Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second Quotient (FEV1Q) as a Prognostic Factor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Comparing Its Predictive Value to Other Lung Function Measurements.

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the first and second motor neurons. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) have conventionally served as indicators of respiratory muscle strength. Recently, FEV1Q (FEV1 divided by the sex-specific first percentile values of absolute FEV1 in adults with lung disease) has been suggested as a predictor of mortality.

Medical masks' and respirators' pattern of use, adverse effects and errors among Portuguese health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage of surgical masks (Mask) and respirators (Resp) was experienced worldwide. We aimed to assess its pattern of use, adverse effects and user errors by Portuguese health care professionals (HCP).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through snowball convenience sample, collected by email/ social media to health care organizations.

Usefulness of the HACOR score in predicting success of CPAP in COVID-19-related hypoxemia.

Introduction: In COVID-19 associated hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) without mandatory indication for urgent endotracheal intubation, a trial of CPAP may be considered. We aimed to evaluate HACOR (heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, respiratory rate) score performance in these patients as predictor of CPAP failure.

Methods: Prospective observational multicentric study (three centers in different countries), including adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to a respiratory intermediate care unit, presenting PaO/FiO < 300 and PaCO < 45 mmHg, who received CPAP.

[Respiratory and Facial Protection: Current Perspectives in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic].

The new SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an example of an international public health emergency, which is associated with considerable social and economic challenges. At the healthcare level there is the risk that nosocomial outbreaks can be local amplifiers. Adequate infection control practices are of critical importance, which include proper use of personal protective equipment.

Consensus Document on Medical Faculty Education on the Treatment of Smoking.

We report the results of a consensus reached by an expert group of representatives from different medical societies in Latin America on the objectives, competencies (knowledge, and skills), content, and duration of smoking cessation education in Latin American medical schools. The document discusses the following aspects: epidemiology, nicotine dependence, factors for initiation and maintenance of tobacco use, smoking-related disorders, diagnosis, minimal intervention, non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation, and prevention of smoking.

Impact of heated humidification with automatic positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea therapy.

Objective: To study the impact that heated humidification instituted in the beginning of automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy has on compliance with and the side effects of the treatment.

Methods: Thirty-nine treatment-naïve patients with obstructive sleep apnea were randomized into two groups to receive APAP using one of two modalities: with heated humidification (APAPwith group); and without heated humidification (APAPw/o group).Patients were evaluated at 7 and 30 days after APAP initiation.

[Lung disease and pregnancy].

The presence of underlying respiratory disease in the pregnant woman may implicate complications for the mother and the foetus which are potentially fatal. Pregnancy may also alter the course of the disease, making it fundamental to recognise and prevent its progression. It is important to know the respiratory physiology during pregnancy, in order to better preview the behaviour of these illnesses.