Condensate pH Research Articles

Exhaled Breath Condensate PH as a Non- invasive Measure of Inflammation in a sample of Egyptian children with Bronchiectasis

Exhaled Breath Condensate PH as a Non- invasive Measure of Inflammation in a sample of Egyptian children with Bronchiectasis

Experimental and numerical studies on capture of SO3 aerosols from flue gas using finned tube condenser with vortex generators

A heterogeneous condensation device of finned tube condenser equipped with vortex generators has been proposed for capturing SO3 aerosols and moisture from saturated flue gas. An original numerical model for simulating the growth and capture behavior of SO3 aerosols was proposed and verified. The simulation results show that the mean diameter and capture efficiency all increase gradually along the mainstream direction. The VGs can induce a large number of low-velocity recirculation zones on the fin surface, thereby promoting the agglomeration and deposition of SO3 aerosols. The experimental results show that the maximum number and mass capture efficiencies reached 81.1% and 40.1% respectively at SO3 concentration of 30 mg/m3. Besides, the rear end of the condenser has the smallest condensate volume and the lowest condensate pH value, which makes this part more susceptible to corrosion. Moreover, the effects of main parameters were also explored to provide references for engineering applications.

Association between preserved ratio impaired spirometry and sleep apnea in a Chinese community

Objective This study investigated the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) in a community population. Methods Baseline data from a prospective cohort study, the Predictive Value of Combining Inflammatory Biomarkers and Rapid Decline of FEV1 for COPD (PIFCOPD), were used for cross-sectional analysis. Participants aged 40–75 years were recruited from the community and their demographic information and medical history were collected. The STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) was used to assess the risk of OSA. Pulmonary function tests were performed using a portable spirometer (COPD-6) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 6 s (FEV6) were measured. Routine blood, biochemical, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6 tests were also performed. The pH of the exhaled breath condensate was determined. Results A total of 1183 participants were enrolled, of which 221 with PRISm and 962 with normal lung function. The neck circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, hs-CRP concentration, proportion of males, cigarette exposure, number of current smoker, high risk of OSA, and prevalence of nasal and ocular allergy symptoms were significantly higher in the PRISm group than in the non-PRISm group (p < .05). Logistic regression showed that the risk of OSA (odds ratio, 1.883; 95% confidence interval, 1.245–2.848), waist-to-hip ratio, current smoking, and prevalence of nasal allergy symptoms were independently associated with PRISm after correcting for age and sex. Conclusion These findings showed that OSA prevalence is independently associated with PRISm prevalence. Further studies should confirm the relationship between systemic inflammation in OSA, localized inflammation of the airways, and impaired lung function.

A glimpse in post-COVID pathophysiology: the role of exhaled breath condensate pH as an early marker of residual alveolar inflammation

ABSTRACT Background Residual alveolar inflammation seems to be paramount in post-COVID pathophysiology. Currently, we still lack a reliable marker to detect and track alveolar phlogosis in these patients. Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) pH has robust evidences highlighting its correlation with lung phlogosis in various diseases. We aim to define the reliability of alveolar and bronchial EBC pH in the assessment and in the follow up of post-COVID-related inflammation. Research design and methods We enrolled 10 patients previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia. We performed a complete follow-up after 3 months and 6 months from discharge. Each visit included routine blood tests, arterial blood gas analysis, 6-minute walking test, spirometry, diffusing capacity and body plethysmography. Finally, bronchial and alveolar EBC were collected at the end of each visit. Results Alveolar EBC pH was significantly lower than bronchial EBC pH at T1, alveolar EBC pH tended to be more acid after 3 months from hospital discharge compared to the same sample 6 months later. Serum inflammatory biomarkers showed no significant differences from T1 to T2. Alveolar EBC pH was positively correlated with neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. Conclusions Collecting EBC pH could help to understand pathophysiologic mechanism as well as monitoring alveolar inflammation in the post-COVID syndrome.

Airway acidification impaired host defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection by promoting type 1 interferon β response

ABSTRACT Airway microenvironment played an important role in the progression of chronic respiratory disease. Here we showed that standardized pondus hydrogenii (pH) of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of bronchiectasis patients was significantly lower than that of controls and was significantly correlated with bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) scores and disease prognosis. EBC pH was lower in severe patients than that in mild and moderate patients. Besides, acidic microenvironment deteriorated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) pulmonary infection in mice models. Mechanistically, acidic microenvironment increased P. aeruginosa outer membrane vesicles (PA_OMVs) released and boosted it induced the activation of interferon regulatory factor3 (IRF3)-interferonβ (IFN-β) signalling pathway, ultimately compromised the anti-bacteria immunity. Targeted knockout of IRF3 or type 1 interferon receptor (IFNAR1) alleviated lung damage and lethality of mice after P. aeruginosa infection that aggravated by acidic microenvironment. Together, these findings identified airway acidification impaired host resistance to P. aeruginosa infection by enhancing it induced the activation of IRF3-IFN-β signalling pathway. Standardized EBC pH may be a useful biomarker of disease severity and a potential therapeutic target for the refractory P. aeruginosa infection. The study also provided one more reference parameter for drug selection and new drug discovery for bronchiectasis.

Conducting Polymer Hybrids As Diagnostic Chemosensors

Polyaniline is a conducting polymer in which both redox and protonating/deprotonating conduction mechanisms are activated in the presence of gaseous compounds, making it a gas sensor. Resistive chemosensors based on PANI, in particular, have been well studied for their gas sensing properties and are considered important sensing materials for a wide range of applications as they operate at room temperature. There is, however, a novel class of polyaniline hybrids with cellulose acetate that may be suitable for detecting biomarkers emitted from the skin and in measuring the pH of breath condensate for diseases and thus, worth studying them further. This work is our perspective on the need of hybrid PANI-CA materials for use in detecting biomarkers emitted from the skin and in measuring the pH of breath condensate for diseases.

Evaluation of cytokines in exhaled breath condensate in an occupationally exposed population to pneumotoxic pollutants.

The quarrying is considered a precarious occupation with high toxicity, is an informal economic activity that employs low technology, limited protection, and poses a risk to workers and their families. In quarrying, silica dust is generated and there is also occupational exposure to significant mixtures of pneumotoxic pollutants, including mineral dust (crystalline silica, carbon or cement, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solvents, and others, which are aggravated by the lack of use of protective equipment, causing irreversible damage to the worker's respiratory health. Thus, the objective of this work focused on the evaluation of the respiratory health of artisan stonemasons in San Luis Potosí, Mexico through the study of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (pH, pro-inflammatory cytokines) as well as the study of the exposure to pollutants present in the work area (PAHs, toluene, and 2.5µm particulate matter) through biomarkers of exposure (hippuric acid and hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs). The results show the presence of crystalline SiO2 in 100% of the samples analyzed; the PM2.5 concentrations were 5 to 10 times the permitted levels. Regarding exposure to PAHs, all the stonemasons presented urine concentrations of at least 5 of the OH-PAHs evaluated; 9-OH-FLU occurred at higher concentrations of 171.2 (122.7-279.4) µg L-1; hippuric acid, which was present in 100% of the workers evaluated in concentrations of 283.4 (27.72-1119) mg L-1, 100% of which were above the values established for occupational scenarios. The pH values obtained for the EBC samples were presented at an average of 7.07 (6.33-7.66). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were present in 86.1% of the study population. The cytokine that was found in higher concentrations was IL-2, with a mean of 178.01pgmL-1 and 3124.01pgmL-1 for the pH < 7 and pH > 7 groups, respectively. Some correlations between the cytokines and the exposure biomarkers were presented. Stonemasons are highly exposed to pneumotoxic pollutants and markers of inflammation at the pulmonary level; in addition, a high risk of developing silicosis. Quarrying should be addressed as a carcinogenic activity, which would imply the design of monitoring and control strategies for these pollutants that our country currently lacks, particularly in precarious occupations. It is necessary to develop strategies to protect the health of precarious workers.

550Short-term exposure to grass pollen is associated with lower lung function and increased airway inflammation

Abstract Background The association between grass pollen exposure and lung function changes and airway inflammation is limited. We investigated these associations in a community-based sample, and whether any such associations were modified by current asthma, current hay fever, pollen sensitization and age. Methods Cross-sectional analyses of data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study (MACS) participants (n = 936). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. Airway inflammation was assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and exhaled breath condensate pH and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Daily pollen counts were collected using a volumetric spore trap. The associations were examined by linear regression. Results Higher ambient levels of grass pollen 2 days before (lag 2) were associated with lower mid-forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) and FEV1/FVC ratio (Coef. [95% CI] = -119 [-226, -11] mL/s and -1.0 [-3.0, -0.03] %, respectively) and also 3 days before (lag 3). Increased levels of grass pollen a day before (lag 1) was associated with increased FeNO (4.35 [-0.1, 8.7] ppb) and also at lag 2. Adverse associations between pollen and multiple outcomes were greater in adults with current asthma, hay fever and pollen sensitization. Conclusions Grass pollen exposure was associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation 1-2 days after exposure and airway obstruction 2-3 days after exposure. Key messages There is a more delayed effect on lung function compared to airway inflammation. Adults with current asthma, hay fever and grass pollen sensitisation are especially vulnerable.

Exhaled breath condensate pH determinants in school-aged children: A population-based study.

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH is a promising biomarker of airway inflammation. Lack of method standardization and interstudy variability precludes its use in clinical practice. While endogenous determinants have been described, underlying mechanisms for variability are mostly unknown. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between asthma and EBC pH in children, while studying potential environmental factors for interstudy variability. A cross-sectional analysis of exhaled breath condensates from 613 children, aged 7-12years, was conducted. Assessments included lung function and airway reversibility, exhaled nitric oxide, allergic sensitization, and body mass index (BMI). Indoor air quality (IAQ) was assessed in children's classrooms during 5school days. Post-deaeration EBC pH showed a bimodal distribution, and the sample was split into acidic and alkaline groups. Regression models were constructed to assess the effects of asthma and asthma adjusted to IAQ parameters on EBC pH. Following adjustment to gender and BMI, asthma was significantly associated with a lower EBC pH in the acidic group. The effect of asthma on EBC pH was independent of IAQ, in both groups. In the acidic group, EBC pH was significantly affected by temperature [β=-0.09 (-0.15, -0.02)] and PM 2.5 concentration [β=-0.16 (-0.32, -0.01)], and in the alkaline group by relative humidity [β=0.07 (0.02, 0.13)] and concentration of endotoxins [β=-0.06 (-0.1, -0.01)]. Our study shows that in addition to individual determinants such as asthma, environmental factors may influence and should be taken into consideration when interpreting EBC pH level in children.

Early detection of bovine respiratory disease in calves by induced cough

100 Holstein calves aged 7-14 days investigated the effectiveness of various cough provocation methods for bovine respiratory disease early detection. The animals were evaluated according to the clinical scoring system WI, to provoke cough in calves, they performed: 15-minute run, 30-second apnea on exhalation, palpated the trachea in its lower third region and intravenously injected 0.6% hydrogen peroxide solution at 0.9 % sodium chloride solution at a dose of 0.4 ml per kg of body weight to induce H2O2-induced bronchoconstriction. Out of 100 calves, 60 were selected without spontaneous cough and with a WI clinical score of 3 points or less, in which the leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, nuclear shift index, and pH of exhaled breath condensate and the hydrogen peroxide concentration in exhaled breath. For 2 weeks, these animals were monitored daily for the bovine respiratory disease signs. It was established that 30-second apnea and H2O2-induced bronchoconstriction allow diagnosing bronchitis in calves 6-12 days before its symptom complex (peak) development when other symptoms are still absent and WI clinical score is 3 points or less. However, already at this disease stage, animals exhibit leukocytosis, increased serum content of haptoglobin, decreased pH exhaled breath condensate, and increased the hydrogen peroxide concentration in exhaled breath. The trachea lower third cough on palpation appearance indicates the tracheobronchitis early manifestations presence in calves. Trachea lower third Sequential palpation and 30-second apnoea to provoke coughing in calves allows not only the bovine respiratory disease early detection, but also to differentiate early bronchitis and tracheobronchitis manifestations.

Investigation of the condensation heat-transfer between the wet air and 3-D finned-tube heat exchanger surface with different anti-corrosion coatings

ABSTRACT It is a coupling solution for optimizing the materials with good thermal conductivity and anti-corrosive modified coating of flue-gas condensation heat exchangers. The paper experimentally studied the condensation heat transfer between the wet air and 3-D finned-tube heat exchanger surface in three different ways, i.e. non-coating, Ni-Cu-P organic pure-coating, and Ni-Cu-P chemical organic composite coating. Impacts of mass flow rate, moisture content, temperature of exhaust flue gas, and cooling water on the condensation heat transfer performance were investigated. The results showed that the heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger surface with a pure-coating layer achieves 3.1–7.4% higher compared to that with the composite coating. The pure-coating surface is inferior to the non-coating surface. The heat transfer coefficient of the copper-based heat exchanger achieves 30.1–47% higher compared to the steel-based surface. The condensate pH of modified surfaces heat exchangers is ranged from 3.08–7.17. Furthermore, the nondimensional correlations governing the flue-gas convection condensation heat transfer for different coating surfaces were established and validated with the experimental data. The validation indicates that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

CO2 Top-of-Line-Corrosion; Assessing the Role of Acetic Acid on General and Pitting Corrosion

Based on a review of both literature and field data, it is apparent that the role of acetic acid (HAc) in oilfield brines is both extremely complex and somewhat controversial. Although it is commonly believed that the presence of this organic compound enhances both the general and the localized corrosion rate of carbon steel, HAc has recently been reported to also act as a weak general corrosion inhibitor in specific aqueous environments. These observations prompted a study into whether such behavior is apparent in a CO2 top-of-line corrosion (TLC) scenario, i.e., when HAc dissolves into condensed water that forms on the upper internal wall of carbon steel pipelines during wet-gas stratified flow. Four different water condensation rates/temperature TLC conditions were selected to investigate the role of HAc on both the kinetics and mechanism of carbon steel dissolution. A miniature three-electrode setup was developed to characterize the real-time TLC response through the implementation of electrochemical measurements. Surface analysis techniques (microscopy and profilometry) were also performed to complement the electrochemical results. Collective consideration of the corrosion response and condensate chemistry indicates that similar effects were observed to those reported in the literature for bulk aqueous environments, in that the introduction of HAc can result in either accentuation or a minimal/inhibitive effect on general corrosion depending upon the operating conditions. The minimal/inhibitive effects of HAc were apparent at a surface temperature of 20.5°C and water condensation rate of 0.5 mL/m2·s, as no significant increase in corrosion was observed, despite a significant reduction in condensate pH being generated by the presence of HAc. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy analysis of the inhibited steel specimen in the presence of HAc revealed the presence of iron acetate on the steel surface, which may have been at least partially responsible for the observed inhibitive effect. Extended duration experiments over 96 h revealed that both general and localized corrosion are not significantly affected by HAc addition at low temperature, whereas the level of degradation increases at higher surface temperature over longer periods.

Reduced Exhaled Breath Condensate pH and Severity of Allergic Sensitization Predict School Age Asthma

We previously reported that deaerated breath condensate pH (dEBC pH) can identify preschool children with recurrent wheezing at high asthma risk. To assess the ability of preschool dEBC pH to predict asthma risk at school age. Children of the baseline cohort were recontacted for follow-up. Asthma diagnosis at school age was evaluated according to Global Initiative for Asthma recommendations in 135 children who at baseline had been classified into the following groups: (asymptomatic) atopic wheezers (n= 30), (asymptomatic) nonatopic wheezers (n= 57), allergic rhinitis only (n= 14), and healthy controls (n= 34). All (100%) former atopic wheezers, 12 (21%) of nonatopic wheezers, 2 (14%) of allergic rhinitis group, and 1 (3%) of healthy controls had developed asthma at follow-up. Among all children with baseline wheezing, baseline dEBC pH predicted asthma at follow-up with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.72 (sensitivity, 0.67; specificity, 0.76; at pH 7.83). Combining pH and Capacity class (CAP) led to substantial gain in sensitivity (0.96) and negative predictive value (NPV, 0.94). Additional clinical information (Asthma Predictive Index, family atopy, family asthma, and inhaled corticosteroids) further increased the potential to predict asthma (AUC, 0.94) and raised sensitivity (0.98) and NPV (0.97) to nearly perfect values. Our findings suggest (1) that dEBC pH combined with CAP class may serve as highly sensitive, noninvasive marker for the early detection of young asymptomatic preschool children with increased asthma risk, and (2) the need for additional biomarkers with high specificity to optimize early risk stratification in this clinically challenging scenario.

Effect of alloying ratios and Cu-addition on corrosion behaviour of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloys in superheated steam containing CO2, H2S and HCl

This article reports the morphology and corrosion study of CoCrNiFeMo and CoCrNiFeMoCu high-entropy alloys (HEA) tested in a simulated superheated geothermal environment to evaluate whether the alloys are candidate materials for a corrosive high-temperature geothermal environment. The HEA alloys with different alloying ratios were tested in superheated steam at 350 °C and 10 bar gauge containing HCl, H2S, and CO2 with acidic condensate (pH = 3). The Cu containing CoCrNiFeMoCu alloys were prone to corrosion damage and corrosion rate was accelerated by intermetallic Cu rich sites but the CoCrNiFeMo alloys were not prone to corrosion in the test environment.

Outdoor air pollutants exposure associated with pulmonary function and EBC pH value in atopic asthmatic and non-asthmatic children

Objective Air pollution is associated with the prevalence of respiratory diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of outdoor air pollutants and indoor Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 (Der p 1) exposure on levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH, and pulmonary function in atopic children. Methods This study recruited 59 atopic mild-to-moderate asthmatic children and 23 atopic non-asthmatic children. Data on personal characteristics, FeNO, EBC pH, and pulmonary function were collected. Group 1 allergens of Der p 1 were measured on the tops of mattresses and on bedroom floors in the children’s homes, and outdoor air pollutant concentrations were estimated from air quality monitoring stations, using the ordinary kriging method. Results Exposure levels of outdoor air pollutants, except for particulate matter (PM)2.5, for the recruited children met outdoor air quality standards set by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency. The lag effect of outdoor PM10 exposure was negatively associated with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) [(Lag 1: β=–0.771, p = 0.028), and O3 (Lag 1–7: β=–2.02, p = 0.04, Lag 1–28: β=–3.213, p = 0.029)]. Median pulmonary function parameters differed significantly in forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.004) and FEV1 (p = 0.024) values between atopic asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. No association was found between the FeNO/EBC pH level and exposure to Der p 1 allergen and air pollutants in the recruited children. Conclusions Outdoor PM10 and O3 exposure was associated with reduction in FEV1 in atopic asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

Is short-term exposure to grass pollen adversely associated with lung function and airway inflammation in the community?

The association between grass pollen exposure and early markers of asthma exacerbations such as lung function changes and increase in airway inflammation is limited. We investigated the associations between short-term grass pollen exposure and lung function and airway inflammation in a community-based sample, and whether any such associations were modified by current asthma, current hay fever, pollen sensitization, age, and other environmental factors. Cross-sectional and short-term analyses of data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study (MACS) participants (n=936). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. Airway inflammation was assessed by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath condensate pH and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Daily pollen counts were collected using a volumetric spore trap. The associations were examined by linear regression. Higher ambient levels of grass pollen 2days before (lag 2) were associated with lower mid-forced expiratory flow (FEF25%-75% ) and FEV1 /FVC ratio (Coef. [95% CI]=-119 [-226, -11]mL/s and -1.0 [-3.0, -0.03] %, respectively) and also 3days before (lag 3). Increased levels of grass pollen a day before (lag 1) were associated with increased FeNO (4.35 [-0.1, 8.7] ppb) and also at lag 2. Adverse associations between pollen and multiple outcomes were greater in adults with current asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization. Grass pollen exposure was associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation 1-2days after exposure and airway obstruction 2-3days after exposure. Adults and individuals with asthma, hay fever, and pollen sensitization may be at higher risk.

Methodology for studying the quality of steam condensate and cooling water of a steam turbine condenser

Monitoring the suction of cooling water into steam with measurements of , H and pH of condensate is simultaneously a characteristic of the water-chemical regime of the main loop and the system of circulating (or direct-flow) cooling and has attracted increased attention in recent years. This is due both to the signif-icant suction of cooling water into the condensing steam at the power units of TPPs and NPPs, and to the appearance on the market of new reagents – deposit and corrosion inhibitors. Investigation of the behavior of such substances under conditions of a recirculating cooling system is a complex task, the solution of which depends on many factors. The purpose of the scientific research was to develop a methodology for instrumental (automated) control based on measurements of electrical conductivity ( and H) and pH, which makes it possible to reduce the number of controlled parameters of circulating water, to increase the information content of the measurement results in terms of the amount of suction of circulating water into condensing steam.The implementation of the task in laboratory conditions was carried out using the experi-mental stand «Installation of reverse osmosis and chemical desalination», which provides the ability to measure the specific electrical conductivity of direct () and H-cationized (H) samples of steam condensate and calculate a number of normalized parameters according to the author's algorithm. A large volume of chemical quality control of the make-up and circulating water in the recirculating cooling system limits the efficiency of research and requires large labor costs. In this case, the method of indirect (calculated) deter-mination of the concentrations of ionic impurities can be used by calculating them according to the author's algorithm using the measured values of electrical conductivity and pH.Two laboratory units are presented: reverse osmosis and chemical desalination; modeling the water regime of recirculating cooling systems. A method is proposed for studying the state of the water-chemical regime of a steam turbine condenser both from the side of steam and from the side of cooling water. Examples of using the methodology for calculating the characteristics of steam condensate and cooling water are given. It is shown that the use of instrumental measurements of specific electrical conductivity and pH makes it possible to reduce the volume of laboratory chemical control of aqueous media, to increase the efficiency and information content of the measurement results.A patent for an invention of the Russian Federation No. 2658020 was obtained for a laboratory installation of reverse osmosis and chemical desalination. A distinctive feature of the installation is the ability to obtain deeply demineralized water with a specific electrical conductivity of less than 0,2 μS / cm with the subsequent preparation of extremely dilute solutions. The second laboratory unit simulates the water regime of recirculating cooling systems and can be used in the operating conditions of the power plant. The scientific novelty of the method for the chemical quality control of steam condensate and circulating water consists in the use of an original author's algorithm, which provides the calculation of a number of standardized indicators based on the measured values of electrical conductivity and pH.

NADAR 2,5-KM INDOOR DISMINUYE EL NITRITO Y pH EN AIRE ESPIRADO CONDENSADO

OBJETIVO: determinar el efecto de una prueba aeróbica de natación en piscina clorada indoor sobre la concentración de NO2-, H2O2 y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado. MÉTODO: diez nadadores aficionados nadaron 2,5 km en piscina clorada. Se obtuvieron muestras antes y en cuatro oportunidades durante las ocho horas posteriores a la prueba. El análisis estadístico usó modelos mixtos y la prueba de Spearman RESULTADOS: la prueba se realizó a 74,99±10,10 % de la reserva cardíaca y duró 50,80±8,98 minutos. Posterior a la prueba disminuyó el NO2- (p=0,04) y el pH (p=0,02) en el condensado del aire espirado. Los valores pre-ejercicio se relacionaron con los cambios absolutos p=0,0002, p=0,047 y con el volumen de entrenamiento p=0,017, p=0,077 para NO2- y H2O2 respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: la natación en piscina clorada disminuye la concentración de NO2- y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado.

Predictive Value of Combining Inflammatory Biomarkers and Rapid Decline of FEV1 for COPD in Chinese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundIn China, the high prevalence and mortality rate of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the poor intervention effect makes it into a heavy social burden. The main reason is that the current diagnosis of COPD mainly based on the static lung function, which is difficult for early intervention. Through matching a predictive model for high-risk groups of COPD that rewards FEV1 rapid decline as the core, we will establish the early warning model and prove its validity and socio-economic value.MethodsThis is a multi-center, prospective, cohort study. A total of 10,000 people aged 40∼75 without lung disease will be recruited and followed for 3 years. Some questionnaires such as St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), income class, educational level, comorbidity, smoking habit, and biomass smoke exposure history will be collected. The baseline level of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP), microRNAs-23a (miR-23a) in peripheral blood and pH value in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) will be measured, lung spirometry will be tested in the first, second, and fourth years. Primary outcome is the incidence of COPD, multivariate regression analysis will be used to establish the predictive model for COPD in China.DiscussionWith the rapid decline of lung function as the core and the baseline inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood and pH of the exhaled breath condensate as affecting factors, a predictive model to achieve early detection of high-risk COPD groups will be established and promoted.Trial registrationThis study has been registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (registration identifier: NCT03532893) on 21 May 2018, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov.

Capillary electrophoretic analysis of ionic content in exhaled breath condensate and pH monitoring as a non-invasive method in gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnostics

In this study, the ionic profile and pH of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in a group of patients with acid and weakly acid reflux and no-reflux controls were compared. A portable sampler was used for non-invasive EBC collection from five exhalations. The ionic profile (anions, cations, organic acids) and pH of the collected EBC samples were measured by capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection and a pH microelectrode, respectively. Several ions were elevated in the patient groups. Sodium cation was elevated in weakly acid reflux (significance level p < 0.01) and acid reflux (p < 0.05) compared to no-reflux controls. Butyrate and propionate were elevated in both acid reflux and weakly acid reflux compared to no-reflux controls (butyrate: p < 0.01, propionate: p < 0.05). The median values of pH (after de-aeration with N2) were also significantly higher (p < 0.01) in groups with acid reflux and weakly acid reflux than in the control group with no reflux. The ionic analysis and simultaneous pH measurement offer a simple, cheap, fast, and non-invasive approach in gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnostics.