Design and Evaluation of a Novel Venturi-Based Spirometer for Home Respiratory Monitoring.

The high cost and limited availability of home spirometers pose a significant barrier to effective respiratory disease management and monitoring. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel Venturi-based spirometer designed for home use, leveraging the Bernoulli principle. The device features a 3D-printed Venturi tube that narrows to create a pressure differential, which is measured by a differential pressure sensor and converted into airflow rate. The airflow is then integrated over time to calculate parameters such as the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). The system also includes a bacterial filter for hygienic use and a circuit board for data acquisition and streaming. Evaluation with eight healthy individuals demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.955 for FVC and 0.853 for FEV1. Furthermore, when compared to standard Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) equipment, the spirometer exhibited strong correlation, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.992 for FVC and 0.968 for FEV1, and high reliability, with ICCs of 0.987 for FVC and 0.907 for FEV1. These findings suggest that the Venturi-based spirometer could significantly enhance access to spirometry at home. However, further large-scale validation and reliability studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and reliability for widespread use.

A Magnetic Field-Based Wearable Respiration Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring During Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This work explores Hall effect sensing paired with a permanent magnet, in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training. METHODS: Experimental evaluation was performed considering as reference the gold-standard of respiratory monitoring, an airflow transducer, and performance was compared to another wearable device with analogous usability - a piezoelectric sensor. A total of 16 healthy participants performed 15 activities, representative of pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, simultaneously using all devices. Evaluation was performed based on detection of flow reversal events and key respiratory parameters. RESULTS: Overall, the proposed sensor outperformed the piezoelectric sensor with a mean ratio, precision, and recall of 0.97, 0.97, and 0.95, respectively, against 0.98, 0.90, and 0.88. Evaluation regarding the respiratory parameters indicates an adequate accuracy when it comes to breath cycle, inspiration, and expiration times, with mean relative errors around 4% for breath cycle and 8% for inspiration/expiration times, despite some variability. Bland-Altman analysis indicates no systematic biases. CONCLUSION: Characterization of the proposed sensor shows adequate monitoring capabilities for exercises that do not rely heavily on torso mobility, but may present a limitation when it comes to activities such as side stretches. SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides a comprehensive characterization of a magnetic field-based respiration sensor, including a discussion on its robustness to different algorithm thresholds. It proves the viability of the sensor in a range of exercises, expanding the applicability of Hall effect sensors as a feasible wearable approach to real-time respiratory monitoring.

Prevalence of chronic cough, its risk factors and population attributable risk in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study: a multinational cross-sectional study.

Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardised protocol and definition. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identifed risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington,KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors. Funding: Wellcome Trust.

How the Adequate Choice of Plant Species Favors the Restoration Process in Areas Susceptible to Extreme Frost Events.

This work aimed to evaluate the impacts caused by extreme frost events in an ecological restoration area. We grouped the species in three ways: (1) type of trichome coverage; (2) shape of the seedling crown; and (3) functional groups according to the degree of damage caused by frost. The variables of the restored area and species characteristics were selected to be subjected to linear generalization analysis models (GLMs). A total of 104 individuals from seven species were sampled. The most affected species were Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (98% of leaves affected), followed by Cecropia pachystachia Trécul and Hymenea courbaril L. (both 97%), Inga vera Willd. (84%), and Senegalia polyphylla (DC.) Britton & Rose with 75%. Tapirira guianensis Aubl. was considered an intermediate species, with 62% of the crown affected. Only Solanum granulosoleprosum Dunal was classified as slightly affected, with only 1.5% of leaves affected. With the GLM analysis, it was verified that the interaction between the variables of leaf thickness (Χ² = 37.1, df = 1, p < 0.001), trichome coverage (Χ² = 650.5, df = 2, p < 0.001), and leaf structure culture (Χ² = 54.0, df = 2, p < 0.001) resulted in a model with high predictive power (AIC = 927,244, BIC = 940,735, Χ² = 6947, R² = 0.74, p < 0.001). Frost-affected crown cover was best explained by the interaction between the three functional attributes (74%). We found that there is a tendency for thicker leaves completely covered in trichomes to be less affected by the impact of frost and that the coverage of the affected crown was greatly influenced by the coverage of trichomes. Seedlings with leaves completely covered in trichomes, thicker leaves, and a funneled or more open crown structure are those that are most likely to resist frost events. The success of ecological restoration in areas susceptible to extreme events such as frost can be predicted based on the functional attributes of the chosen species. This can contribute to a better selection of species to be used to restore degraded areas.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit instrument for individuals with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit (C-PPAC) instrument to the cultural setting in Brazil and to determine the criterion validity, test-retest reliability agreement, and internal consistency of this version. METHODS: A protocol for cultural adaptation and validation was provided by the authors of the original instrument and, together with another guideline, was applied in a Portuguese-language version developed by a partner research group from Portugal. The adapted Brazilian Portuguese version was then cross-sectionally administered twice within a seven-day interval to 30 individuals with COPD (57% were men; mean age was 69 ± 6 years; and mean FEV1 was 53 ± 18% of predicted) to evaluate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the modified Medical Research Council scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire to evaluate criterion validity. RESULTS: The C-PPAC instrument showed good internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability: "amount" domain = 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73-0.94) and "difficulty" domain = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96). Bland & Altman plots, together with high Lin's concordance correlation coefficients, reinforced that agreement. Criterion validity showed moderate-to-strong correlations of the C-PPAC with all of the other instruments evaluated, especially with the IPAQ (rho = -0.63). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the C-PPAC is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the experience of Brazilian individuals with COPD with their physical activity in daily life.

Test-retest reliability, agreement and construct validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-sf) in people with COPD.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the test-retest reliability/agreement and construct validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-sf) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also explored differences in its validity according to age, sex and GOLD airflow obstruction levels. METHODS: 62 participants (68 ± 8 years, 53 males, FEV1 51 ± 23%pred) completed the Portuguese IPAQ-sf, wore an accelerometer for 7 days and completed a second IPAQ-sf. Test-retest reliability/agreement was assessed with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1), 95% Limits of Agreement (LoA), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for continuous variables, and percentage of agreement (%agreement) for categories ("active"/"inactive"). Validity was assessed with 95% LoA and Spearman's correlations (ρ) between IPAQ-sf 2 (METs-min/week, time in vigorous [VPA], moderate PA [MPA] and walking) and accelerometry (time in MVPA, VPA, MPA and step counts) for continuous variables; %agreement, Cohen's kappa, and sensitivity specificity and±predictive values for categories. Correlations were also performed for age, sex and GOLD airflow obstruction grades. RESULTS: Reliability was good (ICC2,1 = 0.707) with wide LoA (-6446-6409 METs-min/week). SEM and MDC95 were 1840 and 4971 METs-min/week, respectively. %agreement between the two IPAQ-sf was 84% (kappa = 0.660). Positive, moderate and significant correlations were found between IPAQ-sf and accelerometry (0.396 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.527, p < 0.001), except for VPA (p > 0.05). The strongest correlations were found in age (<65 years) and male (0.466 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.653, p < 0.05). %agreement between tools was 65% (kappa = 0.313), with high sensitivity (0.830) but low specificity (0.500). CONCLUSIONS: The IPAQ-sf seems valid to be used in COPD but caution on its widespread use is recommended as its accuracy may be limited.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit instrument for individuals with COPD / Adaptação cultural e validação da versão brasileira do instrumento PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit para indivíduos com DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: To adapt the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit (C-PPAC) instrument to the cultural setting in Brazil and to determine the criterion validity, test-retest reliability agreement, and internal consistency of this version. Methods: A protocol for cultural adaptation and validation was provided by the authors of the original instrument and, together with another guideline, was applied in a Portuguese-language version developed by a partner research group from Portugal. The adapted Brazilian Portuguese version was then cross-sectionally administered twice within a seven-day interval to 30 individuals with COPD (57% were men; mean age was 69 ± 6 years; and mean FEV1 was 53 ± 18% of predicted) to evaluate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the modified Medical Research Council scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire to evaluate criterion validity. Results: The C-PPAC instrument showed good internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability: "amount" domain = 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73-0.94) and "difficulty" domain = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96). Bland & Altman plots, together with high Lin's concordance correlation coefficients, reinforced that agreement. Criterion validity showed moderate-to-strong correlations of the C-PPAC with all of the other instruments evaluated, especially with the IPAQ (rho = −0.63). Conclusions: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the C-PPAC is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the experience of Brazilian individuals with COPD with their physical activity in daily life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Adaptar o instrumento PROactive Physical Activity in COPD - clinical visit (C-PPAC) ao contexto cultural brasileiro e determinar a validade de critério, concordância da confiabilidade teste-reteste e consistência interna dessa versão. Métodos: Um protocolo de adaptação cultural e validação foi fornecido pelos autores do instrumento original e, juntamente com outra diretriz, foi aplicado em uma versão em português desenvolvida por um grupo de pesquisa parceiro de Portugal. A versão brasileira adaptada foi então aplicada transversalmente duas vezes, com intervalo de sete dias, em 30 indivíduos com DPOC (57% de homens; média de idade de 69 ± 6 anos; e média do VEF1 de 53 ± 18% do previsto) para avaliação da consistência interna e da confiabilidade teste-reteste. Os participantes também responderam ao International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), à escala modificada do Medical Research Council, ao COPD Assessment Test e ao Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire para avaliação da validade de critério. Resultados: O instrumento C-PPAC apresentou boa consistência interna e excelente confiabilidade teste-reteste: domínio "quantidade" = 0,87 (IC95%: 0,73-0,94) e domínio "dificuldade" = 0,90 (IC95%: 0,76-0,96). As disposições gráficas de Bland-Altman, juntamente com os altos coeficientes de correlação de concordância de Lin, reforçaram essa concordância. A validade de critério mostrou correlações moderadas a fortes do instrumento C-PPAC com todos os outros instrumentos avaliados, principalmente com o IPAQ (rho = −0,63). Conclusões: A versão brasileira do instrumento C-PPAC é uma ferramenta confiável e válida para avaliar a experiência de indivíduos brasileiros com DPOC em relação à sua atividade física na vida diária.

From Inception to Implementation: Strategies for Setting Up Pulmonary Telerehabilitation.

Background: The emergence of innovative technology-enabled models of care is an opportunity to support more efficient ways of organizing and delivering healthcare services and improve the patient experience. Pulmonary telerehabilitation started as a promising area of research and became a strategic pandemic response to patients' decreased accessibility to rehabilitation care. Still, in the pre-COVID-19 era, we conducted a participatory study aiming to develop strategies for setting up pulmonary telerehabilitation as a person-centered digitally-enabled model of care. Methods: We performed operational participatory research between June 2019 and March 2020 with the engagement of all stakeholders involved in the implementation of pulmonary telerehabilitation, including 14 people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Patients were assessed subjectively and objectively pre and post a 3-month pulmonary rehabilitation program including exercise and education, which started in a face-to-face hospital setting during the first month and continued as a home-based, remotely supervised exercise training intervention. Results: Five major groups of requirements targeted operational strategies for setting up pulmonary telerehabilitation: (1) pulmonary rehabilitation core principles, (2) quality and security standards, (3) technological functionality, (4) home environment appropriateness, and (5) telesetting skills. There was a statistical significance in the median change in the CAT score from 15.5 to 10.5 (p = 0.004) and in the PRAISE score from 49.5 to 53.0 (p = 0.006). Patients' mean levels of satisfaction regarding rehabilitation goals achievements were 88.1 ± 8.6% and the mean levels of satisfaction regarding the telerehabilitation experienced as a model of care were 95.4% ± 6.3%. Conclusions: The success of telerehabilitation implementation was grounded on stakeholder engagement and targeted strategies for specific setup requirements, achieving patients' high satisfaction levels. Such operational experiences should be integrated into the redesigning of upgraded telerehabilitation programs as part of the solution to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and resilience of health systems worldwide.

Indigenous and local communities can boost seed supply in the UN decade on ecosystem restoration.

The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is poised to trigger the recovery of ecosystem services and transform structural injustices across the world in a way unparalleled in human history. The inclusion of diverse Indigenous and local communities to co-create robust native seed supply systems is the backbone to achieve the goals for the Decade. Here we show how community-based organizations have co-developed native seed supply strategies for landscape restoration from the bottom-up. We draw on the interconnections over two decades of seed networks in Brazil and the emerging Indigenous participation in native seed production in Australia. From an environmental justice perspective, we provide a participatory seed supply approach for local engagement, noting local geographical, social and cultural contexts. Meeting large-scale restoration goals requires the connection between local seed production and collaborative platforms to negotiate roles, rights and responsibilities between stakeholders. An enduring native seed supply must include a diversity of voices and autonomy of community groups that builds equitable participation in social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Trajetória da prestação de cuidados familiares a pessoas idosas com dependência / Trayectoria de la actividad de cuidados familiares a personas mayores con dependencia / Trajectory of family caregiving to dependent elderly people

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da passagem do tempo no processo de prestação de cuidados nas variáveis do sistema cliente formado pelo cuidador familiar e pessoa idosa com dependência. Métodos Estudo observacional longitudinal, tendo por referência o modelo de sistemas de Neuman. A amostra é de 30 díades avaliadas em 3 momentos durante 8 meses, no domicílio das pessoas idosas com dependência numa comunidade na região de Lisboa, em Portugal. Os instrumentos de avaliação foram um questionário sociodemográfico de caracterização do sistema cliente e a escala de depressão do Center for Epidemiologic Studies. Resultados Com o passar do tempo, os cuidadores apresentaram resultados compatíveis com agravamento nas variáveis do core e das linhas que o envolvem, com diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p< 0,1) no apoio social recebido (p= 0,093), nas atividades em que recebe apoio no cuidar (p=0,061), na categoria atividade somática e retardada da sintomatologia depressiva (p=0,052), constrangimentos financeiros (p=0,069) e internamento temporário do idoso (p=0,037). Conclusão A prestação de cuidados quando prolongada no tempo torna difícil a vida do cuidador nas variáveis avaliadas, causando instabilidade no sistema cliente. Face à gravidade do problema é discutida a necessidade de intervenção a nível macro para minimizar consequências da atividade de cuidar.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el efecto del paso del tiempo en el proceso de la actividad de cuidar en las variables del sistema cliente formado por el cuidador familiar y la persona mayor con dependencia. Métodos Estudio observacional longitudinal, que utilizó como referencia el modelo de sistemas de Neuman. La muestra está compuesta por 30 binomios evaluados en tres momentos durante ocho meses, en el domicilio de las personas mayores con dependencia en una comunidad en la región de Lisboa, en Portugal. Los instrumentos de evaluación fueron un cuestionario sociodemográfico de caracterización del sistema cliente y la escala de depresión del Center for Epidemiologic Studies. Resultados Con el pasar del tiempo, los cuidadores presentaron resultados compatibles con agravamiento en las variables del core y de las líneas que lo envuelven, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,1) en el apoyo social recibido (p= 0,093), en las actividades en que recibe apoyo en el cuidado (p=0,061), en la categoría actividad somática y retardada de la sintomatología depresiva (p=0,052), restricciones financieras (p=0,069) e internación temporaria de la persona mayor (p=0,037). Conclusión Cuando la actividad de cuidar se prolonga en el tiempo, la vida del cuidador se hace difícil en las variables evaluadas, lo que causa inestabilidad en el sistema cliente. Ante la gravedad del problema, se discute la necesidad de intervención a nivel macro para minimizar las consecuencias de la actividad de cuidar.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of time on caregiving, specifically on the variables of the user system made up of a family caregiver and a dependent elderly person. Methods Longitudinal observational study based on the Neuman systems model. The sample was 30 caregiver-patient pairs who were evaluated at three different times over a period of eight months at the houses of the dependent elderly people in a community in Lisbon, Portugal. The assessment instruments were a sociodemographic instrument for characterization of the user system and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results Over time, the caregivers showed results compatible with worsening in the core variables and those in the concentric circles, with statistically significant differences (p<0.1) in received social support (p=0.093), caregiving activities for which help is received (p=0.061), somatic and retarded activity of the depressive symptomatology (p=0.052), financial limitations (p=0.069), and temporary hospitalization of the elderly person (p=0.037). Conclusion Long-term caregiving made the caregivers' lives difficult regarding the evaluated variables, which led to instability in the user system. Given the severity of the problem, the need for macro-level interventions to minimize the consequences of providing care was discussed.

Acute coronay syndrome in a patient with severe hemophilia A: Dificult decisions.

Hemophilia A is an inherited coagulation disease characterized by factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency and is associated with high hemorrhagic risk, especially in its severe forms. As the average life expectancy of patients with hemophilia has increased, so has the prevalence of acute coronary events. There is however limited experience in dealing with them. The strategy of acting on acute coronary events in patients with hemophilia, as demonstrated in the present case, is a real challenge, not only due to the need for antiplatelet therapy (which is essential in the prevention of stent thrombosis, but increases hemorrhagic risk), but also due to the lack of specific recommendations related to the most adequate and safe replacement therapy in these situations. The authors describe the case of a 48-year-old man with unstable angina and a previous diagnosis of severe hemophilia A who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention under FVIII therapy without hemorrhagic complications.

What Motivates Patients with COPD to Be Physically Active? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Motivation can be broadly defined as what moves people to act. Low motivation is a frequently reported factor for the reduced physical activity (PA) levels observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study assessed patients' motives to be physically active, according to three pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) participation groups (Never PR, Previous PR and Current PR) and explored whether these motives were related to the PA levels and clinical characteristics. The motives to be physically active were assessed with the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2, 14 motivational factors, five dimensions) and PA with accelerometry (PA groups: <5000 steps/day vs. ≥5000 steps/day). The clinical variables included symptoms, impact of the disease, exercise capacity and comorbidities. Ninety-two patients (67.4 ± 8.1 years, 82.6% male, forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) 48.3 ± 18.9% predicted; 30.4% Never PR, 51% Previous PR and 18.5% Current PR) participated. The motivational dimensions related to health/fitness presented the highest scores (3.8 ± 1.1; 3.4 ± 1.3). The motives to be active were not significantly different between PA groups (p > 0.05) but having less symptoms and ≥two comorbidities were associated with higher scores in psychological/health and body-related motives, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings may encourage health professionals to actively explore with patients their motives to be physically active to individualise PA promotion.

Hereditary breast cancer and ancestry in the Madeira archipelago: an exploratory study.

Access to genetic testing and counselling in remote areas such as the Madeira archipelago, in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, may be complex. Different counselling methods, including telegenetics, should be explored. In this study, we characterise the Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) families with Madeira ancestry enrolled in our programme. Of a total of 3,566 index patients tested between January 2000 and June 2018, 68 had Madeira ancestry and 22 were diagnosed with a pathogenic germline variant (PV). As in the whole group, BRCA2 PV were more frequent in Madeira patients (68.4%: c.9382C>T (26.3%), c.658_659del (21%), c.156_157insAlu (10.5%), c.793+1G>A (5.3%) and c.298A>T (5.3%). However, the most frequently diagnosed PV in Madeira patients was the BRCA1 c.3331_3334del (31.6%). BRCA1/2 detection rates were 27.9% and 10.5% for Madeira and the whole group, respectively. This study is the first characterisation of HBOC patients with Madeira ancestry. A distinct pattern of BRCA1/2 variants was observed, and the geographic clustering of BRCA1 c.3331_3334del variant may support the possibility of a founder mutation previously described in Northern Portugal. The high detection rate observed reinforces the need to reduce gaps in access to genetic testing in Madeira and other remote areas. According to current guidelines, timely identification of HBOC patients can contribute to their ongoing care and treatment.

Telemonitoring of daily activities compared to the six-minute walk test further completes the puzzle of oximetry-guided interventions.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is based on a thorough patient assessment, including peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) at rest and on exertion. To understand whether exercise-field tests identify patients who desaturate (SpO2 < 90%) during physical activities, this study compared the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and daily-life telemonitoring. Cross-sectional study including 100 patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. The 6MWT was performed in hospital with continuous assessment of SpO2, HR, walked distance and calculated metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs). Patients were also evaluated in real-life by SMARTREAB telemonitoring, a combined oximetry-accelerometery with remote continuous assessment of SpO2, HR and METs. SMARTREAB telemonitoring identified 24% more desaturators compared with the 6MWT. Moreover, there were significant mean differences between 6MWT and SMARTREAB in lowest SpO2 of 7.2 ± 8.4% (P < 0.0005), in peak HR of - 9.3 ± 15.5% (P < 0.0005) and also in activity intensity of - 0.3 ± 0.8 METs (P < 0.0005). The 6MWT underestimates the proportion of patients with exercise-induced oxygen desaturation compared to real-life telemonitoring. These results help defining oximetry-guided interventions, such as telemedicine algorithms, oxygen therapy titration and regular physical activity assessment in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Novel Input for Designing Patient-Tailored Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Telemonitoring Physical Activity as a Vital Sign-SMARTREAB Study.

Physical inactivity may be a consequence of chronic diseases but also a potential modifiable risk factor. Therefore, it should be clinically assessed as a vital sign of patients' general physical condition prior to any exercise-based intervention. This cross-sectional study describes physical activity in the daily life of 100 chronic respiratory patients before pulmonary rehabilitation, comparing subjective and objective measures. The assessment combined the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and 4-day accelerometer and oximeter telemonitoring with SMARTREAB technology, assessing heart rate, transcutaneous oxygen saturation and activity-related energy expenditure by metabolic equivalent of task (MET). According to IPAQ, 49% of patients had a moderate level of physical activity in daily life (PADL), a weekly mean level of 2844 ± 2925 MET.min/week, and a mean sedentary time of 5.8 ± 2.7 h/day. Alongside this, SMARTREAB telemonitoring assessed maximum activity ranging from 1.51 to 4.64 METs, with 99.6% daytime spent on PADL below 3 METs and 93% of patients with daily desaturation episodes. Regardless of the self-reported IPAQ, patients spend at least 70% of daytime on PADL below 2 METs. SMARTREAB was demonstrated to be an innovative methodology to measure PADL as a vital sign, combining oximetry with accelerometry, crossmatched with qualitative patient data, providing important input for designing patient-tailored pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation adapted index of self-efficacy (PRAISE) validated to Portuguese respiratory patients.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recent updates on Pulmonary Rehabilitation highlight the importance of patients' self-efficacy on long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviors. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Adapted Index of Self-Efficacy (PRAISE) is an adaptation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt and evaluate reliability and validity of PRAISE in Portuguese respiratory patients. PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forward-backward translation and pilot testing were performed. Content validity was assessed by a multidisciplinary panel of expert judges. To evaluate reliability and validity, 150 respiratory outpatients on Pulmonary Rehabilitation participated in a cross-sectional study. Descriptive and reliability analyses, and exploratory factorial analysis using principal axis factoring, followed by oblique oblimin factor rotation were conducted to identify construct validity. IBM® SPSS® version 22 was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: 150 patients with a mean age of 67 years, 54% male and 83% currently on Pulmonary Rehabilitation participated in the study. These included mainly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients (46.7%) but also Bronchiectasis (20%), Interstitial Lung Disease (20%) and other respiratory diseases. PRAISE mean score was 49. Exploratory factor analysis extraction provided a 4-factor solution that cumulatively explained 52.3% of total variance (F1: 26.6%; F2: 9.7%; F3: 8.7%; F4: 7.3%). Portuguese PRAISE showed a reliability of 0.78 (Chronbach alpha). CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of PRAISE showed adequate psychometric properties for it to be used as an instrument to measure self-efficacy as a patient-centered outcome on Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Hematuria as the first sign of multiple myeloma.

Patients with multiple myeloma may present with several signs and symptoms, inclusive of hemorrhagic diathesis. This case emphasizes the need to suspect uncommon etiologies for common signs and to be aware of the atypical effects of paraproteinemia.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD According to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Categories.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs are a mainstay for treatment in COPD. Lung function impairment alone does not predict beneficial effects of PR. The new COPD categories take into account assessment of symptoms, such as dyspnea and exacerbations, which may be important indications for PR. This study evaluates the effect of PR on exercise capacity, symptoms, and health status in different COPD categories. METHODS: Subjects with COPD referred for PR were classified into COPD categories A, B, C, and D. Exercise capacity (6-min walk distance [6MWD] and constant work rate at 80% of peak work rate), symptoms (Mahler's index), and health status (St George Respiratory Questionnaire) were compared before and after PR programs for each COPD category. Changes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression models. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-seven subjects were included (COPD categories A [16%], B [12%], C [31%], and D [41%]). Groups were homogeneous in age, body mass index, smoking pack-years, and comorbidities. Significant improvements in all outcomes were found after adjusting for COPD categories, age, sex, body mass index, and COPD-specific comorbidity index. All COPD categories improved exercise capacity (6MWD and constant work rate). Categories A and C had more pronounced improvements in 6MWD than categories B and D. Symptoms (Mahler's index) also improved significantly in categories A and C, whereas change was not significant in categories B and D. Global health status (St George Respiratory Questionnaire) improved significantly in all COPD categories. Despite these differences, the odds of achieving a minimum clinically important difference in each outcome were similar and without statistical significance for the A, B, and C categories when compared with D. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients in all COPD categories may improve exercise capacity, symptoms, and health status with PR programs, and COPD categories alone may not be sufficient to discriminate which patients may benefit most from them.

Mortality Predictive Factors in Subjects With COPD After a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: A 3-Year Study.

BACKGROUND: COPD is a high-mortality disease and projected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of 3-y mortality and factors associated with early (1 y) and late (second and third year) mortality in subjects with severe COPD who completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. METHODS: A historical cohort study was performed with subjects with COPD who were admitted to a day-hospital for chronic respiratory failure for a pulmonary rehabilitation program, from January 2008 to December 2010. The population was characterized based on sociodemographic factors, body mass index, smoking habits, lung function tests, respiratory failure, comorbidities, bacterial colonization, Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea index, 6-min walk test, mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, long-term oxygen therapy, hospital admissions, and mortality. RESULTS: From 183 patients who completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program, 93 had COPD. Our cohort had 78 male and 15 female subjects. The mean age ± SD was 68.6 ± 8.9 y, ranging from 43 to 85 y. After the pulmonary rehabilitation program, there were fewer, although not statistically significantly different hospital admissions (2.1 vs 1.7, P = .17). Three years after the pulmonary rehabilitation program, 34 subjects died (36.6%). Hypercapnic respiratory failure (P = .02), noninvasive ventilation (P = .002), lung cancer (P = .001), shorter 6-min walk distance (P = .03), and higher number of previous hospital admissions (P < .001) were associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: There is a high mortality rate in late-stage patients with COPD. The most relevant factors associated with mortality were lung cancer, respiratory failure and noninvasive ventilation, severe exacerbations with hospitalization, and lower functional exercise capacity.

The exotic wasp Megastigmus transvaalensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae): first record and damage on the Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius drupes, in São Paulo, Brazil.

This paper records the first report of Megastigmus transvaalensis Hussey (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) in Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae) drupes in Sorocaba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. This wasp is an invasive species and was found damaging S. terebinthifolius drupes in urban areas (35.0 ± 15.8%), natural forests (21.5 ± 10.2%) and restoration areas (15.8 ± 8.4%). The bio-ecology and damage caused by M. transvaalensis in the S. terebinthifolius drupes warrants further study focused upon the management of this phytophagous wasp. Megastigmus transvaalensis has a potential to be disseminated throughout Brazil and is posing a threat to the natural regeneration of S. terebinthifolius in the native forests and restoration areas and ecological regions of this country.