Risk Factor For Respiratory Diseases Research Articles

Acute exposure to wood smoke from incomplete combustion--indications of cytotoxicity.

BackgroundSmoke from combustion of biomass fuels is a major risk factor for respiratory disease, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether exposure to wood smoke from incomplete combustion would elicit airway inflammation in humans.MethodsFourteen healthy subjects underwent controlled exposures on two separate occasions to filtered air and wood smoke from incomplete combustion with PM1 concentration at 314 μg/m3 for 3 h in a chamber. Bronchoscopy with bronchial wash (BW), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and endobronchial mucosal biopsies was performed after 24 h. Differential cell counts and soluble components were analyzed, with biopsies stained for inflammatory markers using immunohistochemistry. In parallel experiments, the toxicity of the particulate matter (PM) generated during the chamber exposures was investigated in vitro using the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line.ResultsSignificant reductions in macrophage, neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers were observed in BW (p < 0.01, <0.05, <0.05, respectively) following the wood smoke exposure, with a reduction in lymphocytes numbers in BAL fluid (<0.01. This unexpected cellular response was accompanied by decreased levels of sICAM-1, MPO and MMP-9 (p < 0.05, <0.05 and <0.01). In contrast, significant increases in submucosal and epithelial CD3+ cells, epithelial CD8+ cells and submucosal mast cells (p < 0.01, <0.05, <0.05 and <0.05, respectively), were observed after wood smoke exposure. The in vitro data demonstrated that wood smoke particles generated under these incomplete combustion conditions induced cell death and DNA damage, with only minor inflammatory responses.ConclusionsShort-term exposure to sooty PAH rich wood smoke did not induce an acute neutrophilic inflammation, a classic hallmark of air pollution exposure in humans. While minor proinflammatory lymphocytic and mast cells effects were observed in the bronchial biopsies, significant reductions in BW and BAL cells and soluble components were noted. This unexpected observation, combined with the in vitro data, suggests that wood smoke particles from incomplete combustion could be potentially cytotoxic. Additional research is required to establish the mechanism of this dramatic reduction in airway leukocytes and to clarify how this acute response contributes to the adverse health effects attributed to wood smoke exposure.Trial registrationNCT01488500Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-015-0111-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy and Early Childhood Asthma.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. While folic acid supplementation around conception helps prevent neural tube defects, an animal model suggests that it may be a risk factor for respiratory diseases, although epidemiologic studies have had conflicting results. We investigated the timing of folic acid-containing prescription filling during pregnancy and child asthma. In a retrospective cohort study of 104,428 children, born 1996-2005, and their mothers enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid, we investigated the association of filling folic acid-containing prescriptions during pregnancy and childhood asthma at ages 4.5-6 years. We categorized women into exposure groups based on prescription filling centered around the first trimester: no folic acid prescription exposure, exposure in first trimester only, exposure after first trimester, and exposure in first trimester and beyond. We defined asthma using asthma-specific healthcare visits and medication fills. Using logistic regression models, we investigated the relationship adjusting for potential confounders. Overall 15% of children had asthma. Compared with children born to women with no folic acid prescription exposure, children born to women with exposures in the first trimester only or first trimester and later had increased relative odds of asthma (adjusted odds ratios = 1.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.1, 1.3, and 1.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.2, 1.3); no association was seen in children born to women exposed after the first trimester. Timing of folic acid-containing prescription filling during pregnancy was associated with childhood asthma. Our findings contribute to understanding of the role of prenatal nutritional supplements on child respiratory health.

Evidence supporting the need for considering the effects of smoking on drug disposition and effectiveness in medication practices: a systematic narrative review.

This study was conducted to provide a narrative overview of interactions between smoking and drug effectiveness/ pharmacokinetics. Database searches were performed to identify review articles published prior to March 10, 2013. Eligible articles reporting altered pharmacokinetic profiles, drug response, or adverse drug effects due to drug-smoking interactions were selected. Information on mechanism of action and clinical effects from the selected articles (n = 83) were summarized by therapeutic drug class. For cardiovascular drugs, smoking effects were variable. Smoking reduced aspirin response but increased clopidogrel response by increasing active metabolites. Warfarin, which has a narrow therapeutic range, required dosage adjustment in smokers due to its rapid clearance. Smoking is a risk factor for respiratory disease, leading to a lower response to corticosteroid and requiring increased doses or additional drugs. Higher doses of theophylline and some antipsychotics, which are mainly metabolized by CYP1A2, are required to reach an optimal plasma concentration in smokers. Smoking is also a risk factor for cancer, especially for lung cancer. Erlotinib or gefitinib are epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for lung cancer and showed lower anticancer effects in smokers. This summary of the interactions between smoking and drug pharmacological properties will aid healthcare professionals in providing patients with appropriate drug therapies, and emphasizes the need for considering smoking status as a patient factor in the clinical setting.

Morbidity and disease management in pet rats: a study of 375 cases

Typical diseases are well described in pet rats, but their prevalence and management are largely unknown. During a six-month period, standardised records were obtained for 375 rats presenting in three...

Cytologic and functional alterations of nasal mucosa in smokers: temporary or permanent damage?

Tobacco smoke is a significant risk factor for respiratory diseases. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cytologic and functional features of nasal mucosa in smokers, nonsmokers, and ex-smokers to evaluate if nasal alterations in smokers are permanent or reversible conditions after smoking cessation. Case series with planned data collection. University medical center. Ninety healthy volunteers recruited from the staff of Alfredo Fiorini Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, were enrolled in this prospective study from October to November 2013. We divided the cases according to smoking habits (smokers, nonsmokers, ex-smokers). Each group was composed of 30 subjects. Cytologic features of nasal mucosa and effectiveness of nasal mucociliary clearance were studied, focusing on 4 parameters: (1) nasal mucociliary clearance, assessed by saccharin nasal transit time; (2) ratio between the number of ciliated cells and goblet cells, analyzed by microscopic observation of cytologic specimens of nasal mucosa that had undergone May Grunwald Giemsa staining; (3) evaluation of ciliary motility; and (4) time of ciliary movement of ciliated cells analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy. All parameters were significantly reduced in the smokers compared to the nonsmokers. There were no statistically significant differences between the nonsmoker and ex-smoker groups. Cigarette smoking causes cytologic modifications of nasal mucosa that influence the effectiveness of mucociliary clearance. Our preliminary study suggests that these changes are not permanent and that nasal mucosa of ex-smokers recovers normal cytologic and functional features.

PO-0994 Ltri In Paediatrics: Analysis Of An Annual Survey

<h3>Background and aims</h3> Lower tract respiratory infections (LTRI) are very frequent in paediatric population. We collected epidemiological, etiological and clinical data and correlated them to some variables. <h3>Methods</h3> We performed an observational study of all children with a LTRI, admitted to our Paediatric Unit from February 2013 to January 2014. The population was grouped in three classes of ages (0–2yr, 3–6yr, &gt;6yr). All patients underwent to a questionnaire focused on exposition to protective and risk factors for respiratory diseases. <h3>Results</h3> 83 children were included. We grouped them according to discharge diagnosis and analysed the distribution for ages, sex and season of onset. At the admission 18 patients had respiratory distress; O2 therapy was necessary for 11 of them, infusion therapy for 40, endovenous antibiotic therapy for 34. Swabs were positive in 1 case for Parainfluenza viruses and in 2 for S. Aureus; sierological tests were positive in 5 cases for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, in 2 for Chlamydia Pneumoniae, in 1 for ParvovirusB19, in 1 for Coxsackievirus. In 28 patients (33%) exposition to passive smoke was observed, in 17 (20%) to aeroallergens and in 33 (40%) a personal or familiar story of atopy. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our experience showed a higher prevalence of LTRI in males (63%), in winter (35%) and spring (33%), without a difference between preschool and school age children.

Sintomas respiratórios em pacientes atendidos em uma unidade básica de saúde de Goiânia-GO

Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios em indivíduos que procuram uma unidade básica de saúde, descrevendo as distribuições desses sintomas e dos fatores de risco relacionados com doenças respiratórias. Métodos: estudo transversal em uma unidade básica de saúde de Goiânia-GO. Durante um ano, 44 observações, escolhidas de forma aleatória, foram realizadas, onze em cada estação do ano. Para análise dos dados, foram utilizados teste do qui-quadrado, ANOVA, correlação e regressão robusta univariada. Resultados: dentre os 3.354 indivíduos avaliados, 13,7% (458/3.354) possuíam sintomas respiratórios. A tosse foi o sintoma respiratório mais prevalente, ocorrendo em 91% (417/458) dos casos. Em relação aos que procuraram a unidade de saúde, 4,8% (161/3354) apresentavam tosse por duas semanas ou mais. A proporção dos diferentes sintomas respiratórios (tosse, dispneia e chiado) foi semelhante entre as estações, e as prevalências de sintomas respiratórios encontradas nas quatros estações (inverno, outono, verão e primavera) foram, respectivamente, 20%, 14%, 11,9% e 7,4%. A média do tempo de tosse para idosos foi estatisticamente maior que nos demais grupos (p=0,004). Os tabagistas, ex-tabagistas, portadores de baixo peso, pessoas que referiam pneumonia prévia, asma ou DPOC apresentaram médias de tempo de tosse maiores, mas essas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas. O modelo de regressão mostrou aumento do tempo de tosse com aumento da idade (r2=0,08; p=0,0001). Conclusão: as doenças respiratórias perfazem uma importante parcela dos atendimentos da unidade básica de saúde. A prevalência de sintomas respiratórios é maior no inverno e o tempo médio de tosse aumenta com a idade.

Acrolein induced both pulmonary inflammation and the death of lung epithelial cells

Acrolein, a compound found in cigarette smoke, is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases. Previous research determined that both acrolein and cigarette smoke produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). As many types of pulmonary injuries are associated with inflammation, this study sought to ascertain the extent to which exposure to acrolein advanced inflammatory state in the lungs. Our results showed that intranasal exposure of mice to acrolein increased CD11c+F4/80high macrophages in the lungs and increased ROS formation via induction of NF-κB signaling. Treatment with acrolein activated macrophages and led to their increased production of ROS and expression of several key pro-inflammatory cytokines. In in vitro studies, acrolein treatment of bone marrow-derived GM-CSF-dependent immature macrophages (GM-IMs), activated the cells and led to their increased production of ROS and expression of several key pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acrolein treatment of macrophages induced apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. Inclusion of an inhibitor of ROS formation markedly decreased acrolein-mediated macrophage activation and reduced the extent of epithelial cell death. These results indicate that acrolein can cause lung damage, in great part by mediating the increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines/factors by macrophages.

Climate change and respiratory diseases.

Changes in climate constitute a reality that, according to recent projections, is going to worsen in the coming years. Climate change represents a massive threat to respiratory health: 1) by directly promoting or aggravating respiratory diseases; or 2) by increasing exposure to risk factors for respiratory diseases. Climate change increases the amount of pollen and allergen produced by each plant, mould proliferation and the concentrations of outdoor ozone and particulate matter at ground level. The main diseases of concern are asthma, rhinosinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory tract infections. Groups at higher risk of climate change effects include individuals with pre-existing cardiopulmonary diseases or disadvantaged individuals. Adaptation and mitigation measures are strongly needed. It is now widely accepted that the earth’s temperature is increasing, as confirmed by warming of the oceans, rising sea levels, glaciers melting, sea ice retreating in the Arctic and diminished snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere. Moreover, changes are also occurring in the amount, intensity, frequency and type of precipitation, as well as the increase of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods and hurricanes [1–3]. Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is probably due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas (namely carbon dioxide, methane and the nitrous oxides) concentrations [1]. Projections of future greenhouse gas emissions indicate a worsening of the situation with between a 1.1 and 6.4°C increase in the mean temperature by the end of the 21st century [1]. Climate change represents a massive direct threat to respiratory health by promoting or aggravating respiratory diseases or indirectly by increasing exposure to risk factors for respiratory diseases [4]. Climate affects weather, air and water quality, local and national food supplies, economics …

Age-related changes in arterial blood-gas variables in Holstein calves at moderate altitude

The goal of this study was to determine whether peripheral oxygen delivery and efficacy of alveolar-arterial oxygen (A-a O 2 ) transfer, as estimated from the A-a O 2 pressure gradient, are compromised in Holstein calves at moderate altitude. The primary objective was to evaluate age-related changes in arterial blood-gas variables, L-lactate, and hematocrit in healthy calves. The secondary objective was to determine if coughing and nasal discharge, commonly used indicators of respiratory disease, are associated with A-a O 2 gradient. Arterial blood-gas tensions were evaluated in a cohort of 61 dairy calves on one farm at moderate altitude (1,601 m to 1,696 m). Sampling was performed on four occasions at approximately 10, 38, 150, and 261 days of age. Hyperventilation, as indicated by hypocapnia, was evident in calves of all ages. Increasing age was associated with a nonlinear increase in arterial oxygen tension (P,0.001) and a nonlinear decrease in A-a O 2 gradient (P,0.001). The mean A-a O 2 gradient at 10 and 38 days of age was over 18 mmHg, indicating poor efficacy of oxygen transfer. Cough score (P=0.02) but not nasal score (P=0.32) was associated with an in increase in A-a O 2 pressure gradient. Mean hematocrit remained low (,27%) despite hypoxemia. From 38 days of age, median L-lactate concentration remained over 1.5 mmol/L, indicating substantial anaerobic respiration due to inadequate oxygen delivery. Twenty-five percent of calves were treated for respiratory disease. The maximum age at first treatment was 102 days. In conclusion, there was a nonlinear improvement in A-a O 2 transfer efficacy with increasing age, but peripheral oxygen delivery remained compromised. Hyperventilation and impaired A-a O 2 transfer due to functional immaturity of the pulmonary system may be risk factors for respiratory disease in dairy calves at moderate altitude.

Respiratory Health Equality in the United States. The American Thoracic Society Perspective

Because the frequency of major risk factors for respiratory diseases (e.g., tobacco use) differs across demographic groups (defined by socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, health care access, occupation, or other characteristics), health disparities are commonly encountered in pediatric and adult pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. As part of its policy on respiratory health disparities, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Executive Committee created a Health Equality Subcommittee of the Health Policy Committee, with an initial mandate of defining respiratory health equality and, as a subsequent task, providing recommendations to the ATS leadership as to how our society may help attain such equality in the United States. After receiving input from the ATS assemblies and committees, the subcommittee developed this document on respiratory health equality. This document defines respiratory health disparities and respiratory health equality, and expands on a recent ATS and European Respiratory Society policy statement on disparities in respiratory health. Attainment of respiratory health equality requires the ending of respiratory health disparities, which can be achieved only through multidisciplinary efforts to eliminate detrimental environmental exposures while promoting a healthy lifestyle, implementing all components of high-quality health care (prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment), and conducting research that will lead to better prevention and management of respiratory diseases for everyone. The ATS recognizes that such efforts must include all stakeholders: members of society at large, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and other professional societies. The ATS urges all of its members and those of sister societies to work to achieve this laudable goal.

Eosinophilic pneumonia induced by ceftaroline

A case of eosinophilic pneumonia in a patient receiving ceftaroline for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is reported. A 65-year-old woman was admitted to a medical intensive care unit after arriving at the emergency room with complaints of progressively worsening shortness of breath. Her medical history included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, recent traumatic brain injury, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse. Within the first few days of hospitalization, the patient was diagnosed with MRSA pneumonia based on microbiological data from bronchoscopy bronchial washings. Her renal function liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. Empirical antibiotic therapy included i.v. vancomycin and meropenem and was narrowed to i.v. linezolid monotherapy based on culture and sensitivity results. After 10 days of treatment with linezolid, the patient was persistently febrile, and cultures remained positive. It was decided to switch therapy to a course of i.v. ceftaroline, an anti-MRSA cephalosporin. On the fifth day of treatment with ceftaroline, the patient developed respiratory decompensation and peripheral eosinophilia of 40%. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) results indicated the presence of pulmonary eosinophilia of 13%. Chest radiographs revealed pulmonary infiltrates, and the computed tomography angiography showed no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Ceftaroline was discontinued, and the patient was started on vancomycin and methylprednisolone. The patient responded to methylprednisolone therapy, with repeat BAL and peripheral blood counts showing resolved eosinophilia. A patient with risk factors for respiratory disease developed eosinophilic pneumonia after receiving ceftaroline for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia. Eosinophilia resolved after ceftaroline was discontinued and i.v. methylprednisolone was initiated.

Chronic and chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in rats leads to a mismatch in the endothelial ADMA/NO pathway

Introduction: Hypoxia, either from altitude or clinical ailments is associated with pathophysiological conditions like mountain sickness and/or hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. An endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the manifestation of these diseases. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous formed NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor and well known as a risk factor for respiratory diseases associated with an endothelial dysfunction. ADMA is metabolized by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH). Our study was aimed to assess the molecular involvement and behavior of the ADMA/NO pathway during chronic hypoxia (CH) and intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

Endotoxin, Ergosterol, Fungal DNA and Allergens in Dust from Schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia- Associations with Asthma and Respiratory Infections in Pupils

There are few studies on associations between respiratory health and allergens, fungal and bacterial compounds in schools in tropical countries. The aim was to study associations between respiratory symptoms in pupils and ethnicity, chemical microbial markers, allergens and fungal DNA in settled dust in schools in Malaysia. Totally 462 pupils (96%) from 8 randomly selected secondary schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, participated. Dust was vacuumed from 32 classrooms and analysed for levels of different types of endotoxin as 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH), muramic acid, ergosterol, allergens and five fungal DNA sequences. Multiple logistic regression was applied. Totally 13.1% pupils reported doctor’s diagnosed asthma, 10.3% wheeze and 21.1% pollen or pet allergy. Indian and Chinese children had less atopy and asthma than Malay. Carbon dioxide levels were low (380–690 ppm). No cat (Fel d1), dog (Can f 1) or horse allergens (Ecu cx) were detected. The levels of Bloomia tropicalis (Blo t), house dust mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der m 1) and cockroach allergens (Per a 1 and Bla g 1) were low. There were positive associations between levels of Aspergillus versicolor DNA and daytime breathlessness, between C14 3-OH and respiratory infections and between ergosterol and doctors diagnosed asthma. There were negative (protective) associations between levels of C10 3-OH and wheeze, between C16 3-OH and day time and night time breathlessness, between cockroach allergens and doctors diagnosed asthma. Moreover there were negative associations between amount of fine dust, total endotoxin (LPS) and respiratory infections. In conclusion, endotoxin at school seems to be mainly protective for respiratory illness but different types of endotoxin could have different effects. Fungal contamination measured as ergosterol and Aspergillus versicolor DNA can be risk factors for respiratory illness. The ethnical differences for atopy and asthma deserve further attention.

Genetic risk factors for respiratory diseases of preterm infants

Aims Genetic variants of pulmonary surface glycoproteins like Muc5a and Muc5b are known to affect mucociliary clearance, control of infections and maybe associated with pulmonary fibrosis [1-3]. We tested the hypothesis that Muc5b (rs35705950) is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. In addition, we aimed to identify common variants associated with the need for surfactant treatment.

Respiratory diseases in the world: one voice “united for lung health”

The lungs are essential organs for life. However, lung diseases (including at least 10 major conditions and many more rare and orphan diseases) cause pain and suffering for millions and are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. There are many risk factors for respiratory disease, which can start from a very early age, although many are avoidable and their effects treatable. As a society, over the years, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has been quick to respond to changing health priorities, and to raise awareness of respiratory medicine in the media and attract the attention of policy makers in Europe. In 2013, the society launched a new edition of The European Lung White Book [1], which draws on the latest data from the World …

Persisting hypoxaemia is an insufficient measure of adverse lung function in very immature infants

BackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as protracted neonatal hypoxaemia, is considered a risk factor for respiratory disease in adulthood. The relationship between this diagnosis and the actual lung injury appearing in...

Abstract 19253: Chronic Hypobaric Hypoxia and Chronic Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia in Rats Leads to a Mismatch in the ADMA-NO Pathway

Introduction: Chronic Hypoxia (CH) as well as chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) are associated with pathophysiological conditions like acute/chronic mountain sickness and pulmonary hypertension. In the manifestation of these diseases the endothelium and the L-arginine/NO pathway plays a crucial role. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous formed NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor and well known as a risk factor for respiratory diseases associated with an endothelial dysfunction in the pulmonary circulation. ADMA is metabolized by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH). In order to have a broader view of the involvement and behavior of ADMA and DDAH under CH as well as CIH our study was aimed to assess the changes in ADMA levels and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Wistar rats were maintained under conditions of CIH (2 days of hypobaric hypoxia followed by 2 days of normoxia (NX) for 30 days (428 torr), CH (30 days, 428 torr) and a control group maintained under NX (n=8 within each group). Systemic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail cuff plethysmography. ADMA concentration and DDAH activity were measured in lung tissue by a LC-MS/MS assay. Vascular oxidative stress response was determined by expression of Nox4 and the formation of malondialdehyde. Results: Hemodynamic measurements showed an increase in SBP in CH compared to NX (171.9±1.2 mmHg vs 176.7±4.6 mmHg; p=0.037). CH and CIH led to the development of a moderate right ventricular hypertrophy. ADMA concentrations in the lung were increased under hypoxia (P(NX vs CIH)=0.01 (85.3±66.3 nM vs 140.3±46.7 nM); P(NX vs CH)=0.007 (85.3±66.3 nM vs 197.1±56.0 nM) although it was more pronounced in CH (P=0.04). Hypoxia increased oxidative stress in the lung in combination with a reduced DDAH activity, more pronounced in CH. Expression of the endothelial NOS was increased but NO bioavailability was reduced in CH and CIH. Conclusion: The increase of ADMA might be one reason for impaired NO bioavailability in CH and CIH, resulting in an endothelial dysfunction. Likewise, oxidative stress seems to be another main cause of the mismatch in the ADMA-NO pathway.

The role of farm operational and rural environments as potential risk factors for pediatric asthma in rural Saskatchewan

Researchers have historically reported that farm children have a lower prevalence of asthma compared to more urban children. Potential explanations include theories surrounding differences in personal factors, access to health care, engagement in health risk behaviors, and differences in the environment. The aims of this study were to: (1) confirm whether the prevalence of asthma varies between farm and small town status among children living in Saskatchewan; (2) identify risk and protective factors for asthma, and use this information to infer which of the above theories is most explanatory for any observed geographic variations in pediatric asthma. Rural students (N = 2383, 42% participation rate) from the province of Saskatchewan participated in a 2011 cross-sectional study. Parents completed a survey that included questions about location of residence, respiratory symptoms, potential risk factors for respiratory disease, and exposures to farm activities. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine relations between respiratory outcomes (asthma, wheeze) with farm type and farm activities, while accounting for factors that may underlie such relations. Asthma and wheeze prevalence did not differ by residential status. Living on a grain farm (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43-0.96), cleaning or playing in pens (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.46-1.02), filling grain bins (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.32-0.96), and riding horses (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.40-1.05) were protective factors for ever diagnosis with asthma. We identified a number of risk and protective factors for asthma and associated wheeze. This suggests the need to focus on specific environmental explanations to better understand previously observed associations between farm residential status and asthma.

On Lung Function and Interactions Using Genome-Wide Data

On Lung Function and Interactions Using Genome-Wide Data