Influence of viral infection on the relationships between airway cytokines and lung function in asthmatic children

BACKGROUND

Few longitudinal studies examine inflammation and lung function in asthma. We sought to determine the cytokines that reduce airflow, and the influence of respiratory viral infections on these relationships.

METHODS

Children underwent home collections of nasal lavage during scheduled surveillance periods and self-reported respiratory illnesses. We studied 53 children for one year, analyzing 392 surveillance samples and 203 samples from 85 respiratory illnesses. Generalized estimated equations were used to evaluate associations between nasal lavage biomarkers (7 mRNAs, 10 proteins), lung function and viral infection.

RESULTS

As anticipated, viral infection was associated with increased cytokines and reduced FVC and FEV1. However, we found frequent and strong interactions between biomarkers and virus on lung function. For example, in the absence of viral infection, CXCL10 mRNA, MDA5 mRNA, CXCL10, IL-4, IL-13, CCL4, CCL5, CCL20 and CCL24 were negatively associated with FVC. In contrast, during infection, the opposite relationship was frequently found, with IL-4, IL-13, CCL5, CCL20 and CCL24 levels associated with less severe reductions in both FVC and FEV1.

CONCLUSIONS

In asthmatic children, airflow obstruction is driven by specific pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the absence of viral infection, higher cytokine levels are associated with decreasing lung function. However, with infection, there is a reversal in this relationship, with cytokine abundance associated with reduced lung function decline. While nasal samples may not reflect lower airway responses, these data suggest that some aspects of the inflammatory response may be protective against viral infection. This study may have ramifications for the treatment of viral-induced asthma exacerbations.

Association between the Ratio of FEV₁ to FVC and the Exposure Level to Air Pollution in Neversmoking Adult Refractory Asthmatics Using Data Clustered by Patient in the Soonchunhyang Asthma Cohort Database

Using real-world cases, asthma-related clinical data were clustered by patient; 5% of all asthmatics were found to have refractory asthma (RA) with a relatively low lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) less than 80%). Using a multilevel study design for clustered spirometry data observed between 2005 and 2014, we evaluated the association between changes in the ratio of FEV₁ to FVC and variations in acute exposure to air pollution. We analyzed 2310 episodes of RA from 214 neversmoking patients. In spring, a 1 µg/m³ increase in concentration of particles ≤10 μm (PM10) on Lag 1 significantly reduced the ratio by 0.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1⁻0.7%) after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. Unit (ppb) increase in SO₂ concentration on Lag 3 and 4 in fall and on Lag 6 in winter significantly reduced the ratio by 2 to 3% (p < 0.05). We found that acute exposure to PM10 in spring or SO₂ in fall or winter were positively associated with lung function drop indicating necessity of control strategies of target air pollutant source by season to protect susceptible population.

Genetic Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Lung Function in Korean Men and Women: Data from KNHANES 2011⁻2012

The association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D metabolic pathway and lung function is unknown. We examined the association between five SNPs on DHCR7, GC, CYP2R1, and CYP24A1 along with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and lung function in older Korean men (n = 758) and women (n = 837). Lung function was determined by forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from the data in the Korea Nutrition and Health Examination Survey 2011–2012. Genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated by the number of 25(OH)D-decreasing alleles of the five SNPs. Our results showed that increases in GRS were associated with reduced 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05 for both sexes). In the entire population, FVC and FEV1 were associated with both GRS and 25(OH)D levels. In women, FVC and FEV1 were negatively associated with GRS (β-coefficient (95% CI): −0.022 (−0.039, −0.005) and −0.020 (−0.035, −0.005), respectively; both p < 0.05), but not with 25(OH)D. However, in men, FVC and FEV1 were positively associated with 25(OH)D (β-coefficient (95% CI): 0.008 (0.001, 0.016) and 0.008 (0.002, 0.015), respectively; both p < 0.05), but not with GRS. In conclusion, lung function was associated with genetic variation in Korean women and with 25(OH)D in Korean men.

Declining Lung Function and Cardiovascular Risk: The ARIC Study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary dysfunction predicts incident cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether longitudinal decline in lung function is associated with incident heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke.

METHODS

Among 10,351 participants in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study free of CVD, rapid lung function decline was defined as the greatest quartile (n = 2,585) of decline in either forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (>1.9% decline/year) or forced vital capacity (FVC) (>2.1% decline/year) over 2.9 ± 0.2 years. The relationship between rapid decline in FEV1 or FVC and subsequent incident HF, CHD, stroke, or a composite of these was assessed using multivariable Cox regression adjusting for the baseline spirometry value, demographics, height, body mass index, heart rate, diabetes, hypertension, low-density lipoprotein, use of lipid-lowering medication, N-terminal fragment of prohormone for B-type natriuretic peptide, and smoking.

RESULTS

The mean age was 54 ± 6 years, 56% were women, and 81% were white. At 17 ± 6 years of follow-up, HF occurred in 14%, CHD 11%, stroke 6%, and the composite in 24%. Rapid decline in FEV1 and in FVC were both associated with a heightened risk of incident HF (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.33; p = 0.010; and HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.44; p < 0.001; respectively), with rapid decline in FEV1 most prognostic in the first year of follow-up (HR: 4.22; 95% CI: 1.34 to 13.26; p = 0.01). Rapid decline in FEV1 was also associated with incident stroke (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.50; p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid decline in lung function, assessed by serial spirometry, is associated with a higher incidence of subsequent CVD, particularly incident HF.

Spirometric Values of Greek People and Comparison with ECSC and GLI Values in COPD People

Background:

During the past few years, the use of criteria introduced by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) is recommended for the diagnosis and classification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD),taking into account the values of a Forced Expiratory Volume In 1 second (FEV1) and a Forced Expiratory Volume In 1 second (FEV1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) ratio. In Europe, the reference values of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), that were originally developed in 1993 are still used.

Aim of the Study:

The study aimed to carry out measurement of spirometric values in a healthy, non smoking Greek population, development of local equations and comparison with ECSC and Global Lung Initiative(GLI) equations, in order to see if there is a need for separate ones in everyday use.

Methods:

Normal predicted values for FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% were obtained from a group of 500 healthy subjects, aged 18-89 years. In addition, a group of 124 COPD patients, with no other comorbidities was studied. Patients were classified according to GOLD criteria in four groups with ECSC, GLI predicted values or with our own predicted values.

Results:

The statistical analysis has revealed that there is no significant difference among the three sets of predicted values and no statistical difference was detected among the classification of COPD patients.

Conclusion:

It is shown that the 3 sets of predicted values are almost identical, despite the fact that they have been collected from different study populations.Αccording to the study, there is no need in recalculating values for Greek population.

Efficacy of tiotropium/olodaterol on lung volume, exercise capacity, and physical activity

Purpose

This study evaluated the efficacy of tiotropium/olodaterol vs tiotropium on lung function, exercise capacity, and physical activity in patients with COPD.

Patients and methods

A total of 184 patients aged ≥40 years with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II-IV) received tiotropium/olodaterol for 6 weeks, then tiotropium for 6 weeks, or vice versa. The primary endpoint was inspiratory capacity (IC) at peak post-dose.

Results

Adjusted mean IC after 6-week treatment was 1.990 L with tiotropium/olodaterol vs 1.875 L with tiotropium (difference: 115 mL; 95% CI: 77, 153; p<0.0001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (difference: 105 mL; 95% CI: 88, 123), forced vital capacity (difference: 163 mL; 95% CI: 130, 197), and slow vital capacity (difference: 134 mL; 95% CI: 91, 176) improved with tiotropium/olodaterol (all p<0.0001). Adjusted mean 6-min walk distance was similar between treatments in the overall population but was significantly increased with tiotropium/olodaterol in the subgroup with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage III/IV at baseline (difference: 18.1 m; 95% CI: 2.3, 33.9; p=0.0254). In a post hoc analysis, tiotropium/olodaterol improved the values for ≥2.0 metabolic equivalents (difference: 5.0 min; 95% CI: 0.4, 9.7; p=0.0337).

Conclusion

Tiotropium/olodaterol significantly improved IC compared with tiotropium and potentially enhanced the exercise capacity in COPD patients. A slight improvement in physical activity of relatively more than moderate intensity was also seen with tiotropium/olodaterol.

A Refined Crop Drought Monitoring Method Based on the Chinese GF-1 Wide Field View Data

In this study, modified perpendicular drought index (MPDI) models based on the red-near infrared spectral space are established for the first time through the analysis of the spectral characteristics of GF-1 wide field view (WFV) data, with a high spatial resolution of 16 m and the highest frequency as high as once every 4 days. GF-1 data was from the Chinese-made, new-generation high-resolution GF-1 remote sensing satellites. Soil-type spatial data are introduced for simulating soil lines in different soil types for reducing errors of using same soil line. Multiple vegetation indices are employed to analyze the response to the MPDI models. Relative soil moisture content (RSMC) and precipitation data acquired at selected stations are used to optimize the drought models, and the best one is the Two-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2)-based MPDI model. The crop area that was statistically significantly affected by drought from a local governmental department, and used for validation. High correlations and small differences in drought-affected crop area was detected between the field observation data from the local governmental department and the EVI2-based MPDI results. The percentage of bias is between −21.8% and 14.7% in five sub-areas, with an accuracy above 95% when evaluating the performance via the data for the whole study region. Generally the proposed EVI2-based MPDI for GF-1 WFV data has great potential for reliably monitoring crop drought at a relatively high frequency and spatial scale. Currently there is almost no drought model based on GF-1 data, a full exploitation of the advantages of GF-1 satellite data and further improvement of the capacity to observe ground surface objects can provide high temporal and spatial resolution data source for refined monitoring of crop droughts.

Effects of pelvic tilt angles and forced vital capacity in healthy individuals

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pelvic tilt angles and lung function in participants performing pelvic tilts on a ball. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen subjects participated in this study. While they performed pelvic tilt on sitting at a ball, the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured at 10 degrees of anterior and posterior pelvic tilt, respectively, and neutral position. The repeated measure ANOVA was performed, and the Bonferroni correction was used for post-hoc analysis. [Results] The PEF of the participants was significantly higher at neutral position, compared with an anterior pelvic tilt at 10 degrees. The FEV1 was also higher in neutral position, compared with anterior and posterior pelvic tilt. [Conclusion] This study underlines the need for the standardization of the FVC testing protocol for positioning the pelvic angle in a neutral position in patients with respiratory disorders to promote reliable interpretation of intervention outcomes.

Association of generic health-related quality of life (EQ-5D dimensions) and inactivity with lung function in lung-healthy German adults: results from the KORA studies F4L and Age

PURPOSE

Among patients with lung disease, decreased lung function is associated with lower health-related quality of life. However, whether this association is detectable within the physiological variability of respiratory function in lung-healthy populations is unknown. We analyzed the association of each EQ-5D-3L dimension (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) and self-reported physical inactivity with spirometric indices in lung-healthy adults. Modulating effects between inactivity and EQ-5D dimensions were considered.

METHODS

1132 non-smoking, apparently lung-healthy participants (48% male, aged 64 ± 12 years) from the population-based KORA F4L and Age surveys in Southern Germany were analyzed. Associations of each EQ-5D dimension and inactivity with spirometric indices serving as outcomes (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV₁/FVC, and mid-expiratory flow) were examined by linear regression, considering possible confounders. Interactions between EQ-5D dimensions (no problems/any problems) and inactivity (four categories of time spent engaging in exercise: inactive to most active) were assessed.

RESULTS

Among all participants 42% reported no problems in any EQ-5D dimension, 24% were inactive and 32% exercised > 2 h/week. After adjustment, FEV₁ was - 99 ml (95% CI - 166; - 32) and FVC was - 109 ml (95% CI - 195; - 24) lower among subjects with mobility problems. Comparable estimates were observed for usual activities. Inactivity was negatively associated with FVC (β-coefficient: - 83 ml, 95% CI - 166; 0), but showed no interactions with EQ-5D.

CONCLUSIONS

Problems with mobility or usual activities, and inactivity were associated with slightly lower spirometric parameters in lung-healthy adults, suggesting a relationship between perceived physical functioning and volumetric lung function.

Prevalence, determinants and clinical correlates of vitamin D deficiency in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in London, UK

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet a comprehensive analysis of environmental and genetic determinants of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentration in patients with this condition is lacking. We conducted a multi-centre cross-sectional study in 278 COPD patients aged 41-92 years in London, UK. Details of potential environmental determinants of vitamin D status and COPD symptom control and severity were collected by questionnaire, and blood samples were taken for analysis of serum 25(OH)D concentration and DNA extraction. All participants performed spirometry and underwent measurement of weight and height. Quadriceps muscle strength (QS) was measured in 134 participants, and sputum induction with enumeration of lower airway eosinophil and neutrophil counts was performed for 44 participants. Thirty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 11 genes in the vitamin D pathway (DBP, DHCR7, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, CYP27A1, CYP3A4, LRP2, CUBN, RXRA, and VDR) were typed using Taqman allelic discrimination assays. Linear regression was used to identify environmental and genetic factors independently associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration and to determine whether vitamin D status or genetic factors independently associated with % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio of FEV₁ to FVC (FEV₁:FVC), daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose, respiratory quality of life (QoL), QS, and the percentage of eosinophils and neutrophils in induced sputum. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 45.4nmol/L (SD 25.3); 171/278 (61.5%) participants were vitamin D deficient (serum 25[OH]D concentration <50nmol/L). Lower vitamin D status was independently associated with higher body mass index (P=0.001), lower socio-economic position (P=0.037), lack of vitamin D supplement consumption (P<0.001), sampling in Winter or Spring (P for trend=0.006) and lack of a recent sunny holiday (P=0.002). Vitamin D deficiency associated with reduced % predicted FEV₁ (P for trend=0.060) and % predicted FVC (P for trend=0.003), but it did not associate with FEV₁:FVC, ICS dose, QoL, QS, or the percentage of eosinophils or neutrophils in induced sputum. After correction for multiple comparisons testing, genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway was not found to associate with serum 25(OH)D concentration or clinical correlates of COPD severity. Vitamin D deficiency was common in this group of COPD patients in the UK, and it associated independently with reduced % predicted FEV1 and FVC. However, genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway was not associated with vitamin D status or severity of COPD.

Body Burden of Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethene (DDE) and Childhood Pulmonary Function

Longitudinal studies have shown that early life exposure to dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethene (DDE) can lead to growth reduction during childhood and adolescence. In addition, DDE exposure has been linked to respiratory tract infections and an increased risk of asthma in children. Our aim was to understand the relationships between DDE exposure and pulmonary function in children, and, particularly, whether associations are mediated by the height of the children. We used data from an environmental epidemiologic study conducted in central Germany in children aged 8-10 years. The pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, FVC, and forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1) were measured in three consecutive years. Blood DDE levels were measured at 8 and 10 years. We used linear mixed models for repeated measurements and path analyses to assess the association between blood levels of DDE and pulmonary function measurements. All models were adjusted for confounders. Linear mixed approaches and modelling concurrent effects showed no significant associations. The path analytical models demonstrated that DDE measured at eight years had significant, inverse, indirect, and total effects on FVC at ten years (n = 328; −0.18 L per μg/L of DDE) and FEV1 (n = 328; −0.17 L per μg/L of DDE), mediated through effects of DDE on height and weight. The DDE burden reduces pulmonary function through its diminishing effects on height and weight in children. Further studies are required to test these associations in other samples, preferably from a region with ongoing, high DDT application.

Age at menarche and lung function: a Mendelian randomization study

A trend towards earlier menarche in women has been associated with childhood factors (e.g. obesity) and hypothesised environmental exposures (e.g. endocrine disruptors present in household products). Observational evidence has shown detrimental effects of early menarche on various health outcomes including adult lung function, but these might represent spurious associations due to confounding. To address this we used Mendelian randomization where genetic variants are used as proxies for age at menarche, since genetic associations are not affected by classical confounding. We estimated the effects of age at menarche on forced vital capacity (FVC), a proxy for restrictive lung impairment, and ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to FVC (FEV1/FVC), a measure of airway obstruction, in both adulthood and adolescence. We derived SNP-age at menarche association estimates for 122 variants from a published genome-wide meta-analysis (N = 182,416), with SNP-lung function estimates obtained by meta-analysing three studies of adult women (N = 46,944) and two of adolescent girls (N = 3025). We investigated the impact of departures from the assumption of no pleiotropy through sensitivity analyses. In adult women, in line with previous evidence, we found an effect on restrictive lung impairment with a 24.8 mL increase in FVC per year increase in age at menarche (95% CI 1.8-47.9; p = 0.035); evidence was stronger after excluding potential pleiotropic variants (43.6 mL; 17.2-69.9; p = 0.001). In adolescent girls we found an opposite effect (-56.5 mL; -108.3 to -4.7; p = 0.033), suggesting that the detrimental effect in adulthood may be preceded by a short-term post-pubertal benefit. Our secondary analyses showing results in the same direction in men and boys, in whom age at menarche SNPs have also shown association with sexual development, suggest a role for pubertal timing in general rather than menarche specifically. We found no effect on airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC).

Association of anxiety sensitivity-physical concerns and FVC with dyspnea severity in sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship of an objective functional lung parameter (FVC) and a subjective psychological factor (physical symptom concerns) with dyspnea in sarcoidosis. Dyspnea constitutes one of the most common and burdensome symptoms in sarcoidosis, yet little is known about its mechanisms and, in particular, psychological.

METHOD

A total of 107 hospitalized sarcoidosis patients (Female=50, M_age=45.3years) volunteered to take part in the correlational research study. Participants underwent spirometry and completed the MRC Dyspnea Scale and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI) questionnaire. Linear hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the studied predictors and dyspnea severity.

RESULTS

The best fitting model predicted 18% of variance in dyspnea severity. Physical symptom concerns subscale of ASI (β=0.24) and FVC (β=-0.23) were significantly related to dyspnea MRC severity, but only physical concerns remained significantly related to dyspnea when both predictors were in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results suggest that both psychological and physiological factors should be taken into account when explaining subjective dyspnea severity in sarcoidosis. More specifically, these findings call for including cognitive vulnerability factors related to anxiety (physical symptom concerns) into the diagnostic procedures and management of dyspnea in sarcoidosis.

Role of Vitamin D in reducing number of acute exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic incompletely reversible poor airflow and air trapping and usually this debilitating disorder limits the outside activities of the patients depriving them of sunlight which is a rich source of Vitamin D. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation in reducing number of acute exacerbation in COPD patients.

METHODS

This randomized control trial was conducted at East Medical Ward Mayo Hospital Lahore from January to December 2015 as exacerbations of COPD are season dependent. Diagnosis was confirmed by performing Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Basic demographical information was obtained and baseline PFTs of the patient was done. Only Group A patients was treated with oral vitamin D intake of 2000 IU daily for 6 months. Vitamin D level was measured at 0, 2, 4, and 6 months and exacerbation of COPD, FEV1 and FVC was measured weekly. Both the groups were given standard treatment for exacerbation of COPD. Spirometry was repeated at each visit. Blood samples were collected every 2 months for vitamin D. Supplementation was stopped if vitamin D level exceeded 100ng/ml.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 46.28±8.83 years, the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. The mean 25(OH) level at baseline was 24.08±2.58 and at 6th month was 29.60±8.74. The mean FVC at baseline was 77.83±5.49 and at 6th month was 91.34±5.52. The exacerbation at baseline was present in all 120(100%) patients and at 6th month was reduced to 4(3.3%).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D supplementation has significant effect in reducing number of acute exacerbation in COPD patients when it is given for prolonged period.

Reduced Forced Vital Capacity in an African Population. Prevalence and Risk Factors

RATIONALE

Black Africans have reduced FVC compared with white persons, but the prevalence and determinants of reduced values are not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and factors leading to reduced FVC in a Nigerian population and to examine current theories regarding the determinants of this difference.

METHODS

We studied the ventilatory function of 883 adults aged 40 years or older participating in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease Study in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Respondents completed pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry test and provided information on their smoking history, respiratory symptoms, risk factors, and diagnoses, including anthropometric details. We used standard categories to define body mass index as either underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. We defined reduced FVC as a post-bronchodilator FVC below the lower limit of normal using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) equations, Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 equations, and local reference equations based on nonsmoking study participants without a respiratory diagnosis. We fit multivariate linear regression models to FVC as a continuous measure, adjusting for age, sex, height, and other confounders.

RESULTS

The prevalence of reduced FVC was 70.4% for men and 72.8% for women when using NHANES values for white Americans, 17.8% for men and 14.4% for women using NHANES equations for African Americans, and 15.5% for men and 20.5% for women using the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 equations. Using the equations derived from nonsmoking respondents in the survey without a respiratory diagnosis, the prevalence of reduced FVC was less than 4% for both men and women. FVC was lower in participants who had less than 7 years of education (FVC, -96 ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], -172 to -19), were underweight (FVC, -269 ml; 95% CI, -464 to -73), were overweight (FVC, -132 ml; 95% CI, -219 to -46), and were obese (FVC, -222 ml; 95% CI, -332 to -112).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variation in the prevalence of reduced FVC based on the reference standard used. This variation is not satisfactorily explained by factors thought to affect FVC within individual populations. However, the prevalence strongly associates with both education level and body mass index in this population, regardless of the specific standard used.

Utility of FVC/DLCO ratio to stratify the risk of mortality in unselected subjects with pulmonary hypertension

In patients with systemic sclerosis, a ratio between forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO, FCV%/DLCO%) >1.5 might be a predictor of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of this study is, therefore, to evaluate whether this index can be used in patients with PH, regardless of etiology. 83 consecutive outpatients with suspected PH at non-invasive work-up underwent spirometry and DLCO test before right heart catheterization (RHC); FVC%/DLCO% ratio was then calculated and compared with mean pulmonary-artery-pressure (mPAP) and mortality at 5-year follow-up. Significant correlations between FVC%/DLCO% and PAsP and mPAP levels were found (p < 0.05). After ROC curve analysis and definition of best cut-off values for PAsP and FVC%/DLCO%, increased mPAP values at RHC were observed comparing subjects with both PAsP and FVC%/DLCO% values below cut off values (-/-), either PAsP or FVC%/DLCO% above cut off values (±), or both above (+/+) (p < 0.05). Poorer survival rates are observed at follow-up with higher FVC%/DLCO% values (0% for <1, 17.4% for 1-3, 33.3% for >3, p < 0.05), when comparing subjects with either increased PAsP and FVC%/DLCO% values or both with those with lower (log-rank p < 0.05). Even in subjects with mPAP at RHC >25 mmHg, increased FVC%/DLCO% values predicted a worse outcome (p < 0.05). FVC%/DLCO% values are related to mPAP in subjects with suspected PH, and may further stratify the risk of mortality in addition to PAP.

A Phase 2A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of GM604 in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS Protocol GALS-001) and a single compassionate patient treatment (Protocol GALS-C)

Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks effective treatment options. Genervon has discovered and developed GM604 (GM6) as a potential ALS therapy. GM6 has been modeled upon an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase binding motoneuronotrophic factor within the developing central nervous system. Methods This was a 2-center phase 2A, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial with 12 definite ALS patients diagnosed within 2 years of disease onset. Patients received 6 doses of GM604 or placebo, administered as slow IV bolus injections (3x/week, 2 consecutive weeks). Objectives were to assess the safety and efficacy of GM604 based on ALSFRS-R, FVC and selected biomarkers (TDP-43, Tau and SOD1, pNFH). This report also includes results of compassionate treatment protocol GALS-C for an advanced ALS patient. Results Definite ALS patients were randomized to one of two treatment groups (GM604, n = 8; placebo, n = 4). 2 of 8 GM604-treated patients exhibited mild rash, but otherwise adverse event frequency was similar in treated and placebo groups. GM604 slowed functional decline (ALSFRS-R) when compared to a historical control (P = 0.005). At one study site, a statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups was found when comparing changes in respiratory function (FVC) between baseline and week 12 (P = 0.027). GM604 decreased plasma levels of key ALS biomarkers relative to the placebo group (TDP-43, P = 0.008; Tau, P = 0.037; SOD1, P = 0.009). The advanced ALS patient in compassionate treatment demonstrated improved speech, oral fluid consumption, mouth suction with GM604 treatment and biomarker improvements. Conclusions We observed favorable shifts in ALS biomarkers and improved functional measures during the Phase 2A study as well as in an advanced ALS patient. Although a larger trial is needed to confirm these findings, the present data are encouraging and support GM604 as an ALS drug candidate.

FEV1 and FVC predict all-cause mortality independent of cardiac function - Results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study

BACKGROUND

Lung function has previously been related to increased mortality. Whether pulmonary impairment is associated with an increased mortality independent of cardiac dysfunction remains unclear.

METHODS

In 15010 individuals from the general population (age range 35-74years, 51% men) in the Gutenberg Health Study we performed spirometry and transthoracic echocardiography. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) and high-sensitive troponin I (hsTnI) were measured in all individuals. 1819 individuals with pulmonary diseases were excluded from further analysis.

RESULTS

The median for forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) was 94.2% and for forced vital capacity (FVC) 94.2% as a percentage of their predicted values. The median FEV1/FVC ratio was 79.1%. In 13191 subjects, 335 deaths were verified from death certificate over a median follow-up of 5.5years. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses for common cardiovascular risk factors and heart failure revealed that an increase of one standard deviation (SD) of percent predicted (%pred.) FEV1 was associated with a 22% risk reduction (hazard ratio [HR] per SD 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70, 0.86]). The association remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for diastolic dysfunction, Nt-proBNP or hsTnI. Comparable results were seen for %pred. FVC. After adjustment, no association of FEV1/FVC ratio with mortality could be shown. No significant interaction by heart failure was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The lung function parameters FEV1 and FVC, but not FEV1/FVC ratio, were related to all-cause mortality in individuals from the general population independent of cardiac function.

Dosha phenotype specific Ayurveda intervention ameliorates asthma symptoms through cytokine modulations: Results of whole system clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Over the past few decades, there have been significant scientific advances leading to improved understanding of asthma as a disease and treatment providing immediate relief. However, prevention of recurrent attacks, exacerbations and disease cure remains a challenge. Ayurveda refers to bronchial asthma as Tamaka Swasa and it is well explained in Charaka Samhita. Management of asthma in Ayurveda includes removal of vitiated Kapha through Shodhana, Shamana procedures, herbal and herbomineral formulations in addition to advising a healthy lifestyle and diet. Several clinical trials on Ayurvedic formulations for treatment of asthma are reported, however, whole system management of asthma has rarely been studied in the manner in which it is actually being practiced. Ayurveda therapeutics provides Dosha specific approaches, which needs biological investigation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of our study was to investigate lung functions and cytokine changes in Asthmatic individuals in response to Ayurvedic intervention.

METHODS

The study design was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya (TAMV) & Sheth Tarachand Ramnath Charitable Ayurveda Hospital and followed guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and Tokyo for humans. It was conducted as a whole system individualized pragmatic clinical trial and written consent of patients was collected before enrollment. One hundred and fifteen patients with mild-to-moderate asthma were divided into 2 sub-groups depending on their disease subsets and administered phenotype specific ayurvedic interventions. Seventy six asthma patients completed the treatment. Serum IgE levels, blood eosinophil counts, spirometry and blood cytokine levels were measured before the start of treatment and six months at the end of treatment. Age and sex matched healthy participants (n=69) were recruited in the study for comparison of cytokines levels.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in FEV1(% predicted) (p<0.0001) and FVC (% predicted) (p=0.0001) was observed in asthmatic patients who underwent Ayurvedic treatment. Circulating levels of IgE (p<0.03) and eosinophil numbers (p=0.001) reduced significantly in the asthmatics after Ayurvedic treatment. This was associated with significant reduction in levels of circulating cytokines. Levels of Th2, Th1 and inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood were higher than healthy control participants at baseline (p values <0.0001) and reduced significantly after ayurvedic intervention.

CONCLUSION

This proof of concept study highlights the potential benefits and possible mechanism of Ayurvedic interventions in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. The interventions significantly reduced IgE and eosinophil count, also improved lung function and reduced levels of circulating Th2 cytokines.

Cotton Dust Exposure and Respiratory Disorders among Textile Workers at a Textile Company in the Southern Part of Benin

The textile industry sector occupies a prominent place in the economy of Benin. It exposes workers to several occupational risks, including exposure to cotton dust. To assess the effect of exposure to cotton dust on the health of workers, this study was initiated and conducted in a Beninese cotton industry company. The objective of the study was to evaluate the respiratory disorders among the textile workers exposed to cotton dust and the cross-sectional study involved 656 subjects exposed to cotton dust and 113 non-exposed subjects. The methods used are mainly based on a survey using a questionnaire of organic dust designed by the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH); and on the measures of lung function parameters (FEV₁ and FVC). The main results of the different analyzes revealed that subjects exposed to cotton dust have more respiratory symptoms than unexposed subjects (36.9% vs. 21.2%). The prevalence of chronic cough, expectorations, dyspnoea, asthma and chronic bronchitis are 16.8%, 9.8%, 17.3%, 2.6%, and 5.9% respectively among the exposed versus 2.6%, 0.8%, 16.8%, 0% and 0.8% among the unexposed subjects. The prevalence of byssinosis is 44.01%.The prevalence of symptoms is dependent on the sector of activity and the age of the subject. These results should encourage medical interventions and technical prevention especially since the textile industry occupies an important place in the Benin's economy.

Volcanic air pollution over the Island of Hawai'i: Emissions, dispersal, and composition. Association with respiratory symptoms and lung function in Hawai'i Island school children

BACKGROUND

Kilauea Volcano on the Island of Hawai'i has erupted continuously since 1983, releasing approximately 300-12000metrictons per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2). SO2 interacts with water vapor to produce an acidic haze known locally as "vog". The combination of wind speed and direction, inversion layer height, and local terrain lead to heterogeneous and variable distribution of vog over the island, allowing study of respiratory effects associated with chronic vog exposure.

OBJECTIVES

We characterized the distribution and composition of vog over the Island of Hawai'i, and tested the hypotheses that chronic vog exposure (SO2 and acid) is associated with increased asthma prevalence, respiratory symptoms, and reduced pulmonary function in Hawai'i Island schoolchildren.

METHODS

We compiled data of volcanic emissions, wind speed, and wind direction over Hawai'i Island since 1992. Community-based researchers then measured 2- to 4-week integrated concentrations of SO2 and fine particulate mass and acidity in 4 exposure zones, from 2002 to 2005, when volcanic SO2 emissions averaged 1600metrictons per day. Concurrently, community researchers recruited schoolchildren in the 4th and 5th grades of 25 schools in the 4 vog exposure zones, to assess determinants of lung health, respiratory symptoms, and asthma prevalence.

RESULTS

Environmental data suggested 4 different vog exposure zones with SO2, PM2.5, and particulate acid concentrations (mean±s.d.) as follows: 1) Low (0.3±0.2ppb, 2.5±1.2μg/m(3), 0.6±1.1nmolH+/m(3)), 2) Intermittent (1.6±1.8ppb, 2.8±1.5μg/m(3), 4.0±6.6nmolH+/m(3)), 3) Frequent (10.1±5.2ppb, 4.8±1.9μg/m(3), 4.3±6.7nmolH+/m(3)), and 4) Acid (1.2±0.4ppb, 7.2±2.3μg/m(3), 25.3±17.9nmolH+/m(3)). Participants (1957) in the 4 zones differed in race, prematurity, maternal smoking during pregnancy, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, presence of mold in the home, and physician-diagnosed asthma. Multivariable analysis showed an association between Acid vog exposure and cough and strongly suggested an association with FEV1/FVC <0.8, but not with diagnosis of asthma, or chronic persistent wheeze or bronchitis in the last 12months.

CONCLUSIONS

Hawai'i Island's volcanic air pollution can be very acidic, but contains few co-contaminants originating from anthropogenic sources of air pollution. Chronic exposure to acid vog is associated with increased cough and possibly with reduced FEV1/FVC, but not with asthma or bronchitis. Further study is needed to better understand how volcanic air pollution interacts with host and environmental factors to affect respiratory symptoms, lung function, and lung growth, and to determine acute effects of episodes of increased emissions.

Pulmonary function in young females of Kolkata, India - Revisited

Rapid economic and industrial growths imposed significant impact on human health including the pulmonary health. Questions were raised regarding the validity of the existing prediction norms of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in a particular population. The present study was conducted to investigate the applicability of the existing norms for PFTs in young healthy non-smoking female university students of Kolkata, India. Significant difference was noted in vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) when the present data were compared with the earlier study in similar population. Correlation statistic revealed significant relationship of age and body height with all the PFT parameters. Body mass had significant correlation with VC, FVC, FEV₁ as a percentage of FVC (FEV_1%), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Regression equations have been computed for predicting PFTs from age and body height. There has been a change of PFTs in the studied population for the last couple of decades due to increased environmental pollution in the course of economical and industrial developments. Regression equations computed in this study are not only recommended to predict PFT parameters in the studied population, but they are also considered more reliable owing to their substantially smaller standard error of estimate than those proposed in the previous study.

Pulmonary Function of Young Muslim Males During the Month of Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF), both dietary and sleep patterns are adversely affected to cope with the rituals of Ramadan. Literature suggests that sleep deprivation and alteration of dietary pattern and nutritional impairment affect the pulmonary structure and function. Pulmonary function during RIF was not explored earlier. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of RIF on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in healthy young Muslim males. Fifty sedentary nonsmoking healthy young Muslim male individuals of 20 to 25 years of age without any history of pulmonary or other major diseases were recruited by simple random sampling from different parts of Kolkata, India. Participants completed the American Thoracic Society questionnaire to record their personal demographic data, health status, and consent to participate in the study. Expirograph and peak flow meter were used to record the pulmonary function parameters (PFTs). PFTs were within the normal range and did not show any significant variation during the RIF. Body height and body mass depicted significant correlation ( p < .05, p < .001) with PFTs. Tidal volume, vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow rate had significant correlation ( p < .05, p < .01, p < .001) with age. Simple and multiple regression equations were computed to predict PFTs in the studies population. RIF did not affect the normal range of PFTs in young Muslim males of Kolkata, India. Standard errors of estimate of the computed regression equations were substantially small enough to recommend these equations as norms to predict the PFTs in the studied population.

Reference values for frequency volume chart and uroflowmetry parameters in adolescent and adult enuresis patients

AIMS

Reference values of Frequency Volume Chart (FVC) and uroflowmetry parameters for adolescent and adult enuresis patients are lacking. In this study, we aim to describe those parameters, in order to interpret findings from FVCs and uroflowmetries in those patients.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive cohort study, concerning 907 patients aged 11 years and older, suffering from enuresis of at least one wet night per fortnight, treated in a secondary/tertiary centre, between 2003 and 2013. The main FVC parameters of interest were: maximum voided volume (MVV), 24 hr urine production and nocturnal urine volume (NUV) including first morning void (FMV). Nocturnal polyuria (NP) was defined based on both International Children's Continence Society (ICCS, 2014) and International Continence Society (ICS, 2002) definitions. Data of all patients were collected from the medical files.

RESULTS

Age had an impact on diurnal and nocturnal FVC parameters. Median MVV excluding FMV was 250 ml in the youngest, 11-year-old males and 363 ml in the eldest, ≥18-yr-old males. For females, these values were 230 ml and 310 ml. Median 24 hr urine production increased from 1,025 ml to 1,502 ml (males) and from 1,007 ml to 1,557 ml (females). Median NUV showed an increase from 387 ml to 519 ml (males) and from 393 ml to 525 (females). Forty-two percent of men and 30% of women had a small MVV (for age). Prevalence of NP differed when assessed by the ICS or the ICCS definition: following ICS guidelines, NP was present in 96% of our male and 93% of our female population, compared to 27% and 41%, respectively, following ICCS guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Both small MVV and NP were found frequently in our adolescent and adult enuresis patients, which is in line with the current thoughts on causal factors. NP prevalence is quite different when using ICS or ICCS definitions, respectively. We would like to encourage the development of an unambiguous definition of NP to use both in pediatric and adult urology. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:463-468, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.