Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients with a Previous Phrenic Nerve Transfer for a Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy.

Background With the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some doubts have been raised regarding the potential respiratory problems that patients who previously underwent a phrenic nerve transfer could have. Objectives To analyze the effects of the coronavirus infection on two populations, one from Argentina and another from Taiwan. Specific objectives were: (1) to identify the rate of COVID in patients with a history of phrenic nerve transfer for treatment of palsy; (2) to identify the overall symptom profile; (3) to compare Argentinian versus Taiwanese populations; and (4) to determine if any phrenic nerve transfer patients are at particular risk of more severe COVID. Methods A telephonic survey that included data regarding the number of episodes of acute COVID-19 infection, the symptoms it caused, the presence or absence of potential or life-threatening complications, and the status of COVID-19 vaccination were studied. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, with categorical variables conducted using either the Pearson χ2 analysis or the Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Results A total of 77 patients completed the survey, 40 from Taiwan and 37 from Argentina. Fifty-five (71.4%) developed a diagnosis of COVID. However, among these, only four had any level of dyspnea reported (4/55 = 7.3%), all mild. There were also no admissions to hospital or an intensive care unit, no intubations, and no deaths. All 55 patients isolated themselves at home. Conclusions It can be concluded that an acute COVID-19 infection was very well tolerated in our patients. (Level of evidence 3b, case reports).

Maternal vaccination against COVID-19 and neonatal outcomes during Omicron: INTERCOVID-2022 study.

BACKGROUND: In early 2023, when Omicron was the variant of concern, we showed that vaccinating pregnant women decreased the risk for severe COVID-19-related complications and maternal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on newborns and the effects of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on neonatal outcomes when Omicron was the variant of concern. STUDY DESIGN: INTERCOVID-2022 was a large, prospective, observational study, conducted in 40 hospitals across 18 countries, from November 27, 2021 (the day after the World Health Organization declared Omicron the variant of concern) to June 30, 2022, to assess the effect of COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes and to assess vaccine effectiveness. Women diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during pregnancy were compared with 2 nondiagnosed, unmatched women recruited concomitantly and consecutively during pregnancy or at delivery. Mother-newborn dyads were followed until hospital discharge. The primary outcomes were a neonatal positive test for COVID-19, severe neonatal morbidity index, severe perinatal morbidity and mortality index, preterm birth, neonatal death, referral to neonatal intensive care unit, and diseases during the neonatal period. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated with adjustment for maternal risk profile. RESULTS: We enrolled 4707 neonates born to 1577 (33.5%) mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 and 3130 (66.5%) nondiagnosed mothers. Among the diagnosed mothers, 642 (40.7%) were not vaccinated, 147 (9.3%) were partially vaccinated, 551 (34.9%) were completely vaccinated, and 237 (15.0%) also had a booster vaccine. Neonates of booster-vaccinated mothers had less than half (relative risk, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.91) the risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 when compared with those of unvaccinated mothers; they also had the lowest rates of preterm birth, medically indicated preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and number of days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Newborns of unvaccinated mothers had double the risk for neonatal death (relative risk, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.00) when compared with those of nondiagnosed mothers. Vaccination was not associated with any congenital malformations. Although all vaccines provided protection against neonatal test positivity, newborns of booster-vaccinated mothers had the highest vaccine effectiveness (64%; 95% confidence interval, 10%-86%). Vaccine effectiveness was not as high for messenger RNA vaccines only. Vaccine effectiveness against moderate or severe neonatal outcomes was much lower, namely 13% in the booster-vaccinated group (all vaccines) and 25% and 28% in the completely and booster-vaccinated groups, respectively (messenger RNA vaccines only). Vaccines were fairly effective in protecting neonates when given to pregnant women ≤100 days (14 weeks) before birth; thereafter, the risk increased and was much higher after 200 days (29 weeks). Finally, none of the neonatal practices studied, including skin-to-skin contact and direct breastfeeding, increased the risk for infecting newborns. CONCLUSION: When Omicron was the variant of concern, newborns of unvaccinated mothers had an increased risk for neonatal death. Neonates of vaccinated mothers had a decreased risk for preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. Because the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination decreases with time, to ensure that newborns are maximally protected against COVID-19, mothers should receive a vaccine or booster dose no more than 14 weeks before the expected date of delivery.

Description of pathogenic bacteria in patients with respiratory symptoms associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Colombia.

Viral respiratory infections may predispose to co-infections with other pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, pathogenic respiratory bacteria were detected using commercial kit Allplex™ Respiratory Panel 4 from nasopharyngeal samples from individuals suffering respiratory symptoms with and without severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients without respiratory symptoms were included as controls. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were detected from 12 patients (6%) in both, patients with respiratory symptoms (including hospitalized) (n = 6) and individual without symptoms (n = 6). Pathogenic bacteria possibly proliferate due to the limited immune response of patients with SARS-CoV-2, perhaps due to dysbiosis generated by the viral infection.

Viral metagenomics unveils MW (Malawi) polyomavirus infection in Brazilian pediatric patients with acute respiratory disease.

Viral metagenomics has been extensively applied for the identification of emerging or poorly characterized viruses. In this study, we applied metagenomics for the identification of viral infections among pediatric patients with acute respiratory disease, but who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Twelve pools composed of eight nasopharyngeal specimens were submitted to viral metagenomics. Surprisingly, in two of the pools, we identified reads belonging to the poorly characterized Malawi polyomavirus (MWPyV). Then, the samples composing the positive pools were individually tested using quantitative polymerase chain reaction for identification of the MWPyV index cases. MWPyV-positive samples were also submitted to respiratory virus panel testing due to the metagenomic identification of different clinically important viruses. Of note, MWPyV-positive samples tested also positive for respiratory syncytial virus types A and B. In this study, we retrieved two complete MWPyV genome sequences from the index samples that were submitted to phylogenetic inference to investigate their viral origin. Our study represents the first molecular and genomic characterization of MWPyV obtained from pediatric patients in South America. The detection of MWPyV in acutely infected infants suggests that this virus might participate (coparticipate) in cases of respiratory symptoms. Nevertheless, future studies based on testing of a larger number of clinical samples and MWPyV complete genomes appear to be necessary to elucidate if this emerging polyomavirus might be clinically important.

Airway inflammatory profile among cleaning workers from different workplaces.

BACKGROUND: Cleaning workers represent a significant proportion of the active population worldwide, with poor remuneration, particularly in developing countries. Despite this, they remain a relatively poorly studied occupational group. They are constantly exposed to agents that can cause symptoms and respiratory problems. This study aimed to evaluate upper airway inflammation in professional cleaning workers in three different occupational settings by comparing nasal cytology inflammation and clinical profiles. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of upper airway inflammation and symptoms of asthma/rhinitis related to cleaning work, according to workplace. A total of 167 participants were divided into four groups: hospital, university, housekeeper and control. A nasal swab was collected for upper airway inflammation evaluation. Clinical profiles and respiratory symptom employee evaluations were performed using specific questionnaires (European Community Respiratory Health Survey-ECRS and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-ISAAC). RESULTS: Cleaning workers showed increased neutrophils and lymphocytes; the hospital and university groups showed increased macrophages compared to the housekeeper and control groups. The hospital and housekeeper groups showed increased eosinophils when they performed cleaning services for up to one year and reported having more asthma symptoms than the control group. Cleaning workers showed increased rhinitis symptoms. The university group showed increased rhinitis symptoms aggravated by the workplace compared with the hospital and housekeeper groups. Cleaning workers showed an increased affirmative response when directly asked about rhinitis symptoms compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Cleaning workers showed airway inflammation, asthma symptoms and rhinitis, regardless of the occupational environment to which they were exposed, as well as showed increased rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Hospital cleaning workers showed increased macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils compared to the others. The length of time spent performing cleaning work was not related to nasal inflammation or respiratory symptoms in this population. However, there were differences in workplaces. Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03311048. Registration date: 10.16.2017. Retrospectively registered.

Prevalence of potential respiratory symptoms in survivors of hospital admission after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Knowledge on the sequelae of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains limited due to the relatively recent onset of this pathology. However, the literature on other types of coronavirus infections prior to COVID-19 reports that patients may experience persistent symptoms after discharge. To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in survivors of hospital admission after COVID-19 infection. A living systematic review of five databases was performed in order to identify studies which reported the persistence of respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 patients after discharge. Two independent researchers reviewed and analysed the available literature, and then extracted and assessed the quality of those articles. Of the 1,154 reports returned by the initial search nine articles were found, in which 1,816 patients were included in the data synthesis. In the pooled analysis, we found a prevalence of 0.52 (CI 0.38-0.66, p < 0.01, I2 = 97%), 0.37 (CI 0.28-0.48, p < 0.01, I2 = 93%), 0.16 (CI 0.10-0.23, p < 0.01, I2 = 90%) and 0.14 (CI 0.06-0.24, p < 0.01, I2 = 96%) for fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, and cough, respectively. Fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, and cough were the most prevalent respiratory symptoms found in 52%, 37%, 16% and 14% of patients between 3 weeks and 3 months, after discharge in survivors of hospital admission by COVID-19, respectively.

Effects of a Household Air Pollution Intervention with Liquefied Petroleum Gas on Cardiopulmonary Outcomes in Peru. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Rationale: Approximately 40% of people worldwide are exposed to household air pollution (HAP) from the burning of biomass fuels. Previous efforts to document health benefits of HAP mitigation have been stymied by an inability to lower emissions to target levels. Objectives: We sought to determine if a household air pollution intervention with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) improved cardiopulmonary health outcomes in adult women living in a resource-poor setting in Peru. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled field trial in 180 women aged 25-64 years living in rural Puno, Peru. Intervention women received an LPG stove, continuous fuel delivery for 1 year, education, and behavioral messaging, whereas control women were asked to continue their usual cooking practices. We assessed for stove use adherence using temperature loggers installed in both LPG and biomass stoves of intervention households. Measurements and Main Results: We measured blood pressure, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and respiratory symptoms using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire at baseline and at 3-4 visits after randomization. Intervention women used their LPG stove exclusively for 98% of days. We did not find differences in average postrandomization systolic blood pressure (intervention - control 0.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -2.1 to 3.4), diastolic blood pressure (0.3 mm Hg; -1.5 to 2.0), prebronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.14 L/s/m2; -0.02 to 0.29), postbronchodilator peak expiratory flow/height2 (0.11 L/s/m2; -0.05 to 0.27), or St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score (-1.4; -3.9 to 1.2) over 1 year in intention-to-treat analysis. There were no reported harms related to the intervention. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a difference in blood pressure, lung function, or respiratory symptoms during the year-long intervention with LPG. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02994680).

Percepción de usuarios sobre calidad de atención y educación durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios / Perception of users of quality of care and education during the respiratory symptomatic recruitment

Introducción: La tuberculosis es la novena causa mundial de mortalidad en adultos y la primera por enfermedades infecciosas. Mortalidad evitable con diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Estudio motivado por baja captación de sintomáticos respiratorios. Objetivo: Valorar la percepción de los usuarios de una institución de salud sobre la calidad de la atención y de la educación para el autocuidado, durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios en el programa de tuberculosis. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, de abordaje con elementos de teoría fundamentada. Realizado en una institución estatal de salud de primer nivel. Participaron 96 adultos, quienes firmaron el consentimiento informado: 70 sintomáticos respiratorios y 26 familiares acompañantes. Se realizaron seis grupos focales, con dos categorías apriorísticas: calidad de atención y educación durante el proceso de captación. Información grabada y transcrita. Con Atlas Ti se realizó codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, utilizando comparación constante y memos. El análisis se apoyó en postulados de Dorothea Orem. Resultados: Sobre calidad de atención: hubo desconocimiento de la ruta integral de atención y deficiente identificación e información sobre riesgo. Sobre educación para el autocuidado: hubo desconocimiento de aspectos relacionados con tuberculosis y déficit en educación recibida. Los participantes no relacionaron sintomáticos respiratorios con tuberculosis; esta fue estigmatizada como enfermedad contagiosa y mortal, consideraron difícil recoger muestra para baciloscopia. Se evidenciaron limitaciones de cuidado favorecidas por insuficiente apoyo educativo. Conclusiones: La percepción de los usuarios orienta hacia la necesidad de fomentar servicios seguros, accesibles y humanizados para detección temprana y cuidado del sintomático respiratorio. La educación para el autocuidado y una mayor interacción con usuarios pueden mejorar resultados institucionales(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis, the world ninth leading cause of death in adults, first due to infectious diseases. Avoidable mortality with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Study motivated by limited awareness of respiratory symptomatics. Objective: To assess the perception of users of a healthcare institution in regards to the quality of care and self-care education during the Tuberculosis program. Methods: A Qualitative study approach with elements from proven theory. Conducted at state-class healthcare institution. Participants: 96 consenting adults (70 respiratory symptoms, 26 accompanying relatives). Six focus groups were carried out during the recruitment process with two aprioristic categories: quality of care and self-care education. Information was recorded and transcribed. Utilizing Atlas Ti, open, axial and selective coding was performed and using constant comparisons and memos. The analysis was based on Dorothea Orem postulates. Results: Quality of care: lack of comprehensive route of care and poor identification and risk information. Self-care education: ignorance of TB-related aspects and shortfalls of received education. Participants did not link respiratory symptoms to tuberculosis; this was stigmatized as a contagious and fatal disease. They considered it difficult to collect sample(s) for baciloscopy. Care limitations are evident by insufficient educational support. Conclusions: User perception should be oriented towards promoting safe, accessible and humanized services for early detection and care of respiratory symptoms. Self-care education and greater interaction with users can improve institutional outcomes(AU)

Respiratory and Allergic Effects in Children Exposed to Pesticides-A Systematic Review.

Pesticide exposure may affect children's respiratory and allergic health, although results from epidemiological studies have not reached consensus. This review aims to analyze the scientific evidence on respiratory and allergic effects of exposure to agricultural pesticides in children aged up to 12 years old. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scielo, and Lilacs were screened to select articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, and 21 articles were included in this review. Most investigations were conducted in North America (mostly in the United States), while no studies conducted in Latin America or Africa were found, despite their intensive use of pesticides. Children are exposed to pesticides through multiple pathways from the prenatal period throughout later developmental stages and may experience several respiratory effects. Most studies (79%) found positive associations with pesticide exposure and children's respiratory and allergic effects such as asthma, wheezing, coughs, acute respiratory infections, hay fever, rhinitis, eczema, chronic phlegm, and lung function impairments. Contrastingly, 21% of the studies found no associations between pesticide exposure and children's respiratory health. The vast differences among the characteristics of the studies hamper any comparison of the results. Exposure to pesticides may have several impacts on childhood respiratory health. More studies must be conducted, especially in low- and middle-income countries, preferably with comparable research protocols adapted to local realities. Efforts should be made to develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and behavioral interventions to reduce children's exposure to pesticides used in agriculture and respiratory health effects, and to ensure healthy childhood growth.

Incidence of Respiratory Symptoms for Residents Living Near a Petrochemical Industrial Complex: A Meta-Analysis.

The air pollution emitted by petrochemical industrial complexes (PICs) may affect the respiratory health of surrounding residents. Previous meta-analyses have indicated a higher risk of lung cancer mortality and incidence among residents near a PIC. Therefore, in this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the degree to which PIC exposure increases the risk of the development of nonmalignant respiratory symptoms among residents. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to systematically identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. Finally, we identified 16 study groups reporting 5 types of respiratory symptoms: asthma, bronchitis, cough, rhinitis, and wheezing. We estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) using random-effect models and investigated the robustness of pooled estimates in subgroup analyses by location, observation period, and age group. We determined that residential exposure to a PIC was significantly associated with a higher incidence of cough (OR = 1.35), wheezing (OR = 1.28), bronchitis (OR = 1.26), rhinitis (OR = 1.17), and asthma (OR = 1.15), although the latter two associations did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses suggested that the association remained robust across different groups for cough and bronchitis. We identified high heterogeneity for asthma, rhinitis, and wheezing, which could be due to higher ORs in South America. Our meta-analysis indicates that residential exposure to a PIC is associated with an increased risk of nonmalignant respiratory symptoms.

Children's acute respiratory symptoms associated with PM2.5 estimates in two sequential representative surveys from the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases are a major component of morbidity in children and their symptoms may be spatially and temporally exacerbated by exposure gradients of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in large polluted urban areas, like the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between satellite-derived and interpolated PM2.5 estimates with children's (≤9 years old) acute respiratory symptoms (ARS) in two probabilistic samples representing the MCMA. METHODS: We obtained ARS data from the 2006 and 2012 National Surveys for Health and Nutrition (ENSaNut). Two week average exposure to PM2.5 was assessed for each household with spatial estimates from a hybrid model with satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD-PM2.5) and also with interpolated PM2.5 measurements from ground stations, from the Mexico City monitoring network (MNW-PM2.5). We used survey-adjusted logistic regressions to analyze the association between PM2.5 estimates and ARS reported on children. RESULTS: A total of 1,005 and 1,233 children were surveyed in 2006 and 2012 representing 3.1 and 3.5 million children, respectively. For the same years and over the periods of study, the estimated prevalence of ARS decreased from 49.4% (95% CI: 44.9,53.9%) to 37.8% (95% CI: 34,41.7%). AOD-PM2.5 and MNW-PM2.5 estimates were associated with significantly higher reports of ARS in children 0-4 years old [OR2006 = 1.29 (95% (CI): 0.99,1.68) and OR2006 = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.08,1.42), respectively]. We observed positive non-significant associations in 2012 in both age groups and in 2006 for children 5-9 years old. No statistically significant differences in health effect estimates of PM2.5 were found comparing AOD-PM2.5 or MNW-PM2.5 for exposure assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PM2.5 is a risk factor for the prevalence of ARS in children and expand the growing evidence of the utility of new satellite AOD-based methods for estimating health effects from acute exposure to PM2.5.

Healthy-Sustainable Housing Index: A Pilot Study to Link Architecture and Public Health in a Semi-Urban Community in Mexico.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the link between housing and children´s respiratory symptoms, through the construction of an index (HSHI) based on the definition of healthy-sustainable housing criteria, in a semi-urban community from Morelos, Mexico. A general and household questionnaire, and respiratory symptoms diary were applied in 60 households to gather information about schoolchildren, respiratory health, housing and lifestyle characteristics. HSHI was constructed using principal component analysis. The association between HSHI and the presence and duration of respiratory symptoms was assessed using logistic and Poisson regression models. HSHI had five components, which accounted for 63% of variance, and were classified into poor and sufficient quality. It was observed that schoolchildren who inhabit a sufficient-quality house, showed a reduction in nose irritation duration and in the allergic symptoms probability regarding component 1 (ventilation, lighting and cloth washing) and presented three times less duration of common cold by component 2 (construction material, painted walls inside the house and type of bathroom) compared to poor-quality house inhabitants. Our results suggest that living in a sufficient-quality house, as described by the HSHI, reduced the prevalence of wheezing episodes and the probability of ear pain, providing evidence about the positive association of a healthy-sustainable housing on the respiratory health of schoolchildren.

Sintomáticos respiratorios desde un enfoque poblacionalª / Respiratory symptomatology from a population approach

RESUMEN La tuberculosis (TB) es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica de alta transmisibilidad, constituye un problema de salud pública y un reto para su Programa de control. El Programa ha determinado como metas: el tratamiento efectivo de la enfermedad y la captación temprana a través de la búsqueda de sintomáticos respiratorios, definidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como toda persona con tos y expectoración de más de 15 días. Dado que este es un indicador fundamental para evaluar el programa, y que existe poca información respecto al comportamiento de este evento en el ámbito poblacional, es pertinente realizar una revisión exhaustiva que permita dar cuenta del comportamiento de este indicador a nivel comunitario. Un trabajo de esta índole es una herramienta que permite fortalecer las acciones operativas y de gestión del Programa de control de la TB. La búsqueda de literatura se realizó haciendo uso de los descriptores "Tuberculosis", "sintomáticos respiratorios", "prevalencia" y "factores de riesgo", a través de diversas bases de datos como Pubmed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Proquest. Se identificó que la prevalencia en países con condiciones similares a las de Colombia oscila entre el 2 % y el 10 %. Sin embargo, la frecuencia reportada en la mayoría de los artículos no puede ser inferida poblacionalmente, dado que los diseños realizados no lo permiten, adicionalmente no son realizados en población general, sino en población en condición de vulnerabilidad, con riesgo diferencial de padecer TB.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly transmissible, chronic infectious disease that is a public health problem and a challenge for its TB Control Program. This Program has set as goals the following: effective treatment of the disease and early uptake through the search for symptomatic respiratory defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as any person with cough and expectoration for more than 15 days. Given that this is a fundamental indicator to evaluate the program and that there is little information regarding the behaviour of this event in the population area, it is pertinent to carry out a comprehensive review that allows to record the performance of this indicator at the community level, as a tool that allows strengthen the operational and management actions of the TB control program. The literature search was carried out using the descriptors "Tuberculosis", "symptomatic respiratory", "prevalence" and "risk factors", through various databases such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Proquest. It was identified that the prevalence in countries with conditions similar to those in Colombia ranges among 2 and 10 %. However, the frequency reported in most articles cannot be inferred in population terms as the designs do not allow it; additionally, those are not performed in general population terms, but in populations in vulnerable conditions with differential risk of suffering TB.

Respiratory Condition of Family Farmers Exposed to Pesticides in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pesticide exposure is a growing public health concern. Although Brazil is the world’s largest consumer of pesticides, only a few studies have addressed the health effects among farmers. This study aimed to evaluate whether pesticide exposure is associated with respiratory outcomes among rural workers and relatives in Brazil during the crop and off-seasons. Family farmers (82) were interviewed about occupational history and respiratory symptoms, and cholinesterase tests were conducted in the crop-season. Spirometry was performed during the crop and off-season. Respiratory outcomes were compared between seasons and multiple regressions analysis were conducted to search for associations with exposure indicators. Participants were occupationally and environmentally exposed to multiple pesticides from an early age. During the crop and off-season, respectively, they presented a prevalence of 40% and 30.7% for cough, 30.7% and 24% for nasal allergies, and 24% and 17.3% for chest tightness. Significant associations between spirometry impairments and exposure indicators were found both during the crop and off-season. These findings provide complementary evidence about the association of pesticide exposure with adverse respiratory effects among family farmers in Brazil. This situation requires special attention as it may increase the risk of pulmonary dysfunctions, and the morbidity and mortality burden associated with these diseases.

Pulmonary effects of active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among adolescent students in Juárez, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Youth smoking trends among Latin American countries, including Mexico, are on the rise. Notably, although the high prevalence of smoking in teens has been well documented in the literature, few studies have evaluated the impact of smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on their respiratory system. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of smoking and SHS exposure on the respiratory health and lung function among eighth-grade students in Juárez, Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on a sample of convenience. The study outcomes centered on evaluating 300 students' lung function by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio [FEV1/FVC], and forced mid-expiratory flow rate [FEF25%-75%]) and their respiratory health (smoking behavior and SHS exposure) by their self-reported responses to a standardized respiratory questionnaire. The study outcomes were compared among three distinct groups: 1) nonsmokers/nonexposed to SHS; 2) nonsmokers/exposed to SHS; and 3) smokers. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants were 14 years old (85%), females (54%), who attended eighth grade in a public school setting (56%). Approximately, half reported being of low socioeconomic status (49%) and nonsmokers/exposed to SHS (49%). The lung function parameters of smokers were found to be lower (FEV1 =62.88±10.25; FEV1/FVC =83.50±14.15; and FEF25%-75% =66.35±12.55) than those recorded for the nonsmokers/exposed to SHS (FEV1 =69.41±11.35; FEV1/FVC =88.75±15.75; and FEF25%-75% =78.90±14.65) and significantly reduced when compared to the nonsmokers/nonexposed to SHS (FEV1 =79.14±13.61; FEV1/FVC =94.88±21.88; and FEF25%-75% =87.36±17.02) (P<0.001). Similarly, respiratory complaints were more prevalent among smokers and those exposed to SHS when compared to nonsmokers/nonexposed to SHS. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that initiation of cigarette smoking and, to a lesser extent, exposure to SHS in adolescence leads to increased respiratory symptoms and reduction of pulmonary function test values. Public health initiatives that aim to prevent smoking initiation, assist in cessation, and lessen SHS exposure of adolescents need to be school-based and employed as early as middle school.

Prevalencia de sintomáticos respiratorios y factores relacionados en dos territorios vulnerables de santiago de cali / Prevalence of symptomatic respiratory disease and related factors in two vulnerable territories of santiago de cali / Prevalência de sintomático respiratório e fatores relacionados em dois territorios vulneraveís de santiago de cali

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia poblacional de sintomáticos respiratorios y los factores relacionados en los residentes de dos territorios vulnerables de la ciudad Santiago de Cali en el año 2012. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con componente analítico que simula la metodología tipo casos y controles. Utilizó un muestreo estratificado por conglomerados, con efecto de diseño de 2. Se realizó un análisis univariado, bivariado y múltiple a partir de regresión logística con análisis de muestras complejas para estimación de las asociaciones, se utilizó la razón odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza y el valor de p de la prueba Chi2. Para evaluar el ajuste del modelo final, se aplicó la prueba de bondad de ajuste de Hosmer y Lemeshow. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de sintomáticos respiratorio global fue de 2,8% (IC95%: 2,2-3,6). Se evidenció como factor de riesgo ser hombre (OR 1,51, IC95%: 1,06-2,17), residir en una vivienda con ventilación no adecuada (OR 1,97, IC95%: 1,27-3,06) y hogares con inseguridad alimentaria con hambre moderada (OR 1,63, IC95%: 1,15-2,31). Como factores protectores se identificaron aseguramiento (OR 0,41, IC95%: 0,19-0,89), ser lactante (OR 0,60, IC95%: 0,37-0,98), preescolar (OR 0,46, IC95%: 0,23-0,93), adulto maduro (OR 0,34, IC95%: 0,17-0,68) y mayor (OR 0,45, IC95%: 0,27- 0,77), respecto a los adolescentes. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia poblacional de sintomáticos respiratorios es diferencial de acuerdo con las condiciones de vulnerabilidad de la población, lo que implica generar indicadores programáticos en coherencia con este resultado

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the population prevalence of symptomatic respiratory disease and related factors in residents of two vulnerable areas in the city of Santiago de Cali in 2012. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component that simulates the case-control methodology. A stratified sampling by conglomerates was used, with design effect 2. Univariate bivariate and multiple analyses were performed from logistic regression with analysis of complex samples. The odds ratio with their respective intervals of confidence and p-value of the Chi2 test were used to estimate the associations. To evaluate the fit of the final model, Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit testing was applied. RESULTS: The overall population prevalence of symptomatic respiratory disease was 2.8% (CI 95% 2.2 to 3.6). Being a male (OR 1.51, CI 95%: 1.06 to 2.17), living in a house without proper ventilation (OR 1.97, CI 95%: 1.27 to 3.06) and food-insecure households with moderate hunger (OR 1.63, CI 95%: 1.15 to 2.31) were shown as a risk factors. Assurance (OR 0.41, CI 95%: 0.19 to 0.89), being a breastfed baby (OR 0.60, CI 95%: 0.37 to 0.98), being a preschooler (OR 0.46, CI 95%: 0.23 to 0.93), being a mature adult (OR 0.34, CI 95%: 0.17 to 0.68) and being elder (OR 0.45, CI 95%: 0.27 to 0.77) compared to adolescents were identified as protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: population prevalence of symptomatic respiratory disease is differential according to the vulnerability conditions of the population, which implies generating programmatical indicators consistent with this result

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência na povoação os sintomáticos respiratórios e os fatores relacionados nos residentes de dois territórios vulneráveis da cidade Santiago de Cali em o ano 2012. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo Descritivo de corte transversal com componente analítico que simula a metodologia tipo de casos e controles. Utilizou uma amostragem estratifico por conglomerados, com efeito de desenho de 2. Realizou se uma analise univariado, bivariado e múltiplo a partir de regressão logística com analise de amostras complexas para estimação das associações, utilizou se a razão odds ratio com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança e o valor de p da prova Chi2. Para avaliar o ajuste do modelo final, se aplicou o teste de bondade de ajuste de Hosmer e Lemeshow. RESULTADOS: a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios global foi de 2,8% (IC95%: 2,2-3,6). Evidenciou se como fator de risco for home (OR 1,51, IC95%: 1,06-2,17), (OR 1,51, IC95%: 1,06-2,17), residir em uma morada com ventilação não adequada (OR 1,97, IC95%: 1,27-3,06) e lares com insegurança alimentaria com fome moderada residir em uma morada com ventilação não adequada (OR 1,97, IC95%: 1,27-3,06) e lares com insegurança alimentaria com fome moderada (OR 1,63, IC95%: 1,15-2,31). Como fatores protetores se identificaram a salvaguarda (OR 0,41, IC95%: 0,19-0,89), ser lactante (OR 0,60, IC95%: 0,37-0,98), pré-escolar (OR 0,46, IC95%: 0,23-0,93), adulto maduro (OR 0,34, IC95%: 0,17-0,68) e maior (OR 0,45, IC95%: 0,27-0,77), respeito aos adolescentes. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência na povoação de sintomáticos respiratórios é diferencial de acordo com as condições de vulnerabilidade da povoação, o que implica gerar indicadores programáticos em coerência com este resultado

Effects of Breastfeeding on Respiratory Symptoms in Infancy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of potential risk factors on the development of respiratory symptoms and their specific modification by breastfeeding in infants in the first year of life. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively studied 436 healthy term infants from the Bern-Basel Infant Lung Development cohort. The breastfeeding status, and incidence and severity of respiratory symptoms (score) were assessed weekly by telephone interview during the first year of life. Risk factors (eg, pre- and postnatal smoking exposure, mode of delivery, gestational age, maternal atopy, and number of older siblings) were obtained using standardized questionnaires. Weekly measurements of particulate matter <10 µg were provided by local monitoring stations. The associations were investigated using generalized additive mixed model with quasi Poisson distribution. RESULTS: Breastfeeding reduced the incidence and severity of the respiratory symptom score mainly in the first 27 weeks of life (risk ratio 0.70; 95% CI 0.55-0.88). We found a protective effect of breastfeeding in girls but not in boys. During the first 27 weeks of life, breastfeeding attenuated the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, and cesarean delivery on respiratory symptoms. There was no evidence for an interaction between breastfeeding and maternal atopy, number of older siblings, child care attendance, or particulate matter <10 µg. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the risk-specific effect of breastfeeding on respiratory symptoms in early life using the comprehensive time-series approach.

Occurrence of respiratory symptoms in persons with restrictive ventilatory impairment compared with persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The PLATINO study.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually complain of symptoms such as cough, sputum, wheezing, and dyspnea. Little is known about clinical symptoms in individuals with restrictive ventilatory impairment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and type of respiratory symptoms in patients with COPD to those reported by individuals with restrictive ventilatory impairment in the Proyecto Latinoamericano de Investigacion en Obstruccion Pulmonar study. Between 2002 and 2004, individuals ≥40 years of age from five cities in Latin America performed pre and post-bronchodilator spirometry and had their respiratory symptoms recorded in a standardized questionnaire. Among the 5315 individuals evaluated, 260 (5.1%) had a restrictive spirometric diagnosis (forced vital capacity (FVC) < lower limit of normal (LLN) with forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) ≥ LLN; American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2005) and 610 (11.9%) were diagnosed with an obstructive pattern (FEV1/FVC < LLN; ATS/ERS 2005). Patients with mild restriction wheezed more ((30.8%) vs. (17.8%); p < 0.028). No difference was seen in dyspnea, cough, and sputum between the two groups after adjusting for severity stage. The health status scores for the short form 12 questionnaire were similar in restricted and obstructed patients for both physical (48.4 ± 9.4 vs. 48.3 ± 9.8) and mental (50.8 ± 10.6 vs. 50.0 ± 11.5) domains. Overall, respiratory symptoms are not frequently reported by patients with restricted and obstructed patterns as defined by spirometry. Wheezing was more frequent in patients with restricted pattern compared with those with obstructive ventilatory defect. However, the prevalence of cough, sputum production, and dyspnea are not different between the two groups when adjusted by the same severity stage.

Mycobacteriosis pulmonar. Presentación de dos casos quirúrgicos / Lung mycobacteriosis. Presentation of two surgical cases

Introducción: la Mycobacteriosis es una enfermedad producida por Mycobacterias ambientales, su diagnóstico hasta hace pocos años era un hecho ocasional, actualmente ha pasado a ser una patología relativamente frecuente, sobre todo en los pacientes SIDA y asociada a enfermedades pulmonares crónicas. Requiere tratamientos agresivos y prolongados, así como la exéresis quirúrgica en casos de afección pulmonar localizada. Objetivo: determinar la importancia de la cirugía como tratamiento alternativo en caso de fracaso del tratamiento farmacológico. Presentación de los casos: se presentan dos casos con diagnóstico de Mycobacteriosis ambiental, por Mycobacterium Avium. Pacientes con síntomas respiratorios de larga fecha de evolución, principalmente tos y expectoración, asociado a fiebre. En el segundo caso se recoge el antecedente de neumonías frecuentes durante la infancia, con diagnóstico de Bronquiectasias. En ambos se les aisló en el cultivo del esputo un Mycobacterium Avium, la prueba de Mantoux resultó negativa (0 mm) y en los estudios imagenológicos se presentan las formas típicas de esta enfermedad, dadas por lesiones fibrocavitarias en los lóbulos superiores. Conclusiones: en los casos presentados, hubo fracaso en el tratamiento farmacológico recomendados en la actualidad, manteniendo cultivos de esputo positivos a Mycobacterium Avium. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, obteniendo resultados positivos, con esputos negativos y mejoría del estado clínico.

Introduction. Mycobacteriosis is a disease caused by environmental mycobacteria, until a few years ago its diagnosis was an occasional event. Today it has become a relatively frequent pathology, mainly in patients with AIDS and associated to chronic lung diseases. It requires aggressive treatments as well as surgical exeresis in the event of localized lung affections. Objective. determine the importance of the surgery as an alternative treatment when the pharmacological treatment fails. Case Presentation. two cases were presented with a diagnosis of environmental mycobacteriosis, caused by Mycobacterium Avium. Patients had respiratory symptoms of long evolution, mainly cough, expectoration, and associated fever. In the second case there were records of frequent pneumonias during childhood with diagnosed bronchiecstasias. In both cases in the sputum culture the Mycobacterium Avium was isolated, the Mantoux test was negative (0 mm) and in the radiological studies there were shapes that are usually seen in this disease caused by fibrocavitary lesions in the upper lobes. Conclusions. in the cases that were presented the pharmacological treatment normally recommended at present times failed, and the sputum cultures positive to Mycobacterium Avium persisted. Surgical treatment was conducted with positive results, negative sputums and improvement in the clinical condition.