Measures Of Respiratory Function Research Articles

Benefit of breath-holding training on the concept of recreational freediving in healthy adults – a systematic literature review

Background. breathing is a crucial process that commences at the moment of birth and ceases with one's passing. Through breathing, essential oxygen is supplied to all the body's parts, organs, and cells, sustaining life. Some numerous breathing techniques to optimize the advantages of breath-holding exercises. Freediving training is believed to be able to increase respiratory efficiency. The exercise is done by controlling of breathing and a stable heart rate so human can hold breath for a while, dive deeper and dive safely. These techniques are also employed in the preparation and meditation of postures, enhancing the focus and clarity of the mind to maximize the benefits of the practice. Methods. All studies were screened on an individual basis, considering a set of specific criteria and key data such as affiliation of authors, type of study, year of publication, type of breath-hold exercise benefit in healthy. The study was designed in accordance with the standards of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyzes). Results. Based on the systematic review process, selected and extracted data for each article obtained, a detailed description of the researcher's name, title, research design, respondents, strengths and research results, and research limitations are summarized. The inclusion criteria: International Journal and Research Design include Controlled Intervention Studies, Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, Case-Control Studies, Case Series Studies, and Articles containing elements of breath hold benefit training. Quality assessment tools of the paper use NHLBI with low, and medium, assessment criteria. In this systematic review process, 230 Article collections were using Scopus, Pubmed and GS Databases with the keywords namely breath hold "AND" training “AND” benefit.. The stage continued by searching for the duplicate articles and obtained 34 out of 230 databases so that 196 articles were obtained before the screening stage. The first screening stage continued by excluding the title and abstract and obtained 160 articles from the 196 databases, so 36 articles were obtained at the screening stage. The next stage was eligibility, excluding 11 articles based on IMRAD (Introduction, Method, Result, and Discussion)is not clear, excluding 5 article Systematic Review, and excluding 6 article study reports were not included where finally meet 14 articles were evaluated for eligibility based on the title and abstract as well as the entire article excluded on inclusion and exclusion were obtained that matched the article criteria to be reviewed in this study Conclusion.This comprehensive review highlights a number of studies exploring the relationship between breath-holding exercises and associated health benefits. These studies cover a wide range of aspects, including the impact of physical activity on freedive training, the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing on lung function, and the effectiveness of mental imagery (MI) training in improving breath-hold performance. Additionally, studies have shown significant improvements in cardiorespiratory function in individuals with bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. These improvements were evidenced by positive changes in pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory function measurements, and overall quality of life.

Knowledge and perceptions regarding pulmonary rehabilitation amongst Ecuadorian physicians following COVID-19 outbreak.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is already an established technique for patients with chronic respiratory disease, aimed at improving breathlessness, exercise capacity, health status, and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perceptions about pulmonary rehabilitation post-COVID-19 infection among Ecuadorian physicians. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey-based study using a 27-item questionnaire to assess the knowledge about specific topics related to pulmonary rehabilitation. The sample comprised Ecuadorian physicians who were currently enrolled to an active medical practice that included care to COVID-19 patients. Descriptive statistics were applied for demographic variables of interest. A chi-square goodness of fit test was used to determine whether the observed frequencies of each of the answers per query were within or outside of the expected frequencies by chance. In total, 295 participants answered the survey, out of which 57.3% were general practitioners. Most agreed that COVID-19 infected patients must be followed-up with some measurement of respiratory function (81.4%, p=0.000), but only 18.3% (n=54, p=0.000) were aware of specific guidelines related to rehabilitation. 93.6% (n=276, p=0.000) considered that pulmonary rehabilitation provides a benefit, of any kind, to patients with past COVID-19 infection. Most physicians considered pulmonary rehabilitation beneficial following COVID-19. However, there is uncertainty on how to adequately follow up patients, complementary tests, and specific guidelines outlining rehabilitative interventions.

Influence of an Exercise-Specific Face Mask on Physiological and Perceptual Responses to Graded Exercise.

The impact of exercise-specific face masks (ESFMs) in aerobically fit individuals on physiological, perceptual, respiratory, and performance responses remains unclear. How ESFMs mitigate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is also unknown. Thus, this study aimed to determine how an ESFM altered within-exercise physiological, perceptual, respiratory, and performance responses to graded treadmill exercise. Twenty-four individuals (11 females) completed a discontinuous graded exercise test on a treadmill under two conditions (ESFM and unmasked). Physiological, respiratory function, and perceptual measures were assessed. Performance was determined by time to exhaustion. Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effects modeling, repeated measures analysis of variance, and pairwise comparisons using an alpha value of 0.05. ESFM use significantly impaired performance (median = -150.5 s) and decreased arterial oxygen saturation at maximal intensity (mean = -3.7%). Perceptions of air hunger and work of breathing were elevated across submaximal and maximal intensities. Perceived exertion and breathing discomfort were significantly elevated submaximally but not maximally. Spirometry measures were not significantly different at termination but were significantly improved at submaximal intensities in participants with and without EIB. ESFM use in fit individuals increased perceptual discomfort, impaired performance, and augmented arterial desaturation. Respiratory function improvements were observed but were accompanied by adverse perceptual sensations. Despite this, performance impairments may limit the real-world utility of ESFMs for athletes.

Does inspiratory muscle training improve lung function and quality of life in people with inclusion body myositis? A pilot study

Inclusion body myositis is the most common acquired myositis in adults, predominantly weakening forearm flexor and knee extensor muscles. Subclinical respiratory muscle weakness has recently been recognised in people with inclusion body myositis, increasing their risk of respiratory complications. Inspiratory muscle training, a technique which demonstrates efficacy and safety in improving respiratory function in people with neuromuscular disorders, has never been explored in those with inclusion body myositis. In this pilot study, six adults with inclusion body myositis (age range 53 to 81 years) completed eight weeks of inspiratory muscle training. Measures of respiratory function, quality of life, sleep quality and a two-minute walk test were performed pre and post-intervention. All participants improved their respiratory function, with maximal inspiratory pressure, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure and forced vital capacity increasing by an average of 50 % (p = .002), 43 % (p = .018) and 13 % (p = .003) respectively. No significant change was observed in quality of life, sleep quality or two-minute walk test performance. No complications occurred due to inspiratory muscle training This pilot study provides the first evidence that inspiratory muscle training may be safe and effective in people with Inclusion Body Myositis, potentially mitigating the complications of poor respiratory function.

How far does feedback on oral malodor assessment influence the decision to quit smoking?

A retrospective, uncontrolled, questionnaire-based, pre-post study involving adult male smoker volunteers who were invited to attend a one-day smoking cessation event at their workplace. To assess the effect of feedback on motivation for smoking cessation using oral-malodor measurements. At baseline, the participants attended a brief video presentation regarding various oral health-specific effects of smoking, joined a group introduction to smoking-cessation aids, and were given questionnaires that inquired information about smoking status including type, daily consumption, and duration. Subsequently, respiratory function and oral-malodor assessment were conducted using exhaled and oral cavity air, respectively. To measure oral-malodor, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide concentrations were determined. Participants' intention for smoking cessation was evaluated through questionnaire before and after the event, classifying their intentions as aiming to quit within the next month, within the next 6 months, or having no intention to quit smoking. Immediate feedback on respiratory function and oral malodor measurements was provided by medical and dental blinded examiners, respectively. A total of 241 men, aged 20-54 years, were enrolled and included:169 (70.1%) exclusive cigarette smokers, 39 (16.2%) exclusive heated-tobacco product users, and 33 (13.7%) users of both. Prior to the health event, 8.7%, 17.0%, and 74.3% of smokers expressed intentions to quit within the next month, the next 6 months, or had no intention to quit, respectively. After the event, the corresponding percentages shifted to 17.8%, 26.6%, and 55.6%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association with intention to quit in the next month was significant only for methyl mercaptan concentration in oral cavity air, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4.24 (95% CI: 1.52-11.84; p = 0.006). Sensitivity analysis revealed that this association was concentration-dependent. On the other hand, higher daily tobacco consumption (≥ 15 pieces) was significantly associated with less likely intention to quit in the next 6 months (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.92, p = 0.032). Feedback on oral malodor measurement may support the motivation of men to quit smoking within the next month, rather than waiting for the next 6 months.

Paradoxical breathing during sleep is associated with increased sleep apnea and reduced ventilatory capacities in high-level spinal cord injury.

Sleep-disordered breathing is highly prevalent in individuals with high-level spinal cord injury. In addition, chest mechanics are known to be altered, leading to paradoxical breathing. Here we investigated the interaction between paradoxical breathing and sleep quality in these patients, and its association with measurements of respiratory function, hypercapnic ventilatory response and peak exercise ventilation. Home-based polysomnography was performed in 13 patients with spinal cord injury (C4 to T4) untreated for sleep-disordered breathing. We defined paradoxical breathing as counterphase between thoracic and abdominal movements during slow-wave and rapid eye movement sleep. Sleep quality, pulmonary function, hypercapnic ventilatory responses and peak exercise ventilation were compared between those with and without paradoxical breathing. Half of individuals presented with nocturnal paradoxical breathing. Despite similar age, body mass index, injury level, time since injury, and respiratory function, those with paradoxical breathing had higher apnea-hypopnea index (13 ± 8 versus 5 ± 3 events per hr) and average sleep heart rate (67 ± 12 versus 54 ± 4 bpm; p < 0.05). Moreover, paradoxical breathing was associated with lower hypercapnic ventilatory response (slope: 0.35 ± 0.17 versus 0.96 ± 0.38) and lower peak exercise ventilation (33 ± 4 versus 48 ± 12 L min-1 ; p < 0.05). Nocturnal respiratory muscle desynchronization could play a role in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea, and could relate to low ventilatory responses to both hypercapnia and exercise in high-level spinal cord injury. Polysomnography may be an important diagnostic tool for these patients for whom therapeutic approaches should be considered to treat this abnormality.

Measuring Physical Function in the PICU: Development and Testing of a Children's Version (Age 2-18 yr) of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool.

To adapt and develop a reliable and easily administered outcome measure of physical and respiratory function in critically ill children in the PICU. Modified Delphi study to adapt the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment (CPAx) tool for use in children 2-18 years old, with subsequent prospective testing in a single-center cohort. Single-center tertiary PICU. Delphi process in 27 panelists (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pediatric intensivists from seven countries from January 2018 to March 2018). Cohort study in 54 patients admitted to PICU for greater than 24 hours over a 3-month period (April 2018 to June 2018), with median age 5.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 3-12.75 yr), 33 of 54 male, and 38 of 54 invasively ventilated. None. Three Delphi iterations were required to reach greater than or equal to 80% consensus in all the children's CPAx (cCPAx) items. In the subsequent cohort study, six physiotherapists used the cCPAx tool and scored 54 participants, with a total 106 observations. The median cCPAx tool score was 14.50 (IQR, 3-25) out of a possible total of 50. Inter-rater reliability for 30 randomly selected participants was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.998). Completion rate of cCPAx in the 54 patients occurred in 78 of 106 occasions (74%). The cCPAx tool content that was developed using Delphi methodology provided a feasible and clinically relevant tool for use in assessing physical morbidity in PICU patients 2-18 years old. Overall, the cCPAx scores were low, demonstrating low levels of physical function and high levels of immobility during PICU care.

Measurement of Respiratory System Function By Airwave Oscillometry (AOS) in a Cohort of Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

Measurement of Respiratory System Function By Airwave Oscillometry (AOS) in a Cohort of Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

Maximum abdominal excursion assessment using an abdominal excursion measuring device: Reliability and validity of a new device for simple and quantitative assessment of respiratory function

This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of abdominal expansion and respiratory function measurements. Forty healthy adult males underwent lung capacity, effort lung capacity, respiratory muscle strength, cough strength, diaphragm ultrasound, and abdominal expansion measurements. Abdominal expansion was measured using a device developed to accurately evaluate abdominal movements and calculate maximum abdominal expansion on the ventral side (AE-max: the difference between maximal abdominal contraction at the same time as maximal-effort expiration and maximal abdominal expansion at the same time as maximal-effort inspiration). Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of the AE-max measurements were examined, the paired t-test was used for assessing the ratios of the expansion and contraction displacement components in AE-max, and regression analysis was used to obtain equations for predicting maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) based on AE-max. Both intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were high. Criterion-related validity showed that AE-max was associated with all respiratory function parameters, especially MIP, and a high percentage of expansion displacement. Regression analysis showed that AE-max was significantly associated with MIP. Based on its association with MIP, the large proportion of expansion displacement in AE-max, and the results of the multiple regression analysis, we conclude that AE-max is a helpful measure for estimating MIP.

POPULATION REFERENCE VALUES FOR PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW IN OLDER US ADULTS

Abstract Respiratory function predicts physical and cognitive health outcomes in older adults. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is simple, inexpensive, and has been validated against traditional respiratory function measures (FEV1, FVC). PEF has additional utility because it measures maximal respiratory effort without relying on spirometry equipment. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data to support PEF reference values for aging populations, especially those ≥80 years. The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is a large, nationally representative sample of US adults ages ≥65 that offers a unique opportunity to develop PEF population reference values. Using a healthy subsample from NHATS Round 1 (N=2,082), excluding those with history of smoking, respiratory, or cardiovascular diseases, we applied NHATS sampling weights to estimate age- and sex-specific PEF percentiles. The sample was stratified by sex (68.9% female) and categorized into six, 5-year age groups: 65-69, 70-74, … ≥90 (36.6% age ≥80 years). In a secondary analysis, we estimated age- and sex-specific PEF/height3 percentiles, per current recommendations. We calculated 5th, 95th, and 10th, 20th, … 90th percentiles, by age and sex, for both absolute and height-adjusted PEF. PEF population estimates were higher in healthy males vs. females (456.8±130.1 vs. 293.9±89.9 liters/minute [mean±SD]). After adjusting for height, estimates remained higher for males (83.1±22.4 vs. 70.9±21.5 liters/m3/minute) and higher for younger (65-79 years) vs. older (≥80 years) participants (78.9±19.7 vs. 62.9±26.6 liters/m3/minute). These results may serve as PEF population reference values for healthy older adults in the US.

Jiangqi Pingxiao formula regulates dendritic cell apoptosis in an autophagy-dependent manner through the AMPK/mTOR pathway in a murine model of OVA-induced asthma

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAllergic asthma is a recurring respiratory condition that typically manifests during childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by a dominant type II immune response triggered by the identification and capturing of inhaled allergens by dendritic cells (DCs). Jiangqi Pingxiao Formula (JQPXF), a prescription medicine used for the treatment of pediatric asthma, has been clinically proven to be both safe and effective. However, its mechanism of action in the treatment of asthma has not been fully been fully elucidated. Recent research suggests that several natural compounds have the potential to target dendritic cells (DCs) and alleviate ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma, which may also be found within JQPXF. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the effect of JQPXF on OVA-induced asthma model and its molecular mechanism targeting DCs. Materials and methodsThe main constituents of JQPXF were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). An asthma model was established by OVA. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and measurement of respiratory function was used to evaluate the treatment effect of JQPXF on asthmatic mice. Cytokine (IL-5, IL-13 and IgE) concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration (T helper 2 cells and DCs) in vivo and DC survival in vivo and vitro. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to verify the molecular mechanisms. ResultsThe results suggest that JQPXF can ameliorate pathological conditions and improve lung function in asthmatic mice, as well as the Th2 cells. Treatment with JQPXF significantly reduced the number of DCs and increased the number of Propidium iodide+ (PI) DCs. Furthermore, JQPXF upregulated protein levels of the pro-apoptotic factors Cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. Simultaneously, JQPXF increased autophagy levels by facilitating p62 degradation and promoting translation from LC3B I to LC3B II of DCs in vitro, as well as reducing the integrated optical density (IOD) of p62 within the CD11c-positive area in the lung. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) was used to block autophagic flux and the apoptotic effect of JQPXF on DCs was abolished in vitro, with the number of DCs decreased by JQPXF being reversed in vivo. We further investigated the upstream key regulator of autophagy, the AMPK/mTOR pathway, and found that JQPXF increased AMPK phosphorylation while decreasing mTOR phosphorylation levels. Additionally, we employed Compound C (CC) as an AMPK inhibitor to inhibit this signaling pathway, and our findings revealed that both autophagic flux and apoptotic levels in DCs were abolished in vitro. ConclusionsIn summary, we have demonstrated that JQPXF could alleviate type II inflammation in an asthmatic model by promoting the apoptosis of DCs through an autophagy-dependent mechanism, achieved by regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

НОВЫЙ ПРИБОР «СИСТЕМА ОЧИСТКИ ДЫХАТЕЛЬНЫХ ПУТЕЙ YANG KUN YK-800» В КИНЕЗИТЕРАПИИ ДЕТЕЙ С ХРОНИЧЕСКИМИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЯМИ ЛЕГКИХ

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in children are both accompanied by copious amounts of infected sputum. Kinesitherapy (KT) eliminates mucostasis by providing bronchial drainage. KT methods are being constantly improved. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness and safety of the new vest airway clearance system (ACS) chest vibration therapy machine model YK800 by Zhengzhou Yangkun Medical Instrument Co., Ltd. (Zhengzhou, China) in children with CF and PCD. The ACS consists of a compressor and a vest and creates high-frequency oscillation of the chest promoting drainage of problematic parts of the respiratory tract, small- and medium-caliber bronchi. Materials and methods used: in a study based on the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health (Moscow, Russia) the KT included 5 sessions with the Yangkun YK800 in 15 patients aged 5 to 17 y/o: 8 with CF and 7 with PCD. Objective criteria: measurement of external respiratory function (ERF) and saturation, monitoring of chest excursion, and the 6-minute walk test. Subjective criteria: complaints, well-being, comfort. Results: objective criteria - improved ERF indicators in % (FVC p=0.004; r=0.829; FEV1 p=0.023; r=0.973; FEF25% p=0.018; r=0.840; FEF50% p=0.016; r=0.827; FEF75% p=0.015; r=0.867), especially high-speed indicators (FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%) that indicate the cleansing of mucus in the medium and small respiratory tracts; saturation improved (p=0.020; r=0.548); chest excursion increased (p=0.002; r=0.779). According to the 6-minute walk test, there was a significant increase in the distance traveled (p=0.000; r=0.535), 13 (86.6%) patients at the end of the course rated it as easier. Subjective criteria - 80% of patients noted sen-sations of productive coughing, easier expectoration of sputum: improvement in general condi-tion - 15, reduction in fatigue - 12, increased physical activity - 12, easier expectoration of phlegm - 13, reduction in episodes of paroxysmal cough - 13. Comfort in the use of the vest was rated at 4.4 points, noting mild vibration. Conclusion: the Yangkun YK800 vest airway clearance system as part of the KT has shown its effectiveness and safety in children with CF and PCD.

Respiratory function of workers at some wood factories in Bac Tu Liem district, 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the respiratory function status and associated factors among workers in wood factories in Bac Tu Liem district. Methods: A total of 80 workers from six woodworking establishments participated in this cross-sectional study. Respiratory symptom questionnaires based on ECCS-87 and ATS-DLD-78a were used to collect data on symptoms experienced within the past 12 months. Respiratory function measurements were also conducted during breaks and at the end of shifts. Results: Workers with 3-5 years of experience accounted for 63.8% of the total sample. The majority (92.5%) were exposed to harmful workplace factors for more than 8 hours per day. Only 13.8% reported using full personal protective equipment. Concentrations of respiratory particles and Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) in wood facilities exceeded allowable standards. Cough was the most commonly reported respiratory symptom, with a prevalence of 28.8%. Approximately 66.3% of subjects had normal respiratory function, while restrictive ventilation disorder accounted for the highest proportion of respiratory disorders at 21.3%. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between respiratory dysfunction and work experience (OR=2.56, p&lt;0.01), duration of exposure to hazardous factors (OR=1.8, p&lt;0.05), use of personal protective equipment (OR=7.12, p&lt;0.05), and the occurrence of respiratory symptoms (OR=1.73, p&lt;0.01). Conclusions: workers in furniture manufacturing facilities in Bac Tu Liem district face exposure to high concentrations of total particles, respiratory particles, and toxic gases that surpass permissible standards. The study also found a significant relationship between respiratory dysfunction and employee characteristics. Keywords: Respiratory function, wood workers, wood factories.

Digital measures of respiratory and upper limb function in spinal muscular atrophy: design, feasibility, reliability, and preliminary validity of a smartphone sensor-based assessment suite

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Motor function is monitored in the clinical setting using assessments including the 32-item Motor Function Measure (MFM-32), but changes in disease severity between clinical visits may be missed. Digital health technologies may assist evaluation of disease severity by bridging gaps between clinical visits. We developed a smartphone sensor-based assessment suite, comprising nine tasks, to assess motor and muscle function in people with SMA. We used data from the risdiplam phase 2 JEWELFISH trial to assess the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of each task. In the first 6 weeks, 116 eligible participants completed assessments on a median of 6.3 days per week. Eight of the nine tasks demonstrated good or excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.75 and >0.9, respectively). Seven tasks showed a significant association (P < 0.05) with related clinical measures of motor function (individual items from the MFM-32 or Revised Upper Limb Module scales) and seven showed significant association (P < 0.05) with disease severity measured using the MFM-32 total score. This cross-sectional study supports the feasibility, reliability, and validity of using smartphone-based digital assessments to measure function in people living with SMA.

Oral-malodor measurement and intention to quit smoking in men: A before-after study.

Few studies have examined the effect of feedback based on oral-malodor measurements on the motivation to quit smoking. Therefore, this study examined whether oral-malodor measurements were associated with the intention to quit smoking. This retrospective, uncontrolled before-after study invited smokers to a workplace health event in 2019 and 2020 to motivate them to quit smoking. They attended seminars on oral health and smoking cessation aids, and then underwent respiratory function and oral-malodor measurements using exhaled and oral cavity air, respectively. Intention to quit smoking was evaluated by answers to questions regarding the intention to quit in the next 1 or 6 months in questionnaires collected before and after the event. This study analyzed 241 men aged 20-54 years (mean: 33.2 ± 10.5) to examine factors associated with the intention to quit in multivariable logistic regression analyses for age, tobacco type (cigarettes and heated-tobacco products), and category of tobacco consumption. Before the event, 8.7%, 17.0%, and 74.3% of smokers had intended to quit in the next month, the next six months, or had no intention to quit, respectively. After the event, the respective percentages were 17.8%, 26.6%, and 55.6%. A higher methyl mercaptan concentration, a volatile sulfide component of oral malodor, was significantly associated with the intention to quit in the next month (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=4.24; 95% CI: 1.52-11.8, p=0.006). The participants with higher daily tobacco consumption were less likely to acquire the intention to quit in the next six months (AOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.92, p=0.032). Other variables, such as lung age deficit, exhaled CO concentration, and hydrogen sulfide concentration (another component of oral malodor), were not significantly associated. Oral-malodor measurement feedback may help motivate men to quit smoking in the next 1 month rather than in the next six months.

Investigation of symptoms and lung functions in tea packaging factory employees

Inhalation of organic powders may lead to various diseases such as asthma-like syndrome and hypersensitivity pneumonia. The study aim to evaluate respiratory health effects by respiratory function measurements, respiratory survey, ambient dust concentration, and toxic gas in workers of a tea packaging factory. 69 employees from different departments of the tea packaging factory were included. A group of 53 office workers of a separate establishment was included as a control. Sputum production in the morning was significantly higher in the tea packaging workers (p=0.013). Among the respiratory function values, only FEV1/FVC was lower in this group than in the control group. There was a significant decrease in FEF75% value among smokers in the study group compared to non-smokers. Respiratory effects observed in some food processing industry workers are also seen in the tea packaging industry. Effective dust control will positively affect the health of the workers. More studies are needed to better identify potential risks.

Myocardial capacity of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in response to prolonged electromagnetic stress.

Mitochondria are central energy generators for the heart, producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. However, mitochondria also guide critical cell decisions and responses to the environmental stressors. This study evaluated whether prolonged electromagnetic stress affects the mitochondrial OXPHOS system and structural modifications of the myocardium. To induce prolonged electromagnetic stress, mice were exposed to 915 MHz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for 28 days. Analysis of mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity in EMF-exposed mice pointed to a significant increase in cardiac protein expression of the Complex I, II, III and IV subunits, while expression level of α-subunit of ATP synthase (Complex V) was stable among groups. Furthermore, measurement of respiratory function in isolated cardiac mitochondria using the Seahorse XF24 analyzer demonstrated that prolonged electromagnetic stress modifies the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. However, the plasma level of malondialdehyde, an indicator of oxidative stress, and myocardial expression of mitochondria-resident antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 remained unchanged in EMF-exposed mice as compared to controls. At the structural and functional state of left ventricles, no abnormalities were identified in the heart of mice subjected to electromagnetic stress. Taken together, these data suggest that prolonged exposure to EMFs could affect mitochondrial oxidative metabolism through modulating cardiac OXPHOS system.

Validation of the Single Breath Count Test for Assessment of Inspiratory Muscle Strength in Healthy Subjects and People with Neuromuscular Disorders.

This study aimed to validate the single breath count test (SBCT) against volitional measures of respiratory muscle function in healthy subjects and people with neuromuscular disorders (NMD; n = 100 per group). Testing comprised upright and supine SBCT, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP). Predictability of FVC by SBCT was assessed using logarithmic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to identify SBCT thresholds for lung restriction (FVC < 80% predicted), inspiratory muscle weakness (MIP < 60 cmH2O), and indication for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in NMD patients. In both groups, SBCT showed moderate correlation with FVC. In patients, SBCT values were also correlated with MIP and SNIP. Strength of correlations was similar with supine and upright SBCT which accounted for 23.7% of FVC variance in healthy individuals (44.5% in patients). Predictive thresholds of upright SBCT were < 27 for MIP < 60 cmH2O (sensitivity 0.61/specificity 0.86), <39 for NIV indication (0.92/0.46), and <41 for FVC < 80% predicted (0.89/0.62). The SBCT is positively correlated with spirometry. It predicts both lung restriction and NIV indication in NMD patients. The SBCT allows for remote monitoring and may substitute for spirometry/manometry if appropriate devices are unavailable.

The effect of d-cycloserine on brain processing of breathlessness over pulmonary rehabilitation: an experimental medicine study.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is the best treatment for chronic breathlessness in COPD but there remains an unmet need to improve efficacy. Pulmonary rehabilitation has strong parallels with exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT), both clinically and in terms of brain activity patterns. The partial N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor agonist d-cycloserine has shown promising results in enhancing efficacy of CBT, thus we hypothesised that it would similarly augment the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in the brain. Positive findings would support further development in phase 3 clinical trials. 72 participants with mild-to-moderate COPD were recruited to a double-blind pre-registered (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01985750) experimental medicine study running parallel to a pulmonary rehabilitation course. Participants were randomised to 250 mg d-cycloserine or placebo, administered immediately prior to the first four sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation. Primary outcome measures were differences between d-cycloserine and placebo in brain activity in the anterior insula, posterior insula, anterior cingulate cortices, amygdala and hippocampus following completion of pulmonary rehabilitation. Secondary outcomes included the same measures at an intermediate time point and voxel-wise difference across wider brain regions. An exploratory analysis determined the interaction with breathlessness anxiety. No difference between d-cycloserine and placebo groups was observed across the primary or secondary outcome measures. d-cycloserine was shown instead to interact with changes in breathlessness anxiety to dampen reactivity to breathlessness cues. Questionnaire and measures of respiratory function showed no group difference. This is the first study testing brain-active drugs in pulmonary rehabilitation. Rigorous trial methodology and validated surrogate end-points maximised statistical power. Although increasing evidence supports therapeutic modulation of NMDA pathways to treat symptoms, we conclude that a phase 3 clinical trial of d-cycloserine would not be worthwhile.

A Study to Evaluate Correlation between Respiratory Function Measures – MVV, FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC Ratio to Pain, Disability Index and Craniocervical Angle in Persons with and without Chronic Neck Pain

Back ground: Chronic neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pain conditions experienced bymany people during their lives. Due to increased use of Tech devices &amp; modern life style, forward head posture&amp; resultant neck pain becomes quiet common. Although patients with neck pain are managed predominantly asmusculoskeletal patients, there are indications that they also have poor pulmonary function as limited movementof the neck muscles can result in impaired chest movements. The aim of this study was to examine whetherpatients with chronic neck pain have impaired pulmonary measures.Methodology: A cross sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate pulmonary function measures inpatients with chronic neck pain.100 subjects included dividing them into 2 groups. Group A: Patients with ChronicNeck Pain. Group B: Age &amp; sex matched healthy individuals. Written Consent was taken from the subjects andthe subjects were made to understand the purpose of the study. Spirometry was performed for all the subjects.Forced vital capacities (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of FVC (FEV1), ratio of FEV1/FVC andmaximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were recorded. Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Pain Rating Scale(NPRS) for pain &amp; Craniocervical Angle (CCA) had also been considered for both the groups.Results: Data analysis was done using Microsoft office Excel. The results showed that patients with chronic neckpain yielded significantly reduced FVC, FEV1 and maximum voluntary ventilation (P &lt; 0.005), but FEV1/FVCratio were not affected significantly (P &gt; 0.5). Craniocervical Angle &amp; Pain Intensity was found to be significantlycorrelated with respiratory function.Conclusion: Patients with chronic neck pain do not have optimal pulmonary function. Cervical spine muscledysfunction in parallel with pain intensity and kinesiophobia are factors that are associated mainly with thisrespiratory dysfunction.