Analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath after radiotherapy / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells and medical practitioners have used this approach extensively for cancer treatment (Hachadorian et al., 2020). However, it is accompanied by risks because it seriously harms normal cells while killing cancer cells. The side effects can lower cancer patients' quality of life and are very unpredictable due to individual differences (Bentzen, 2006). Therefore, it is essential to assess a patient's body damage after radiotherapy to formulate an individualized recovery treatment plan. Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be changed by radiotherapy and thus used for medical diagnosis (Vaks et al., 2012). During treatment, high-energy X-rays can induce apoptosis; meanwhile, cell membranes are damaged due to lipid peroxidation, converting unsaturated fatty acids into volatile metabolites (Losada-Barreiro and Bravo-Díaz, 2017). At the same time, radiotherapy oxidizes water, resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can increase the epithelial permeability of pulmonary alveoli, enabling the respiratory system to exhale volatile metabolites (Davidovich et al., 2013; Popa et al., 2020). These exhaled VOCs can be used to monitor body damage caused by radiotherapy.

Traqueobroncoplastia por malacia / Tracheobronchoplasty for malacia

RESUMEN La traqueobroncomalacia es una enfermedad de la vía aérea central caracterizada por una debilidad de la pared, con disminución dinámica de la luz de la tráquea y grandes bronquios principalmente durante la espiración. Genera síntomas crónicos que pueden evolucionar hasta la falla respiratoria grave, frecuentemente diagnosticados de forma errónea como asma o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). Presentamos el caso de una paciente femenina de 70 años, con antecedente de artritis reumatoide y múltiples internaciones por cuadros respiratorios infecciosos en los 3 años previos.

ABSTRACT Tracheobroncomalacia is a disease of the central airway due to weakness of the wall with dynamic narrowing of the lumen of the trachea and mainstem bronchi during exhalation. It produces chronic symptoms that can progress to severe respiratory failure, often misdiagnosed as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We report the case of a 70-year-old female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple hospitalizations for recurrent respiratory infections over the past 3 years.

Fracción de óxido nítrico exhalado: una herramienta clínica para las enfermedades pulmonares / Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide fraction in lung diseases

Exhaled Nitric Oxide fraction measurement is a new method for the evaluation of respiratory diseases. It has good correlation with airway inflammation and decreases with the administration of corticosteroids. It is useful as a complement for the diagnosis of asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia among other respiratory diseases that generate inflammation in the airway. Its assessment is easy, non-invasive, and safe, and the result is obtained immediately. It can be used routinely to evaluate the response and adherence to treatments. This article reviews the biology of Nitric Oxide, and the measurement, interpretation, and main clinical uses of Exhaled Nitric Oxide Fraction.

Rol de la fracción espirada de oxido nítrico en el niño con diagnóstico de asma bronquial / Role of the exhaled fraction of nitric oxide in children with diagnosis of bronchial asthma

El asma es la enfermedad respiratoria crónica pediátrica más frecuente. En la mayoría de los niños se caracteriza por inflamación de la vía aérea de tipo eosinofílica alérgica. La fracción espirada de óxido nítrico (FENO) es un biomarcador de inflamación eosinofílica de vía aérea, su medición es no invasiva y fácil de realizar y ha sido evaluado en los últimos años para su aplicación clínica en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del asma en niños y adultos. Esta revisión abordará el origen anatómico y bioquímico del FENO, aspectos prácticos de su medición, valores de referencia y su aplicación clínica en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del asma pediátrico.

Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic disease characterized in most children by allergic eosinophilic airway inflammation. The exhaled fraction of nitric oxide (FENO) is a biomarker of eosinophilic airway inflammation, constituting a non-invasive and easy-to-perform test that has been evaluated in recent years for its clinical application in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in children and adults. This review will address the anatomical and biochemical origin of FENO, practical aspects of its measurement, reference values and its clinical application in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric asthma.

Association of serum chemokine ligand 21 levels with asthma control in adults

OBJECTIVES: The chemokine ligand (CCL) 21 regulates the maturation, migration, and function of dendritic cells, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum CCL21 levels and asthma control. METHODS: The serum levels of CCL21 and other inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in patients with asthma (n=44) and healthy controls (n=35) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgE levels and eosinophil counts were determined by turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay and fully automatic blood analysis, respectively. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaire was used, and spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements were performed. A multiple unpaired Student's t-test was performed to analyze the differences in CCL21 and interleukin levels between patients with asthma and healthy controls. The correlation of CCL21 levels with disease severity was evaluated using the Pearson's rank correlation test. RESULTS: Serum CCL21 levels were lower in patients with asthma (254.78±95.66 pg/mL) than in healthy controls (382.95±87.77 pg/mL) (p<0.001). Patients with asthma had significantly higher levels of IL-1β (19.74±16.77 vs. 2.63±5.22 pg/mL), IL-6 (7.55±8.65 vs. 2.37±2.47 pg/mL), and tumor necrosis factor-α (12.70±12.03 vs. 4.82±3.97 pg/mL) compared with the controls. CCL21 levels were positively correlated with the ACT score (rs=0.1653, p=0.0062), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (rs=0.3607, p<0.0001), and FEV1 (rs=0.2753, p=0.0003), and negatively correlated with FENO (rs=0.1060, p=0.0310). CCL21 levels were negatively correlated with serum IgE levels (rs=0.1114, p=0.0268) and eosinophil counts (rs=0.3476, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum CCL21 levels may be a new biomarker for assessing asthma control.

Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds Used to Diagnose and Evaluate Acute Promyelocyte Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in expiratory air components of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and assess the feasibility of VOCs for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of APL.@*METHODS@#The VOCs exhaled from the patients with APL and healthy volunteers should be analyzed with SPME-GC/MS, and compared between newly-diagnosed group, relapse group, remission group, and healthy group with Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Dunn-Bonferroni test.@*RESULTS@#Dimethyl sulfide, toluene, and dodecane obtained of newly-diagnosed APL patients were significantly higher, while ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde were significantly lower than those of healthy people (P<0.05). Compared with the newly-diagnosed group, dimethylsulfide, toluene, and dodecane of the remission group significantly decreased, while ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde significantly increased (P<0.05), which was just opposite from the relapse group.@*CONCLUSION@#Dimethyl sulfide, toluene, dodecane, ethanol, n-hexanal, and benzaldehyde can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of APL patients.

Mecânica respiratória de pacientes com obesidade mórbida / Respiratory mechanics of patients with morbid obesity

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar os diferentes componentes da resistência do sistema respiratório e a força muscular respiratória, bem como investigar a ocorrência de limitação de fluxo expiratório (LFE) de pacientes obesos mórbidos (OM) na posição sentada. Métodos a amostra foi composta de OM (IMC ≥ 40 kg/m2) e de indivíduos não obesos (NO) com IMC entre 18 e 30 kg/m2. O protocolo foi composto de: avaliação antropométrica e da função respiratória (espirometria, pressões inspiratória (PIM) e expiratória máximas (PEM) e oscilometria de impulso). Na comparação entre os grupos, foi utilizado o teste T para amostras não pareadas. As correlações foram avaliadas pelo teste de Pearson, e o nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados Foram avaliados 50 OM (idade 40,0 ± 10,4 anos, 1,64 ± 0,09 m, 138,8 ± 33,6 kg e 50,7 ± 8,9 kg/m2), além de 30 NO (idade 37,6 ± 11,5 anos, 1,67 ± 0,09 m, 65,2 ± 10,3 kg e 23,2 ± 22 kg/m2). Os OM apresentaram maiores valores de resistência total, central, de vias aéreas, tecidual e periférica quando comparados aos NO. Nenhum paciente apresentou LFE. A circunferência abdominal se associou com variáveis espirométricas PIM e PEM. A relação cintura-quadril se correlacionou com variáveis de mecânica respiratória, além das espirométricas PIM e PEM. Conclusões pacientes com obesidade mórbida e sem padrão espirométrico obstrutivo apresentam aumento nas resistências total, de vias aéreas, periférica e tecidual do sistema respiratório quando comparados a não obesos. Esses indivíduos, entretanto, não apresentam limitação de fluxo expiratório e redução da força muscular respiratória.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the different components of the resistance of the respiratory system, respiratory muscle strength and to investigate the occurrence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) in patients with morbid obesity (MO) when seated. Methods The sample was composed of MO (BMI≥40 kg/m2) and non-obese individuals (NO) with a BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m2. The protocol consisted of the anthropometric assessment and the following measures of respiratory function: spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively) and impulse oscillometry. The group comparison was performed using T-test for unpaired samples. The correlations were evaluated by the Pearson test with a significance level of 5%. Results Fifty MO (age 40±10.4 years, 1.64±0.09 m, 138.8±33.6 kg and 50.7±8.9 kg/m2), and 30 NO (age 37.6±11.5 years, 1.67±0.09 m, 65.2±10.3 kg and 23.2±22 kg/m2) were evaluated. The MO showed higher values of total, peripheral, airways, tissue and central resistance when compared to the NO. No patient showed EFL. The waist circumference was associated with spirometric variables, MIP, and MEP. The waist-to-hip ratio was correlated to respiratory mechanics and spirometric variables, MIP, and MEP. Conclusion Morbidly obese patients with no obstructive spirometric pattern show increased total, airway, peripheral, and tissue respiratory system resistance when compared to nonobese. These individuals, however, do not present with expiratory flow limitation and reduced respiratory muscles strength.

Consideraciones anestésicas en hipercapnia intraoperatoria, a propósito de un caso / Case report: Anesthetic considerations in intraoperative hipercapnia

Hypercapnia during the intraoperative period is one of the relevant conditions for the anesthesiologist, which can even condition the anesthetic technique, in case of an eventual complication. Where ventilatory monitoring and the interpretation of said disorder allows to diagnose, plan and treat the physiological consequences in the patient. We present the case of a 20 year old patient, scheduled for orthognathic surgery for diagnosis of mandibular body fracture, without added pathologies, no chest trauma, no ventilation disorders. It is presented with the objective of discussing the different considerations to be taken before the progressive establishment of hypercapnia, its causes, consequences and its management.

La hipercapnia durante el intraoperatorio es una de las condiciones relevantes para el anestesiólogo, la cual puede incluso condicionar la técnica anestésica ante una eventual complicación. Donde la monitorización ventilatoria y la interpretación de dicho trastorno permite diagnosticar, planificar y tratar las consecuencias fisiológicas en el paciente. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 20 años programada para cirugía ortognática por diagnóstico de fractura de cuerpo mandibular, sin patologías añadidas no traumas torácicos, no trastornos de ventilación. Se presenta con el objetivo de discutir las diferentes consideraciones a tomar ante la instauración progresiva de hipercapnia sus causas, consecuencias así como su manejo.

Consenso chileno de técnicas de kinesiología respiratoria en pediatría / Chilean consensus about pediatric chest physioterapy

Chest physiotherapy is currently an outstanding therapeutic tool for the management of pediatric respiratory patients. Many and varied techniques, manual and assisted, have been developed, some requiring patient collaboration. The development of knowledge and the pathophysiological understanding of respiratory diseases in recent years has generated the need to agree on the terminology, the fundamentals and the application of each of the kinesthetic techniques of respiratory treatment in the pediatric field. The objective of this document was to compile the available literature related to the physiological mechanisms, indications, procedural aspects and most frequently used techniques in our country, with the purpose of being a guideline for the clinical practice of professionals and students. The following techniques were included: prolonged slow expiration, slow expiration with glottis opened, autogenic drainage, assisted autogenic drainage, active cycle, compression/decompression, airway clearance, forced expiration techniques, cough and respiratory exercises.

La kinesiología respiratoria es actualmente una herramienta terapéutica destacada para el manejo de los pacientes respiratorios pediátricos. Se han desarrollado muchas y variadas técnicas, manuales y asistidas, algunas requiriendo colaboración del paciente. El desarrollo del conocimiento y la comprensión fisiopatológica de las enfermedades respiratorias en los últimos años ha generado la necesidad de consensuar la terminología, los fundamentos y la aplicación de cada una de las técnicas kinésicas de tratamiento respiratorio en el ámbito pediátrico. El objetivo de este documento fue recopilar la literatura disponible relacionada con los mecanismos fisiológicos, indicaciones, aspectos procedimentales y técnicas más utilizadas en nuestro país, con el propósito de ser una directriz que oriente la práctica clínica de profesionales y estudiantes en formación. Se incluyeron así las siguientes técnicas: espiración lenta prolongada, espiración lenta con glotis abierta, drenaje autógeno, drenaje autógeno asistido, ciclo activo, presión/descompresión, bloqueos torácicos, técnicas de espiración forzada, tos y ejercicios respiratorios.

Pneumo-phono-articulatory coordination assessment in dysarthria cases: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Pneumo-phono-articulatory coordination is often impaired in dysarthric patients. Because all speech is produced upon exhalation, adequate respiratory support and coordination are essential for communication. Nevertheless, studies investigating respiratory parameters for speech are scarce. The objectives of the present study were to analyze and compare the numbers of words and syllables (universal measurement) per exhalation among healthy and dysarthric speakers, in different speech tasks. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional analytical study with a control group was conducted at the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at UNIFESP. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 62 individuals: 31 dysarthric patients and 31 healthy individuals matched for sex, age and education level. All participants performed number counting and text reading tests in which the numbers of words and syllables per exhalation were recorded. All measurements obtained from the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the dysarthric and healthy groups were found in the two tasks (counting of syllables and words per exhalation) (P < 0.001). In contrast, the performance of the dysarthric patients did not vary according to the task: reading and number counting in syllables/exhalation (P = 0.821) or words/exhalation (P = 0.785). CONCLUSIONS: The mean numbers of words and syllables per exhalation among dysarthric subjects did not vary according to the speech task used but they clearly showed differences between dysarthric patients and normal healthy subjects. The study also made it possible to obtain preliminary data on the average numbers of words and syllables per expiration produced by healthy individuals during their speech production.

Associação entre a fração exalada de óxido nítrico e dados da espirometria e o controle clínico da asma em crianças e adolescentes / Association between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide and spirometry data and clinical control of asthma in children and adolescents

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre os valores da fração exalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) e do volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e o grau de controle da asma, segundo proposta do Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), em crianças e adolescentes asmáticos atendidos no Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz(IFF/FIOCRUZ). Métodos: Estudo transversal, com revisão de prontuários de 90 asmáticos entre 7 e17 anos de idade, acompanhados no Ambulatório de Asma do IFF/FIOCRUZ e encaminhados ao setor de Prova de Função Respiratória (PFR) entre março de 2013 e setembro de 2014. Após classificação segundo o GINA, os pacientes realizaram espirometria completa e medida da FeNO. Posteriormente, foram separados em dois grupos: em uso regular e não regular de corticosteroide inalatório (CI), independentemente do padrão ventilatório na espirometria. Resultados: Observou-se associação entre os valores de VEF1 e o grau de controle da asma segundo o GINA (p=0,001) em todos os pacientes analisados, independentemente do uso de CI, mas não houve associação entre os valores de VEF1 e os níveis da FeNO. Conclusões: A correlação observada entre o GINA e o VEF1 reforça a importância da espirometria no seguimento clínico desses pacientes. Embora não tenha sido detectada associação entre o valor da FeNO e o grau de controle da asma e o VEF1,a FeNO pode constituir um método precoce para detectar inflamação nas vias aéreas, antes mesmo dos sintomas e das alterações espirométricas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the level of asthma control, as proposed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), in asthmatic children and adolescents attended at the National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents Health Fernandes Figueira of Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IFF/FIOCRUZ). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a review of medical records of 90 asthmatics between 7 and 17 years old, who were followed up at the IFF/FIOCRUZ Asthma Outpatient Clinic and were referred to perform respiratory function tests (RFT)between March 2013 and September 2014. After classification according to GINA, patients performed complete spirometry and FeNO measurement. Subsequently, they were separated into two groups: regular and non-regular inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use, regardless of the ventilatory pattern in spirometry. Results: The association between FEV1 values and the degree of asthma control according to GINA (p=0.001) was observed in all patients, regardless of ICS use, but there was no association between FEV1 and levels of FeNO. Conclusions: The correlation observed between GINA and FEV1 reinforces the importance of spirometry in the clinical follow-up of these patients. Although no association was found between the value of FeNO and the degree of asthma control and FEV1, FeNO may be an early method to detect airway inflammation, even before the symptoms and spirometric changes.

Between-occasion repeatability of fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements in children / Repetibilidade de medidas da fração de óxido nítrico exalado em crianças em duas ocasiões

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess short-term repeatability of measurements of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and its correlates in children in the 6- to 9-year age bracket participating in a respiratory epidemiological survey. FENO was measured in two sessions one week apart in 101 children. Participants were divided into three groups: asymptomatic (n = 76); symptomatic (n = 14); and asthma (n = 11). Absolute and relative differences between the measurements, as well as concordance correlation coefficients, were used in order to assess repeatability. The two FENO measurements were strongly correlated (0.98). Although intragroup comparisons of the two measurements were not significantly different (p = 0.2), intergroup comparisons were. FENO measurements are reproducible in children in epidemiological settings.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a repetibilidade em curto prazo de medidas da fração de óxido nítrico exalado (FENO) e seus correlatos em crianças de 6-9 anos participantes de uma pesquisa epidemiológica respiratória. A FENO foi medida em duas sessões, com uma semana de intervalo, em 101 crianças. Os participantes foram divididos em três grupos: assintomático (n = 76), sintomático (n = 14) e asma (n = 11). A repetibilidade foi avaliada por meio de diferenças absolutas e relativas entre as medidas, bem como por coeficientes de correlação de concordância. As duas medidas da FENO correlacionaram-se fortemente (0,98). Embora as comparações entre as duas medidas em um mesmo grupo não tenham sido significativamente diferentes (p = 0,2), as comparações entre os grupos o foram. Medidas da FENO são reprodutíveis em crianças em cenários epidemiológicos.

Measurement of Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Children: A Comparison Between NObreath® and NIOX VERO® Analyzers

PURPOSE: Few studies have compared fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement by NIOX VERO® (NOV) and other devices in children. Moreover, there is no agreement between differences in FeNO values obtained using different devices in adults. Here, we compared FeNO values obtained using NOV and NObreath® (NOB) systems to derive a correction equation for children. METHODS: Eighty-eight participants (age 7–15 years) who were diagnosed with atopic bronchial asthma and visited Sagamihara National Hospital as outpatients between January and April of 2017 were included. We measured FeNO values obtained using NOB and NOV, and analyzed them using Wilcoxon tests and Altman-Bland plots. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 11.5 years, and the scored Asthma Control Test (ACT) or Childhood ACT (C-ACT) was 25 (interquartile range, 24–25) or 26 (24–27). NOB and NOV values were significantly different (31 [14–52] versus 36 [20–59] ppb; P = 0.020) and strongly correlated (r = 0.92). An equation to convert NOB values into NOV values was derived using linear regression as follows: log NOV = 0.7329 × log NOB + 0.4704; NOB for 20, 40, 58, 80 and 100 ppb corresponded to NOV for 27, 44, 59, 73 and 86 ppb. Thus, NOB 58 ppb suggested NOB > NOV. CONCLUSIONS: NOB and NOV values were strongly correlated. Participants whose FeNO values were relatively low represented NOB NOV.

Measurement and modeling of indoor radon concentrations in residential buildings

Radon, the primary constituent of natural radiation, is the second leading environmental cause of lung cancer after smoking. To confirm a relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer, estimating cumulative levels of exposure to indoor radon for an individual or population is necessary. This study sought to develop a model for estimate indoor radon concentrations in Korea. Especially, our model and method may have wider application to other residences, not to specific site, and can be used in situations where actual measurements for input variables are lacking. In order to develop a model, indoor radon concentrations were measured at 196 ground floor residences using passive alpha-track detectors between January and April 2016. The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) means of indoor radon concentrations were 117.86±72.03 and 95.13±2.02 Bq/m³, respectively. Questionnaires were administered to assess the characteristics of each residence, the environment around the measuring equipment, and lifestyles of the residents. Also, national data on indoor radon concentrations at 7643 detached houses for 2011-2014 were reviewed to determine radon concentrations in the soil, and meteorological data on temperature and wind speed were utilized to approximate ventilation rates. The estimated ventilation rates and radon exhalation rates from the soil varied from 0.18 to 0.98/hr (AM, 0.59±0.17/hr) and 326.33 to 1392.77 Bq/m²/hr (AM, 777.45±257.39; GM, 735.67±1.40 Bq/m²/hr), respectively. With these results, the developed model was applied to estimate indoor radon concentrations for 157 residences (80% of all 196 residences), which were randomly sampled. The results were in better agreement for Gyeonggi and Seoul than for other regions of Korea. Overall, the actual and estimated radon concentrations were in better agreement, except for a few low-concentration residences.

Measurement and modeling of indoor radon concentrations in residential buildings

Radon, the primary constituent of natural radiation, is the second leading environmental cause of lung cancer after smoking. To confirm a relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer, estimating cumulative levels of exposure to indoor radon for an individual or population is necessary. This study sought to develop a model for estimate indoor radon concentrations in Korea. Especially, our model and method may have wider application to other residences, not to specific site, and can be used in situations where actual measurements for input variables are lacking. In order to develop a model, indoor radon concentrations were measured at 196 ground floor residences using passive alpha-track detectors between January and April 2016. The arithmetic mean (AM) and geometric mean (GM) means of indoor radon concentrations were 117.86±72.03 and 95.13±2.02 Bq/m³, respectively. Questionnaires were administered to assess the characteristics of each residence, the environment around the measuring equipment, and lifestyles of the residents. Also, national data on indoor radon concentrations at 7643 detached houses for 2011-2014 were reviewed to determine radon concentrations in the soil, and meteorological data on temperature and wind speed were utilized to approximate ventilation rates. The estimated ventilation rates and radon exhalation rates from the soil varied from 0.18 to 0.98/hr (AM, 0.59±0.17/hr) and 326.33 to 1392.77 Bq/m²/hr (AM, 777.45±257.39; GM, 735.67±1.40 Bq/m²/hr), respectively. With these results, the developed model was applied to estimate indoor radon concentrations for 157 residences (80% of all 196 residences), which were randomly sampled. The results were in better agreement for Gyeonggi and Seoul than for other regions of Korea. Overall, the actual and estimated radon concentrations were in better agreement, except for a few low-concentration residences.

Influencia del polimorfismo inserción / deleción (rs4646994) del gen de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina en la presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máxima de jóvenes chilenos sedentarios / Influence of the polymorphism insertion / deletion (rs4646994) of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene on maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure of Chilean sedentary youth

RESUMEN: La expresión de los genes puede impactar sobre el rendimiento muscular. En este aspecto el polimorfismo del gen de la Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina (ECA), dependiendo de su inserción (Ins) o deleción (Del) puede potenciar diferentes cualidades musculares. Del mismo modo, si consideramos la ventilación como un proceso vital, sería relevante investigar si existe una influencia de este polimorfismo sobre los músculos que llevan a cabo tan importante función. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar el rendimiento muscular inspiratorio y espiratorio según alelos y polimorfismos del gen de la ECA. Se sometió a 83 sujetos (18 a 35 años), 46 hombres y 37 mujeres, a evaluaciones de capacidad vital forzada (CVF), presión inspiratoria máxima y presión espiratoria máxima (PIM-PEM). Posterior a esto, la genotipificación fue realizada por polimerase chain reaction (PCR) y electroforesis en gel de agarosa. Las variables fueron sometidas al análisis estadístico correspondiente según su distribución paramétrica, el nivel de significancia establecido fue un p<0,05. La distribución genotípica fue: Ins/Ins: 28 %, Ins/Del: 62 % y Del/Del: 19 %. Las mujeres homocigoto Ins, presentaron mayor PIM y PEM en modelos por genotipos (p=0,043; p=0,0001 respectivamente) y por dominancia (p=0,019; p=0,0008 respectivamente). La distribución genotípica y frecuencia alélica fue similar a la descrita anteriormente en población chilena. Además, las mujeres portadoras del alelo Ins, presentaron mayor PIM y PEM.

SUMMARY: Gene expression can impact muscle performance. In this aspect genetic polymorphism of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), depending on its insertion or deletion can strengthen different muscle qualities. Similarly, if we consider ventilation as a vital process, it would be important to research whether or not, there is an influence of this polymorphism on the muscles that perform such an important function. The aim of this study was to determine the inspiratory and expiratory muscle performance according alleles and polymorphisms of the ACE gene. We subjected 83 individuals (18-35 years), 46 men and 37 women, to forced vital capacity evaluations, maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure. Genotyping was subsequently performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. The variables were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis by parametric distribution, the significance level was set at p <0.05. The genotype distribution was: Ins/Ins: 28 %, Ins/Del: 62 % and Del/Del: 19 %. Women homozygous Ins, exhibited a higher maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure in models for genotypes (p = 0.043; p = 0.0001 respectively) and for dominance (p = 0.019; p = 0.0008 respectively). The genotype distribution and allele frequency was similar to that described above, in Chilean population. Furthermore, women carrying the Ins allele had a higher maximum inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure.

Thoracoabdominal mobility evaluation by photogrammetry in newborns after expiratory flow increase technique / Avaliação da mobilidade toracoabdominal por fotogrametria em recém-nascidos após a técnica de aumento do fluxo expiratório

Abstract Introduction: Expiratory flow increase is a maneuver of respiratory physical therapy that promotes flow direction to the upper airways however, when applied in newborns, it may result in changes of thoracoabdominal mobility. Objective: To evaluate the thoracoabdominal mobility by photogrammetry in newborns after expiratory flow increase technique. Methods: Experimental blind study performed with newborns in supine position on a support table with upper limbs flexed, abducted and externally rotated and hip flexed at 110°. Adhesive markers were allocated for geometric delimitation of the thoracoabdominal compartment and expiratory flow increase technique was performed for 5 minutes with the therapist's hands on the thorax and abdomen. Newborns were filmed before and after the maneuver and the frames were analyzed in AutoCAD® software by a blinded investigator at the time of the procedure. The largest and the smallest thoracoabdominal area were expressed in cm2 and the mean values were compared between two moments (pre and post maneuver) by paired t test. Results: Twenty newborns with a mean age of 39 weeks were included. Before the maneuver, thoracoabdominal area was 56.1 cm2 during expiration and 59.7 cm2 during inspiration, and after the maneuver the value was 56.2 cm2 during expiration and 59.8 cm2 during inspiration, with no statistical difference between before and after (p = 0.97, p = 0.92, respectively). Conclusion: Results demonstrate that expiratory flow increase technique does not seem to change thoracoabdominal mobility of healthy newborns.

Resumo Introdução: O aumento do fluxo expiratório é uma manobra da fisioterapia respiratória que promove um direcionamento do fluxo para as vias aéreas superiores, entretanto, quando aplicada em recém-nascidos, pode resultar em uma variação da mobilidade toracoabdominal. Objetivo: Avaliar a mobilidade toracoabdominal pela fotogrametria em recém-nascidos após a manobra de aumento do fluxo expiratório. Métodos: Estudo experimental, cego, realizado com os recém-nascidos posicionados em supino sobre uma bancada de apoio com o membro superior em flexão, abdução e rotação externa e quadril flexionado a 110°. Foram alocados marcadores adesivos para a delimitação geométrica do compartimento toracoabdominal e o aumento do fluxo expiratório foi realizado por 5 minutos com as mãos do terapeuta sobre o tórax e abdome. Os recém-nascidos foram filmados pré e pós-manobra e os fotogramas foram analisados no software AutoCAD por um pesquisador cego ao momento do experimento. A maior e a menor área toracoabdominal foram expressas em cm 2 e os valores médios foram comparados entre os dois momentos (pré e pós manobra) pelo Teste t pareado. Resultados: Foram incluídos 20 recém-nascidos com idade média de 39 semanas. Antes da manobra a área toracoabdominal foi 56,1 cm2 durante a expiração e 59,7 cm 2 na inspiração e após a manobra o valor foi 56,2 cm 2 durante a expiração e 59,8 cm 2 durante a inspiração, sem diferença estatística entre o antes e o depois (p = 0,97, p = 0,92, respectivamente). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que a técnica de aumento do fluxo expiratório parece não alterar a mobilidade toracoabdominal de recém-nascidos saudáveis.

Manobra de compressão torácica expiratória em adultos ventilados mecanicamente: revisão sistemática com metanálise / Expiratory rib cage compression in mechanically ventilated adults: systematic review with meta-analysis

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar na literatura os efeitos da manobra de compressão torácica expiratória sobre a mecânica ventilatória, a desobstrução brônquica, e os índices de oxigenação e hemodinâmica de pacientes adultos ventilados mecanicamente. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados nas bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro e LILACS. Foram incluídos estudos com pacientes adultos, internados em unidades de terapia intensiva, ventilados mecanicamente, que comparavam os efeitos da manobra de compressão torácica expiratória com grupo controle (sem manobra de compressão torácica expiratória) e que avaliaram os seguintes desfechos: complacência estática e dinâmica, volume de secreção depurado, pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica, pressão arterial média, frequência cardíaca, saturação periférica de oxigênio e relação entre pressão arterial de oxigênio e fração inspirada de oxigênio. Foram excluídos estudos experimentais com animais e estudos com dados incompletos. Resultados: A estratégia de busca resultou em 5.816 estudos, sendo incluídos apenas três estudos randomizados com crossover, totalizando 93 pacientes. No desfecho de frequência cardíaca, observou-se redução a favor da manobra de compressão torácica expiratória, comparada com o grupo controle [-2,81bpm (IC95%: -4,73 a 0,89; I2: 0%)]. Na complacência dinâmica, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos [-0,58mL/cmH2O (IC95%: -2,98 a 1,82; I2: 1%)]. Nas variáveis, pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica após avaliação descritiva, foram encontradas diferenças significativas, entretanto, para variáveis volume de secreção, complacência estática, relação pressão arterial de oxigênio por fração inspirada de oxigênio e saturação periférica de oxigênio, não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos. Conclusão: Faltam evidências que sustentem o uso da manobra de compressão torácica expiratória na rotina assistencial, pois a literatura sobre o tema é de baixa qualidade metodológica e inconclusiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To review the literature on the effects of expiratory rib cage compression on ventilatory mechanics, airway clearance, and oxygen and hemodynamic indices in mechanically ventilated adults. Methods: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in the databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, and LILACS. Studies on adult patients hospitalized in intensive care units and under mechanical ventilation that analyzed the effects of expiratory rib cage compression with respect to a control group (without expiratory rib cage compression) and evaluated the outcomes static and dynamic compliance, sputum volume, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, and ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen were included. Experimental studies with animals and those with incomplete data were excluded. Results: The search strategy produced 5,816 studies, of which only three randomized crossover trials were included, totaling 93 patients. With respect to the outcome of heart rate, values were reduced in the expiratory rib cage compression group compared with the control group [-2.81 bpm (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: -4.73 to 0.89; I2: 0%)]. Regarding dynamic compliance, there was no significant difference between groups [-0.58mL/cmH2O (95%CI: -2.98 to 1.82; I2: 1%)]. Regarding the variables systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, significant differences were found after descriptive evaluation. However, there was no difference between groups regarding the variables secretion volume, static compliance, ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen, and peripheral oxygen saturation. Conclusion: There is a lack of evidence to support the use of expiratory rib cage compression in routine care, given that the literature on this topic offers low methodological quality and is inconclusive.

High fractional exhaled nitric oxide may predict response to inhaled corticosteroid therapy in patients with subacute cough / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) level in patients with subacute cough and its value in predicting the patients' response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 100 patients with persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks were enrolled, including 52 patients with subacute cough and 48 with chronic cough. FENO, spirometry, and responses to ICS therapy of the patients were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recruited patients had a median (inter-quartile ranges) FENO level of 19 ppb (12-30 ppb). Patients with chronic cough had a significantly higher median FENO level than those with subacute cough (20.5 vs 16 ppb; Z=-2.245, P=0.025). A FENO level ≥25 ppb was recorded in 15 (28.8%) patients with subacute cough, as compared with 20 (41.6%) in patients with chronic cough (χ(2)=1.801, P=0.179). With a FENO ≥25 ppb as the critical value to justify ICS treatment, 15 patients with subacute cough received ICS and 14 (93.3%) of them showed obvious relief of cough after 2 weeks of therapy, a response rate similar to that of 85.0% (17/20) in patients with chronic cough receiving the treatment (χ(2)=0.588, P=0.443). In patients with subacute cough, those with cough variant asthma (CVA) or eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) had a significantly higher median FENO level than those with postinfectious cough [(16 (11-31) ppb vs 11 (8-19) ppb, P<0.01]. In the etiological analysis, CVA or EB was identified in 23 (44.2%) of the patients with subacute cough, as compared 21 (43.8%) in patients with chronic cough (χ(2)=0.002, P=0.961).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FENO may be an important indicator for etiological diagnosis of subacute cough and for predicting the response to ICS treatment.</p>

Comparison of Effects of Exhalation and Inhalation Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Function and Complications in Elderly Patients with Upper-abdominal Surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of exhalation breathing exercises using expirometer and that of inhalation breathing exercises using incentive spirometry on pulmonary function and complications in elderly patients with upper-abdominal surgery. METHODS: The research design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. Participants were 63 patients who underwent upper-abdominal surgery under general anesthesia (32 in experiment group, 31 in control group). They were recruited at P university hospital from August 1 to November 30, 2015. Effects were evaluated by measuring pulmonary functions (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC], Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second [FEV1]) and pulmonary complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: There was no difference in FVC between the experimental group and the control group, but FEV1 in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the control group by time change (p=.001). Also, there were no pulmonary complications in the experimental group but there were 5 cases (16.1%)(p=.018) in the control group. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that exhalation breathing exercises by elderly patients following upper-abdominal surgery is an effective nursing intervention in enhancing pulmonary function and preventing pulmonary complications.