Population-based sequencing of reveals how current population dynamics are shaped by past epidemics.

Transmission is a driver of tuberculosis (TB) epidemics in high-burden regions, with assumed negligible impact in low-burden areas. However, we still lack a full characterization of transmission dynamics in settings with similar and different burdens. Genomic epidemiology can greatly help to quantify transmission, but the lack of whole genome sequencing population-based studies has hampered its application.

The Respiratory Microbiome in Cystic Fibrosis: Compartment Patterns and Clinical Relationships in Early Stage Disease.

We compared the bacterial microbiomes lodged in the bronchial tree, oropharynx and nose of patients with early stage cystic fibrosis (CF) not using chronic antibiotics, determining their relationships with lung function and exacerbation frequency. CF patients were enrolled in a cohort study during stability and were checked regularly over the following 9 months. Upper respiratory samples (sputum [S], oropharyngeal swab [OP] and nasal washing [N]) were collected at the first visit and every 3 months.

A well-tolerated new amino acid-based formula for cow's milk allergy.

Objectives: Infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are in need of a substitute formula up to 2 years. The are three requisites for a substitute of milk in CMA: tolerability, nutritional adequacy, and cost-effectiveness. We evaluate here the tolerability of a new amino acid-based infant formula for the management of CMA.

High-resolution mapping of tuberculosis transmission: Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic modelling of a cohort from Valencia Region, Spain.

Background: Whole genome sequencing provides better delineation of transmission clusters in Mycobacterium tuberculosis than traditional methods. However, its ability to reveal individual transmission links within clusters is limited. Here, we used a 2-step approach based on Bayesian transmission reconstruction to (1) identify likely index and missing cases, (2) determine risk factors associated with transmitters, and (3) estimate when transmission happened.

Prevalence of bronchiectasis in asthma according to oral steroid requirement: influence of immunoglobulin levels.

Purpose: To establish the prevalence of bronchiectasis in asthma in relation to patients' oral corticosteroid requirements and to explore whether the increased risk is due to blood immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration.

Methods: Case-control cross-sectional study, including 100 sex- and age-matched patients, 50 with non-steroid-dependent asthma (NSDA) and 50 with steroid-dependent asthma (SDA).

Study Protocol: (a) measurement of Ig and gG subclass concentration; (b) forced spirometry; and (c) high-resolution thoracic computed tomography.

The relevance of IgE in the pathogenesis of allergy: the effect of an anti-IgE drug in asthma and other diseases.

The frequency of allergic diseases has increased in recent decades. Asthma is one of the most prevalent conditions and a leading cause of morbidity. It affects 3-4% of the population in our geographical setting and extrinsic allergens are detected as the disease's etiological agent in around half of these cases.

Late-onset congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung. Embryology, clinical symptomatology, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic approach and clinical follow-up.

Background: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM) is an embryonic developmental anomaly of an unknown etiology usually diagnosed antenatally by imaging techniques. A minority of cases may not be identified by prenatal imaging techniques and may go unnoticed for the first 6 months of their extrauterine life. Due to its rarity, physicians are unlikely to suspect the condition.