1. |
- Barman, Malin, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the FADS Gene Cluster but not the ELOVL2 Gene are Associated with Serum Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition and Development of Allergy (in a Swedish Birth Cohort).
- 2015
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In: Nutrients. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6643. ; 7:12, s. 10100-10115
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences immune function and may affect the risk of allergy development. Long chain PUFAs are produced from dietary precursors catalyzed by desaturases and elongases encoded by FADS and ELOVL genes. In 211 subjects, we investigated whether polymorphisms in the FADS gene cluster and the ELOVL2 gene were associated with allergy or PUFA composition in serum phospholipids in a Swedish birth-cohort sampled at birth and at 13 years of age; allergy was diagnosed at 13 years of age. Minor allele carriers of rs102275 and rs174448 (FADS gene cluster) had decreased proportions of 20:4 n-6 in cord and adolescent serum and increased proportions of 20:3 n-6 in cord serum as well as a nominally reduced risk of developing atopic eczema, but not respiratory allergy, at 13 years of age. Minor allele carriers of rs17606561 in the ELOVL2 gene had nominally decreased proportions of 20:4 n-6 in cord serum but ELOVL polymorphisms (rs2236212 and rs17606561) were not associated with allergy development. Thus, reduced capacity to desaturase n-6 PUFAs due to FADS polymorphisms was nominally associated with reduced risk for eczema development, which could indicate a pathogenic role for long-chain PUFAs in allergy development.
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2. |
- Hedman, Linnea, et al.
(author)
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Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Smoking Habits, Demographic Factors, and Respiratory Symptoms
- 2018
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In: Jama Network Open. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2574-3805. ; 1:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IMPORTANCE There is an ongoing debate about whether electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the solution to the tobacco epidemic or a new public health threat. Large representative studies are needed to study e-cigarette use in the general population, but hardly any have been published. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and to investigate the association of e-cigarette use with smoking habits, demographic factors, and respiratory symptoms. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional, population-based study of random samples of the population, performed within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) study and West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS). The same validated questionnaire including identical questions was used in OLIN and WSAS. In 2016, OLIN and WSAS conducted postal questionnaire surveys in random samples of adults aged 20 to 75 years. In OLIN, 6519 participated (response rate, 56.4%); in WSAS, 23 753 participated (response rate, 50.1%). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Electronic cigarette use, smoking habits, and respiratory symptoms. RESULTS Of 30 272 participants (16 325 women [53.9%]). 3897 (12.9%) were aged 20 to 29 years; 4242 (14.0%). 30 to 39 years; 5082 (16.8%). 40 to 49 years; 6052 (20.0%), 50 to 59 years; 6628 (21.9%), 60 to 69 years; and 4371(14.4%), 70 to 75 years. The number of current smokers was 3694 (12.3%), and 7305 (24.4%) were former smokers. The number of e-cigarette users was 529 (2.0%). and e-cigarette use was more common among men (275 of 12 347 [2.2%; 95% CI, 2.0%-2.5%]) than women (254 of 14 022 [1.8%; 95% CI, 1.6%-2.0%]). Among current smokers. 350 of 3566 (9.8%; 95% CI, 8.8%10.8%) used e-cigarettes compared with 79 of 6875 (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.9%-1.3%) in former smokers and 96 of 15 832 (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.5%-0.7%) in nonsmokers (P < .001). Among e-cigarette users who answered the survey question about cigarette-smoking habits (n = 525). 350 (66.7%; 95% CI, 62.7%-70.7%) were current smokers, 79 (15.0%; 95% CI, 11.9%-18.1%) were former smokers, and 96 (18.3%; 95% CI, 15.0%-21.6%) were nonsmokers (P < .001 for trend). In a regression analysis, e-cigarette use was associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% CI. 1.12-1.62); age groups 20 to 29 years (OR. 2.77; 95% CI, 1.90-4.05), 30 to 39 years (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.53-3.36), 40 to 49 years (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11-2.44). and 50 to 59 years (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.01-2.12); educational level at primary school (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.51-2.64) and upper secondary school (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.25-1.96); former smoking (OR. 2.37; 95% CI, 1.73-3.24); and current smoking (OR. 18.10; 95% CI, 14.19-23.09). All respiratory symptoms were most common among dual users and former smokers and nonsmokers who used e-cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Use of e-cigarettes was most common among smokers, and dual users had the highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms. On a population level, this study indicates that the present use of e-cigarettes does not adequately serve as a smoking cessation tool.
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3. |
- Bjerg, Anders, 1982, et al.
(author)
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Higher Risk of Wheeze in Female than Male Smokers. Results from the Swedish GA(2)LEN Study
- 2013
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In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Women who smoke have higher risk of lung function impairment, COPD and lung cancer than smoking men. An influence of sex hormones has been demonstrated, but the mechanisms are unclear and the associations often subject to confounding. This was a study of wheeze in relation to smoking and sex with adjustment for important confounders. Methods In 2008 the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) questionnaire was mailed to 45.000 Swedes (age 16–75 years), and 26.851 (60%) participated. “Any wheeze”: any wheeze during the last 12 months. “Asthmatic wheeze”: wheeze with breathlessness apart from colds. Results Any wheeze and asthmatic wheeze was reported by 17.3% and 7.1% of women, vs. 15.8% and 6.1% of men (both p<0.001). Although smoking prevalence was similar in both sexes, men had greater cumulative exposure, 16.2 pack-years vs. 12.8 in women (p<0.001). Most other exposures and characteristics associated with wheeze were significantly overrepresented in men. Adjusted for these potential confounders and pack-years, current smoking was a stronger risk factor for any wheeze in women aged <53 years, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.85 (1.56–2.19) vs. 1.60 (1.30–1.96) in men. Cumulative smoke exposure and current smoking each interacted significantly with female sex, aOR 1.02 per pack-year (p<0.01) and aOR 1.28 (p = 0.04) respectively. Female compared to male current smokers also had greater risk of asthmatic wheeze, aOR 1.53 vs. 1.03, interaction aOR 1.52 (p = 0.02). These interactions were not seen in age ≥53 years. Discussion In addition to the increased risk of COPD and lung cancer female, compared to male, smokers are at greater risk of significant wheezing symptoms in younger age. This became clearer after adjustment for important confounders including cumulative smoke exposure. Estrogen has previously been shown to increase the bioactivation of several compounds in tobacco smoke, which may enhance smoke-induced airway inflammation in fertile women.
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4. |
- Stråvik, Mia, 1994, et al.
(author)
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Maternal Intake of Cow's Milk during Lactation Is Associated with Lower Prevalence of Food Allergy in Offspring
- 2020
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In: Nutrients. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6643 .- 2072-6643. ; 12:12, s. 1-19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation may affect the propensity of the child to develop an allergy. The aim was to assess and compare the dietary intake of pregnant and lactating women, validate it with biomarkers, and to relate these data to physician-diagnosed allergy in the offspring at 12 months of age. Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation was assessed by repeated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in a prospective Swedish birth cohort (n = 508). Fatty acid proportions were measured in maternal breast milk and erythrocytes. Allergy was diagnosed at 12 months of age by a pediatrician specialized in allergy. An increased maternal intake of cow's milk during lactation, confirmed with biomarkers (fatty acids C15:0 and C17:0) in the maternal blood and breast milk, was associated with a lower prevalence of physician-diagnosed food allergy by 12 months of age. Intake of fruit and berries during lactation was associated with a higher prevalence of atopic eczema at 12 months of age. Our results suggest that maternal diet modulates the infant's immune system, thereby influencing subsequent allergy development.
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5. |
- Gio-Batta, Monica, et al.
(author)
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Low Concentration of Fecal Valeric Acid at 1 Year of Age Is Linked with Eczema and Food Allergy at 13 Years of Age : Findings from a Swedish Birth Cohort
- 2022
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; , s. 398-408
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are abundant bacterial metabolites in the gut, with immunomodulatory properties. Hence, they may influence allergy development. Previous studies have linked fecal SCFA pattern during infancy with allergy. However, the association of SCFAs to allergic outcomes in adolescence is not well established. Here, we examined how the fecal SCFA pattern at 1 year of age related to allergy at 13 years of age.Methods: Levels of 8 SCFAs in fecal samples collected at 1 year of age from 110 children were quantified using gas chromatography. The same individuals were evaluated at 13 years of age for allergic symptoms, allergy diagnosis and allergy medication by questionnaire, and for sensitization using skin prick test against egg, milk, fish, wheat and soy, cat, dog, horse, birch, and timothy grass.Results: The concentration of fecal valeric acid at 1 year of age was inversely associated with eczema at 13 years of age (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-1.0, p = 0.049) and showed a trend for inverse association with food allergy at 13 years of age (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-1.0, p = 0.057). In a sub-group analysis of children with eczema at 1 year of age, a higher concentration of fecal valeric acid was linked with reduced risk of their eczema remaining at 13 years of age (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.0-1.5), although this latter analysis did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.12).Conclusions: Our findings lend further support to the notion of early childhood as a critical period when allergy may be programmed via the gut microbiota. Higher levels of fecal valeric acid may be characteristic of a protective gut microbiota and/or actively contribute to protection from eczema and food allergy.
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6. |
- Humayun, Jhangir, et al.
(author)
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Systematic review of the healthcare cost of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
- 2021
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In: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To determine the costs directly or indirectly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. The secondary objective was to stratify the costs based on gestational age and/or birth weight.Systematic literature review.PubMed and Scopus were searched on 3 February 2020. Studies were selected based on eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers. Included studies were further searched to identify eligible references and citations.Two independent reviewers extracted data with a prespecified data extraction sheet, including items from a published checklist for quality assessment. The costs in the included studies are reported descriptively.Costs of BPD.The 13 included studies reported the total costs or marginal costs of BPD. Most studies reported costs during birth hospitalisation (cost range: Int$21392-Int$1 094509 per child, equivalent to €19103-€977397, in 2019) and/or during the first year of life. One study reported costs during the first 2years; two other studies reported costs later, during the preschool period and one study included a long-term follow-up. The highest mean costs were associated with infants born at extremely low gestational ages. The quality assessment indicated a low risk of bias in the reported findings of included studies.This study was the first systematic review of costs associated with BPD. We confirmed previous reports of high costs and described the long-term follow-up necessary for preterm infants with BPD, particularly infants of very low gestational age. Moreover, we identified a need for studies that estimate costs outside hospitals and after the first year of life.CRD42020173234.
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7. |
- Konradsen, Jon R., et al.
(author)
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Unusual and Unexpected Allergic Reactions Can Be Unraveled by Molecular Allergy Diagnostics
- 2021
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In: International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. - : S. Karger. - 1018-2438 .- 1423-0097. ; 182:10, s. 904-916
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The fifth class of immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin E (IgE) was discovered in 1967 and has had immense importance for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic disease. More than 50 years have passed and efforts to characterize, standardize, and refine allergens with the aim to improve clinical diagnosis and allergen-specific immunotherapy are still ongoing. Another important breakthrough was made in 1999 with the introduction of component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), making it possible to quantify IgE antibodies against individual allergen proteins for diagnostic purposes at a molecular level. The progress and developments made in allergy diagnosis often originate from clinical observations and case studies. Observant physicians and health-care personnel have reported their findings in the medical literature, which in turn has inspired researchers to become involved in clinical research. Allergists continuously encounter new allergies and are often asked by their patients how to prevent new reactions. In the current article, we focus on recent clinical observations that can now be explained by CRD. The examples taken concern allergic reactions toward peanuts, tree nuts, lemon kernels, health drinks, meat, insects, dog dander, cannabis, and semen. We now have an improved understanding of why patients may react in a serious or unexpected way, as illustrated by these examples, yet many other clinical observations remain unexplained. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of clinical observations among allergic patients, focusing on systemic, or unusual and unexpected allergic reactions, where component-testing has further refined the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy.
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8. |
- Kämpe, Mary, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Upper airway and skin symptoms in allergic and non-allergic asthma: Results from the Swedish GA(2)LEN study
- 2018
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In: Journal of Asthma. - Abingdon : Informa UK Limited. - 0277-0903 .- 1532-4303. ; 55:3, s. 275-283
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Allergic and non-allergic asthma are viewed as separate entities, despite sharing similarities. The aims of this study were to determine differences in symptoms from the upper airways and the skin in allergic and non-allergic asthma. The secondary aims were to identify childhood risk factors and to compare quality of life in the two asthma groups. Methods: This cohort (age 17-76years) consisted of 575 subjects with allergic or non-allergic asthma and 219 controls. The participants participated in an interview, spirometry, FeNO, skin prick test, and responded to the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Self-reported allergic rhinitis was significantly more common in both allergic and non-allergic asthma (82.3 and 40.7%) groups compared with the controls. The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was similar in both asthma groups. Eczema was significantly more common in both asthmatic groups (72.3 and 59.8%) than controls (47.0%) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012). Severe respiratory infection in childhood and parental allergy were risk factors for both allergic and non-allergic asthma groups. Quality of life was significantly lower in non-allergic than allergic asthma groups (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Concomitant symptoms from the upper airways and the skin were significantly more common in both allergic and non-allergic asthma. This indicates that non-allergic asthma has a systemic component with similarities to what is found in allergic asthma. There were similarities in the childhood risk factor pattern between the two types of asthma but asthma-related quality of life was lower in the non-allergic asthma group.
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9. |
- Backman, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Increased prevalence of allergic asthma from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016 : results from three population surveys
- 2017
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 47:11, s. 1426-1435
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundDuring the latter half of the 20th century, the prevalence of asthma and many other allergic diseases has increased. Information on asthma prevalence trends among adults after 2010, especially regarding studies separating allergic asthma from non-allergic asthma, is lacking.ObjectiveThe aim was to estimate prevalence trends of current asthma among adults, both allergic and non-allergic, from 1996 to 2016.MethodsThree cross-sectional samples from the same area of Sweden, 20-69 years, participated in surveys with the same questionnaire in 1996 (n=7104 participants, 85% response rate), 2006 (n=6165, 77%) and 2016 (n=5466, 53%), respectively. Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (ARC) was used as a marker for allergic sensitization to define allergic asthma.ResultsThe prevalence of current asthma increased from 8.4% (95% CI: 7.8-9.0) in 1996 to 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2-10.6) in 2006 and 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1-11.7) in 2016 (P<.001). Allergic asthma increased from 5.0% (95% CI: 4.5-5.5) in 1996 to 6.0% (95% CI: 5.4-6.6) in 2006 and further to 7.3% (95% CI: 6.6-8.0) in 2016 (P<.001), while the prevalence of non-allergic asthma remained stable around 3.4%-3.8%. The increase in current asthma was most pronounced among women and among the middle-aged. Physician-diagnosed asthma, asthma medication use and ARC also increased significantly, while the prevalence of symptoms common in asthma such as wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath decreased slightly or was stable. The prevalence of current smoking decreased from 27.4% in 1996 to 12.3% in 2016.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe prevalence of allergic asthma increased from 1996 to 2006 and further to 2016, while the prevalence of non-allergic asthma remained on a stable prevalence level. The prevalence of symptoms common in asthma decreased slightly or was stable despite a substantial decrease in the prevalence of current smoking. Clinicians should be aware that the previously observed increase in prevalence of allergic asthma is still ongoing.
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10. |
- Fagevik Olsén, Monika, 1964, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of Pressure Generated by Resistors From Different Positive Expiratory Pressure Devices
- 2015
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In: Respiratory Care. - : Daedalus Enterprises. - 0020-1324 .- 1943-3654. ; 60:10, s. 1418-1423
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Breathing exercises with positive expiratory pressure (PEP) are used to improve pulmonary function and airway clearance. Different PEP devices are available, but there have been no studies that describe the pressure generated by different resistors. The purpose of this study was to compare pressures generated from the proprietary resistor components of 4 commercial flow-dependent PEP valves with all other parameters kept constant. METHODS: Resistors from 4 flow-regulated PEP devices (Pep/Rmt system, Wellspect HealthCare; Pipe P breathing exerciser, Koo Medical Equipment; Mini-PEP, Philips Respironics [including resistors by Rusch]; and 15-mm endo-adapter, VBM Medizintechnik) were tested randomly by a blinded tester at constant flows of 10 and 18 L/min from an external gas system. All resistors were tested 3 times. RESULTS: Resistors with a similar diameter produced statistically significant different pressures at the same flow. The differences were smaller when the flow was 10 L/min compared with 18 L/min. The differences were also smaller when the diameter of the resistor was increased. The pressures produced by the 4 resistors of the same size were all significantly different when measuring 1.5- and 2.0-mm resistors at a flow of 10 L/min and 2.0-mm resistors at a flow of 18 L/min (P < .001). There were no significant differences between any of the resistors when testing sizes of 4.5 and 5.0 mm at either flow. The Mini-PEP and adapter resistors gave the highest pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Pressures generated by the different proprietary resistor components of 4 commercial PEP devices were not comparable, even though the diameter of the resistors is reported to be the same. The pressures generated were significantly different, particularly when using small-diameter resistors at a high flow. Therefore, the resistors may not be interchangeable. This is important information for clinicians, particularly when considering PEP for patients who do not tolerate higher pressures. (C) 2015 Daedalus Enterprises
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11. |
- Rask-Andersen, Anna, 1952-, et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life as associated with asthma control, psychological status and insomnia
- 2022
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In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - Uppsala : Upsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 127
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Asthma is associated not only with lower health-related quality of life (HRQL) but also with psychological health and insomnia. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between HRQL, asthma symptoms, psychological status and insomnia in adults from three Nordic countries.Methods: This study comprised 2,270 subjects aged 29–55 from Sweden, Iceland and Norway. HRQL was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The physical (PCS) and mental health (MCS) component scores were calculated with higher values, indicating better health status. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Insomnia was assessed with the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. An asthma score consisting of a sum of the positive answers to five respiratory symptoms was used in the analysis. Spirometry and allergy tests were also performed.Results: High HADS and sleep disturbance scores were both related to a low PCS and MCS, respectively, after adjusting for confounders. High age and high body mass index (BMI) were associated with low scores on the PCS, whilst the opposite was found for the MCS. A higher asthma score was related to a low PCS. An interaction between the HADS and the asthma symptom score was observed for the PCS (P = 0.0002), where associations between psychological status and the PCS were more pronounced for individuals with more symptoms than for individuals without symptoms.Conclusions: In this study, we found that HRQL of life was independently related to the HADS, insomnia and asthma symptoms. Further prospective studies to identify the most efficient target for intervention in order to improve asthma control are needed.
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12. |
- Andersson, Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Surveillance of indeterminate pulmonary nodules detected with CT in a Swedish population-based study (SCAPIS) : Psychosocial consequences and impact on health-related quality of life - A multicentre prospective cross-sectional study
- 2021
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2044-6055. ; 11:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To investigate whether surveillance of pulmonary nodules detected with low-dose CT (LDCT) impacted health-related quality of life and psychosocial consequences in the Swedish population-based study, Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS).Design: A prospective cross-sectional study.Settings and participants: This multicentre (five sites) observational study, which included a cohort from SCAPIS, consisted of 632 participants with indeterminate pulmonary nodules detected with LDCT. These participants continued surveillance for up to 36 months, during which lung cancer was not detected (surveillance group). Additionally, 972 participants with a negative pulmonary LDCT scan were included as a control group. Matching criteria were LDCT date (±2 weeks), gender and site.Outcome measures: All participants completed a health-related quality of life questionnaire (RAND-36) and the Consequences of Screening (COS) questionnaire, an average of 3 years after LDCT was conducted at entry into SCAPIS.Results: Participants were 51-70 years old at study commencement. Overall, the two groups did not differ in demographic or psychosocial variables, smoking habits or pulmonary medical history. Individuals from countries other than Sweden and those with low socioeconomic status were less likely to participate (p<0.001). No effects on health-related quality of life were observed via RAND-36. In COS, the surveillance group demonstrated a higher OR for anxiety about lung cancer (OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.35 to 6.66, p<0.001), experiencing a sense of dejection (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.72, p=0.015) and thoughts about existential values (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.60, p=0.018).Conclusions: Lung surveillance with LDCT contributed to significant experiences of sense of dejection, anxiety about lung cancer and development of thoughts about existential values among participants in the surveillance group compared with the controls. The risk of side effects should be communicated for informed decision-making about (non-)attendance in lung cancer screening.
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13. |
- Leve?lahti, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Framing the onset of lung cancer biographically: narratives of continuity and disruption.
- 2007
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In: Psycho-oncology. - : Wiley. - 1057-9249 .- 1099-1611. ; 16:5, s. 466-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most patients are diagnosed with advanced lung cancer despite the presence of many and intense symptoms at diagnosis. This qualitative study aims to explore how people with inoperable lung cancer frame and conceptualize the onset of their sickness, to obtain knowledge which might facilitate earlier health care contact for people with potential lung cancer. Patients with inoperable lung cancer were recruited through a larger longitudinal study of 400 patients recruited consecutively from two university hospitals. The narrative analysis presented here is based on 91 narrative segments derived from audio-taped and transcribed qualitative interviews with 37 patients who survived the first year post diagnosis, complemented with data from previous interviews with the same people. Findings indicate a wide array of bodily experiences leading to diagnosis, including symptoms seen as related to other disorders, systemic complaints not conceptualized as symptoms or indications of a serious problem, and more rarely, symptoms triggering immediate action. In addition to the 'biographical disruption' often associated with chronic illness, this analysis indicates an alternative or parallel process involving 'biographical continuity', allowing for integration of past and present aspects of patients' lives.
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14. |
- Bjerg, Anders, 1982, et al.
(author)
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A population-based study of animal component sensitization, asthma, and rhinitis in schoolchildren
- 2015
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In: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0905-6157 .- 1399-3038. ; 26:6, s. 557-563
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundAnimal sensitization is a major determinant of asthma in children. Component-resolved studies of unselected pediatric populations are lacking. The aim was to describe sensitization to animal components and the association with asthma and rhinitis in animal-sensitized schoolchildren. MethodsA random sample of 696 children (11-12years) from a Swedish population-based cohort was tested for sensitization to cat, dog, and horse dander using ImmunoCAP. Sera from animal-sensitized children were further analyzed by microarray including three allergen components from cat, four from dog, and two from horse. The parents completed an expanded ISAAC questionnaire. ResultsOf 259 animal-sensitized children (0.1 kU(A)/l), 51% were sensitized to all three, 23% to two, and 25% to one species. Current asthma and asthma symptoms following contact with cats were associated with co-sensitization to Fel d 1 and Fel d 4. This association was seen already at moderate-level sensitization (1-15 ISU) to Fel d 4, at which level most children were sensitized to Fel d 1, as well. In dog-sensitized children, the majority was sensitized to more than one dog component, and co-sensitization to Can f 5 and Can f 1/f 2 conferred the greatest risk for asthma. Sensitization to the highly cross-reactive serum albumins was uncommon and not associated with asthma. ConclusionsAmong schoolchildren in northern Sweden, where mite allergy is uncommon, furry animals were the primary perennial sensitizers. Asthma was associated with higher levels of component sensitization, and sensitization to more than one component from the same animal conferred the greatest risk.
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15. |
- Triebner, K., et al.
(author)
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Menopause Is Associated with Accelerated Lung Function Decline
- 2017
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In: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - : AMER THORACIC SOC. - 1073-449X .- 1535-4970. ; 195:8, s. 1058-1065
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale: Menopause is associated with changes in sex hormones, which affect immunity, inflammation, and osteoporosis and may impair lung function. Lung function decline has not previously been investigated in relation to menopause. Objectives: To study whether lung function decline, assessed by FVC and FEV1, is accelerated in women who undergo menopause. Methods: The population-based longitudinal European Community Respiratory Health Survey provided serum samples, spirometry, and questionnaire data about respiratory and reproductive health from three study waves (n = 1,438). We measured follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and added information on menstrual patterns to determine menopausal status using latent class analysis. Associations with lung function decline were investigated using linear mixed effects models, adjusting for age, height, weight, pack-years, current smoking, age at completed full-time education, spirometer, and including study center as random effect. Measurements and Main Results: Menopausal status was associated with accelerated lung function decline. The adjusted mean FVC decline was increased by -10.2 ml/yr (95% confidence interval [CI], -13.1 to -7.2) in transitional women and -12.5 ml/yr (95% CI, -16.2 to -8.9) in post-menopausal women, compared with women menstruating regularly. The adjusted mean FEV1 decline increased by -3.8 ml/yr (95% CI, -6.3 to -2.9) in transitional women and -5.2 ml/yr (95% CI, -8.3 to -2.0) in post-menopausal women. Conclusions: Lung function declined more rapidly among transitional and post-menopausal women, in particular for FVC, beyond the expected age change. Clinicians should be aware that respiratory health often deteriorates during reproductive aging.
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16. |
- Rönmark, Eva, et al.
(author)
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High incidence and persistence of airborne allergen sensitization up to age 19 years
- 2017
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 72:5, s. 723-730
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Longitudinal population-based studies about the natural history of allergic sensitization are rare. The aim was to study incidence and persistence of airborne allergen sensitization up to young adulthood and risk factors for early and late onset of sensitization.METHODS: All children aged 7-8 years in two municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to a parental questionnaire and skin prick tests (SPTs) to ten airborne allergens, and 2148 (88%) participated. The protocol was repeated at age 11-12 and 19 years, and 1516 participated in all three examinations.RESULTS: Prevalence of any positive SPT increased from 20.6% at age 7-8 years to 30.6% at 11-12 years, and 42.1% at 19 years. Animals were the primary sensitizers at age 7-8 years, 16.3%, followed by pollen, 12.4%. Mite and mold sensitization was low. Mean annual incidence of any positive SPT varied between 2.8 and 3.4/100 per year, decreased by age for animal, and was stable for pollen. Sensitization before age 7-8 years was independently associated with family history of allergy, OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.8), urban living, OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9), and male sex, OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7), and negatively associated with birth order, OR 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-1.0), and furry animals at home, OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.7-0.9). Incidence after age 11-12 years was associated only with family history of allergy. Multisensitization at age 19 years was significantly associated with early age at sensitization. Remission of sensitization was uncommon.CONCLUSION: The increasing prevalence of allergic sensitization by age was explained by high incidence and persistence. After age 11-12 years, the factors urban living, number of siblings, and male sex lost their importance.
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17. |
- Schyllert, Christian, 1983-
(author)
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Social determinants in asthma : population-based studies on asthma and respiratory symptoms in relation to occupation, occupational exposure and socioeconomic status
- 2019
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic obstructive airway diseases among children and adults, with a prevalence between 6-11% in European countries. It is also the most common work-related occupational respiratory disease. There are different methods to classify occupational exposure and, even though there is no clear consensus on which method is the most accurate, the single-item question on exposure to the composite measure vapour, gas, dust or fumes (VGDF) is commonly used in epidemiological research. Low socioeconomic status is associated with asthma and also behavioural factors such as smoking and over-weight, which by themselves are risk factors for asthma. Socioeconomic status is, however, truly a multifaceted concept and using only one measure does not encompass its entire effect on health-related outcomes. Asthma does also have a negative impact on the quality of life among adolescents: they report less physical fitness compared to their peers and more school absenteeism due to respiratory symptoms. Still, research on whether childhood asthma has any impact on socioeconomic status in young adulthood is scarce.Aim: The overall aim is to study social determinants of health such as socioeconomic status, occupation and occupational exposure and their relationship with asthma and respiratory symptoms among adults and further, to evaluate if asthma during childhood or adolescence is associated with social determinants in young adulthood.Method: This thesis includes four papers based on data from the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies. Papers I-III are cross-sectional studies among adults; a structured interview from clinical examinations between 2002-04 (paper I, n=4036) and postal questionnaire surveys from 2006 (paper II, n=9992) and 2016 (paper III, n=6854) with the addition of register-based data in paper III. Paper IV is a longitudinal prospective cohort study; the first OLIN paediatric cohort followed from 7 to 19 years of age and a postal questionnaire follow-up at ages 27-28 in 2015 (n=2017). Asthma was defined as physician diagnosis (paper I) together with respiratory symptoms (paper II-IV) or use of asthma medication (paper IV). In paper IV asthma was further categorized based on age of onset and p v and adolescence. Main or longest held occupation was used to categorize occupational and socioeconomic groups. In papers III and IV additional measures of socioeconomic status were included; educational level (papers III and IV) and income (paper III). In all papers, occupational exposure to vapour and/or gas, dust and fumes (VGDF or GDF) were taken into consideration and in paper I further divided into subgroups based on a detailed questionnaire on occupational exposure.Results: In paper I we found that the association between occupational exposure to VGDF and asthma and rhinitis was driven by the component of chemicals rather than dusts. In paper II, the ISCO-based manual Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations (SSYK) and the manual Socioeconomic classification (SEI), could both identify occupational and socioeconomic groups at risk for respiratory symptoms and asthma, while the older ISCO-based manual Nordic Classification of Occupations (NYK) was not as sensitive.In paper III, behavioural risk factors for respiratory symptoms and asthma such as smoking and obesity and, occupational exposure to GDF were associated with low educational level. Interaction analyses between income level and sex revealed different patterns among women and men. Among women, low income was associated with all respiratory symptoms as well as asthma, while among men only with productive cough.In paper IV, early onset asthma was associated with lower educational level in young adulthood, especially not continuing after compulsory school. Further, those with asthma during childhood or adolescence did not seem to refrain from smoking at age 19, nor did they as young adults seem to avoid occupations with known or expected exposure to GDF.Conclusions: Increased automation in industries have decreased the number of manual workers in industries with typically dirty tasks, meaning that the interrelationships between the subgroups included in VGDF may have changed. This may also affect the meaning of occupational exposure to VGDF, at least with regard to asthma and rhinitis, and according to our findings exposure to the component of chemicals may be the most important. We also found that the use of an ISCO-based manual (SSYK) as well as socioeconomic classification based on job-title (SEI) can be useful and easily applicable tools to identify occupational and socioeconomic groups at risk for respiratory symptoms and asthma. Further, low socioeconomic status is associated with respiratory vi symptoms and asthma. It seems as these associations relies more on low income than low educational level. Low educational level as well as low income are furthermore related to known behavioural risk factors for respiratory symptoms and asthma such as obesity, smoking and, also potentially modifiable risk factors as occupational exposure to gas dust or fumes. Having a persisting asthma since childhood is associated with lower educational level as a young adult. This may, in turn, be related with behavioural risk factors as discussed above and, there were no indications that those with child or adolescent asthma refrained from smoking at age 19. Neither did they in young adulthood avoid occupations with known or expected exposure to gas, dust or fumes, such as manufacturing, construction and transportation work. To conclude, our results indicate a vicious circle with regard to the relationship between the studied social determinants of health and asthma and respiratory symptoms.
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18. |
- Selberg, Stina, et al.
(author)
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Asthma control and acute health care visits among young adults with asthma : A population‐based study
- 2019
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In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0309-2402 .- 1365-2648. ; 75:12, s. 3525-3534
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimsTo study asthma control and acute health care visits among young adults with asthma.BackgroundDespite the access to effective treatment and nursing interventions, poor asthma control is still common among individuals with asthma. However, studies describing clinical characteristics among young adults with asthma are rare.DesignA population‐based cohort study.MethodsIn 2015, as a part of the OLIN pediatric cohort I (recruited in 1996 at age 7‐8yr), N=2291 young adults (27‐28 yr) completed a postal questionnaire survey including questions on asthma and respiratory symptoms. Of these, N=280 (12%) were identified as having current asthma and were further studied.ResultsOf those with current asthma, women reported respiratory symptoms and smoking to a greater extent than men. Approximately one‐fourth had uncontrolled asthma and acute health care visits due to asthma was reported by 15% of women and 8% of men. Uncontrolled asthma was associated with smoking, lower educational level, use of reliever treatment most days and acute health care visits. Acute health care visits due to asthma were associated with periodic use of regular controller treatment also after adjustment for uncontrolled asthma.ConclusionThe result indicate poor adherence to asthma treatment which may lead to decreased asthma control and acute health care visits.ImpactMost young adults with asthma are diagnosed and treated in primary care, ideally in a team with a nurse. The main findings highlight the need for evidenced‐based nursing interventions, contributing to a more efficient asthma management in primary care.
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19. |
- Heikkilä, Katriina, et al.
(author)
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Job strain and COPD exacerbations: an individual-participant meta-analysis
- 2014
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In: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 44:1, s. 247-251
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To the Editor:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide (1). The clinical course of COPD is characterised by exacerbations, which can be minor and manageable at home or in primary care, or severe, leading to hospitalisation or even death. Known causes of exacerbations include tobacco smoke, air pollution, dusts and fumes, and respiratory infections (1, 2). One less well understood risk factor is stress, which could plausibly lead to COPD exacerbations as it can trigger inflammation (3, 4) and is associated with increased smoking (5), which are both implicated in COPD pathology (2). Work is an important source of stress in the age groups in which COPD is typically diagnosed (1, 6). However, we are not aware of previous investigations of work-related stress and the risk of COPD exacerbations.In this study, we examined the associations between job strain (the most widely studied conceptualisation of work-related stress) and severe COPD exacerbations using individual-level data from 10 prospective cohort studies from the Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis in Working Populations (IPD-Work) Consortium (7). Job strain is defined as a combination of high demands (excessive amounts of work) and low control (having little influence on what tasks to.
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20. |
- Bråbäck, Lennart, et al.
(author)
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Confounding with familial determinants affects the association between mode of delivery and childhood asthma medication : a national cohort study
- 2013
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In: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. - : BioMed Central. - 1710-1484 .- 1710-1492. ; 9:1, s. 14-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Mode of delivery may affect the risk of asthma but the findings have not been consistent and factors shared by siblings may confound the associations in previous studies. METHODS: The association between mode of delivery and dispensed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (a marker of asthma) was examined in a register based national cohort (n=199 837). A cohort analysis of all first born children aged 2-5 and 6-9 years was performed. An age-matched sibling-pair analysis was also performed to account for shared genetic and environmental risk factors. RESULTS: Analyses of first-borns demonstrated that elective caesarean section was associated with an increased risk of dispensed ICS in both 2-5 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.29) and 6-9 (aOR=1.21, 1.09-1.34) age groups. In the sibling-pair analysis, the increased risk associated with elective caesarean section was confirmed in 2-5 year olds (aOR=1.22, 1.05-1.43) but not in 6-9 year olds (aOR=1.06, 0.78-1.44). Emergency caesarean section and vacuum extraction had some association with dispensed ICS in the analyses of first-borns but these associations were not confirmed in the sibling-pair analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Confounding by familial factors affects the association between mode of delivery and dispensed ICS. Despite this confounding, there was some evidence that elective caesarean section contributed to a modestly increased risk of dispensed ICS but only up to five years of age.
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21. |
- Hederos, Carl-Axel, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of clinically diagnosed asthma with parental assessment of children's asthma in a questionnaire
- 2007
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In: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0905-6157 .- 1399-3038. ; 18:2, s. 135-141
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological evaluations of the prevalence of asthma are usually based on written questionnaires (WQs) in combination with validation by clinical investigation. In the present investigation, we compared parental assessment of asthma among their preschool children in response to a WQ with the corresponding medical records in the same region. An International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)-based WQ was answered by 75% of the parents of 6295 children aged 1–6 yr. Clinically diagnosed asthma, recorded in connection with admissions to the hospital or a visit to any of the outpatient clinics in the same region, were analysed in parallel. Finally, a complementary WQ was sent to the parents of children identified as asthmatic by either or both of this approaches. In response to the WQ 5.9% were claimed to suffer from asthma diagnosed by a doctor. According to the medical records, the prevalence of clinically diagnosed asthma was 4.9%. The estimated prevalence among children requiring treatment for their asthma was 4.4%. The sensitivity of the WQ was 77%, the specificity 97.5%. In the 1–2 yr age group the sensitivity was only 22%. This WQ was able to identify 54% of the children with a medical record of asthma. Forty percent of the children claimed by their parents to be asthmatic had no medical record of asthma. An ISAAC-based parentally completed WQ provided an acceptable estimation of the prevalence of asthma in children 2–6 yr of age, although only half of the individual patients identified in this manner are the same as those identified clinically.
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22. |
- Forsberg, Gustaf, et al.
(author)
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Risk factors for ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection in COVID-19, a retrospective multicenter cohort study in Sweden
- 2024
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In: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0001-5172 .- 1399-6576. ; 68:2, s. 226-235
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LRTI) increase morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Higher incidences of VA-LRTI have been reported among COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The primary objectives of this study were to describe clinical characteristics, incidence, and risk factors comparing patients who developed VA-LRTI to patients who did not, in a cohort of Swedish ICU patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Secondary objectives were to decipher changes over the three initial pandemic waves, common microbiology and the effect of VA-LTRI on morbidity and mortality.Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to 10 ICUs in southeast Sweden between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 because of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 and were mechanically ventilated for at least 48 h. The primary outcome was culture verified VA-LRTI. Patient characteristics, ICU management, clinical course, treatments, microbiological findings, and mortality were registered. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine risk factors for first VA-LRTI.Results: Of a total of 536 included patients, 153 (28.5%) developed VA-LRTI. Incidence rate of first VA-LRTI was 20.8 per 1000 days of IMV. Comparing patients with VA-LRTI to those without, no differences in mortality, age, sex, or number of comorbidities were found. Patients with VA-LRTI had fewer ventilator-free days, longer ICU stay, were more frequently ventilated in prone position, received corticosteroids more often and were more frequently on antibiotics at intubation. Regression analysis revealed increased adjusted odds-ratio (aOR) for first VA-LRTI in patients treated with corticosteroids (aOR 2.64 [95% confidence interval [CI]] [1.31-5.74]), antibiotics at intubation (aOR 2.01 95% CI [1.14-3.66]), and days of IMV (aOR 1.05 per day of IMV, 95% CI [1.03-1.07]). Few multidrug-resistant pathogens were identified. Incidence of VA-LRTI increased from 14.5 per 1000 days of IMV during the first wave to 24.8 per 1000 days of IMV during the subsequent waves.Conclusion: We report a high incidence of culture-verified VA-LRTI in a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients from the first three pandemic waves. VA-LRTI was associated with increased morbidity but not 30-, 60-, or 90-day mortality. Corticosteroid treatment, antibiotics at intubation and time on IMV were associated with increased aOR of first VA-LRTI.
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23. |
- Kampouri, Mariza, et al.
(author)
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Associations of gestational and early-life exposure to toxic metals and fluoride with a diagnosis of food allergy or atopic eczema at 1 year of age
- 2023
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In: Environment International. - : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 178
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Studies have indicated that early-life exposure to toxic metals and fluoride affects the immune system, but evidence regarding their role in allergic disease development is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the relations of exposure to such compounds in 482 pregnant women and their infants (4 months of age) with food allergy and atopic eczema diagnosed by a paediatric allergologist at 1 year of age within the Swedish birth-cohort NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment). Urinary cadmium and erythrocyte cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), urinary inorganic arsenic metabolites by ICP-MS after separation by ion exchange chromatography, and urinary fluoride by an ion-selective electrode. The prevalence of food allergy and atopic eczema was 8 and 7%, respectively. Gestational urinary cadmium, reflecting chronic exposure, was associated with increased odds of infant food allergy (OR [95% CI]: 1.34 [1.09, 1.66] per IQR [0.08 μg/L]). Both gestational and infant urinary fluoride were associated, albeit at a statistically non-significant level, with increased atopic eczema odds (1.48 [0.98, 2.25], 1.36 [0.95, 1.95], per doubling, respectively). By contrast, gestational and infant erythrocyte lead was associated with decreased odds of atopic eczema (0.48 [0.26, 0.87] per IQR [6.6 μg/kg] and 0.38 [0.16, 0.91] per IQR [5.94 μg/kg], respectively), and infant lead with decreased odds of food allergy (0.39 [0.16, 0.93] per IQR [5.94 μg/kg]). Multivariable adjustment had marginal impact on the estimates above. After additional adjustment for fish intake biomarkers, the methylmercury associated atopic-eczema odds were considerably increased (1.29 [0.80, 2.06] per IQR [1.36 μg/kg]). In conclusion, our results indicate that gestational cadmium exposure might be associated with food allergy at 1 year of age and, possibly, early-life exposure to fluoride with atopic eczema. Further prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to establish causality.
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24. |
- Lind, Nina, 1989-, et al.
(author)
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Coping and social support in asthma and allergy: the Vasterbotten Environmental Health Study
- 2015
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In: Journal of Asthma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0277-0903 .- 1532-4303. ; 52:6, s. 622-629
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Asthma and allergy are stressful conditions that require coping strategies and social support to reduce stress and enhance health-promoting behavior. However, research is limited regarding coping and social support in asthma and allergy. The aim was to better understand the use of different coping strategies and perceived social support in low and high severity (exacerbation frequency) of asthma and allergy. Methods: Population-based data were used to provide ratings of coping strategies (Study I) and social support (Study II) from 124 and 94 participants, respectively, with asthma and/or allergy, categorized as low or high in severity. Problem-and emotion-focused coping strategies were assessed as well as emotional, instrumental and informative social support from seven sources. Results: Study I showed that avoiding certain environments (problem-based coping) and trying to accept one's situation (emotion-based) were the most commonly used coping strategies. These behaviors did not differ due to severity. Study II showed that more emotional than instrumental and informative support was perceived. The highest rated support sources were the partner, family members and the healthcare system. More social support was reported in low asthma/allergy severity compared to high asthma/allergy severity. Conclusion: The most commonly used coping strategies in the population of persons with these four types of asthma and allergy are avoiding certain environments and trying to accept one's situation. More emotional support than instrumental and informative is perceived to be received, and most of the support is received from one's partner and other family members and least from authorities and patient associations/support groups.
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25. |
- Schyllert, Christian, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Socioeconomic inequalities in asthma and respiratory symptoms in a high-income country: changes from 1996 to 2016
- 2023
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In: Journal of Asthma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0277-0903 .- 1532-4303. ; 60:1, s. 185-194
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Low socioeconomic status based both on educational level and income has been associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms, but changes over time in these associations have rarely been studied. The aim was to study the associations between educational or income inequality and asthma and respiratory symptoms among women and men over a 20-year period in northern Sweden. Methods: The study was performed within the Obstructive Lung disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) research program. Mailed questionnaire surveys were administered to a random sample of adults (20-69 years of age) living in Sweden, in 1996, 2006 and 2016. Data on educational level and income were collected from the national integrated database for labor market research. Results: The educational inequality associated with asthma and asthmatic wheeze tended to decrease from 1996 to 2016, while it increased for productive cough, the latter among men not among women. The income inequality decreased for productive cough, especially for women, while no clear overall trends were found for asthmatic wheeze and asthma, apart from a decrease in income inequality regarding asthma among men. Conclusion: The patterns for socioeconomic inequality differed for asthma and wheeze compared to productive cough, and the results emphasize that education and income do not mirror the same aspects of socioeconomic inequality in a high-income country. Our findings are important for decision makers, not the least on a political level, as reduced inequality, e.g. through education, could lead to reduced morbidity.
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26. |
- Gio-Batta, Monica, et al.
(author)
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Fecal short chain fatty acids in children living on farms and a link between valeric acid and protection from eczema.
- 2020
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In: Scientific reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 10:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Children growing up on farms have low rates of allergy, but the mechanism for this protective effect has not been fully elucidated. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota may play a role in protection from allergy. We measured fecal SCFA levels in samples collected from 28 farming and 37 control children over the first 3years of life using gas chromatography. Data on diet and other host factors were recorded and allergy was diagnosed at 8years of age. Among all children, median propionic and butyric acid concentration increased over the first 3years, and longer SCFAs typically appeared by 1year of age. Farm children had higher levels of iso-butyric, iso-valeric and valeric acid at 3years of age than rural controls. In addition, children with elder siblings had higher levels of valeric acid at 3years of age, and dietary factors also affected SCFA pattern. High levels of valeric acid at 3years of age were associated with low rate of eczema at 8years of age. The fecal SCFA pattern in farm children suggests a more rapid maturation of the gut microbiota. Valeric acid or associated microbes may have protective potential against eczema.
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27. |
- Palm, Andreas, 1971-, et al.
(author)
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Course of DISease in patients reported to the Swedish CPAP Oxygen and VEntilator RegistrY (DISCOVERY) with population-based controls
- 2020
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 10:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose Chronic hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are chronic diseases associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. The rationale behind the set up the retrospective nationwide DISCOVERY cohort was to study several questions including disease course and risk factors for incident disease, impaired quality of life, hospitalisation risk and mortality in patients with chronic respiratory failure with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Participants and settings Data from the national quality registry for respiratory insufficiency and sleep apnoea (Swedevox) and a population-based control group from Statistics Sweden were merged with governmental registries, the Swedish Cancer Registry, the Swedish Cause of Death Registry, the Swedish Drug registry, the Swedish National Patient Registry and the Swedish Dental Health Registry and with national quality registries for diabetes, rheumatic diseases (Swedish Rheumatology Quality Registry), stroke (RiksStroke), heart failure (RiksSvikt), acute heart infarction care (SwedeHeart) and intensive care (SIR) and with socioeconomic data from Statistics Sweden (SCB). Findings to date The cohort comprises 25 804 unique patients with LTOT since 1987 (54.1% females, age 73.3±9.8 years, body mass index (BMI) 26.6±6.5 kg/m 2), 8111 with LTMV since 1996 (48.6% women, age 60.6±16.9 years, BMI 32.9±10.8 kg/m 2), 65 809 with OSA on CPAP since 2010 (29.5% women, age 57.2±12.5 years, BMI 31.9±6.2 kg/m 2) and 145 224 persons in a population-based control group from same time span up to March 2018 (51.7% women, age 49.9±20.4 year, BMI 24.9±4.0 years). Future plans In patients with chronic respiratory failure and sleep apnoea important questions regarding comorbidity burden, hospitalisation rate, mortality and treatment outcomes are still unexplored to a large extent. The DISCOVERY cohort will provide unique opportunities by its size and comprehensiveness to fill this clinically relevant gap of knowledge. © 2020 Author(s). Published by BMJ.
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28. |
- Mikkelsen, Andrea, et al.
(author)
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Monitoring the impact of cow's milk allergy on children and their families with the FLIP questionnaire - a six-month follow-up study
- 2015
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In: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0905-6157 .- 1399-3038. ; 26:5, s. 409-415
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundMany children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) develop tolerance, but, challenges in daily life may remain. Using the Food hypersensitivity famiLy ImPact questionnaire (FLIP), we sought to monitor changes in the impact of CMA over time. MethodsFamilies of children with CMA, who participated in the validation of the FLIP, were re-approached 6months later for follow-up. Change in reported difficulties was assessed by paired sample t-test and mixed models, stratifying by outgrown vs. persistent CMA. ResultsImpact on families with children who had outgrown CMA (n=20) decreased in the FLIP's total score (p=0.0001) and in two subscales; Health and Emotions (p=0.0001) and Everyday Life (p=0.0001). In contrast, no significant improvements were registered in nutritional concerns. Impact on the group with persistent CMA (n=57) was unchanged at follow-up except for more impact on Everyday Life (p=0.001). In the final analysis comparing longitudinal changes in the groups, the strongest differences were observed for the subscales Health & Emotions and Everyday Life; for the Nutrition subscale, the between-group changes also differed, but to lesser extent. ConclusionsWe have documented the varying impact of CMA on parents and children over time. Families who were still affected continued to experience impact in daily life. Despite development of tolerance, families who were no longer affected revealed continuing nutritional concerns. Follow-ups should be offered even after outgrown CMA to encourage progression to unrestricted diet, to prevent eating disorders and to promote healthy growth.
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29. |
- Sawalha, Sami, et al.
(author)
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The impact of comorbidities on mortality among men and women with COPD: report from the OLIN COPD study
- 2019
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In: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease. - : SAGE Publications. - 1753-4658 .- 1753-4666. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Comorbidities probably contribute to the increased mortality observed among subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but sex differences in the prognostic impact of comorbidities have rarely been evaluated in population-based studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of common comorbidities, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and anxiety/depression (A/D), on mortality among men and women with and without airway obstruction in a population-based study. Methods: All subjects with airway obstruction [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/(forced) vital capacity ((F)VC) <0.70, n = 993] were, together with age- and sex-matched referents, identified after examinations of population-based cohorts in 2002-2004. Spirometric groups: normal lung function (NLF) and COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1/(F)VC <0.70) and additionally, LLN-COPD (FEV1/(F)VC
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30. |
- Forsberg, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Pre- and post-natal Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation decreases allergen responsiveness in infancy
- 2013
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 43:4, s. 434-442
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundWe have previously shown that Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation from pregnancy week 36 and to the infant through the first year of life decreased the prevalence of IgE-associated eczema at 2 years. The underlying immunological mechanisms are unknown, however.ObjectiveTo investigate the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic supplementation on allergen- and mitogen-induced immune responses in children until 2 years of age.MethodsBlood mononuclear cells were collected at birth, 6, 12 and 24 months from 61 children (29 probiotic and 32 placebo treated) and cultured with ovalbumin, birch and cat extract and Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Cytokine and chemokine secretion was determined using an in-house multiplexed Luminex assay and ELISA. Real-time PCR was performed to investigate the Ebi3, Foxp3, GATA-3 and T-bet mRNA expression.ResultsProbiotic treatment was associated with low cat-induced Th2-like responses at 6 months (IL-5, P = 0.01, and IL-13, P = 0.009), with a similar trend for IL-5 at 12 months (P = 0.09). Cat-induced IFN-γ responses were also lower after probiotic than after placebo treatment at 24 months (P = 0.007), with similar findings for the anti-inflammatory IL-10 at birth (P = 0.001) and at 12 months (P = 0.009). At 24 months, Th2-associated CCL22 levels were lower in the probiotic than in the placebo group after birch stimulation (P = 0.02), with a similar trend after ovalbumin stimulation (P = 0.07). Lower CCL22 levels were recorded at 12 and 24 months (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01) after PHA stimulation.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceLactobacillus reuteri supplementation decreases allergen responsiveness and may enhance immunoregulatory capacity during infancy. L. reuteri supplementation from week 36 and during the first year of life significantly decreases IgE-associated eczema and lowers allergen and mitogen responsiveness.
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31. |
- Lindqvist, A, et al.
(author)
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Artery blood pressure oscillation after active standing up: an indicator of sympathetic function in diabetic patients
- 1997
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In: Clinical Physiology. - : Wiley. - 1365-2281 .- 0144-5979. ; 17:2, s. 159-169
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dynamic artery blood pressure (Finapres) response to active standing up, normally consisting of initial rise, fall and recovery above the baseline (overshoot), was compared with the early steady-state artery blood pressure level to measure sympathetic vasomotor function in healthy subjects (n = 23, age 35 +/- 9 years; mean +/-SD) and in type I diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy (AN) (group 1: n = 18, 38 +/- 13 years), with AN but no cardiovascular drugs (group 2a: n = 7, 44 +/- 11 years) and with both AN and cardiovascular drugs (group 2b: n = 10, 47 +/- 7 years). Systolic and diastolic overshoot were similar in the control (15 +/- 13/15 +/- 11 mmHg) and group 1 subjects. Systolic overshoot disappeared in 57% of patients in group 2a (-1 +/- 9 mmHg; P < 0.03), whereas artery blood pressure still overshot in diastole (8 +/- 7 mmHg; NS). Systolic overshoot disappeared in all patients in group 2b (-22 +/- 22 mmHg; P < 0.0006) and diastolic overshoot disappeared in 60% of these patients (-6 +/- 16 mmHg; P = 0.0006). Systolic early steady-state level was not lower in group 2a than in group 1 (NS), but it was impaired in group 2b (P < 0.006), in which six diabetic patients had a pathological response beyond the age-related reference values. There was a strong association between the overshoot and steady-state levels (P for chi 2 < 0.001, n = 58). Overshoot of the control subjects and patients in group 2b correlated to their respective steady-state blood pressure levels (r > or = 0.76; P < or = 0.001). In conclusion, baroreceptor reflex-dependent overshoot of the artery blood pressure after active standing up diminishes with the development of AN and it is associated with the early steady-state level of the artery blood pressure.
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32. |
- Alaridah, Nader, et al.
(author)
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Transmission dynamics study of tuberculosis isolates with whole genome sequencing in southern Sweden
- 2019
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological contact tracing complemented with genotyping of clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates is important for understanding disease transmission. In Sweden, tuberculosis (TB) is mostly reported in migrant and homeless where epidemiologic contact tracing could pose a problem. This study compared epidemiologic linking with genotyping in a low burden country. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (n = 93) collected at Scania University Hospital in Southern Sweden were analysed with the standard genotyping method mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) and the results were compared with whole genome sequencing (WGS). Using a maximum of twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the upper threshold of genomic relatedness noted among hosts, we identified 18 clusters with WGS comprising 52 patients with overall pairwise genetic maximum distances ranging from zero to nine SNPs. MIRU-VNTR and WGS clustered the same isolates, although the distribution differed depending on MIRU-VNTR limitations. Both genotyping techniques identified clusters where epidemiologic linking was insufficient, although WGS had higher correlation with epidemiologic data. To summarize, WGS provided better resolution of transmission than MIRU-VNTR in a setting with low TB incidence. WGS predicted epidemiologic links better which could consolidate and correct the epidemiologically linked cases, avoiding thus false clustering.
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33. |
- Barman, Malin, 1983, et al.
(author)
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High Levels of Both n-3 and n-6 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cord Serum Phospholipids Predict Allergy Development
- 2013
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) reduce T-cell activation and dampen inflammation. They might thereby counteract the neonatal immune activation and hamper normal tolerance development to harmless environmental antigens. We investigated whether fatty acid composition of cord serum phospholipids affects allergy development up to age 13 years. Methods From a population-based birth-cohort born in 1996/7 and followed until 13 years of age (n = 794), we selected cases with atopic eczema (n = 37) or respiratory allergy (n = 44), as well as non-allergic non-sensitized controls (n = 48) based on diagnosis at 13 years of age. Cord and maternal sera obtained at delivery from cases and controls were analysed for proportions of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids among serum phospholipids. Results The cord serum phospholipids from subject who later developed either respiratory allergy or atopic eczema had significantly higher proportions of 5/8 LCPUFA species, as well as total n-3 LCPUFA, total n-6 LCPUFA and total LCPUFA compared to cord serum phospholipids from controls who did not develop allergy (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Conversely, individuals later developing allergy had lower proportion of the monounsaturated fatty acid 18:1n-9 as well as total MUFA (p<0.001) among cord serum phospholipids. The risk of respiratory allergy at age 13 increased linearly with the proportion of n-3 LCPUFA (Ptrend<0.001), n-6 LCPUFA (Ptrend = 0.001), and total LCPUFA (Ptrend<0.001) and decreased linearly with the proportions of total MUFA (Ptrend = 0.025) in cord serum phospholipids. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier estimates of allergy development demonstrated that total LCPUFA proportion in cord serum phospholipids was significantly associated with respiratory allergy (P = 0.008) and sensitization (P = 0.002), after control for sex and parental allergy. Conclusion A high proportion of long-chain PUFAs among cord serum phospholipids may predispose to allergy development. The mechanism is unknown, but may involve dampening of the physiologic immune activation in infancy needed for proper maturation of the infant's immune system.
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34. |
- Lowe, Adrian J, et al.
(author)
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Impact of Maternal Obesity on Inhaled Corticosteroid Use in Childhood : A Registry Based Analysis of First Born Children and a Sibling Pair Analysis
- 2013
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundIt has been proposed that maternal obesity during pregnancy may increase the risk that the child develops allergic disease and asthma, although the mechanisms underpinning this relationship are currently unclear. We sought to assess if this association may be due to confounding by genetic or environmental risk factors that are common to maternal obesity and childhood asthma, using a sibling pair analysis.MethodsThe study population comprised a Swedish national cohort of term children born between 1992 and 2008 to native Swedish parents. Maternal body mass index (BMI) was measured at 8-10 weeks gestation. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to determine if maternal obesity was associated with increased risk of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in 431,718 first-born children, while adjusting for potential confounders. An age-matched discordant sib-pair analysis was performed, taking into account shared genetic and environmental risk factors.ResultsMaternal over-weight and obesity were associated with increased risk that the child would require ICS (for BMI >= 35 kg/m(2), aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.10-1.52 compared with normal weight mothers) in children aged 6-12 years. Similar effects were seen in younger children, but in children aged 13-16 years, maternal obesity (BMI >= 30) was related to increased risk of ICS use in girls (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.07-1.53) but not boys (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.87-1.26). The sib-pair analysis, which included 2,034 sib-pairs older than six years who were discordant for both ICS use and maternal BMI category, failed to find any evidence that increasing maternal weight was related to increased risk of ICS use.ConclusionMaternal obesity is associated with increased risk of childhood ICS use up to approximately 12 years of age, but only in girls after this age. These effects could not be confirmed in a sib pair analysis, suggesting either limited statistical power, or the effects of maternal BMI may be due to shared genetic or environmental risk factors.
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35. |
- Svensson, Sara L, et al.
(author)
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Midkine and Pleiotrophin have bactericidal properties : preserved antibacterial activity in a family of Heparin-binding growth factors during evolution
- 2010
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In: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 0021-9258 .- 1083-351X. ; 285:21, s. 16105-16115
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Antibacterial peptides of the innate immune system combat pathogenic microbes, but often have additional roles in promoting inflammation and as growth factors during tissue repair. Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are the only two members of a family of heparin-binding growth factors. They show restricted expression during embryogenesis and are up-regulated in neoplasia. In addition, MK shows constitutive and inflammation-dependent expression in some non-transformed tissues of the adult. In the present study, we show that both MK and PTN display strong antibacterial activity, present at physiological salt concentrations. Electron microscopy of bacteria and experiments using artificial lipid bilayers suggest that MK and PTN exert their antibacterial action via a membrane disruption mechanism. The predicted structure of PTN, employing the previously solved MK structure as a template, indicates that both molecules consist of two domains, each containing three antiparallel beta-sheets. The antibacterial activity was mapped to the unordered C-terminal tails of both molecules and the last beta-sheets of the N-terminals. Analysis of the highly conserved MK and PTN orthologues from the amphibian Xenopus laevis and the fish Danio rerio suggests that they also harbor antibacterial activity in the corresponding domains. In support of an evolutionary conserved function it was found that the more distant orthologue, insect Miple2 from Drosophila melanogaster, also displays strong antibacterial activity. Taken together, the findings suggest that MK and PTN, in addition to their earlier described activities, may have previously unrealized important roles as innate antibiotics.
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36. |
- Sigsgaard, Torben, et al.
(author)
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Health impacts of anthropogenic biomass burning in the developed world.
- 2015
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In: The European respiratory journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 1399-3003 .- 0903-1936. ; 46:6, s. 1577-1588
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate change policies have stimulated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as biomass. The economic crisis of 2008 has also increased the practice of household biomass burning as it is often cheaper than using oil, gas or electricity for heating. As a result, household biomass combustion is becoming an important source of air pollutants in the European Union.This position paper discusses the contribution of biomass combustion to pollution levels in Europe, and the emerging evidence on the adverse health effects of biomass combustion products.Epidemiological studies in the developed world have documented associations between indoor and outdoor exposure to biomass combustion products and a range of adverse health effects. A conservative estimate of the current contribution of biomass smoke to premature mortality in Europe amounts to at least 40000 deaths per year.We conclude that emissions from current biomass combustion products negatively affect respiratory and, possibly, cardiovascular health in Europe. Biomass combustion emissions, in contrast to emissions from most other sources of air pollution, are increasing. More needs to be done to further document the health effects of biomass combustion in Europe, and to reduce emissions of harmful biomass combustion products to protect public health.
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37. |
- Kondori, Nahid, 1967, et al.
(author)
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High recovery rate of Exophiala dermatitidis in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients is associated with pancreatic insufficiency.
- 2011
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In: Journal of clinical microbiology. - 1098-660X. ; Mar (49):3, s. 1004-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The black pigmented fungus, Exophiala dermatitidis is considered to be a harmless colonizer of the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The aim of this study was to establish the recovery rate of E. dermatitidis in respiratory specimens of CF patients, transplant recipients and subjects with other respiratory disorders in Sweden. Secondly, we wished to determine if particular clinical traits were associated with E. dermatitidis colonization of the airways, and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of Exophiala strains. Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples (n=492) derived from 275 patients were investigated. E. dermatitidis was isolated in respiratory specimens of 19% (18/97) of the CF patients but in none of the other patient categories. All isolates were recovered after 6-25 days of incubation on erythritol-chloramphenicol (ECA) medium. Morphological and genetic analyses confirmed species identity. Pancreatic insufficiency was positively associated with the presence of E. dermatitidis in sputum samples (P= 0.0198). Antifungal susceptibility tests demonstrated that voriconazole and posaconazole had the lowest MICs against E. dermatitidis. To conclude, E. dermatitidis is a frequent colonizer of the respiratory tract of CF patients in Sweden, and appears to be associated with more advanced disease. Whether E. dermatitidis is pathogenic or not remains to be elucidated.
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38. |
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39. |
- Baldanzi, Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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OSA Is Associated With the Human Gut Microbiota Composition and Functional Potential in the Population-Based Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study
- 2023
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In: Chest. - : Elsevier. - 0012-3692 .- 1931-3543. ; 164:2, s. 503-516
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-breathing disorder linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Intermittent hypoxia and intermittent airway obstruction, hallmarks of OSA, have been shown in animal models to induce substantial changes to the gut microbiota composition and subsequent transplantation of fecal matter to other animals induced changes in blood pressure and glucose metabolism.RESEARCH QUESTION: Does obstructive sleep apnea in adults associate with the composition and metabolic potential of the human gut microbiota?STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used respiratory polygraphy data from up to 3,570 individuals aged 50-64 from the population-based Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study combined with deep shotgun metagenomics of fecal samples to identify cross-sectional associations between three OSA parameters covering apneas and hypopneas, cumulative sleep time in hypoxia and number of oxygen desaturation events with gut microbiota composition. Data collection about potential confounders was based on questionnaires, on-site anthropometric measurements, plasma metabolomics, and linkage with the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.RESULTS: We found that all three OSA parameters were associated with lower diversity of species in the gut. Further, the OSA-related hypoxia parameters were in multivariable-adjusted analysis associated with the relative abundance of 128 gut bacterial species, including higher abundance of Blautia obeum and Collinsela aerofaciens. The latter species was also independently associated with increased systolic blood pressure. Further, the cumulative time in hypoxia during sleep was associated with the abundance of genes involved in nine gut microbiota metabolic pathways, including propionate production from lactate. Lastly, we observed two heterogeneous sets of plasma metabolites with opposite association with species positively and negatively associated with hypoxia parameters, respectively.INTERPRETATION: OSA-related hypoxia, but not the number of apneas/hypopneas, is associated with specific gut microbiota species and functions. Our findings lay the foundation for future research on the gut microbiota-mediated health effects of OSA.
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40. |
- Xu, Shanshan, et al.
(author)
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Associations of long-term exposure to air pollution and greenness with incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Northern Europe : The Life-GAP project
- 2024
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In: Environmental Research. - : Elsevier. - 0013-9351 .- 1096-0953. ; 257
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundProlonged exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse respiratory health, yet the evidence concerning its association with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is inconsistent. The evidence of a greenness effect on chronic respiratory diseases is limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and greenness (as measured by the normalized difference vegetation index - NDVI) and incidence of self-reported chronic bronchitis or COPD (CB/COPD).MethodsWe analyzed data from 5355 adults from 7 centers participating in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study. Mean exposures to air pollution and greenness were assessed at available residential addresses in 1990, 2000 and 2010 using air dispersion models and satellite data, respectively. Poisson regression with log person-time as an offset was employed to analyze the association between air pollution, greenness, and CB/COPD incidence, adjusting for confounders.ResultsOverall, there were 328 incident cases of CB/COPD during 2010–2023. Despite wide statistical uncertainty, we found a trend for a positive association between NO2 exposure and CB/COPD incidence, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) per 10 μg/m³ difference ranging between 1.13 (95% CI: 0.90–1.41) in 1990 and 1.18 (95% CI: 0.96–1.45) in 2000. O3 showed a tendency for inverse association with CB/COPD incidence (IRR from 0.84 (95% CI: 0.66–1.07) in 2000 to 0.88 (95% CI: 0.69–1.14) in 2010. No consistent association was found between PM, BC and greenness with CB/COPD incidence across different exposure time windows.ConclusionConsistent with prior research, our study suggests that individuals exposed to higher concentrations of NO2 may face an elevated risk of developing COPD, although evidence remains inconclusive. Greenness was not associated with CB/COPD incidence, while O3 showed a tendency for an inverse association with the outcome.
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41. |
- Michelet, Mona, et al.
(author)
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Associations between unmet needs for daytime activities and company and scores on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire in people with dementia : a longitudinal study
- 2021
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In: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 26:4, s. 725-734
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES To examine prospectively the association between unmet needs for daytime activities and company and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.METHODS We included 451 people with mild or moderate dementia, from eight European countries, who were assessed three times over 12 months. Unmet needs were measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly. Three sub-syndromes of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire were regressed, one-by-one, against unmet needs for daytime activities and company, adjusting for demographic and clinical-functional covariates.RESULTS Unmet needs for daytime activities were associated with more affective symptoms at baseline, six and twelve months, mean 0.74 (p < 0.001), 0.76 (p < 0.001) and 0.78 (p = 0.001) points higher score respectively, and with more psychotic symptoms at baseline (mean 0.39 points, p = 0.007) and at six months follow-up (mean 0.31 points, p = 0.006). Unmet needs for company were associated with more affective symptoms at baseline, six and twelve months, mean 0.44 (p = 0.033), 0.67 (p < 0.001) and 0.91 (p < 0.001) points higher score respectively, and with more psychotic symptoms at baseline (mean 0.40 points, p = 0.005) and at six months (mean 0.35 points, p = 0.002) follow-up.CONCLUSION Interventions to reduce unmet needs for daytime activities and company could reduce affective and psychotic symptoms in people with dementia.
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42. |
- Blodörn, Krister, et al.
(author)
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Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of a Recombinant Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) with Deletion of the SH Gene and Subunit Vaccines Based On Recombinant Human RSV Proteins: N-nanorings, P and M2-1, in Calves with Maternal Antibodies
- 2014
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 9, s. 1-17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The development of safe and effective vaccines against both bovine and human respiratory syncytial viruses (BRSV, HRSV) to be used in the presence of RSV-specific maternally-derived antibodies (MDA) remains a high priority in human and veterinary medicine. Herein, we present safety and efficacy results from a virulent BRSV challenge of calves with MDA, which were immunized with one of three vaccine candidates that allow serological differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA): an SH gene-deleted recombinant BRSV (Delta SHrBRSV), and two subunit (SU) formulations based on HRSV-P, -M2- 1, and -N recombinant proteins displaying BRSV-F and -G epitopes, adjuvanted by either oil emulsion (Montanide ISA71(VG), SUMont) or immunostimulating complex matrices (AbISCO-300, SUAbis). Whereas all control animals developed severe respiratory disease and shed high levels of virus following BRSV challenge, Delta SHrBRSV-immunized calves demonstrated almost complete clinical and virological protection five weeks after a single intranasal vaccination. Although mucosal vaccination with DSHrBRSV failed to induce a detectable immunological response, there was a rapid and strong anamnestic mucosal BRSV-specific IgA, virus neutralizing antibody and local T cell response following challenge with virulent BRSV. Calves immunized twice intramuscularly, three weeks apart with SUMont were also well protected two weeks after boost. The protection was not as pronounced as that in Delta SHrBRSV-immunized animals, but superior to those immunized twice subcutaneously three weeks apart with SUAbis. Antibody responses induced by the subunit vaccines were non-neutralizing and not directed against BRSV F or G proteins. When formulated as SUMont but not as SUAbis, the HRSV N, P and M2-1 proteins induced strong systemic cross-protective cell-mediated immune responses detectable already after priming. Delta SHrBRSV and SUMont are two promising DIVA-compatible vaccines, apparently inducing protection by different immune responses that were influenced by vaccine-composition, immunization route and regimen.
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43. |
- Piltén, Carina, et al.
(author)
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Lung recruitment--a nurse and/or physician task. A national survey on requirements for education, regulations and guidelines.
- 2009
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In: Intensive & Critical Care Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 0964-3397 .- 1532-4036. ; 25:1, s. 4-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- International and national guidelines on requirements for performing lung recruitment manoeuvres are lacking. This paper presents a nationwide descriptive survey of the occurrence of and conditions for lung recruitment in adult patients treated with mechanical ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) in Sweden. All ICUs except neurological, cardiac, paediatric and neonatal ICUs were invited (N=73); of these, 60 ICUs participated in the study (82%). The main outcome measures were prevalence of lung recruitment, whether ICU nurses and/or physicians carried out lung recruitment, requirements for nurses to perform lung recruitment and the existence of local guidelines. Lung recruitment was performed at 92% of the ICUs. Only physicians performed lung recruitment at 27 ICUs (49%), and in 28 units (51%) both physicians and nurses performed this treatment. Lung recruitment was performed more often in units where both physicians and nurses performed lung recruitment than in units where only physicians performed the manoeuvres (46% vs. 12%, p=0.03). Further, local guidelines on lung recruitment manoeuvres were more common in units where both physicians and nurses performed this treatment (71% vs. 41%, p=0.02). The results suggest that recommendations of repeated and prompt lung recruitment manoeuvres are better met if nurses, along with physicians, perform lung recruitment.
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44. |
- Sato, Yuki, et al.
(author)
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Asthma and atopic diseases in adolescence and antidepressant medication in middle age
- 2018
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In: Journal of Health Psychology. - London, United Kingdom : Sage Publications. - 1359-1053 .- 1461-7277. ; 23:6, s. 853-859
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This Swedish register-based cohort study examined whether asthma, hay fever and allergic dermatitis in late adolescence identified in the early 1970s are associated with antidepressant medication in middle age, between 2006 and 2009. After adjustment for childhood and adulthood sociodemographic characteristics, psychological, cognitive and physical function, and comorbidity, the magnitude of the associations diminished for asthma, while hay fever and atopic dermatitis retained associations. Hay fever and atopic dermatitis in adolescence have potentially important implications for future mental health, while asthma may already have influenced an individual's ability to cope with stress by late adolescence.
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45. |
- Bjerg, Anders, 1982, et al.
(author)
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The association between asthma and rhinitis is stable over time despite diverging trends in prevalence
- 2015
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In: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 109:3, s. 312-319
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Despite the well-known association between asthma and rhinitis, in Swedish adults the prevalence of rhinitis rose from 22% to 31% between 1990 and 2008 while asthma prevalence was unchanged. We tested whether the association of rhinitis with asthma was stable over time using the same population-based databases. Methods: Two surveys of adults (20-44 years) living in three regions of Sweden, carried out in 1990 (n = 8982) and 2008 (n = 9156) were compared. Identical questions regarding respiratory symptoms, asthma and rhinitis were used. Asthmatic wheeze: Wheeze with breathlessness apart from colds. Current asthma: Asthma attacks and/or asthma medication use. Results: Subjects with rhinitis had level time trends in asthmatic wheeze, current asthma and most nocturnal respiratory symptoms between 1990 and 2008, adjusted for age, sex, area and smoking. Any wheeze however decreased slightly. In never-smokers asthma symptoms were similarly associated with rhinitis in 1990 and 2008: any wheeze OR 4.0 vs. 4.4 (p = 0.339); asthmatic wheeze OR 6.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.937); and current asthma OR 9.6 vs. 7.7 (p = 0.213). In the whole population there were decreases in the asthma symptoms most closely associated to smoking, which decreased by half 1990-2008. Conversely current asthma, which was strongly associated with rhinitis and not with smoking, increased (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The association of rhinitis with asthma was stable between 1990 and 2008. The pattern in the time trends of asthma outcomes strongly suggests that decreased smoking counterbalanced the driving effect of increased rhinitis on asthma prevalence. The findings illustrate the public health benefits of decreased smoking. (c) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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46. |
- Eklund, Linda, et al.
(author)
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An experimental exposure study revealing composite airway effects of physical exercise in a subzero environment
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Circumpolar Health. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1239-9736 .- 2242-3982. ; 80:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to a cold climate is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality, but the specific mechanisms are largely unknown. People with cardiopulmonary disease and winter endurance athletes are particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to map multiple domains of airway responses to exercise in subzero temperature in healthy individuals.Thirty-one healthy subjects underwent whole-body exposures for 50 minutes on two occasions in an environmental chamber with intermittent moderate-intensity exercise in +10 °C and -10 °C. Lung function, plasma/urine CC16 , and symptoms were investigated before and after exposures.Compared to baseline, exercise in -10 °C decreased FEV1 (p=0.002), FEV1/FVC (p<0.001), and increased R20Hz (p=0.016), with no differences between exposures. Reactance increased after +10 °C (p=0.005), which differed (p=0.042) from a blunted response after exercise in -10 °C. Plasma CC16 increased significantly within exposures, without differences between exposures. Exercise in -10 °C elicited more intense symptoms from the upper airways, compared to +10 °C. Symptoms from the lower airways were few and mild. Short-duration moderate-intensity exercise in -10 °C induces mild symptoms from the lower airways, no lung function decrements or enhanced leakage of biomarkers of airway epithelial injury, and no peripheral bronchodilatation, compared to exercise in +10 °C.
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47. |
- Laerum, Birger N, et al.
(author)
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Young maternal age at delivery is associated with asthma in adult offspring
- 2007
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In: Respiratory Medicine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0954-6111 .- 1532-3064. ; 101:7, s. 1431-1438
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Some studies have shown an association between lower maternal age at delivery and increased asthma in children and young adults. It is unclear whether this represents an effect of maternal ageing or a protective effect of siblings. In a North-European population based study, we investigated whether mother's age at delivery was associated with risk for asthma and hay fever in adult offspring, taking into account relevant confounders. Methods: A total of 16,190 subjects (74%) aged 23-54yr answered a postal questionnaire in a follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS I). Results: The associations of maternal age at delivery with hay fever, respiratory symptoms and diagnosed asthma were analysed using logistic regression, adjusting for household size, dwelling, parental education, centre, gender, adult hay fever, smoking, age and body mass index (BMI). The adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for wheeze with breathlessness, wheeze without a cold and asthma in the offspring were 0.94 (0.90-0.99), 0.89 (0.86-0.94) and 0.92 (0.88-0.97), respectively, per 5yr increase in maternal age. No heterogeneity between centres was found (p = 0.84). The estimates remained similar in sub-sample analyses when adjusting for siblings, maternal smoking (n = 3109) and for birth weight (n = 1686). Hay fever was more common among those with the youngest and oldest mothers. Conclusions: In this large North-European multi-centre study, asthma was less common with increasing maternal age. This effect was consistent between centres and persisted with adjustment for several potential confounders, suggesting that the association may possibly be explained by biological changes related to maternal ageing.
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48. |
- Sundblad, B. M., et al.
(author)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the two last years of life - A retrospective study of decedents
- 2013
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Little is known about the management of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the last years of life. The aim of the study was to describe how management of COPD is performed in Sweden during the last two years of life. Methods: From the nationwide Cause of Death register all individuals with COPD as the underlying cause of death during two years were identified in one sparsely and one densely populated area of Sweden. Data were collected from medical records using a pre-defined protocol, especially developed for this purpose. Results: Of 822 individuals with COPD as underlying cause of death, medical records from 729 were available. The COPD diagnosis was based on lung function measurements in approximately half of the patients and median age at COPD diagnosis was 74 years (range 34-95). Women died at younger age, median 78 years (range 52-96) than did men (80 years (51-99)). The median survival time from diagnosis to death was 6 years in men and women in both areas. Among women and men 8.3% and 4.3% were never smokers, respectively. The structure of COPD management differed between the two areas, with utilization of physiotherapists, dieticians and working therapists being more used in the northern area, likely because of differences in accessibility to care institutions. Conclusions: In Sweden COPD is mostly diagnosed late in life and often not verified by lung function measurements. Opposite to the general population, women with COPD die at a lower age than men. © 2013 Sundblad et al.
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49. |
- Sundh, Josefin, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Risk and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with oxygen-dependent chronic respiratory failure- a national cohort study.
- 2023
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In: Respiratory medicine. - : Elsevier. - 1532-3064 .- 0954-6111. ; 218
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We aimed to evaluate cumulative occurrence and impact of COVID-19 in patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) treated with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT).Data were obtained from the SCIFI-PEARL study on the entire Swedish population and on patients with oxygen-dependent CRF and no COVID-19 diagnosis before start of LTOT. Analyses were performed for three time periods; pre-alpha (Jan-Dec 2020), alpha (Jan-Mar 2021) and delta/omicron (Apr 2021-May 2022). Cumulative incidence of laboratory-verified COVID-19 was compared between patients with CRF and the general population. Risk factors for severe (hospitalised) to critical (intensive care, or death ≤30 days after infection) COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 on one-year mortality, were analysed using multivariable Cox regression.Cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was higher in patients with CRF than in the general population during the pre-alpha period (6.4%/4.9%, p=0.002), but less common during the alpha and delta/omicron periods (2.9%/3.8% and 7.8%/15.5%, p<0.0001 for both). The risk of severe/critical COVID-19 was much higher in CRF patients during all periods (4.9%/0.5%, 3.8%/0.2% and 15.5%/0.5%, p<0.0001 for all). Risk factors for COVID-19 infection in people with CRF were higher age, cardiovascular and renal disease, and COVID-19 was associated with increased one-year mortality following infection in the pre-alpha (HR 1.79; [95% CI] 1.27-2.53) and alpha periods (1.43; 1.03-1.99).Patients with CRF had higher risk of severe/critical COVID-19 than the general population. COVID-19 infection was associated with excess one-year mortality.
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- Vitte, Joana, et al.
(author)
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Fungal exposome, human health and unmet needs : a 2022 update with special focus on allergy.
- 2022
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In: Allergy. European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0105-4538 .- 1398-9995. ; 77:11, s. 3199-3216
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Humans inhale, ingest and touch thousands of fungi each day. The ubiquity and diversity of the fungal kingdom, reflected by its complex taxonomy, are in sharp contrast with our scarce knowledge about its distribution, pathogenic effects, and effective interventions at the environmental and individual levels. Here, we present an overview of salient features of fungi as permanent players of the human exposome and key determinants of human health, through the lens of fungal allergy and other fungal hypersensitivity reactions. Improved understanding of the fungal exposome sheds new light on the epidemiology of fungal-related hypersensitivity diseases, their immunological substratum, the currently available methods, and biomarkers for environmental and medical fungi. Unmet needs are described and potential approaches are highlighted as perspectives.
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