Pilot study for bladder cancer detection with volatile organic compounds using ion mobility spectrometry: a novel urine-based approach.

PURPOSE: Despite many efforts, no reliable urinary marker system has so far shown the potential to substitute cystoscopy. Measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urine is a promising alternative. VOCs are metabolic products which can be measured from the headspace of urine samples. Previous studies confirmed that the urine of bladder tumor patients has a different VOC profile than healthy controls. In this pilot study, the feasibility of discriminating VOCs from urine of bladder cancer patients from that of healthy control subjects was investigated. Aim of this study was to investigate whether VOC-based diagnosis of bladder cancer from urine samples is feasible using multicapillary column ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS) and to identify potential molecular correlates to the relevant analytes. METHODS: Headspace measurements of urine samples of 30 patients with confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and 30 healthy controls were performed using MCC/IMS. In the results of the measurements, peaks showing significant differences between both groups were identified and implemented into a decision tree with respect to achieve group separation. Molecular correlates were predicted using a pre-defined dataset. RESULTS: Eight peaks with significantly differing intensity were identified, 5 of which were highly significant. Using a six-step decision tree, MCC/IMS showed a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100% in group separation. CONCLUSION: VOC-based detection of bladder cancer is feasible. MCC/IMS is a suitable method for urine-based diagnosis and should be further validated. The molecular characteristics and metabolic background of the analytes require further workup.

VOC-based detection of prostate cancer using an electronic nose and ion mobility spectrometry: A novel urine-based approach.

BACKGROUND: Many diseases leave behind specific metabolites which can be detected from breath and urine as volatile organic compounds (VOC). Our group previously described VOC-based methods for the detection of bladder cancer and urinary tract infections. This study investigated whether prostate cancer can be diagnosed from VOCs in urine headspace. METHODS: For this pilot study, mid-stream urine samples were collected from 56 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer. A control group was formed with 53 healthy male volunteers matched for age who had recently undergone a negative screening by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam. Headspace measurements were performed with the electronic nose Cyranose 320TM. Statistical comparison was performed using principal component analysis, calculating Mahalanobis distance, and linear discriminant analysis. Further measurements were carried out with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) to compare detection accuracy and to identify potential individual analytes. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing. RESULTS: The electronic nose yielded a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 62%. Mahalanobis distance was 0.964, which is indicative of limited group separation. IMS identified a total of 38 individual analytical peaks, two of which showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). To discriminate between tumor and controls, a decision tree with nine steps was generated. This model led to a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: VOC-based detection of prostate cancer seems feasible in principle. While the first results with an electronic nose show some limitations, the approach can compete with other urine-based marker systems. However, it seems less reliable than PSA testing. IMS is more accurate than the electronic nose with promising sensitivity and specificity, which warrants further research. The individual relevant metabolites identified by IMS should further be characterized using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to facilitate potential targeted rapid testing.

Volatile Phases Derived from Serum, DC, or MLC Culture Supernatants to Deduce a VOC-Based Diagnostic Profiling Strategy for Leukemic Diseases.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reflect the metabolism in healthy and pathological conditions, and can be collected easily in a noninvasive manner. They are directly measured using electronical nose (eNose), and may qualify as a systemic tool to monitor biomarkers related to disease. Myeloid leukemic blasts can be transformed into leukemia-derived dendritic cells (DCleu) able to improve (anti-leukemic) immune responses. To profile immunological changes in healthy and acute myeloid leukemic (AML) patients' ex vivo cell cultures, we correlated the cell biological data with the profiles of cell culture supernatant-derived VOCs. DC/DCleu from leukemic or healthy whole blood (WB) were generated without (Control) or with immunomodulatory Kit M (Granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF) + prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)) in dendritic cell cultures (DC culture). Kit-pretreated/not pretreated WB was used to stimulate T cell-enriched immunoreactive cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC culture). Leukemia-specific adaptive and innate immune cells were detected with a degranulation assay (Deg) and an intracellular cytokine assay (InCyt). Anti-leukemic cytotoxicity was explored with a cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay (CTX). VOCs collected from serum or DC- and MLC culture supernatants (with vs. without Kit M pretreatment and before vs. after culture) were measured using eNose. Compared to the Control (without treatment), Kit M-pretreated leukemic and healthy WB gave rise to higher frequencies of mature (leukemia-derived) DC subtypes of activated and (memory) T cells after MLC. Moreover, antigen (leukemia)-specific cells of several lines (innate and adaptive immunity cells) were induced, giving rise to blast-lysing cells. The eNose could significantly distinguish between healthy and leukemic patients' serum, DC and MLC culture supernatant-derived volatile phases and could significantly separate several supernatant (with vs. without Kit M treatment, cultured vs. uncultured)-derived VOCs within subgroups (healthy DC or leukemic DC, or healthy MLC or leukemic MLC supernatants). Interestingly, the eNose could indicate a Kit M- and culture-associated effect. The eNose may be a prospective option for the deduction of a VOC-based profiling strategy using serum or cell culture supernatants and could be a useful diagnostic tool to recognize or qualify AML disease.

Using a smartphone application maintains physical activity following pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that patients with COPD struggle to maintain improved physical activity (PA) after completing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Smartphone applications (apps) providing a comprehensive training programme have conferred healthy benefits. This study was conducted to determine whether regular usage of an app maintains PA following PR. METHODS: Patients with stage II-IV COPD were enrolled in a 6-month trial following PR. After the screening period, participants were randomised into the Kaia COPD app group (intervention group (IG)) or the control group (CG). The primary outcome was PA (daily steps), measured using an activity tracker. Secondary outcomes included the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) and the 1 min Sit-to-Stand Test (STST). RESULTS: Sixty participants completed the study. The median steps from baseline to 6 months were significantly different between the groups, in favour of the IG (-105.3, IQR -1970.1 to 2105.8, vs CG -1173.0, IQR -3813.1 to -93.8; p=0.007). CAT was significantly decreased in the IG (15.1±8.6 vs 19.7±6.4, p=0.02), whereas the CRQ subdomains for dyspnoea (4.5±1.7 vs 3.7±1.3, p=0.033) and fatigue (4.5±1.4 vs 3.5±1.3, p=0.028) improved significantly in the IG. The STST at 6 months was not significant. Sleep duration and sleep efficiency showed no significant differences between the two groups at any time. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive program by using the Kaia app following PR maintained PA and improved symptoms in patients with COPD at 6 months. The app might be an important accessory tool for enhanced COPD care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DRKS00017275.

Acoustic Monitoring of Night-Time Respiratory Symptoms in 14 Patients with Exacerbated COPD Over a 3- Week Period.

Introduction: In clinical practice, wheezing and coughing represent a worsening of the respiratory situation of COPD patients and should be monitored long-term during and after an Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) to observe the therapy. We investigated if overnight monitoring of wheezing and coughing is feasible during AECOPD and whether automatic long - term monitoring enables an objective assessment during and after an AECOPD. Methods: In 14 patients (age: 56-80 years) with pre-existing COPD (stages B-D) nighttime wheezing and coughing events were monitored for a period of three weeks. The portable LEOSound® monitor recorded three nights into AECOPD (nights 1, 3 and 6) during the hospital stay, and the 20th night post- AECOPD ambulatory. Before each recording the subjective symptom severity was assessed by a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and a Modified British Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnoea index questionnaire. Results: In all 14 patients, lung sounds were recorded in good quality during each of the 4 recording nights. Wheezing ranged between 5% and 90% (79 -539.5 minutes) of the recording time on the first night. All patients showed some coughs, in four patients coughing was particularly pronounced and largely receding over the total investigation period. As group, the percentages of wheezing and the number of coughs did not show significant differences between the four recording times. The CAT scores (p<0.001) declined over the course of investigation period, suggesting a subjective improvement of symptoms. Conclusion: The observational study showed that standardized long-term recording can be performed in high-quality during acute COPD exacerbation as it does not require the patient's cooperation. The good-quality data of coughs and wheezing were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The long-term presentation of respiratory symptoms during an AECOPD offers the opportunity to evaluate factors that influence exacerbations and therapeutic approaches.

Opinions and Attitudes of Pulmonologists About Augmentation Therapy in Patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. A Survey of the EARCO Group.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation therapy (AT) is the only specific treatment licensed for patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) associated lung disease. Since patients with severe AATD may have a very different prognosis and AT requires intravenous infusions for life, the decision to initiate AT may be challenging. METHODS: This survey was conducted on 63 experts in AATD from 13 European countries about their opinions and attitudes regarding AT. Participants were asked to rank the importance of 11 identified factors related with the prescription of AT. In addition, each participant was asked to respond to the indication of AT for 30 out of 500 hypothetical cases developed with the combinations of the 11 factors. Each case was evaluated by 3 experts to check the concordance. RESULTS: The variables that scored higher on preferences for initiating AT were AAT genotype (score 8.6 from a Likert scale 0-10 (SD: 1.7)), AATD serum level (8.2 (SD:2.4)) and FEV1 (%) decline (7.9 (SD:2.4)). Among the 500 different cases, there was an agreement in indication of AT among the 3 experts in 291 (58.2%). Regarding the variables associated with AT, it was indicated to 81.9% of Pi*ZZ, 52.4% of Pi*SZ and 9.8% of Pi*MZ (p < 0.0001). For Pi*ZZ patients, multivariate analysis identified younger age, reduced FEV1 (%), higher FEV1 decline and worse emphysema as significantly associated with prescription (AUC = 0.8114); for Pi*SZ variables were younger age, worse FEV1 (%) and worse emphysema (AUC = 0.7414); and for Pi*MZ younger age, worse DLCO (%), higher DLCO decline and dyspnea (AUC = 0.8387). CONCLUSION: There is a high variability in the criteria for prescription of AT among European experts. Most cases were recommended AT according to guidelines, but a significant number of patients with genotype Pi*SZ and almost 10% Pi*MZ were recommended to initiate AT despite the lack of evidence of efficacy in these genotypes.

Predictive Value of Cough Frequency in Addition to Aspiration Risk for Increased Risk of Pneumonia in Dysphagic Stroke Survivors: A Clinical Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke dysphagia leads to increased risk of aspiration and subsequent higher risk of pneumonia. It is important to not only diagnose post-stroke dysphagia early but also to evaluate the protective mechanism that counteracts aspiration, i.e., primarily cough. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of cough frequency in addition to aspiration risk for pneumonia outcome. METHODS: This was a single-center prospective observational study. Patients with first-ever strokes underwent clinical swallowing evaluation, fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and overnight cough recording using LEOSound® (Löwenstein Medical GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Ems, Germany ). Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) ratings and cough frequency measurements were correlated with incidence of pneumonia at discharge. RESULTS: 11 women (37%) and 19 men (63%), mean age 70.3 years (SD ± 10.6), with ischemic stroke and dysphagia were enrolled. Correlation analysis showed statistically significant relationships between pneumonia and PAS (r = 0.521; p < 0.05), hourly cough frequency (r = 0,441; p < 0.05), and categories of cough severity (r = 0.428 p < 0.05), respectively. Logistic regression showed significant predictive effects of PAS (b = 0.687; p = 0.014) and cough frequency (b = 0.239; p = 0.041) for pneumonia outcome. CONCLUSION: Cough frequency in addition to aspiration risk was an independent predictor of pneumonia in dysphagic stroke survivors.

Newly detected rapid eye movement associated sleep apnea after coronavirus disease 2019 as a possible cause for chronic fatigue: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 has become a health problem spreading worldwide with pandemic characteristics since March 2020. Post coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms are more frequent than initially expected, with fatigue as an often-mentioned issue. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We describe a 32-year-old white male and a 55-year-old white female who suffered from post coronavirus disease 2019 fatigue syndrome. On polysomnography, rapid eye movement associated sleep apnea with an increased hypopnea index during rapid eye movement phases of 36.8 and 19.5 events per hour was found. Based on the patients' burdensome fatigue symptoms, we initiated automatic positive airway pressure therapy, which diminished sleep apnea (rapid eye movement index: 0.0 in both patients) and, consequently, also the fatigue symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Since sleep apnea and coronavirus disease 2019 are both associated with fatigue, a screening for sleep apnea might be considered in coronavirus disease 2019 patients with fatigue syndrome.

Effects of Vibration Training in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have reported positive effects of exercise training in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) on physical capacity and quality of life. However, evidence is rare on the effects of specific forms of training and further pathophysiological mechanisms in these patients. OBJECTIVES: In this multicenter study we aimed to explore the clinical effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) in patients with ILD on various outcome measures, including proinflammatory cytokines and myostatin. METHODS: We randomly assigned 26 patients with different forms of multidisciplinary confirmed fibrotic ILDs either to the WBVT group (n = 11; 55% male, 61 ± 14 years old, forced vital capacity 83.2 ± 29.3% predicted, 6-min walking distance [6MWD] 478 ± 79 m) performing 3 months of a standardized training (3 times per week), or to a control training group (CTG, n = 15; 60% male, 63 ± 9 years old, FVC 74.6 ± 20.5% predicted, 6MWD 455 ± 85 m) performing sham WBV training. Training in the two groups was performed on a GalileoTM vibration plate (6-20 vs. 5 Hz). The functional assessments before and after the intervention period included pulmonary function, 6MWD test, chair rise test, ultrasonographic measurement of quadriceps muscle thickness (cross-sectional area), quality of life questionnaires, and serum samples. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in 6MWD (∆Training = 30 m [12-67], p = 0.024) and a decrease of myostatin (∆Training = -465 pg/mL [-713 to -166], p = 0.008) in the WBVT group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the CTG. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that WBVT is able to significantly increase 6MWD and decrease myostatin in patients with fibrotic ILDs. Therefore, WBVT seems to be a beneficial and feasible training modality in ILD patients. Clinical Trial Registry: German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00012930).

Impact of a smartphone application (KAIA COPD app) in combination with Activity Monitoring as a maintenance prOgram following PUlmonary Rehabilitation in COPD: the protocol for the AMOPUR Study, an international, multicenter, parallel group, randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing physical activity (PA) is considered to be an important factor for the efficient management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Successful methods required to achieve improvements in PA following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), however, are rarely reported. Therefore, we will conduct this trial to evaluate the effectiveness of using a COPD management program delivered to the patient via the KAIA COPD app, a mobile medical application, after the completion of PR. METHODS: This is the protocol for a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicentered trial that will be carried out at inpatient PR hospital centers in Germany and Switzerland. The interventions will involve the use of the KAIA COPD app program (Arm 1) or an active comparator, i.e., usual care (Arm 2). Patients completing an in-hospital PR program and consenting to participate in the study will be screened with the inclusion and exclusion criteria and enrolled in the study. After fulfilling the screening requirements, the patients will be randomized into one of the two arms with parallel group assignment in a 1:1 ratio. The training program will be delivered to the participants grouped in Arm 1 via the KAIA COPD app and to participants grouped in Arm 2 via the regular recommendations or standard of care by the PI. In total, 104 participants will be included in the trial. The treatment period will last for 24 weeks. Electronic versions of questionnaires will be used to collect patient-reported assessments remotely. The primary outcome measure is the change in physical activity of the intervention group in comparison to the control group, measured over 1 week as the mean steps per day with a Polar A 370 activity tracker, from baseline (end of PR) to the 6-month follow-up. The secondary outcome measures are functional exercise capacity, health status, sleep quality, exacerbation rate, and depression and anxiety symptoms assessed at several intervals. DISCUSSION: This study seeks to prove the effects of the KAIA COPD mobile application in COPD patients after PR. The app offers educational, exercise training plus activity monitoring and motivational programs that can be easily implemented in the patient's home setting, enabling patients to maintain the effects that are typically elicited in the short term after pulmonary rehabilitation for the long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00017275 ). Protocol version 2.0 dated 3 June 2019.

Measuring Sleep Quality and Efficiency With an Activity Monitoring Device in Comparison to Polysomnography.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring for physical activity becomes popular and actually many devices are available. Some physical activity monitors (PAMs) provide data about sleep quality for the user, but there are scarce data concerning validity and usability of these measurements. This study compared the data of sleep parameters generated by a PAM with the polysomnography (PSG). METHODS: In 2016, data of 26 patients in two consecutive PSGs as well as in two daytime and nighttime measurements with a PAM according to physical activity and sleep quality were collected. Furthermore, sleep quality, using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), daytime fatigue, using the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) and additionally data of a sleep diary were collected. RESULTS: There were positive correlations of both methods with respect to total sleep time (TST) (r = 0.76, P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). Data analysis over two nights showed that over 90% of the TST (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.59 to 0.82) and of the sleep efficiency (95% CI -8.28 to 15.51) were within the limits of agreement. The analysis of the PSQI and the sleep efficiency of the PAM showed no significant correlations. The daytime fatigue correlated negatively with the physical activity (r = -0.72, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The sleep efficiency and TST measured with the PAM sufficiently reflect the PSG sleep parameters and the subjects' subjective feelings. At the same time, PAM results are also correlated with the subjectively perceived quality of sleep. Further investigations to assess the long-term results are pending.

Sleep and rheumatic diseases.

This review article discusses various forms of sleep disorders associated with musculoskeletal diseases (MD). It presents the pathophysiology and interaction of sleep-related disorders and MD and summarizes clinical symptoms and therapies from a somnological perspective. BACKGROUND: A large number of patients suffering from MD report fragmented sleep with poor overall sleep quality. Sleep disorders often lead to increased symptoms such as daytime fatigue, depression, or increased pain intensity. In contrast, the perception of pain worsens the quality of sleep. Sleep is a complex regulation of hormonal and neuromodulatory influences to maintain regenerative processes and signal processing. Furthermore, interleukins (e.g., IL-6 and TNFα), messenger substances, or inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP) may have a regulatory influence on sleep. THERAPY: Sleep disorders in MD can often be treated with behavioral therapies or drug approaches. Another and very important influence is physical activity. In combination with training, regular physical activity can lead, for instance, to improved sleep quality, endurance performance, and reduced inflammation values. The change of lifestyle with regard to activity and nutrition is another key concept in the optimal therapy of patients with MD.

[Easy come, easy go? Current strategies for maintaining the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients]. / Wie gewonnen, so zerronnen?

Easy come, easy go? Current strategies for maintaining the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients Abstract. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a comprehensive treatment method in the non-drug management of chronic respiratory diseases. Most evident data exists for COPD patients. However, the effect of PR is no longer detectable after 6 to 12 months, unless the patient participates in a kind of maintenance program following PR. But the contents of such a maintenance program are still unclear in terms of duration, location, methods and intensity. They are still subject of current research. Therefore concrete recommendations are still missing and further studies are necessary. This review aims to give an overview of the existing results in this field.

Non-invasive Detection of Bladder Tumors Through Volatile Organic Compounds: A Pilot Study with an Electronic Nose.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cystoscopy, the standard diagnostic for bladder tumors, is uncomfortable, invasive, and expensive. The available urine-based marker systems all lack accuracy. Measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urine is a promising alternative. This pilot study evaluates the feasibility of discriminating bladder cancer patients' urine from healthy controls with an electronic nose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Headspace measurements of urine samples of 30 patients with confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and 30 healthy controls were performed with Cyranose 320 calculating Mahalanobis distance and linear discriminant analysis. Histology reports following TUR-BT were correlated with urine findings. RESULTS: After storage at -20°C, Cyranose correctly detected 28/30 already confirmed TCC samples and 26/30 healthy controls (p<0.01), sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 86.7%. Storage at -80°C led to similar results: 28/30 tumor samples and 28/30 control samples were correctly allocated; sensitivity and specificity both 93.3%. CONCLUSION: VOC detection is a promising tool to detect bladder tumors. Further research will test against possible confounders like bacteriuria.

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Inspiratory Capacity During 6-min Walk Test in Patients With COPD: A PROSPECTIVE CONTROLLED STUDY.

PURPOSE: Purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on the measured inspiratory capacity (IC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while performing a 6-min walk test (6MWT). METHODS: Before and after PR, IC was measured by spirometry both at the beginning and at the end of the 6MWT for 15 patients with COPD in the PR group (PRG) and compared with a similar calisthenics training group (CTG; n = 15). In addition, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and other lung function tests were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Both groups were not significantly different at baseline. Compared with the CTG, the PRG achieved a significant increase in the delta of IC measured during the 6MWT (0.5 ± 0.2 L [PRG] vs -0.2 + 0.2 L [CTG], P = .001). Significant differences were found for the 6MWT walking distance (PRG: 99 ± 36 m vs CTG: 5 ± 25 m, P = .001). No significant increase in dyspnea while performing the 6MWT was found in either group. The differences in the CAT score and the SGRQ Global score were significant only for the PRG in intragroup comparisons, whereas the intergroup comparison showed no significant differences. Except for residual volume, no significant changes in all parameters of the static lung function tests were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Participation in a PR may lead to a significant and clinically relevant increase in IC and the walking distance. Additional research is necessary to define the effects of this increase in IC on exercise capacity.

Obstructive sleep apnea patients can be identified by ion mobility spectrometry-derived smell prints of different biological materials.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is time- and cost-intensive. A number of studies demonstrated that the non-invasive analysis of exhaled breath (EB) may be suitable to distinguish between OSAS patients and healthy subjects (HS). Methods/Population: We included OSAS patients (n = 15) and HS (n = 15) in this diagnostic proof-of-concept-study. All participants underwent polygraphy to verify or exclude OSAS and performed spirometry to exclude pulmonary ventilatory diseases. The volatile organic compound profile of EB and of the headspaces over EB condensate, pharyngeal washing fluid, and serum was measured using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) (BioScout®) and an e-nose (Cyranose® 320). For the statistical analysis, we fitted classification tree models using recursive partitioning, followed by a leave-one-out cross-validation. For the cross-validated predictions we calculated descriptive classification statistics, p-values from a [Formula: see text]-test with continuity correction, as well as ROC curves. RESULTS: Using IMS, OSAS patients and HS could be distinguished with high accuracy (values ranged from 79% to 97%). The results of the e-nose-derived analyses (with the exception of EB) were less accurate. However, the cross-validated accuracy for EB was very good (0.9), reflecting a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 83%. For each material, we identified the best five substances that may be used for diagnostic purposes. 2-Methylfluran was found in three different biological materials to be discriminative between OSAS and HS. CONCLUSION: The results strengthen the hypothesis that substances detectable in headspace measurements of different airway and blood materials may undergo a transition from blood into the alveoli (and EB) or vice versa. This means that substances from different compartments could be used to distinguish patients with airway diseases (in this case OSAS) from healthy controls.

Whole-Body Vibration Training During a Low Frequency Outpatient Exercise Training Program in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate whether whole-body vibration training (WBVT) can be applied beneficially within an outpatient low frequency exercise program. METHODS: In a prospective, controlled, randomized study, WBVT effectiveness and safety were investigated in COPD stage II-IV patients undergoing a 3-month training program. Participants took part in a 90-min circuit training once a week. On top patients were randomized to either perform squats with WBVT, or without (conventional training group (CTG)). Before and after the intervention, a sit-to-stand test (STST), a 6-min walk test (6-MWT), the COPD assessment test (CAT), and the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRQ) were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight out of 55 patients completed the study (n = 12 WBTV, n = 16 CTG). The STST time remained nearly constant for the CTG (Δ -0.8 ± 3.1 s) and the WBVT (Δ 1.4 ± 3.2 s; P = 0.227), respectively. Similarly, for both WBVT and CTG, the 6-min walk distance remained unchanged (Δ 7 ± 55 m vs. 9 ± 45 m, P = 0.961). In three out of four categories, the CRQ scores showed a significant improvement within WBVT, and in one category when comparing across groups. The CAT score dropped by -0.8 ± 2.9 points within CTG and by 2.4 ± 2.7 points within WBVT (P = 0.105). There were no adverse events related to WBVT. CONCLUSION: The implementation of WBVT in the context of an outpatient low frequency exercise program did not significantly improve the patients' exercise capacity. An improvement in CAT and partially in CRQ was shown within WBVT. However, regarding the high dropout rate (49%), these results must be interpreted with caution.

Benefits of High-Intensity Exercise Training to Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Various exercise training programs are used for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of different severity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of individualized high-intensity training on exercise capacity with COPD. METHODS: A total of 49 patients agreed to participate. Of these, 31 were assigned to the training group and 18 served as controls. The training group exercised twice a week for 90 min with consecutively increasing loads. At the time of enrollment (T0), as well as after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, a 6-min walk test (6-MWT) was performed and data on health-related quality of life, femoral muscle thickness, and various serum markers were obtained. RESULTS: The training group improved in their 6-MWT results (T0 = 407 ± 152 m vs. T1 = 459 ± 127 m, p = 0.002, vs. T2 = 483.2 ± 130.1 m, p = 0.004), in their cross-sectional area of the musculus rectus femoris (T0 = 6.2 ± 1.2 cm2 vs. T1 = 6.9 ± 1.2 cm2, p = 0.003, vs. 7.5 ± 1.6 cm2, p = 0.002), and in their St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (T0 = 43.3 ± 18.0 vs. T1 = 36.0 ± 18.4, p = 0.001, vs. T2 = 34.7 ± 18. 0, p = 0.004). Serum levels of myostatin, irisin, resistin, and α-Klotho did not change significantly within the training period. Of note, the exercise group showed an inverse relationship between serum levels of resistin and those of α-Klotho after 6 months (r = -0.608, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients undergoing an individualized, structured, high-intensity training program improved their exercise capacity, gained muscle mass, and improved their quality of life.

[Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Acute Exacerbation of COPD Reduces the Rate of Reexacerbations]. / Eine pneumologische Rehabilitation nach akuter Exazerbation der COPD senkt die Rate erneuter Exazerbationen.

Objective Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) provides for patients a significant hazard and is crucial for the prognosis. Data on the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on the frequency of reexacerbations after AECOPD are inconsistent. A prospective, case-control study was conducted with the aim of measuring the impact of PR on the frequency of reexacerbations after AECOPD. Patients and Methods A PR was performed in 57 patients with COPD after AECOPD. 30 participants were followed-up after one year and compared to 32 Control-Group (KG = hospitalized for AECOPD without PR). The rate of reexacerbations was both retrospectively in the year preceding the AECOPD, and prospectively in the year after AECOPD analyzed within groups and between groups. Results In the intra group comparison the exacerbation rate was significantly lower in the PR-group in the year after rehabilitation (0.97 ±â€Š2.67 vs. 1.52 ±â€Š1.12; p < 0.001). The intergroup comparison also showed a significantly lower number of exacerbations for the PR-group (0.97 ±â€Š1.52 vs 2.16 ±â€Š1.25; p < 0.001). Conclusion It was shown that the exacerbation rate after an AECOPD could be significantly reduced in the PR-group in comparison to the KG-group during the investigation period of one year by PR. More prospective studies are required to define the value of PR in the context of AECOPD.