Acute carbon monoxide poisoning in a Filipino household

@#There have been multiple reports already regarding acute carbon monoxide/CO poisoning in the Philippines secondary to misuse of portable generators, especially during the times of typhoon. We present a case of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in a Filipino household wherein three of its members were found dead and leaving other five unconscious before they were rushed to the hospital. The index patient had increased serum fraction percentage of carboxyhemoglobin level and presented with rhabdomyolysis during admission. Neuroimaging confirmed a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy secondary to carbon monoxide intoxication. Even without hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patient improved with adequate hydration, early rehabilitation and trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Performance of exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in smoking cessation clinics and its influence on patients' willingness and behavior for smoking cessation / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the performance of exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in smoking cessation clinics and its influence on patients' willingness and behavior for smoking cessation in China. Methods: Data of 41 566 patients who visited 257 smoking cessation clinics equipped with exhaled carbon monoxide detectors from 2019 to 2021 were selected to study the relationship between exhaled carbon monoxide measurement and patients' willingness to quit smoking as well as smoking cessation rate in those who completed follow up. Results: Only 21 470 (51.7%) of the patients received exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in the first visit. Patients who had exhaled carbon monoxide measurement were 1.87 (95%CI: 1.78-1.96) times more likely to have stronger willingness to quit smoking. The follow up results indicated that the patients with exhaled carbon monoxide measurement in the first visit were 1.10 (95%CI: 1.05-1.16) times more likely to quit smoking one month later than those without the measurement, and 1.22 (95%CI: 1.17-1.29) times more likely to quit smoking three months later than those without measurement. Conclusions: Exhaled carbon monoxide measurement can improve patients' willingness to quit smoking and increase smoking cessation rate. However, the testing rate is low in smoking cessation clinics at present. It's important to promote the equipment and utilization of exhaled carbon monoxide detector in smoking cessation clinics.

Carboxyhemoglobinemia as a laboratory finding in an outpatient

Resumen El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas producido principalmente por combustión incompleta de hidrocarburos. La intoxicación por exposición ambiental puede presentarse con síntomas inespecíficos y constituye la causa más importante de aumento de carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Su nivel en sangre depende de la duración de la exposición, la ventilación minuto y las concentraciones de CO y oxígeno en el ambiente. La elevada toxicidad radica en la hipoxia tisular que se genera. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, 73 años, en seguimiento en el hospital por neumonía intersticial no específica como patología de base. En un control de laboratorio se encontró 11,9% de COHb, sin exposición a tabaco. No utilizaba calefacción a gas sino un panel cerámico eléctrico, recientemente pintado con esmalte sintético. La suspensión del uso del panel normalizó la COHb. El CO, producto de descomposición térmica del esmalte sintético, explica la causa de la intoxicación.

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced mainly by incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. Poisoning from environmental exposure can present with nonspecific symptoms and is the most important cause of increased carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Its blood level depends on the duration of exposure, minute ventilation, and the concentrations of CO and oxygen in the environment. The high toxicity lies in the tissue hypoxia that is generated. The case of a male patient, 73 years old, under follow-up in the hospital for non-specific interstitial pneumonia as the underlying pathology was presented. In a laboratory control, COHb 11,9% was found. There was no exposure to tobacco and there was no use of gas heating but of an electric ceramic panel, recently painted with synthetic enamel type paint. The suspension of the use of the panel normalised the COHb. The CO product of thermal decomposition of synthetic enamel explains the cause of poisoning.

Resumo O monóxido de carbono (CO) é um gás produzido principalmente pela combustão incompleta de hidrocarbonetos. A intoxicação por exposição ambiental pode se apresentar com sintomas inespecíficos e é a causa mais importante de aumento da carboxihemoglobina (COHb). Seu nível em sangue depende do tempo de exposição, da ventilação minuto e das concentrações de CO e oxigênio no ambiente. A alta toxicidade está na hipóxia tecidual gerada. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 73 anos, em acompanhamento hospitalar por pneumonia intersticial inespecífica como patologia de bas. Em um controle laboratorial, achou-se 11,9% de COHb, sem exposição ao tabaco. Não utilizava aquecimento a gás e sim um painel elétrico cerâmico, recentemente pintado com esmalte sintético. A suspensão do uso do painel normalizou o COHb. O CO produto da decomposição térmica do esmalte sintético explica a causa da intoxicação.

Design and Verification of Lung Diffusion Function Detection System / 中国医疗器械杂志

A lung diffusion function detection system is designed. Firstly, the controllable collection of air, test gas source and calibration gas source was based on single-breath method measurement principle. Secondly, pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DlCO) was calculated by gas concentration measured by the non-dispersive infrared sensor to measure, the gas flow measured by the differential pressure sensor, and the temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensors to test and evaluate the quantitative detection and evaluation of lung diffusion function. Moreover, a preliminary verification of the lung diffusion function detection system was implemented, and the results showed that the error of the lung carbon monoxide diffusion and the alveolar volume did not exceed 5%. Therefore, the system has high accuracy and is of great value for early screening and accurate assessment of COPD.

Role and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in vascular calcification / 生理学报

Vascular calcification is a common pathological process in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, manifested by the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the walls of blood vessels. Hydrogen sulfide is the third gas signal molecule found in mammals after nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stress and other effects in the cardiovascular system. In recent years, it has been recognized that hydrogen sulfide has an anti-vascular calcification effect, and supplementation with hydrogen sulfide and its donors can alleviate vascular calcification. In this review, we discussed the various evidence of the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on vascular calcification, and highlighted the hydrogen sulfide metabolism changes and the potential regulatory mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide on the pathophysiological changes in vascular calcification.

Determinantes de la salud ambiental en el Perú: curva de Kuznets 1990-2015 / Determinants of environmental health in Peru: Kuznets curve 1990-2015

El ambiente es el lugar donde vive, trabaja y se desarrolla el hombre, compuesto básicamente por dos sistemas interrelacionados e independientes: por una parte, es el hombre conviviendo en una sociedad con características muy diferentes, y por el otro lado, los elementos de la naturaleza siendo transformados por los hombres donde viven inmersos. En ese sentido, la degradación y contaminación ambiental, tienen efectos notables en la vidad de los seres humanos, siendo responsable de la muerte de cientos de millones de personas que sufren de enfermedades respiratorias asociadas con la contaminación externa e interior del aire. En ese sentido, ya a partir de las últimas décadas, las emisiones de dióxido de carbono han alcanzado cifras record superando las 10 gigatoneladas. Este incremento está asociado al sector energético (47%), la industria (30%) y el transporte (11%) principalmente, lo que ha logrado un calentamiento global progresivo de la superficie terrestre con las consecuencias típicas asociadas al derretimiento de los glaciares, cambios en los ciclos hidrológicos, falta de alimentos, aumento de los fenómenos meteorológicos, migraciones descontroladas, enfermedades y pandemias. De este modo, surge la economía ambiental, una disciplina que intenta dar repuestas integrales entre ambos tópicos, medio ambiente y economía, donde diversas teorías tratan de explicar los fenómenos observados. El concepto de las Curvas de Kuznets Ambientales (CKA), señala una relación dinámica entre el PIB y la calidad del medio ambiente. El objetivo del artículo ha sido determinar si en el Perú, durante el periodo 1990-2015, ha habido una relación en forma de U invertida entre la producción interna y la contaminación del aire. La investigación prueba que, en el Perú, durante el periodo 1990-2015, no ha habido una relación en forma de U invertida entre la producción interna y la contaminación del aire, sino que la producción interna ha tenido un impacto positivo y lineal sobre el dióxido de carbono y el óxido de nitrógeno(AU)

The environment is the place where man lives, works and develops, basically composed of two interrelated and independent systems: on the one hand, it is man living together in a society with very different characteristics, and on the other hand, the elements of the nature being transformed by men where they live immersed. In this sense, environmental degradation and pollution have notable effects on the lives of human beings, being responsible for the death of hundreds of millions of people who suffer from respiratory diseases associated with external and internal air pollution. In this sense, already in recent decades, carbon dioxide emissions have reached record figures, exceeding 10 gigatons. This increase is mainly associated with the energy sector (47%), industry (30%) and transport (11%), which has achieved a progressive global warming of the earth's surface with the typical consequences associated with the melting of glaciers, changes in hydrological cycles, lack of food, increased weather events, uncontrolled migrations, diseases and pandemics. In this way, environmental economics arises, a discipline that tries to provide comprehensive answers between both topics, environment and economy, where various theories try to explain the observed phenomena. The concept of the Environmental Kuznets Curves (EKC), indicates a dynamic relationship between GDP and the quality of the environment. The objective of the article has been to determine if in Peru, during the period 1990-2015, there has been an inverted U-shaped relationship between internal production and air pollution. The research proves that, in Peru, during the period 1990-2015, there has not been an inverted U-shaped relationship between domestic production and air pollution, but rather that domestic production has had a positive and linear impact on air pollution. carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide(AU)

Eficácia da liberação do músculo iliopsoas sobre os parâmetros respiratórios em pacientes com dor lombar crônica: um protocolo de ensaio clínico controlado randomizado único cego, dois grupos, pré-teste/pós-teste / Efficacy of iliopsoas muscle release on respiratory parameters in patients with chronic low back pain: a single blinded, two- groups, pre-test/post-test randomized controlled trial protocol

OBJETIVO: Iliopsoas e o músculodiafragma compartilham fixação comum nas vértebras L2, a contração do iliopsoas pode levar à redução da excursão do diafragma levando à dificuldade respiratória. Portanto, o presente estudo controlado fornecerá evidências sobre o efeito da liberação do músculo iliopsoas na melhoria da eficiência respiratória em pacientes com dor lombar crônica. MÉTODO / DESENHO: Um total de trinta e quatro participantes com lombalgia crônica mecânica lombar crônica devido à rigidez dos flexores do quadril, dor lombar crônica e dificuldade respiratória serão recrutados com base nos critérios de seleção e serão alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, Grupo A (tratamento conservador + liberação miofascial iliopsoas), Grupo B (tratamento conservador + tratamento simulado). Ambos os grupos receberão a intervenção três vezes por semana durante 3 semanas. As medidas de resultado serão o Questionário de Incapacidade de Roland Morris, a Escala Numérica de Avaliação da Dor e a Capacidade de Difusão do Pulmão, pois o monóxido de carbono será usado como medidas de resultado. DISCUSSÃO: Este estudo ajudará a identificar a eficácia da liberação de iliopsoas na dor lombar e seu efeito nos parâmetros respiratórios. REGISTRO DO ENSAIO: Este ensaio foi registrado prospectivamente em cliniclatrials.gov (CTRI / 2020/04/024661), em 16 de abril de 2020.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Iliopsoas and diaphragm muscle share common attachment at L2 vertebrae, iliopsoas tightness may lead to reduce diaphragm excursion leading to breathing difficulty. Therefore, the present controlled trial will provide evidence on the effect of the iliopsoas muscle release in upgrading respiratory efficiency in patients with chronic low back pain. METHOD/DESIGN: A total of thirty-four participants with mechanical chronic low back pain due to hip flexor tightness and having breathing difficulty will be recruited based on selection criteria. It will be randomly allocated into Group A (conservative treatment + iliopsoas myofascial release), Group B (conservative treatment + sham treatment). Both the group will receive the intervention three times a week for three weeks. The outcome measures will be the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and diffuse capacity of Lung for Carbon monoxide as outcome measures. DISCUSSION: This trial will help identify the effectiveness of iliopsoas release in low back pain and its effect on respiratory parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been prospectively registered at cliniclatrials.gov (CTRI/2020/04/024661) on 16 April 2020.

Escenarios de exposición a monóxido de carbono que orientan la sospecha clínica de intoxicación aguda / Carbon monoxide exposure scenarios that may guide a clinical suspicion of severe poisoning / Cenários de exposição ao monóxido de carbono que orientam a suspeita clínica de envenenamento agudo

Resumen: El monóxido de carbono (CO) se acumula en ambientes interiores cuando hay combustión y no es perceptible. Los síntomas de intoxicación son inespecíficos, por lo que las circunstancias en las que ocurre la intoxicación pueden ser orientadoras para el diagnóstico. Objetivo: fortalecer capacidades clínicas para sospechar y confirmar intoxicaciones por CO. Método: estudio descriptivo transversal de los casos sospechosos (pacientes con síntomas neurológicos o digestivos en los que se identifica una fuente de combustión en ambiente interior) consultados en el Centro de Información y Asesoramiento Toxicológico en 2017. Resultados: fueron 111 casos, de los cuales 52 ocurrieron en 22 episodios de exposición colectiva. Los menores de 15 años fueron 37/111 y el porcentaje de niños que se identificó en intoxicaciones colectivas (23/37) es significativamente mayor que en adultos. En el período invernal ocurrieron 67/111, siendo la temperatura mínima media de 9,3 ºC. Los equipos a combustión involucrados con mayor frecuencia fueron los calefones a gas, seguidos de las estufas a gas. El síntoma inicial más frecuente fue la cefalea. La media de la carboxihemoglobina (COHb) fue de 14,7%. Los casos severos (45/111) se correlacionaron significativamente con la exposición a CO de un calefón a gas. Conclusiones: la tasa de intoxicación es baja comparada con países de similar latitud, lo que plantea la posibilidad de un subdiagnóstico. La temperatura mínima ambiental por debajo de 10 °C, la permanencia en espacios con calefacción a combustión y el uso de calefón a gas fueron los escenarios típicos de la intoxicación. La cefalea es un síntoma clave para investigar la exposición. La sospecha diagnóstica puede ser menor cuando se trata de casos individuales, sobre todo en niños.

Summary: Carbon monoxide accumulates in closed environments when there is unnoticed combustion. Signs of poisoning are non-specific, and thus circumstances around poisoning may constitute a diagnostic guide. Objective: to strengthen the clinical capacities to suspect and confirm carbon monoxide poisoning. Method: descriptive, transversal study of suspicious cases (patients with neurological or digestive symptoms for which an indoor combustion source is identified) who consulted at the Poisoning Center in 2017. Results: 111 cases were included in the study, 52 of which occurred in 22 episodes of collective exposure. 37 patients were under 15 years old and the percentage of children identified in collective poisoning (23/37) was significantly greater than the one representing adults. 67 cases occurred in winter, minimum average temperature being 9.3°C. The combustion equipment most frequently involved in poisoning events were gas-fired water heaters in the first place, followed by gas stoves. The most frequent initial symptom was headache. Average COHb was 14.7%. Severe cases (45/111) were significantly corelated to carbon monoxide exposure from gas-fired water heaters. Conclusions: the poisoning rate is low when compared to countries in a similar latitude, what suggests the possibility of under-diagnosis. Minimum environment temperature under 10°C, staying in spaces with combustion-based heating and the use of gas-fired water heaters were the typical poisoning scenarios. Headache is a key symptom to search for exposure. The diagnostic suspicion may be lower when it involves individual cases, mainly in children.

Resumo: O monóxido de carbono (CO) se acumula em ambientes fechados quando há combustão e não é perceptível. Os sintomas de envenenamento são inespecíficos, portanto, as circunstâncias em que ocorre o envenenamento podem orientar o diagnóstico. Objetivo: fortalecer as capacidades clínicas para suspeitar e confirmar envenenamento por monóxido de carbono. Método: estudo descritivo transversal de casos suspeitos (pacientes com sintomas neurológicos ou digestivos em que uma fonte de combustão é identificada em ambiente interno) consultados no CIAT em 2017. Resultados: foram identificados 111 casos, dos quais 52 ocorreram em 22 episódios de exposição em grupo. Trinta e sete eram menores de 15 anos sendo que a porcentagem de crianças que foram identificadas em intoxicações coletivas (23/37) é significativamente maior do que em adultos. No "período de inverno", com temperatura média mínima de 9,3ºC, ocorreram 67 casos. Os equipamentos de combustão mais frequentemente envolvido foram aquecedores de água a gás, seguidos de fogões a gás. O sintoma inicial mais frequente foi cefaleia. O COHb médio foi de 14,7%. Os casos graves (45/111) foram significativamente correlacionados com a exposição ao CO de um aquecedor de água a gás. Conclusões: o índice de intoxicações é baixo quando comparado a países de latitude semelhante, o que indica a possibilidade de subdiagnóstico. A temperatura ambiente mínima abaixo de 10 ° C, a permanência em ambientes com aquecimento a combustão e o uso de aquecedores a gás foram os cenários típicos de intoxicação. A cefaleia é um sintoma chave para investigar a exposição. A suspeita diagnóstica pode ser menor quando se trata de casos individuais, principalmente em crianças.

Dependência do tabaco e nível de monóxido de carbono em trabalhadores terceirizados / Dependencia del tabaco y nivel de monóxido de carbono enempleados tercerizados / Tobacco dependence and carbon monoxide level in outsourced workers

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a dependência física do tabaco e o nível de monóxido de carbono no ar exalado (status tabágico) em trabalhadores terceirizados de uma universidade pública. Método: estudo descritivo-analítico, transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido com 316 trabalhadores terceirizados de uma universidade pública. Os dados foram coletados por meio do instrumento de caracterização dos participantes, do Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence e do aparelho monoxímetro. Resultados: dos 316 trabalhadores terceirizados, apenas 41 relataram o uso de tabaco ou derivados e 39% destes possuíam grau de dependência física do tabaco elevado/muito elevado. A maioria (90,2%) deles possuía status tabágico considerados fumantes. As variáveis dependência física do tabaco e nível de monóxido de carbono no ar exalado apresentaram associação estatística (p=0,038). Conclusão: alguns trabalhadores possuíam dependência física ao tabaco; por isso, torna-se importante a criação e adoção de políticas públicas que atendam a este tipo de população, assim como, a presença de um enfermeiro nas empresas, com vistas para a promoção da saúde dos trabalhadores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la dependencia física del tabaco yel nivel de monóxido de carbono en el aire exhalado (status de tabaquismo) enempleados tercerizados de una universidad pública. Método: estudio descriptivo-analítico, transversal, cuantitativo, desarrollado con 316 empleados tercerizados de una universidad pública. Los datos fueronrecolectados por medio del instrumento de caracterización de los participantes, delFagerström Test forNicotineDependencey delmonitor de monóxido de carbono. Resultados: de los 316 empleados tercerizados, solo 41 relataron el uso de tabaco o derivados yel 39% de estos poseía grado de dependencia física del tabaco elevado/muy elevado. La mayor partede ellos (90,2%) poseía statusde tabaquismo considerados fumadores. Las variables dependencia física del tabaco y nivel de monóxido de carbono en el aire exhalado presentaron asociación estadística (p=0,038). Conclusión: algunos empleados poseían dependencia física al tabaco; por ello, es importante la creacióny adopción de políticas públicas que respondan a este tipo de población, así como la presencia de un enfermero en las empresas, a fin de promover la salud de los empleados.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the physical dependence to tobacco and carbon monoxide levels in the exhaled air (smoking status) in outsourced workers at a public university. Method: descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional, quantitative study developed with 316 outsourced workers from a public university. Data were collected using an instrument for characterization of the participants, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and measurements with a monoximeter. Results: of the 316 outsourced workers, only 41 reported the use of tobacco or tobacco products and 39% of them had a high/very high degree of physical dependence to tobacco. The majority (90.2%) had smoking status considered of smokers. The variables physical dependence to tobacco and level of carbon monoxide in exhaled air showed a statistical association (p= 0.038). Conclusion: some workers had physical dependence to tobacco; therefore, the creation and adoption of public policies aimed at this type of population and the presence of nurses in companies are important to promote the health of workers.

Capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono, pautas para su interpretación / Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, guidelines for interpretation

Resumen La capacidad de difusión de monóxido de carbono (DLCO) es, después de la espirometría, la prueba de función pulmonar rutinaria y no invasiva de mayor utilidad clínica. No obstante, hay sustanciales errores de interpretación del significado fisiológico de la DLCO, de sus medidas derivadas y por consiguiente del significado clínico de sus alteraciones. Además de la utilización de diferentes nomenclaturas, otras fuentes de confusión han contribuido a cierta visión negativa de la prueba. Los aspectos técnicos de la prueba de DLCO tienen la ventaja de estar estandarizados. Pero a diferencia de lo que ocurre con otras pruebas de función pulmonar donde disponemos de valores de referencia que permiten determinar la "normalidad o anormalidad" de las mismas, es difícil aplicar esta vía de análisis en el caso de la DLCO. El hecho central en el análisis de la DLCO, el factor de transferencia para el CO (KCO), y el volumen alveolar (VA) es que para una correcta interpretación es necesario tener en cuenta el mecanismo por el cual la patología induce el cambio. Un KCO del 100% puede ser considerado normal en unas circunstancias o patológico bajo otras y, por el momento, el informe automatizado del estudio no puede discriminar. Este artículo describirá los principios de la prueba de DLCO, presentará diferentes modelos de análisis, expondrá ejemplos concretos y ofrecerá pautas para su correcta interpretación. Se considera indispensable efectuar un análisis integrado de la prueba de DLCO en relación con otras pruebas funcionales y con los datos clínicos.

Abstract The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is, after spirometry the standard and noninvasive pulmonary function test of greater clinical use. However, there are substantial errors in the interpretation of the physiological significance of the DLCO, its derived measures and, therefore the clinical significance of its alterations. In addition to the use of different nomenclatures, other sources of confusion have contributed to some negative view of the test. The technical aspects of the DLCO test have the advantage of being well standardized. But unlike what happens with other pulmonary function tests where we have reference values which allow us to determine their "normality or abnormality", it is difficult to apply this route of analysis in the case of DLCO. The central fact in the analysis of DLCO, transference factor for CO (KCO), and alveolar volume (VA) is that for a correct interpretation it is necessary to think about the mechanism by which the pathology induces change. A KCO of 100% can be considered normal in some circumstances or pathological in others and, for the moment, the automated study report cannot discriminate. This article will address the principles of the DLCO test; present different models of analysis submit concrete examples and provide guidelines for their correct interpretation. It is considered essential to carry out an integrated analysis of the DLCO test in relation to other functional tests and clinical data.

Association between in vitro fertilization success rate and ambient air pollution: a possible explanation of within-year variation of in vitro fertilization success rate

Risk of late appearance of acute myocardial infartion after carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication / Riesgo de aparición de infarto agudo de miocardio en el largo plazo después de una intoxicación por monóxido de carbono (CO)

ABSTRACT Background: After acute carbon monoxide intoxication, there may be a higher risk for late adverse cardiac events. However, these patients are usually not followed to monitor the appearance of these effects. Aim: To follow patients seen at an emergency department for carbon monoxide intoxication, monitoring the appearance of myocardial infarction. To assess the predictive value for such complication of serum troponin, carboxyhemoglobin, and procalcitonin levels at the moment of intoxication. Material and Methods: We followed 237 patients receiving emergency care for carbon monoxide intoxication, with a serum carboxyhemoglobin of 5% or more, between 2010 and 2012. Levels of procalcitonin and troponin I were measured. Patients were followed for five years after the intoxication. Results: During the follow up period, 35 patients had a myocardial infarction. These patients had significantly higher carboxyhemoglobin, procalcitonin and troponin I levels at the moment of the intoxication than their counterparts who did not had a myocardial infarction in the follow up. A logistic regression analysis showed that age, carboxyhemoglobin levels, procalcitonin, troponin 1 and length of CO exposure were associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction. Procalcitonin, troponin and carboxyhemoglobin levels had a high sensitivity and specificity to predict the appearance of myocardial infarction, with high areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Conclusions: In patients with CO intoxication, carboxyhemoglobin, troponin and procalcitonin levels at the moment of the intoxication are significant predictors of the late appearance of myocardial infarction.

Antecedentes: Después de una intoxicación con monóxido de carbono, hay un mayor riesgo de desarrollar problemas cardiovasculares a largo plazo. Sin embargo, estos pacientes no son seguidos habitualmente para evaluar la aparición de estos eventos. Objetivo: Efectuar un seguimiento de pacientes que han sufrido una intoxicación con CO, evaluando la aparición de infarto del miocardio. Evaluar el valor de los niveles de troponina, carboxihemoglobina y procalcitonina para predecir la aparición de estos eventos. Material y Métodos: Seguimos 237 pacientes que fueron atendidos de urgencia por una intoxicación con CO, con niveles de carboxihemoglobina de 5% o más, entre 2010 y 2012. Se midieron los niveles de procalcitonina, troponina 1 y carboxihemoglobina y los pacientes fueron seguidos por cinco años después de la intoxicación. Resultados: Durante el seguimiento, 35 pacientes tuvieron un infarto al miocardio. Estos pacientes tenían niveles significativamente más altos de procalcitonina, troponina 1 y carboxihemoglobina al momento de la intoxicación, que los pacientes que no tuvieron un infarto durante el seguimiento. Una regresión logística mostró que la edad, carboxihemoglobina, procalcitonina, troponina y la duración de exposición a CO se asociaron a un mayor riesgo de infarto. Procalcitonina, troponina 1 y carboxihemoglobina tuvieron una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para predecir la aparición de infarto, con áreas bajo la curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) elevadas. Conclusiones: En pacientes con intoxicación por CO, la carboxihemoglobina, procalcitonina y troponina son predictores significativos de la aparición de infarto agudo de miocardio en el largo plazo.

Informe especial: Contaminación del aire: CABA 2010-2018 / Special report: Air pollution: CABA 2010-2018

informe realizado por los equipos de trabajo que pertenecen a Salud Ambiental, Agencia de Protección Ambiental y Gerencia Operativa de Epidemiología, del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. En el presente informe se analizan una serie de indicadores que permiten observar los valores de contaminantes criterio: Material Particulado en suspensión menor a 10 micrones (PM 10), Monóxido de Carbono (CO) y Dióxido de Nitrógeno (NO2), registrados en las estaciones de Monitoreo de Calidad del Aire que posee la Ciudad (La Boca, Parque Centenario y Córdoba), las cuales registran las concentraciones de estos contaminantes en forma continua (durante 24 horas, los 365 días del año), mediante métodos homologados internacionalmente. El periodo registrado abarca los años 2010 hasta el año 2018 completo. (AU)

Clinical characteristics in lymphangioleiomyomatosis-related pulmonary hypertension: an observation on 50 patients / 医学前沿

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare diffuse cystic lung disease. Knowledge on LAM-related pulmonary hypertension (PH) is limited. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of LAM with elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and evaluate the potential efficacy of sirolimus. The study involved 50 LAM patients who underwent echocardiography. According to the tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), these patients were divided into the TRV ⩽ 2.8 m/s group and TRV > 2.8 m/s group. Both groups comprised 25 females with an average age of 38.6 ± 8.1 and 41.5 ± 8.9 years. In the TRV > 2.8 m/s group, the estimated systolic PAP (SPAP) was significantly elevated (52.08 ± 12.45 mmHg vs. 30.24 ± 5.25 mmHg, P < 0.01). Linear analysis showed that SPAP was correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, alveolar arterial oxygen gradient (PO), and 6 min walking distance (r =-0.392, -0.351, 0.450, and -0.591, respectively; P < 0.05), in which PO was a risk factor for SPAP elevation (β = 0.064, OR = 1.066, P < 0.05). Moreover, in 10 patients who received sirolimus therapy, SPAP decreased from 57.0 12.6 mmHg to 35.2 ± 11.1 mmHg. The study showed that LAM patients with PH exhibit poor pulmonary function and hypoxemia and may benefit from sirolimus treatment.

Is Long-term Ambient Air Pollutant Exposure a Risk Factor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children? A 12-year Longitudinal Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies suggest that air pollution may play a role in gastrointestinal disorders. However, the effect of long-term exposure to air pollution on childhood irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unclear. Hence, we conducted a nationwide cohort study to investigate the association between long-term air pollution exposure and the incidence and risk of IBS in Taiwanese children during 2000–2012. METHODS: We collected data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, linked to the Taiwan Air Quality-Monitoring Database according to the insurant living area and the air quality-monitoring station locations. Children < 18 years old, identified from January 1st, 2000, were followed-up until IBS diagnosis or December 31st, 2012. The daily average air pollutant concentrations were categorized into 4 quartile-based groups (Q1–Q4). We measured the incidence rate, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals for IBS stratified by the quartiles of air pollutant concentration. RESULTS: A total of 3537 children (1.39%) were diagnosed with IBS within the cohort during the follow-up period. The incidence rate for IBS increased from 0.84 to 1.76, from 0.73 to 1.68, from 0.85 to 1.98, and from 0.52 to 3.22 per 1000 person-years, with increase in the carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbon, and methane quartile (from Q1 to Q4) exposure concentration, respectively. The adjusted HR for IBS increased with elevated carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, non-methane hydrocarbon, and methane exposure in Q4 to 1.98, 2.14, 2.19, and 5.87, respectively, compared with Q1. CONCLUSION: Long-term ambient air pollutant exposure is an environmental risk factor for childhood IBS.

Association between gaseous pollutants and emergency ambulance dispatches for asthma in Chengdu, China: a time-stratified case-crossover study

OBJECTIVES@#The association between concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O), and emergency ambulance dispatches (EADs) for asthma was explored in the central Sichuan Basin of southwestern China for the first time.@*METHODS@#EADs for asthma were collected from the Chengdu First-Aid Command Center. Pollutant concentrations were collected from 24 municipal environmental monitoring centers and including SO, NO, CO, daily 8-h mean concentrations of O (O-8 h), and particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM). The climatic data were collected from the Chengdu Municipal Meteorological Bureau. All data were collected from years spanning 2013-2017. A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to analyze the data.@*RESULTS@#After controlling for temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure, IQR increases in SO (13 μg/m), NO (17 μg/m), and CO (498 μg/m) were associated with 18.8%, 11.5%, and 3.1% increases in EADs for asthma, respectively. The associations were strongest for EADs and SO, NO, and CO levels with 3-, 5-, and 1-day lags, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study provides additional data to the limited body of literature for potential health risks arising from ambient gaseous pollutants. The results of the study suggest that increased concentrations of SO, NO, and CO were positively associated with emergency ambulance dispatches for asthma in Chengdu, China. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of individual air pollutants on asthma.

Current State of Research on the Risk of Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Air Pollution in Korea

PURPOSE: The effects of air pollution on health can vary regionally. Our goal was to comprehensively review previous epidemiological studies on air pollution and health conducted in Korea to identify future areas of potential study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched all published epidemiologic studies examining the association between air pollution and occurrence of death, diseases, or symptoms in Korea. After classifying health outcomes into mortality, morbidity, and health impact, we summarized the relationship between individual air pollutants and health outcomes. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 27 studies that provided 104 estimates of the quantitative association between risk of mortality and exposure to air pollutants, including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide in Korea between January 1999 and July 2018. Regarding the association with morbidity, there were 38 studies, with 98 estimates, conducted during the same period. Most studies examined the short-term effects of air pollution using a time series or case-crossover study design; only three cohort studies that examined long-term effects were found. There were four health impact studies that calculated the attributable number of deaths or disability-adjusted life years due to air pollution. CONCLUSION: There have been many epidemiologic studies in Korea regarding air pollution and health. However, the present review shows that additional studies, especially cohort and experimental studies, are needed to provide more robust and accurate evidence that can be used to promote evidence-based policymaking.

An MRI-Based Quantification for Correlation of Imaging Biomarker and Clinical Performance in Chronic Phase of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between quantitative magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers, and clinical performances in chronic phase of carbon monoxide intoxication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen magnetic resonance scans and cognitive evaluations were performed, on patients with carbon monoxide intoxication in chronic phase. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios of affected versus unaffected centrum semiovale, and corpus callosum were obtained. Signal intensity (SI) ratios between affected centrum semiovale, and normal pons in T2-FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) images were obtained. The Mini-Mental State Exam, and clinical outcome scores were assessed. Correlation coefficients were calculated, between MRI and clinical markers. Patients were further classified into poor-outcome and good-outcome groups based on clinical performance, and imaging parameters were compared. T2-SI ratio of centrum semiovale was compared, with that of 18 sex-matched and age-matched controls. RESULTS: T2-SI ratio of centrum semiovale was significantly higher in the poor-outcome group, than that in the good-outcome group and was strongly inversely correlated, with results from the Mini-Mental State Exam. ADC ratios of centrum semiovale were significantly lower in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group, and were moderately correlated with the Mini-Mental State Exam score. CONCLUSION: A higher T2-SI and a lower ratio of ADC values in the centrum semiovale, may indicate presence of more severe white matter injury and clinical impairment. T2-SI ratio and ADC values in the centrum semiovale, are useful quantitative imaging biomarkers for correlation with clinical performance in individuals with carbon monoxide intoxication.

Effectiveness of a Workplace Smoking Cessation Program based on Self-determination Theory Using Individual Counseling and Tailored Text Messaging: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: Adverse health effects of smoking could be made worse by worker's tobacco use, and combining tobacco use with occupational hazards could enhance the likelihood of occupational disease and injury. This study was aimed to develop a workplace smoking cessation program based on self-determination theory (SDT) and then to examine the effectiveness of the program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent control group pretesteposttest design was used. An intervention group (n = 30) received a smoking cessation program using individual counseling and tailored text messaging based on SDT during 12 weeks. Participants in the control group (n = 30) received a smoking cessation leaflet and telephonic follow-up for 3 times. RESULTS: At 6 and 12 weeks, there were significant differences between the two groups on autonomous regulation, perceived competence, nicotine dependence, tobacco abstinence rate, and exhaled carbon monoxide concentration. At 12 weeks, the abstinence rate in the intervention group was 96.7%, whereas that in the control group was 12.9%. CONCLUSION: SDT-based workplace smoking cessation program using individual counseling and tailored text messaging is effective in encouraging autonomous regulation and competence for workers.

The Effects of Air Pollutants on the Prevalence of Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases in South Korea: A National Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVES: The effects of air pollutants on upper airway disease development have been seldom studied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of air pollution on the prevalence of ENT diseases. METHODS: We identified cases of ENT disease occurring in 2009, as recorded by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and explored their associations with the levels of five air pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), ozone (O₃), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM₁₀ particles; particulates ≤10 μm in aerodynamic diameter). Subjects diagnosed with at least one of the five studied ENT diseases were included in analysis, but those aged under 19 years were excluded. Linear associations between ENT disease frequency and pollutant levels were evaluated by calculating Spearman correlations. After adjusting for age, gender, and geographic region, multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of 7,399 subjects with ENT diseases were identified. A linear association was evident between PM₁₀ concentration and the frequency of septal deviation (Spearman coefficient, 0.507; P=0.045). After adjustment, the PM₁₀ level was associated with high odds ratios for chronic rhinosinusitis (1.22; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.46) and septal deviation (1.43; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.67). Both of these conditions were more prevalent in males. CONCLUSION: We found that increased ambient concentrations of PM₁₀ particles were clearly associated with increased the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis and septal deviation; the exposure-response relationship was definitive.