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Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) and isoprostanes are inflammatory metabolites derived from arachidonic acid whose levels are increased in the airways of asthmatic patients. Isoprostanes are relatively stable and specific for lipid peroxidation, which makes them potentially reliable biomarkers for oxidative stress. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a course of oral steroids on Cys-LT and 8-isoprostane levels in exhaled breath condensate of children with an asthma exacerbation.Methods: Exhaled breath condensate was collected and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) and spirometric parameters were measured before and after a 5 day course of oral prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) in 15 asthmatic children with an asthma exacerbation. Cys-LT and 8-isoprostane concentrations were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. FE(NO) was measured using a chemiluminescence analyser. Exhaled breath condensate was also collected from 10 healthy children.Results: Before prednisone treatment both Cys-LT and 8-isoprostane concentrations were higher in asthmatic subjects (Cys-LTs, 12.7 pg/ml (IQR 5.4-15.6); 8-isoprostane, 12.0 pg/ml (9.4-29.5)) than in healthy children (Cys-LTs, 4.3 pg/ml (2.0-5.7), p=0.002; 8-isoprostane, 2.6 pg/ml (2.1-3.0), p<0.001). After prednisone treatment there was a significant decrease in both Cys-LT (5.2 pg/ml (3.9-8.8), p=0.005) and 8-isoprostane (8.4 pg/ml (5.4-11.6), p=0.04) concentrations, but 8-isoprostane levels remained higher than in controls (p<0.001). FE(NO) levels, which fell significantly after prednisone treatment (p<0.001), did not correlate significantly with either Cys-LT or 8-isoprostane concentrations.Conclusion: After a 5 day course of oral prednisone there is a reduction in Cys-LT and 8-isoprostane levels in EBC of children with an asthma exacerbation, although 8-isoprostane levels remain higher than in controls. This finding suggests that corticosteroids may not be fully effective in reducing oxidative stress in children with an exacerbation of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an investigation of the degradation of InGaN/GaN laser diodes grown on a GaN substrate. The results indicate that: (i) Ageing induces a significant increase in the threshold current (Ith) of the lasers, which is attributed to an increase in non-radiative recombination; (ii) Ith increase is correlated to a decrease in the micro-cathodoluminescence signal measured (after the removal of the top metallization) in the region under the ridge; (iii) micro-photoluminescence measurements indicate that constant current stress increases non-radiative recombination within the quantum wells (and not only within the barriers), and induces an increase in the emission wavelength of the degraded region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its different phenotypes need to be better characterized from a biochemical-inflammatory standpoint. This study aimed to apply the metabolomic approach to exhaled breath condensate (breathomics) to discriminate different asthma phenotypes, with a particular focus on severe asthma in children. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 42 asthmatic children (age, 8-17 years): 31 with nonsevere asthma (treated with inhaled steroids or not) and 11 with severe asthma. Fifteen healthy children were enrolled as controls. Children performed exhaled nitric oxide measurement, spirometry, exhaled breath condensate ( EBC) collection. Condensate samples were analyzed using a metabolomic approach based on mass spectrometry. Results A robust Bidirectional- Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures- Discriminant Analysis (O2 PLS- DA) model was found for discriminating both between severe asthma cases and healthy controls ( R2 = 0.93; Q2 = 0.75) and between severe asthma and nonsevere asthma ( R2 = 0.84; Q2 = 0.47). The metabolomic data analysis leads to a robust model also when the 3 groups of children were considered altogether ( K = 0.80), indicating that each group is characterized by a specific metabolomic profile. Compounds related to retinoic acid, adenosine and vitamin D ( Human Metabolome Database) were relevant for the discrimination between groups. Conclusion The metabolomic profiling of EBC could clearly distinguish different biochemical-metabolic profiles in asthmatic children and enabled the severe asthma phenotype to be fully discriminated. The breathomics approach may therefore be suitable for discriminating between different asthma metabolic phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cite this article: Bozzetto S, Carraro S, Giordano G, Boner A, Baraldi E. Asthma, allergy, and respiratory infections: the vitamin D hypothesis. Allergy 2012; 67: 10-17. Abstract The recent discovery that every tissue in the human body has vitamin D receptors and that vitamin D has pleiotropic effects has prompted an increased interest in this hormone. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and on the increase. There is no consensus on the serum vitamin D levels to consider appropriate for global health, the cutoffs for its deficiency, or the doses to use for its supplementation. Vitamin D seems to correlate closely with host reactions against various respiratory infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of upper and lower respiratory infections in children and a shortage of vitamin D may contribute to asthmatic patients' symptoms and morbidity rates. There are studies highlighting associations between childhood asthma, fetal lung and/or immune development, and maternal vitamin D intake. An insufficiency of this vitamin also seems to be implicated in the onset of childhood atopy and food allergies. The hypothesis is that vitamin D could have a central role in these pathological situations and that it may represent a novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategy. This article reviews and discusses published data on the relationship between vitamin D and asthma and allergy, emphasizing the need for controlled, prospective studies on vitamin D supplementation to clarify whether it has a role in the prevention of and treatment for asthma and allergic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the hazelnut allergy in children predicted by COR a 14-specific immunoglobin IgE. Topics discussed include Hazelnut allergy demonstrated by open oral food challenge (OFC); larger wheals after skin pricking with hazelnut extract; and prick-to-prick test with native hazelnut as more accurate in diagnosing symptomatic allergy.

The dysregulation of airway pH control may have a role in asthma pathophysiology. The measurement of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH and ammonia levels may be used as a noninvasive method to study acid–base status in the airway of asthmatics.Exhaled breath condensate from 29 allergic stable asthmatic children and 13 healthy controls was collected by cooling exhaled air during tidal breathing. Ammonia was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. pH was measured after deaeration of EBC samples by bubbling with argon. The children also underwent FENO measurement.Both pH and ammonia values in EBC were significantly lower in the asthmatics than in the control group [pH: ICS-treated (median and interquartile range) 7.70 (7.62–7.74), steroid-naïve 7.53 (7.41–7.68), controls 7.85 (7.80–7.90),P < 0.01 andP < 0.001, respectively; ammonia: ICS-treated 476.17 μM (282.50–594.80), steroid-naïve 253.24 μM (173.43–416.08), controls 788.30 μM (587.29–1310.39),P < 0.05 andP < 0.001, respectively]. Both pH and ammonia values were higher in ICS-treated than in steroid-naïve asthmatic children. There was a significant correlation between EBC pH and ammonia concentrations.These data show that EBC pH values of stable asthmatic children are lower compared with those of healthy controls and positively correlated with ammonia concentrations, supporting the hypothesis that airway acidification may have a role in the pathobiology of allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study regarding the biological and clinical response of children with food allergy. It mentions that the research aims to study the urinary concentrations of kids with food allergy. According to the authors, there is an increase of inflammatory mediators in children with food allergy.

Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. The measurement of this gas can be easily performed in children and the result is immediately available. Because of these characteristics, measurement of FENO is slowly becoming part of the routine clinical evaluation of an asthmatic patient. FENO measurement may have a role both in the diagnosis of asthma and as a guide in therapy algorithms. For example when FENO levels are persistently normal and the asthmatic child is asymptomatic, the steroid therapy may be decreased or even stopped. In patients with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis the levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) are significantly decreased, while they rise up after a course of antibiotics. The measurement of nasal NO has been proposed as a functional test to evaluate sinus ventilation. Nasal NO is significantly reduced also in primary ciliary dyskinesia and can be used as a screening tool to identify patients affected by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The reliability of InGan/GaN laser diodes was investigated. [•] We have found an initial activation of the p-type dopant. [•] We have found the creation of defects that act as non-radiative recombination centers. [•] We provide experimental evidences analyzing the threshold current. [•] We correlate its changes with electrical and capacitive measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Knowledge on multiple interdependences between quality of life (QoL) and behavioural problems in relation to asthma severity and control is undetermined. The aims of the study were: (i) to assess the relationship of QoL and behavioural problems with asthma severity and control (ii) to predict children's "abnormal/borderline" status with variation in QoL. For these purposes a multicenter case-control study on 47 Severe Asthma (SA) and 94 Moderate Asthma (MA) children was performed. The MIMIC approach was applied to investigate the effect of SA and non-controlled asthma (NC) on QoL and behavioural disorders. Logistic regression was used to estimate probabilities of having an "abnormal/borderline" status with variation in QoL. The MIMIC model showed that the magnitude of the effect of SA and NC was larger on QoL (β = −0.37 and β = −0.30, respectively) than on behavioural problems (β = 0.27). With regards to the probability of having a borderline status, in MA a QoL of 1 returned a probability of 0.81, whereas in SA a QoL of 1 returned a probability of 0.89. In conclusion, SA children are highly affected by impaired QoL and behavioural problems. The MIMIC model allowed us to obtain a comprehensive assessment of QoL and behavioural problems with asthma severity and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The diagnosis of asthma is currently based on clinical history, physical examination and lung function, and to date, there are no accurate objective tests either to confirm the diagnosis or to discriminate between different types of asthma. This consensus exercise reviews the state of the art in asthma diagnosis to identify opportunities for future investment based on the likelihood of their successful development, potential for widespread adoption and their perceived impact on asthma patients. Using a two‐stage e‐Delphi process and a summarizing workshop, a group of European asthma experts including health professionals, researchers, people with asthma and industry representatives ranked the potential impact of research investment in each technique or tool for asthma diagnosis and monitoring. After a systematic review of the literature, 21 statements were extracted and were subject of the two‐stage Delphi process. Eleven statements were scored 3 or more and were further discussed and ranked in a face‐to‐face workshop. The three most important diagnostic/predictive tools ranked were as follows: “New biological markers of asthma (eg genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) as a tool for diagnosis and/or monitoring,” “Prediction of future asthma in preschool children with reasonable accuracy” and “Tools to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As studies examining the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and airflow limitation (AL) have produced conflicting results, the current one set out to analyze if and to what degree there are any correlations between these variables in a population of fit elderly women. Methods: One hundred and twenty-one non-smoking, fit and healthy women (age ≥ 65 years) underwent anthropometric assessment, laboratory testing (serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, parathormone, and cytokine levels), pulmonary function testing (PFT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to evaluate BMD values of the lumbar and femoral regions. Results: A significant positive association was found between FEV/FVC ratio (Tiffeneau index), a sensitive index of AL, and lumbar and femoral BMD; a 10 % increase in the FEV/FVC ratio resulted in a significant increase of 0.025 g/cm in the total hip ( p = 0.05), 0.027 g/cm in the femoral neck ( p = 0.02), 0.028 g/cm in the femoral trochanter ( p = 0.01), and 0.047 g/cm in the lumbar ( p = 0.03) BMDs. Binary logistic analyses demonstrated more than a threefold higher risk of low BMD values for the lowest FEV/FVC quartile in the lumbar (OR 4.62, 95 % CI 1.48-14.40, p = 0.008), total hip (OR 4.09, 95 % CI 1.28-13.05, p = 0.02 for the second quartile), and femoral trochanter regions (OR 3.90, 95 % CI 1.25-12.20, p = 0.02 for the third quartile). Conclusions: AL was associated with a higher risk of reduced BMD in healthy, fit elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on study related to poor response of wheezing children with tracheobronchomalacia to asthma therapy. It observed the trend of wheezing children under three years of age, collected from the clinical database and found that several children underwent flexible bronchoscopy. It highlights that main cause of poor response to asthma therapy was tracheobronchomalacia.

Background/objectives: The objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of weight loss over the course of 1 year on 5-year mortality in old nursing home (NH) residents in different classes of body mass index (BMI).Subjects/methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on 161 NH residents aged ⩾ 70 years at the Istituto di Riposo per Anziani, Padova, Italy. Data were collected using a comprehensive geriatric assessment at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up visit. Mortality was recorded over a 5-year follow-up. We divided our sample into four groups using as cutoffs a BMI of 25 and a weight gain or loss of 5% at 1 year (BMI ⩾ 25 and weight stable/gain, BMI ⩾ 25 and weight loss, BMI<25 and weight stable/gain and BMI <25 and weight loss).Results: People with a BMI ⩾ 25 and weight loss suffered the worst decline in activities of daily living, whereas those with a BMI <25 and weight loss had the most significant decline in nutritional status, which coincided with the worst decline in the Multidimensional Prognostic Index among the groups whose weight changed. Compared with those with a BMI ⩾ 25 and weight stable/gain (reference group), those with a BMI <25 were at the highest risk of dying (in association with weight loss: hazard ratio HR=3.60, P=0.005; in association with weight stable/gain: HR=2.45, P=0.01), and the mortality risk was also increased in people with a BMI ⩾ 25 and weight loss (HR=1.74, P=0.03).Conclusions: In conclusion, weight loss increases the mortality risk in frail, disabled NH residents, even if they are overweight or obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Among the risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures, gynecological history (fertile period, parity and breastfeeding) play an important part. Changes in calcium metabolism to enable an adequate mineral transfer to the milk have a prominent role in bone loss during breastfeeding. Data on the influence of breastfeeding in postmenopausal osteoporosis are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to identify any association between duration of breastfeeding and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. Methods All patients underwent the following tests: bone mineral density measurements of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and the total and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and antero-posterior and lateral radiography of the thoracic and lumbar spine to identify vertebral fractures. Results The study involved 752 women with a mean age of 64.5 ± 9.3; 23% of them reported vertebral osteoporotic fractures. The women with vertebral fractures had breastfed for longer periods (11.8 ± 12.9 vs. 9.3 ± 11.2 months, p = 0.03) and had more pregnancies (2.6 ± 2.2 vs. 2.2 ± 1.3, p = 0.002). Breastfeeding for more than 18 months was associated with a two-fold risk of developing vertebral fractures (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.14–5.38, p = 0.04), particularly in those without current or past use of drugs positively affecting bone. Conclusions Our study showed an association between long periods of breastfeeding and vertebral fractures, supporting a role for lengthy lactation as a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures after menopause. Bearing in mind all the benefits of breastfeeding, this finding suggests the importance of an adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the aid of dietary supplements if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A ESD characterization of multi-chip RGB LEDs is proposed. [•] We have submitted LEDs to ESD tests by means of a transmission Line Pulser (TLP). [•] Red LEDs have an higher ESD robustness with respect to green and blue samples. [•] GaN-based devices showed catastrophic failure (short-circuiting of the junction). [•] Some of red LEDs show “soft” failure under negative ESD test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Asthmatic patients have high exhaled nitric oxide (NO) levels. NO-mediated inflammatory actions are mainly due to NO conversion into reactive nitrogen species, which can lead to nitrotyrosine formation. The aim of this study was to assess 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of asthmatic and healthy children and to investigate whether there is any relationship with exhaled NO (FENO) and lung function. Methods: The study included 20 asthmatic children (10 steroid-naive with intermittent asthma, 10 steroid-treated with unstable persistent asthma) and 18 healthy controls. They underwent FENO measurement, EBC collection and spirometry. 3-NT was measured by a new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method in isotopic dilution. Results: The median EBC concentration of 3-NT (expressed as nitrotyrosine/tyrosine ratio × 100) in asthmatic children was fivefold higher than in healthy subjects [0.23% (0.12–0.32) vs 0.04% (0.02–0.06), P < 0.001] with no difference between steroid-naive and unstable steroid-treated asthmatic patients. FENO levels were higher in asthmatic [44.6 ppb (36.0–66.0)] than in healthy children [7.5 ppb (6.0–8.8), P < 0.001]. No correlation was found among 3-NT, FENO and lung function parameters. Conclusion: Nitrotyrosine is high in EBC of asthmatic children and could be considered as a noninvasive marker of nitrosative events in the airways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determines the safety and feasibility of the exhaled breath condensate procedure in a group of asthmatic children with varying levels of severity. Pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement; Analysis of pertinent topics and relevant issues; Implications on pediatrics.

The article discusses the case of a three-year-old boy with mild intermittent asthma, who developed life-threatening status asthmaticus refractory to maximal conventional treatment and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for survival. His past medical history was notable for two mild wheezing episodes, with no recurrence in the last 12 months.