Bridging the gap between respiratory research and health literacy: an interactive web-based platform

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjstel-2020-000678
Author(s):  
Kelly Burrowes ◽  
Haribalan Kumar ◽  
Alys Clark ◽  
Taco de Wolff ◽  
Merryn Tawhai
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Computer Modelling ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Respiratory Physiology ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
And Function

Many patients with respiratory disease lack an understanding of basic respiratory physiology and the changes occurring in their lungs due to disease. Describing how the lungs work using realistic 3D visualisation of lung structure and function will improve communication of complicated concepts, resulting in improved health literacy. We developed a web-based platform, using anatomically realistic 3D lung models, to create an interactive visualisation tool to improve health literacy for patients with respiratory disease. A small amount of non-identifying personal information including gender, age, weight, height and smoking history can be used to customise the visualisation to an individual user. 3D computer modelling was used to create a web-based application that helps people understand how their lungs work in health and disease. The web-based application includes pages describing and visualising how the lungs work and the changes that occur during asthma and damage that smoking may be doing to their lungs. The application is freely available and located at https://sites.bioeng.auckland.ac.nz/silo6/lung_new/. This application bridges the gap between computational modelling and patient education, giving a visually compelling view into the patient’s body that cannot be provided with any existing tools, hence providing a novel platform for enhancing patient–clinician interaction.

scholarly journals Respiratory evolution in archosaurs

2020 ◽  
Vol 375 (1793) ◽  
pp. 20190140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Brocklehurst ◽  
Emma R. Schachner ◽  
Jonathan R. Codd ◽  
William I. Sellers
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Respiratory Physiology ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
Successful Group ◽  
Avian Lung ◽  
And Function ◽  
Key Events ◽  
Metabolic Strategies

The Archosauria are a highly successful group of vertebrates, and their evolution is marked by the appearance of diverse respiratory and metabolic strategies. This review examines respiratory function in living and fossil archosaurs, focusing on the anatomy and biomechanics of the respiratory system, and their physiological consequences. The first archosaurs shared a heterogeneously partitioned parabronchial lung with unidirectional air flow; from this common ancestral lung morphology, we trace the diverging respiratory designs of bird- and crocodilian-line archosaurs. We review the latest evidence of osteological correlates for lung structure and the presence and distribution of accessory air sacs, with a focus on the evolution of the avian lung-air sac system and the functional separation of gas exchange and ventilation. In addition, we discuss the evolution of ventilation mechanics across archosaurs, citing new biomechanical data from extant taxa and how this informs our reconstructions of fossils. This improved understanding of respiratory form and function should help to reconstruct key physiological parameters in fossil taxa. We highlight key events in archosaur evolution where respiratory physiology likely played a major role, such as their radiation at a time of relative hypoxia following the Permo-Triassic mass extinction, and their evolution of elevated metabolic rates. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vertebrate palaeophysiology’.

scholarly journals Assessment of the role of sutures in a lizard skull: a computer modelling study

2008 ◽  
Vol 276 (1654) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehran Moazen ◽  
Neil Curtis ◽  
Paul O'Higgins ◽  
Marc E.H Jones ◽  
Susan E Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Computer Modelling ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Complex Loading ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
And Function

Sutures form an integral part of the functioning skull, but their role has long been debated among vertebrate morphologists and palaeontologists. Furthermore, the relationship between typical skull sutures, and those involved in cranial kinesis, is poorly understood. In a series of computational modelling studies, complex loading conditions obtained through multibody dynamics analysis were imposed on a finite element model of the skull of Uromastyx hardwickii , an akinetic herbivorous lizard. A finite element analysis (FEA) of a skull with no sutures revealed higher patterns of strain in regions where cranial sutures are located in the skull. From these findings, FEAs were performed on skulls with sutures (individual and groups of sutures) to investigate their role and function more thoroughly. Our results showed that individual sutures relieved strain locally, but only at the expense of elevated strain in other regions of the skull. These findings provide an insight into the behaviour of sutures and show how they are adapted to work together to distribute strain around the skull. Premature fusion of one suture could therefore lead to increased abnormal loading on other regions of the skull causing irregular bone growth and deformities. This detailed investigation also revealed that the frontal–parietal suture of the Uromastyx skull played a substantial role in relieving strain compared with the other sutures. This raises questions about the original role of mesokinesis in squamate evolution.

Fraud Detection Protocol for Web-Based Research Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Development and Descriptive Evaluation (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
April M Ballard ◽  
Trey Cardwell ◽  
April M Young
Keyword(s):  
Survey Research ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Fraud Detection ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Young Msm ◽  
Data Survey ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Internet is becoming an increasingly common tool for survey research, particularly among “hidden” or vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Web-based research has many advantages for participants and researchers, but fraud can present a significant threat to data integrity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate fraud detection strategies in a Web-based survey of young MSM and describe new protocols to improve fraud detection in Web-based survey research. METHODS This study involved a cross-sectional Web-based survey that examined individual- and network-level risk factors for HIV transmission and substance use among young MSM residing in 15 counties in Central Kentucky. Each survey entry, which was at least 50% complete, was evaluated by the study staff for fraud using an algorithm involving 8 criteria based on a combination of geolocation data, survey data, and personal information. Entries were classified as fraudulent, potentially fraudulent, or valid. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe each fraud detection criterion among entries. RESULTS Of the 414 survey entries, the final categorization resulted in 119 (28.7%) entries identified as fraud, 42 (10.1%) as potential fraud, and 253 (61.1%) as valid. Geolocation outside of the study area (164/414, 39.6%) was the most frequently violated criterion. However, 33.3% (82/246) of the entries that had ineligible geolocations belonged to participants who were in eligible locations (as verified by their request to mail payment to an address within the study area or participation at a local event). The second most frequently violated criterion was an invalid phone number (94/414, 22.7%), followed by mismatching names within an entry (43/414, 10.4%) and unusual email addresses (37/414, 8.9%). Less than 5% (18/414) of the entries had some combination of personal information items matching that of a previous entry. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that researchers conducting Web-based surveys of MSM should be vigilant about the potential for fraud. Researchers should have a fraud detection algorithm in place prior to data collection and should not rely on the Internet Protocol (IP) address or geolocation alone, but should rather use a combination of indicators.

scholarly journals Lung ultrasound presentation of COVID-19 patients: phenotypes and correlations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianmarco Secco ◽  
◽  
Marzia Delorenzo ◽  
Francesco Salinaro ◽  
Caterina Zattera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
General Ward ◽  
Prognostic Role ◽  
Interstitial Syndrome ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractBedside lung ultrasound (LUS) can play a role in the setting of the SarsCoV2 pneumonia pandemic. To evaluate the clinical and LUS features of COVID-19 in the ED and their potential prognostic role, a cohort of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients underwent LUS upon admission in the ED. LUS score was derived from 12 fields. A prevalent LUS pattern was assigned depending on the presence of interstitial syndrome only (Interstitial Pattern), or evidence of subpleural consolidations in at least two fields (Consolidation Pattern). The endpoint was 30-day mortality. The relationship between hemogasanalysis parameters and LUS score was also evaluated. Out of 312 patients, only 36 (11.5%) did not present lung involvment, as defined by LUS score < 1. The majority of patients were admitted either in a general ward (53.8%) or in intensive care unit (9.6%), whereas 106 patients (33.9%) were discharged from the ED. In-hospital mortality was 25.3%, and 30-day survival was 67.6%. A LUS score > 13 had a 77.2% sensitivity and a 71.5% specificity (AUC 0.814; p < 0.001) in predicting mortality. LUS alterations were more frequent (64%) in the posterior lower fields. LUS score was related with P/F (R2 0.68; p < 0.0001) and P/F at FiO2 = 21% (R2 0.59; p < 0.0001). The correlation between LUS score and P/F was not influenced by the prevalent ultrasound pattern. LUS represents an effective tool in both defining diagnosis and stratifying prognosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. The correlation between LUS and hemogasanalysis parameters underscores its role in evaluating lung structure and function.

Negative impact of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 null mutation on lung structure and function in response to sepsis

2003 ◽  
Vol 285 (6) ◽  
pp. L1222-L1232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica L. Martin ◽  
Brent Z. Moyer ◽  
M. Cynthia Pape ◽  
Barry Starcher ◽  
Kevin J. Leco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cecal Ligation ◽  
Lung Compliance ◽  
Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase ◽  
Tissue Inhibitors Of Metalloproteinases ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gelatinase Activity ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
And Function ◽  
Knockout Animals

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are degradative enzymes, which act to remodel tissue. Their activity is regulated by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). An imbalance in the degradation/inhibition activities has been associated with many diseases, including sepsis. We have previously shown that TIMP-3 knockout animals develop spontaneous, progressive air space enlargement. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a septic lung stress induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) on lung function, structure, pulmonary surfactant, and inflammation in TIMP-3 null mice. Knockout and wild-type animals were randomized to either sham or CLP surgery, allowed to recover for 6 h, and then euthanized. TIMP-3 null animals exposed to sham surgery had a significant increase in lung compliance when compared with sham wild-type mice. Additionally, the TIMP-3 knockout mice showed a significant increase in compliance following CLP. Rapid compliance changes were accompanied by significantly decreased collagen and fibronectin levels and increased gelatinase (MMP-2 and -9) abundance and activation. Additionally, in situ zymography showed increased airway-associated gelatinase activity in the knockout animals enhanced following CLP. In conclusion, exposing TIMP-3 null animals to sepsis rapidly enhances the phenotypic abnormalities of these mice, due to increased MMP activity induced by CLP.

Lung Structure And Function Relation In Elastase-Treated Rats: A Long-Term Follow Up Study

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margit V. Szabari ◽  
Jozsef Tolnai ◽  
Balazs Maar ◽  
Harikrishnan Parameswaran ◽  
Elizabeth Bartolak-Suki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structure And Function ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
And Function ◽  
Function Relation

scholarly journals Hyperinsulinemia adversely affects lung structure and function

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (9) ◽  
pp. L837-L845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suchita Singh ◽  
Manish Bodas ◽  
Naveen K. Bhatraju ◽  
Bijay Pattnaik ◽  
Atish Gheware ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Treatment ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Intranasal Insulin ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Inhaled Insulin ◽  
Lung Structure ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Function

There is limited knowledge regarding the consequences of hyperinsulinemia on the lung. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and epidemiological associations with asthma, this is a critical lacuna, more so with inhaled insulin on the horizon. Here, we demonstrate that insulin can adversely affect respiratory health. Insulin treatment (1 μg/ml) significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the proliferation of primary human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and induced collagen release. Additionally, ASM cells showed a significant increase in calcium response and mitochondrial respiration upon insulin exposure. Mice administered intranasal insulin showed increased collagen deposition in the lungs as well as a significant increase in airway hyperresponsiveness. PI3K/Akt mediated activation of β-catenin, a positive regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis, was observed in the lungs of insulin-treated mice and lung cells. Our data suggests that hyperinsulinemia may have adverse effects on airway structure and function. Insulin-induced activation of β-catenin in lung tissue and the contractile effects on ASM cells may be causally related to the development of asthma-like phenotype.

Investigating the Impacts of Smoking and Exercise History on the Recovery Course among Covid-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2977-2981
Author(s):  
Merve Uca ◽  
Kenan Sivrikaya ◽  
Canatan Taşdemir
Keyword(s):  
Recovery Time ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
History Of ◽  
Standard Medication ◽  
Demographic Background

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of exercise and smoking history of the COVID-19 patients on their recovery course and time. Methods: In this respect, as the data source, we observed a total of 310 patients, 176 males 134 females, who tested positive for COVID-19, had no chronic disease, and received inpatient or outpatient treatment. The patients also filled out a personal information form covering their demographic background, including smoking and exercise history. All participants received favipiravir as the standard medication, and their symptoms and the durations of these symptoms were evaluated using the focus group interview method. We analyzed the data on SPSS 17.0 utilizing Independent T-Test, one-way ANOVA, Chi-Square, and Pearson Correlation tests. Results: The results revealed significant differences between former smokers and those who never smoked and quitted smoking by recovery time (p<0.01). There were also significant differences between those doing exercises actively and those who never did or quitted exercise (p<0.01). Again, with regard to recovery time, we found significant differences between groups that quitted exercise in different periods (p<0.05) and between those with different weights (p<0.05). In addition, we reached smoking cessation time and exercise history had positive relationships with recovery time. Conclusion: Considering the results, we concluded that non-smoking and exercise had a positive impact on avoiding adverse effects of the COVID-19 disease. Keywords: Covid-19, exercise, smoking, sports, acute respiratory syndrome

scholarly journals Influence of pilates method on the treatment of nonspecific chronic low back pain: a protocol study for a randomized, controlled, blind trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Bianca Martins de Souza ◽  
Daiane Oliveira da Silva ◽  
Lais Paraguai Justo ◽  
Leandro Lazzareschi ◽  
Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Treatment Session ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Pilates Method ◽  
Type Of Exercise ◽  
And Function

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems among workers. Studies estimate that 90% of the adults will suffer at least one episode of low back pain in life that will lead to the temporary interruption of work. A type of exercise that has gained increasing popularity among individuals with low back pain in the last decade is the Pilates method. Objective: Determine the influence of the Pilates method on improvements in pain, kinesiophobia, central sensitization and function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods: Thirty-four male and female volunteers between 18 and 35 years of age with a complaint of nonspecific low back pain for at least three months will be divided into two groups: Pilates method and control group. An evaluation chart created by the authors will be used to collect data on personal information, history of diseases, alcohol use, smoking, pain intensity (visual analog scale) and medications used. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Central Sensitization Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index will also be administered. Pilates exercises will be performed three time per week for four weeks and administered by a researcher with adequate training in the method. Reevaluations will be performed after the sixth treatment session in the Pilates group, two weeks after the initial evaluation in the control group, after the 12th session in the Pilates group and after four weeks in the control group. Another reevaluation will be performed three months after treatment. Results: The data will be submitted to statistical analysis and the level of significance will be set to 5%. Conclusion: Based on the results analyzed it will be possible to determine the influence of Pilates Method on improvements in pain, kinesiophobia, central sensitization and function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

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