Reduction In Peak Expiratory Flow Research Articles

Clinical characterisation of exacerbations of severe eosinophilic asthma occurring on mepolizumab and placebo.

Asthma exacerbations in people treated with mepolizumab result in less peak expiratory flow reduction than placebo but similar symptom scores. Symptoms recover slower, indicating these exacerbations may be less prednisolone responsive. https://bit.ly/3xQsFRB.

The relationship between changes in peak expiratory flow and asthma exacerbations in asthmatic children

BackgroundAsthma is one of the most common chronic airway diseases in children. Preventing asthma exacerbation is one of the objectives of all asthma action plans. In patients with poor perception, it is difficult to identify acute asthma exacerbations by clinical asthma score, asthma control test or asthma control questionnaire. The aim of this study is to analyze whether children with asthma have changes in peak expiratory flow(PEF)before an acute asthma exacerbation and to evaluate the relationship between PEF and asthma exacerbation.MethodsBasic information (including sex, age, atopy, etc.) and clinical information of asthmatic children who registered in the Electronic China Children’s Asthma Action Plan (e-CCAAP) from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2021 were collected. Subjects with 14 consecutive days of PEF measurements were eligible. Subjects in this study were divided into an exacerbation group and a control group. We analyzed the relationship between changes in PEF% pred and the presence of asthma symptoms.ResultA total of 194 children with asthma who met the inclusion criteria were included, including 144 males (74.2%) and 50 females (25.8%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.88:1. The mean age of the subjects was 9.51 ± 2.5 years. There were no significant differences in sex, age, allergy history or baseline PEF between the two groups. In children with and without a history of allergy, there was no significant difference between the variation in PEF at 14 days. Patients who only had a reduced in PEF but no symptoms of asthma exacerbation had the greatest reduction in PEF compared to the other groups. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma is upper respiratory tract infection. Among the causes of acute exacerbations of asthma, the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that of other causes (P < 0.05). In acute exacerbations, the decrease in PEF was significantly greater in the exacerbation group than in the control group. In children with asthma symptoms, there was a decrease in PEF approximately 1.34 days before the onset of symptoms.ConclusionChildren with asthma show a decrease in PEF 1.34 days before the onset of asthma symptoms. We recommend that asthmatic children who show a decrease in PEF should step-up asthma therapy. The most common cause of acute exacerbations of asthma was upper respiratory tract infections, and the variation in PEF caused by air pollution was significantly higher than that caused by other factors.

Persistence of symptoms and lung function in mild cases of COVID-19 six months after infection: a cross-sectional study.

To describe persistent symptoms and lung function in mild cases of COVID-19 six months after infection. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured questionnaire containing information on the participants' demographic and anthropometric data, the disease in the acute phase, and persistent symptoms six months after COVID-19 using spirometry and manovacuometry. A total of 136 participants were evaluated, of whom 64% were male, with a mean age of 38.17 ± 14.08 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 29.71 ± 17.48 kg/m2. The main persistent symptoms reported were dyspnea on exertion (39.7%), memory loss (38.2%), and anxiety (48.5%). Considering lung function, the participants reached 88.87 ± 17.20% of the predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), 86.03 ± 22.01% of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and 62.71 ± 25.04% of peak expiratory flow (PEF). Upon manovacuometry, 97.41 ± 34.67% of the predicted inspiratory force (Pimax) and 66.86 ± 22.97% of the predicted expiratory force (Pemax) were observed. Six months after COVID-19 infection, a reduction in PEF and MEP was observed. Among the most commonly reported persistent symptoms were fatigue, tiredness with the slightest exertion, anxiety and depression, memory loss, and deficits in concentration.

A rare case of asthmatic patient with left Chilaiditi's syndrome.

The following case report aims to highlight the rarity of the case in question, in which there is left Chilaiditi syndrome in a patient with bronchial asthma. The patient is a 79-year-old woman who arrived in January 2023 at my facility for episodes of recurrent dyspnea, chest heaviness, wheezing, eructation, dysphagia, epigastric abdominal pain associated with frequent episodes of bronchitis. He performed simple spirometry which showed mixed mild-moderate ventilatory deficit with reduction of small airway volumes, reduced peak expiratory flow and negative broncho reversibility tests for asthma. At 3 months, the patient returned to my attention with a chest radiograph showing marked elevation of the left hemidiaphragm with deviation of the cardiac shadow to the right. He repeated the spirometry which resulted in a clear improvement compared to the previous control with an important variation of the peak respiratory flow during ICS/LABA, the objective finding previously found disappeared, this indicating the presence of an underlying bronchial asthma. The radiological picture was identified by me as Left Chilaiditi Syndrome, as the patient had gastrointestinal symptoms which accompanied the procession of respiratory symptoms. The diagnostic suspicion must be early in these pathologies and the proton pump inhibitors and new generation alginates with the presence of hyaluronic acid and melatonin must also be included in the treatment of the symptoms, which have an important action on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to this herniation of the viscera into the thoracic cavity. The rarity is represented by the left localization of the diaphragmatic pathology.

Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Fitness in Central Indian Athletes Aged 20-30 Years: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

Background Physical fitness is of utmost importance to athletes as it ensures better performance in competitive sports. Athletes who contracted COVID-19 frequently experienced persistent symptoms for weeks or months afterward. Due to the direct effects of COVID-19 infection on pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, combined with the negative effects of isolation and inactivity, it has been observed that physical fitness decreases in individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the physical fitness of young athletes in the age group of 20 to 30 years after mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection and compare them with unaffected athletes of the same age group. Methodology A field-based, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted from July 2022 to August 2022 in Nagpur, India. Physical fitness levels of 50 young athletes in the age group of 20-30 years who never got infected with COVID-19 were compared to 50 athletes with a recent history of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection using the Harvard step test, breath-holding test, and peak expiratory flow rate measurement. Participants were included based on COVID-19 diagnosis using standard procedures and confirmation of recovery through negative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests. Results Overall physical fitness of athletes who suffered from mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection was significantly less than those who were not infected. Compared to their non-COVID-19 counterparts, the COVID-19-recovered athletes showed reduced physical fitness index (p < 0.0001 for males and p = 0.0003 for females), reduced peak expiratory flow rate (p < 0.0001 for males and p < 0.0001 for females), and reduced breath-holding time (p < 0.0001 for males and p < 0.0001 for females). Conclusions COVID-19 had a significant impact on various components of physical fitness which may potentially affect the athletic performance and overall well-being of young athletes.

The effect of body weight on peak expiratory flow rate (pefr) among the adolescent rural school children, an observational study

Background: The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in developing countries is a growing public health concern. Obesity has been linked to pulmonary dysfunction, including reduced peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This study aimed to investigate the effect of body weight on PEFR among rural adolescent school children. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in schools located in and around Nagamangala Taluk, with a study duration of 18 months. The sample size was determined using a formula based on the prevalence of obesity in school-going children. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), were recorded. PEFR was measured using a peak flow meter. Statistical analysis, including correlation coefficient, t-test, and linear regression analysis, was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The study included 573 rural adolescent school children, with a majority aged between 13 and 15 years and a higher proportion of female participants. The prevalence of overweight based on WHtR was 29.7%. There was no significant difference in mean age between overweight and normal WHtR groups. However, a higher prevalence of overweight was observed among boys compared to girls. Higher consumption of sweets, soft drinks, and fast food was significantly associated with overweight, while a higher frequency of exercise showed an inverse association. Longer duration of TV viewing was also associated with overweight. Overweight children had a significantly higher mean BMI and lower mean PEFR compared to children with a normal WHtR. There was a significant inverse correlation between PEFR and both BMI and WHtR. Conclusion: The present study observed a significant inverse correlation between PEFR and both BMI and WHtR. The study findings support the negative impact of excess body weight on lung function, as evidenced by reduced PEFR among overweight rural adolescent school children. The results emphasize the need for interventions to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. Awareness among healthcare professionals, parents, and educators is crucial for early detection and management of pulmonary dysfunction associated with excess body weight in children.

Short-term effects of the chemical components of fine particulate matter on pulmonary function: A repeated panel study among adolescents

The effects of the chemical components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been drawing attention. However, information regarding the impact of low PM2.5 concentrations is limited. Hence, we aimed to investigate the short-term effects of the chemical components of PM2.5 on pulmonary function and their seasonal differences in healthy adolescents living on an isolated island without major artificial sources of air pollution. A panel study was repeatedly conducted twice a year for one month every spring and fall from October 2014 to November 2016 on an isolated island in the Seto Inland Sea, which has no major artificial sources of air pollution. Daily measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were performed in 47 healthy college students, and the concentrations of 35 chemical components of PM2.5 were analyzed every 24 h. Using a mixed-effects model, the relationship between pulmonary function values and concentrations of PM2.5 components was analyzed. Significant associations were observed between several PM2.5 components and decreased pulmonary function. Among the ionic components, sulfate was strongly related to decreases in PEF and FEV1 (−4.20 L/min [95 % confidence interval (CI): −6.40 to −2.00] and − 0.04 L [95 % CI: −0.05 to −0.02] per interquartile range increase, respectively). Among the elemental components, potassium induced the greatest reduction in PEF and FEV1. Therefore, PEF and FEV1 were significantly reduced as the concentrations of several PM2.5 components increased during fall, with minimal changes observed during spring. Several chemical components of PM2.5 were significantly associated with decreased pulmonary function among healthy adolescents. The concentrations of PM2.5 chemical components differed by season, suggesting the occurrence of distinct effects on the respiratory system depending on the type of component.

Association between Respiratory Function and Motor Function in Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction: Respiratory dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) could present in the early stage and worsen in the late stages. These changes could be a factor affecting the ability of daily living and quality of life of patients with PD. The primary objective of this study was to assess the respiratory function and its association with motor function in patients with different stages of PD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Huashan Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. The study included 65 patients diagnosed with PD (the Hoehn and Yahr scale between 1 and 4) and 20 healthy individuals of similar age, gender, weight, and height. The ventilatory function was assessed using the spirometry. Motor function was evaluated using subscale III of the United Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS-III). After confirming the normality of data distribution, we performed one-way ANOVA with a Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Compared with the healthy individuals, there was no statistical significance in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) in the H&Y 1 group and H&Y 2 group (p > 0.05) but reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the H&Y 2 group (p = 0.002). Reduced FVC, FEV1, and PEF was seen in the H&Y 3 group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.0001, respectively). Reduced FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF_25–75% was seen in the H&Y 4 group (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, and p = 0.025, respectively). The correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant negative correlation between FVC and UPDRS-III scores (r = −0.248, p = 0.046), disease duration (r = −0.276, p = 0.026), H&Y scale (r = −0.415, p = 0.001). FEV1 was negatively correlated with UPDRS-III scores (r = −0.277, p = 0.025), disease duration (r = −0.291, p = 0.019), H&Y scale (r = −0.434, p = 0.0001). FEF_25–75% was negatively correlated with disease duration (r = −0.247, p = 0.047), H&Y scale (r = −0.278, p = 0.025). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that respiratory impairment is present in moderate and advanced PD patients, and directly related to the severity of the disease. It is important to conduct respiratory function test in the clinical practice.

BIS-guided sedation prevents the cough reaction of patients under general anaesthesia caused by extubation: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe multiple modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission including airborne, droplet, contact and faecal–oral transmissions that cause coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contribute to a public threat to the lives of people worldwide. Heavy aerosol production by coughing and the big peak expiratory flow in patients with respiratory infections (especially SARS-CoV-2) during recovery from general anaesthesia are the highest risk factors for infection in healthcare workers. To perform sedation before extubation significantly reduced the incidence of coughing during recovery from general anaesthesia. However, there are few studies on endotracheal tube removal under BIS-guided sedation in postanaesthesia care unit (PACU). We speculated that the BIS-guided sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol would better prevent coughing caused by tracheal extubation and reducing peak expiratory flow.MethodsPatients with general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to Group S (dexmedetomidine was infused in the operating room for 30 min, and the bispectral index (BIS) value was maintained 60–70 by infusion propofol at 0.5~1.5 μg/ml in the PACU until the endotracheal tubes were pulled out) and Group C (no dexmedetomidine and propofol treatment, replaced with the saline treatment). The incidence of coughing, agitation and active extubation, endotracheal tube tolerance and the peak expiratory flow at spontaneous breathing and at extubation were assessed.ResultsA total of 101 patients were randomly assigned to Group S (51 cases) and Group C (50 cases). The incidence of coughing, agitation and active extubation was significantly lower (1(51), 0(51) and 0(51), respectively) in Group S than (11(50), 8(50) and 5(50), respectively) in Group C (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01, respectively); the scores of cough were significantly reduced (1(1, 1)) in Group S than (1(1, 2)) in Group C (p < 0.01); and the endotracheal tube tolerance was significantly improved (0(0, 1)) in Group S than (1(1, 3)) in Group C (p < 0.001). The peak expiratory flow at spontaneous breathing and at extubation was significantly reduced (5(5, 7) and 6.5(6, 8), respectively) in Group S than (8(5, 10) and 21(9, 32)) in Group C (p < 0.001).ConclusionsBIS-guided sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol significantly prevented coughing and reduced peak expiratory flow during recovery from general anaesthesia, which may play an important role in preventing medical staff from contracting COVID-19.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200058429 (registration date: 09-04-2022) “retrospectively registered”.

Reduced peak expiratory flow predicts increased risk of cardiovascular disease: A 10-year prospective cohort study in Eastern China

BackgroundThe correlation between impaired lung function and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has attracted more and more attention. We aimed to assess the longitudinal association between decreased peak expiratory flow (PEF) and cardiovascular risk among Eastern Chinese general population. MethodsIn total, 6295 participants aged>30 years and free of CVD at baseline were followed for up to 10 years in Eastern China. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD and mortality associated with decreased PEF were analyzed. ResultsAmong all participants, 421 CVD incident events were reported during 10-year follow-up, and a total of 272 participants died during the follow-up period, 94 of them from CVD. The HRs in the lowest group of PEF (PEF ≤218.33 L/min) were 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.01 to 1.68) for high CVD incidence (172 vs 116), 2.43 (95% CI:1.72 to 3.42) for all-cause mortality (156 vs 48), and 3.94 (95% CI:1.96 to 7.92) for CVD mortality (59 vs 10) when compared with the highest group (PEF ≥321.68 L/min). ConclusionThe decreased PEF was associated with increased CVD incidence, CVD and all-cause mortality in Eastern Chinese general population.

Voice Alterations, Dysarthria, and Respiratory Derangements in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

Almost 90% of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop voice and speech disorders during the course of the disease. Ventilatory dysfunction is one of the main causes. We aimed to evaluate relationships between respiratory impairments and speech/voice changes in PD. At Day 15 from admission, in consecutive clinically stable PD patients in a neurorehabilitation unit, we collected clinical data as follows: comorbidities, PD severity, motor function and balance, respiratory function at rest (including muscle strength and cough ability), during exercise-induced desaturation and at night, voice function (Voice Handicap Index [VHI] and acoustic analysis [Praat]), speech disorders (Robertson Dysarthria Profile [RDP]), and postural abnormalities. Based on an arbitrary RDP cutoff, two groups with different dysarthria degree were identified-moderate-severe versus no-mild dysarthria-and compared. Of 55 patients analyzed (median value Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part II 9 and Part III 17), we found significant impairments in inspiratory and expiratory muscle pressure (&gt; 90%, both), exercise tolerance at 6-min walking distance (96%), nocturnal (12.7%) and exercise-induced (21.8%) desaturation, VHI (34%), and Praat Shimmer% (89%). Patients with moderate-severe dysarthria (16% of total sample) had more comorbidities/disabilities and worse respiratory pattern and postural abnormalities (camptocormia) than those with no-mild dysarthria. Moreover, the risk of presenting nocturnal desaturation, reduced peak expiratory flow, and cough ability was about 11, 13, and 8 times higher in the moderate-severe group. Dysarthria and respiratory dysfunction are closely associated in PD patients, particularly nocturnal desaturation and reduced cough ability. In addition, postural condition could be at the base of both respiratory and voice impairments. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21210944.

Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination: A registry-based study

Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination: A registry-based study

The Impact of Chronic Neck Pain on Respiratory Functions among Female University Students

Objective: Students with chronic neck pain have several issues that could constitute susceptibility to respiratory dysfunction. So, this current study was conducted to investigate the impact of chronic neck pain on respiratory function among female university students.Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60, female University students voluntarily participated, and were divided into two groups: 30 students with chronic idiopathic neck pain (age=21.9±2.2 years, height=160.7±6.5 cm, weight=71.9±8.5 kg, body mass index (BMI)=28±3.6 kg/cm2 ), and 30 healthy students as the control group (age=21.5±2.1 years, height=163.5±6.8 cm, weight=69.5±11 kg, BMI=26.2±5 kg/cm2 ). Both groups were investigated using a Spirometer (One-FlowTM Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) Kit, USA, Granbury). Descriptive statistics and Multivariate analysis of the variance test were both used to compare both groups.Results: Students with chronic neck pain were found to have statistically significant reductions in Peak Expiratory Flow and the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC ratio (p-values=0.043 and 0.000, respectively). However, FVC (p-value=0.372) and FEV1 (p-value=0.840) revealed no statistically significant differences between both groups.Conclusion: Respiratory dysfunction, with chronic neck pain mainly manifests as respiratory weakness and hypocapnia. Studying the hypothesis of neck pain, and its possibility of causing respiratory dysfunction in these subjects gives rise to important clinical implications concerning the assessment and treatment of patients with chronic neck pain.

The Value of Dyspnea and Spirometry in Detecting Relapse of Benign Tracheal Stenosis

Background: Benign tracheal stenosis may relapse after management. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the value of dyspnea and spirometry in detecting relapse of benign tracheal stenosis. Methods: Patients with benign tracheal stenosis were evaluated post-management, at regular follow-up and emergency visits, with the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, spirometry, and flexible bronchoscopy. Patient visits were categorized and compared, in terms of change in clinical and functional parameters, in 2 groups: visits with relapse (case group) and visits with no relapse (control group). The ability of the MRC dyspnea scale and spirometry to predict relapse was evaluated. Results: Thirty-five patients with benign tracheal stenosis were included. Mean follow-up duration was 3.2 years (standard deviation = 3.3). Spirometry data were analyzed from 43 relapse visits (23 patients) versus 90 nonrelapse visits. The MRC dyspnea score and most spirometric indices were associated with relapse. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced expiratory flow when 25% of forced vital capacity has been expired, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and total peak flow were superior to the MRC dyspnea score in predicting relapse. Among spirometric indices, >10.8% of PEF reduction has been very sensitive and specific. Conclusions: This study supports the role of dyspnea and spirometry in monitoring benign tracheal stenosis, with spirometry predicting relapse even in clinically stable patients. PEF being a very sensitive index has the additional advantage of being assessed by peak flow meter and could potentially be used for remote monitoring.

Abstracts from The International Society for Aerosols in Medicine 23rd ISAM Congress Boise, Idaho May 22–26, 2021

Abstracts from The International Society for Aerosols in Medicine 23rd ISAM Congress Boise, Idaho May 22–26, 2021

Effect of Exposure to Cement Dust on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of Cement Factory Workers

Background: Pollutants exerted from different industries are hazardous for both employees and the environment. Though cement industry is playing a key role in economic growth but is a major source of air pollution. Its exposure affects pulmonary functions due to alteration of structural and functional properties of lung. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a simple, less expensive pulmonary function test which can be done by spirometer to detect obstructive changes in the respiratory tract.This study is aimed to assess the effect of cement dust on peak expiratory flow rate of workers, those who are exposed to cement dust directly in cement factory.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram in collaboration with Heidelberg Cement Bangladesh Ltd at Chattogram from January 2018 to December 2018. Total 88 male workers with age ranged from 20 to 45 years were included in this study by consecutive sampling method. Case group workers were selected from those who were working at least two years in direct contact of cement dust and control group were from office workers of same factory those who were not in direct contact of cement. 44 subjects were included in each group. A predesigned data collection form was filled up by the researcher,which contained information regarding general physical status, job history, present and past disease, drug history of workers. Individual’s height, weight was measured and BMI was calculated. PEFR was assessed by a portable digital spirometer (Chestgraph HI-101, Japan) in upright sitting posture. After compiling data,statistical analyses were done by using SPSS version Windows 25. Unpaired student's 't' test was done for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: PEFR of Control and Case group was 7.84±2.21 L/sec and 5.73±1.79 L/sec respectively. In this study Case group showed significant reduction of PEFR (p&lt;0.001) compared to Control group workers.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study result concluded that occupational exposure to cement dust has deleterious effect on lung which is evident by reduced Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) of cement exposed workers.&#x0D; JCMCTA 2021 ; 32 (1) : 72-77

Sensorimotor Cough Dysfunction Is Prevalent and Pervasive in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Pneumonia, a leading cause of death in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), results from progressive and pervasive deficits of airway protection, including both cough and swallowing dysfunction. Cough protects the airway by expelling aspirate and may be an important therapeutic target to protect against pneumonia in the presence of dysphagia. However, cough has not been objectively characterized in PSP or compared to other common forms of parkinsonism, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to examine voluntary and reflex cough function in PSP, as compared to patients with PD matched for disease duration. Twenty-six patients with PSP and 26 with PD completed voluntary and reflex cough testing via spirometry. Linear mixed effects models examined comparisons between groups and within cough types across cough sensory and motor outcomes. Patients with PSP demonstrated significantly reduced cough motor function compared to PD, specifically reduced peak expiratory flow rate (P < 0.001), cough expiratory volume (P < 0.001), and cough inspiratory volume (P=0.008). Both groups showed similar reflex cough thresholds (P=0.694), but PSP demonstrated an increased perception of cough stimuli (P=0.041). These findings suggest that sensorimotor cough dysfunction is prevalent in PSP, and cough motor deficits, in particular, are worse in PSP than in PD. These deficits likely contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia in PSP. Therefore, cough should be integrated into assessments of airway protection and considered as a therapeutic target to potentially reduce adverse health events and improve quality of life in this population. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene (fast genotype) with lung functions impairment in wood workers.

Exposure to wood dust may lead to impairment of the lung functions. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme (EPHX1) was shown to take part in protection against oxidative stress. An alteration in enzyme activity might be associated with its gene polymorphisms. In vitro polymorphisms in exons 3 (His113Tyr) and 4 (Arg139His) lead to reduced activity (slow allele) and increased activity (fast allele). Macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) is produced in rat lung epithelial cells after exposure to fine particles. We aimed to investigate the associations between mEPHX1 polymorphisms (in exon 3 and 4) and lung function in furniture workers and assessment of MIP-2 effect. Our study was performed on 70 wood dust exposed male workers and 70 matched normal controls subjects. Ventilatory function tests were measured by spirometer, MIP-2 was performed by ELISA methods and EPHX gene was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods for each participant. Significant reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) levels in Tyr-Tyr and Tyr-Hist genotypes of EPHX (exon 3) was observed. Reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) levels and significant rise in MIP-2 levels were detected in Tyr-Tyr genotype. While high significant reduction in FVC% and FEV1 levels were shown in different genotypes in exon 4. Significant rise was observed in MIP-2 levels in Hist-Hist genotype of exon 4. An increase in duration of exposure showed positive correlation with fall in ventilatory functions. It was concluded that in Hist139Arg of EPHX gene, fast genotype (Arg-Arg) was associated with impaired ventilatory functions.

Peak expiratory flow rate and sarcopenia risk in older Indonesian people: A nationwide survey.

Reduced peak expiratory flow is a common physiological change in older individuals and age is an important predictor for sarcopenia. We analyzed nationwide survey data to determine the relationship between peak expiratory flow rate and sarcopenia in older Indonesians. Community-dwelling Indonesian individuals aged ≥60 years (n = 2422; mean age = 67.21 y) from the fifth-wave data of the Indonesian Family Life Survey was selected. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on handgrip strength, gait speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass measurements. Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs) were categorized according to their percentage of predicted flow rates as <50%, 50% to 80%, and >80%. Confounders previously determined to be associated with sarcopenia occurrence were included. Sarcopenia prevalence was 50.25%. After adjustment for confounders, PEFRs of <50% and 50% to 80% were associated with an increased sarcopenia risk (odds ratio = 5.22 and 1.88, respectively) compared with PEFRs of >80%. Poor lung function was independently associated with sarcopenia occurrence. Future studies should explore the usefulness of PEFR as a risk factor of sarcopenia.

Relationship between peak expiratory flow and impaired functional capacity in obese individuals

Abstract Introduction: Obesity, characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat, can alter respiratory mechanics and compromise functional capacity. Given its increasing prevalence and the significant morbidity associated with the condition, it is important to investigate techniques that enable rapid, easy measurement of lung function and the possible correlation between obesity and functional capacity. Objective: To assess lung function and functional capacity in obese adults and determine whether there is a correlation between reduced peak expiratory flow and impaired functional capacity. Methods: 30 participants, distributed into two groups: obese (36 ± 13 years) and normal weight (31 ± 9 years) were evaluated based on anthropometric measurements, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Results: The obese individuals showed reduced PEF (382 ± 99 vs. 497 ± 104 L/min, p &lt; 0.01), walked shorter distances in the 6MWT (453 ± 37 vs. 617 ± 50 m, p &lt; 0.01), had higher blood pressure and perceived exertion (p &lt; 0.05) when compared to normal weight participants. Additionally, there was a positive significant association between expiratory flow and distance walked in the 6MWT (r = 0.635 and p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Obese individuals exhibited lower PEF and walked shorter distances in the 6MWT, indicating a positive correlation between these two variables. In light of this outcome, the assessment methods used could contribute to improving analysis of respiratory and functional status in this population and aid in exercise prescription.