Prevalence and seasonality of viral respiratory infections in a temperate climate region : A 24-year study (1997-2020)

Background: Few long-term reports have been published on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses despite their frequent involvement in extremely common infections. The aim here was to determine the frequency and distribution of respiratory viruses in a temperate climate area (Barcelona, Spain) throughout a 24-year period. Methods: We collected data on all respiratory viruses detected from 1997 to 2020 in our institution. Clinical specimens were analyzed mainly by conventional techniques, and molecular techniques were also used. Results: Of the 59,579 specimens analyzed, 21,382 (35.9%) were positive for at least one virus. The number of positive samples during cold months was significantly higher than in warm months. Respiratory virus infections were detected in patients of all ages, above all in children under 3 years of age, who were most frequently infected with the respiratory syncytial virus, whereas Influenza A virus predominated in the other groups, especially in adults. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Circulation of other respiratory viruses during the FLUAV H1N1pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics was observed. Conclusions: This long-term study provides new knowledge about the prevalence of respiratory viruses in a Mediterranean region. Throughout the study period, the frequency of some viruses remained constant, whereas others varied with the year. A clear demographic and seasonal pattern was established for some viruses. Patients suffering from severe respiratory infections should be examined for a range of respiratory viruses regardless of gender, age, or season

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A cidade marca-nos ou nós marcamos a cidade? Qual o enunciado, quem o enuncia? Os 17 artigos selecionados pera este número 16 da Revista Estúdio estabelecem relações com o espaço urbano, recordando as aproximações críticas da etno-metodologia (Perec, 1999) e da proposta da deriva como pré-ocupação revolucionária do espaço modernista (Debord, 1955; 1958; Jacques, 2003). As pessoas ligam-se no entrecruzar das ruas, caminhos, percursos, mudanças, deslocações. Entre as pessoas e os objetos estão possibilidades que, quando repetidas, se transformam em estilos de vida. Entre uns e outros o consenso, para fraturar, questionar. Para interrogar os caminhos, é preciso conhecê-los, e para os conhecer é preciso desconhecê-los: só depois vem a proposta, a inovação, a invenção. Inventa-se um Homem pelo seu caminho. As matérias fazem-se de pensamento, sabem os artistas. É com estas matérias que ocupamos os nossos Estúdios. Onde está este Estúdio? Nas tuas mãos.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lack of Clinical Relevance of Bilastine-Food Interaction in Healthy Volunteers : A Wheal and Flare Study

The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacodynamic activity of bilastine administered under fasting and fed conditions in healthy volunteers. In this randomized, open-label, two-period, crossover study involving 24 healthy subjects, once-daily oral bilastine 20 mg was administered for 4 days under fasting and fed conditions, with a 7-day washout period. Bilastine plasma concentrations were measured for 24 h after the first and fourth doses in each period. Pharmacodynamic activity was assessed by wheal and flare surface inhibition and subjective assessment of itching, after intradermal injection of histamine 5 μg. When administered under fed versus fasting conditions, exposure to bilastine 20 mg decreased (mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve from time 0 to 24 h decreased by 34.27% and 32.72% [day 1], respectively, and 33.08% and 28.87% [day 4]). Despite this, the antihistaminic effect of bilastine 20 mg was not altered by food. On day 1, as assessed by wheal and flare surface inhibition, the maximum effect and duration of action of bilastine did not differ to a significant extent between fasting and fed conditions, with only a short 30-min delay in the onset of wheal inhibition. At steady state (day 4), bilastine's pharmacodynamic effects were not significantly affected under fasting or fed conditions. The pharmacokinetic interaction of bilastine with food does not imply a significant reduction of its peripheral antihistaminic efficacy. Despite a slight delay in onset of action on the first treatment day, the global clinical efficacy of bilastine is not affected by coadministration with food