A selection of publications with educational value in
Environmental & Occupational Health, and Epidemiology

Most recently added articles listed first


  • (Table 3 of 10.1111/resp.14658)
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Trajectory of Lung Function in Diabetic Adults: A 16-year Follow-up Study of Community-based Prospective Cohorts
    Wonsuk Choi, Joon Ho Moon, Hayoung Choi, Hyun Lee, Hee Kyung Kim, Ho-Cheol Kang and Nam H Cho (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14658)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14658/full (April 2024)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In an attempt to demonstrate an association between diabetes mellitus and lung function, this community cohort of 6,483 middle-aged and older adults in Korea undwerwent serial lung function testing over sixteen years. At baseline, participants with diabetes had significantly lower FEV1, FEV1 % predicted, FVC, FVC % predicted, and FEV1/FVC, even after adjustment for covariates (age, sex, height, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking status, exercise status, and education level). Longitudinal analysis shows a higher rate of decline in those with diabetes compared with those with normoglycaemia. This study strengthens the argument for an association between impaired glycaemic control and impaired lung function.

    20240327

  • (Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp.14648)
    (Click image to enlarge)
    The Western Australian Mesothelioma Registry: Analysis of 60 years of cases
    Fraser Brims, Nick de Klerk, Chellan Kumarasamy, Lalitha Menon, Nola Olsen and Peter Franklin (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14648)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14648/full (April 2024)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In this report of a series of almost 2,800 patients reported to the Western Australian Mesothelioma Registry (WAMR) with mesothelioma over a period of 60 years, changes in exposure and survival can be seen over time. In particular, median survival has more than doubled from 156 days in 1960-1979 to 360 days in 2010-2020. Most men with mesothelioma worked in building or construction (31%). Do-it-yourself (DIY) & home renovation activities are the largest identified source of asbestos exposure in women with mesothelioma in this registry, accounting for 22% of cases. Thankfully, the data appears to show a reduction in incident rate ratio for DIY home renovation cases since a peak in 2005-2009.

    20240304

  • (Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp. 14625)
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Understanding the pathogenesis of engineered stone-associated silicosis: The effect of particle chemistry on the lung cell response
    Chandnee Ramkissoon, Yong Song, Seiha Yen, Katherine Southam, Simone Page, Dino Pisaniello, Sharyn Gaskin, Graeme R Zosky (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14625)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14625/full (March 2024)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    This study explores the characteristics of engineered stone dust by analysis of fifty types of resin-based engineered stone, three natural stones and two non-resin-based building materials for their crystalline silica, metals and resin content. The investigators exposed human alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages to dust samples, and linear regression was performed to determine association between stone components and cellular response. The results suggest that crystalline silica content only partially explains macrophage toxicity, suggesting concern about the content of reduced-silica engineered stone products might be warranted.

    20240214

  • (Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp.14563)
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Racial and ethnic disparities in antifibrotic therapy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
    Joy Zhao, Joseph Fares, Gautam George, Arlene Maheu, Giorgos Loizidis, Jesse Roman, Daniel Kramer, Michael Li, Ross Summer (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14563)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14563/full (November 2023)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In this analysis of almost 50,000 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, the authors defined subgroups based on self-identified race and ethnicity. The results demonstrate a significantly lower rate of anti-fibrotic use in patients who identified as Black when compared with White (6.2% vs 11.4%, p <0.0001), Hispanic (10.8% vs. 20.2%, p <0.0001) and Asian (9.6% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.0006). Hispanic patients had higher usage of anti-fibrotics than Asian patients (21.1% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.012), and no other comparisons were significant. Sub-group analysis for patients over 65 or with lower FVC demonstrated a persistent difference between treatment in Black and White cohorts. These data suggest that patients identifying as Black in the United States are significantly less likely to be treated with anti-fibrotic therapies for IPF and further data is required to determine why.

    20231009

  • (Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp. 14316)
    (Click image to enlarge)
    PM2.5 exposure and risk of lung adenocarcinoma in women of Taiwan: A case-control study with density sampling Szu-Chun Yang, Fang-Yu Lin, Tzu-I Wu, Chih-Da Wu, Jung-Der Wang (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14316)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14316/full (November 2022)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In this large cohort of over 21,000 cases of confirmed lung cancer in women aged 40-80 in Taiwan, a history of ever smoking, living in an urban area, or diagnosis of COPD, prior tuberculosis, or malignant neoplasm were found to be risk factors. An association between time-weighted average exposure to inhaled PM2.5 particles and lung adenocarcinoma is demonstrated, with increased levels of exposure associated with increased malignancy risk. Given the low rate of smoking in adult women in Taiwan (<5%), this data suggests another possible contributor to the development of adenocarcinoma in non-smoking women.

    20221006

  • (Figure 2 of 10.1111/resp. 14234)
    (Click image to enlarge)

    Direct and indirect cost of Systemic Sclerosis and associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study Malene Knarborg, Anders Løkke, Ole Hilberg, Rikke Ibsen and Melina Gade Sikjær (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14223)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14224/full (May 2022)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    This paper utilises extensive registry data and data linkage to evaluate the direct and indirect costs of a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with or without interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) compared with healthy controls in Denmark. The diagnosis of systemic sclerosis is associated with a significant increase in healthcare costs. Total excess costs are approximately 40% higher in those diagnosed with SSc-ILD than in those with SSc without ILD. In the years leading up to the diagnosis of SSc, there is no difference in socioeconomic status; however, a significant difference appears from two years prior and persists subsequently to diagnosis. These findings exemplify the financial burden a SSc diagnosis implies for healthcare systems and patients.

    20220406

  • (Figure 2 of 10.1111/resp. 14222)
    (Click image to enlarge)


    (Figure 2 of 10.1111/resp. 14223)
    (Click image to enlarge)

    The HUNT study: Association of comorbidity clusters with long-term survival and incidence of exacerbation in a population-based Norwegian COPD cohort Sigrid Anna Aalberg Vikjord, Ben Michael Brumpton, Xiao-Mei Mai, Solfrid Romundstad, Arnulf Langhammer, Lowie Vanfleteren (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14222)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14222/full (Apr 2022)

    Chest CT-assessed comorbidities and all-cause mortality risk in COPD patients in the BODE cohort Ana Ezponda, Ciro Casanova, Miguel Divo, Marta Marín-Oto, Carlos Cabrera, Jose M Marín, Gorka Bastarrika, Víctor Pinto-Plata, Ángela Martin-Palmero, Francesca Polverino, Bartolome R Celli, Juan P de Torres (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14223)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14223/full (Apr 2022)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In Respirology issue 27.4, there are two papers that examine the role of comorbidities in phenotyping patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vikjord et al followed a cohort of patients for up to 25 years, and were able to cluster patients into groups with similar comorbidity profiles. Their 'psychological' and 'cachectic' clusters had significantly higher all-cause mortality than their 'less comorbidity' cluster. Further, Ezponda et al examined chest computed tomography (CT) findings in their COPD cohort and found that coronary artery calcium, bronchiectasis and low psoas muscle density were independently associated with all-cause mortality, features they term the 'CT-comorbidome'. Taken together, these papers provide new data that might help guide phenotyping in patients with COPD.

    20220324

  • Figure 2A of 10.1111/resp.14144
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Impact of early life exposures on COPD in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis Pengfei Duan, Yao Wang, Rongqing Lin, Yiming Zeng, Chengshui Chen, Li Yang, Minghui Yue, Shan Zhong, Yun Wang, Qingying Zhan (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14144)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14144/full (Sep 2021)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the impact of early life exposures to risk factors and the subsequent development of COPD as an adult. Using 30 studies with almost 800 000 participants, the authors find significant associations between childhood serious respiratory infections, pneumonia and bronchitis, asthma, maternal smoking, low birth weight and childhood maltreatment. This study suggests a potential role for addressing these exposures in children for COPD prevention.

    20211122

  • Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp.14102
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Long term impact of coal mine fire smoke on lung mechanics in exposed adults Nicolette R Holt BSc, Caroline X Gao BEng, MBiostats, Brigitte M Borg, David Brown, Jonathan C Broder, Jillian Ikin, Annie Makar, Thomas McCrabb, Kris Nilsen, Bruce R Thompson, Michael J Abramson (DOI: 10.1111/resp.14102)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.14102/full (Sep 2021)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    The authors of this paper illustrate the use of the forced oscillation technique to evaluate lung mechanics in people exposed to PM2.5 particulate matter after a fire in an open-cut brown coal mine in Hazelwood, Australia. Comparison with local residents who were not exposed to the same air pollution demonstrates more negative respiratory system reactance.

    20210819

  • Figure 2 of 10.1111/resp.13973
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Mapping IPF helps identify geographic regions at higher risk for disease development and potential triggers Jessica Germaine Shull, Maria Teresa Pay, Carla Lara Compte, Miriam Olid, Guadalupe Bermudo, Karina Portillo, Jacobo Sellarés, Eva Balcells, Vanesa Vicens-Zygmunt, Lurdes Planas-Cerezales, Diana Badenes-Bonet, Rosana Blavia, Pilar Rivera-Ortega, Amalia Moreno, Jordi Sans, Damià Perich, Silvia Barril, Leonardo Esteban, Laia Garcia-Bellmunt, Jordi Esplugas, Guillermo Suarez-Cuartin, Jaume Bordas-Martinez, Diego Castillo, Rosa Jolis, Inma Salvador, Saioa Eizaguirre Anton, Ana Villar, Alejandro Robles-Perez, M Josefa Cardona, Enric Barbeta, Maria Guadalupe Silveira, Claudia Guevara, Jordi Dorca, Antoni Rosell, Patricio Luburich, Roger Llatjós, Oriol Jorba And Maria Molina-Molina (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13973)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13973/full (Apr 2021)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In this fascinating study, the authors combine both modelled and measured air quality data from the Catalonia region of Spain with data from the Observatory IPF.cat registry. A potential link between higher exposure to PM2.5 pollutants and the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is suggested, although further research is clearly required to delineate causation.

    20210323

  • Figure 1 of 10.1111/resp.13696
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Effects of E-cigarette E-liquid components on bronchial epithelial cells: Demonstration of dysfunctional efferocytosis Miranda P Ween, Rhys Hamon, Matthew G MacOwan, Leigh Thredgold, Paul R Reynolds and Sandra J Hodge (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13696)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13696/full (May 2020)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    While the cause of the outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) in the United States remains under investigation, the broader issue of the long-term safety of vaping remains contentious. This paper contributes to the literature demonstrating abnormalities of human bronchial epithelial cell function associated with e-cigarette use. Further investigation and long-term data will be required.

    20200527

  • (Click image to enlarge)
    Artificial stone-associated silicosis in China: A prospective comparison with natural stone-associated silicosis Na Wu. Changjiang Xue. Shiwen Yu. Qiao Ye
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13744 (May 2019)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    In a cohort of 81 patients presenting with silicosis to a single centre in China, artificial stone exposure is associated with shorter latency to disease onset, and more rapid radiologic progression and reduction in lung function, when compared with those exposed to natural stone. This paper further contributes to the data surrounding accelerated silicosis in workers exposed to artificial stone that has been noted in multiple countries in recent years.

    20190520

  • (Click image to enlarge)

    Air Pollution in the Asia-Pacific Region. A Joint Asian Pacific Society of Respirology/American Thoracic Society Perspective Crystal M North, Mary B Rice, Thomas Ferkol, David Gozal, Christopher Hui, Soon-Hee Jung, Kozo Kuribayashi, Meredith C McCormack, Michiaki Mishima, Yasuo Morimoto, Yuanlin Song, Kevin C Wilson, Woo Jin Kim, Kwun M Fong
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13531

    20190328

  • (Click image to enlarge)
    Annual Southeast Asia haze increases respiratory admissions: A 2-year large single institution experience Chew R Ming, Andrea Ban Yu-Lin, Mohammad F Abdul Hamid, Mohd T Latiff, Nurashikin Mohammad and Tidi Hassan
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13325 (Oct 2018)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    The authors review two years of data from their Malaysian hospital for correlation between respiratory admissions and local haze conditions. The findings demonstrate significantly increased rates of admission with respiratory symptoms during a haze, particularly in those with chronic lung or cardiac disease, and those with obesity. Length of stay and requirement for intensive care also increased in the haze periods.

    20180926

  • Figure 1
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Disease burden of mild asthma in China Bo Ding and Mark Small (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13189)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13189/full (Apr 2018)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    The authors of this paper demonstrate that physician recognition of suboptimal asthma control is significant. They conclude that patients might be under-treated and experience a significant impact on quality of life and health.

    20180320

  • Table 1
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Short-term respiratory effects of e-cigarettes in healthy individuals and smokers with asthma Andreas S Lappas, Anna S Tzortzi, Efstathia M Konstantinidi, Stephanie I Teloniatis, Chara K Tzavara, Sofia A Gennimata, Nikolaos G Koulouris and Panagiotis K Behrakis (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13180)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13180/full (Mar 2018)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    The authors of this paper describe the immediate effects of e-cigarette inhalation in mild asthmatic patients and healthy smokers. Using impulse oscillometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels they demonstrate immediate effects which persisted longer in the asthmatic patients.

    20180215

  • Table 1
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Small airway disease: A different phenotype of early stage COPD associated with biomass smoke exposure Dongxing Zhao, Yumin Zhou, Changbin Jiang, Zhuxiang Zhao, Fang He And Pixin Ran (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13176)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13176/full (Feb 2018)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    The authors of this paper describe the distinct pathology, physiology and radiology findings in a cohort of patients with biomass smoke exposure associated COPD compared with COPD related to cigarette smoking. They provide evidence of a distinct COPD phenotype that warrants further study.

    20180126

  • Table 2
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Spirometry reference values for population aged 7–80 years in China: Jingzhou Zhang, Xiao Hu and Guangliang Shan (DOI: 10.1111/resp.13118)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.13118/full (Nov 2017)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    Using data from the China National Health Survey 2012–2015, the authors of this paper propose spirometry prediction equations for a general Chinese population aged 7–80 years. Their equations compare favourably to those developed in more heterogeneous cohorts.

    20171027

  • Figure 4
    (Click image to enlarge)
    Tuberculosis in China: A longitudinal predictive model of the general population and recommendations for achieving WHO goals: Kaijin Xu, Cheng Ding, Connor J Mangan, Yiping Li, Jingjing Ren, Shigui Yang, Bing Wang, Bing Ruan, Jifang Sheng & Lanjuan Li.
    10.1111/resp.13066 (Oct 2017)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    By using a Markov chain model, the authors of this study estimate likely future tuberculosis prevalence in China and the impact of various interventions. Their combined intervention model suggests a significant reduction in tuberculosis prevalence is achievable, and barriers to implementation are explored.

    20170920

  • (Click image to enlarge)
    Frailty is common and strongly associated with dyspnoea severity in fibrotic interstitial lung disease, Kathryn M Milne, Joanne M Kwan, Sabina Guler, Tiffany A Winstone, Angela Le, Nasreen Khalil, Pat G Camp, Pearce G Wilcox & Christopher J Ryerson
    10.1111/resp.12944 (May 2017)

    Prognosis in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung diseases can vary significantly. In this study, the authors demonstrate that Frailty is highly prevalent in a cohort of patients with fibrotic ILD and strongly associated with dyspnoea severity. The authors propose a potential role for frailty assessment in identifying patients at risk of complications from invasive procedures or medical therapies, and/or mortality.

    20170415

  • (Click image to enlarge)
    Ecological study on solid fuel use and pneumonia in young children: A worldwide association. Accinelli et al. (resp. 12865/ RES-16-237.R1)
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12865/full (Jan 2017)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    This study demonstrates a potential correlation between childhood pneumonia and exposure to solid fuel burning. Future work might examine whether reduction in indoor biomass pollution will lead to reduction in early childhood pneumonia.

    20161220

  • (Click image to enlarge)
    Clinical impact of the interstitial lung disease Multidisciplinary service, Jo et al. DOI: 10.1111/resp.12850
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12850/full (Jul 2016)

    Comment by Dr Mark Lavercombe:
    This study demonstrates that assessment of the diagnosis and management of interstitial lung diseases by an expert multidisciplinary panel can potentially make a major contribution to patient outcomes. A significant proportion of patients is re-classified after MDT discussion, leading to changes in management. Longer term follow-up of patient outcomes might add weight to the use of MDT discussions.

    20161021
  • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during a prolonged wildfire period and emergency department visits for asthma. Haikerwal et al.
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12613/abstract (Sep 2015)
    (FREE access: Editor's Choice)

    20160819
  • Association between asthma and body mass index and socioeconomic status: A cross-sectional study on 849,659 adolescents. Gordon et al.
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12645/abstract (Sep 2015)

    20160819
  • Mother's smoking and complex lung function of offspring in middle age: A cohort study from childhood. Perret et al.
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12750/abstract (Mar 2016)
    (FREE access: Editor's Choice)

    20160819
  • Interstitial lung disease associated with gemcitabine: A Japanese retrospective cohort study. Hamada et al.
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12665/abstract (Nov 2015)

    20160819
  • Association of sleep apnoea with chronic kidney disease in a large cohort from Taiwan. Chu et al.
    onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12739/abstract (Jan 2016)
    (FREE access: Editor's Choice; Editorial: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12796/abstract)

    20160819
  • Impact of effective versus sham continuous positive airway pressure on liver injury in obstructive sleep apnoea: Data from randomized trials.
    (Editorial: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12720/abstract)

    20160819