Monitoring Particulate, PAH, Allergen and Microbial Exposures in Asthmatic Kids

 描述(申请人提供)：在拟议的研究中，我们将整合一个小型空气监测仪的模块化阵列，作为个人和住宅监测仪，用于未来的流行病学研究，该研究将测试哮喘发展和哮喘恶化的假说。我们的总体方法是开发和测试(A)实时监测仪，它可以作为记录自身数据和来自其他监测仪的数据的平台，以建立潜在急性哮喘应激源的空间和时间变化；以及(B)可以收集空间或时间分辨率的综合样本的监测仪，可以存档供实验室后续分析。根据研究设计的不同，实时监测器和集成采样器的电池供电部署的时间范围可以从24小时到一个月不等。我们的建议有三个目标。目标1)集成小型空气监测器的模块化阵列，用作住宅和个人监测器。组成我们的模块化阵列的三个监视器目前处于不同的开发阶段：一个尚未完全验证的完整监视器(多天microAeth(R))，一个将在扩展功能的同时进一步小型化的原型(存档监视器)，以及一个现成的廉价智能手机空气颗粒物监视器(AirBeam来自AirCasting.org)。三轴加速度计和GPS芯片集成到我们的个人监视器中，可以确定位置、佩戴合规性和与活动相关的参数。多天的microAeth监测仪，测量包括黑碳和环境木烟在内的颗粒物的光学吸收成分。蓝牙、WiFi和/或串行连接将允许将所有传感器数据记录在多天MicroAeth(R)上，以简化集成，并允许每天将所有传感器数据(个人和住宅)发送到研究团队。我们包括AirBeam，以显示我们平台集成来自第三方监视器的数据流的能力，以及显示将我们的传感器数据集成到预先存在的智能手机应用程序中的能力。目的2)改进或开发一系列与哮喘相关的暴露测量的灵敏分析方法，用于PM10、PM2.5和半挥发性化合物的存档、集成样本。要对档案样本进行验证的首批测量包括空气传播的过敏原(老鼠、尘螨和蟑螂)、基于聚合酶链式反应的微生物分析、半挥发性和与颗粒相关的非挥发性多环芳烃、黑碳、颗粒结合元素，以及PM10和PM2.5过滤器的重量测定。目的3)反复进行实验室和现场测试，以确定设备使用中的挑战，改进协议，并确定收集数据的重复性和准确性。现场测试将包括与其他监测仪的比较，以及与一群哮喘儿童测试空气监测仪模块化阵列的可行性飞行员的比较。令人感兴趣的可行性结果包括数据完整性、耐用合规性，以及展示将数据传输到未来数据协调中心的能力。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In the proposed study, we will integrate a modular array of miniaturized air monitors for use as personal and residential monitors for future epidemiological studies that will test hypotheses on asthma development and asthma exacerbation. Our overall approach is to develop and test (a) a real-time monitor that can serve as a platform to record its own data and data from other monitors to establish spatial and temporal variations of potential acute asthma stressors and (b) a monitor that can collect either spatially- or time- resolved, integrated samples that can be archived for subsequent analysis in the laboratory. Time scales for battery-powered deployments of both the real-time monitors and the integrated sampler could range from 24 hours to a month in duration depending on the study design. Three aims form our proposal. Aim 1) Integrate a modular array of miniaturized air monitors for use as residential and personal monitors. The three monitors that make up our modular array currently exist in various stages of development: a completed monitor that is not fully validated (the Multi-day microAeth(r)), a prototype that will be further miniaturized while expanding functionality (the Archive Monitor) and an off the shelf inexpensive smart phone enabled monitor for airborne particulates (The Airbeam from Aircasting.org). Tri-axial accelerometer and GPS chips are integrated into our personal monitors allowing determinations of location, wearing compliance and activity related parameters. The multi-day microAeth monitor, measures optically absorbant components of particulate matter including black carbon and environmental wood smoke. Bluetooth, WiFi and/or serial connections will allow all sensor data to be logged on the multi-day microAeth(r) to simplify integration and allow all sensor data (personal and residential) to be sent to the study team on a daily basis. We include the Airbeam to show capacity of our platform for integrating data streams from third-party monitors and to show capacity for integrating our sensor data into a pre-existing smart phone app. Aim 2) Refine or develop sensitive analytical methods for a wide suite of asthma-related exposure measurements for archive, integrated samples of PM10, PM2.5 and semi-volatile compounds. The initial suite of measurements to be validated for the archive samples includes airborne allergens (mouse, dust mite and cockroach), PCR based microbial assays, semi-volatile and particle-associated non-volatile PAHs, black carbon, particulate-bound elements, and gravimetric determinations of PM10 and PM2.5 filters. Aim 3) Carry out laboratory and field tests iteratively to identify challenges in using the devices, improve protocols, and determine reproducibility and accuracy of collected data. Field tests will include comparisons to other monitors and feasibility pilots with a cohort of asthmatic children for testing the modular array o air monitors. Feasibility outcomes of interest include data completeness, wearing compliance, and demonstration of the ability to transfer data to future data coordinating centers.