Obstruction Of Airflow Research Articles

A new surgical technique to increase airflow in the olfactory cleft: superior turbinate lateralization procedure.

The olfactory cleft (OC) is the most important anatomical site for the maintenance of olfactory function. Obstruction of airflow in the OC by various conditions, such as inflammation, leads to poor olfactory function. Therefore, it is important to increase OC airflow while performing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). However, no technique to increase airflow has yet been established. We designed a superior turbinate lateralization (STL) procedure that displaces the entire ST bone laterally by eliminating the connection between the posterior ST and the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus. The effect of the STL procedure was investigated in terms of anatomy and olfactory function. ESS with the STL procedure was performed on seven patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. The cross-sectional area of the OC at 3months postoperatively was significantly larger than that before ESS. In addition, the Open Essence test and questionnaires revealed significantly improvements in sense of smell. Airflow in the OC was significantly higher in STL procedure group than in the non-STL procedure group. The STL procedure enlarges the bony framework of the OC, and by increasing OC airflow, facilitates the transport of odorants to the olfactory epithelium, thereby improving olfactory perception.

Frequency and determinants of Respiratory Failure in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is slowly and progressive disorder that is characterized by a permanent or partially reversible obstruction of airflow. A COPD exacerbation can have a variety of clinical outcomes, from self-limited sickness to progressive respiratory failure. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with respiratory failure among patients experiencing acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: The study was designed to evaluate maternal complications of emergency vs elective cesarean section for placenta previa. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology in KhalifaGul Nawaz (KGN), MTI Bannu from January 2022 to December 2022, following approval from the institutional ethical committee. A total of 385 participants were enrolled in this study. Following the documentation of the physical examination and clinical history, various demographic details were noted. The data was analyzed through SPSS Version 25.0. Results: A total of 385 patients presented with acute exacerbation of COPD were assessed. Out of which 258 were males (67%) and 127(32.9%) were females. In an acute exacerbation of COPD, the number of individuals presenting with respiratory failure was 138 (35.8%). out of which 91(23.6%) were males and 47(12.2%) were females. The age group of 51 to 60 years old had the highest number of individuals experiencing respiratory failure, which were 69 (17.9%). Conclusion: : In the current study the frequency of respiratory failure in the participants presented with acute exacerbation was high. It is crucial to create efficient plans for stopping smoking and preventing COPD exacerbations in light of its effect on health care resources

Understanding the Role of Central Parasympathetic Activation in Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression and Peripheral Airway Constriction

Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) is a primary cause of mortality resulting from opioid overdose. Numerous mechanisms have been identified as contributors to OIRD, such as the suppression of central respiratory rhythmogenesis. Our recent research revealed that opioids' ability to suppress breathing extends beyond the central suppression of rhythmic activity, notably leading to airway constriction, which can culminate in complete obstruction. The autonomic nervous system plays a pivotal role in regulating the tone of airway smooth muscles with the parasympathetic system being mainly responsible for bronchoconstriction, and the sympathetic system facilitating bronchodilation. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that exposure to fentanyl results in the disinhibition of parasympathetic motor output, leading to centrally mediated peripheral airway constriction. After administering fentanyl (500μg/kg i.p.), minute ventilation dropped by nearly 50%, primarily due to a decrease in breathing frequency. Transient airflow obstructions during the inspiratory phase were observed following fentanyl administration, as indicated by an increased latency between diaphragm contraction and the start of inspiratory flow. These airflow obstructions were fully reversed by the sympathomimetics salbutamol or epinephrine. To determine whether the transient obstructions were a result of vagal activation, another group of mice underwent vagotomy prior to fentanyl administration. The vagotomy effectively eliminated the occurrence of airflow obstructions following fentanyl administration. Additionally, using neuronal activity-based fos-dependent labeling and in-vitro patch-clamp recordings, we showed that fentanyl administration led to a pronounced activation of parasympathetic motor neurons within brainstem areas, including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the nucleus ambiguus. Collectively, our findings suggest that fentanyl induces transient obstructions to airflow that may be attributed to heightened central parasympathetic activity, which in turn drives peripheral airway constriction. P01 HL090554 (J.M.R.), R01 HL126523 (J.M.R.), R01 HL144801 (J.M.R.), R01 HL151389 (J.M.R.), F32 HL154558 (N.J.B.), R00HL145004 (N.A.B.) and R01HL166317 (N.A.B.). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Factors Determining the Risk Level of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) in Smokers in Bandung City: A Secondary Data Analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major contributor to illness and death. COPD can result in the obstruction of airflow and disturbance of the respiratory system. These symptoms have a tendency to be enduring and progressively worse. In Indonesia, the number of persons affected by COPD is estimated to be 9.2 million, with smokers being the primary cause of COPD cases. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the risk variables linked to the occurrence of COPD among smokers in Bandung City in 2022. This study employed a cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 189 smokers aged over 40 years in Bandung City. The participants were selected via total sampling. This study employed secondary research methodology, utilising chi-square and binary regression analysis for data analysis. The findings indicated that the prevalence of high-risk COPD cases in Bandung City in 2022 was 12.7%. An relationship was seen between age, smoking intensity, namely 20-30 packs of cigarettes per year, and level of physical activity. After controlling for age, physical activity, and degree of smoking, the primary cause of the increased risk of COPD was the consumption of 20-30 packs of cigarettes per year (PR= 11.34; 95% CI = 1.65 to 77.67). This study highlights the significance of lifestyle interventions, such as smoking cessation programmes and CERDIK's behaviours, in managing COPD.

IMPACT OF SUTRA NETI ON ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHIL COUNT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background & Objective: Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that contributes to missed or unproductive time at work. Inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis causes nasal venous sinusoids, swelling of the anterior and inferior nasal turbinates, and obstruction of nasal airflow, ultimately contributing to nasal congestion. Sutra Neti Kriya and Kapalabhati are practiced for more than thousands of years as part of Hatha Yoga practice. It has been used as nasal cleansing technique to clear the nasal passage from obstructions, and to improve the health of Upper Respiratory Tract and preventing infections like Sinusitis, Rhino conjunctivitis and Allergic Rhinitis. Breath awareness helps in focusing on the respiratory health and free passage of air in and out through both nostrils. Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria total 120 subjects were selected out of 200 subjects screened. 60 subjects are recruited for group 1 and 60 subjects for group 2. Group 1 subjects are given 11 sessions of Sutra Neti followed by Kapalabhati for 4 weeks, Group 2 undergo 20min of breath awareness on same sessions as group 1. Pre and post data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods for comparison. Results: The result is suggestive that the impact of Sutra Neti Kriya followed by Kapalabhati on variables was significant. Significant change was noted in AEC, SNOT and RQLQ each domain and total score in Group-1. In contrast, group 2 showed no significant changes. Conclusion: Practice of Sutra Neti Kriya followed by Kapalabhati helps to ward off common cold, coughs, allergic rhinitis and tonsillitis. Result of RQLQ and SNOT questionnaire in this study shows evidence to improvement of Quality of life and wellbeing. AEC decline is also observed, so the technique also reduces the inflammation.

Study of serum Ykl-40 level and its relationship to BODE index in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health concern characterized by growing rates of mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the serum YKL-40 level and its relationship to body mass index (BMI), obstruction of airflow, dyspnea, exercise capacity (BODE) index, and the extent of COPD.MethodsThis prospective work was carried out on 70 adult male patients, allocated into three groups: group A—36 smokers with stable COPD with different degrees of severity; group B—19 smokers without COPD; and group C—15 healthy non-smokers as a control group.ResultsThe BODE index was 5.56 ± 2.52. Prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FVC were substantially decreased in group A contrasted to group B and group C (P value < 0.001). Prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio was substantially decreased in group A contrasted to groups B and C and lower in group B than in group C (P value < 0.001).Chest X-ray (CXR) signs of COPD and mMRC Dyspnea Scale were significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C (P value < 0.001). The 6-min walking test was substantially decreased in group A than in groups B and C and lower in group B than in group C (P value < 0.001 and 0.006 correspondingly). Serum YKL-40 was substantially greater in group A contrasted to group C (P value = 0.005). There was no correlation between serum YKL-40 and (BODE index, O2 saturation, or smoking index) in group A. A substantial positive association existed among serum YKL-40 and [degree of severity and white blood cells (WBCs)] in group A. Serum YKL-40 cannot predict the severity of COPD (P = 0.227 and AUC = 0.584) at cut-off > 0.394 with 80.65% sensitivity, 41.03% specificity, 52.1% PPV, and 72.7% NPV.ConclusionsSerum YKL-40 level was substantially greater in the COPD group contrasted to healthy non-smokers, no substantial association existed between serumYKL-40 and BODE index, O2 saturation, or smoking index. A substantial positive association existed between SerumYKL-40 and the degree of severity and WBCs.

The Baveno Classification as a Predictor of CPAP Titration Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical condition characterised by repeated periods of partial or full obstruction of airflow throughout sleep, with impairment of the quality of life and increased mortality with socioeconomic impacts. CPAP therapy is a simple and effective treatment option for OSAS patients. To overcome the clinical and prognostic limitations of AHI-as a sole index of OSAS-the Baveno classification was recently set out and introduced into clinical practice. This study aims to analyse the effect of the Baveno classification on the optimum CPAP titration pressure. A retrospective analysis of the records of sleep studies in two centres between 2018 and 2021 was carried out. Patients diagnosed with OSAS and recruited for CPAP titration were included. Based on the Baveno classification, the patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D). Consequently, 700 patients were analysed and 427 patients were included. A significant positive correlation was detected between the CPAP optimum titration pressure and OSAS severity, neck circumference, the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), mean oxygen saturation, the AHI, the BMI, and cumulative sleep time when the SpO2 was <90% (T90) on the other side (p: <0.0001). A non-significant correlation was seen between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), symptom severity, end organ impact, and Baveno classification of the CPAP optimum titration pressure (p: 0.8, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively). The Baveno classification is not useful in the prediction of CPAP optimum titration pressure. However, the ODI and neck circumference were significant independent predictors of a higher CPAP titration pressure.

A comparative examination of morphine and fentanyl: unravelling the differential impacts on breathing and airway stability.

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the distinct consequences of the opioid drugs morphine and fentanyl during opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). We explored the physiological implications of both drugs on ventilation and airway patency in anaesthetized mice. Our results revealed a similar reduction in respiratory frequency with equivalent scaled dosages of fentanyl and morphine, though the onset of suppression was more rapid with fentanyl. Additionally, fentanyl resulted in transient airflow obstructions during the inspiratory cycle, which were absent following morphine administration. Notably, these fentanyl-specific obstructions were eliminated with tracheostomy, implicating the upper airways as a major factor contributing to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. We further demonstrate that bronchodilators salbutamol and adrenaline effectively reversed these obstructions, highlighting the bronchi's contribution to fentanyl-induced airflow obstruction. Our study also uncovered a significant reduction in sighs during OIRD, which were eliminated by fentanyl and markedly reduced by morphine. Finally, we found that fentanyl-exposed mice had reduced survival under hypoxic conditions compared to mice given morphine, demonstrating that fentanyl becomes more lethal in the context of hypoxaemia. Our findings shed light on the distinct and profound impacts of these opioids on respiration and airway stability and lay the foundation for improved opioid use guidelines and more effective OIRD prevention strategies. KEY POINTS: Both morphine and fentanyl significantly suppressed respiratory frequency, but the onset of suppression was faster with fentanyl. Also, while both drugs increased tidal volume, this effect was more pronounced with fentanyl. Fentanyl administration resulted in transient obstructions during the inspiratory phase, suggesting its unique impact on airway stability. This obstruction was not observed with morphine. The fentanyl-induced obstructions were reversed by administering bronchodilators such as salbutamol and adrenaline. This suggests a possible therapeutic strategy for mitigating the adverse airway effects of fentanyl. Both drugs reduced the frequency of physiological sighs, a key mechanism to prevent alveolar collapse. However, fentanyl administration led to a complete cessation of sighs, while morphine only reduced their occurrence. Fentanyl-treated mice showed a significantly reduced ability to survive under hypoxic conditions compared to those administered morphine. This indicates that the impacts of hypoxaemia during opioid-induced respiratory depression can vary based on the opioid used.

Tripod Position and Pursed Lip Breathing on Respiration Rate in COPD Patients

Many people with COPD develop emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions cause obstruction of airflow in the respiratory system and cause an increase in the frequency of external respiration. One of the non-pharmacological management is tripod position and pursed lip breathing. This study aimed to determine the effect of giving a tripod position and pursed lip breathing on respiration rate in COPD patients. The design of this study used a one group pretest-post test design. The population in this study were all COPD patients at Bangil Hospital, Pasuruan in June 2021. The sampling technique of this study was consecutive sampling, the sample was obtained by 25 respondents. The instrument used observation and SOP. The results showed that the average respiration rate before giving the combination of tripod position and pursed lip breathing was 28.8x/minute, and the average value of respiration rate after giving the tripod position and pursed lip breathing was 23.2x/minute. Wilcoxon test results value = 0.000 on respiration rate before and after the combination of tripod position and pursed lip breathing, which means that tripod position and pursed lip breathing are proven to be effective on respiration rate in COPD patients. Tripod position and pursed lip breathing will loosen the chest cavity, provide positive pressure on the lungs so that air can go in and out more smoothly and reduce shortness of breath

Study of Psychiatric Morbidity among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Tertiary Health Care Institute

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. COPD is a progressive airway disease associated with psychological distress Screening the psychiatric disorders in COPD patients will be helpful in better management of the disease by assuring compliance as well as will help to improve quality of life of these patients leading to overall improvement in patients’ health, by helping in starting early psychiatry management whenever necessary. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional, observational study performed at a tertiary care hospital between august 2016 and June 2018 to study psychiatric morbidity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary health care institute. A total of 68 clinically stable patients with COPD were screened for psychiatric morbidity by using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) version 6.0.0. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed using DSM-5 and by qualified psychiatrist of the Department of Psychiatry. Result: Generalized anxiety disorder, Major depressive disorder, major depressive disorder with Anxiety, Panic attack, Phobia and Substance Abuse Disorder was present in 8.8%, 13.2%, 5.9%, 7.4%, 1.5% and 7.4% of study population respectively. Conclusions: We found that patients with COPD had high prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms. Therefore, screening and treatment of these psychiatric comorbidities in patients with COPD may lead to significant improvements in patients’ quality of life.

MEG3 Regulates CSE-Induced Apoptosis by Regulating miR-421/DFFB Signal Axis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease with irreversible and progressive obstruction of airflow. Currently, there are no clinically available treatments to prevent COPD progression. Apoptosis of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) is often observed in COPD, but its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. LncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is closely related to CSE-induced apoptosis, but the specific mechanism of MEG3 in COPD is still unknown. In the present study, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) is used to treat HPMECs and HBECs. Flow cytometry assay is used to detect the apoptosis of these cells. The expression of MEG3 in CSE-treated HPMECs and HBECs is detected by qRT-PCR. LncBase v.2 is used to predict miRNAs binding to MEG3, and miR-421 is found to bind to MEG3. Dual luciferase report analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation experiment jointly clarified the binding relationship between MEG3 and miR-421. MiR-421 was downregulated in CSE-treated HPMECs/HBECs, and miR-421 overexpression mitigated CSE-induced apoptosis in these cells. Subsequently, DFFB was found to be directly targeted by miR-421. The overexpression of miR-421 dramatically reduced the expression level of DNA fragmentation factor subunit beta (DFFB). DFFB was found downregulated in CSE-treated HPMECs and HBECs. MEG3 contributed to the apoptosis of HPMECs and HBECs induced by CSE by regulating the miR-421/DFFB axis. This study presents a new perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of COPD caused by CSE.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of STP Regarding Knowledge of Preventive Measures on COPD Among Old Age People in Selected Village Rohtas Bihar

INTRODUCTION: COPD is a chronic airway limited disease as characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not fully reversible. The more familiar terms ‘chronic bronchitis’ and ‘emphysema’ are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis. COPD is not simply a “smoker’s cough” but an under-diagnosed, life-threatening lung disease. According to WHO report that the 3.29 million of people suffer with the COPD death, in nearly 90% of COPD death in those under 70 years of age occur in developing countries. The most cause of COPD the including environmental exposure to tobacco, smoke, indoor air pollution and occupational dusts, fumes, and chemicals are important risk. The early is most common treatment of COPD economic preventable management is quite smoking, and is needed to slow the progression of symptoms. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of STP on knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people. METHODOLOGY: The pre-experimental one group pre-test and post-test design was conducted at Takiya, Sasaram, Rohtas, Bihar from 6/2/23 to 10/2/23. The conceptual framework utilized in this study was based on General System theory of “Ludwig von Bertalanffy”. A self-structured questionnaire method was used to assess the pre-test level of knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people in selected village Rohtas Bihar by adopting probability random sampling technique. Immediately after pre-test STP was implemented just after the implementation post-test was conducted by using same questionnaire method. The result was analyzed. RESULTS: Before implementation of STP the knowledge level of old age people, (32) had poor knowledge, (28) had average knowledge and none of them had good knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people in selected village Rohtas Bihar and the pre-test mean knowledge score was. After implementation of STP the knowledge level of old age people, none of them had poor knowledge, (31) had average level of knowledge and (29) had good knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people in selected village Rohtas Bihar. The post-test mean score (14.72) of knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people were comparatively more than their pre-test mean knowledge score (7.98). It confirms that, there was increase in knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people after the administration of STP. CONCLUSION: At last, as a researchers, we concluded that there is increase in knowledge of preventive measures on COPD among old age people after implementation of STP and there is no association between variable and sociodemographic variables.

TINJAUAN ALTERNATIF PEMELIHARAAN SUNGAI TERDAMPAK PELUAPAN BANJIR BERDASARKAN PENILAIAN KONDISI MORFOLOGI SUNGAI AMANDIT

In the watershed, if there are no adequate maintenance alternatives for the morphology of the river, both the river infrastructure and the river itself can result in physical and functional degradation so that the effectiveness of the river as a natural airflow will be disrupted, flow control will not be optimal as experienced by the Amandit Kandangan River. The method to the Guidelines for the Implementation of River Infrastructure Operations Activities and River Maintenance (SE DJSDA No. 05/SE/D/2016). At STA 3+000 s.d. 6+500 is a segment with a decreased performance value of around 76.48, compared to the initial section of the range of 80.29 and the final section of the range of 80.28. This shows a decrease in the performance of the river in the middle of the sections due to airflow obstructions such as goods/materials in the troughs or bends in the river accompanied by narrowing in the middle section of the sections and often causes overflow due to the solubility of the airflow. Recommendations given are based on the results of an assessment of the overall morphological condition of the river, with the acquisition of an index in the sufficient category and the type of preventive maintenance.

RANKL confers protection against cell death in precision-cut lung slices.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally and constitutes a major health problem. The disease is characterized by airflow obstructions due to chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Emerging evidence suggests that COPD is the result of impaired epithelial repair. Motivated by the need for more effective treatments, we studied whether receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-Β ligand (RANKL) contributed to epithelial repair, as this protein has been implicated in epithelial regeneration of breast and thymus. To do so, we used precision-cut lung slices prepared from mouse tissue-viable explants that can be cultured ex vivo for up to a few days while retaining features of lung tissue. Slices were cultured with 10, 100, or 500ng/ml of mouse RANKL for 24h. We first found RANKL activated nuclear factor κ-Β signaling, which is involved in cellular stress responses, without affecting the general viability of slices. Cell proliferation, however, was not altered by RANKL treatment. Interestingly, RANKL did reduce cell death, as revealed by TUNEL stainings and profiling of apoptosis-related proteins, indicating that it contributes to repair by conferring protection against cell death. This study improves our understanding of lung repair and could create new opportunities for developing COPD treatments.

Factors Related to Complaints of Lung Function Disorders In UPN Veteran Jakarta Employees

Background: One characteristic of lung dysfunction is obstruction of airflow in the respiratory tract. The prevalence of COPD as lung function disorder among men in Indonesia is 3.7% and 2.7% in DKI Jakarta. One of the causes of decreased lung function is smoking. A large portion of UPN Veteran Jakarta employees is smoker. This research was aimed to determine risk factors of lung dysfunction among employees in UPN Veteran Jakarta. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019 in UPN Veteran Jakarta. Total 102 samples of employees who work at UPN includes staff, lecturers, cooperative officers, office boys, and security guards were selected using purposive sampling. Measuring instruments used in this study were questionnaires, scales, microtoise and spirometer. Spirometer was used to measure lung function. Questionnaires to obtain data on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), employment status, education, allergies, history of lung disease, family history, Brinkman index, physical activity, vehicle emissions exposure and smoking environment. The data was analysed using the chi square test and logistic regression test Results: The results of the logistic regression test showed risk factors of lung dysfunction were BMI (POR: 4.718; 95% CI 1.673-13.305), history of lung disease (POR: 3,424; 95% CI 0.836-14.028) and smoking environment (POR: 2.956; 95% CI 0.953-9.168). Conclusion: The most influencing factors for lung dysfunction were BMI, history of lung disease, and smoking environment.

Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study of heat transfer and phase change of water with slit effect

The condensation water-bridge phenomenon of the heat exchanger surface fins is a common undesirable phenomenon in refrigeration systems and heat pump systems, which would significantly affect the heat exchanger's thermal efficiency due to insulation and obstruction of airflow. Based on the lack of experimental studies on louvered-fin heat exchangers and surface energy for fin-surface condensation, this paper experimentally investigates the effect of wettability (surface energy) on the condensation mechanism and heat exchanger performance. Firstly, hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings are formed by reagent deposition, which regulates the surface energy of the fins. Experiments are designed to investigate the effect of surface energy on heat exchanger performance at different temperatures, humidity, and wind speed. Finally, the key issues such as condensation morphology are discussed in detail by molecular dynamics simulation, thus filling the gap and providing a reference for heat exchanger surface construction. The experimental results show that the wet condition has a faster condensation rate, with an average rate reduction of 33.2%. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fins could improve the performance of the heat exchanger compared to bare fins due to their inherent uniqueness. The hydrophilic fins have a smaller pressure drop, maintain a more stable heat transfer rate, and improve the heat transfer performance by 13.4% in a typical environment (60%) or with lower water content. While the hydrophobic fins show advantages in a wet environment (80%), improving the heat transfer performance by 17.8% due to the severe deterioration of the bare heat exchanger performance. Further, molecular-scale condensation patterns were analyzed, and condensation rates and adsorption forces were quantified. The experimental and simulation results guide the construction and selection of surface energy to optimize the heat transfer surface.

A wearable multi-modal acoustic system for breathing analysis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide with over 3 × 106 deaths in 2019. Such an alarming figure becomes frightening when combined with the number of lost lives resulting from COVID-caused respiratory failure. Because COPD exacerbations identified early can commonly be treated at home, early symptom detections may enable a major reduction of COPD patient readmission and associated healthcare costs; this is particularly important during pandemics such as COVID-19 in which healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. The standard adjuncts used to assess lung function (e.g., spirometry, plethysmography, and CT scan) are expensive, time consuming, and cannot be used in remote patient monitoring of an acute exacerbation. In this paper, a wearable multi-modal system for breathing analysis is presented, which can be used in quantifying various airflow obstructions. The wearable multi-modal electroacoustic system employs a body area sensor network with each sensor-node having a multi-modal sensing capability, such as a digital stethoscope, electrocardiogram monitor, thermometer, and goniometer. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the resulting acoustic spectrum is used as a measure of breathing intensity. The results are shown from data collected from over 35 healthy subjects and 3 COPD subjects, demonstrating a positive correlation of SNR values to the health-scale score.

Characterization of Intron Region 1 Gene C-C Ligand 7 (CCL7) in Asthma Patients in Manokwari Regency

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that fluctuates and is one of the most important health problems in the world. Asthma causes obstruction of air flow in the respiratory tract which can make it difficult for sufferers to breathe. Asthma is caused by environmental factors and genetic factors. One of the genetic studies related to asthma explains that there is a gene that plays a role in asthma, namely the C-C Ligand 7 (CCL7) gene. In a previous study, it was found that the intron 1 region of the CCL7 gene was the area with the most polymorphisms. A total of four asthmatics and two non-asthmatics from Manokwari Regency were analyzed for the intron 1 area of ​​the CCL7 gene. The results of this study showed that the intron region 1 of the CCL7 gene consisted of 506 bp. Of the 6 samples studied, 4 samples of asthmatics and 2 samples of non-asthma in Manokwari Regency, 2 SNP polymorphisms were obtained at positions *6 and *214 with nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.00106. This polymorphism forms 3 types of haplotypes, namely AC, AT and TC with a haplotype diversity value of 0.600 ± 0.215. The results of this study can be concluded that the intron region 1 of the CCL7 gene has low genetic diversity with a small number of samples.

Variable negative external pressure-an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.

To assess variable negative external pressure (vNEP) therapy using a range of pressures and varying collar sizes and shapes to identify combinations that improve the efficacy and comfort of this emerging therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This prospective, open-label pilot study included 28 eligible patients (71% men) having documented moderate OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 15 events/h ≤ AHI ≤ 30 events/h) at 1 sleep clinic for an overnight, in-lab sleep trial. Each participant tested at least 2 of 6 available vNEP devices during sleep periods ≥ 2 hours. During the assessment of AHI by polysomnography, negative pressures of -20 cm H2O to -35 cm H2O were adjusted to improve each patient's response. Participants' therapeutic preferences were assessed by a questionnaire and interviews. Twenty (71%) of the participants responded to vNEP therapy: excellent response (AHI ≤ 5 events/h) was observed in 14 (50%); 6 (21%) achieved a partial response (AHI ≤ 50% baseline). For the 20 responders, the therapy reduced the fraction of total sleep time when peripheral oxygen saturation < 90% and improved minimum pulse oximetry oxygen saturation. Six patients experienced a minor, self-limited adverse event. Twenty-six participants (93%) stated that they would use vNEP nightly. In this pilot study, vNEP therapy markedly improved AHI and oxygenation in most patients with moderate OSA. The majority of participants found vNEP comfortable and preferable to prevailing OSA therapies. Further development and studies of vNEP are warranted. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Study of Variable Negative External Pressure (vNEP) in Reducing Respiratory Event in Individuals With OSA; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04718142; Identifier: NCT04718142. Kram JA, Pelayo R. Variable negative external pressure-An alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: A pilot study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(1):305-314.

Relationship between Anthropometric Indicators and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in the Mexican Population

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a consequence of a reduced area at the upper respiratory tract that leads to obstruction and cessation of airflow, causing oxygen desaturation and fragmentation of the sleep architecture. Between 60 and 70% of patients with OSAS are obese.