BackgroundParticulate matter air pollution has been associated with adverse health effects. The fraction of ambient particles that are mainly responsible for the observed health effects is still a matter of controversy. Better characterization of the health relevant particle fraction will have major implications for air quality policy since it will determine which sources should be controlled.The RUPIOH study, an EU-funded multicentre study, was designed to examine the distribution of various ambient particle metrics in four European cities (Amsterdam, Athens, Birmingham, Helsinki) and assess their health effects in participants with asthma or COPD, based on a detailed exposure assessment. In this paper the association of central site measurements with respiratory symptoms and restriction of activities is examined.MethodsAt each centre a panel of participants with either asthma or COPD recorded respiratory symptoms and restriction of activities in a diary for six months. Exposure assessment included simultaneous measurements of coarse, fine and ultrafine particles at a central site. Data on gaseous pollutants were also collected. The associations of the 24-hour average concentrations of air pollution indices with the health outcomes were assessed in a hierarchical modelling approach. A city specific analysis controlling for potential confounders was followed by a meta-analysis to provide overall effect estimates.ResultsA 10 μg/m3 increase in previous day coarse particles concentrations was positively associated with most symptoms (an increase of 0.6 to 0.7% in average) and limitation in walking (OR= 1.076, 95% CI: 1.026-1.128). Same day, previous day and previous two days ozone concentrations were positively associated with cough (OR= 1.061, 95% CI: 1.013-1.111; OR= 1.049, 95% CI: 1.016-1.083 and OR= 1.059, 95% CI: 1.027-1.091, respectively). No consistent associations were observed between fine particle concentrations, nitrogen dioxide and respiratory health effects. As for particle number concentrations negative association (mostly non-significant at the nominal level) was observed with most symptoms whilst the positive association with limitation of activities did not reach the nominal level of significance.ConclusionsThe observed associations with coarse particles are in agreement with the findings of toxicological studies. Together they suggest it is prudent to regulate also coarse particles in addition to fine particles.

An association was found between exposure to ambient coarse particles at central sites and EBC NOx, a marker of oxidative stress. The lack of association between PM measures more indicative of personal exposures (particularly indoor exposure) means interpretation should be cautious. However, EBC NOx may prove to be a marker of PM-induced oxidative stress in epidemiological studies.

Introduction:QFT-GIT is more sensitive than TST in patients under immunosuppressive therapy, but TST detects more cases of LTBI. TST remains an inexpensive test worldwide, which does not need laboratory equipment.Material and Methods:Overall, 457 patients having autoimmune diseases were referred. Of those referred, 158 patients were screened with QFT-GIT and TST. No patient in the present study was known to be HIV positive, or had a history of tuberculosis contact the last year. Additionally, neither of the two methods distinguish latent from active TB, and neither one is better at recognizing patients with autoimmune diseases who could avail from preventive chemoprophylaxis.Results:QFT-GIT is more sensitive than TST in patients under immunosuppressive therapy, but TST detects more cases of LTBI. TST remains an inexpensive test worldwide, which does not need laboratory equipment.Conclusion:Since the literature for the economic evaluation of LTBI screening has not clearly defined which test is ultimately more cost-effective, low income countries like Greece should continue using TST as the primary method for diagnosis of LTBI.