The Impact of the Reduction in Environmental Pollution during COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthy Individuals.

The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to determine and compare the oxidative stress biomarkers Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines in healthy individuals first during lockdown and then six months after the easing of the restrictions on mobility. A prospective study of a representative sample of 58 healthy, non-smoking adults was carried out. During lockdown and six months post-easing of restrictions, blood samples were drawn to measure the percentage of eosinophils, levels of Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines assessed by a multiplex assay (BioRad Laboratories S.A., Marnes-la-Coquette, France), and levels of 8-isoprostane, glutathione peroxidase activity, and myeloperoxidase (Cayman Chemical Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA), to assess their value as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Six months after easing mobility restrictions, increases in the levels of 8-isoprostane (p < 0.0001), IL-1ß (p = 0.0013), IL-1ra (p = 0.0110), IL-4 (p < 0.0001), IL-13 (p < 0.0001), G-CSF (p = 0.0007), and CCL3 (p < 0.0001) were recorded, along with reductions in glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.0001), IFN-γ (p = 0.0145), TNFα (p < 0.0001), IP-10 (p < 0.0001), IL-2 (p < 0.0001), IL-7 (p < 0.0001), basic FGF (p < 0.0001), CCL4 (p < 0.0001), and CCL5 (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rest of the biomarkers analyzed. The reduction in environmental pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly lowered the levels of oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and Th2-related cytokines in healthy people.

Acquired tracheomalacia due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies mentioned parenchymal findings after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but few studies have mentioned alterations in the airways. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tracheomalacia and to analyse the clinical characteristics in a cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted a hospital serving a population of 500 000 inhabitants. Patients were visited between 2 and 6 months after hospital discharge. In this visit, all patients were subjected to an exhaustive clinical questionnaire and underwent clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and chest CT. RESULTS: From February 2020 to August 2021, 1920 patients were included in the cohort and tracheomalacia was observed in 15 (0.8%) on expiratory HRCT imaging. All patients with tracheomalacia also presented ground glass opacities in the CT scan and 12 patients had airway sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheomalacia is an exceptional sequela of SARS-CoV-2 survivors.

Identification of Asthma Phenotypes in the Spanish MEGA Cohort Study Using Cluster Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The definition of asthma phenotypes has not been fully established, neither there are cluster studies showing homogeneous results to solidly establish clear phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to develop a classification algorithm based on unsupervised cluster analysis, identifying clusters that represent clinically relevant asthma phenotypes that may share asthma-related outcomes. METHODS: We performed a multicentre prospective cohort study, including adult patients with asthma (N=512) from the MEGA study (Mechanisms underlying the Genesis and evolution of Asthma). A standardised clinical history was completed for each patient. Cluster analysis was performed using the kernel k-groups algorithm. RESULTS: Four clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (31.5% of subjects) includes adult-onset atopic patients with better lung function, lower BMI, good asthma control, low ICS dose, and few exacerbations. Cluster 2 (23.6%) is made of adolescent-onset atopic asthma patients with normal lung function, but low adherence to treatment (59% well-controlled) and smokers (48%). Cluster 3 (17.1%) includes adult-onset patients, mostly severe non-atopic, with overweight, the worse lung function and asthma control, and receiving combination of treatments. Cluster 4 (26.7%) consists of the elderly-onset patients, mostly female, atopic (64%), with high BMI and normal lung function, prevalence of smokers and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: We defined four phenotypes of asthma using unsupervised cluster analysis. These clusters are clinically relevant and differ from each other as regards FEV1, age of onset, age, BMI, atopy, asthma severity, exacerbations, control, social class, smoking and nasal polyps.

Asbestos Exposure and Severity of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between occupational exposure to asbestos and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: We evaluated patients who survived admission in our centre for COVID-19 pneumonia. Demographic, analytical, and clinical variables were collected during admission. After discharge, a previously validated occupational exposure to asbestos questionnaire was administered. Spirometry, CO diffusion test, the 6-min walk test, and high-resolution chest CT were performed. Patients who required respiratory support (oxygen, CPAP, or NIV) were considered severe. RESULTS: In total, 293 patients (mean age 54 + 13 years) were included. Occupational exposure to asbestos was detected in 67 (24%). Patients with occupational exposure to asbestos had a higher frequency of COVID-19 pneumonia requiring respiratory support (n = 52, 77.6%) than their unexposed peers (n = 139, 61.5%) (p = 0.015). Asbestos exposure was associated with COVID-19 severity in the univariate but not in the multivariate analysis. No differences were found regarding follow-up variables including spirometry and the DLCO diffusion, the 6-min walk test, and CT alterations. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, those with occupational exposure to asbestos more frequently needed respiratory support. However, an independent association between asbestos exposure and COVID-19 severity could not be confirmed.

How reliably can algorithms identify eosinophilic asthma phenotypes using non-invasive biomarkers?

Background and Aims: Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease that encompasses different inflammatory and functional endophenotypes. Many non-invasive biomarkers has been investigated to its pathobiology. Heany et al proposed a clinical algorithm that classifies severe asthmatic patients into likely-eosinophilic phenotypes, based on accessible biomarkers: PBE, current treatment, FeNO, presence of nasal polyps (NP) and age of onset. Materials and Methods: We assessed the concordance between the algorithm proposed by Heany et al. with sputum examination, the gold standard, in 145 asthmatic patients of the MEGA cohort with varying grades of severity. Results: No correlation was found between both classifications 0.025 (CI = 0.013-0.037). Moreover, no relationship was found between sputum eosinophilia and peripheral blood eosinophilia count in the total studied population. Discussion and Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggest that grouping the biomarkers proposed by Heany et al. are insufficient to diagnose eosinophilic phenotypes in asthmatic patients. Sputum analysis remains the gold standard to assess airway inflammation.

YKL-40 and KL-6 Levels in Serum and Sputum of Patients Diagnosed With Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND: YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like-1) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) are 2 promising biomarkers that may have an important role in the management of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the values of KL-6 and YKL-40 as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in 49 patients diagnosed with HP due to exposure to birds (n = 32) or fungi (n = 17), 48 patients with other ILD, and 67 healthy volunteers. Patients with HP were divided into fibrotic and nonfibrotic. Serum and sputum YKL-40 and KL-6 levels were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both biomarkers for the diagnosis of HP. Pulmonary function tests were performed in patients during follow-up. RESULTS: KL-6 and YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in serum of patients with HP exposed to birds with a fibrotic pattern than in controls (P < .0001 and .0055, respectively). Serum KL-6 levels were also significantly higher in patients with fibrotic HP exposed to fungi compared with the control group (P = .0001). In patients with HP exposed to fungi, sputum KL-6 and YKL-40 levels were higher in those with a fibrotic pattern (P = .0289 and .016, respectively). ROC analysis showed that the range between 55-121 ng/mL for serum YKL-40 levels and 346-1441 U/mL for serum KL-6 levels had the best sensitivity and specificity for discriminating between patients with HP, healthy controls, and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In patients with HP, serum KL-6 levels correlated negatively with total lung capacity (r = -0.485; P = .0103) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (r = -0.534; P = .0002) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Both KL-6 and YKL-40 proteins seem to be capable of distinguishing patients with HP from healthy individuals and from patients with IPF. Their sensitivity and specificity confirm their potential role as biomarkers. KL-6 may also be a predictor of disease progression.

Association of rhinitis with asthma prevalence and severity.

Asthma and rhinitis often co-exist in the same patient. Although some authors observed a higher prevalence and/or greater severity of asthma in patients with rhinitis, this view is not homogeneous and the debate continues. The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of rhinitis in children and adolescents and to analyse their relationship with the prevalence of asthma. A multicentre study was conducted using the methodology of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The target population of the study was all those school children aged 6-7 and 13-14 years from 6 of the main health catchment areas of Galicia (1.9 million inhabitants). The schools required were randomly selected, and all children in the targeted age ranges were included. Multiple logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted prevalence odds ratios (OR) between asthma symptoms of the schoolchildren and rhinitis prevalence. The results were adjusted for parental smoking habits, maternal education level, cat and dog exposure, and obesity. A total of 21,420 valid questionnaires were finally obtained. Rhinitis was associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of asthma in both age groups. The highest OR were 11.375 for exercise induced asthma (EIA) for children with recent rhinoconjunctivitis and 9.807 for children with recent rhinitis in 6-7 years old group. The prevalence OR's are higher in EIA and severe asthmatics. Rhinitis in children and adolescents is associated with a higher prevalence and severity of asthma.

Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

BACKGROUND: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL). METHODS: Specific IgG antibodies against r-PROE and r-IGLL1, analyzed with ELISA, were measured in patients diagnosed with FDL (n=31), BFL (n=15) controls exposed (n=15) and unexposed to feathers (n=15). RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the r-PROE ELISA for the serological diagnosis of FDL cases versus exposed and unexposed controls were 74.2% and 86.7% respectively, with an index threshold of 0.5 (AUC: 0.89). In addition, this serological test was effective to support the serological diagnosis of FDL and BFL cases with significantly different thresholds. The r-IGLL1 ELISA was only effective for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Also, these two serological tests were useful for the diagnosis of both chronic and acute forms. CONCLUSIONS: The new diagnostic test for FDL using r-PROE protein should help to detect overt and hidden cases of FDL. The combination of both test will help the clinician in distinguish between the etiology of birds or feathers duvet.

Avaliação da coordenação do cuidado na atenção primária à saúde: comparando o PMAQ-AB (Brasil) e referências internacionais / Assessment of the coordination of primary healthcare: comparison of PMAQ-AB (Brazil) and international references / Evaluación de la coordinación del cuidado en la atención primaria en salud: comparando el PMAQ-AB (Brasil) y referencias internacionales

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados obtidos para a coordenação do cuidado a partir do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), com os parâmetros adotados pelo Atlas de Medidas de Coordenação do Cuidado e pelo Observatório Europeu de Políticas e Sistemas de Saúde. Foi realizado estudo transversal, com base no banco de dados do 3º ciclo do PMAQ-AB. Foram criadas três tipologias de coordenação do cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas e Observatório. O teste qui-quadrado foi aplicado para comparar as proporções; os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuais diferenças entre as tipologias. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Foram avaliadas 35.350 equipes que realizaram alguma atividade de coordenação do cuidado. Observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,001), entre os níveis de coordenação, com maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio nos três instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% e 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% e 40,66%) e o Observatório (44,82% e 43,98%). Na comparação dos indicadores, houve diferença significativa (p < 0,001) entre as tipologias. Para o Brasil, na tipologia PMAQ-AB, todos os estratos exibiram maior percentual entre o nível alto e médio; no Atlas, o estrato 1 destacou-se no nível médio (43,81%) e, no Observatório, predominou o nível alto. Na comparação dos indicadores por estratos, pelo menos um estrato diferiu dos demais (p < 0,001). O 6 se distinguiu dos demais (p < 0,001), e o 1 diferiu de todos (p < 0,001), exceto do 2 (p > 0,05). Os níveis de coordenação do cuidado diferenciaram-se entre os instrumentos utilizados. Altos e médios níveis foram identificados, demonstrando a necessidade de estudos adicionais.

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the results obtained with the coordination of care through the Brazilian National Program for Improvement of Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ-AB), with the parameters adopted by the Care Coordination Measures Atlas and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. A cross-sectional study was performed using the dataset from the third cycle of the PMAQ-AB. Three typologies of coordination of care were created: PMAQ-AB, Atlas, and Observatory. Chi-square test was applied to compare proportions and Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests to verify and identify potential differences between the typologies. Significance was set at 5%. In all, 35,350 teams were assessed that performed some activity in care coordination. A significant difference was observed (p < 0.001) between levels of coordination, with a higher percentage between the high and medium levels in the three instruments, PMAQ-AB (56.07% and 38.35%), Atlas (52.63% and 40.66%), and Observatory (44.82% and 43.98%). In the comparison of the indicators, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the typologies. For Brazil, in the PMAQ-AB typology, all the strata displayed a higher percentage between the high and medium levels; in the Atlas, stratum 1 stood out in the medium level (43.81%); the high level predominated in the Observatory. In the comparison of the indicators by strata, at least one stratum differed from the others (p < 0.001). Number 6 differed from the others (p < 0.001), and number 1 differed from all of them (p < 0.001) except number 2 (p > 0.05). The levels of coordination of care differed according to the instruments used. High and medium levels were identified, showing the need for additional studies.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados obtenidos para la coordinación del cuidado, a partir del Programa Nacional de Mejoría de Acceso y Calidad de la Atención Básica (PMAQ-AB), con los parámetros adoptados por el Atlas de Medidas de Coordinación del Cuidado y por el Observatorio Europeo de Políticas y Sistemas de Salud. Se realizó un estudio transversal, basado en el banco de datos del 3er ciclo del PMAQ-AB. Se crearon tres tipologías de coordinación del cuidado: PMAQ-AB, Atlas y Observatorio. El test de chi-cuadrado se aplicó para comparar las proporciones, el test de Kruskal-Wallis y el de Nemenyi para verificar e identificar eventuales diferencias entre las tipologías. El nivel de significancia fue de 5%. Se evaluaron a 35.350 equipos que realizaron alguna actividad de coordinación del cuidado. Se observó una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001), entre los niveles de coordinación, con mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio en los tres instrumentos, PMAQ-AB (56,07% y 38,35%), Atlas (52,63% y 40,66%) y el Observatorio (44,82% y 43,98%). En la comparación de los indicadores, hubo una diferencia significativa (p < 0,001) entre las tipologías. Para Brasil, en la tipología PMAQ-AB todos los estratos expusieron un mayor porcentaje entre el nivel alto y medio; en el Atlas, el estrato 1 se destacó en el nivel medio (43,81%) y, en el Observatorio, predominó el nivel alto. En la comparación de los indicadores por estratos, por lo menos un estrato difirió de los demás (p < 0,001). El 6 se distinguió de los demás (p < 0,001), y el 1 difirió de todos (p < 0,001), excepto del 2 (p > 0,05). Los niveles de coordinación del cuidado se diferenciaron entre los instrumentos utilizados. Se identificaron niveles altos y medios, demostrando la necesidad de estudios adicionales.

Risk factors for the development of bronchiectasis in patients with asthma.

Though asthma and bronchiectasis are two different diseases, their coexistence has been demonstrated in many patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the characteristics of asthmatic patients with and without bronchiectasis and to assess risk factors for the development of this condition. Two hundred and twenty-four moderate-severe asthmatic patients were included. The severity of bronchiectasis was assessed by Reiff and FACED parameters. Logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis was identified in 78 asthma patients. In severe asthma patients, its prevalence was 56.9%. Bronchiectasis was defined as mild in81% of patients using modified Reiff criteria and in 74% using FACED criteria. Asthmatic patients with bronchiectasis had decreasing FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC (p = 0.002, 0.005 and 0.014 respectively), presented more frequent asthma exacerbations (p < 0.001) and worse asthma control (ACT 21 vs 16pts, p < 0.001). Factors independently associated with bronchiectasis were older age (42-65 years: OR, 3.99; 95% CI 1.60 to 9.95, P = 0.003; ≥ 65 years: OR, 2.91; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.04, P = 0.039), severe asthma grade (OR, 8.91; 95% CI 3.69 to 21.49; P < 0.001) and frequency of asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.43; 95% CI 1.78 to 11.05; P < 0.001). In patients with severe asthma, age of asthma onset (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04; P = 0.015) and asthma exacerbations (OR, 4.88; 95% CI 1.98 to 12.03; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the development of bronchiectasis. The prevalence of bronchiectasis in severe asthmatic patients is high. Age of asthma onset and exacerbations were independent factors associated with the occurrence of bronchiectasis.

A rapid test for the environmental detection of pigeon antigen.

INTRODUCTION: Avoidance of inhaled bird antigens is essential to prevent hypersensitivity pneumonitis disease progression. The aim of the present study was to develop a sandwich enzyme link immunoassay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) and compare their ability to detect pigeon antigens in environmental samples. METHODS: An amplified sandwich ELISA using pigeon serum as a calibration standard and a ICT using gold-labeled anti-pigeon serum antibodies for the rapid detection of pigeon antigens in environmental samples were developed. Twenty-two different airborne samples were collected and analysed using both methods. Strip density values obtained with ICT were calculated and compared with the concentrations determined by the ELISA method for pigeon antigens. Strips results were also visually analysed by five independent evaluators. RESULTS: The ELISA method to quantify pigeon antigen had a broader range (58.4 and 10,112.2 ng/ml), compared to the ICT assay (420 to 3360 ng/ml). A kappa index of 0.736 (p < 0.0001) was obtained between the observers evaluating the ICT strips. The results of the ELISA and the relative density of the ICT showed a highly significant correlation (rs:0.935; p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plot also confirmed excellent agreement between the two methods (mean difference: -1.626; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Since there was a good correlation between both assays, we can conclude that the rapid and simple ICT assay is a good and valid alternative, which does not require expensive equipment, for the validated ELISA technique.

Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

BACKGROUND: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL). METHODS: Specific IgG antibodies against r-PROE and r-IGLL1, analyzed with ELISA, were measured in patients diagnosed with FDL (n=31), BFL (n=15) controls exposed (n=15) and unexposed to feathers (n=15). RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the r-PROE ELISA for the serological diagnosis of FDL cases versus exposed and unexposed controls were 74.2% and 86.7% respectively, with an index threshold of 0.5 (AUC: 0.89). In addition, this serological test was effective to support the serological diagnosis of FDL and BFL cases with significantly different thresholds. The r-IGLL1 ELISA was only effective for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Also, these two serological tests were useful for the diagnosis of both chronic and acute forms. CONCLUSIONS: The new diagnostic test for FDL using r-PROE protein should help to detect overt and hidden cases of FDL. The combination of both test will help the clinician in distinguish between the etiology of birds or feathers duvet.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and (Idiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis Due to Feather Duvets and Pillows.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to feather bedding may be an unnoticed cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus, an in-depth clinical study of the diagnosis of patients with suspected HP and IPF is required in order to determine their etiologies. The objective of the present study is to raise awareness of HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to feather bedding, and to study the prevalence and describe long-term outcomes. METHODS: We describe a series of 33 patients diagnosed with HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to feather bedding exposure and followed over a 10-year period. The patients were from a subgroup of 127 individuals with HP undergoing in-depth evaluation using a diagnostic protocol at a regional referral center. RESULTS: Eleven (33%) patients were clinically diagnosed with acute HP and 22 (67%) with chronic HP. Ten (45%) chronic HP patients showed a high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) with suspected IPF. The prevalence of HP was 6.2/100 000 feather bedding users (compared with 54.6 per 100 000 bird-breeders). The survival rates of patients over the 10-year period was 100% for acute HP and 64% for chronic HP. CONCLUSIONS: In a series of HP patients, the diagnosis was attributed to feather bedding exposure in 26%. UIP pattern on HRCT was present in nearly half of the chronic cases. The survival of patients with chronic HP at ten years was 64%, despite avoiding further exposure.

Validation of an Asbestos Exposure Questionnaire (QEAS-7) for Clinical Practice.

INTRODUCTION: The seven-item QEAS-7 questionnaire (exposure to asbestos questionnaire) has been designed as a useful and simple tool to establish the probability of exposure to asbestos. The objective of the present study is to validate the QEAS-7 following the recommended methodology. METHODS: The QEAS-7 was prospectively administered to 90 subjects with and without asbestos-related disease (ARD), on two consecutive occasions by two independent researchers. Logical and content validity was evaluated by a committee of experts and construct validity through hypothesis testing. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed by calculating Cohen's Kappa index (κ), which was estimated as weak if below 0.40, moderate if between 0.41 and 0.60 and good/very good if above 0.60. The comparison between proportions was examined using Pearson's Chi-square test. RESULTS: The majority of participants (88.9%) were male. Mean age was 70.8 years (SD = 8.4) and most of the sample had completed primary education but had not progressed further (62.2%). Forty-three had ARD. The logical, content and construct validity of the QEAS-7 was considered adequate both by a committee of experts and by the users interviewed. The mean administration time was 9 min and 25 s (SD = 3 min and 49 s). The verification of the five hypotheses confirmed the construct validity and the intra- and interobserver reliability to be κ = 0.93 and κ = 0.50 respectively. The concordance in the estimation of asbestos exposure was κ = 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: The QEAS-7 is a simple, valid and reliable tool for estimating the probability of exposure to asbestos. Its application in clinical practice appears justified. What is already known about this subject? No studies have been published to date on the validation of specific questionnaires designed to determine asbestos exposure for routine use by healthcare staff in the clinical setting. What are the new findings? This questionnaire can be considered a comprehensible, viable, valid and reliable instrument for identifying exposure to asbestos. Its brevity and simplicity of administration make it ideally suited for use in daily clinical practice. How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future? This questionnaire can be of help for physicians attending to patients with suspected asbestos-related diseases both in the hospital and in the primary care setting.

Assessment and Management of Occupational Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

The diagnosis and treatment of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (OHP) remain complex and challenging in the absence of diagnostic gold standards or clinical guidelines. This review provides an update of the recent literature regarding the different presentations of OHP and the diagnostic yield and value of the diagnostic tests currently available, which include occupational and medical history, laboratory tests (serum-specific immunoglobulins, environmental sampling), imaging, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, transbronchial cryobiopsy, surgical lung biopsy, and specific inhalation challenges. These tools provide a precise differential diagnosis within the framework of interstitial lung diseases. However, among the chronic fibrotic forms, distinguishing OHP from sarcoidosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis remains a diagnostic challenge. Avoidance of exposure is pivotal for OHP management, whereas corticosteroids are fundamental in the pharmacological approach to this disease. In addition, studies describing the long-term benefits of immunosuppressive and antifibrotic agents have increased the use of these treatments in OHP.

Sudan red dye: a new agent causing type-2 occupational asthma.

BACKGROUND: Sudan red or 1-[(2-methoxyphenyl)azo]-2-naphthol is a low molecular weight azoic agent widely used in industry, particularly in the production of hair dyes. The use of this product in the food industry is prohibited due to its potential carcinogenic effect, but no respiratory involvement has been reported to date. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who had been working in a cosmetics packaging company for 20 years. The patient developed occupational asthma to a red azo dye known as Sudan red. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific bronchial provocation test. Induced sputum samples were obtained previously and in the 24 h following the procedure, with a rise in the percentage of eosinophils from 10 to 65%. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the case of a patient who developed OA caused by exposure to an azoic dye called Sudan red. The clinical and analytical features suggest a type 2-related asthma; however, we are not yet able to confirm the specific pathophysiological mechanism. The extensive use of azo dyes in industry means that it is particularly important to describe their implications for health, which are probably underestimated at present.

Expansion of different subpopulations of CD26-/low T cells in allergic and non-allergic asthmatics.

CD26 displays variable levels between effector (TH17 ≫ TH1 > TH2 > Treg) and naïve/memory (memory > naïve) CD4+ T lymphocytes. Besides, IL-6/IL-6R is associated with TH17-differentiation and asthma severity. Allergic/atopic asthma (AA) is dominated by TH2 responses, while TH17 immunity might either modulate the TH2-dependent inflammation in AA or be an important mechanism boosting non-allergic asthma (NAA). Therefore, in this work we have compared the expression of CD26 and CD126 (IL-6Rα) in lymphocytes from different groups of donors: allergic (AA) and non-allergic (NAA) asthma, rhinitis, and healthy subjects. For this purpose, flow cytometry, haematological/biochemical, and in vitro proliferation assays were performed. Our results show a strong CD26-CD126 correlation and an over-representation of CD26- subsets with a highly-differentiated effector phenotype in AA (CD4+CD26-/low T cells) and NAA (CD4-CD26- γδ-T cells). In addition, we found that circulating levels of CD26 (sCD26) were reduced in both AA and NAA, while loss of CD126 expression on different leukocytes correlated with higher disease severity. Finally, selective inhibition of CD26-mRNA translation led to enhanced T cell proliferation in vitro. These findings support that CD26 down-modulation could play a role in facilitating the expansion of highly-differentiated effector T cell subsets in asthma.

A coordenação do cuidado na qualidade da assistência à saúde da mulher e da criança no PMAQ / Coordination of care and quality of healthcare for women and children in the PMAQ / La coordinación del cuidado en la calidad de la asistencia a la salud de la mujer y del niño en el PMAQ

Resumo: O objetivo foi identificar a associação do atributo coordenação do cuidado com a qualidade da assistência à saúde da mulher e da criança na atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. Foi realizado estudo transversal, baseado em dados de 30.523 equipes que participaram do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica em 2013. Foi feita análise de regressão logística. A variável dependente foi o nível de qualidade da assistência à saúde da mulher e da criança, e a independente, o nível de coordenação do cuidado. A análise multivariada considerou variáveis que apresentaram p < 0,05. O ajuste do modelo foi realizado pelo teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow. Foram avaliados os resultados de 28.056 equipes que realizaram atividade de coordenação e de assistência à saúde da mulher e da criança simultaneamente. No Brasil, o maior percentual das equipes apresentou nível baixo de coordenação (68,5%). Os níveis mais altos de coordenação foram encontrados no estrato 6 (57,2%) e os mais baixos no estrato 1 (78,5%). Dentre as regiões, a Norte apresentou o maior percentual de equipes com baixo nível de coordenação (89,1%), e a Sudeste, o maior percentual com alto nível (37,6%). Para o nível de qualidade da assistência à saúde da mulher, 70,5% das equipes estava com baixo nível e, na saúde da criança, 63,5% com alto nível. Possuir alto nível de coordenação está associado a ter alto nível de qualidade da assistência, tanto na saúde da mulher (OR = 11,85) como na saúde da criança (OR = 8,79). Foi possível constatar um predomínio de baixos níveis de coordenação do cuidado no Brasil, bem como baixos níveis de qualidade da assistência à saúde da mulher, refletindo a necessidade de ações coordenadas nessa área.

Abstract: The study aimed to identify the association between coordination of care and quality of healthcare for women and children in primary healthcare in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed with data from 30,523 teams that participated in the Program for Improvement in Access and Quality of Basic Care (PMAQ) in 2013. Logistic regression was performed, in which the dependent variable was quality of healthcare for women and children and the independent variable was level of coordination of care. The multivariate analysis included variables that presented p < 0.05. The model's fit was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The study assessed the results of 28,056 teams that conducted activities in coordination and healthcare for women and children simultaneously. In Brazil, the largest percentage of teams displayed low levels of coordination (68.5%). The highest levels of coordination were found in stratum 6 (57.2%) and the lowest in stratum 1 (78.5%). Among the major geographic regions, the North of Brazil showed the highest percentage of teams with low coordination (89.1%), while the Southeast had the most teams with high coordination (37.6%). More than two-thirds (70.5%) of the teams showed low quality of care in women's health, while 63.5% showed high level of care in children's health. High level of coordination is associated with high quality of care both in women's health (OR = 11.85) and children's health (OR = 8.79). The predominance of low levels of coordination of care in Brazil and low quality of healthcare for women reflect the need for coordinated action in this area.

Resumen: El objetivo fue identificar la asociación del atributo coordinación del cuidado con la calidad de la asistencia a la salud de la mujer y del niño en la atención primaria a la salud en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal, basado en datos de 30.523 equipos que participaron en el Programa de Mejora del Acceso y de la Calidad de la Atención Básica en 2013. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística, la variable dependiente fue el nivel de calidad de la asistencia a la salud de la mujer y del niño, y la independiente el nivel de coordinación del cuidado. El análisis multivariado consideró variables que presentaron p < 0,05. El ajuste del modelo se realizó por el test de Hosmer-Lemeshow. Se evaluaron los resultados de 28.056 equipos que realizaron actividad de coordinación y de asistencia a la salud de la mujer y del niño simultáneamente. En Brasil, el mayor porcentaje de equipos presentó un nivel bajo de coordinación (68,5%). Los niveles más altos de coordinación se encontraron en el estrato 6 (57,2%) y los más bajos en el estrato 1 (78,5%). Entre las regiones el Norte presentó el mayor porcentaje de equipos con bajo nivel de coordinación (89,1%) y el Sudeste el mayor con alto nivel (37,6%). Para el nivel de calidad de la asistencia a la salud de la mujer un 70,5% de los equipos tenía bajo nivel, y en la salud del niño un 63,5% con alto nivel. Poseer un alto nivel de coordinación está asociado a tener un alto nivel de calidad de la asistencia, tanto en la salud de la mujer (OR = 11,85), como en la salud del niño (OR = 8,79). Fue posible constatar un predominio de bajos niveles de coordinación del cuidado, en Brasil, así como bajos niveles de calidad de la asistencia a la salud de la mujer, reflejando la necesidad de acciones coordinadas en esta área.

Estoque doméstico e uso de medicamentos por crianças no Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Domestic stock and use of medicines by children in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

RESUMO Avaliaram-se o estoque doméstico e o uso de medicamentos por crianças e adolescentes de 20 municípios do Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) por meio de estudo tipo inquérito populacional domiciliar. Realizaram-se análise descritiva e testes de associação. Dos 1.237 medicamentos encontrados, 27% estavam em locais de fácil acesso. Não houve associação entre profissões ligadas à área da saúde dos responsáveis com o uso. O grau de instrução ≤ a 4 anos de estudo aparece como de maior risco. As medicações prevalentes foram analgésicos/antipiréticos, antagonista H1 da histamina e antibióticos. Os dados mostram alta prevalência de estoque domiciliar com riscos para crianças, sendo necessárias ações educativas na região.

ABSTRACT The domestic stock and the drug use by children and adolescents from 20 municipalities of the Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) were evaluated by means of a population-based domestic survey. Descriptive analysis and association tests were performed. Of the 1.237 drugs found, 27% were in easily accessible places. There was no association between the professions related to the health area of the responsible for the use. The instruction degree ≤ 4 years of study appears to be at higher risk. The prevalent drugs were analgesic/antipyretic, histamine H1 antagonist and antibiotics. The data show a high prevalence of domestic stock with risks for children, and educational actions are required in the region.