Estimation of an Exposure Threshold Value for Compensation of Silica-Induced COPD Based on Longitudinal Changes in Pulmonary Function

(1) Background: To estimate the cumulative exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) that reduces lung function to an extent corresponding with airway obstruction equivalent to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (2) Methods: The study is based on a miners’ cohort with longitudinal data on lung function and RCS exposure. Random-effects linear regression models, allowing for a possible threshold concerning the exposure concentration were used to analyze the impact of RCS on the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). The proposed threshold is the amount of RCS resulting in a decrease in FEV1/FVC from the expected value to the lower limit of normal. (3) Results: The analysis shows that a threshold model fits the data significantly better than the usual linear model. The estimated threshold value for the exposure concentration is 0.089 mg/m3. Using this threshold, the estimate for the corresponding reference dose for RCS is 2.33 mg/m3·y. (4) Conclusions: The analysis confirmed that RCS has a negative impact on lung function. The effect is primarily due to exposure above a concentration threshold of 0.1 mg/m3. It is recommended that COPD should be compensated as an occupational disease if cumulative exposure was at least 2 mg/m3·y above this threshold.

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The Effects of Aspergillus fumigatus Colonization on Lung Function in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7110944 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 944

Author(s):

Mahasin Al Shakirchi ◽

Kimmo Sorjonen ◽

Lena Klingspor ◽

Peter Bergman ◽

Lena Hjelte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Observational Cohort Study ◽

Before And After ◽

Observational Cohort ◽

The Impact ◽

Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly isolated from CF airways. However, the impact on CF lung progression is not completely understood. In this study, using a 16-year retrospective observational cohort study (2000–2015) that included 132 patients, we determined the annual lung function, measured as percent predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppFEV1), decline before and after the first colonization with A. fumigatus. Further, in the same individual, the ratios of lung function when patients were colonized with A. fumigatus and when they were not were calculated. The impact of eradication, with antifungal treatment or spontaneously, was assessed. The annual ppFEV1 was significantly lower after the first colonization with A. fumigatus. Furthermore, within the same individual, colonization with A. fumigatus for two and three years in a row was associated with 4.3% and 7.9% lower ppFEV1, respectively, compared to when not colonized. Finally, patients who eradicated A. fumigatus the following two years after colonization exhibited 9.9% and 14.5% higher ppFEV1 compared to patients who continued to produce cultures with A. fumigatus for two and three years. Our study demonstrated that A. fumigatus colonization was associated with a negative impact on lung function in the long term and eradication, spontaneously or with treatment, was associated with a better pulmonary outcome.

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Prognostic and functional impact of perioperative LAMA/LABA inhaled therapy in patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01537-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yoko Azuma ◽

Atsushi Sano ◽

Takashi Sakai ◽

Satoshi Koezuka ◽

Hajime Otsuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Lung Function ◽

Retrospective Review ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Inhaled Therapy ◽

Long Acting

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important risk factor for postoperative complications and mortality. To determine the effects of perioperative combination therapy, using a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), on preoperative lung function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term outcome in COPD patients. Methods Between January 2005 and October 2019, 130 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed COPD underwent surgery for lung cancer. We conducted a retrospective review of their medical record to evaluate that LAMA/LABA might be an optimal regimen for patients with COPD undergoing surgery for lung cancer. All patients were received perioperative rehabilitation and divided into 3 groups according to the type of perioperative inhaled therapy and management: LAMA/LABA (n = 64), LAMA (n = 23) and rehabilitation only (no bronchodilator) (n = 43). We conducted a retrospective review of their medical records. Results Patients who received preoperative LAMA/LABA therapy showed significant improvement in lung function before surgery (p < 0.001 for both forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pred). Compared with patients who received preoperative LAMA therapy, patients with LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly improved lung function (ΔFEV1, LAMA/LABA 223.1 mL vs. LAMA 130.0 mL, ΔFEV1%pred, LAMA/LABA 10.8% vs. LAMA 6.8%; both p < 0.05). Postoperative complications were lower frequent in the LAMA/LABA group than in the LAMA group (p = 0.007). In patients with moderate to severe air flow limitation (n = 61), those who received LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly longer overall survival and disease-free survival compared with the LAMA (p = 0.049, p = 0.026) and rehabilitation-only groups (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Perioperative LAMA/LABA therapy was also associated with lower recurrence rates (vs. LAMA p = 0.006, vs. rehabilitation-only p = 0.008). Conclusions We believe this treatment combination is optimal for patients with lung cancer and COPD.

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Health risk assessment and countermeasure analysis of the elderly population exposed to PM2.5 microenvironment

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-205361 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Yan Xu ◽

Wantian Cui

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Risk ◽

Elderly Population ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Negative Impact ◽

The Elderly ◽

Exposure Concentration ◽

Physical Diseases ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: China’s atmospheric PM2.5 pollution is serious, and PM2.5 exerts a negative impact on the human respiratory system, cardiovascular, and mental health, and even more serious health risk for the elderly with weak immunity. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyse the impacts of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure on the health of the elderly and provide corresponding countermeasures. METHODS: The survey subjects are 118 retired elderly people in the community. PM2.5 exposure concentrations are monitored in summer (June 10 ∼ July 10, 2019) and winter (November 25 ∼ December 25, 2019). RESULTS: The exposure concentration in winter is higher than that in summer, with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Under the impact of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure, smoking in the elderly can increase the concentration of PM2.5, and long-term exposure to PM2.5 in the elderly can cause mental health problems. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure of the elderly to the PM2.5 microenvironment leads to physical diseases and even psychological problems, which requires attention.

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Newborn DNA-methylation, childhood lung function, and the risks of asthma and COPD across the life course

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/13993003.01795-2018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 1801795 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Herman T. den Dekker ◽

Kimberley Burrows ◽

Janine F. Felix ◽

Lucas A. Salas ◽

Ivana Nedeljkovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Lung Function ◽

Life Course ◽

Cord Blood ◽

Childhood Asthma ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

The Life Course

RationaleWe aimed to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in cord blood DNA associated with childhood lung function, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across the life course.MethodsWe meta-analysed epigenome-wide data of 1688 children from five cohorts to identify cord blood DMRs and their annotated genes, in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC at ages 7–13 years. Identified DMRs were explored for associations with childhood asthma, adult lung function and COPD, gene expression and involvement in biological processes.ResultsWe identified 59 DMRs associated with childhood lung function, of which 18 were associated with childhood asthma and nine with COPD in adulthood. Genes annotated to the top 10 identified DMRs were HOXA5, PAOX, LINC00602, ABCA7, PER3, CLCA1, VENTX, NUDT12, PTPRN2 and TCL1A. Differential gene expression in blood was observed for 32 DMRs in childhood and 18 in adulthood. Genes related with 16 identified DMRs were associated with respiratory developmental or pathogenic pathways.InterpretationOur findings suggest that the epigenetic status of the newborn affects respiratory health and disease across the life course.

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Household Food Insecurity, Lung Function, and COPD in US Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13062098 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 2098

Author(s):

Francisca de Castro Mendes ◽

Kirstie Ducharme-Smith ◽

Gustavo Mora-Garcia ◽

Saleh A. Alqahtani ◽

Maria Stephany Ruiz-Diaz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Representative Sample ◽

Airflow Obstruction ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

The Us ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Lung Health

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests that optimal diet quality helps to improve preservation of lung function and to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, but no study has investigated the association of food insecurity (FI) and lung health in the general population. Using data from a representative sample of US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 cycles, we investigated the association between FI with lung function and spirometrically defined COPD in 12,469 individuals aged ≥ 18 years of age. FI (high vs. low) was defined using the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Security Scale). Population-weighted adjusted regression models were used to investigate associations between FI, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), their ratio, and spirometrically defined restriction (FVC below the lower limit of normal) and airflow obstruction (COPD). The prevalence of household FI was 13.2%. High household FI was associated with lower FVC (adjusted β-coefficient −70.9 mL, 95% CI −116.6, −25.3), and with higher odds (OR) of spirometric restriction (1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03). Stratified analyses showed similar effect sizes within specific ethnic groups. High FI was associated with worse lung health in a nationally representative sample of adults in the US.

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Lung function decline is associated with serum uric acid in Korean health screening individuals

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89678-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kyung-Min Ahn ◽

Suh-Young Lee ◽

So-Hee Lee ◽

Sun-Sin Kim ◽

Heung-Woo Park

Keyword(s):

Uric Acid ◽

Lung Function ◽

Serum Uric Acid ◽

Uric Acid Level ◽

Acid Level ◽

Serum Uric Acid Level ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Lung Function Decline ◽

Health Screenings

AbstractWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 19,237 individuals who underwent at least three health screenings with follow-up periods of over 5 years to find a routinely checked serum marker that predicts lung function decline. Using linear regression models to analyze associations between the rate of decline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the level of 10 serum markers (calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, total cholesterol, total protein, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and C-reactive protein) measured at two different times (at the first and third health screenings), we found that an increased uric acid level was significantly associated with an accelerated FEV1 decline (P = 0.0014 and P = 0.037, respectively) and reduced FEV1 predicted % (P = 0.0074 and P = 8.64 × 10–7, respectively) at both visits only in non-smoking individuals. In addition, we confirmed that accelerated forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio declines were observed in non-smoking individuals with increased serum uric acid levels using linear mixed models. The serum uric acid level thus potentially predicts an acceleration in lung function decline in a non-smoking general population.

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Modeling the Impact of Climate Changes on Crop Yield: Irrigated vs. Non-Irrigated Zones in Mississippi

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13122249 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 2249

Author(s):

Sadia Alam Shammi ◽

Qingmin Meng

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Crop Yield ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Information Criterion ◽

Growing Season ◽

Maximum Temperature ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

The Impact

Climate change and its impact on agriculture are challenging issues regarding food production and food security. Many researchers have been trying to show the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on agriculture using different methods. In this study, we used linear regression models to assess the impact of climate on crop yield spatially and temporally by managing irrigated and non-irrigated crop fields. The climate data used in this study are Tmax (maximum temperature), Tmean (mean temperature), Tmin (minimum temperature), precipitation, and soybean annual yields, at county scale for Mississippi, USA, from 1980 to 2019. We fit a series of linear models that were evaluated based on statistical measurements of adjusted R-square, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). According to the statistical model evaluation, the 1980–1992 model Y[Tmax,Tmin,Precipitation]92i (BIC = 120.2) for irrigated zones and the 1993–2002 model Y[Tmax,Tmean,Precipitation]02ni (BIC = 1128.9) for non-irrigated zones showed the best fit for the 10-year period of climatic impacts on crop yields. These models showed about 2 to 7% significant negative impact of Tmax increase on the crop yield for irrigated and non-irrigated regions. Besides, the models for different agricultural districts also explained the changes of Tmax, Tmean, Tmin, and precipitation in the irrigated (adjusted R-square: 13–28%) and non-irrigated zones (adjusted R-square: 8–73%). About 2–10% negative impact of Tmax was estimated across different agricultural districts, whereas about −2 to +17% impacts of precipitation were observed for different districts. The modeling of 40-year periods of the whole state of Mississippi estimated a negative impact of Tmax (about 2.7 to 8.34%) but a positive impact of Tmean (+8.9%) on crop yield during the crop growing season, for both irrigated and non-irrigated regions. Overall, we assessed that crop yields were negatively affected (about 2–8%) by the increase of Tmax during the growing season, for both irrigated and non-irrigated zones. Both positive and negative impacts on crop yields were observed for the increases of Tmean, Tmin, and precipitation, respectively, for irrigated and non-irrigated zones. This study showed the pattern and extent of Tmax, Tmean, Tmin, and precipitation and their impacts on soybean yield at local and regional scales. The methods and the models proposed in this study could be helpful to quantify the climate change impacts on crop yields by considering irrigation conditions for different regions and periods.

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The Impact of Financial Development on Innovation Activities in Emerging and Developing Countries

Business and Economic Research ◽

10.5296/ber.v10i1.11235 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 112 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

KamiliaKamilia LoukilLoukil

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Financial Development ◽

Financial Services ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Threshold Model ◽

Threshold Value ◽

Innovation Activities ◽

Linear Effects ◽

Emerging And Developing Countries ◽

The Impact

We investigate in this paper the effect of financial development on innovation in emerging and developing countries. The estimation of panel threshold model for a sample 54 countries during the period 1980-2009 shows the presence of non linear effects in the relationship between financial development and innovation. We find a threshold value of economic development below which the financial development level has no significant impact on innovation and above which financial development has a significant positive impact on innovation. In sum, our findings suggest that the presence of a healthy economic environment is crucial for financial institutions to offer high-quality financial services, promoting more innovation.

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Impact of Lung Biopsy on Lung Function in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Respiration ◽

10.1159/000509557 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Pierre-Henri Aussedat ◽

Nader Chebib ◽

Kais Ahmad ◽

Jean-Charles Glerant ◽

Gabrielle Drevet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Function ◽

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Forced Vital Capacity ◽

Lung Biopsy ◽

Vital Capacity ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Surgical Lung Biopsy ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

Background: Video-assisted surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is performed in 10–30% of cases to establish the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of SLB on lung function in patients eventually diagnosed with IPF. Methods: This is an observational, retrospective, monocentric study of all consecutive patients eventually diagnosed with IPF in multidisciplinary discussion who underwent SLB over 10 years in a specialized center. The primary end point was the variation in forced vital capacity (FVC) before and after the SLB. The secondary end points were the variations in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), total lung capacity (TLC), carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), and morbidity and mortality associated with the SLB. Results: In 118 patients who underwent SLB and were diagnosed with IPF, a relative decrease in FVC of 4.8% (p < 0.001) was found between measurements performed before and after the procedure. The mean FVC decrease was 156 ± 386 mL in an average period of 185 days, representing an annualized decline of 363 ± 764 mL/year. A significant decrease was also observed after SLB in FEV1, TLC, and DLCO. Complications within 30 days of SLB occurred in 14.4% of patients. Two patients (1.7%) died within 30 days, where one of them had poor lung function. Survival at 1 year was significantly poorer in patients with FVC <50% at baseline. Conclusion: In this uncontrolled study in patients ultimately diagnosed with IPF, SLB was followed by a significant decline in FVC, which appears to be numerically greater than the average decline in the absence of treatment in the literature. Summary at a Glance: This study evaluated the change in lung function in 118 consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by surgical lung biopsy. Forced vital capacity decreased by 156 ± 386 mL in a mean of 185 days between the last measurement before and first measurement after biopsy, representing an annualized decline of 363 ± 764 mL/year.

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Prognostic and Functional Impact of Perioperative LAＭA/LABA Inhaled Therapy In Patients With Lung Cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

10.21203/rs.3.rs-200524/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yoko Azuma ◽

Atsushi Sano ◽

Takashi Sakai ◽

Satoshi Koezuka ◽

Hajime Otsuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Lung Function ◽

Pulmonary Disease ◽

Forced Expiratory Volume ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Long Acting

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important risk factor for postoperative complications and mortality. The utility of several perioperative bronchodilators in patients with COPD requiring surgery for lung cancer has been reported, but the most suitable agent and its specific effect on postoperative long-term prognosis remain unclear. To determine the effects of perioperative combination therapy, using a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), on preoperative lung function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term outcome in COPD patients.Methods: Between January 2005 and October 2019, 130 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed COPD underwent surgery for lung cancer. We conducted a retrospective review of their medical records. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to perioperative management: LAMA/LABA (n=64), LAMA (n=23) and rehabilitation only (no bronchodilator) (n=43). Results: Patients who received preoperative LAMA/LABA therapy showed significant improvement in lung function before surgery (p<0.001 for both forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %pred). Compared with patients who received preoperative LAMA therapy, patients with LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly improved lung function (ΔFEV1, 223.1 mL vs 130.0 mL, ΔFEV1 %pred, 10.8% vs 6.8%; both p<0.05). There was a trend toward a lower incidence of postoperative complications in the LAMA/LABA group compared with the LAMA and rehabilitation-only groups. In patients with moderate to severe air flow limitation (n=61), those who received LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly longer overall survival and disease-free survival compared with patients in the other groups. Perioperative LAMA/LABA therapy was also associated with lower recurrence rates. Conclusions: Patients who receive perioperative LAMA/LABA for moderate to severe COPD have improved prognosis and better pulmonary function with surgery for lung cancer. We believe this treatment combination is optimal for patients with lung cancer and COPD.

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