Associations between ambient PM2.5 concentrations and respiratory symptoms in Melbourne, 1998-2005.

Particulate matter (PM) has been widely associated with adverse effects on respiratory health, both overseas and in Australia. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ambient particles of <2.5 microm diameter (PM2.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase is not associated with COPD in a community-based sample.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) is an important gene because of its role in the metabolism of components of cigarette smoke; thus it may be an important potential modifier of the risk of developing smoking-related lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several studies have investigated EPHX1 and COPD, but some of these studies have potentially been affected by genotyping error. We investigated the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EPHX1 on well-characterized COPD and intermediate phenotypes.

Associations between reduced diffusing capacity and airflow obstruction in community-based subjects.

Introduction: The purpose of this analysis was to determine if abnormal diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) identified a group of subjects with significantly different characteristics than those with normal lung function or airflow obstruction alone.

Methods: Participants were a random sample of adults aged 45-70 years. They completed a detailed respiratory questionnaire, spirometry, methacholine challenge and measurement of single breath DLco.

Beta2-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms are associated with asthma and COPD in adults.

The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) is a transmembrane protein expressed by airway smooth muscle cells. In vitro studies have shown that polymorphisms at amino acid positions 16 and 27 alter receptor function. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between the beta ( 2 ) AR polymorphisms and risks of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory symptoms in a sample of adults.

Association of IL8, CXCR2 and TNF-alpha polymorphisms and airway disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterised by inflammation of the peripheral airways involving many inflammatory cells and mediators. IL8 is an important inflammatory mediator that is responsible for the migration and activation of neutrophils. Cellular activity of IL8 is mediated by the receptor CXCR2, and transcription of IL8 is controlled by the cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNFalpha).

Food and nutrient intakes and asthma risk in young adults.

Background: Some aspects of diet are relatively newly recognized potential risk factors for asthma, but the evidence to date is conflicting.

Objective: The goal was to determine whether the food and nutrient intakes of adults with asthma differ from those of adults without asthma.

Design: This was a community-based, cross-sectional study of 1601 young adults ( +/- SD age: 34.

A valid food frequency questionnaire for measuring dietary fish intake.

There is considerable interest in the potentially protective effects of high fish consumption on many chronic diseases. Many epidemiological studies use food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to quantify usual dietary fish intake, so it is important to validate this assessment against objective markers. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma percentage fatty acids and dietary fish intake as assessed by a FFQ.

Prevalence of food allergies in young adults and their relationship to asthma, nasal allergies, and eczema.

Background: The true prevalence of food allergy in adults is generally thought to be uncommon. It is unknown whether there are any relationships between food allergy and atopic diseases.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of probable immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated food allergy to peanut, shrimp, cow's milk, wheat, and egg as defined by a positive skin prick test result and relevant clinical history to the same food, and to explore the relationship with atopic diseases.