Diagnostic accuracy of exhaled nitric oxide in exercise-induced bronchospasm: Systematic review

Introduction: The gold-standard method for the diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is an exercise test combined with spirometry. However, this test is expensive, time consuming and requires specialized equipment and trained personnel. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a fast, easy, noninvasive method for the diagnosis of EIB. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of the measurement of eNO for the diagnosis of EIB through a systematic review of the literature. Methods: A search was carried out in the PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO and SCOPUS databases by two independent researchers. Results: Fifty-six papers were found. Following the application of the eligibility criteria to the title, abstract and text, six papers remained for analysis. There was a significant heterogeneity in sex (X2 = 56.44, p = 0.000) and clinical spectrum (X2 = 504.00, p = 0.000) between studies. In children between 3.8 and 7.8 years old a cutoff point >28 ppb EIB can be ruled in and in children between 5 and 16 years old at a cutoff point <20 EIB can be ruled out. For adults a cutoff point <7 EIB can be ruled out and it can be ruled in with a cutoff point >12. Four papers reported negative predictive values above 88%. Conclusion: The measurement of eNO seems to be effective for ruling in and ruling out EIB in some specific groups. Therefore, the meansurement of eNO levels could be an important tool to safely avoid the need for an exercise test when the result is negative, reducing the individual and economic impact of this disease. Resumo: Introdução: O método padrão de ouro para o diagnóstico de broncoespasmos induzidos por exercício (BIE) é a prova de esforço combinada com a espirometria. Contudo, esta prova é dispendiosa, demorada e requer equipamento específico e pessoal especializado. O óxido nítrico exalado (eNO) é um método rápido, simples e não invasivo para o diagnóstico de BIE. O objectivo do presente estudo foi o de aferir a acurácia do eNO para o diagnóstico do BIE através da revisão sistemática da literatura. Métodos: Foi efectuada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO e SCOPUS por dois investigadores independentes. Resultados: Foram encontrados 56 artigos e após as exclusões pelo título, resumo e texto, restaram 6 artigos para análise. Foi encontrada heterogeneidade significativa entre os estudos quanto ao sexo (X2=56,44; p=0,000) e ao espectro clínico (X2 =504,00; p=0,000). Em crianças com idades entre os 3,8 e os 7,8 anos o ponto de corte >28 ppb pode considerar o BIE presente, e em crianças com idades entre os 5 e os 16 anos o ponto de corte <20 BIE poderá excluir essa afecção. Para adultos o BIE poderá ser excluído quando o ponto de corte for <7 BIE e o ponto de corte >12 poderá considerar a presença da doença. Quatro artigos registaram valores preditores negativos acima dos 88%. Conclusão: A avaliação do eNO parece ser eficaz na inclusão ou na exclusão de BIE em alguns grupos específicos. Assim sendo, a avaliação dos níveis de eNO poderá ser uma ferramenta segura para evitar a necessidade da prova de esforço nos casos negativos, reduzindo a impacto individual e económico desta doença. Keywords: Exercise-induced asthma, Diagnosis, Sensitivity and specificity, Nitric oxide, Palavras-chave: Asma induzida por exercício, diagnóstico, sensibilidade e especificidade, óxido nítric

Hydraulic conductivity and soil-sewage sludge interactions

One of the main problems faced by humanity is pollution caused by residues resulting from the production and use of goods, e.g, sewage sludge. Among the various alternatives for its disposal, the agricultural use seems promising. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydraulic conductivity and interaction of soil with sandy-silty texture, classified as Spodosols, from the Experimental Station Itapirema - IPA, in Goiana, state of Pernambuco, in mixtures with sewage sludge from the Mangueira Sewage Treatment Station, in the city of Recife, Pernambuco at rates of 25, 50 and 75 Mg ha-1. Tests were conducted to let water percolate the natural saturated soil and soil-sludge mixtures to characterize their physical, chemical, and microstructural properties as well as hydraulic conductivity. Statistical data analysis showed that the presence of sewage sludge in soils leads to an increase of the < 0.005 mm fraction, reduction in real specific weight and variation in optimum moisture content from 11.60 to 12.90 % and apparent specific dry weight from 17.10 and 17.50 kN m-3. In the sludge-soil mixture, the quartz grains were covered by sludge and filling of the empty soil macropores between grains. There were changes in the chemical characteristics of soil and effluent due to sewage sludge addition and a small decrease in hydraulic conductivity. The results indicate the possibility that soil acidity influenced the concentrations of the elements found in the leachate, showing higher levels at higher sludge doses. It can be concluded that the leaching degree of potentially toxic elements from the sewage sludge treatments does not harm the environment