Pediatric asthma and eosinophilia: insights from nasal and blood smear analyses

Background: Allergic respiratory maladies, particularly pediatric asthma, pose substantial challenges in public health. This cross-sectional investigation endeavours to unravel the eosinophilic landscape within nasal cytological specimens and peripheral blood samples of pediatric asthma cohorts, with a keen focus on discerning the correlation between nasal and systemic eosinophilia.Methods: Sixty-six pediatric asthma subjects, aged 6 to 18, under the care of Cheluvamba hospital in Mysuru, were meticulously recruited over an extensive 18-month period.Results: Analysis unveiled a conspicuous preponderance of male participants, with a mean age range spanning 9 to 13 years. Intriguingly, the presence of allergic rhinitis (AR) exhibited no discernible statistically significant nexus with either asthma severity or eosinophilic markers. Noteworthy findings include peripheral eosinophilia detected in 56% of subjects, juxtaposed against nasal eosinophilia observed in 20%; however, no statistically meaningful correlation emerged between nasal and peripheral eosinophilia.Conclusions: The inquiry culminated in a robust affirmation that mean nasal eosinophil count and blood absolute eosinophil count (AEC) exhibit a salient association with asthma severity and control in pediatric cohorts, irrespective of AR presence. Particularly, a discernible augmentation in mean AEC and nasal eosinophil count was discerned concomitant with exacerbating asthma severity and in cases of partial/ uncontrolled asthma.

Analysis on National TCM Master Yan Zhenghua's Medication Rules of Ascending,Descending,Floating and Sinking Properties for the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To analyze TCM master Yan Zhenghua's medication rules of ascending,descending,floating and sinking properties for the treatment of respiratory diseases,inherit his valuable academic experience.Methods Using four books edited by Professor Yan Zhenghua's disciples as the main source,Professor Yan Zhenghua's prescriptions for clinical treatment of respiratory diseases were systematically collected and analyzed.Statistical analysis was conducted on the patients'gender and age,differentiation of diseases and syndrome types of the prescriptions,as well as the properties of ascending,descending,floating and sinking,dosage,and commonly used pairs of Chinese materia medica.Results Totally 208 prescriptions were included in this study,involving 178 kinds of Chinese materia medica and 64 kinds of monarch drug,most of them were descending and sinking drug,and the whole prescription was mainly descending and sinking.On average,each prescription used 13.2 kinds of Chinese materia medica,and most dosage points were within the range of conventional dosage.Among later adding medicines,Houttuyniae Herba had the highest frequency of use.The medicinal pairs of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma-Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma et Radix,Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma et Radix-Stemonae Radix and Asteris Radix et Rhizoma-Stemonae Radix were often used.Armeniacae Semen Amarum,Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus,and Asteris Radix et Rhizoma were commonly used in those descending and sinking prescriptions.Conclusion In the treatment of respiratory diseases,Professor Yan Zhenghua prefers to use descending and sinking drugs with ascending and floating drugs and dual trend drugs to regulate qi activity,and has the characteristics of Menghe medical school,which is"mild and flexible medication".

Secondary osteoporosis and respiratory diseases: An update / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Long-term burden of illness and associated medication usage make osteoporosis(OP) a common complication of respiratory diseases. The pathogenic risk factors and treatment strategies for respiratory diseases related OP are similar to primary OP. However, due to differences in the pathogenesis of each disease, there are distinctions in the characteristics of bone loss and treatment approaches. Therefore, targeted diagnostic and therapeutic plans need to be formulated. This article provides a comprehensive review of secondary OP caused by common respiratory diseases in terms of epidemiological characteristics, related risk factors or possible mechanisms, changes in bone metabolic indexes or characteristics of bone damage, and progress in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this review is to offer insights into the prevention and treatment of secondary OP related to respiratory diseases and promote the development of a multidisciplinary collaborative approach.

Mortality and probability of premature death due to four chronic diseases in Taizhou City / 预防医学

Objective@#To understand the mortality and probability of premature death due to malignant tumors, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the basis for the improvement of chronic diseases prevention and control strategies.@*Methods@#The death data of the four chronic diseases among local residents in Taizhou City from 2019 to 2022 were collected through Taizhou Chronic Disease Information Management System, and the crude mortality, standardized mortality (standardized by the data of the seventh national population census in 2020) and probability of premature death were calculated. The trends in mortality and probability of premature death were analyzed using annual percent change (APC). The attainment of probability of premature death due to the four chronic diseases were evaluated using the target values and predicted values in 2025 and 2030.@*Results@#There were 119 899 deaths from the four chronic diseases in Taizhou City from 2019 to 2022, with the crude mortality of 494.48/105 and the standardized mortality of 410.68/105, which was no significant changing trend (APC=4.680% and -2.795%, both P>0.05). The probability of premature death decreased from 10.39% to 8.69% (APC=-6.027%, P<0.05). The crude mortality and standardized mortality in males were higher than those in females (562.13/105 vs. 424.08/105; 461.67/105 vs. 353.81/105; both P<0.05). The crude mortality and standardized mortality in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas (499.65/105 vs. 480.52/105; 429.20/105 vs. 365.68/105; both P<0.05). The probability of premature death in women and rural residents showed downward trends (APC=-8.210% and -7.558%, both P<0.05) from 2019 to 2022. The standardized mortality and probability of premature death due to malignant tumors showed downward trends (APC=-6.090% and -8.019%, both P<0.05). The crude mortality of diabetes showed an upward trend (APC=18.654%, P<0.05). The predicted values for probability of premature death due to due to the four chronic diseases in 2025 and 2030 were 7.27% and 5.40%, respectively, and were lower than the target values of 10.02% and 8.77%.@*Conclusions@#From 2019 to 2022, there was no significant trends in the mortality of four chronic diseases in Taizhou City, with rural men being the key population for prevention and control. The probability of premature death showed a downward trend, and it was expected to achieve the target in 2025 and 2030.

Consideration points in the decision making in chronic respiratory diseases / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: Even though dynamic multidisciplinary team discussions are crucial for end-of-life care management and decisions concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the details of the discussion contents remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify essential considerations in decision-making for patients with chronic respiratory diseases to enhance a consensus-based approach.Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis of focus group conversations on published clinical case reports in the Japanese community about end-of-life care for patients with chronic respiratory disorders was conducted. The cases were searched through Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) and Google in February 2021, using the keywords: “COPD”, “chronic respiratory diseases”, and “end-of-life care”. A total of 41 healthcare professionals participated in the focus group discussions.Results: Four major themes evolved from the qualitative content analysis: unpredictable disease prognosis and stages, low awareness of patients on disease severity, acute exacerbations, and home oxygen therapy (HOT). The participants perceived that assessment of severity and prognosis in chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD was a core discussion point to enhance patients’ decision-making. The study’s findings also indicated that healthcare providers evaluate the influence of acute aggravation of the condition on patients’ perceived health status and decision-making.Conclusion: The study reaffirms the significance of informed consent in patients with chronic respiratory disease. It details how, after a thorough assessment of disease severity, patients are given personalized explanations of standardized HOT. This approach ensures they fully understand the unpredictable nature and various stages of their condition resulting from acute exacerbations.

Prevalence of Chronic Non-Communicable Respiratory Diseases in Mosul City

@#Introduction: Chronic non-communicable respiratory diseases (CNCRDs) encompass a group of conditions affecting the airways and lung structures, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cystic fibrosis. CNCRDs pose a significant global health challenge, resulting in approximately four million deaths annually. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with CNCRDs and measure trends in the prevalence of these risk factors over time. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted using data collected from primary health centers on both sides of Mosul City. The study period extended from January 1 to July 31, 2022, with information obtained from (40) primary health centers, consisting of (20) centers on the right side and (20) centers on the left side of Mosul. Results: In 2021, the City of Mosul recorded a total of 13,005 registered cases, with 5,598 cases being attributed to asthma (43%), and 7,347 cases being associated with COPD (57%). Bronchial asthma constituted 43% of cases, with 5598 patients, and the highest incidence occurred in the age group between 20-44 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of bronchial asthma and COPD among patients with CNCRDs in Mosul is alarmingly high. It emphasizes the importance of implementing preventive policies and strategies targeting modifiable risk factors for these respiratory conditions.

Complement lectins and respiratory diseases / 中国免疫学杂志

The complement lectin pathway is an important means to exert immune effect.Ficolin and Mannan-binding lectin(MBL)are the initiators of complement pathway.Both structure and function are very similar.They can activate the complement path-way by recognizing certain substances on the surface of pathogens,emphasizing phagocytosis or directly kill and dissolve related patho-gens,thereby playing an important role in the immune system,especially in fighting infection.The respiratory system diseases are mostly infectious diseases.In recent years,there have been reports that ficolin/MBL is related to many other respiratory diseases.This article discusses the related research of ficolin/MBL and respiratory diseases,hopes to provide theoretical support for related research.

Risk factors and determinants of pulmonary function impairments in chronic respiratory diseases in Ethiopia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are diseases of the lung airways and parenchyma. Globally, they are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the common CRDs, along with their lung function and possible determinants in symptomatic patients attending Bishoftu General Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sessional study was conducted at the outpatient of Bishoftu Hospital, Ethiopia from June 2019 to March 2020. Consecutive adult patients aged 18 and above with CRDs (≥8 weeks) were recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect data on demographics, symptoms, diagnoses, and putative risk factors. Lung function was measured by spirometry. Result: A total of 170 participants were recruited, the majority 102(60.0%) were female. The mean age was 49 years (SD=16). The most common symptoms were wheezing in the last twelve months 156 (91.8%), cough 138 (81.2%), and severe exertional breathlessness 137 (80.6%). Thirty-nine (22.9%) were either active or passive smokers. Half of the patients (50.3%) were exposed daily to vapors, dust, gases, or fumes and 58 (34.3%) were exposed to biomass smoke. In total, 138 (81.2%) had a positive allergen skin prick test. Chronic bronchitis (49.1%) and asthma (36.1%) were the most common clinical diagnoses. Classification of lung function revealed 23 (15%) normal, 29 (19%) obstructive, 36(23.5%) restrictive and 61(39.9%) mixed patterns. Airflow obstruction was independently associated with increasing age (p<0.05), exertional breathlessness (p<0.001), previous history of asthma (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), and doctor-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p<0.001) and asthma (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows a high burden of abnormal lung function in patients attending clinics because of CRDs symptoms. These findings support the critical need for spirometry services to determine lung abnormality in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms.

Nursing terminology for the care of people with respiratory diseases and Covid-19 / Terminología de enfermería para el cuidado de personas con enfermedades respiratorias y Covid-19 / Terminologia de enfermagem para o cuidado a pessoa com doençasrespiratórias e Covid-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: To build a specialized nursing terminology for the care of people with respiratory diseases and Covid-19 or who have respiratory diseases after Covid-19, based on ICNP®. Method: Methodological study developed in two stages: (1) identification of the relevant concepts for the health priority chosen from the literature; (2) cross-mapping of the identified concepts with the concepts contained in ICNP® version 2019/2020. Results: 9460 terms were extracted from the literature, of which 4065 terms were excluded because they were not related to the object of study and 5395 were submitted to the mapping technique, resulting in 290 constant terms in the ICNP® and 5134 non-constant terms. The constant terms were classified into the following axes: 120 in the Focus axis, 13 in Judgment, 48 in Action, 23 in Location, 38 in Means, eight in Time and one in Client. In addition, 36 nursing diagnoses/outcomes and three nursing interventions were mapped. Conclusion: The terminology will support the quality of care provided by the nursing team and the manual and electronic recording of patient data.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Construir una terminología enfermera especializada para el cuidado de personas con enfermedades respiratorias y Covid-19 o que presentan enfermedades respiratorias después de Covid-19, basada en la ICNP®. Método: Estudio metodológico desarrollado en dos etapas: (1) identificación de los conceptos relevantes para la prioridad sanitaria elegida a partir de la literatura; (2) mapeo cruzado de los conceptos identificados con los conceptos contenidos en la CIPN® versión 2019/2020. Resultados: 9460 términos fueron extraídos de la literatura, de los cuales 4065 términos fueron excluidos por no estar relacionados con el objeto de estudio y 5395 fueron sometidos a la técnica de mapeo, resultando 290 términos constantes en la ICNP® y 5134 términos no constantes. Los términos constantes se clasificaron en los siguientes ejes: 120 en el eje Enfoque, 13 en Juicio, 48 en Acción, 23 en Localización, 38 en Medios, ocho en Tiempo y uno en Cliente. Además, se mapearon 36 diagnósticos/resultados de enfermería y tres intervenciones de enfermería. Conclusión: La terminología va a subsidiar la calidad de los cuidados prestados por el equipo de enfermería y el registro manual y electrónico de los datos de los pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivos: Construir uma terminologia especializada de enfermagem para o cuidado à pessoa com doenças respiratórias e Covid-19 ou que apresentou doenças respiratórias após a Covid-19, fundamentada na CIPE®. Método: Estudo metodológico desenvolvido em duas etapas: (1) identificação dos conceitos relevantes para a prioridade de saúde escolhida a partir da literatura; (2) mapeamento cruzado dos conceitos identificados com os conceitos constantes na CIPE® versão 2019/2020. Resultados: Foram extraídos 9460 termos a partir da literatura. Desse total, 4065 termos foram excluídos por não estarem relacionados ao objeto de estudo e 5395 foram submetidos à técnica de mapeamento, resultando em 290 termos constantes na CIPE® e 5134 termos não constantes. Os termos constantes foram classificados nos eixos: 120 no eixo Foco, 13 no Julgamento, 48 no Ação, 23 no Localização, 38 no Meios, oito no Tempo e um no Cliente, além disso foram mapeados 36 diagnósticos/resultados de enfermagem e três intervenções de enfermagem. Conclusão: A terminologia subsidiará na qualidade da assistência da equipe de enfermagem e nos registros manual e eletrônico dos dados dos pacientes.

Enfermedades respiratorias en México. Análisis del estudio Global Burden of Disease 2021 / Respiratory diseases in Mexico. Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study 2021

Resumen Antecedentes: Las enfermedades respiratorias (ER) se analizan individualmente, posiblemente con subestimación de su carga total. Objetivo: Analizar la carga de las ER en México para población de 20 años o más de 1990 a 2021. Material y métodos: Se presenta la carga de ER en México a partir de estimaciones del estudio Global Burden of Disease en cuanto a mortalidad y años de vida saludable (AVISA) perdidos que comprenden recuentos, tasas por 100 000 y tasas estandarizadas por edad. Las ER se categorizaron en enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (ERC), infecciones respiratorias y cánceres respiratorios. Resultados: En 2021, las ER causaron la muerte de 336 728 adultos mayores de 20 años, lo que representó 30.5 % del total de defunciones, incremento cercano al triple respecto a 2019, principalmente debido a COVID-19. Las ERC contribuyeron con 3.4 % del total de muertes, las infecciones respiratorias con 25.9 % y los cánceres respiratorios con 1.2 %. La mortalidad y AVISA perdidos por ERC se incrementaron persistentemente, con variaciones entre los estados. Las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por edad de las ERC disminuyeron desde 1990, excepto las enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales, que se incrementaron constantemente. Conclusión: Los significativos niveles de mortalidad y discapacidad debidos a enfermedades respiratorias en México exigen mejorar la prevención, investigación y abordar factores de riesgo como tabaquismo y contaminación, además de fomentar la capacitación médica continua.

Abstract Background: Respiratory diseases (RD) are often analyzed separately rather, possibly leading to an underestimation of their total burden. Objective: To analyze the burden of RD in Mexico for population aged 20 or older from 1990 to 2021. Material y methods: We present the burden of RD in Mexico based on estimates of the Global Burden of Disease study for mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), comprising counts, rates per 100,000, as well as age-standardized rates. RDs were categorized into three key groups: chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), respiratory infections (RI), and respiratory cancers. Results: In 2021, among those aged 20+, RDs were responsible for 336,728 deaths, which accounts for 30.5% of total deaths— a nearly threefold increase since 2019, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CRDs contributed with 3.4% of total deaths; RIs, with 25.9%; and respiratory cancers, with 1.2%. CRDs showed a continuous rise in deaths, crude mortality, and DALY rates across genders, with no signs of leveling. RD burden varied widely across states. Age-standardized CRD mortality rates have generally declined since 1990, except for interstitial lung diseases, which have consistently increased. Conclusion: The significant burden of mortality and disability due to RDs in Mexico underscores the necessity for enhanced prevention, research, and for addressing risk factors such as smoking and pollution. Ongoing healthcare training can help reduce RD burden.

Relación de las Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles y Ejercicio Físico en la Población Chilena entre los años 2015-2016 / Risk of Retention of Secretions in Patients with Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

Introducción. Las prevalencias de la inactividad física, el sedentarismo y el sobrepeso y obesidad han aumentado sus índices durante los últimos años en Chile, lo que conlleva al desarrollo y aparición de diversas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como por ejemplo, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus e inclusive enfermedades respiratorias, las cuales repercuten negativamente en la población y deterioran la calidad de vida de las personas, independientemente el sexo y el rango etario. El ejercicio físico es una de las principales herramientas utilizadas por diversos profesionales de la salud como método de prevención y tratamiento en la población afectada, inclusive representa una alternativa de menor costo. Objetivo. Relacionar el ejercicio físico de alta y mediana intensidad con las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personas mayores a 18 años residentes en Chile durante el periodo 2015-2016. Métodos. Análisis cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de base secundaria ENCAVI 2015-2016, de residentes en Chile mayores de 18 años y con al menos una de las siguientes condiciones de salud: Hipertensión arterial, Diabetes Mellitus y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas no transmisibles. Resultados. Todas las variables presentan relaciones significativas (p<0,005) (HTA, DM, enfermedades respiratorias, edad, horas sentado, ejercicio físico de moderada y alta intensidad. Sin embargo, las variables de ejercicio físico moderada intensidad y enfermedades respiratorias (p=0,578) y las variables de sexo y horas sentado (p=0,005) no presentan relación significativa. Discusión. El ejercicio físico de moderada intensidad es el que tiene mejor respuesta ante las diferentes patologías según diferentes autores, por otro lado, en la recopilación de datos podemos encontrar que este tipo de ejercicio es efectivo en la Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusiones. Según los datos analizados, mientras mayor frecuencia de ejercicio físico de alta intensidad (en días) y ejercicio físico de moderada intensidad (en horas) se realice durante los últimos días de la semana, los diagnósticos de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (HTA, DM) y enfermedades respiratorias se verán controladas, mientras que, cuando existe menor frecuencia del ejercicio físico realizado durante los últimos días de la semana, tiende a existir mayor diagnóstico.

Background. The prevalence of physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and overweight and obesity have increased their rates in recent years in Chile, which leads to the development and appearance of various chronic non-communicable diseases, such as for example, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and even respiratory diseases, which have a negative impact on the population and deteriorate the quality of life of people, regardless of gender and age range (7). Physical exercise is one of the main tools used by various health professionals as a method of prevention and treatment in the affected population, even representing a lower cost alternative. Objetive. To relate high and medium intensity physical exercise with chronic non-communicable diseases in people over 18 years of age residing in Chile during the period 2015-2016. Methods. Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of the ENCAVI 2015-2016 secondary base of residents in Chile over 18 years of age and with at least one of the following health conditions: High blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus and chronic non-communicable respiratory diseases. Results. All the variables present significant relationships (p<0.005) (HTN, DM, respiratory diseases, age, hours sitting, moderate and high intensity physical exercise. However, the variables of moderate intensity physical exercise and respiratory diseases (p=0.578) and the variables of sex and sitting hours (p=0.005) do not present a significant relationship. Discussion. Moderate intensity physical exercise is the one that has the best response to different pathologies according to different authors, on the other hand, in data collection we can found that this type of exercise is effective in Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusions. According to the data analyzed, the greater the frequency of high-intensity physical exercise (in days) and moderate-intensity physical exercise (in hours) performed during the last days of the week, the diagnoses of chronic non-communicable diseases (HTN, DM) and respiratory diseases will be controlled, while, when there is less frequency of physical exercise carried out during the last days of the week, there tends to be a greater diagnosis.

Características clínicas y demográficas de los niños hospitalizados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Clinical and demographic characteristics of children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection / Características clínicas e demográficas de crianças hospitalizadas com infecção por SARS CoV-2

Introducción: en marzo de 2020 se registraron los primeros casos de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en Uruguay y se decretó la emergencia sanitaria. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas demográficas de los menores de 15 años hospitalizados con infección por SARS-CoV-2 en el período 13 de marzo de 2020 al 30 de septiembre de 2021 en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, centro de referencia público de Uruguay. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, en el que se describen edad, manifestaciones clínicas, comorbilidades, severidad, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: se hospitalizaron 207 niños con una frecuencia de 1,6%. La mediana (rango intercuartil) de edad fue 1,5 años (3 meses - 8 años); <1 año 44%; 54% de sexo masculino. Presentaron comorbilidades, 59 niños. Fueron sintomáticos, 71%. De los sintomáticos, presentaron síntomas leves 48%. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron respiratorias en 96 (65%) y no respiratorias en 51 (fiebre sin foco 15, digestivas 19, exantema viral 3, SIM-Ped S 10 y atípicas 3). Treinta niños ingresaron a unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y tres requirieron ventilación invasiva. Estos pacientes presentaron comorbilidades, tuvieron más días de fiebre y necesitaron oxigenoterapia que los que no requirieron UCI. Un paciente de 2 años con comorbilidades falleció. Conclusión: la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones fue de 1,6%. La mayoría de los niños sintomáticos presentaron formas leves. En los sintomáticos las manifestaciones fueron respiratorias. Los hallazgos en esta serie aportan al conocimiento del comportamiento de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en niños.

Introduction: in March 2020, the first cases of SARS CoV-2 infection were registered in Uruguay and a health emergency was decreed. Objective: To describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of children under 15 years of age hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 13, 2020, to September 30, 2021, at Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital, a public reference center in Uruguay. Method: descriptive, retrospective study describing age, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, severity and treatment. Results: a total of 207 children were hospitalized, with a frequency of 1.6%. The median (interquartile range) age was 1.5 years (3 months - 8 years); <1 year accounted for 44%, and 54% were male. Comorbidities were present in 59 children. 71% of them were symptomatic, and among the symptomatic cases, 48% presented mild symptoms. Clinical manifestations were respiratory in 96 (65%) cases and non-respiratory in 51 (fever without a focus 15, gastrointestinal 19, viral exanthem 3, pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome 10, and atypical 3). Thirty patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 3 required invasive ventilation. These patients had comorbidities, more days of fever, and required oxygen therapy compared to those who did not need ICU. One 2-year-old patient with comorbidities died. Conclusion: the hospitalization frequency was 1.6%. Most symptomatic children had mild forms of the disease. Among the symptomatic cases, respiratory manifestations were predominant. The findings from this series contribute to the understanding of the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

Introdução: Os primeiros casos de infecção por SARS CoV-2 no Uruguai foram registrados em março de 2020 quando foi decretada a emergência sanitária. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas e demográficas das crianças menores de 15 anos internadas com infecção por SARS CoV-2 no período 13 de março de 2020 - 30 de setembro de 2021 no Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, centro público de referência no Uruguai. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, incluindo idade, manifestações clínicas, comorbidades, gravidade, tratamento e evolução. Resultados: 207 crianças foram internadas com infecção por SARS CoV-2 correspondendo a frequência de 1,6% do total de crianças hospitalizadas no período estudado. A mediana (intervalo interquartil) de idade foi de 1,5 anos (3 meses - 8 anos) dos quais 44% eram <1 ano 44% e 54% do sexo masculino. 59 crianças apresentaram comorbidades. 71% eram sintomáticas sendo que 48% delas apresentaram sintomas leves. As manifestações clínicas foram respiratórias em 96 (65%) e não respiratórias em 51 (febre sem foco 15, digestiva 19, exantema viral 3, SIM-Ped S 10 e atípico 3). 30 crianças foram internadas na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e 3 precisaram de ventilação invasiva; esses pacientes apresentavam comorbidades, necessitaram de oxigenoterapia e tiveram mais dias de febre do que aqueles que não necessitaram de UTI. Uma paciente de 2 anos com comorbidades faleceu. Conclusão: a frequência de internações foi de 1,6%. A maioria das crianças sintomáticas apresentou formas leves. Nas sintomáticas as manifestações foram respiratórias. Os achados desta série contribuem para o conhecimento do comportamento da infecção por SARS CoV-2 em crianças.

Pattern and trends of respiratory diseases in an outpatient setting: a five-year review in a tertiary hospital in South-South, Nigeria

Background: Limited information exists on the epidemiology of respiratory diseases in South-South Nigeria, especially regarding changing risk factors. This study aimed to assess the frequency and pattern of respiratory diseases in an adult outpatient clinic in a teaching hospital in South-South Nigeria. Methods: Medical records of newly referred patients with respiratory diseases who received care at the chest clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The study included 655 patients (mean age: 54.7±18.7 years). The majority of cases occurred in the 41-60 age group, and 55.4% were female. Non-communicable respiratory diseases accounted for 60.9% of cases, while communicable respiratory diseases accounted for 39.1%. The most common respiratory diseases observed were bronchial asthma (22.6%), tuberculosis (21.1%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19.2%), pneumonia (11.1%), interstitial lung diseases (6.7%), and lung cancer (4.1%). Less common respiratory diseases included pulmonary aspergilloma (1.5%), pleural-related diseases (0.8%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (0.8%), and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (0.6%). The study's annual trend showed a gradual increase in the number of respiratory cases, reaching a low point in 2020. Significant differences were found in the age and gender distribution of the top six respiratory diseases (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the demographic and disease patterns of respiratory diseases in an outpatient setting, informing targeted prevention and treatment measures for these conditions.

Pattern and trends of respiratory diseases in an outpatient setting: a five-year review in a tertiary hospital in South-South, Nigeria

Background: Limited information exists on the epidemiology of respiratory diseases in South-South Nigeria, especially regarding changing risk factors. This study aimed to assess the frequency and pattern of respiratory diseases in an adult outpatient clinic in a teaching hospital in South-South Nigeria. Methods: Medical records of newly referred patients with respiratory diseases who received care at the chest clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The study included 655 patients (mean age: 54.7±18.7 years). The majority of cases occurred in the 41-60 age group, and 55.4% were female. Non-communicable respiratory diseases accounted for 60.9% of cases, while communicable respiratory diseases accounted for 39.1%. The most common respiratory diseases observed were bronchial asthma (22.6%), tuberculosis (21.1%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19.2%), pneumonia (11.1%), interstitial lung diseases (6.7%), and lung cancer (4.1%). Less common respiratory diseases included pulmonary aspergilloma (1.5%), pleural-related diseases (0.8%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (0.8%), and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (0.6%). The study's annual trend showed a gradual increase in the number of respiratory cases, reaching a low point in 2020. Significant differences were found in the age and gender distribution of the top six respiratory diseases (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the demographic and disease patterns of respiratory diseases in an outpatient setting, informing targeted prevention and treatment measures for these conditions.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Human Health in Mexico

Climate change is affecting health in a variety of ways, including deaths and illness from extreme weather events, heat waves, storms and floods, the disruption of food systems, an increase in zoonoses and food, water and vector-borne diseases, mental health problems and environmental migration. It is also undermining social determinants of good health, such as livelihoods, equality and access to health care and social support structures. These risks disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people (women, children, ethnic workers, poor communities, migrants and/or displaced persons, older adults and people with underlying health conditions). The objective of this study is to present a set of regional projections of temperature, rainfall, humidity and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI) drought index for Mexico under the sixth evaluation cycle (AR6) climate change scenarios of the (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), improving the projections of the Ocean-Atmospheric General Circulation Models and estimating the possible impacts of climate change on the health sector of Mexico. Regional models for Mexico show temperature increases ranging from 0.5 to 5°C, while % precipitation anomaly will range from -20.3 to 13.5% depending on scenario and period of analysis. The low soil moisture, the negative changes of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and SPEI 12 show that the North, West and Bajío zones presented reductions in precipitation and temperature increase that caused soil moisture deficit, water stress, presence of scarce vegetation and semi-permanent meteorological drought. Under these scenarios, it is expected that the entire country will be subjected to moderate to extremely strong droughts that will last and worsen between now and the end of the century. The results of the scenario projections and forecasts made by the IPCC show that diseases associated with climate change have already been present for several decades in Mexico and are expected to worsen by the end of the century, with consequent increases in health expenditures. It is estimated an increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) investment in the health sector that would go from the current 6.25% to more than 18%, while per capita spending will increase from $ 1230 US dollars to more than $ 3800 dollars at the end of the century, which could perhaps be unfeasible for the national economy, since it is estimated that productivity in the three sectors would be substantially reduced by the end of the century by the same effects of climate change. Thus, the vulnerability of the health sector in Mexico is high to very high, which puts the population at high risk.

Programa de salud y enfoque sociocultural en comunidades rurales de Ancash, Perú / Health Program and Sociocultural Approach in Rural Communities of Ancash, Peru

Introducción: En intervenciones con tecnologías apropiadas, orientadas a mejorar la salud respiratoria, predomina el precepto de que en comunidades rurales, su sola aplicación resuelve los problemas de salud. Aun cuando la educación socio-cultural ha adquirido una alta prioridad, sigue ocupando una importancia menor. Objetivo: Comprender cómo las particularidades y las semejanzas de los programas de salud con tecnología apropiada, de ayer y de hoy, impactan en la calidad de vida de las mujeres rurales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio con diseño cualitativo. En un primer momento, en tres grupos de La Esperanza, se evaluaron tres propuestas: Grupo 1 (Cocina Mejorada-Programa Educativo), Grupo 2 (Cocina Mejorada) y Grupo 3 (Programa Educativo). Cada grupo estuvo conformado por 15 mujeres. La información se obtuvo a partir de los cambios observados y las notas de campo. En un segundo momento, se analizaron las percepciones sobre cocinas mejoradas recientemente implementadas, a través de la realización de entrevistas a tres mujeres residentes en Chamana. Resultados: En La Esperanza, el grupo 1 alcanzó cambios ostensibles en todas las variables. El grupo 2 mantuvo prácticas inadecuadas. El grupo 3 logró cambios en las variables no vinculadas con la tecnología apropiada. En Chamana, debido a una capacitación insuficiente, las mujeres no reconocen las buenas prácticas para el uso de las cocinas mejoradas ni su impacto en la salud. Conclusiones: Una implementación con cocina mejorada acompañada con un pertinente programa educativo resulta cualitativamente superior. La presunción de que las tecnologías apropiadas por sí solas, podrían generar los cambios deseados, es cuestionable a todas luces(AU)

Introduction: In interventions with appropriate technologies, aimed at improving respiratory health, the precept that in rural communities their application alone solves health problems predominates. Although socio-cultural education has acquired a high priority, it is still of lesser importance. Objective: To understand how the particularities and similarities of health programs with past and present appropriate technology impact the quality of life of rural women. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. Initially, three proposals were evaluated in three groups of La Esperanza: Group 1 (Improved Cooking-Educational Program), Group 2 (Improved Cooking) and Group 3 (Educational Program). Each group consisted of 15 women. Information was obtained from observed changes and field notes. In a second moment, perceptions about recently implemented improved cookstoves were analyzed, through interviews with three women living in Chamana. Results: In La Esperanza, group 1 achieved significant changes in all variables. Group 2 maintained inadequate practices. Group 3 achieved changes in variables not linked to appropriate technology. In Chamana, due to insufficient training, women do not recognize good practices for the use of improved cookstoves and their impact on health. Conclusions: An implementation with improved cooking accompanied by a relevant educational program is qualitatively superior. The presumption that appropriate technologies alone could bring about the desired changes is clearly questionable(AU)

Study of the bronchoscopic evaluation of patients undergoing bronchoscopy in respiratory medicine department

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage or BAL is a minimally invasive procedure that involves instillation of sterile normal saline into a subsegment of the lung, followed by suction and collection of the instillation for analysis. This procedure is typically facilitated by the introduction of a flexible bronchoscope into a sub-segment of the lung. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathological variations in the tracheobronchial tree in various respiratory diseases. Methods: The study evaluated the bronchoscopic profile of 150 patients who underwent flexible bronchoscopy in the respiratory medicine department of MGM Medical College in Aurangabad, India from October 2020 to September 2022. Results: The majority of the patients were males (65%) and above the age of 50. The most common reason for bronchoscopy was radiological opacity (80% of cases), followed by diffuse pulmonary infiltration (10%). The study found that bronchoscopy was useful in obtaining samples for diagnosis of various respiratory diseases, including malignancies, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, and hematological malignancies. The study also noted the therapeutic utility of bronchoscopy in managing inoperable stenosis of the central airways. Conclusions: The authors concluded that bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of pulmonary diseases.

SARS-CoV-2 induced changes in the lungs based on autopsy cases

Context: Researchers throughout the world devote enormous efforts to reveal the peculiarities of the pathogenesis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, however, it continues to surprise and cause the death of millions of people. Aims: This article aims to study the molecular mechanisms provoked by SARS-CoV-2, the virus-induced changes in Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) functionality, in the vascular homeostasis through CD34 expression, B-cell immunity through the expression of CD20 and CD79?, and adhesion molecules through E-cadherin. Settings and Design: This was a prospective, descriptive, and observational study. Methods and Material: A total of 15 autopsies of patients deceased by COVID-19 infection, confirmed by PCR, were performed. The lungs of all patients were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for ACE2, E-cadherin, CD34, CD20, and CD79?. Results: Immunohistological analysis showed increased ACE2 expression in all lung autopsy material affected by COVID-19 infection and we found a higher intensity of ACE2 expression than that of a healthy lung. CD20 examination reveals total deficiency of B-cells in the pulmonary parenchyma and CD79? is also absent. E-Cadherin is not expressed in the basal cellular sections where the contact elements are missing. CD34 demonstrates a desquamation of the endothelial cells, which indicates a direct damage of the vascular walls. Conclusions: We found that patients who died after severe COVID-19 had high immune deficiency and impaired intercellular communication in the parenchyma and endothelium of lung tissue, leading to severe thromboembolic complications in patients with multiple diseases.

Recent Advances in Phytoleads for Management of Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorder is one of the common disorders related to the respiratory tract. In regards, to the development of resistance against the drugs now in use, respiratory disorders become a significant major challenge in the health sector. For respiratory illness treatment, many phytoleads or phytoconstituents are traditionally used and for their efficacy, few have been found with optimistic results. In this review, all the phytoleads or phytoconstituents have anti-inflammatory activity, and some of them possess antioxidant activity too. All are used to treat respiratory tract inflammation. Curcumin was used as an anti-asthmatic also. The results of this study show that for the cure of respiratory system disorders, phytoleads or phytoconstituents are used.The use of Phytoleads nowadays provide benefit in the discovery of new drugs for future targets.

Consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en la población pediátrica y su relación con el material particulado atmosférico en Bahía Blanca: un estudio ecológico / Consultations for acute respiratory diseases in the pediatric population and their relationship with atmospheric particulate matter in Bahía Blanca: an ecological study

Introducción. El material particulado (PM) es uno de los contaminantes del aire que mayor implicación tienen en la aparición o exacerbación de cuadros respiratorios en niños. Objetivo. Describir las características de las consultas por enfermedades respiratorias agudas en menores de 15 años, los niveles de PM en el aire, y analizar la asociación existente entre ellos en un sector de Bahía Blanca entre abril de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Población y métodos. Estudio ecológico de series temporales y grupos múltiples. Análisis descriptivo de consultas totales, por área, diagnóstico, y del PM. Modelo de correlación y regresión lineal generalizado para determinar la relación entre las variables. Se utilizó el programa SPSS®. Resultados. Se recopilaron 4787 consultas. Un 38,6 % (1846) correspondieron a rinitis y un 21,1 % (1011) a broncoespasmo. El PM de 10 nm (PM10) superó su valor límite el 31 % (115) de los días de estudio y el de 2,5 nm (PM2,5) un 3 % (8). Un aumento del 10 % del PM2,5 demostró incrementos de 1,3 % en las consultas totales; el incremento llegó al 2,1 % en el área más cercana al sector industrial (p <0,05). En esta última, el aumento del 10 % de los valores de PM10 se asoció al aumento del 1,8 % de las consultas (p <0,05). Conclusión. Se demostró asociación positiva entre las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria aguda y los niveles de PM del aire, sobre todo con el PM2,5 y en el área más cercana al sector industrial.

Introduction. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the air pollutants most involved in the onset or exacerbation of respiratory conditions in children. Objective. To describe the characteristics of consultations for acute respiratory diseases in children younger than 15 years and the levels of PM in the air and to analyze their association in a sector of Bahía Blanca between April 2019 and March 2020. Population and methods. Ecological, time-series study with multiple groups. Descriptive analysis of total number of consultations, by area, diagnosis, and PM. Generalized linear correlation and regression model to determine the relationship among variables. The SPSS® software was used. Results. Data from 4787 consultations were collected. Of these, 38.6% (1846) were related to rhinitis and 21.1% (1011), to bronchospasm. PM of 10 nm (PM10) exceeded its limit value on 31% (115) of the study days, and PM of 2.5 nm (PM2.5), on 3% (8). A 10% increase in PM2.5 showed increases of 1.3% in total consultations; the increase reached 2.1% in the area closest to the industrial sector (p < 0.05). In the latter, a 10% increase in PM10 was associated with an increase of 1.8% in consultations (p < 0.05). Conclusion. A positive association was evidenced between consultations for acute respiratory diseases and PM levels in the air, especially with PM2.5 and in the area closest to the industrial sector.