Publications by authors named "Munoz X"

Background: Exposure-related changes in exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and sputum eosinophils have not been thoroughly compared in the investigation of occupational asthma.

Objective: This study aimed at comparing the accuracies of the changes in FeNO concentrations and sputum eosinophil counts in identifying asthmatic reactions induced by occupational agents during specific inhalation challenges (SICs).

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 321 subjects who completed an assessment of FeNO and sputum eosinophils before and 24 h after SICs with various occupational agents, of whom 156 showed a positive result.

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Several studies have described the proteomic profile of different immune cell types, but only a few have also analysed the content of their delivered small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). The aim of the present study was to compare the protein signature of sEVs delivered from granulocytes (i.e.

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Exposure to environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP) increases the risk of respiratory disease exacerbation. However, the possible effects of these particles on the general population remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory and inflammatory effects of the inhalation of DEP in a model of healthy mice undergoing short-, mid- and long-term exposure.

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The lockdown imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic produced a historic fall in air pollution in cities like Barcelona. This exceptional situation offered a unique context in which to examine the effects of air pollutants on human health. The present study aims to determine and compare the oxidative stress biomarkers Th1/Th2 and inflammatory-related cytokines in healthy individuals first during lockdown and then six months after the easing of the restrictions on mobility.

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Background: Bronchiectasis is one of the most common comorbidities in severe asthma. However, the mechanisms by which asthma promotes the development and progress of this condition are not well defined. This study aimed to analyze the inflammatory phenotypes and quantify the expression of proinflammatory and remodeling cytokines in asthma patients with and without bronchiectasis.

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Background: This study aimed to describe the use of pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in Spanish subjects in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in subjects with asthma or COPD on maintenance treatment with inhaled therapy.

Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, national, multi-center, and observational study using a database with 1.8 million patients from hospitals and primary care centers as a secondary information source.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of specific IgE (sIgE) testing for wheat and rye flour in diagnosing occupational asthma compared to a specific inhalation challenge (SIC), which is considered the gold standard.
  • Results showed that sIgE levels of 0.35 kU/L or greater had similar diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to the SIC, but higher sIgE thresholds increased specificity significantly.
  • The findings suggest that high sIgE levels can effectively indicate flour-induced occupational asthma, while low levels in patients with a positive SIC may correlate with lower T2 inflammatory biomarkers.
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  • Airborne toxins from volcanic eruptions can negatively impact respiratory health, which is highlighted in the ASHES study focused on the 2021 eruption in La Palma, Spain.
  • The study categorized 474 healthy adults into three exposure groups and analyzed respiratory symptoms and lung function through various tests during and after the eruption.
  • Results showed higher exposure correlated with increased respiratory symptoms and a tendency toward lung function impairment, marking a significant link between volcanic exposure and health outcomes.
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  • The text discusses how workplace exposures lead to various respiratory diseases, citing a joint statement by the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society in 2019 that highlights this issue.
  • Recent publications have confirmed the significant role of work-related factors in diseases like asthma and chronic bronchitis, although research on some conditions has been limited.
  • Understanding the impact of occupational exposures is vital for developing public health strategies and improving patient care, emphasizing the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals and policymakers.
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Introduction: Several studies mentioned parenchymal findings after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, but few studies have mentioned alterations in the airways. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of tracheomalacia and to analyse the clinical characteristics in a cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: The study population consisted of all patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted a hospital serving a population of 500 000 inhabitants.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focused on evaluating the responses of severe asthma patients after long-term treatment (over 6 months) with biologics like anti-IgE and anti-IL-5, revealing that about 91% of participants were either super-responders or responders.
  • Out of 429 patients, 27% achieved clinical remission, but there was significant variation in results depending on the criteria used to measure success.
  • Key predictors for non-response included a higher BMI, previous ICU admissions, and a high number of serious asthma events, while factors like good lung function scores were linked to achieving clinical remission.
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Introduction: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is usually caused by the inhalation of avian and fungal proteins. The present study assesses a cohort of Urban Pest Surveillance and Control Service (UPSCS) workers with high exposure to avian and fungal antigens, in order to identify their degree of sensitization and the potential risk of developing HP.

Methods: Workers were divided according to their work activity into Nest pruners (Group 1) and Others (Group 2).

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Introduction: The risk factors for having frequent exacerbations are not well documented in cohort studies of patients with asthma on existing therapy. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical and inflammatory characteristics of patients with exacerbation-prone asthma (EPA) with a history of two or more exacerbations in the previous year with those who had presented just one or no exacerbation.

Methods: An ambispective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital.

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Introduction: Asthma is a disease with high prevalence, which affects all age groups and generates high health and social care costs. Studies carried out in a number of populations show great variability in its prevalence, even in geographically close populations, with data suggesting a relevant influence of socio-economic factors. At present, we do not have reliable data on the prevalence of this disease in the adult population of Spain.

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The excellent results for monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma (SUCA) represent a milestone in current treatment of asthmatic disorders. Remaining, however, are several subsidiary areas for improvement in which new biologics are expected to make a decisive contribution. These biologics include tezepelumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

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Severe asthma is a heterogeneous syndrome with several clinical variants and often represents a complex disease requiring a specialized and multidisciplinary approach, as well as the use of multiple drugs. The prevalence of severe asthma varies from one country to another, and it is estimated that 50% of these patients present a poor control of their disease. For the best management of the patient, it is necessary a correct diagnosis, an adequate follow-up and undoubtedly to offer the best available treatment, including biologic treatments with monoclonal antibodies.

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Background: Exposure to certain agents in the workplace can trigger occupational asthma or work-exacerbated asthma, both of which come under the heading of work-related asthma (WRA). Understanding the burden that WRA represents can help in the management of these patients.

Objective: To assess the influence of occupation on asthma in real life and analyze the characteristics of patients with WRA included in an asthma cohort.

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