Academic literature on the topic 'Respiratory tract diseases/prevention e control'

Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs are an urgent problem of modern clinical medicine. The high prevalence of this pathology is due to the active effect of pathogenic microflora on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, the increasing role of opportunistic and atypical microorganisms in the genesis of infection of the upper respiratory tract, as well as disorders in the mucociliary clearance. Limitations in the mobility of cilia of ciliated cells, as well as their partial or complete absence, a change in the composition of mucous secretions and a slowdown in the speed of mucus movement are the mechanisms that determine the possibility of an acute inflammation focus on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, and also increase the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs. The accumulated data on the peculiarities of the existence of microbial biocenoses in the human body, as well as the steady widespread growth of the problem of antibiotic resistance, dictate the need to search for new solutions in the treatment of purulent-inflammatory pathology of the ENT organs. A well-established principle of therapy for such conditions is the topical use of combined drugs that combine mucolytic and antibacterial components that actively affect the main links in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. These tasks are most effectively solved by the drug, which contains the mucolytic N-acetylcysteine, which potentiates the effect of another component – the antibiotic thiamphenicol. An important aspect in favor of choosing this drug as a monotherapy or combination therapy for purulent-inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract is a convenient form of release for aerosol administration.

Irrespective of aetiology, infectious respiratory diseases of sheep and goats contribute to 5.6 percent of the total diseases of small ruminants. These infectious respiratory disorders are divided into two groups: the diseases of upper respiratory tract, namely, nasal myiasis and enzootic nasal tumors, and diseases of lower respiratory tract, namely, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), parainfluenza, Pasteurellosis, Ovine progressive pneumonia, mycoplasmosis, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, caseous lymphadenitis, verminous pneumonia, and many others. Depending upon aetiology, many of them are acute and fatal in nature. Early, rapid, and specific diagnosis of such diseases holds great importance to reduce the losses. The advanced enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antigen as well as antibodies directly from the samples and molecular diagnostic assays along with microsatellites comprehensively assist in diagnosis as well as treatment and epidemiological studies. The present review discusses the advancements made in the diagnosis of common infectious respiratory diseases of sheep and goats. It would update the knowledge and help in adapting and implementing appropriate, timely, and confirmatory diagnostic procedures. Moreover, it would assist in designing appropriate prevention protocols and devising suitable control strategies to overcome respiratory diseases and alleviate the economic losses.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for a large burden of disease globally and can present as a variety of clinical syndromes in children of all ages. Bronchiolitis in infants under 1 year of age is the most common clinical presentation hospitalizing 24.2 per 1000 infants each year in the United Kingdom. RSV has been shown to account for 22% of all episodes of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children globally. RSV hospitalization, that is, RSV severe disease, has also been associated with subsequent chronic respiratory morbidity. Routine viral testing in all children is not currently recommended by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance and management is largely supportive. There is some evidence for the use of ribavirin in severely immunocompromised children. Emphasis is placed on prevention of RSV infection through infection control measures both in hospital and in the community, and the use of the RSV-specific monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, for certain high-risk groups of infants. New RSV antivirals and vaccines are currently in development. Ongoing work is needed to improve the prevention of RSV infection, not only because of the acute morbidity and mortality, but also to reduce the associated chronic respiratory morbidity after severe infection.

Introduction. In the formation of recurrent and/or prolonged chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract in addition to the known, previously studied, factors that play an important role in the violation of the human immune system at the level of local (mucosal) and systemic immunity and activation of herpes virus group (Epstein Virus Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus type 6). In the treatment of herpesvirus infections, activation of antiviral immunity in domestic medicine used drugs interferon inducer. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of interferon inductor Amiksin® in patients with chronic recurrent inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Materials and methods. Based on separation of “Allergy and Immunotherapy” SSC “Institute of Immunology” FMBA studied low-molecular interferon inductor Amixin® (JSC “Pharmstandard-Tomskhimpharm”, Russia) in the treatment of chronic recurrent inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The study included 40 patients between men and women, aged 18 to 65years old with a history of recurrent chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Clinical research methods included a medical history, previous efficiency of the treatment, the presence of comorbidities. Laboratory methods include bacteriological crop on flora in the material from the oropharynx and the detection of DNA viruses of herpes group in saliva. Patients of the main group, after clinical and laboratory examination, prescribed therapy with Amixin®. Patients in both groups received symptomatic therapy. The total duration of observation of each patient was 3 months. Results. Amiksin® receiving the drug in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic recurrent upper respiratory tract inflammatory diseases contributed to a more rapid relief of general and local symptoms. Also it found that reduces performance Amiksin® average viral load against Epstein-Barr virus. Over the next 3 months follow-up, 25 % of patients the main group marked exacerbation study pathology of the upper respiratory tract, in the control group of patients with recurrent exacerbations were more - 60 %, indicating that preventive action Amiksin® therapy. Conclusions: The use of low-molecular interferon inductor Amiksin®(JSC “Pharmstandard-Tomskhimpharm”, Russia) in the combined therapy showed good efficacy in reducing the concentration of chronic viral infections in the oropharynx and prevention of chronic relapsing inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

AbstractWith the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, the importance of rapid and direct detection of respiratory disease viruses has been well recognized. The detection of these viruses with novel technologies is vital in timely prevention and treatment strategies for epidemics and pandemics. Respiratory viruses can be detected from saliva, swab samples, nasal fluid, and blood, and collected samples can be analyzed by various techniques. Conventional methods for virus detection are based on techniques relying on cell culture, antigen-antibody interactions, and nucleic acids. However, these methods require trained personnel as well as expensive equipment. Microfluidic technologies, on the other hand, are one of the most accurate and specific methods to directly detect respiratory tract viruses. During viral infections, the production of detectable amounts of relevant antibodies takes a few days to weeks, hampering the aim of prevention. Alternatively, nucleic acid–based methods can directly detect the virus-specific RNA or DNA region, even before the immune response. There are numerous methods to detect respiratory viruses, but direct detection techniques have higher specificity and sensitivity than other techniques. This review aims to summarize the methods and technologies developed for microfluidic-based direct detection of viruses that cause respiratory infection using different detection techniques. Microfluidics enables the use of minimal sample volumes and thereby leading to a time, cost, and labor effective operation. Microfluidic-based detection technologies provide affordable, portable, rapid, and sensitive analysis of intact virus or virus genetic material, which is very important in pandemic and epidemic events to control outbreaks with an effective diagnosis.

Introduction: The pulmonary inflammatory response results from exposure to injurious factors and is associated with oxidative stress, which intensifies the pathological reaction. In this context, limonene, a monoterpene found in citrus fruits, can be a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of this pathology, as it presents known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the anti-inflammatory activity of limonene and its capacity to prevent and control respiratory system injuries. Search strategy: A comprehensive literature search of the Cochrane, Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases was performed using the keywords: "limonene", “lung”, “pulmonary”, “airway”, “trachea”, “lung injury”, "respiratory system", “respiratory tract diseases”. Search strategy: A comprehensive literature search of the Cochrane, Scopus, MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases was performed using the keywords: "limonene", “lung”, “pulmonary”, “airway”, “trachea”, “lung injury”, "respiratory system", “respiratory tract diseases”. Selection criteria: Studies on the use of limonene in disorders of the respiratory system, published until August 2019, were included. Those that did not use limonene alone or treated lesions in different systems other than the respiratory system, without targeting its anti-inflammatory action were excluded. In addition, review articles, meta-analyses, abstracts, conference papers, editorials/letters and case reports were also excluded. Results: Of the 561 articles found, 64 were in the Cochrane database, 235 in Scopus, 99 in Web of science, 150 in PubMed and 13 in Lilacs. After completing the systematic steps, 25 articles were selected for full reading, after which 7 papers remained in the review. An article was added after a manual literature search, resulting in a total of 8 papers. There was a high level of agreement on inclusion/exclusion among the researchers who examined the papers (Kappa index > 88%). Conclusion: Limonene has effective anti-inflammatory activity in both preventing and controlling respiratory system injuries.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) include upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections. Infections of the respiratory tract are perhaps the most common human ailment. While they are a source of discomfort, disability and loss of time for most adults, they are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. ARI may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract anywhere from nose to alveoli, with a wide range of combination of symptoms and signs. ARI in children is most common among others because heir constant contact with other kids who could be virus carriers. Children often don’t wash their hands regularly. They are also more likely to rub their eyes and put their fingers in their mouths, resulting in the spread of viruses. For prevention of malnutrition and infection of child breast feeding is an important determinant of child health in the prevention of malnutrition and infection but in many cultures other food was introduced years before the cessation of breast feeding. In Bangladesh, many infectious diseases such as diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in infants aged less than one year. The importance of breast feeding in the prevention of infectious diseases during infancy is well known. Objective: In this study our main objective is to evaluate the association between ARI of infant and weaning status of infants admitted in selected Hospitals of Rajshahi. Study place and Method: This study provided a wide range of information regarding ARI and weaning status of infants admitted in selected hospitals of Rajshahi and from the surroundings. This was a case control type of study. A total of 230 caregiver or mothers were interviewed. Result & discussion: It was found that the relationship between weaning status of infants and occurrence of ARI was statistically significant (p<0.001). It was showed that majority of the babies of the case group were weaned by Cow’s milk and within the control group by mashed rice. The association between occurrence of ARI and type of weaning food was statistically significant (p<0.001). It was also found that majority of the babies living in rural areas developed ARI and also within the case group majority (29.6%) of the babies who were not exclusively breast fed developed ARI and the association between occurrence of ARI and EBF was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study suggests that proportion of ARI is more among the infants who were weaned earlier. TAJ 2019; 32(1): 70-81

Objective.To explore differences in the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) according to survey methodology.Design.Repeated point and period prevalence survey strategies.Setting.University-affiliated primary and tertiary care center.Methods.Analysis of data collected from 2006 to 2012 from annual HAI prevalence surveys using definitions proposed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study design allowed the analysis of the same data in the format of a point or a period prevalence survey.Results.Pooled point and period HAI prevalence was 7.46% and 9.84% (+32%), respectively. This additional 32% was mainly attributable to infections of the lower respiratory tract (2.42% vs 3.20% [+32%]) and the urinary tract (1.76% vs 2.62% [+49%]). Differences in surgical site infections (1.02% vs 1.20% [+19%]) and bloodstream infections (0.76% vs 0.86% [+13%]) were smaller. HAI prevalence for the point and period methodology in acute and long-term care were 7.47% versus 9.38 (+26%) and 8.37% versus 11.89% (+42%), respectively. Differences were stable over time. Focusing on the 4 major HAIs (respiratory tract, urinary tract, surgical site, and bloodstream infections) misses one-quarter of all HAIs.Conclusions.More HAIs are identified by the period prevalence method, especially those of shorter duration (lower respiratory and urinary tract), which would make this method more suitable to be used in long-term care. Results of the 2 study methods cannot be benchmarked against each other.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(6):674–684

In order to accurately grasp the timing for the prevention and control of diseases, we established an artificial neural network model to issue early warning signals. The real-time recurrent learning (RTRL) and extended Kalman filter (EKF) methods were performed to analyse four types of respiratory infectious diseases and four types of digestive tract infectious diseases in China to comprehensively determine the epidemic intensities and whether to issue early warning signals. The numbers of new confirmed cases per month between January 2004 and December 2017 were used as the training set; the data from 2018 were used as the test set. The results of RTRL showed that the number of new confirmed cases of respiratory infectious diseases in September 2018 increased abnormally. The results of the EKF showed that the number of new confirmed cases of respiratory infectious diseases increased abnormally in January and February of 2018. The results of these two algorithms showed that the number of new confirmed cases of digestive tract infectious diseases in the test set did not have any abnormal increases. The neural network and machine learning can further enrich and develop the early warning theory.

ABSTRACT The genus Bordetella includes a group of closely related mammalian pathogens that cause a variety of respiratory diseases in a long list of animals (B. bronchiseptica) and whooping cough in humans (B. pertussis and B. parapertussis). While past research has examined how these pathogens are eliminated from the lower respiratory tract, the host factors that control and/or clear the bordetellae from the upper respiratory tract remain unclear. We hypothesized that immunoglobulin A (IgA), the predominant mucosal antibody isotype, would have a protective role against these mucosal pathogens. IgA−/− mice were indistinguishable from wild-type mice in their control and clearance of B. pertussis or B. parapertussis, suggesting that IgA is not crucial to immunity to these organisms. However, naïve and convalescent IgA−/− mice were defective in reducing the numbers of B. bronchiseptica in the upper respiratory tract compared to wild-type controls. Passively transferred serum from convalescent IgA−/− mice was not as effective as serum from convalescent wild-type mice in clearing this pathogen from the tracheae of naive recipient mice. IgA induced by B. bronchiseptica infection predominantly recognized lipopolysaccharide-containing O-antigen, and antibodies against O-antigen were important to bacterial clearance from the trachea. Since an IgA response contributes to the control of B. bronchiseptica infection of the upper respiratory tract, immunization strategies aimed at inducing B. bronchiseptica-specific IgA may be beneficial to preventing the spread of this bacterium among domestic animal populations.

O etanol de cana-de-açúcar se consolida como combustível renovável, o que promove nova expansão da cultura da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil e, principalmente, no Estado de São Paulo. Como a queima prévia controlada da palha de cana-de-açúcar ainda é considerada uma prática agrícola necessária para a viabilização econômica da colheita, em mais de 70% dos municípios do Estado de São Paulo a população é obrigada a conviver com essa poluição. Para estudar a distribuição desse fator de risco e sua relação com a saúde, realizei um estudo epidemiológico ecológico nos 645 municípios de São Paulo. Usei um modelo Bayesiano de regressão multivariada relacionando os efeitos na saúde com a exposição à queima prévia da palha de cana-de-açúcar, sendo controlados os efeitos das variações socioeconômicas (saneamento, educação e renda) e climáticas (temperatura máxima, umidade mínima e precipitação), através da inserção das mesmas no modelo. O efeito sobre a saúde foi medido por meio da Razão de Mortalidade e Morbidade Padronizada (RMP) dos desfechos: óbitos por doenças respiratórias nas faixas etárias acima de 65 anos e internações por doença respiratória, nas faixas etárias menores de 5 anos e acima de 65 anos de cada um dos municípios. Usei como medida de exposição à queima prévia dados obtidos no INPE: percentual da área de cana colhida com queima (PMQ), níveis médios de Aerossol e Focos de queima, testadas separadamente. Para resolver a autocorrelação entre os dados, estes foram considerados conforme sua disposição espacial, através da construção de uma matriz de vizinhança dos 645 municípios do Estado. Utilizei o método de simulação de Monte Carlo via Cadeias de Markov (MCMC) para \'suavizar\' as estimativas da RMP. A análise demonstrou que existe associação entre a queima prévia da palha de cana-de-açúcar e a ocorrência de doenças respiratórias, porque o aumento nos focos de queima (Focos) esteve associado significativamente com o aumento das internações por doenças respiratórias, na faixa etária de menores de cinco anos. Os resultados mostraram que a queima prévia da palha da cana-de-açúcar oferece efetivamente risco à saúde da população e, adicionados aos mapas coropléticos gerados, oferecem subsídios para a vigilância epidemiológica e contribuem para o estabelecimento de políticas públicas para controle da poluição do ar, que contemplem além dos grandes centros urbanos, os pequenos municípios. A eliminação desse fator de risco deve fazer parte das medidas primordiais de prevenção à saúde a serem adotadas no Estado
Ethanol from sugarcane is consolidated as a renewable fuel which promotes further expansion of the culture of sugarcane in Brazil and especially in the State of São Paulo. As the controlled pre-harvest burning of sugarcane straw is still considered an agricultural practice necessary for the economic viability of this crop in more than 70% of municipalities in the State of São Paulo the population is forced to live with this pollution. To study the distribution of this risk factor and its relationship with the health of the population, I conducted an ecological study in the 645 municipalities of São Paulo. I used a Bayesian multivariate regression model relating the health effects and the exposure to previous straw burning of sugarcane, controlling the effects of socioeconomic factors (sanitation, education and income) and climate (maximum temperature, minimum humidity and precipitation) by the insertion of these variables in the model. The effect on health was measured by Standardized Mortality and Morbidity Ratio (SMR) of the outcomes: deaths from respiratory diseases in the age group above 65 years old and admissions for respiratory disease in children less than 5 years old and above 65 years old of each of the municipalities. I used as a measure of exposure to the pre-harvest burning data obtained at INPE: percent of sugarcane area harvest with burning (PMQ), levels of Aerosol and Spotlights of burning, tested separately. To solve the autocorrelation in the data these were considered as their spatial arrangement, by building a neighborhood matrix of the 645 municipalities in the state. I used the Markov Chain-Monte Carlo simulation method (MCMC) to \'soften\' the estimates of the SMR. The analysis showed that there is an association between previous straw burning of sugarcane and respiratory diseases, because the increase in outbreaks of burning (Spotlights) was significantly associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children aged under five years old. The results show that the previous straw burning of sugarcane effectively offers health risk to the population and added to the choropleth maps generated provide valuable information for epidemiological surveillance and contribute to the establishment of public policies for the control of air pollution, which should contemplate beyond the major urban centers, the small towns. The elimination of this risk factor should be part of a primordial prevention measure to be taken in the state

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2003.
Appendix B not included in e-thesis. Also held in print (128 leaves, 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection. (T 610.7361 SOH)

Orientador: Ricardo de Lima Zollner
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
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Resumo: A rinite alérgica (RA) é definida como uma inflamação da mucosa nasal, resultando em sintomas nasais que incluem rinorréia, obstrução, prurido e espirros. O fator de crescimento neural (NGF) está envolvido na fisiopatologia de inflamação alérgica. Soluções salinas nasais em diversas concentrações têm sido usadas para prevenir ou reduzir sintomas alérgicos, porém as concentrações ideais das soluções de cloreto de sódio nasal ainda não estão bem estabelecidas na literatura disponível. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito das soluções salinas: isotônica (ISO), hipertônica 3% (HIPER) e agua destilada (HIPO) em pacientes com RA persistente, comparando os escores clínicos dos sintomas nasais, avaliação do escore olfativo e a expressão gênica de NGF como marcador inflamatório do conteúdo celular nasal e considerando temperatura e umidade nos diferentes períodos em que utizaram as soluções. Trinta (30) pacientes com diagnóstico de RA persistente iniciaram o estudo, porem apenas 13 terminaram. Os pacientes foram divididos em 3 grupos aleatorizados que utilizaram as 3 soluções: ISO, HIPER e HIPO em 3 períodos diferentes (P1, P2 e P3). Os critérios clínicos de avaliação dos sintomas eram avaliados por meio de "Questionário Validado", onde somava-se o total do escore dos sintomas nasais (TESN). Para a avaliação do sintoma olfato era aplicado um escore olfativo de 0 a 8 com diluições de essência de eucalipto. Foi realizada coleta de material da mucosa nasal para o estudo da expressão gênica de NGF por meio de Reação de Polimerase em Cadeia (PCR). Os resultados observados neste estudo foram que no P1, os pacientes apresentaram melhora do TESN (p=0.004), quando comparada com a HIPER. Tanto o grupo que iniciou o tratamento com a solução ISO (p= 0,056), quanto o grupo que iniciou com HIPO (p= 0,063) tiveram uma tendência de melhora quando comparada com a HIPER. Todos os grupos no P1 apresentaram melhora do escore olfativo. O grupo que iniciou com a solução HIPER mostrou valores de expressão de NGF significativamente maiores (p=0,023). Conclui-se então, que as soluções salinas podem ser utilizadas como tratamento adjuvante na RA, pois melhorou os sintomas e melhorou o escore olfativo, porém a solução HIPER aumentou expressão de NGF na mucosa nasal
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa, resulting in nasal symptoms including rhinorrhea, obstruction, itching and sneezing. Neural growth factor (NGF) is involved in the pathophysiology of allergic inflammation. Nasal saline solutions, at various concentrations, have been used to prevent or reduce allergic symptoms, but the ideal concentration of nasal sodium chloride solutions are not well established in the literature. The objective were to evaluate the effect of salt solutions such as isotonic (ISO), hypertonic (3% NaCl - HYPER) and hypotonic (sterile distilled water - HYPO) in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis, comparing clinical scores of nasal symptoms and olfactory score, as well as NGF expression as an inflammatory marker of nasal cell content. Thirteen (13) patients of thirty (30) with diagnosed persistent AR were divided into three randomized groups that used three solutions: ISO, HYPO and HYPER, during three periods (P1, P2 and P3). Clinical evaluation criteria of symptoms were determined by a validated questionnaire that evaluated the total nasal symptom score (TNSS). Nasal mucosa material was collected to analyze NGF expression assessed by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The results were: patients showed an improvement in TNSS (p = 0.004) during the first period. The group that began treatment using the ISO solution (p = 0.056), as well the group that started using the HYPO (p = 0.063) showed a trend of improvement in TNSS, when compared with the HYPER group. All groups showed improvement in olfactory score during de first period. With regard to NGF gene expression, the group treated with the HYPER solution showed significantly higher levels (p=0.023) of expression compared with patients treated with the other nasal solutions. The conclusion was that the salt solutions may be used as adjuvant therapy in AR, due to the fact that they improve symptoms and olfactory score. Hyper saline solution can increase the expression of NGF in nasal mucosa
Mestrado
Clinica Medica
Mestre em Clinica Medica

Background: Vitamin D is known to be associated with inflammatory diseases, but its relationship with allergic diseases is unclear. The study objective is to determine the association of serum vitamin D levels and markers of wheeze, asthma and atopy. Methods: Data (n = 9,463) on serum vitamin D levels and atopy were obtained from 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum vitamin D level was categorized into four groups: Normal (≥30ng/ml), Insufficient (21-29ng/ml), Deficient (11-20ng/ml) and Severely Deficient (≤10ng/ml). Atopy was defined as at least 1 positive allergen-specific IgE level measured for a panel of 5 common aeroallergens- cat, dog, house dust mite, cock roach and Alternaria species. Doctor-diagnosed asthma and wheeze in the previous 12 months were assessed by means of questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association of serum vitamin D with wheeze, asthma and atopy adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking, outdoor physical activity, body mass index and poverty income ratio. Results: Overall, 15%, 14% and 28% of subjects had wheeze, asthma and atopy, respectively. Approximately 21% had normal serum vitamin D levels, while 35%, 28% and 5% had insufficient, deficient and severely deficient levels. Compared to subjects with normal vitamin D levels, those with insufficient, deficient and severely deficient levels had increased relative odds of wheeze and atopy with highest adjusted estimates in subjects with severe vitamin D deficiency (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.31, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.73-3.10 for wheeze; OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.89 for atopy). Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D levels were found to be associated with wheeze and atopy. Findings contribute to ongoing efforts to understanding the role of vitamin D in atopic diseases.

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O Vírus Sincicial Respiratório (VSR) é o principal agente em infecções agudas do trato respiratório inferior (IATRI) antes de dois anos, com altas taxas de internação e óbito em crianças de alto risco para infecção grave pelo VSR. Objetivo: Identificar os vírus envolvidos nos quadros de infecções agudas de trato respiratório (IATR) e analisar taxas de internação e óbito em crianças submetidas à profilaxia com palivizumabe. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva com 198 crianças menores de um ano de idade nascidas antes de 29 semanas de idade gestacional e crianças menores de 2 anos de idade com cardiopatia hemodinamicamente instável ou doença pulmonar crônica que receberam palivizumabe para profilaxia contra infecções graves pelo VSR em 2008. Nesse período, em cada episódio de IATR foi coletado aspirado de nasofaringe (NPA) para identificação de VSR, adenovírus, parainfluenza 1, 2 e 3, influenza A e B por imunofluorescência direta, e rinovírus e metapneumovírus por RT-PCR. Foram monitoradas internações e óbitos nesse grupo. Resultados: Das 198 crianças acompanhadas, 117 (59,1%) apresentaram IATR, totalizando 175 episódios. Das 76 NAPs coletadas, 37 foram positivas, encontrando-se, rinovírus em 75,7% dessas amostras, VSR (18,9%), parainfluenza (28,1%), adenovírus (2,7%), metapneumovírus (2,7%) e co-infecção em três amostras. Das 48 internações, 18 ocorreram por causa respiratória, sendo apenas 1 por VSR. Em nenhuma das duas crianças que evoluíram para óbito detectou-se o VSR. Conclusão: Na vigência de profilaxia com palivizumabe, a frequência de isolamento de VSR em crianças de alto risco com IATR e naquelas que necessitaram de internação hospitalar foi baixa.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most important etiologic agent in acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in children under two years, with high rates of hospitalization and death in high risk children for severe RSV infection. Objective: To identify the virus present in acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and to analyze rates of hospitalization and death in children who received palivizumab prophylaxis. Methods: Prospective cohort of 198 infants up to 1 year old born before 29 weeks gestation and infants less than two years of age with hemodynamically instable cardiopathy or chronic pulmonary disease, who received prophylactic palivizumab against severe RSV infections in 2008. During this period, a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) was collected in each episode of ARTI for identification of RSV, adenovirus, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, influenza A and B by direct immunofluorescence, and rhinovirus and metapneumovirus for RT-PCR. Data regarding hospitalization and death were collected. Results: Of the 198 infants included, 117 (59,1%) presented ARTIs, with a total of 175 episodes. Of 76 NPAs collected, 35 were positive, being rhinovirus (75.7%), RSV (18.9%), parainfluenza (8.1%), adenovirus 2 (2.7%), metapneumovirus (2.7%) and 3 samples presented multiple agents. Of 48 hospitalizations, 18 presented respiratory causes, but in only one child was found RSV. None of the 2 children who died had RSV. Conclusion: During the palivizumab prophylaxis period, the frequency of RSV detected in high risk children with ARTIs and those who were hospitalized was low.
TEDE
BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

RESUMO Tratando-se a asma de uma doença respiratória, desde há várias décadas que tem sido abordada a hipótese de que factores ambientais, nomeadamente os relacionados com a qualidade do ar inalado, possam contribuir para o seu agravamento. Para além dos aeroalergenos, outros factores ambientais como a poluição atmosférica estarão associados às doenças respiratórias. O ar respirado contém uma variedade de poluentes atmosféricos, provenientes quer de fontes naturais quer de origem antropogénica, nomeadamente de actividades industriais, domésticas ou das emissões de veículos. Estes poluentes, tradicionalmente considerados como um problema de foro ambiental, têm sido cada vez mais encarados como um problema de saúde pública. Também a qualidade do ar interior, tem sido associada a queixas respiratórias, não só em termos ocupacionais mas também em exposições domésticas. Dentro dos principais poluentes, encontramos a matéria particulada (como as PM10), o O3, NO2, e os compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs). Se é verdade que os três primeiros têm como principais fontes de exposição a combustão fóssil associada aos veículos automóveis, já os COVs (como o benzeno, tolueno, xileno, etilbenzeno e formaldeído) são poluentes mais característicos do ar interior. Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos subjacentes à agressão dos poluentes do ar não se encontram convenientemente esclarecidos. Pensa-se que após a sua inalação, induzam um grau crescente de stress oxidativo que será responsável pelo desenvolvimento da inflamação das vias aéreas. A progressão do stress oxidativo e da inflamação, associarse- ão posteriormente a lesão local (pulmonar) e sistémica. Neste trabalho pretendeu-se avaliar os efeitos da exposição individual a diversos poluentes, do ar exterior e interior, sobre as vias aéreas, recorrendo a parâmetros funcionais, inflamatórios e do estudo do stress oxidativo. Neste sentido, desenvolveu-se um estudo de painel na cidade de Viseu, em que foram acompanhadas durante 18 meses, 51 crianças com história de sibilância, identificadas pelo questionário do estudo ISAAC. As crianças foram avaliadas em quatro Visitas (quatro medidas repetidas), através de diversos exames, que incluíram execução de espirometria com broncodilatação, medição ambulatória do PEF, medição de FENO e estudo do pH no condensado brônquico do ar exalado. O estudo dos 8-isoprostanos no condensado brônquico foi efectuado somente em duas Visitas, e o do doseamento de malonaldeído urinário somente na última Visita. Para além da avaliação do grau de infestação de ácaros do pó do colchão, para cada criança foi calculado o valor de exposição individual a PM10, O3, NO2, benzeno, tolueno, xileno, etilbenzeno e formaldeído, através de uma complexa metodologia que envolveu técnicas de modelação associadas a medições directas do ar interior (na casa e escola da criança) e do ar exterior. Para a análise de dados foram utilizadas equações de estimação generalizadas com uma matriz de correlação de trabalho uniforme, com excepção do estudo das associações entre poluentes, 8-isoprostanos e malonaldeído. Verificou-se na análise multivariável a existência de uma associação entre o agravamento dos parâmetros espirométricos e a exposição aumentada a PM10, NO2, benzeno, tolueno e etilbenzeno. Foram também encontradas associações entre diminuição do pH do EBC e exposição crescente a PM10, NO2, benzeno e etilbenzeno e associações entre valores aumentados de FENO e exposição a etilbenzeno e tolueno. O benzeno, o tolueno e o etilbenzeno foram associados com maior recurso a broncodilatador nos 6 meses anteriores à Visita e o tolueno com deslocações ao serviço de urgência. Os resultados dos modelos de regressão que incluíram o efeito do poluente ajustado para o grau de infestação de ácaros do pó foram, de uma forma geral, idênticos ao da análise multivariável anterior, com excepção das associações para com o FENO. Nos modelos de exposição com dois poluentes, com o FEV1 como variável resposta, somente o benzeno persistiu com significado estatístico. No modelo com dois poluentes tendo o pH do EBC como variável resposta, somente persistiram as PM10. Os 8-isoprostanos correlacionaram-se com alguns COVs, designadamente etilbenzeno, xileno, tolueno e benzeno. Os valores de malonaldeído urinário não se correlacionaram com os valores de poluentes. Verificou-se no entanto que de uma forma geral, e em particular mais uma vez para os COVs, as crianças mais expostas a poluentes, apresentaram valores superiores de malonaldeído na urina. Verificou-se que os poluentes do ar em geral, e os COVs em particular, se associaram com uma deterioração das vias aéreas. A exposição crescente a poluentes associou-se não só com obstrução brônquica, mas também com FENO aumentado e maior acidez das vias aéreas. A exposição crescente a COVs correlacionou-se com um maior stress oxidativo das vias aéreas (medido pelos 8-isoprostanos). As crianças com exposição superior a COVs apresentaram maiores valores de malonaldeído urinário. Este trabalho sugere uma associação entre exposição a poluentes, inflamação das vias aéreas e stress oxidativo. Vem reforçar o interesse dos poluentes do ar, nomeadamente os associados a ambientes interiores, frequentemente esquecidos e que poderão ser explicativos do agravamento duma criança com sibilância.-----------ABSTRACT: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that could be influenced by environmental factors, as allergens and air pollutants. The air breathed contains a diversity of air pollutants, both from natural or anthropogenic sources. Atmospheric pollution, traditionally considered an environmental problem, is nowadays looked as an important public health problem. Indoor air pollutants are also related with respiratory diseases, not only in terms of occupational exposures but also in domestic activities. Particulate matter (such as PM10), O3, NO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main air pollutants. The main source for PM10, O3, NO2 exposure is traffic exhaust while for VOCs (such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and phormaldehyde) the main sources for exposure are located in indoor environments. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the aggression of air pollutants are not properly understood. It is thought that after inhalation, air pollutants could induce oxidative stress, which would be responsible for airways inflammation. The progression of oxidative stress and airways inflammation, would contribute for the local and systemic effects of the air pollutants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of individual exposure to various pollutants over the airways, through lung function tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. In this sense, we developed a panel study in the city of Viseu, that included 51 children with a history of wheezing. Those children that were identified by the ISAAC questionnaire, were followed for 18 months. Children were assessed four times (four repeated measures) through the following tests: spirometry with bronchodilation test, PEF study, FENO evaluation and exhaled breath condensate pH measurement. 8-isoprostane in the exhaled breath condensate were also measured but only in two visits. Urinary malonaldehyde measurement was performed only in the last visit. Besides the assessment of the house dust mite infestation, we calculated for each child the value of individual exposure to a wide range of pollutants: PM10, O3, NO2, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene and formaldehyde. This strategy used a complex methodology that included air pollution modelling techniques and direct measurements indoors (homes and schools) and outdoors. Generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation matrix were used for the analysis of the data. Exceptions were for the study of associations between air pollutants, malonaldehyde and 8-isoprostanes. In the multivariate analysis we found an association between worsening of spirometric outcomes and increased exposure to PM10, NO2, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene. In the multivariate analysis we found also negative associations between EBC pH and exposure to PM10, NO2, benzene, ethylbenzene and positive associations between FENO and exposure to ethylbenzene and toluene. Benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene were associated with increased use of bronchodilator in the 6 months prior to the visit and toluene with emergency department visits. Results of the regression models that included also the effect of the pollutant adjusted for the degree of infestation to house dust mites, were identical to the previous models. Exceptions were for FENO associations. In the two-pollutant models, with the FEV1 as dependent variable, only benzene persisted with statistical significance. In the two pollutant model with pH of EBC as dependent variable, only PM10 persisted. 8-isoprostanes were well correlated with some VOCs, namely with ethylbenzene, xylene, toluene and benzene. Urinary malonaldehyde did not present any correlation with air pollutants exposure. However, those children more exposed to air pollutants (namely to VOCs), presented higher values of malonaldehyde. It was found that air pollutants in general, and namely VOCs, were associated with deterioration of the airways. The increased exposure to air pollutants was associated not only with airways obstruction, but also with increased FENO and higher acidity of the airways. The increased exposure to VOCs was correlated with increased airways oxidative stress (measured by 8-isoprostane). Children with higher levels of exposure to VOCs had higher values of urinary malonaldehyde. This study suggests a relation between air pollution, airways inflammation and oxidative stress. It suggests also that attention should be dedicated to air quality as air pollutants could cause airways deterioration.

Chaque année, deux à trois millions de musulmans de plus de 180 pays à travers le monde affluent vers l'Arabie Saoudite pour l'accomplissement du grand pèlerinage à la Mecque, appelé communément le "Hajj". Les virus, et particulièrement celui de la grippe, sont les causes les plus fréquentes d'infections respiratoires aiguës chez les pèlerins.Nous avons décidé de réaliser une étude bibliographique afin de rechercher des preuves de l'efficacité des mesures non pharmaceutiques de prévention des infections respiratoires pendant le Hajj. En résumé, bien que le lavage des mains soit fréquent parmi les pèlerins, le port du masque reste un défi majeur et la distanciation sociale, visant à réduire les contacts avec les personnes infectées, difficilement réalisable pendant le séjour en Arabie Saoudite. Les données sur l'efficacité de ces mesures non pharmaceutiques dans le contexte du Hajj sont limitées et les résultats sont contradictoires, soulignant la nécessité d'études supplémentaires.En 2012 et 2013, nous avons conduit une étude prospective afin d'évaluer sur la même cohorte de pèlerins la prévalence de virus et de bactéries pouvant être responsables d'infections respiratoires aiguës, avant le départ de France pour le Hajj et au retour d'Arabie Saoudite. Nous avons ainsi démontré l'acquisition par les pèlerins de virus respiratoires, principalement rhinovirus, coronavirus (non MERS-CoV) et les virus grippaux, pendant leur séjour en Arabie Saoudite. Aucun n'a été testé positif pour le MERS-CoV. Aussi, une proportion importante de pèlerins a été infectée par Streptococcus pneumoniae, alors que leur couverture vaccinale contre le pneumocoque est faible
Annually, over two million Muslims from more than 180 countries gather in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as the "Hajj". Respiratory viruses, and especially influenza virus, are the most common cause of acute respiratory infection among pilgrims.We conducted a review to summarize the evidence related to the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions in preventing the spread of respiratory infectious diseases during the Hajj. Overall, although hand hygiene compliance is high among pilgrims, face mask use and social distancing remain difficult challenges. Data about the effectiveness of these measures at the Hajj are limited, and results are contradictory, highlighting the need for future large-scale studies.In 2012 and 2013, we conducted for the first time a prospective longitudinal study of pilgrims, to determine the prevalence of viruses and bacteria potentially responsible for acute respiratory symptoms, before departing from France for the Hajj and before leaving Saudi Arabia. We thus demonstrated the acquisition of respiratory viruses, most notably rhinovirus, coronaviruses (other than MERS-CoV), and influenza viruses, by pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. None of the pilgrims was positive for MERS-CoV. Also, while vaccination coverage against pneumococcal infection is low among pilgrims, many of them have acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae

Infectious diseases account for 19% of all physician encounters and close to 130 million ambulatory care visits in the United States annually. Common infections include upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted illness, and enteric infections; these infections are the most frequent reasons for adult office visits. Common infectious diseases with public health significance are described in this chapter. Non-travel-related immunization is an important component of infectious disease prevention.

Infectious diseases subspecialists should have basic knowledge of interventions necessary to prevent and control health care–associated infections (HAIs). This chapter reviews key components and activities of HAI prevention and control programs. Subtopics addressed in other chapters include the following: interventions to prevent specific HAIs, such as intravascular catheter–associated bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary catheter–associated urinary tract infections, and surgical site infections.

Chronic diseases are responsible for 6 of the 7 leading causes of death in the United States. Heart disease and cancer account for about half of all deaths. Cerebrovascular disease, chronic low respiratory tract diseases, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer disease account for an additional 16% of deaths. Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hypertension, and hypertensive renal disease account for 2% of all deaths in the United States. A substantial portion of these deaths is preventable; here, we provide a concise review of these common clinical diseases with an emphasis on prevention.

This section includes infection prevention and control (IPC) measures require for bloodborne viral infections, i.e. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection, gastrointestinal infections, i.e. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea, norovirus, and rotavirus, microorganisms spread via respiratory route, e.g. tuberculosis, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus (SARS and MERS-CoV), and Legionnaires’ disease. Separate parts deal with other common infections, e.g. varicella zoster virus (VZV), meningococcal infections, viral haemorrhagic fevers e.g. Lassa, Ebola, Marburg and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and human prion diseases, e.g. Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). It also includes IPC advice on the management of scabies and infestation with lice and fleas.

Social justice impacts on the occurrence, the severity, and the mortality due to noncommunicable diseases. Four noncommunicable diseases account for almost two-thirds of all deaths globally: cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes mellitus. Almost 80% of deaths due to noncommunicable diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries. This chapter addresses the occurrence of these four noncommunicable diseases and how social injustice impacts on their occurrence. The chapter addresses what needs to be done, including implementing policies that reach the poorest people in all countries, placing greater emphasis on prevention and health promotion, strengthening capacity and mobilizing resources, developing global norms that benefit low-income countries (such as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control), promoting broader societal changes, and building on the prevention and control of infectious disease.