Portable Spirometer Research Articles

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the short-term association between in-vehicle particulate pollutants and the respiratory health of Parisian taxi drivers.

This study assessed the short-term associations between in-vehicle ultrafine particles (UFP) and black carbon (BC) concentrations and irritation symptoms and lung parameters of taxi drivers, pre- and post-lockdown. As part of PUF-TAXI project, 33 taxi drivers were followed up during two typical working days. In-vehicle UFP and BC were continuously measured by monitoring instruments. Irritation symptoms during the working day were reported via an auto-questionnaire and lung function was assessed by a portable spirometer, pre- and post- work shift. Generalized estimating equations, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to study the association between air pollutants and health outcomes. Effect modification by measurement period (pre- and post-lockdown) was investigated. UFP and BC concentrations inside taxi vehicles decreased significantly post- compared to pre-lockdown. Incidence of nose irritation was positively associated with in-vehicle UFP and BC levels pre-lockdown, when pollutant levels were higher, whereas no significant association was found post-lockdown. The decrease in the FEF25-75% (forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of the forced vital capacity) during the working day was significantly associated with in-taxi UFP levels before but not after lockdown. No association was found with BC. By contrast, incidence of eye irritation was significantly inversely associated with in-vehicle humidity, regardless of pollutant concentrations and the measurement period. Our findings indicate that an upgrade in in-vehicle air quality could improve respiratory health. This study showed that the magnitude of the incidence of nasal irritation and decrease in lung function depends on UFP concentrations the commuters are exposed to.

At-Home Telespirometry (AHT) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Digital Health Technology and Quality Control (P10-8.009)

At-Home Telespirometry (AHT) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Digital Health Technology and Quality Control (P10-8.009)

At-Home Telespirometry (AHT) In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Implementation Science: Different Patient Rates of Erect Forced Vital Capacity (eFVC) 3 percent predicted (%p) Drops per Month in Two ALS Populations with Different Baseline Rates of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Utilization (P8-8.009)

At-Home Telespirometry (AHT) In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Implementation Science: Different Patient Rates of Erect Forced Vital Capacity (eFVC) 3 percent predicted (%p) Drops per Month in Two ALS Populations with Different Baseline Rates of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) Utilization (P8-8.009)

Prediction of Lung Function Status Using Handgrip Strength and Anthropometry among the Healthy Malay Population in Malaysia

Lung function depends primarily on the strength of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, which is indirectly related to handgrip strength (HGS). This study aims to determine the predictability of lung functions using HGS among healthy adults of Malay ethnicity in Malaysia. This study also aims to compare the equation using HGS with equations without HGS, such as the Global Lung Initiative (GLI). This study was carried out among adults between 35 to 70 years of age residing in urban and rural Malaysia. A series of standardized questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic information. Lung functions were measured using a portable spirometer and HGS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. The predictability of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC) using HGS, age, and height was determined using multiple linear regression (MLR). Prediction of lung function indices was also generated using models without HGS for comparison with the equation that used HGS from this study. Pearson correlation analysis showed that both dominant (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) and non-dominant (r = 0.58; p < 0.001) HGS had a moderate significant correlation with lung function. In the MLR model, HGS was a significant (p < 0.001) predictor of lung function indices (FEV1 and FVC). The correlation of the predicted and measured lung indices using the equation generated in this study, which includes HGS, was higher compared with other lung function test equations that do not include HGS. The equations from MLR could be used to predict lung function indices among healthy Malay adults. The measurement of HGS may be used as a screening tool for lung function status when spirometry is unavailable.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for COPD in an Urbanizing Rural Area in Western China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a rural area in western China with severe air pollution. 10% of local residents aged 40 years and above were included using a convenience sampling method. This was a cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect participants' demographic data. The screening program was comprised of two steps: First, a portable electronic spirometer was used for COPD screening. Those participants with FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7 were then referred to a confirmatory pulmonary function (PF) test. COPD was confirmed according to the 2020 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. A total of 4577 participants aged 40 years old or above were included in the final analysis. Examination with a mobile spirometer identified 1159 individuals for confirmatory testing; after that, of the 1159 individuals, 889 were diagnosed with COPD by the confirmatory PF test. The prevalence of COPD among the target group was 19.4%. Older age, male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.537, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.246-1.894), smoking history (OR = 1.338, 95% CI 1.069-1.675), family history of respiratory disease (OR = 1.625, 95% CI 1.350-1.957), education level (OR = 0.735, 95% CI 0.617-0.876), overweight (OR = 0.614, 95% CI 0.517-0.730) and obesity (OR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.449-0.721) were identified as independent factors associated with COPD. The screening program helped earlier detection of COPD in 719 participants. COPD was highly prevalent in the rural area studied. Rural residents who were older, current or ever-smokers, male and those who had a lower education level were more vulnerable to developing COPD. The COPD screening program may be helpful for earlier disease detection in rural health-care settings.

SURFACTANT PROTEIN D AS A SIGN OF EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the levels of surfactant protein D in the blood serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a stable course and those without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Materials and methods. The present study involved 122 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (the main group) and 20 patients without this disease and other pulmonary or severe somatic diseases (the control group). This investigation was carried out at the Research Institute of Pulmonary Diseases. Spirometry was performed using a portable battery-powered ultrasound spirometer (Easy One; ndd Medical Technologies, Zurich, Switzerland). The SP-D level was determined in venous blood using a "sandwich" variant of solid-phase ELISA using a set of reagents from BioVendor (Czech Republic). Blood sampling and spirometry were performed simultaneously in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy control groups in order to accurately correlate lung function with the level of SP-D in blood serum. Results. The mean age of the main and control groups was 55.9±4.4 and 53.3±2.8 years, respectively. Men made up 59.0% in the main group, women 41.0%, in the control group 55.0% and 45.0%, respectively. Smokers in the main and control groups amounted to 57.4% and 45.0%. FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were lower than controls by 55.72% (p=0.001), 43.23% (p=0.001) and 35.28% (p=0.036), respectively. The level of SP-D in the blood serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the control group was 372.68±98.16 ng/ml and 164.22±42.80 ng/ml (t=1.95, p=0.053), respectively. SP-D in smokers of the main group was 2.2 times (p=0.011) higher than the control level, and in non-smokers it was 2.5 times (p=0.053). During the exacerbation, the protein level was higher by 19.7% (p=0.042). In CLBL, SP-D correlated with FEV1 (r = −0.815; p&lt;0.001), with FVC (r = −0.822; p&lt;0.001), with FEV1/FVC (r = −0.644; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion. SP-D can be characterized as a specific protein for the lungs, which can be analyzed in the blood as a biomarker for early diagnosis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and may reflect the severity of the disease.

Relationship of Reduced Lung Function in Male Chronic Heart Failure Patients

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world affecting multiple organ systems of the body including lungs.&#x0D; Objective: To observe and compare FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%in CHF patients of different functional classification with healthy individual.&#x0D; Methods: This Cross Sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka, during 2016. For this, 60 stable male CHFpatients were randomly selected, these study subjects based on staging of the disease (Stage C) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification were further divided into two groups, 30 patients of NYHA Class- Iand 30 patients of NYHA class–II. Age, sex and BMI matched, 30 were apparently healthy subjects were taken as control. All the participants were aged 35-65 years.FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%of all subjects were measured by a portable Digital Spirometer. For statistical analysis, One way ANOVA and Independent sample‘t’ test was performed by using SPSS for windows version-16&amp; p≤ 0.05 was accepted as level of significance.&#x0D; Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower (except FEV1/FVC%) in chronic heart failure patients in comparison to the healthy control. All the study variables were significantly lower in patients of NYHA class–II as compared to patients of NYHA class–I. In addition, 73.33%NYHA class–Ipatientsand 63.33% NYHA class–II patients had restrictive feature.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study concluded thatsomeventilatory variables decrease in CHF patients andto observe extend of lung damage by comparing NYHA class - I and II patients found mild and severe restriction respectively.&#x0D; AKMMC J 2021; 12(1) : 16-21

Assessment of respiratory health effects of cement dust on the workers of Rabak cement factory

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess respiratory health effects of cement dust on the workers of Rabak cement factory, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out at Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the workers of the Rabak cement factory. The respiratory symptoms experienced, were scored and recorded using BMRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The lung function measurements were performed using a portable Spirometer. The respiratory measurements of the subjects were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume ratio (FEV1%). The results of the study showed that: the majority of the cement workers were infected by allergy. Cement dust might be the main cause of respiratory infection in exposed subjects. The duration of exposure to cement dust affects the prevalence of respiratory diseases among the cement workers. The present study clearly revealed that cement dust is not only the major cause of environmental pollution in the study area but also a threat to health of local inhabitants in addition to the worker. It has also been observed that majority of workers do not use personal protective equipment.

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.

Surrogate Modelling for Oxygen Uptake Prediction Using LSTM Neural Network.

Oxygen uptake (V˙O2) is an important metric in any exercise test including walking and running. It can be measured using portable spirometers or metabolic analyzers. Those devices are, however, not suitable for constant use by consumers due to their costs, difficulty of operation and their intervening in the physical integrity of their users. Therefore, it is important to develop approaches for the indirect estimation of V˙O2-based measurements of motion parameters, heart rate data and application-specific measurements from consumer-grade sensors. Typically, these approaches are based on linear regression models or neural networks. This study investigates how motion data contribute to V˙O2 estimation accuracy during unconstrained running and walking. The results suggest that a long short term memory (LSTM) neural network can predict oxygen consumption with an accuracy of 2.49 mL/min/kg (95% limits of agreement) based only on speed, speed change, cadence and vertical oscillation measurements from an inertial navigation system combined with a Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) device developed by our group, worn on the torso. Combining motion data and heart rate data can significantly improve the V˙O2 estimation resulting in approximately 1.7-1.9 times smaller prediction errors than using only motion or heart rate data.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among auto rickshaw drivers of East Delhi: A cross-sectional study.

Recent industrialisation and urbanisation and introduction of vehicles running on fossil fuels have led to an increase in pollution especially in major cities. This has given rise to various diseases like acute and chronic diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cardiovascular Diseases, Cerebrovascular Diseases and so on leading to significant mortality and morbidity. Auto rickshaw drivers are subjected to the environmental pollutants and their ill effects. Current study was done with the objective of finding the prevalence of COPD among them. A community based cross sectional study was conducted in 2019 in Kalyanpuri circle of East Delhi in 409 auto rickshaw drivers in a total of ten Three-Seater Rickshaw (TSR) stands which were chosen by simple random sampling. Consecutive auto rickshaw drivers were chosen from each stand. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and spirometry was conducted using a handheld portable spirometer with adjusted values as per S K Chhabra's formula for Indian Males. Data analysis was done on SPSS by applying chi-square tests. Mean age of study subjects was 39±7.54 years (Age group 22 to 59 years). The prevalence of COPD was found to be 13.7% based on spirometry as per GOLD criteria. Statistically significant association was found with the age of the study subjects and hour years of driving. No significant association found with the smoking status. The prevalence of COPD was found to be higher among the study subjects. Since they belong to unorganized sector, relevant policies are required for promoting the health status among them.

Assessment of respiratory effects of cement dust on exposed and unexposed citizens in Rabak City, Sudan

Globally, the cement industry has been identified as a factor which causes significant pollution. This study is conducted to assess the respiratory effects of cement dust on exposed and unexposed citizens in Rabak city, Sudan. This descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out in Rabak city. 134 samples were taken from the population living near the Factory (exposed) and population living far from the factory (unexposed). The respiratory symptoms experienced, were scored and recorded using BMRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The lung function measurements were performed using a portable Spirometer. The respiratory measurements of the subjects were Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Expiratory Volume ratio (FEV1%). The results of the study showed that: there was significant reduction in the mean values of ventilatory function parameters: FVC (2.9097), FEV1 (2.5718) and FEV1% (87.4743) in the exposed group compared with the FVC (3.1175), FEV1 (2.8296) and FEV1% (90.7985) in unexposed group in the study area (P &lt; 0.05). The majority of the exposed citizens were infected by allergy 41.0%. The Factory Management should further provide the latest technologies to reduce industrial emissions to protect the environment and population living around the Factory.

Variations in Inflammatory Cells and IL-6 in Long-Distance Runners Susceptible to Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm and Previously Treated with Salbutamol

Background: Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) is an inflammatory condition characterized by severe airway constriction following the mobilization of inflammatory cells and interleukin-6 (IL-6). When severe, EIB can require the use of pressurized salbutamol to treat athletes. This study investigated the nature of the systemic changes in inflammatory cells and post-exercise IL-6 concentrations after salbutamol treatment in EIB-susceptible distance runners. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study that enrolled 12 long-distance runners. In Session A, the participants completed a treadmill exercise test, and those who had a maximum expiratory volume per second (FEV1) that was decreased by at least 10% compared to their base value were placed in the EIB-susceptible group (EIB+) (n = 6). Those whose FEV1 did not meet this criterion were placed in the nonresponsive (EIB?) group (n = 6). Before the Session B exercise, athletes in the BIE+ group inhaled two puffs of salbutamol (EIB+ Salb), while their EIB? counterparts received no treatment. Spirometry was performed before and after the exercise using a Spirobank G portable spirometer. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and 2 hours after the stress test. Results: The mean post-exercise FEV1 values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the EIB+ Salb group and the EIB? group. The systemic changes in inflammatory cells and IL-6 concentrations in the EIB+ runners after salbutamol treatment were similar to those observed in their EIB? counterparts. Conclusion: Salbutamol pretreatment improved the systemic immune status of EIB-susceptible athletes.

Funções motoras e respiratórias representam desafios importantes para pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Abstract Introduction People with multiple sclerosis (MS) present wide and varied symptoms. Objective To investigate the impact of MS on subjects’ motor and respiratory functions. Methods One hundred one participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects had previous diagnosis of relapsing-remittent MS (n = 48) or presented no neurologic diseases (n = 53, control group). Assess-ments involved mobility (Timed Get Up and Go) and balance (Berg Balance Scale) tests. A force platform was used to evaluate postural stabilometry. Respiratory functions were assessed with a portable spirometer and a digital manovacuometer. Data analyses were carried out with Student´s t-tests, chi-square, and Pearson correlation index. Significance was set at 5%. Results Compared to control peers, participants with MS showed higher motor dysfunctions affecting mobility, balance, and postural stability. Spirometry indicated normal parameters for pulmonary flows and lung capacities in both groups. The manovacuometer, differently, pointed to a respiratory muscle weakness in 48% of participants with MS. Correlation analyses highlighted that respiratory functions are more associated to dynamic than to static motor tests. Conclusion Pathological changes in MS lead to motor dysfunction on mobility, balance and postural stability. Respiratory tests showed normal pulmonary flows and lung capacities in patients with MS, but with commitment of respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory functions were more impacted by dynamic tasks rather than static motor tasks.

Study of pulmonary function tests in workers of rurally located flour mills

Background: Agro-based industrial works like flour milling are a significant component in the industrial arena of Kerala. In milling industry, dusts are produced in substantial quantities and inhalation of which can result in pulmonary impairment in workers. In such situations, spirometric evaluation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary diseases. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effect of flour dust on pulmonary function among flour mill workers and to study the variation in pulmonary function among workers according to duration of exposure and their working environment in the factory. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wheat flour mills. Subjects were selected after proper exclusion and after getting informed consent. In the present study, 79 flour mill workers aged more than 20 years and employed for more than 1year, were considered and their FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC,PEFR and FEF25-75% values were assessed. The objective was to find out the effect of their duration of employment and exposure to dust on their spirometric parameters based on their type of job and age. These parameters were tested using a portable electronic spirometer in the factory premises. Results: The study showed no significant relation of these parameters with duration of employment and dust exposure. However, there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV1 with increasing age. Conclusion: Even though apparently normal PFT values are obtained in many subjects, these may be on the extremes of normal spectrum.

딥벨트의 가로막 수축압력과 초음파영상의 가로막 움직임 및 폐활량과의 상관성

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the correlation between the diaphragmatic contraction pressure using diaphragmatic pressure belt (DiP Belt) and the ultrasound imaging of diaphragmatic motion and forced vital capacity. This study was conducted to confirm the usefulness of assessing the diaphragmatic function using the DiP Belt.&#x0D; Methods: This study included 41 healthy subjects (13 males and 28 females). The diaphragmatic motion was measured using sonography, and the forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured using a portable digital spirometer device. After 2 weeks, the diaphragmatic contraction pressure was measured during maximal inspiration using the DiP Belt.&#x0D; Results: The mean diaphragmatic contraction pressure (MDCP) and peak diaphragmatic contraction pressure (PMCP) using the DiP Belt were not significantly correlated with sonography imaging of diaphragmatic motion during quiet breathing but were significantly positively correlated with the diaphragmatic motion during deep breathing. Both the MDCP and PMCP were significantly positively correlated with FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). However, diaphragmatic motion was significantly positively correlated with FVC, FEV1, and PEF in only deep breathing.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Dip Belt can provide valuable information about the diaphragmatic function, particularly ultrasound imaging of diaphragmatic motion and lung capacity.

Feasibility and acceptability of home monitoring with portable spirometry in young adults with asthma

Objective Self-monitoring asthma control is a key component of asthma management. Few studies have reported usability and acceptability of portable spirometry among young adults with asthma. Portable spirometry offers a practical solution to monitoring airway narrowing at home. The purpose of this paper was to determine if self-administered spirometry is feasible and acceptable in young adults with asthma and whether regular monitoring resulted in improved airway function as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Methods Sixty-seven young adults (18–26 years) with self-reported asthma participated in a clinical trial during wildfire season which measured FEV1 as an outcome measure. Data was collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8 using a portable spirometer linked to a smartphone application. A subset of intervention participants completed spirometry twice daily. Acceptability of self-administered spirometry was evaluated after the trial among participants that volunteered to submit a survey and be interviewed. Results At baseline, all 67 participants (100.0%) completed their scheduled spirometry readings which declined to 94.0% (n = 63) at week 4 and 86.6% (n = 58) at week 8. Daily readings were completed 83.2% of the time in the mornings and 84.3% of the time in the evenings. Mean FEV1 values were lower than predicted values, but above the lower limit of expected. FEV1 remained steady throughout the study period. Over two-thirds of participants used the notes feature in the application and described symptoms, asthma triggers, mitigating actions and test-taking issues. Conclusions Young adults in our sample were highly compliant with regular, self-administered spirometry.

Effect of short-term exposures to traffic air pollution and temperature on heart rate among healthy female students during commuting

Findings showed that studies on the interaction effect of air pollution and temperature on biomarkers of cardiovascular health in a micro-environment (MiE) are still very limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the interaction effect between air pollution, temperature, and biomarkers of cardiovascular outcomes, including Heart Rate/HR, Systolic Blood Pressure/SBP, and Diastolic Blood Pressure/DBP among healthy female students during commuting in a MiE, namely a public transport. A ParticleScan™ CR device (IQAir Group, Inc., Swiss) was used to measure Particulate Matter (PM). Temperature, Relative Humidity (RH), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Nitric Oxide (NO), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) were measured using a YES Plus LGA multi-sensor device (Critical Environment Technologies Canada, Inc., Canada). The heart rates of the samples were assessed using an electronic blood pressure monitor Mediatech (Shanzen ZhengKang Technology Co., Ltd., China), while the vital lung capacity was obtained with a portable spirometer MicroLab (Micro Direct, Inc., USA). The data obtained in this study were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Furthermore, normality tests were carried out for all dependent variables, namely HR, SBP, and DBP using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the result shows normal distribution. The beta coefficients (β) were used to express the association between the data. For the single effects, PM ≥ 0.3, PM ≥ 0.5, PM ≥ 0.7, PM ≥ 1.0, PM ≥ 2.0, PM0.3-0.5, PM0.5-0.7, PM0.7-1.0, PM1.0-2.0, and PM2.0-5.0 NO2, and TVOC had a significant negative effect on HR; NO affected SBP and DBP negatively; and NO2 had a positive influence on DBP. For the interaction effects, PM ≥ 0.3, PM ≥ 0.5, PM ≥ 0.7, PM0.3-.05, PM0.5-0.7, and PM0.7-1.0 had a significant positive interaction effect with temperature on HR.

Validation of the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 Spirometry Reference Values in a Healthy Italian Working Population.

Several studies showed important differences in the interpretation of spirometry based on different reference values, in particular by comparing European Respiratory Society (ERS) 1993 and Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012. The validation of new reference values in local populations is essential before they can be used in an appropriate manner. This study aimed to investigate the fit of GLI reference values in a healthy Italian working population. Spirometry data were collected in 1355 workers during their health surveillance medical examination conducted for exposure to chemical and biological risk factors. A single portable spirometer that met the ATS/ERS recommendations for occupational testing was used and calibrated daily. Average z-score were -0.13 (with a median of -0.17), -0.25 (with a median of -0.24), and 0.18 (with a median of 0.17) for FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, respectively. Considering only the normal-weighted workers, the average z-scores were -0.07 (with a median of -0.16), -0.15 (with a median of -0.16), and 0.07 (with a median of 0.02) for FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, respectively. GLI 2012 reference values fit the Italian data satisfactorily, resulting as more accurate than ERS 1993, especially in women, normal-weighted subjects, aged 30-50 years, and for height &lt; 165 cm.

Age-related circadian rhythm and variability of large- and small-airway function in healthy non-smoking adults: Data from 7-day diurnal and nocturnal home monitoring using an electronic portable spirometer.

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible influencing factors of the large- and small-airway function variation in healthy non-smoking adults. Healthy non-medical non-smoking adults were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Each participant took the portable spirometer test relying only on video teaching. Then conventional spirometry and bronchodilation test were conducted using a Jaeger spirometer, followed by 7-day diurnal and nocturnal home monitoring using a portable spirometer. A drop in both large- and small-airway function began at about 25 years of age, and a rapidly decline at about 50 years. The CV of FEV1 (r = 0.47, P = 0.0082) and small-airway function variables correlated with age (r ≥ 0.37, P < 0.05 for both MEFs and MEFs/FVC), especially for evening small-airway function variables. The CV of large (4.666 ± 1.946, P = 0.002 for FEV1; 4.565 ± 2.478, P = 0.017 for FEV3) and small airways (10.38 ± 3.196, P = 0.031 for MEF50 and 11.21 ± 4.178, P = 0.023 for MMEF) was higher in the 45- to 60-year subgroup than in the 30- to 45-year and 18- to 30-year subgroups. Age was the main influencing factor of both central and peripheral airway function variability, especially for the small-airway function in the evening. The LLN of small-airway variables varies depending on the age and circadian rhythm. People older than 45 years should pay more attention to monitoring small-airway function in the evening, which will be helpful for early clinical detection of those at high risk for asthma. ChiCTR2100050355.