Reduced stereotypicality and spared use of facial expression predictions for social evaluation in autism.

Background/Objective: Autism has been investigated through traditional emotion recognition paradigms, merely investigating accuracy, thereby constraining how potential differences across autistic and control individuals may be observed, identified, and described. Moreover, the use of emotional facial expression information for social functioning in autism is of relevance to provide a deeper understanding of the condition. Method: Adult autistic individuals (n = 34) and adult control individuals (n = 34) were assessed with a social perception behavioral paradigm exploring facial expression predictions and their impact on social evaluation. Results: Autistic individuals held less stereotypical predictions than controls. Importantly, despite such differences in predictions, the use of such predictions for social evaluation did not differ significantly between groups, as autistic individuals relied on their predictions to evaluate others to the same extent as controls. Conclusions: These results help to understand how autistic individuals perceive social stimuli and evaluate others, revealing a deviation from stereotypicality beyond which social evaluation strategies may be intact.

Pharmacogenetic Interventions Improve the Clinical Outcome of Treatment-Resistant Autistic Spectrum Disorder Sufferers.

BACKGROUND: Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are severe neurodevelopmental alterations characterised by deficits in social communication and repetitive and restricted behaviours. About a third of patients receive pharmacological treatment for comorbid symptoms. However, 30-50% do not respond adequately and/or present severe and long-lasting side effects. METHODS: Genetic variants in CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and SLC6A4 were investigated in N = 42 ASD sufferers resistant to pharmacological treatment. Clinical recommendations based on their pharmacogenetic profiles were provided within 24-48 h of receiving a biological sample. RESULTS: A total of 39 participants (93%) improved after the pharmacogenetic intervention according to their CGI scores (difference in basal-final scores: 2.26, SD 1.55) and 37 participants (88%) according to their CGAS scores (average improvement of 20.29, SD 11.85). Twenty-three of them (55%) achieved symptom stability (CGI ≤ 3 and CGAS improvement ≥ 20 points), requiring less frequent visits to their clinicians and hospital stays. Furthermore, the clinical improvement was higher than that observed in a control group (N = 62) with no pharmacogenetic interventions, in which 66% responded to treatment (difference in CGI scores: -0.87, SD 9.4, p = 1 × 10-5; difference in CGAS scores: 6.59, SD 7.76, p = 5 × 10-8). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of pharmacogenetic interventions has the potential to significantly improve the clinical outcomes in severe comorbid ASD populations with drug treatment resistance and poor prognosis.

Association of lung function with overall mortality is independent of inflammatory, cardiac, and functional biomarkers in older adults: the ActiFE-study.

Reduced lung function is associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality. Chronic low grade systemic inflammation is linked to impaired lung function and cardiovascular outcomes. We assessed the association of lung function with overall 8-year mortality in 867 individuals of the Activity and Function in the Elderly study using confounder-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models (including gait speed and daily walking time as measures of physical function) without and with adjustment for inflammatory and cardiac markers. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) but not FVC was related to mortality after adjustment for physical function and other confounders. Additional adjustment for inflammatory and cardiac markers did not change the hazard ratios (HR) markedly, e.g. for a FEV1/FVC below 0.7 from 1.55 [95% confidence-interval (CI) 1.14-2.11] to 1.49 (95% CI 1.09-2.03). These independent associations were also observed in the apparently lung healthy subpopulation with even higher HRs up to 2.76 (95% CI 1.52-4.93). A measure of airflow limitation but not vital capacity was associated with overall mortality in this community-dwelling older population and in the subgroup classified as lung healthy. These associations were independent of adjustment for inflammatory and cardiac markers and support the role of airflow limitation as independent predictor of mortality in older adults.

Temporal and Geographical Variability of Prevalence and Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses in Children in Catalonia, Spain.

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in 2017 and the ASD diagnosis incidence between 2009 and 2017 in children living in Catalonia region in Spain, and their temporal and geographical variability. We used administrative data for all children aged 2-17 years who were insured in the public Catalan Health System between 2009 and 2017. We identified all ASD cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2017 (ICD-9 codes 299.0, 299.1, 299.8, and 299.9). We estimated the ASD prevalence in 2017 and the overall annual incidence between 2009 and 2017, then stratified by sex, age group, and healthcare area. We used Poisson regression models to assess temporal trends in the incidence and mixed-effects Poisson regression models to assess geographical variability. We observed an ASD prevalence of 1.23% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.25) in 2017, with 1.95% (95% CI 1.92-1.99) for boys and 0.46% (95% CI 0.44-0.48) for girls, the highest prevalence being in 11- to 17-year-olds (1.80%, 95% CI 1.76-1.83). The ASD diagnosis incidence increased from 0.07% (95% CI 0.06-0.09) in 2009 to 0.23% (95% CI 0.21-0.24) in 2017, with a higher increase in girls, and in children aged 2-5 years at the time of diagnosis. We only observed geographical differences in prevalence in the 2017 data. We also detected a threefold increase in the diagnosis incidence overall, which was even more pronounced in girls and at early ages. In conclusion, the ASD prevalence observed in this study was 1.23% in 2017, with a sex ratio of 4.5 in favor of boys, which is consistent with previous studies. Autism Res2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are currently well known in our society as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders during childhood. The results of our study showed that, in 2017 in Catalonia, slightly more than one in a 100 children had an ASD diagnosis, it was more common in boys than in girls, and also in older children. In addition, between 2009 and 2017, we observed an increase in the number of new cases diagnosed each year. The data presented in this study will assist in planning and evaluating the needs of health services in this geographical region.

Systematic Review on the Definition of Allergic Diseases in Children: The MeDALL Study.

BACKGROUND: During the last decades, a large number of phenotypes and disease classifications of allergic diseases have been proposed. Despite the heterogeneity across studies, no systematic review has been conducted on phenotype classification and the criteria that define allergic diseases. We aimed to identify clinically expressed, population-based phenotypes of allergic diseases and their interrelationships, to explore disease heterogeneity and to evaluate the measurements employed in disease diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a search of MEDLINE up to December 2012, to identify relevant original studies published in the English language that examine at least one objective of this systematic review in subjects aged 0-18 years. The screening of titles and abstracts and the extraction of data were conducted independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: From a total of 13,767 citations, 197 studies met the criteria for inclusion, with 54% being cohort studies. Allergic diseases were studied as a single entity in 55% (109/197) of the studies or in the context of multimorbidity in 45%. Asthma accounted for 81.7% of the studies examining single diseases. Overall, up to 33 different phenotypes of allergic disease were reported. Transient early, late-onset and persistent wheeze were the most frequently reported phenotypes. Most studies (78%) used questionnaires. The skin-prick test was the preferred measurement of sensitization (64%). Spirometry and bronchial hyperresponsiveness were assessed in one third of the studies, peak flow rate in 8.6% and disease severity in 35%. CONCLUSIONS: Studies reporting phenotypes of allergic diseases in children are highly heterogeneous and often lack objective phenotypical measures. A concerted effort to standardize methods and terminology is necessary.

Assessment of health status and program performance in patients on long-term oxygen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Despite well established clinical guidelines, performance of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) programs shows marked variability among territories. The current study assessed the LTOT program and the health status of patients on LTOT prior to the deployment of community-based integrated care in an urban health district of Barcelona (Spain). AIMS: To assess: i) the LTOT program and health status of the patients on LTOT in the health district; ii) their frailty profile; and, iii) the requirements for effective deployment of integrated care services for these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study design including all patients (n = 406) on LTOT living in the health district. Health status, frailty, arterial blood gases, forced spirometry and hand-grip muscle strength were measured. Network analysis of frailty was carried out. RESULTS: Adequacy of LTOT prescription (n = 362): 47% and 31% of the patients had PaO2 ≤ 60 mmHg and ≤55 mmHg, respectively. Adherence to LTOT: 31% of all patients used LTOT ≥15 h/d; this figure increased to 67% in those with PaO2≤60 mmHg. Assessment of frailty: Overall, LTOT patients presented moderate to severe frailty. Care complexity was observed in 42% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adequacy and adherence to LTOT was poor and many patients were frail and complex. The outcomes of the network analysis may contribute to enhance assessment of frailty in LTOT patients. These observations suggest that an integrated care strategy has the potential to improve the health outcomes of these patients.

Impact of obesity on the clinical profile of a population-based sample with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AIMS: To characterize the distribution of BMI in a population-based sample of COPD patients and to evaluate the impact of obesity on their health status, exercise tolerance, systemic inflammation and comorbidity. METHODS: A population-based sample of 3,797 subjects aged 40-80 years from the EPI-SCAN study was selected. Subjects were categorized according their body mass index (BMI) as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Subjects were evaluated with post-bronchodilator spirometry and 6-minute walk tests. Smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, generic and specific quality of life, daily physical activities, comorbidities and systemic inflammatory biomarkers were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity or being overweight was higher in the 382 COPD patients than in the subjects without airflow limitation (29.4%, 95%CI 24.8-33.9% vs. 24.3, 95%CI 22.9-25.8; and 44.7%, 95%CI 39.7-49.6% vs. 43.0%, 95%CI 41.3-44.6, respectively; p = 0.020). In the COPD subgroup, obese subjects presented more dyspnea and less chronic cough, chronic bronchitis or chronic phlegm than normal-weight patients, as well as a worse health status. Moreover, reduced exercise tolerance and higher plasmatic C-reactive protein levels were found in the obese patients, who also presented a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease (adjusted odds ratio 4.796, 95%CI 1.806-12.736, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based sample, obesity is more prevalent in COPD patients than in subjects without airflow limitation. Furthermore, obesity affects the clinical manifestations, quality of life and exercise tolerance of COPD patients, and it may contribute to a phenotype characterized by increased systemic inflammation and greater frequency of cardiovascular comorbidity.

Infradiagnóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en mujeres: cuantificación del problema, determinantes y propuestas de acción / Underdiagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Women: Quantification of the Problem, Determinants and Proposed Actions

Introducción: La distribución de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) en mujeres y su infradiagnóstico y determinantes en la población no están bien descritos. El estudio EPI-SCAN es un estudio epidemiológico, observacional, realizado en 11 centros españoles en la población general de edades entre 40 y 80 años. Pacientes y método: En este trabajo se describen las tasas y se extrapola la carga poblacional a partir de los 3.802 participantes del estudio EPI-SCAN. Resultados: Con 2.005 mujeres y 1.797 hombres participantes, se obtuvo una prevalencia de EPOC inferior en mujeres (5,7%; IC95%, 4,7-6,7) que en hombres (15,1%; IC95%, 13,5-16,8; p<0,05). Entre los 386 participantes con EPOC, las 114 (29,5%) mujeres eran más jóvenes, menos fumadoras actualmente y tenían menor exposición tabáquica, y referían menos nivel de estudios (p<0,05). Respecto a los síntomas respiratorios, no existían diferencias por sexo en tos, disnea o sibilantes, pero las mujeres con EPOC referían esputo menos frecuentemente (p<0,05). No existían diferencias en la gravedad espirométrica de la EPOC entre mujeres y hombres. El 73% de los pacientes con criterios de EPOC fueron infradiagnosticados, y este porcentaje se distribuye desigualmente por sexo, siendo 1,27 veces más frecuente en mujeres (86,0%) que en hombres (67,6%) (p<0,05). Extrapolando las tasas de prevalencia e infradiagnóstico de EPOC a la población, se estima que en España entre las mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 80 años existirían 628.102 mujeres con EPOC, de las cuales 540.168 aún estarían sin diagnosticar. Conclusiones: La EPOC está más infradiagnosticada en mujeres que en hombres en España (AU)

Introduction: The distribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women, and its underdiagnosis and determinants in the general population, have not been well described. The EPI-SCAN study is an epidemiologic, observational study conducted at 11 Spanish centers on the general population aged 40–80. Patients and method: This paper describes the rates and extrapolates the population burden from the 3802 participants of the EPI-SCAN study. Results: With 2005 female and 1797 male participants, there was a lower prevalence of COPD in women (5.7%; 95% CI, 4.7–6.7) than in men (15.1%; 95% CI, 13.5–16.8; P<0.05). Among the 386 participants with COPD, 114 (29.5%) were women, who were younger, currently smoked less and had lower tobacco smoke exposure, while reporting a lower level of education (P<0.05). As for the respiratory symptoms, there were no differences between sexes for cough, dyspnea or wheezing, but the women with COPD reported sputum less frequently (P<0.05). There were no differences in the spirometric severity of COPD between women and men. Overall, 73% of the patients with spirometric COPD criteria were underdiagnosed, and this percentage is unevenly distributed by sex, being 1.27 times more frequent in women (86.0%) than in men (67.6%) (P<.05). By extrapolating the rates of prevalence and underdiagnosis of COPD to the general population, we estimate that there are 628102 Spanish women between the ages of 40 and 80 with COPD, 540168 of whom still have not been diagnosed. Conclusions: There is a greater underdiagnosis of COPD in women than in men in Spain (AU)

Characterisation of the overlap COPD-asthma phenotype. Focus on physical activity and health status.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COPD may share some clinical characteristics with asthma sufferers. This phenotypic overlap between COPD and asthma is not yet well characterised. METHOD: We have analysed data from the EPI-SCAN study, an epidemiological, population-based study in Spain that included 3885 (40 to 80-year-old) subjects in order to investigate the clinical and systemic inflammatory characteristics of COPD patients previously diagnosed with asthma. Generic and COPD-specific quality of life, as well as physical activity, were also assessed through standardised and validated questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 385 (10.1%) subjects were diagnosed with COPD, 67 (17.4%) being classified with the COPD-asthma overlap phenotype. Such patients were more likely to have dyspnea and wheezing (p<0.001 in both comparisons) and more frequent exacerbations (p<0.001). No differences in systemic inflammatory markers were observed except for lower NOx concentrations in overlap patients (p=0.013). This overlap phenotype significantly worsened specific quality of life (11.1 units on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 95%CI: 4.88-17.36) and reduced physical activity (3.49 units on the London Chest Activities of Daily Living (LCADL) scale, 95%CI: 1.06-5.94). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study, 17.4% of the individuals identified with COPD had an overlap COPD-asthma phenotype. This patient subgroup had more dyspnea, wheezing, exacerbations, worse respiratory-specific quality of life, and reduced levels of physical activity. Specific interventions may be required to adequately care for this subgroup of patients.

Frequency of multi-dimensional COPD indices and relation with disease activity markers.

Our aim was to describe the population-based distribution of several COPD multi-dimensional indices and to evaluate their relationship with daily physical activity, co-morbidity, health status and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. From a population-based sample of 3,802 subjects aged 40-80 from the EPI-SCAN study, 382 subjects (10.2%) with a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.7 were identified as COPD. Smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, quality of life, co-morbidities, lung function and inflammatory biomarkers were recorded. Health status and daily physical activity were assessed using the EQ-5D and LCADL questionnaires, respectively. The new GOLD grading and the BODE, ADO, DOSE, modified DOSE, e-BODE, BODEx, CPI, SAFE and HRS indices were determined. A notable dispersion in the total scores was observed, although 83-88% of the COPD patients were classified into the mildest level and 1-3% in the most severe. The SAFE index was the best independent determinant of daily physical activity; the SAFE and ADO indices were associated with presence of co-morbidity; and the SAFE and modified DOSE indices were independently related to health status. The systemic biomarkers showed a less consistent relation with several indices. In a population-based sample of COPD patients, the SAFE index reaches the highest relation with physical activity, co-morbidity and health status.

Underdiagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in women: quantification of the problem, determinants and proposed actions.

INTRODUCTION: The distribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women, and its underdiagnosis and determinants in the general population, have not been well described. The EPI-SCAN study is an epidemiologic, observational study conducted at 11 Spanish centers on the general population aged 40 to 80. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This paper describes the rates and extrapolates the population burden from the 3,802 participants of the EPI-SCAN study. RESULTS: With 2,005 female and 1,797 male participants, there was a lower prevalence of COPD in women (5.7%; 95%CI, 4.7-6.7) than in men (15.1%; 95%CI, 13.5-16.8; P<.05). Among the 386 participants with COPD, 114 (29.5%) were women, who were younger, currently smoked less and had lower tobacco smoke exposure, while reporting a lower level of education (P<.05). As for the respiratory symptoms, there were no differences between sexes for cough, dyspnea or wheezing, but the women with COPD reported sputum less frequently (P<.05). There were no differences in the spirometric severity of COPD between women and men. Overall, 73% of the patients with a spirometric COPD criteria were underdiagnosed, and this percentage is unevenly distributed by sex, being 1.27 times more frequent in women (86.0%) than in men (67.6%) (P<.05). By extrapolating the rates of prevalence and underdiagnosis of COPD to the general population, we estimate that there are 628,102 Spanish women between the ages of 40 and 80 with COPD, 540,168 of whom still have not been diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a greater underdiagnosis of COPD in women than in men in Spain.

Telemedicine enhances quality of forced spirometry in primary care.

Forced spirometry is pivotal for diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, but its use in primary care is suboptimal. The aim of the present study was to assess a web-based application aiming at fostering high-quality spirometry in primary care. This was a randomised controlled trial with 12 intervention primary care units (PCi) and six control units (PCc) studied over 12 months. All 34 naïve nurses (PCi and PCc) received identical training. The PCi units had access to educational material and remote expert support. Quality of spirometry and usability of the web application were assessed. We included 4,581 patients (3,383 PCi and 1,198 PCc). At baseline, quality was similar (PCi 71% and PCc 67% high-quality tests). During the study, PCi showed higher percentage (71.5%) of high-quality tests than PCc (59.5%) (p<0.0001). PCi had 73% more chance of high-quality performance than PCc. The web application was better for assessing quality of testing than the automatic feedback provided by the spirometer. Healthcare professionals' satisfaction and usability were high. The web-based remote support for primary care by specialists generated a sustained positive impact on quality of testing. The study expands the potential of primary care for diagnosis and management of patients with pulmonary diseases.

Overdiagnosing subjects with COPD using the 0.7 fixed ratio: correlation with a poor health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The current debate about the lower limit of normal (LLN) vs the 0.7 fixed ratio to diagnose COPD is not completely resolved, and little information about the clinical impact of these different criteria is available. We compared differences in health-related quality of life, exacerbations, exercise tolerance, physical activity, comorbidity, and systemic biomarkers of subjects with FEV(1)/FVC < 0.7 but > LLN (ratio-only group) vs subjects without COPD and those with mild or moderate to severe COPD. METHODS: A population-based sample of 3,802 subjects aged 40 to 80 years from the Epidemiologic Study of COPD in Spain was selected. Subjects were evaluated with postbronchodilator spirometry, quality-of-life and physical activity questionnaires, and 6-min walk tests. Exacerbations within the previous year and comorbidities were recorded. Systemic biomarkers were measured after excluding subjects with conditions associated with systemic inflammatory processes. RESULTS: Fixed-ratio COPD overdiagnosis affects up to 4.6% of subjects aged 40 to 80 years, is more frequent in men, and increases with age. After adjusting for confounding factors, the ratio-only group had a worse health-related quality of life than the non-COPD group, with poorer scores in all questionnaire domains (P < .05). However, no differences between the two groups for respiratory exacerbations, 6-min walk distance, physical activity, or systemic biomarkers were observed. Ratio-only subjects did not present greater risk for cardiovascular disease (adjusted relative OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.81-2.64), whereas subjects with mild COPD did (adjusted relative OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.11-4.84). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects receiving a diagnosis of COPD by the fixed ratio present worse self-reported quality of life than subjects without COPD but had similar exercise, frequency of exacerbations, and indices of systemic effects.

Diferencias geográficas en la prevalencia de EPOC en España: relación con hábito tabáquico, tasas de mortalidad y otros determinantes / Geographical Variations in the Prevalence of COPD in Spain: Relationship to Smoking, Death Rates and other Determining Factors

AntecedentesEl estudio EPI-SCAN (Epidemiologic Study of COPD in Spain), realizado entre mayo de 2006 y julio de 2007, ha determinado que la prevalencia de la EPOC en España según los criterios GOLD es del 10,2% (IC95% 9,2–11,1) de la población de 40 a 80 años. Se desconoce la variabilidad geográfica actual de la EPOC en España.ObjetivosDescribir la prevalencia de EPOC, su infradiagnóstico e infratratamiento, y los datos de tabaquismo y mortalidad en las once áreas participantes en el estudio EPI-SCAN. Se definió EPOC como un cociente FEV1/FVC posbroncodilatador <0,70 o menor del límite inferior de la normalidad (LIN).ResultadosLa razón de prevalencias de EPOC según criterios GOLD entre áreas fue de 2,7 veces, con un máximo en Asturias (16,9%) y un mínimo en Burgos (6,2%) (p<0,05). La prevalencia de EPOC según el LIN fue del 5,6% (IC 95% 4,9–6,4) y la razón de prevalencias utilizando el LIN fue de 3,1 veces, pero con un máximo en Madrid-La Princesa (10,1%) y un mínimo en Burgos (3,2%) (p<0,05). El orden de prevalencias de EPOC por áreas no se mantuvo en ambos sexos ni por edades en cada área. Las variaciones en infradiagnóstico (58,6% a 72,8%) e infratratamiento por áreas (24,1% a 72,5%) fueron substanciales (p<0,05). La prevalencia de fumadores y ex-fumadores, y la exposición acumulada medida por paquetes-año, así como la estructura de edad de cada una de las áreas, no explican la variabilidad por áreas geográficas. Tampoco existe relación con las tasas de mortalidad publicadas por comunidad autónoma.ConclusiónExisten importantes variaciones en la distribución de la EPOC en España, tanto en prevalencia como en infradiagnóstico e infratratamiento(AU)

BackgroundThe EPI-SCAN study (Epidemiologic Study of COPD in Spain), conducted from May 2006 to July 2007, determined that the prevalence of COPD in Spain according to the GOLD criteria was 10.2% of the 40 to 80 years population. Little is known about the current geographical variation of COPD in Spain.ObjectivesWe studied the prevalence of COPD, its under-diagnosis and under-treatment, smoking and mortality in the eleven areas participating in EPI-SCAN. COPD was defined as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70 or as the lower limit of normal (LLN).ResultsThe ratio of prevalences of COPD among the EPI-SCAN areas was 2.7-fold, with a peak in Asturias (16.9%) and a minimum in Burgos (6.2 %) (P<0.05). The prevalence of COPD according to LLN was 5.6% (95% CI 4.9–6.4) and the ratio of COPD prevalence using LLN was 3.1-fold, but with a peak in Madrid-La Princesa (10.1%) and a minimum in Burgos (3.2%) (P<0.05). The ranking of prevalences of COPD was not maintained in both sexes or age groups in each area. Variations in under-diagnosis (58.6% to 72.8%) and under-treatment by areas (24.1% to 72.5%) were substantial (P<0.05). The prevalence of smokers and former smokers, and cumulative exposure as measured by pack-years, and the age structure of each of the areas did not explain much of the variability by geographic areas. Nor is there any relation with mortality rates published by Autonomous Communities.ConclusionThere are significant variations in the distribution of COPD in Spain, either in prevalence or in under-diagnosis and under-treatment(AU)

[Geographical variations in the prevalence of COPD in Spain: relationship to smoking, death rates and other determining factors]. / Diferencias geográficas en la prevalencia de EPOC en España: relación con hábito tabáquico, tasas de mortalidad y otros determinantes.

BACKGROUND: The EPI-SCAN study (Epidemiologic Study of COPD in Spain), conducted from May 2006 to July 2007, determined that the prevalence of COPD in Spain according to the GOLD criteria was 10.2% of the 40 to 80 years population. Little is known about the current geographical variation of COPD in Spain. OBJECTIVES: We studied the prevalence of COPD, its under-diagnosis and under-treatment, smoking and mortality in the eleven areas participating in EPI-SCAN. COPD was defined as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70 or as the lower limit of normal (LLN). RESULTS: The ratio of prevalences of COPD among the EPI-SCAN areas was 2.7-fold, with a peak in Asturias (16.9%) and a minimum in Burgos (6.2 %) (P<0.05). The prevalence of COPD according to LLN was 5.6% (95% CI 4.9-6.4) and the ratio of COPD prevalence using LLN was 3.1-fold, but with a peak in Madrid-La Princesa (10.1%) and a minimum in Burgos (3.2%) (P<0.05). The ranking of prevalences of COPD was not maintained in both sexes or age groups in each area. Variations in under-diagnosis (58.6% to 72.8%) and under-treatment by areas (24.1% to 72.5%) were substantial (P<0.05). The prevalence of smokers and former smokers, and cumulative exposure as measured by pack-years, and the age structure of each of the areas did not explain much of the variability by geographic areas. Nor is there any relation with mortality rates published by Autonomous Communities. CONCLUSION: There are significant variations in the distribution of COPD in Spain, either in prevalence or in under-diagnosis and under-treatment.

Accelerometer-based physical activity in a large observational cohort--study protocol and design of the activity and function of the elderly in Ulm (ActiFE Ulm) study.

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies have demonstrated a positive effect of increased physical activity (PA) on various health outcomes. In all large geriatric studies, however, PA has only been assessed by interview-based instruments which are all subject to substantial bias. This may represent one reason why associations of PA with geriatric syndromes such as falls show controversial results. The general aim of the Active-Ulm study was to determine the association of accelerometer-based physical activity with different health-related parameters, and to study the influence of this standardized objective measure of physical activity on health- and disability-related parameters in a longitudinal setting. METHODS: We have set up an observational cohort study in 1500 community dwelling older persons (65 to 90 years) stratified by age and sex. Addresses have been obtained from the local residents registration offices. The study is carried out jointly with the IMCA--Respiratory Health Survey in the Elderly implemented in the context of the European project IMCA II. The study has a cross-sectional part (1) which focuses on PA and disability and two longitudinal parts (2) and (3). The primary information for part (2) is a prospective 1 year falls calendar including assessment of medication change. Part (3) will be performed about 36 months following baseline. Primary variables of interest include disability, PA, falls and cognitive function. Baseline recruitment has started in March 2009 and will be finished in April 2010.All participants are visited three times within one week, either at home or in the study center. Assessments included interviews on quality of life, diagnosed diseases, common risk factors as well as novel cognitive tests and established tests of physical functioning. PA is measured using an accelerometer-based sensor device, carried continuously over a one week period and accompanied by a prospective activity diary. DISCUSSION: The assessment of PA using a high standard accelerometer-based device is feasible in a large population-based study. The results obtained from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses will shed light on important associations between PA and various outcomes and may provide information for specific interventions in older people.

Loss of function of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) genetic variant is associated with lower risk of active childhood asthma.

Transient receptor potential cation channels of the vanilloid subfamily (TRPV) participate in the generation of Ca(2+) signals at different locations of the respiratory system, thereby controlling its correct functioning. TRPV1 expression and activity appear to be altered under pathophysiological conditions such as chronic cough and airway hypersensitivity, whereas TRPV4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, to date, there is no information about the genetic impact of either TRPV1 or TRPV4 on asthma pathophysiology. We now report on the association of two functional SNPs, TRPV1-I585V and TRPV4-P19S, with childhood asthma. Both SNPs were genotyped in a population of 470 controls without respiratory symptoms and 301 asthmatics. Although none of the SNPs modified the risk of suffering from asthma, carriers of the TRPV1-I585V genetic variant showed a lower risk of current wheezing (odds ratio = 0.51; p = 0.01), a characteristic of active asthma, or cough (odds ratio = 0.57; p = 0.02). Functional analysis of TRPV1-I585V, using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2 to measure intracellular [Ca(2+)] concentrations, revealed a decreased channel activity in response to two typical TRPV1 stimuli, heat and capsaicin. On the other hand, TRPV4-P19S, despite its loss-of-channel function, showed no significant association with asthma or the presence of wheezing. Our data suggest that genetically determined level of TRPV1 activity is relevant for asthma pathophysiology.

Systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Elevated circulating levels of several inflammatory biomarkers have been described in selected patient populations with COPD, although less is known about their population-based distribution. The aims of this study were to compare the levels of several systemic biomarkers between stable COPD patients and healthy subjects from a population-based sample, and to assess their distribution according to clinical variables. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study design of participants in the EPI-SCAN study (40-80 years of age). Subjects with any other condition associated with an inflammatory process were excluded. COPD was defined as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70. The reference group was made of non-COPD subjects without respiratory symptoms, associated diseases or prescription of medication. Subjects were evaluated with quality-of-life questionnaires, spirometry and 6-minute walk tests. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8), alpha1-antitrypsin, fibrinogen, albumin and nitrites/nitrates (NOx) were measured. RESULTS: We compared 324 COPD patients and 110 reference subjects. After adjusting for gender, age, BMI and tobacco consumption, COPD patients showed higher levels of CRP (0.477 +/- 0.023 vs. 0.376 +/- 0.041 log mg/L, p = 0.049), TNF-alpha (13.12 +/- 0.59 vs. 10.47 +/- 1.06 pg/mL, p = 0.033), IL-8 (7.56 +/- 0.63 vs. 3.57 +/- 1.13 pg/ml; p = 0.033) and NOx (1.42 +/- 0.01 vs. 1.36 +/- 0.02 log nmol/l; p = 0.048) than controls. In COPD patients, serum concentrations of some biomarkers were related to severity and their exercise tolerance was related to serum concentrations of CRP, IL-6, IL-8, fibrinogen and albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide population-based evidence that COPD is independently associated with low-grade systemic inflammation, with a different inflammatory pattern than that observed in healthy subjects.

Asthma control in Europe: a real-world evaluation based on an international population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic evidence related to asthma control in patients from the general population is scanty. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess asthma control in several European centers according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines and to investigate its determinants. METHODS: In the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (1999-2002), 1241 adults with asthma were identified and classified into inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users and non-ICS users in the last year. Control was assessed in both groups by using the GINA proposal (controlled, partly controlled, and uncontrolled asthma), and it was related to potential determinants. RESULTS: Only 15% (95% CI, 12% to 19%) of subjects who had used ICSs in the last year and 45% (95% CI, 41% to 50%) of non-ICS users had their asthma under control; individuals with uncontrolled asthma accounted for 49% (95% CI, 44% to 53%) and 18% (95% CI, 15% to 21%), respectively. Among ICS users, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma showed great variability across Europe, ranging from 20% (95% CI, 7% to 41%; Iceland) to 67% (95% CI, 35% to 90%; Italy). Overweight status, chronic cough and phlegm, and sensitization to Cladosporium species were associated with poor control in ICS users. About 65% and 87% of ICS users with uncontrolled and partly controlled asthma, respectively, were on a medication regimen that was less than recommended by the GINA guidelines. CONCLUSION: Six of 7 European asthmatic adults using ICSs in the last year did not achieve good disease control. The large majority of subjects with poorly controlled asthma were using antiasthma drugs in a suboptimal way. A wide variability in asthma control emerged across Europe. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Greater attention should be paid to asthma management and to the implementation of the GINA guidelines.

The use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Southern European countries.

This paper reports a selection of completed or ongoing studies that have evaluated or applied the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in five countries of Southern Europe: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and France. In Italy, the SDQ has been used to study its concurrent validity with other norm-based instruments (Child Behavior Checklist-CBCL and Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale-DBDRS), to assess the efficacy of a behavioural school training, and as part of an epidemiological study. In Spain, the SDQ was used to analyse the association between respiratory and other behavioural problems. In Portugal and Croatia, psychometric properties of the three versions of the SDQ (parent, teacher, and self-reports) were investigated in samples of children ranging from 5 to 16 years. Past and ongoing studies in France have administered the SDQ to estimate inter-rater agreement between parents, teachers, and pupils, to carry out a large-scale epidemiological study, and to evaluate the efficacy of a parent training programme. In a second section, scale means obtained with the teacher version of the SDQ in three community-based samples of 7-8 year-old children from Italy, Portugal, and Spain are compared. The results show that, according to their teachers' ratings, Italian pupils showed less prosocial behaviour than their Spanish and Portuguese agemates, whereas the Portuguese children were rated as being more hyperactive and inattentive than comparable Italian and Spanish children. Possible causes underlying the observed differences between national SDQ means are discussed.