Evaluating clinical effectiveness of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination against pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults in Catalonia: results from the EPIVAC cohort study.

Background: Benefits using the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults are controversial. This study investigated clinical effectiveness of PCV13 vaccination in preventing hospitalisation from pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: Population-based cohort study involving 2,025,730 individuals ≥50 years in Catalonia, Spain, who were prospectively followed from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015.

Influence of chronic illnesses and underlying risk conditions on the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults.

Objective: To investigate hospitalizations from pneumococcal pneumonia in older adults with specific underlying chronic conditions, evaluating the influence of these conditions in developing pneumonia.

Methods: Population-based cohort study involving 27,204 individuals ≥ 60 years old in Southern Catalonia, Spain. All cases of hospitalization from pneumococcal pneumonia (bacteremic and nonbacteremic) were collected since 01/12/2008 until 30/11/2011.

Occupational risk factors for rhinitis in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant growers.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between rhinitis, exposure to workplace air contaminants, and occupational characteristics in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant (OP) growers.

Methods: A random sample of growers cultivating such crops and participating in the European Farmers' Study was selected for a cross-sectional assessment of (1) rhinitis in the last year, (2) sensitization to workplace allergens, and (3) occupation characteristics. Associations between variables were assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smoking animal farmers working inside confinement buildings.

Background: In animal farming, respiratory disease has been associated with indoor air contaminants and an excess in FEV1 decline. Our aim was to determine the characteristics and risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in never-smoking European farmers working inside animal confinement buildings.

Methods: A sample of participants in the European Farmers' Study was selected for a cross-sectional study assessing lung function and air contaminants.

Occupational asthma in greenhouse flower and ornamental plant growers.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of occupational asthma and sensitization to workplace allergens in greenhouse flower and/or ornamental plant growers. A random sample of 40 growers who cultivated such crops and had participated in the European Farmers' Study was selected for a cross-sectional study that included (1) greenhouse characteristics and air contaminants (dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms), (2) respiratory symptoms, (3) occupational asthma diagnosed by bronchial provocation challenge, and (4) sensitization to workplace flowers or molds. Associations among respiratory symptoms, sensitization, greenhouse characteristics, and air contaminants were analyzed by logistic regression modeling.

[Sensitization and occupational asthma in poultry workers].

Background: A high prevalence of asthma has been reported in poultry farmers. Our aim was to determine air contaminants in poultry confinement buildings and the prevalence of occupational asthma in these workers.

Patients And Method: Spanish poultry farmers who participated in the European Study Prevalence and Risk Factors for Airway Obstruction in Farmers, who worked inside confinement buildings, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study that included the measurement of air contaminants (ammonia, total dust, endotoxin and microorganisms), symptoms, skin testing with common and poultry-related allergens, and a specific bronchial challenge.