Respiratory Diseases In Adults Research Articles

Association of Fetal Lung Development Disorders with Adult Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Fetal lung development is a crucial and complex process that lays the groundwork for postnatal respiratory health. However, disruptions in this delicate developmental journey can lead to fetal lung development disorders, impacting neonatal outcomes and potentially influencing health outcomes well into adulthood. Recent research has shed light on the intriguing association between fetal lung development disorders and the development of adult diseases. Understanding these links can provide valuable insights into the developmental origins of health and disease, paving the way for targeted preventive measures and clinical interventions. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the association of fetal lung development disorders with adult diseases. We delve into the stages of fetal lung development, examining key factors influencing fetal lung maturation. Subsequently, we investigate specific fetal lung development disorders, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and other abnormalities. Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, considering the role of epigenetic modifications, transgenerational effects, and intrauterine environmental factors. Additionally, we examine the epidemiological evidence and clinical findings linking fetal lung development disorders to adult respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory ailments. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers, guiding future investigations and shaping strategies for preventive interventions and long-term care.

Association of dietary flavonoid intakes with prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in adults

Background and aimsFlavonoids are a class of secondary plant metabolites that have been shown to have multiple health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study was to explore the association between dietary flavonoid consumption and the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in adults.Methods and resultsThe six main types of flavonoids, including isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols, were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010 and 2017–2018 by the two 24-h recall interviews. The prevalence of CRDs, including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, was determined through a self-administered questionnaire. The analysis included 15,753 participants aged 18 years or older who had completed a diet history interview. After adjustment for potential confounders, the inverse link was found with total flavonoids, anthocyanidins, flavanones, and flavones, with an OR (95%CI) of 0.86 (0.75–0.98), 0.84 (0.72–0.97), 0.80(0.69–0.92), and 0.85(0.73–0.98) for the highest group compared to the lowest group. WQS regression revealed that the mixture of flavonoids was negatively linked with the prevalence of CRDs (OR = 0.88 [0.82–0.95], P < 0.01), and the largest effect was mainly from flavanones (weight = 0.41). In addition, we found that flavonoid intake was negatively linked with inflammatory markers, and systemic inflammation significantly mediated the associations of flavonoids with CRDs, with a mediation rate of 12.64% for CRP (P < 0.01).ConclusionHigher flavonoid intake was related with a lower prevalence of CRDs in adults, and this relationship may be mediated through systemic inflammation.

Association between dietary antioxidant intakes and chronic respiratory diseases in adults

BackgroundChronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) pose a significant global health burden. Antioxidant-rich diets have been associated with improved lung health, but the specific relationship with CRDs remains unclear. MethodsThis study examined the relationship between dietary antioxidant intakes and CRDs using data from the 2001–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Information on dietary antioxidant intakes, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoid, were collected from the 2 24-h recall interviews to calculate composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI). CRDs were determined based on self-reported physician diagnoses. To examine the relationship between CDAI and CRDs, multivariate logistic regression was used. To study potential non-linear correlations within these associations, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was performed. ResultsThe study involved 40 557 individuals. The median CDAI was −0.09 (−2.05, 2.25). We discovered those who were in the fourth quartile of CDAI scores had a 19% lower prevalence than those in the first quartile (OR = 0.81 [0.72–0.91], Ptrend < 0.01) after adjusting for all relevant covariates. The fourth quartile of CDAI was linked with a lower prevalence of emphysema (OR = 0.57 [0.40–0.81], Ptrend < 0.01) and chronic bronchitis (OR = 0.74 [0.62–0.88], Ptrend < 0.01). RCS regression showed that CDAI was non-linearly related to the prevalence of CRDs, with inflection points of 3.20 (P for non-linearity <0.01). The stratified analysis did not identify variables that significantly affected the results. ConclusionHigher dietary antioxidant intakes were related with a lower prevalence of CRDs (particularly emphysema and chronic bronchitis) in general adults.

Prevalence and determinants of chronic respiratory diseases in adults in rural Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) greatly contribute to worldwide mortality. Despite new data emerging from Africa, prevalence estimates and determinants of CRDs in rural settings are limited. This study sought to extend the existing research conducted in urban Sudan by conducting a rural comparison.METHODS: Participants aged ≥18 years (n = 1,850), living in rural Gezira State completed pre-and post-bronchodilator spirometry and a questionnaire. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities were reported. Regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for CRDs.RESULTS: Prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) was 4.1% overall and 5.5% in those aged ≥40 years. Reversibility was seen in 6.4%. Low forced vital capacity (FVC) was seen in 58.5%, and at least one respiratory symptom was present in 40.7% of the participants. CAO was more common among people aged 60-69 years (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.13-3.82) and less common among highly educated participants (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.93). Being underweight was associated with lower FVC (OR 3.07, 95% CI 2.24-4.20).CONCLUSIONS: A substantial burden of CRD exists among adults in rural Sudan. Investment in CRD prevention and management strategies is needed.

Prevalence and determinants of chronic respiratory diseases in adults in Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are considered a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, although data from Africa are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of CRDs in Khartoum, Sudan.METHODS: Data were collected from 516 participants aged ≥40 years, who had completed a questionnaire and undertook pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry testing. Trained field workers administered the questionnaires and conducted spirometry. Survey-weighted prevalence of respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities were estimated. Regression analysis models were used to identify risk factors for chronic lung diseases.RESULTS: Using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994 (NHANES III) reference equations, the prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction (CAO) was 10%. The main risk factor was older age, 60-69 years (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.20-8.31). Lower education, high body mass index and a history of TB were also identified as significant risk factors. The prevalence of a low forced vital capacity (FVC) using NHANES III was 62.7% (SE 2.2) and 11.3% (SE 1.4) using locally derived values.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of spirometric abnormality, mainly low FVC, was high, suggesting that CRD is of substantial public health importance in urban Sudan. Strategies for the prevention and control of these problems are needed.

Interaction of smoking and social status on the risk of respiratory outcomes in a Swedish adult population: A Nordic Epilung study

BackgroundEvidence abounds on the independent roles of social class and smoking in relation to obstructive airway diseases, but data are sparse on the impact of their interaction. We evaluated whether and to what extent social class and smoking interact in relation to risk of respiratory diseases in adults. MethodsData from the population-based studies, West Sweden Asthma Study (WSAS, n = 23,753) and Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies (OLIN, n = 6519), were used, constituting randomly selected adults aged 20–75 years. Bayesian network analysis was used to estimate the probability for the interaction between smoking and socioeconomic status in relation to respiratory outcomes. ResultsOccupational and educational SES modified the association between smoking and the probability of allergic and non-allergic asthma. Former smokers who were at intermediate non manual employees and manual workers in service had higher probability of allergic asthma compared to professionals and executives. Furthermore, former smokers with primary education had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than those with secondary and tertiary education. Similarly, former smokers among professionals and executives had higher probability of non-allergic asthma than manual and home workers and primary educated. Likewise, allergic asthma due to former smoking was higher among highly educated compared to low educated. ConclusionsBeyond their independent roles, socioeconomic status and smoking interact in defining the risk of respiratory diseases. Clearer understanding of this interaction can help to identify population subgroups at most need of public health interventions.

Pneumologie meets Pädiatrie

In pediatrics and adult respiratory medicine different lung diseases play different roles. Asthma is one of the most frequent respiratory diseases worldwide and can be newly manifested across all ages, from childhood to senior age; however, asthma symptoms can also resolve at any time and the disease can go into remission. Pediatricians and adult respiratory physicians have different perceptions and approaches towards the meaning of terms such as asthma remission and the importance of certain biomarkers as well as towards the use of lung function in the diagnostic process. Diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis, that until recently were exclusively represented in either pediatrics or adult respiratory medicine, now necessitate that both specialist disciplines more closely approach each other both on a scientific level and in clinical care.

Immunomodulators Containing Epicor, Colostrum, Vitamin D, Zinc, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium Reduce Respiratory Exacerbations in Children and Adults with Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

(1) Background: A number of studies have demonstrated the connection between developing or exacerbating chronic respiratory diseases in adults and children. However, still, few studies focus on reducing exacerbations via immunomodulation. (2) Methods: In this pilot study, a total of 25 pediatric and adult patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/persistent bacterial bronchitis (PBB) were included, administered over-the-counter (OTC) immunomodulators and followed up for 6 or 12 months. (3) Results: We observed a decrease in the frequency of exacerbations with slight improvements in functional respiratory indicators in adults on their second and third visits and a reduced number of exacerbations and improved spirometry indices in children with BA, although exacerbations requiring hospital admission remained at a similar rate. (4) Conclusions: We confirmed that the number of exacerbations of underlying chronic respiratory disease in adults and children could be reduced after the administration of OTC immunomodulators, probably by optimizing the immune resistance to common viral infections.

Mediator Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on the Association between Physical Activity and Lung Function in Adults: Cross-Sectional Results from the Epimov Study.

We investigated whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) mediates the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and lung function in asymptomatic adults. We examined the cross-sectional results of 1362 adults aged 18–80 years from the Epidemiology and Human Movement Study. Participants were submitted to spirometry to obtain forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1). Additionally, we used cardiopulmonary exercise testing to obtain peak oxygen uptake (O2) as a measure of CRF. Participants used a triaxial accelerometer for 4–7 days to obtain MVPA. Mediation analyses were performed considering the CRF as a mediator, MVPA as an independent variable, and FVC and FEV1 as dependent variables with adjustment for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk score. We aimed to investigate the total (path c) and direct (paths a, b, c’) effects through the regression coefficients. We also examined the indirect effect, which was obtained from the product of the coefficients (path ab). Our sample was composed mainly of overweight and middle-aged women. MVPA was positively related to CRF (path a), as well as CRF and lung function (path b). MVPA also presented a significant positive total effect (path c) in the lung function. However, this relationship became non-significant when CRF was included in the model for both FVC and FEV1 (path c’). We did not observe a direct effect of MVPA on the lung function. In contrast, the indirect effect was significant (path ab). Lastly, CRF mediated 60% of the total effect of MVPA on FVC and 61.9% on FEV1. CRF mediates the relationship between lung function and MVPA in asymptomatic adults. Therefore, our results reinforce the need to include CRF assessment in practice clinical routine and suggest that strategies focusing on CRF might be more promising to prevent respiratory diseases in adults.

Association between Occupational Risks of Exposure to Pesticides and Respiratory Symptoms among Organic and non Organic Farmworkers

Respiratory problem is one of the main occupational health challenges faced by farmworkers, it can occur while preparing and applying pesticides and during tasks in recently sprayed fields. Symptoms associated with different respiratory problems include coughing, wheezing and airway inflammation are commonly observed among farmworkers who are occupationally exposed to pesticides. In low and middle-income countries, epidemiological evidence for the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory diseases in adults is limited. The study employed a cross-sectional survey that ran from January to February 2021 using face to face semi-structured questionnaire administered to farmworkers who were working on flower and coffee farms in Arusha and Kilimanjaro. Approximately 384 farmworkers were randomly selected to participate in this study. The study included organic and non-organic farmworkers who were directly engaged in agricultural activities and exclude supporting staff such as human resource managers who were not engaged directly in agricultural activities. The results indicate that non-organic farmers were at high risk of developing respiratory symptoms than organic farmworkers. Non-organic farmers were significantly associated with cough, rhinitis, and shortness of breath among farmworkers [adj. OR (95% CI) 31.94 (12.04, 84.70), 4.44 (2.61, 7.56) and 6.44 (1.98, 20.95)] respectively. However, there should be a systematic collection of data about poisoning cases occurring in the farm areas with a large number of employees so that effective measures can be taken to protect the farmers from chronic illnesses associated with pesticide exposure, particularly respiratory problems in this case.

Outpatient burden of adult respiratory diseases in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Respiratory diseases constitute a significant cause of morbidity globally. There is limited information on the epidemiology of respiratory diseases in North Central Nigeria particularly with the changing trend in risk factors. This study aimed at evaluating the pattern and morbidity related to respiratory diseases among adult outpatients attending a chest clinic in a tertiary healthcare facility, especially with increasing environmental pollution and biomass exposure globally. This was a retrospective review of the case records of 338 newly referred patients seen in the chest clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) with respiratory illnesses over a 2-year period (January 2017-December 2018). The mean age of the recruited patients was 47.6 ± 19.8 years with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis (30.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (24.3%), and bronchial asthma (17.8%) were the commonest conditions managed in the clinic. Overall, noncommunicable respiratory diseases (61.2%) constituted a larger proportion of cases when compared to infective respiratory conditions. Almost 90% of the patients were never smokers. Systemic hypertension (15.1%) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (3.6%) were the commonest comorbid illnesses. Although tuberculosis constituted the most observed single condition, noncommunicable respiratory diseases predominated cumulatively among the new cases seen in the chest clinic of UITH, Ilorin. This raises the need for significant attention in terms of prevention and management of noncommunicable respiratory diseases, which appear to be on the uprising.

Lung Function Trajectories: a New Framework to Understand Adult Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Lung Function Trajectories: a New Framework to Understand Adult Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Socioeconomic circumstances and lung function growth from early adolescence to early adulthood.

A reduced lung function in early adulthood is associated with respiratory and non-respiratory diseases and is a long-term predictor of mortality. This study investigated the association between early socioeconomic circumstances (SEC) and lung function growth trajectories from early adolescence until early adulthood. We analysed data from the EPITeen population-based study, including adolescents born in 1990. Study waves occurred at 13, 17 and 21 yearsof age. Information on sociodemographic, behavioural and health factors, anthropometry and spirometry was collected. Early-life SEC were assessed using maternal education and paternal occupational position. The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) growth trajectories were drawn considering sex-and-height interactions over an 8-year period. Our sample included 2022 participants with complete informationfor the relevant variables. Participants from most disadvantaged SEC presented lower FEV1 at early adolescence compared to high-SEC counterparts, but differences seem to diminish with height growth. The effect of paternal occupational position in lung function growth trajectories was moderated by height, thus individuals from fathers with less advantaged occupational position had lower FEV1 at early adolescence, but they had a faster FEV1 growth over time. Individuals from most disadvantaged SEC presented lower lung function at early adolescence compared to high-SEC counterparts; nevertheless, a catch-up growth was observed. Lower socioeconomic circumstances were previously associated with reduced lung function and a higher risk of respiratory diseases in adults. Fewer studies analysed the effects of early-life socioeconomic circumstances in lung function growth during adolescence. Disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances were associated with lower lung function in early adolescence. However, social differences diminished over adolescence, suggesting a catch-up growth of lung function among those from lower socioeconomic circumstances. An improved understanding of the mechanism underlying lung function catch-up (or the absence of catch-up) might support interventions to narrow social inequalities in respiratory health and should be further investigated.

Shorter telomeres in children with severe asthma, an indicative of accelerated aging.

Severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) is closely associated with distinct clinical and inflammatory pheno-endotypes, which may contribute to the development of age-related comorbidities. Evidence has demonstrated a contribution of accelerated telomere shortening on the poor prognosis of respiratory diseases in adults. Eotaxin-1 (CCL11) is an important chemokine for eosinophilic recruitment and the progression of asthma. In the last years has also been proposed as an age-promoting factor. This study aimed to investigate the association of relative telomere length (rTL) and eotaxin-1 in asthmatic children. Children aged 8-14 years (n=267) were classified as healthy control (HC, n=126), mild asthma (MA, n=124) or severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA, n=17). rTL was performed by qPCR from peripheral blood. Eotaxin-1 was quantified by ELISA from fresh-frozen plasma. STRA had shorter telomeres compared to HC (p=0.02) and MA (p=0.006). Eotaxin-1 levels were up-regulated in STRA [median; IQR25-75)] [(1,190 pg/mL; 108–2,510)] compared to MA [(638 pg/mL; 134–1,460)] (p=0.03) or HC [(627 pg/mL; 108–1,750)] (p<0.01). Additionally, shorter telomeres were inversely correlated with eotaxin-1 levels in STRA (r=-0.6, p=0.013). Our results suggest that short telomeres and up-regulated eotaxin-1, features of accelerated aging, could prematurely contribute to a senescent phenotype increasing the risk for early development of age-related diseases in asthma.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ ВЫБРОСОВ ОТ ПЕРЕДВИЖНЫХ ИСТОЧНИКОВ НА ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТЬ ОРГАНОВ ДЫХАНИЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ПЕРМСКОГО КРАЯ

The article summarizes the accumulated actual data on the dynamics of emissions of pollutants from mobile sources and the incidence of respiratory diseases in the Perm Region. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that over a long-term period (2006–2018), against the background of an increase in the mass of emissions from mobile sources, there is an increase in the first-time detected respiratory diseases of children and adults in the region. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between the values of emissions from mobile sources and the indicators of respiratory diseases in adults (r=0.70 – high correlation) and children (r=0.61 – average correlation). The dependence of the occurrence of human respiratory diseases on air pollution from mobile sources in the Perm Region was revealed. The study is of practical importance for making decisions on the implementation of measures to reduce the negative impact of mobile sources on the health of the population of the region.

The burden of chronic respiratory diseases in adults in Nepal: A systematic review.

While chronic lung disease causes substantial global morbidity and mortality, global estimates have primarily been based on broad assumptions. Specific country data from low-income countries such as Nepal are limited. This review assessed primary evidence on chronic respiratory disease burden among adults in Nepal. A systematic search was performed in June 2019 (updated May 2020) for studies through nine databases. High levels of heterogeneity deemed a narrative synthesis appropriate. Among 27 eligible studies identified, most were low-moderate quality with cross-sectional and retrospective study design. Chronic lung diseases identified were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis and restrictive lung diseases. Studies were categorised as: (i) community-based, (ii) hospital-based and (iii) comorbidity-related and disease burden. Reported disease prevalence varied widely (COPD, 1.67–14.3%; asthma, 4.2–8.9%). The prevalence of airflow obstruction was higher among rural dwellers (15.8%) and those exposed to household air pollution from domestic biomass burning as opposed to liquid petroleum gas users (Odds Ratio: 2.06). Several comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus added to the disease burden. The review shows limited literature on lung disease burden in Nepal. Publications varied in terms of overall quality. Good quality research studies with prospective cohorts related to respiratory conditions are required.

SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF BOVINE CORONAVIRUS IN CALVES USING A DEVELOPMENT NATIVE ELISA PREPARATION

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) infection has found worldwide among cattle of all ages, causing diarrhea in newborn calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle and respiratory tract diseases results in major economic losses in dairy herds. The objective of this study was to establish an ELISA kits as patent prepared in Lab. with assessment its applicability in the field samples. Sixty-five pneumonic calves 2- to 4-month-old, used in this study to detect BCoV antibodies in serum of infected calves, where it assayed against BCoV antibodies by using prepared ELISA plates and SNT. The results were positive for BCoV antibody 72.3% and 53.9% by ELISA and SNT respectively. The prepared ELISA showed high sensitivity of over SNT, where sensitivity, specificity and correlation were 91.4%, 50% and 72.3% respectively, and there is a positive correlation between both tests. The test has been successfully used in longitudinal field studies on virus dynamics and evaluation of management routines. In conclusion the patent prepared ELISA is more sensitive, accurate and specific assay than SNT for detection of BCoV antibodies, in addition to saving time and commercial kits cost.

Spectrum of Pulmonary Lesions at Autopsy

Background: Respiratory pathology is the commonest autopsy finding and areresponsible for a great deal of morbidity and mortality. Adult respiratory diseases in the developing world are of increasing concern. 1 This study was undertaken to detect the pulmonary pathology findings in adult autopsy cases as there is limited availability of data. Aim: The aim of present study is to analyse the spectrum of pulmonary lesions in adult autopsy and to correlate the pulmonary pathology with the cause of death given as final autopsy diagnosis. Design: Observational type of study. Material and Methods: This is a prospective and retrospective study wasconducted inTertiary Care hospital, Kalaburagi over a period of 3years from July 2016 to June 2019.A total of 218 lungs of adult autopsies were performed. Autolysed specimens of lungs are excluded from the study. Results: A total of 218 lungs of adult autopsies were performed.All cases showed one or other histopathological lesions in lung.The various pulmonary lesions were classified as pulmonary infection 49 cases (22.2%), COPD 29 cases (13.3%) and pulmonary vascular diseases 140 cases (63.9%). The pulmonary vascular diseases encountered were (CVC) Chronic Venous Congestion (Fig. 4A) (05 Cases, 2.3%), Pulmonary Edema (Fig 2 A,B) (47 cases, 21.5%), Pulmonary Hemorrhage. With Congestion (Fig 3A) (83 Cases, 38%), Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (Fig 3B) (04 Cases, 1.8%), Pulmonary Embolism (Fig 5B) (01 Case, 0.45%). Pulmonary haemorrhage with congestion was more frequent in cases of road traffic accident and burns. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes emphysema (Fig 4B) (29 cases, 13.3%).The pulmonary infections encountered were Lobar pneumonia (Fig 1A) (40 cases, 18.3%), Interstitial Pneumonia 04 cases (1.8%), Bronchopneumonia (Fig 1B) (2cases, 0.9%) and 01 cases (0.4%) each of foreign body aspiration pneumonia (Fig 9) ,Lung abscess and Tuberculosis (Fig 5A) respectively. The age ranged from 20 to 80 years. Majority of the cases were in the age group of 30–39 years. 70 cases (32.1%) with M:F Ratio 1.9 :1. The incidental findings in this study are each case of foreign body aspiration pneumonia and Tuberculosis. Conclusion: In this study highlights various lesions in lungs which were confirmed by histopathological examination, which were either incidental or direct cause of death. Irrespective of cause of death, autopsy study is essential to evaluate diseases or injury that may be present and to determine the cause and manner of death.

CoughGAN: Generating Synthetic Coughs that Improve Respiratory Disease Classification.

Despite the prevalence of respiratory diseases, their diagnosis by clinicians is challenging. Accurately assessing airway sounds requires extensive clinical training and equipment that may not be easily available. Current methods that automate this diagnosis are hindered by their use of features that require pulmonary function tests. We leverage the audio characteristics of coughs to create classifiers that can distinguish common respiratory diseases in adults. Moreover, we build on recent advances in generative adversarial networks to augment our dataset with cleverly engineered synthetic cough samples for each class of major respiratory disease, to balance and increase our dataset size. We experimented on cough samples collected with a smartphone from 45 subjects in a clinic. Our CoughGAN-improved Support Vector Machine and Random Forest models show up to 76% test accuracy and 83% F1 score in classifying subjects' conditions between healthy and three major respiratory diseases. Adding our synthetic coughs improves the performance we can obtain from a relatively small unbalanced healthcare dataset by boosting the accuracy over 30%. Our data augmentation reduces overfitting and discourages the prediction of a single, dominant class. These results highlight the feasibility of automatic, cough-based respiratory disease diagnosis using smartphones or wearables in the wild.

A Comparative Study of Pulmonary Function Test in School Children of Industrial Area and Non Industrial Area

Background&#x0D; Pulmonary function test is an important tool in the diagnosis, assessment and management of respiratory diseases in adults and older children. The main objective was to study the pulmonary function test in school children of industrial and Non industrial area.&#x0D; Method&#x0D; The study was carried out in a school of industrial area i.e., Advani Arlicon Higher secondary School, Urla Road, Birgaon and a school of Non Industrial area i.e., Vivekananda Higher Secondary School, Mana Camp of Raipur city from April to August 2012.. The subjects were evaluated through pulmonary function test by using Spirometry method. A total of 400 subjects aged between 11–18 years were included. For the study Permission from Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained. Initially informed individual consent was taken from all the patients included in the study.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; When Mean FEV1 (in liters) for Males in Cases was compared with Controls, p value was found to be &lt;0.0001. When Mean FEV1 (in liters) for Females in Cases was compared with Controls, p value was found &lt;0.0001. When PEFR (in liters/Sec) for Males in Cases was compared with Controls, p value was found to be 0.0290. When PEFR (in liters/Sec) for Females in Cases was compared with Controls, p value was found to be 0.3117.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; To conclude, the problems are diverse, but it is important to keep close control over pollutants. Some preventable strategies need to be taken for acceptable environment for the future generations.