and cockroaches are risk factors for both “AR symptoms ever” and “AR symptoms current”. Risk factors for “AR symptoms ever” include the use of humidifier and incense. A risk factor for “AR symptoms current” is mosquitoes/flies. Risk factors for “doctor-diagnosed AR” include living close to a main road or highway, visible mold spots and current pet keeping. A protective factor against doctor-diagnosed AR is opening the child’s bedroom window in winter (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48, 0.92). We found that the greater the number of home environmental risk factors, the higher risk of AR. A number of home environmental factors are associated with AR among preschool children.

Environmental health perspectives, Sep 24, 2018

Building and Environment, Nov 1, 2021

Abstract This study investigated indoor CO2 and PM2.5 real-time concentrations together with air ... more Abstract This study investigated indoor CO2 and PM2.5 real-time concentrations together with air temperature, humidity and air-cleaning effectiveness of 33 classrooms in 21 schools in Beijing, China by natural ventilation with air cleaners (NV system) compared to mechanical ventilation with fresh air ventilators (MV system). We found that: (1) The proportions of PM2.5 concentrations >37.5 μ g / m 3 when the classrooms were occupied were 28 % and 31 % in MV and NV classrooms. (2) During periods of severe ambient pollution, the averaged PM2.5 I/O ratio was 0.47. (3) The proportions of CO2 concentrations >1000 ppm when the classrooms were occupied were 40 % and 60 % in MV and NV classrooms, although we note that the maximum CO2 concentration in NV classrooms occasionally exceeded 5000 ppm. (4)The mean ventilation rate was only 1.9 L / ( s ⋅ person ) during class in NV classrooms, and the air exchange rates (AERs) for NV and MV classrooms were smaller by 58 % and 4 % during class in times of severe ambient pollution than during those days that ambient PM2.5 ≤35 μ g / m 3 . (5) During the days close to the beginning or end of central space heating, both MV and NV classrooms had indoor air temperatures lower than the 18 °C mandated by the Chinese Thermal Comfort Standard (GB/T 17225-2017). (6) Although MV systems showed lower energy efficiency than NV systems in removing PM2.5 in classrooms, the benefits of CO2 reduction and ventilation rates increase afforded by MV systems are important. These findings can help to identify or develop a suitable ventilation system (NV or MV system) and an operating strategy in classrooms in severe ambient pollution regions.

Building and Environment, Jul 1, 2018

Environmental Pollution, 2020

Journal of Asthma, Feb 6, 2017

American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Sep 1, 2006

Sports Medicine, 2005

ABSTRACT In 1958, Edelman and colleagues empirically showed plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p) ... more ABSTRACT In 1958, Edelman and colleagues empirically showed plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]p) to be primarily a function of the sum of exchangeable sodium and potassium (E) divided by total body water (TBW). Based on Edelman's equation, Nguyen and Kurtz derived an equation to show how [Na+]p changes as a function of TBW, change in TBW (DeltaTBW), and change in the sum of exchangeable sodium and potassium (DeltaE). Using the Nguyen-Kurtz equation, the present study examines the sensitivity of [Na+]p to these parameters: [Na+]p is very sensitive to DeltaTBW and moderately sensitive to DeltaE, and is modulated by TBW. For example, for a person with 50 L TBW, a net increase of 1L water lowers [Na+]p by 3.2 mEq/L, but for a person with 25 L TBW it lowers [Na+]p by 6.3 mEq/L (assuming initial [Na+]p is 140 mEq/L). In each case, a loss of 159 mEq of sodium plus potassium (roughly equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons of table salt) would be required to produce the same effect as the net increase of 1 L water. The present review demonstrates why fluid overload predominates over electrolyte loss in the aetiology of exercise-associated hyponatraemia (EAH), and why the excretion of electrolyte-dilute urine is highly effective in correcting EAH (nonetheless, loss of sodium and potassium is significant in long events in warm weather). Sports drinks will, if overconsumed, result in hyponatraemia. Administration of a sports drink to an athlete with fluid overload hyponatraemia further lowers [Na+]p and increases fluid overload. Administration of either a sports drink or normal (0.9%) saline increases fluid overload.

Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct 1, 2008

Kexue tongbao, Sep 1, 2013

Journal of Applied Physiology, Dec 22, 2005

American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Apr 1, 2012

Journal of Applied Physiology, Oct 1, 2008

Building and Environment, Apr 1, 2023

Journal of Asthma, Nov 18, 2016

We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other ... more We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other dietary introductions with prevalences of asthma, wheeze, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema among preschool children. During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 kindergartens from five districts of Shanghai, China and obtained 13,335 questionnaires of children 4-6 year-old. We used multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the target associations. Compared to children who were never BF, children who were exclusively breastfed for three-six months had the lowest risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.72-0.91) and wheeze (0.93, 0.87-0.99); and exclusive BF >6 months was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hay fever (0.93, 0.89-0.97), rhinitis (0.97, 0.94-0.99), pneumonia (0.97, 0.94-0.99), and eczema (0.96, 0.93-0.99). No significant associations were found between time when fruits or vegetables were introduced and the studied diseases. Associations were independent of the child's sex and parent's ownership of the current residence. Longer duration BF was only significantly protective when there was no family history of atopy. This study suggests that heredity, but not sex and socioeconomic status, may negatively impact the effect of BF on childhood airway and allergic diseases. Our findings support China's national recommendation that mothers provide exclusive BF for the first four months, and continue partial BF for more than six months.

Building and Environment, Sep 1, 2016

Abstract We analyzed perceptions of odors and dryness and their associations with asthma and alle... more Abstract We analyzed perceptions of odors and dryness and their associations with asthma and allergic symptoms in 1–8 year-old children in Baotou, China. In this cross-sectional study, parents returned 4801 completed questionnaires. Odors reported frequently or sometimes were stuffy odor,45.2%; unpleasant odor,33.8%; pungent odor, 9.7%; moldy odor, 9.2%; tobacco smoke odor, 33.2%; dry air, 72.4% and humid air,22.5%.Perceptions of all odors and of dry air (POD)were strongly associated with the risk of children’s asthma and allergies but the perception of humid air was not. Dwelling owners reported significantly less odor perception than renters. Significant risk factors for POD were family history of asthma or allergies, living near a main road or highway, evidence of moisture related problems and never exposing bedding to sunshine. A higher proportion of women and allergic persons reported POD. The perception of dryness positively correlated with the use of humidifiers. We conclude that perception of odors and/or dryness can be proxies for indoor pollution, and as such, indicators of increased risk for children’s asthma and allergic symptoms. Reducing moisture related signs and keeping good sanitary habits, both of which can be at least partially accomplished by ventilation, are likely effective strategies for addressing odors and dryness problems in residences.

Building and Environment, Nov 1, 2015

ABSTRACT The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) among children has increased markedly in Beijin... more ABSTRACT The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) among children has increased markedly in Beijing during the last two decades. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of AR and to identify indoor risk factors for AR among preschool children. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Beijing, 2011. Parents of 5388 3-6 years old children (65% response rate) from randomly selected kindergartens in Beijing participated in this study. A Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors. Our survey found that the prevalences of “AR symptoms ever,” “AR symptoms current” (AR symptoms in the last 12 months) and “doctor-diagnosed AR” are 49.5%, 45.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Confounding factors for “AR symptoms” and/or “doctor-diagnosed AR” are gender, age, family allergic history, breastfeeding and current environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). New furniture, condensation on window pane and cockroaches are risk factors for both “AR symptoms ever” and “AR symptoms current”. Risk factors for “AR symptoms ever” include the use of humidifier and incense. A risk factor for “AR symptoms current” is mosquitoes/flies. Risk factors for “doctor-diagnosed AR” include living close to a main road or highway, visible mold spots and current pet keeping. A protective factor against doctor-diagnosed AR is opening the child’s bedroom window in winter (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48, 0.92). We found that the greater the number of home environmental risk factors, the higher risk of AR. A number of home environmental factors are associated with AR among preschool children.

Environmental health perspectives, Sep 24, 2018

Building and Environment, Nov 1, 2021

Abstract This study investigated indoor CO2 and PM2.5 real-time concentrations together with air ... more Abstract This study investigated indoor CO2 and PM2.5 real-time concentrations together with air temperature, humidity and air-cleaning effectiveness of 33 classrooms in 21 schools in Beijing, China by natural ventilation with air cleaners (NV system) compared to mechanical ventilation with fresh air ventilators (MV system). We found that: (1) The proportions of PM2.5 concentrations >37.5 μ g / m 3 when the classrooms were occupied were 28 % and 31 % in MV and NV classrooms. (2) During periods of severe ambient pollution, the averaged PM2.5 I/O ratio was 0.47. (3) The proportions of CO2 concentrations >1000 ppm when the classrooms were occupied were 40 % and 60 % in MV and NV classrooms, although we note that the maximum CO2 concentration in NV classrooms occasionally exceeded 5000 ppm. (4)The mean ventilation rate was only 1.9 L / ( s ⋅ person ) during class in NV classrooms, and the air exchange rates (AERs) for NV and MV classrooms were smaller by 58 % and 4 % during class in times of severe ambient pollution than during those days that ambient PM2.5 ≤35 μ g / m 3 . (5) During the days close to the beginning or end of central space heating, both MV and NV classrooms had indoor air temperatures lower than the 18 °C mandated by the Chinese Thermal Comfort Standard (GB/T 17225-2017). (6) Although MV systems showed lower energy efficiency than NV systems in removing PM2.5 in classrooms, the benefits of CO2 reduction and ventilation rates increase afforded by MV systems are important. These findings can help to identify or develop a suitable ventilation system (NV or MV system) and an operating strategy in classrooms in severe ambient pollution regions.

Building and Environment, Jul 1, 2018

Environmental Pollution, 2020