Effect of different types of supervised exercise programs on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, pain, fatigue, mental health and inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in older patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae "EJerSA-COVID-19": a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with COVID-19 present the so-called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 such as fatigue, post-stress discomfort, dyspnea, headache, pain mental impairment, incapacity to perform daily physical tasks ant exercise intolerance. This study aims to investigate the effects of different exercise programs on physical and mental fitness, physical condition and biomarkers of the immune system and oxidative stress in older patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. METHODS: The sample will be made up of 120 eligible participants, over the age of 60 years who have had COVID-19 disease and are survivors and present persistent COVID-19 symptomatology diagnosed by the corresponding physician. The participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental groups: supervised endurance group (SEG, n = 30), supervised strength group (SSG, n = 30), supervised concurrent group (SCG, n = 30), which will perform the corresponding exercise program 3 days a week compared to the control group (CG, n = 30), which will not carry out a supervised exercise program. The design of this project will include measurements of four relevant dimensions; 1) Cardiorespiratory fitness; 2) Muscle fitness; 3) Pain and mental health; and 4) Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will provide insights into the effects of different exercise programs on physical and mental fitness, physical condition and biomarkers of the immune system and oxidative stress in older patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. These findings may be the basis for the formulation of health plans and rehabilitation programs that allow healthy aging and a reduction in the associated morbidity in patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05848518. Registered on May 8, 2023.

FAMetA: a mass isotopologue-based tool for the comprehensive analysis of fatty acid metabolism.

The use of stable isotope tracers and mass spectrometry (MS) is the gold standard method for the analysis of fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Yet, current state-of-the-art tools provide limited and difficult-to-interpret information about FA biosynthetic routes. Here we present FAMetA, an R package and a web-based application (www.fameta.es) that uses 13C mass isotopologue profiles to estimate FA import, de novo lipogenesis, elongation and desaturation in a user-friendly platform. The FAMetA workflow covers the required functionalities needed for MS data analyses. To illustrate its utility, different in vitro and in vivo experimental settings are used in which FA metabolism is modified. Thanks to the comprehensive characterization of FA biosynthesis and the easy-to-interpret graphical representations compared to previous tools, FAMetA discloses unnoticed insights into how cells reprogram their FA metabolism and, when combined with FASN, SCD1 and FADS2 inhibitors, it enables the identification of new FAs by the metabolic reconstruction of their synthesis route.

Translation of a tissue epigenetic signature to circulating free DNA suggests BCAT1 as a potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer.

Lung cancer patients are diagnosed at late stages when curative treatments are no longer possible; thus, molecular biomarkers for noninvasive detection are urgently needed. In this sense, we previously identified and validated an epigenetic 4-gene signature that yielded a high diagnostic performance in tissue and invasive pulmonary fluids. We analyzed DNA methylation levels using the ultrasensitive digital droplet PCR in noninvasive samples in a cohort of 83 patients. We demonstrated that BCAT1 is the candidate that achieves high diagnostic efficacy in circulating DNA derived from plasma (area under the curve: 0.85). Impact of potentially confounding variables was also explored.

The COVID-19 Pandemic in Care Homes: An Exploration of Its Impact across Regions in Spain.

This article provides an updated picture of the enormous consequences that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-June 2020) had for older adults living in Spanish care homes. It aims to describe the regional variation in deaths among home care residents through a methodological triangulation of descriptive quantitative, ecological and documentary analysis. Figures of five different indicators of care home mortality are provided and some factors related to higher mortality rates are presented and analysed in the descriptive ecological analysis in order to depict trends and, in a linear regression, to determine their statistical significance. The clearest trend reflected by the data is that the higher the cumulative incidence and the number of care home beds in the surrounding area, the higher the COVID-19 care home mortality. We argue that the pandemic has brought to light the historical fragility and underdevelopment of the Spanish LTC sector, and that these factors have exacerbated the consequences of the pandemic. Finally, we conclude that publicly available and disaggregated data would allow a deeper and more accurate analysis of potentially explanatory factors such as the type of care home ownership and management, and that further qualitative research would shed more light on people's experiences.

A motivational interview program for cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial in primary healthcare.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction permits recovery of the heart function and enables secondary prevention programs in which changes in lifestyle habits are crucial. Cardiac rehabilitation often takes place in hospitals without coordination with primary healthcare and is not focused on individual patient preferences and goals, which is the core of the motivational interview. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac rehabilitation program with a motivational interview in patients discharged from hospital after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, non-pharmacological clinical trial in six primary healthcare centers in Barcelona (Spain) will assess whether a tailored cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of four motivational interviews and visits with family physicians, primary healthcare nurses and a cardiologist, coordinated with the reference hospital, results in better cardiac rehabilitation than standard care. A minimum sample of 284 participants requiring cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction will be randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation group with a motivational interview program or to standard primary healthcare. The main outcome will be physical function measured by the six-minute walk test, and the secondary outcome will be the effectiveness of secondary prevention: a composite outcome comprising control of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, smoking and body weight. Results will be evaluated at 1,3 and 6 months. DISCUSSION: This is the first clinical trial to study the impact of a new primary healthcare cardiac rehabilitation program with motivational interviews for patients discharged from hospital after myocardial infarction. Changes in lifestyles and habits after myocardial infarction are a core element of secondary prevention and require patient-centered care strategies such as motivational interviews. Therefore, this study could clarify the impact of this approach on health indicators, such as functional capacity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTriasl.gov NCT05285969 registered on March 18, 2022.

Aerobic Dance on an Air Dissipation Platform Improves Cardiorespiratory, Muscular and Cellular Fitness in the Overweight and Obese Elderly.

Background: Obesity is a global health problem associated with a high number of comorbidities that decrease functional capacity, especially in elderly people. Aerobic dance is considered a viable strategy to prevent the effects of aging, mainly in obese and overweight elderly people. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic dance on an air dissipation platform (ADP) on body composition, oxidative stress and muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness in elderly people. Methods: In total, 32 elderly adults (67.1 ± 3.6) were divided into 3 groups based on body mass index: healthy (HG), overweight (OWG) and obese (OG). Training program of aerobic dance on an ADP was carried out twice a week for 12 weeks. Results: OWG (p = 0.016) and OG decreased their weight (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde concentrations in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). OWG and OG significantly improved their peak oxygen uptake (p < 0.01). HG increased the vertical jump height (p < 0.05), and HG and OG improved the power output of the lower extremities (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The aerobic dance on an ADP may be an effective alternative to lose weight, prevent oxidative stress and improve cardiorespiratory fitness in obese and overweight elderly people.

Patterns of Physical Activity Progression in Patients With COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Although mean physical activity in COPD patients declines by 400-500steps/day annually, it is unknown whether the natural progression is the same for all patients. We aimed to identify distinct physical activity progression patterns using a hypothesis-free approach and to assess their determinants. METHODS: We pooled data from two cohorts (usual care arm of Urban Training [NCT01897298] and PROactive initial validation [NCT01388218] studies) measuring physical activity at baseline and 12 months (Dynaport MoveMonitor). We identified clusters (patterns) of physical activity progression (based on levels and changes of steps/day) using k-means, and compared baseline sociodemographic, interpersonal, environmental, clinical and psychological characteristics across patterns. RESULTS: In 291 COPD patients (mean±SD 68±8 years, 81% male, FEV1 59±19%pred) we identified three distinct physical activity progression patterns: Inactive (n=173 [59%], baseline: 4621±1757 steps/day, 12-month change (Δ): -487±1201 steps/day), ActiveImprovers (n=49 [17%], baseline: 7727±3275 steps/day, Δ:+3378±2203 steps/day) and ActiveDecliners (n=69 [24%], baseline: 11 267±3009 steps/day, Δ: -2217±2085 steps/day). After adjustment in a mixed multinomial logistic regression model using Active Decliners as reference pattern, a lower 6-min walking distance (RRR [95% CI] 0.94 [0.90-0.98] per 10m, P=.001) and a higher mMRC dyspnea score (1.71 [1.12-2.60] per 1 point, P=.012) were independently related with being Inactive. No baseline variable was independently associated with being an Active Improver. CONCLUSIONS: The natural progression in physical activity over time in COPD patients is heterogeneous. While Inactive patients relate to worse scores for clinical COPD characteristics, Active Improvers and Decliners cannot be predicted at baseline.

Women's agenda for the improvement of childbirth care: Evaluation of the Babies Born Better survey data set in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Public patient involvement (PPI) generates knowledge about the health-illness process through the incorporation of people's experiences and priorities. The Babies Born Better (BBB) survey is a pan-European online questionnaire that can be used as a PPI tool for preliminary and consultative forms of citizens' involvement. The purpose of this research was to identify which practices support positive birth experiences and which ones women want changed. METHODS: The BBB survey was distributed in virtual communities of practice and through social networks. The version launched in Spain was used to collect data in 2014 and 2015 from women who had given birth in the previous 5 years. A descriptive, quantitative analysis was applied to the sociodemographic data. Two open-ended questions were analyzed by qualitative content analysis using a deductive and inductive codification process. RESULTS: A total of 2841 women participated. 41.1% of the responses concerned the category "Care received and experienced," followed by "Specific interventions and procedures" (26.6%), "Involved members of care team" (14.2%), and "Environmental conditions" (9%). Best practices were related to how care is provided and received, and the main areas for improvement referred to specific interventions and procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This survey proved a useful tool to map the best and poorest practices reported. The results suggest a need for improvement in some areas of childbirth care. Women's reports on negative experiences included a wide range of routine clinical interventions, avoidable procedures, and the influence exerted by professionals on their decision-making.

Endothelin-1-Mediated Drug Resistance in EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

Progression on therapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is often evaluated radiographically, however, image-based evaluation of said therapies may not distinguish disease progression due to intrinsic tumor drug resistance or inefficient tumor penetration of the drugs. Here we report that the inhibition of mutated EGFR promotes the secretion of a potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (EDN1), which continues to increase as the cells become resistant with a mesenchymal phenotype. As EDN1 and its receptor (EDNR) is linked to cancer progression, EDNR-antagonists have been evaluated in several clinical trials with disappointing results. These trials were based on a hypothesis that the EDN1-EDNR axis activates the MAPK-ERK signaling pathway that is vital to the cancer cell survival; the trials were not designed to evaluate the impact of tumor-derived EDN1 in modifying tumor microenvironment or contributing to drug resistance. Ectopic overexpression of EDN1 in cells with mutated EGFR resulted in poor drug delivery and retarded growth in vivo but not in vitro. Intratumoral injection of recombinant EDN significantly reduced blood flow and subsequent gefitinib accumulation in xenografted EGFR-mutant tumors. Furthermore, depletion of EDN1 or the use of endothelin receptor inhibitors bosentan and ambrisentan improved drug penetration into tumors and restored blood flow in tumor-associated vasculature. Correlatively, these results describe a simplistic endogenous yet previously unrealized resistance mechanism inherent to a subset of EGFR-mutant NSCLC to attenuate tyrosine kinase inhibitor delivery to the tumors by limiting drug-carrying blood flow and the drug concentration in tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: EDNR antagonists can be repurposed to improve drug delivery in VEGFA-secreting tumors, which normally respond to TKI treatment by secreting EDN1, promoting vasoconstriction, and limiting blood and drug delivery.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing to improve oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Maintaining good oral hygiene in patients wearing fixed appliances is a challenge for orthodontics. Conventional education has been demonstrated to be insufficient for the promotion of good oral habits, while motivational interviewing has the potential to facilitate health behavior change. The present randomized controlled trial with 130 patients aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single session of motivational interviewing in enhancing oral hygiene in orthodontic patients compared with conventional education alone. Results revealed an immediate improvement in oral hygiene which remained stable throughout the 6-month follow-up.

Nut1/Hos1 and Sas2/Rpd3 control the H3 acetylation of two different sets of osmotic stress-induced genes.

Epigenetic information is able to interact with the cellular environment and could be especially useful for reprograming gene expression in response to a physiological perturbation. In fact the genes induced or repressed by osmotic stress undergo significant changes in terms of the levels of various histone modifications, especially in the acetylation levels of histone H3. Exposing yeast to high osmolarity results in the activation of stress-activated protein kinase Hog1, which plays a central role in gene expression control. We evaluated the connection between the presence of Hog1 and changes in histone H3 acetylation in stress-regulated genes. We found a parallel increase in the acetylation of lysines 9 and 14 of H3 in induced genes during stress, which was largely dependent on Hog1 at the genome-wide level. Conversely, we observed that acetylation decreased in repressed genes and was not dependent on Hog1. However, lack of Hog1 sometimes produced different, and even opposite, effects on the induction and acetylation of H3 of each gene. We also found that the acetylation state of lysine 9 of H3 was altered in the strains deficient in Nut1 HAT and Hos1 HDAC in the genes up-regulated during osmotic stress in an Msn2/Msn4-independent manner, while lysine 9 acetylation of H3 varied in the strains deficient in Sas2 HAT and Rpd3 HDAC for the Msn2/Msn4-dependent induced genes. The results presented here show new, unexpected participants in gene regulation processes in response to environmental perturbations.

Determinants of study completion and response to a 12-month behavioral physical activity intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Physical activity is key to improve the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To help to tailor future interventions we aimed to identify the baseline characteristics of COPD patients which predict 12-month completion and response to a behavioral physical activity intervention. METHODS: This is a 12-month cohort study of the intervention arm of the Urban Training randomized controlled trial (NCT01897298), an intervention proven to be efficacious to increase physical activity. We considered baseline sociodemographic, interpersonal, environmental, clinical and psychological characteristics as potential determinants of completion and response. We defined completion as attending the 12-month study visit. Among completers, we defined response as increasing physical activity ≥1100 steps/day from baseline to 12 months, measured by accelerometer. We estimated the factors independently for completion and response using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of a total of 202 patients (m (SD) 69 (9) years, 84% male), 132 (65%) completed the study. Among those, 37 (28%) qualified as responders. Higher numbers of baseline steps/day (OR [95% CI] 1.11 [1.02-1.21] per increase of 1000 steps, p<0.05) and living with a partner (2.77 [1.41-5.48], p<0.01) were related to a higher probability of completion while more neighborhood vulnerability (0.70 [0.57-0.86] per increase of 0.1 units in urban vulnerability index, p<0.01) was related to a lower probability. Among the completers, working (3.14 [1.05-9.33], p<0.05) and having an endocrino-metabolic disease (4.36 [1.49-12.80], p<0.01) were related to a higher probability of response while unwillingness to follow the intervention (0.21 [0.05-0.98], p<0.05) was related to a lower probability. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that 12-month completion of a behavioral physical activity intervention was generally determined by previous physical activity habits as well as interpersonal and environmental physical activity facilitators while response was related to diverse factors thought to modify the individual motivation to change to an active lifestyle.

Integrating Clinical and Epidemiologic Data on Allergic Diseases Across Birth Cohorts: A Harmonization Study in the Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy Project.

The numbers of international collaborations among birth cohort studies designed to better understand asthma and allergies have increased in the last several years. However, differences in definitions and methods preclude direct pooling of original data on individual participants. As part of the Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy (MeDALL) Project, we harmonized data from 14 birth cohort studies (each with 3-20 follow-up periods) carried out in 9 European countries during 1990-1998 or 2003-2009. The harmonization process followed 6 steps: 1) organization of the harmonization panel; 2) identification of variables relevant to MeDALL objectives (candidate variables); 3) proposal of a definition for each candidate variable (reference definition); 4) assessment of the compatibility of each cohort variable with its reference definition (inferential equivalence) and classification of this inferential equivalence as complete, partial, or impossible; 5) convocation of a workshop to agree on the reference definitions and classifications of inferential equivalence; and 6) preparation and delivery of data through a knowledge management portal. We agreed on 137 reference definitions. The inferential equivalence of 3,551 cohort variables to their corresponding reference definitions was classified as complete, partial, and impossible for 70%, 15%, and 15% of the variables, respectively. A harmonized database was delivered to MeDALL investigators. In asthma and allergy birth cohorts, the harmonization of data for pooled analyses is feasible, and high inferential comparability may be achieved. The MeDALL harmonization approach can be used in other collaborative projects.

[The extent of the implementation of reproductive health strategies in Catalonia (Spain) (2008-2017)]. / Alcance de la implementación en Cataluña de las estrategias de salud reproductiva (2008-2017).

OBJECTIVE: We analyse how reproductive health strategies have been incorporated into the everyday activities of the services and the resulting transformation of professional and user practices. METHOD: Cartographic research taking a multi-sited ethnographic approach that seeks to reveal the processes of transformation. Data generation techniques featuring participant observation and situated interviews. Discourse analysis of the text corpus using three analytical axes based on three main lines of action promoted by the strategies. RESULTS: We identified transformations in: 1) demedicalisation: an increase in midwives' know-how and autonomy, changes in episiotomy practice and the facilitation of bonding practices; 2) warmth of care: incorporation of women's needs and expectations and improvements in the comfortableness of birth settings, especially in assistance at physiological birth; and 3) participation: actions that foster shared decision-making and the involvement of the persons accompanying women in labour. CONCLUSIONS: Above all, transformation is visible in the incorporation of new attitudes, sensibilities and practices that have developed around the old structures, especially during physiological childbirth. The more technological areas have been less permeable to change. Risk management in decision-making and addressing diversity are identified as areas where transformation is less evident.

Physical Activity Is Associated with Attenuated Disease Progression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression is variable and affects several disease domains, including decline in lung function, exercise capacity, muscle strength, and health status as well as changes in body composition. We aimed to assess the longitudinal association of physical activity (PA) with these a priori selected components of disease progression. METHODS: We studied 114 COPD patients from the PAC-COPD cohort (94% male, mean [SD], 70 yr [8 yr] of age, 54 [16] forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted) at baseline and 2.6 yr (0.6 yr) later. Baseline PA was assessed by accelerometry. Multivariable general linear models were built to assess the association between PA and changes in lung function, functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, health status, and body composition. All models were adjusted for confounders and the respective baseline value of each measure. RESULTS: Per each 1000 steps higher baseline PA, forced expiratory volume in 1 s declined 7 mL less (P < 0.01), forced vital capacity 9 mL less (P = 0.03) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity 0.10 mL·min·mm Hg less (P = 0.04), while the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire symptom domain deteriorated 0.4 points less (P = 0.03), per year follow-up. Physical activity was not associated with changes in functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, other domains of health status or body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Higher PA is associated with attenuated decline in lung function and reduced health status (symptoms domain) deterioration in moderate-to-very severe COPD patients.

Long-term efficacy and effectiveness of a behavioural and community-based exercise intervention (Urban Training) to increase physical activity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

There is a need to increase and maintain physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed 12-month efficacy and effectiveness of the Urban Training intervention on physical activity in COPD patients.This randomised controlled trial (NCT01897298) allocated 407 COPD patients from primary and hospital settings 1:1 to usual care (n=205) or Urban Training (n=202). Urban Training consisted of a baseline motivational interview, advice to walk on urban trails designed for COPD patients in outdoor public spaces and other optional components for feedback, motivation, information and support (pedometer, calendar, physical activity brochure, website, phone text messages, walking groups and a phone number). The primary outcome was 12-month change in steps·day-1 measured by accelerometer.Efficacy analysis (with per-protocol analysis set, n=233 classified as adherent to the assigned intervention) showed adjusted (95% CI) 12-month difference +957 (184-1731) steps·day-1 between Urban Training and usual care. Effectiveness analysis (with intention-to-treat analysis set, n=280 patients completing the study at 12 months including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients) showed no differences between groups. Leg muscle pain during walks was more frequently reported in Urban Training than usual care, without differences in any of the other adverse events.Urban Training, combining behavioural strategies with unsupervised outdoor walking, was efficacious in increasing physical activity after 12 months in COPD patients, with few safety concerns. However, it was ineffective in the full population including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients.

Genetic and epigenetic regulation of YKL-40 in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Circulating levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 are influenced by genetic variation in its encoding gene (chitinase 3-like 1 [CHI3L1]) and are increased in patients with several diseases, including asthma. Epigenetic regulation of circulating YKL-40 early in life is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine (1) whether methylation levels at CHI3L1 CpG sites mediate the association of CHI3L1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with YKL-40 levels in the blood and (2) whether these biomarkers (CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation profiles, and YKL-40 levels) are associated with asthma in early childhood. METHODS: We used data from up to 2405 participants from the Spanish Infancia y Medio Ambiente; the Swedish Barn/Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiological survey; and the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohorts. Associations between 68 CHI3L1 SNPs, methylation levels at 14 CHI3L1 CpG sites in whole-blood DNA, and circulating YKL-40 levels at 4 years of age were tested by using correlation analysis, multivariable regression, and mediation analysis. Each of these biomarkers was also tested for association with asthma at 4 years of age by using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with 7 SNPs and with methylation at 5 CpG sites. Consistent associations between these 7 SNPs (particularly rs10399931 and rs4950928) and 5 CpG sites were observed. Alleles linked to lower YKL-40 levels were associated with higher methylation levels. Participants with high YKL-40 levels (defined as the highest YKL-40 tertile) had increased odds for asthma compared with subjects with low YKL-40 levels (meta-analyzed adjusted odds ratio, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.08-3.36]). In contrast, neither SNPs nor methylation levels at CpG sites in CHI3L1 were associated with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of CHI3L1 genetic variation on circulating YKL-40 levels are partly mediated by methylation profiles. In our study YKL-40 levels, but not CHI3L1 SNPs or methylation levels, were associated with childhood asthma.

Detection of IgE Reactivity to a Handful of Allergen Molecules in Early Childhood Predicts Respiratory Allergy in Adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Sensitization in early childhood may precede respiratory allergy in adolescence. METHODS: IgE reactivity against 132 allergen molecules was evaluated using the MeDALL microarray in sera obtained from a random sample of 786 children at the age of 4, 8 and 16years in a population based birth cohort (BAMSE). Symptoms were analyzed by questionnaire at ages 4, 8 and 16years. Clinically and independent relevant allergen molecules accounting for ≥90% of IgE reactivities in sensitized individuals and at all time-points were identified as risk molecules and used to predict respiratory allergy. The data was replicated in the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS) birth cohort by studying IgE reactivity with the use of a commercial IgE microarray. Sera were obtained from children at the ages of 3, 5, 8 and 11years (N=248) and the outcome was studied at 11years. FINDINGS: In the BAMSE cohort 4 risk molecules could be identified, i.e.: Ara h 1 (peanut), Bet v 1 (birch), Fel d 1 (cat), Phl p 1 (grass). For MAAS the corresponding number of molecules was 5: Der p 1 (dust mite), Der f 2 (dust mite), Phl p 1 (grass), Phl p 5 (grass), Fel d 1 (cat). In BAMSE, early IgE reactivity to ≥3 of 4 allergen molecules at four years predicted incident and persistent asthma and/or rhinitis at 16years (87% and 95%, respectively). The corresponding proportions in the MAAS cohort at 16years were 100% and 100%, respectively, for IgE reactivity to ≥3 of 5 risk molecules. INTERPRETATIONS: IgE reactivity to a few allergen molecules early in life identifies children with a high risk of asthma and/or rhinitis at 16years. These findings will be of importance for developing preventive strategies for asthma and rhinitis in children.

The IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism may be associated with the severity of recurrent viral-induced wheeze.

BACKGROUND: Childhood recurrent wheezing and consequently asthma corresponds to various phenotypes. Our aim was to link genetic variants of asthma candidate genes to the phenotypes of early onset wheezing. STUDY DESIGN: We included very young consecutive children presenting with recurrent wheezing who had been evaluated for the severity of wheezing, associated atopic comorbidities, and tested for biomarkers of atopy and inflammation. All were genotyped for 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked with asthma or atopy. An unsupervised hierarchical bottom-up method was used for clustering the phenotypes and a multinomial logistic regression was performed for each individual SNP. RESULTS: We replicated the three phenotypes previously described Trousseau Asthma Program in 317 children aged 21.5 ± 7.9 months: cluster 1 (nonatopic uncontrolled severe wheeze), n = 207, a severe viral-induced wheeze, cluster 2 (atopic multiple trigger wheeze), n = 61, with multiple allergic comorbidities, and cluster 3 (episodic viral wheeze), n = 49, a mild viral-induced wheeze. The TT-genotype of the IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism was significantly associated with the nonatopic uncontrolled severe wheeze compared to the episodic viral wheeze (OR 7.9; CI95% [2.5-25.3]; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Association between the TT-genotype of IL-4 rs2070874 polymorphism and a severe phenotype of viral-induced wheeze further underlines the role IL-4 plays in the inflammation pathway leading to viral respiratory infections.

A critical review of the birth plan use in Catalonia.

INTRODUCTION: The birth plan allows the woman to express her expectations and needs with regards to the childbearing continuum but its use has been debated in the clinical context and in published literature. The birth plan was first introduced in the Spanish Health Service in 2008 through the Strategy for the Care in Normal Childbirth. In Catalonia, the Normal Childbirth Care Programme has promoted the use of birth plans in hospitals participating in this Programme. OBJECTIVE: This works describes and analyses the birth plans produced by the participating hospitals in order to gather knowledge about the options available to women. METHOD: Qualitative study in which the content of birth plans is systematically and quantitatively described in order to evaluate options available to women. The final sample includes all the birth plans provided by 30 Catalonian public hospitals. Following an initial assessment, it was decided to devise a grading scale which allowed to code and assign a value to each of the items contained in the birth plans. RESULTS: Three different types of birth plan are identified: a) those which present a list of items with no (or very little) associated explanations, b) list of items with some explanations and c) plans without items which only explain normal working practices in the hospital and/or protocols.