Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials an...Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)were collected,and chest CT and pulmonary function tests were performed at the same time.Here DLCO%and FEV1%were used as the pulmonary function indexes.The severity of the patients was assessed by CT scores as mild(range,1~10),moderate(range 11~20),and severe(range 21~30).Correlation analysis was carried out between CT score and pulmonary function index,and the lung function parameters of patients at three grades were compared between groups and pairwise among the means.Results:As per the CT severity classification,there were 13 mild cases,31 moderate cases,and 16 severe cases.CT score was negatively correlated with DLCO%and FEV1%.R value was-0.814 and-0.797,respectively;The comparison of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%among the three groups and the pairings of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%were statistically significant.Conclusion:There was good correlation between CT score of ILD and the pulmonary function index.The pulmonary function index of patients with different CT severity grading was statistically significant,which can provide a new basis for the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of the disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Research indicates that COPD affects cardiac au-tonomic control,and heart rate variability(HRV)serves as a sim...BACKGROUND Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Research indicates that COPD affects cardiac au-tonomic control,and heart rate variability(HRV)serves as a simple,non-invasive measure of autonomic nerve activity.However,the relationship between HRV and lung function,as well as the impact of depressive symptoms,remains un-clear.METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 120 COPD patients hospitalized from January 2018 to January 2024 at our institution was conducted.Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected,and depressive symptoms were asse-ssed using the Beck Depression Inventory(BDI).Patients were categorized into a depressed group(BDI≥16)and a non-depressed group(BDI<16).A control group consisting of 60 healthy volunteers who underwent check-ups at the same institution was also included.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 software.Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine and compare the relationships between HRV parameters,lung function measures,and RESULTS Of the 120 patients with COPD,35.8%(43/120)were diagnosed with depression,compared to 5.0%(3/60)in the control group.The HRV index in COPD patients was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the value in the depressed group was significantly lower than that in the non-depressed group(P<0.05).Similarly,the COPD group had a significantly lower pulmonary forced vital capacity(FVC),first-second expiratory volume(FEV1)and FEV1/FVC ratios than the control group(P<0.05),and the depressed group was significantly lower than that in the non-depressed group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the standard deviation of normal R-R intervals,standard deviation of the mean of 5-minute normal R-R intervals,root mean square of successive differences of normal R-R intervals,percentage of normal R-R intervals greater than 50 ms,high-frequency,and low-frequency indices showed positive correlations with lung function parameters(P<0.05)and negative correlations with BDI scores(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared to patients without COPD,the incidence of depressive symptoms is higher among patients with COPD and is negatively correlated with the patients’HRV indices.In contrast,HRV indices are positively correlated with the patients’pulmonary function parameters.Patients and healthcare professionals should enhance their awareness of depression,actively conduct depression assessment screenings,and incorporate HRV indices into disease management.This approach aims to improve the psychological health of patients and ultimately enhance their prognosis and quality of life.展开更多
BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are ra...BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.展开更多
BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but da...BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.展开更多
This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation...This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation systems.The research methods include the construction of a theoretical model of safety for intelligent connected vehicles based on the concept of virtual twins,the correlation study between key concepts and functional safety,and the application research of virtual twin technology in the safety testing of intelligent connected vehicles.The results reveal that the virtual twin testing framework can effectively enhance the functional safety of intelligent connected vehicles,reduce development costs,and shorten the product launch cycle.The conclusion suggests that this framework provides strong support for the healthy development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry and has a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of intelligent transportation systems.展开更多
The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine.Despite their reliability,traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis.Point...The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine.Despite their reliability,traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis.Point-of-care testing(POCT)has emerged as a promising alternative,which is awaiting rigorous validation.We assessed 226 samples from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University using a Beckman Coulter AU5821 and a PUSHKANG POCT Biochemistry Analyzer MS100.Furthermore,350 samples were evaluated with a Stago coagulation analyzer STAR MAX and a PUSHKANG POCT Coagulation Analyzer MC100.Metrics included thirteen biochemical indexes,such as albumin,and five coagulation indices,such as prothrombin time.Comparisons were drawn against the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer.Bland-Altman plots(MS100:0.8206-0.9995;MC100:0.8318-0.9911)evinced significant consistency between methodologies.Spearman correlation pinpointed a potent linear association between conventional devices and the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer,further underscored by a robust correlation coefficient(MS100:0.713-0.949;MC100:0.593-0.950).The PUSHKANG POCT was validated as a dependable tool for serum and whole blood biochemical and coagulation diagnostics.This emphasizes its prospective clinical efficacy,offering clinicians a swift diagnostic tool and heralding a new era of enhanced patient care outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary...BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.展开更多
After stroke,even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity,leading to reduced functional independence.Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promisi...After stroke,even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity,leading to reduced functional independence.Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits.However,the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear,limiting the development of more targeted interventions.To address this gap,our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination.Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke(7 women,17 men;mean age 64.75±10.84 years)participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test,which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity.We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks,with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask.Importantly,patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks.Notably,the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask.In the unaffected hand task,the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere.In contrast,the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task,respectively.While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks,no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks.This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke,highlighting task-dependent neural responses.The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation.Therefore,incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes.The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.展开更多
This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates t...This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on lung function in patients with IPF.The early and advanced stages of IPF are defined,highlighting the drug's benefits.While prior research indicates pirfenidone's effectiveness in advanced IPF,this study focuses on its advantages in early stages.The study emphasizes the importance of computed tomography imaging alongside biochemical data and lung function tests for a comprehensive analysis of symptom relief.Results show that early intervention with pirfenidone significantly reduces disease progression and preserves lung function,underscoring its potential as a critical treatment strategy in early IPF.展开更多
Objective. To study the difference of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in high-resolution computerized tomography and pulmonary function test among different connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Methods. 209 patients w...Objective. To study the difference of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in high-resolution computerized tomography and pulmonary function test among different connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Methods. 209 patients with different CTDs were recruited and underwent lung HRCT and PFT. Eerythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin (SF), anti-SSA, and so on were tested. Based on HRCT, a patient was classified into ILD group (CTD+ILD) or non-ILD group (CTD-ILD). HRCT, PFT, and laboratory markers were compared according to CTDs and CTD-associated ILDs. Results. The incidences of ILD were 79.6%, 82.0%, 89.7%, and 97.1% respectively for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjogren’s symptom (pSS), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) groups. RA and pSS patients exhibited more nodules, patching, ground-glass opacity, and cord shadow foci in HRCT, DM/PM and SSc patients exhibited more reticular opacity and honeycombing foci. RA and pSS patients exhibited more obstructive ventilatory disorder, small airway dysfunction and emphysema in PFT, and DM/PM and SSc patients exhibited more restrictive ventilatory disorder, mixed ventilatory disorder. ESR, CRP and SF were significantly higher in total CTD+ILD group than in total CTD-ILD group (P = 0.047, 0.006, 0.004, respectively), and higher in different CTD+ ILD groups than in comparable CTD-ILD groups (P = 0.049, 0.048, and 0.023, pSS+ILD, SSc+ILD and RA+ILD compared to pSS-ILD, SSc-ILD and RA-ILD, respectively for ESR, CRP, SF). The positive rate of anti-SSA was significantly higher in DM/PM+ILD group than in DM/PM-ILD group (P = 0.025). Conclusions. The manifestations and incidences of ILDs differ among different CTDs in HRCT and PFT, and inflammation and anti-SSA are positively correlated with ILDs in different CTDs, which provide important evidences for judging disease condition and prognosis.展开更多
AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively id...AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively identified 52 consecutive adult patients with hPIDs who underwent 64-row HRCT and PFTs at the time of diagnosis. On a per-patient basis, an experienced radiologist recorded airway abnormalities(bronchiectasis,airway wall thickening, mucus plugging, tree-in-bud, and air-trapping) and parenchymal-interstitial abnormalities(consolidations, ground-glass opacities,linear and/or irregular opacities, nodules, and bullae/cysts) found on HRCT.The chi-square test was performed to compare the prevalence of each abnormality among patients with different subtypes of hPIDs. Overall logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether HRCT findings predicted obstructive and/or restrictive PFTs results(absent-to-mild vs moderate-tosevere).RESULTS Thirty-eight of the 52 patients with hPIDs showed common variable immunodeficiency disorders(CVID), while the remaining 14 had CVID-like conditions(i.e., 11 had isolated IgG subclass deficiencies and 3 had selective IgA deficiencies). The prevalence of most HRCT abnormalities was not significantly different between CVID and CVID-like patients(P > 0.05), except for linear and/or irregular opacities(prevalence of 31.6% in the CVID group and 0 in the CVID-like group; P = 0.0427). Airway wall thickening was the most frequent HRCT abnormality found in both CVID and CVID-like patients(71% of cases in both groups). The presence of tree-in-bud abnormalities was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe obstructive defects at PFTs(Odds Ratio, OR, of 18.75, P < 0.05), while the presence of linear and/or irregular opacities was an independent predictor of restrictive defects at PFTs(OR = 13.00; P < 0.05).CONCLUSION CVID and CVID-like patients showed similar HRCT findings. Tree-in-bud and linear and/or irregular opacities predicted higher risks of, respectively,obstructive and restrictive defects at PFTs.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with stroke frequently experience pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To explore the effects of information-motivation-behavioral(IMB)skills modelbased nursing care on pulmonary function,blood gas indices,co...BACKGROUND Patients with stroke frequently experience pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To explore the effects of information-motivation-behavioral(IMB)skills modelbased nursing care on pulmonary function,blood gas indices,complication rates,and quality of life(QoL)in stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.METHODS We conducted a controlled study involving 120 stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.The control group received routine care,whereas the intervention group received IMB-model-based nursing care.Various parameters including pulmonary function,blood gas indices,complication rates,and QoL were assessed before and after the intervention.RESULTS Baseline data of the control and intervention groups were comparable.Post-intervention,the IMB model-based care group showed significant improvements in pulmonary function indicators,forced expiratory volume in 1 sec,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow compared with the control group.Blood gas indices,such as arterial oxygen pressure and arterial oxygen saturation,increased significantly,and arterial carbon dioxide partial.pressure decreased significantly in the IMB model-based care group compared with the control group.The intervention group also had a lower complication rate(6.67%vs 23.33%)and higher QoL scores across all domains than the control group.CONCLUSION IMB model-based nursing care significantly enhanced pulmonary function,improved blood gas indices,reduced complication rates,and improved the QoL of stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.Further research is needed to validate these results and to assess the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of the model.展开更多
AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with...AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with chronic HCV infection without diagnosis of any pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy cases were enrolled in the study,PFT and HRCT were performed in all cases. RESULTS:A decrease lower than 80% of the predicted value was detected in vital capacity in 9/34 patients,in forced expiratory volume in one second in 8/34 patients,and in forced expiratory flow 25-75 in 15/34 patients,respectively.Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased in 26/34 patients.Findings of interstitial pulmonary involvement were detected in the HRCT of 16/34 patients.Significant difference was found between controls and patients with HCV infection in findings of HRCT (X^2=4.7,P=0.003).Knodell histological activity index (KHAI) of 28/34 patients in whom liver biopsy was applied was 9.0±4.7.HRCT findings,PFT values and DLCO were not affected by KHAI in patients with HCV infection.In these patients,all the parameters were related with age. CONCLUSION:We suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus infection may cause pulmonary interstitial involvement without evident respiratory symptoms.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients...Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled. The enrollment criteria were FEV1.0% 8 by the Goddard classification or interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography. Patients underwent testing for pulmonary function, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and stair-climbing test (SCT). Postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCPCs) were recorded. Results: Four patients developed PCPCs. There were no significant differences between the patients with PCPCs (n = 4) and those without PCPCs (n = 9) for background data and PFT. The distances achieved in the 6MWT were 503 ± 72.7 m for patients without PCPCs and 369 ± 50.7 m for patients with PCPCs (p = 0.011). The SCT climbing heights were 20.4 ± 5.3 m for patients without PCPCs and 14.9 ± 4.0 m for patients with PCPCs (P = 0.187). Cut-off points, including a 6MFT distance of less than 400 m, SCT height lower than 15 m, and SCT climbing speed less than 8.5 m/min, were predictive of CPCP. Conclusions: Exercise testing is more feasible for predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications than stationary pulmonary function testing.展开更多
We retrospectively assessed long-term pulmonary function in adults surviving for ≥5 years after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and identified risk factors for late-onset noninfectiou...We retrospectively assessed long-term pulmonary function in adults surviving for ≥5 years after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and identified risk factors for late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications. Among 174 patients undergoing transplantation for hematologic malignancies between May 1994 and December 2004, 81 long-term survivors were evaluated. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed before conditioning, 3 months and 1 year after transplantation, and then annually. Eight patients (10%) had abnormal pulmonary function before transplantation, but this was not associated with late changes in PFTs. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) showed a significant decline of lung function after 3 years when compared with patients without chronic GVHD. Abnormal pretransplantation lung function was associated with pulmonary chronic GVHD according to National Institutes of Health criteria (score 0, n = 58;score 1, n = 14;score 2, n = 6;score 3, n = 3). Five patients with late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications showed a decline of lung function at 1 year after transplantation. Only chronic GVHD was significantly related to late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications. In conclusion, abnormal lung function before transplantation may be associated with a decline in pulmonary function within 1 year after transplantation, but late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications could not be predicted from pretransplantation lung function.展开更多
Workers involved in hydraulic fracking processes are exposed to various types of chemicals and dusts in their workplaces, such as proppants, which hold open the fissures created in the fracking process. Recently, cera...Workers involved in hydraulic fracking processes are exposed to various types of chemicals and dusts in their workplaces, such as proppants, which hold open the fissures created in the fracking process. Recently, ceramic proppants have been developed that may be less hazardous to workers than traditional proppants. Pulmonary function testing of workers producing ceramic proppant was used to assess the potential inhalation hazards of ceramic proppant. 100 male workers from a producer of ceramic proppant were evaluated with pulmonary function test data collected and evaluated using The American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability criteria. A comparison group was selected from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) spirometry laboratory subset. No pulmonary function deficits were found in the worker group in comparison to the NHANES III population. Mean FEV1 and FVC values in workers were 3.8 and 4.8 liters respectively, and were greater as compared to the NHANES III population of similar demographics. An FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.8, when compared to the NHANES III group, produced an odds ratio of 0.44 in worker group, indicating less risk of preclinical pulmonary dysfunction. Overall, exposure to ceramic proppant was not found to produce an adverse impact on pulmonary function in workers engaged in the manufacture of ceramic proppant.展开更多
NOx sensors, as a core component of diesel engine exhaust treatment system, play an important role in exhaust emission control, which can accurately and quickly detect the NOx and O2 concentration. It has become a nec...NOx sensors, as a core component of diesel engine exhaust treatment system, play an important role in exhaust emission control, which can accurately and quickly detect the NOx and O2 concentration. It has become a necessary option for the detection of existing exhaust emission standards. At present, there is limited and scattered information on knowledge and test methods of NOx sensors, the research of NOx sensors has become a challenging research topic at home and abroad. Based on these requirements, the article systematically integrates the knowledge of principle and testing methods. First of all, through introducing functional description of NOx sensors and the basic principle of NOx sensors, the relevant scholars can have an overall understanding of the product and master the operation mode of products. Secondly, the current status of performance test bench and methods of NOx sensors were described, which can contribute to having a clear understanding of the development process. After that, a new structure of NOx sensors test bench was purposed, which contains six major units including standard gas source, gas mixing unit, analyzer measurement unit, sensor measurement unit, data processing and display unit, exhaust gas treatment unit. And the test bench was validated. The experimental results show that the test bench has the advantages of high-repeatability, high reliability and low cost. And it can realize automatic detection of multiple target values, which is worthy further promotion. Thereby, the article can contribute to the development of its technology indirectly.展开更多
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)is a pathophysiological state characterized by diverse clinical symptoms resulting from structural and functional changes in pulmonary vessels induced by hypoxic stimuli,leading to i...Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)is a pathophysiological state characterized by diverse clinical symptoms resulting from structural and functional changes in pulmonary vessels induced by hypoxic stimuli,leading to increased pulmonary artery pressure.展开更多
BACKGROUND Many patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)may experience emotional issues and cognitive impairment.However,it remains unclear whether the brain mediates the impact of COVID-19 on the emergence of...BACKGROUND Many patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)may experience emotional issues and cognitive impairment.However,it remains unclear whether the brain mediates the impact of COVID-19 on the emergence of psychopathological symptoms.It remains unclear whether anxiety and depression are caused by stressors or viral infection.AIM To use functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)to detect cortical hemodynamic changes in patients with COVID-19 and their relationship with mental symptoms(mainly depression and anxiety),to investigate whether COVID-19 causes these changes by affecting brain function.METHODS A total of 58 subjects,comprising 29 patients with first acute COVID-19 infection and 29 healthy controls without COVID-19 infection and without anxiety or depression were recruited.Then cortical activation during the performance of the verbal fluency test(VFT)and brain connectivity during the resting state(rs)were evaluated by 53-channel fNIRS.For the COVID-19-infected group,Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)and General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7)were used to assess the emotional state before fNIRS measures.RESULTS For the rs,compared to the uninfected group,the infected group exhibited lower rs functional connectivity(FC)in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC),which was correlated with both the PHQ score and GAD score.During the VFT,the infected group exhibited significantly lower cortical activation than the uninfected group in both Broca-left and Broca-right.Besides,the integral value in the DLPFC-L showed a significant negative correlation with the PHQ-9 score during the VFT in the infected group.CONCLUSION There were significant differences in the bilateral Broca area and DLPFC between the COVID-19-infected and uninfected groups,which may be the reason why COVID-19 infection impairs cognitive function and language function and leads to psychiatric symptoms.In addition,the rsFC in patients with COVID-19 was positively correlated with the severity of depression and anxiety,which may be related to the fact that the mental symptoms of patients with COVID-19 are characterized by depression and anxiety,rather than depression or anxiety alone.Our study provides evidence that the psychological and emotional issues caused by COVID-19 are not only due to external social factors but also involve more direct brain neural mechanisms and abnormal neural circuits,which also provide insights into the future treatment and prognosis of individuals with COVID-19.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus is a systemic opportunistic pathogenic fungus that can cause infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts,with diverse clinical manifestations,ranging from asymptomatic pulmon...BACKGROUND Cryptococcus is a systemic opportunistic pathogenic fungus that can cause infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts,with diverse clinical manifestations,ranging from asymptomatic pulmonary lesions to disseminated central nervous system infections.The incidence of pulmonary cryptococcosis(PC)has rapidly increased in recent years,with an increasing proportion of non-human immunodeficiency virus-infected and immunocompetent patients making its diagnosis challenging.If not properly recognized,PC can lead to systemic dissemination and high mortality rates.Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.This study summarizes the clinical features of three immunocompetent children with PC who presented with chest pain to raise clinicians'awareness of the disease and reduce mortality.CASE SUMMARY Three male pediatric patients in good health were hospitalized because of chest pain without cough or fever.Chest computed tomography(CT)revealed pleuralbased nodules and consolidation with cavitation.A lung biopsy was performed in one case,and Cryptococcus was cultured from the pathological tissues.Cryptococcus was detected in the alveolar lavage fluid,and serum Cryptococcus capsular(C.capsular)polysaccharide antigen was positive in one case,and the other case was positive for serum C.capsular polysaccharide.All patients received oral fluconazole treatment.Follow-up chest CT scans after six months showed significant resolution of the lesions.CONCLUSION PC can also occur in immunocompetent children.When encountering children with chest pain only in the clinic,one should be vigilant about PC,promptly complete the relevant examinations,and avoid misdiagnosis.展开更多
基金providing by the Shenzhen City Nanshan District Science and Technology Plan Project(Medical and Health Category)(Grant No.2018073)。
文摘Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)were collected,and chest CT and pulmonary function tests were performed at the same time.Here DLCO%and FEV1%were used as the pulmonary function indexes.The severity of the patients was assessed by CT scores as mild(range,1~10),moderate(range 11~20),and severe(range 21~30).Correlation analysis was carried out between CT score and pulmonary function index,and the lung function parameters of patients at three grades were compared between groups and pairwise among the means.Results:As per the CT severity classification,there were 13 mild cases,31 moderate cases,and 16 severe cases.CT score was negatively correlated with DLCO%and FEV1%.R value was-0.814 and-0.797,respectively;The comparison of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%among the three groups and the pairings of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%were statistically significant.Conclusion:There was good correlation between CT score of ILD and the pulmonary function index.The pulmonary function index of patients with different CT severity grading was statistically significant,which can provide a new basis for the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of the disease.
基金Supported by the Zhangjiakou City Science and Technology Research Plan,No.1821110D.
文摘BACKGROUND Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Research indicates that COPD affects cardiac au-tonomic control,and heart rate variability(HRV)serves as a simple,non-invasive measure of autonomic nerve activity.However,the relationship between HRV and lung function,as well as the impact of depressive symptoms,remains un-clear.METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 120 COPD patients hospitalized from January 2018 to January 2024 at our institution was conducted.Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected,and depressive symptoms were asse-ssed using the Beck Depression Inventory(BDI).Patients were categorized into a depressed group(BDI≥16)and a non-depressed group(BDI<16).A control group consisting of 60 healthy volunteers who underwent check-ups at the same institution was also included.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 software.Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine and compare the relationships between HRV parameters,lung function measures,and RESULTS Of the 120 patients with COPD,35.8%(43/120)were diagnosed with depression,compared to 5.0%(3/60)in the control group.The HRV index in COPD patients was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the value in the depressed group was significantly lower than that in the non-depressed group(P<0.05).Similarly,the COPD group had a significantly lower pulmonary forced vital capacity(FVC),first-second expiratory volume(FEV1)and FEV1/FVC ratios than the control group(P<0.05),and the depressed group was significantly lower than that in the non-depressed group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the standard deviation of normal R-R intervals,standard deviation of the mean of 5-minute normal R-R intervals,root mean square of successive differences of normal R-R intervals,percentage of normal R-R intervals greater than 50 ms,high-frequency,and low-frequency indices showed positive correlations with lung function parameters(P<0.05)and negative correlations with BDI scores(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared to patients without COPD,the incidence of depressive symptoms is higher among patients with COPD and is negatively correlated with the patients’HRV indices.In contrast,HRV indices are positively correlated with the patients’pulmonary function parameters.Patients and healthcare professionals should enhance their awareness of depression,actively conduct depression assessment screenings,and incorporate HRV indices into disease management.This approach aims to improve the psychological health of patients and ultimately enhance their prognosis and quality of life.
文摘BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.
文摘BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.
文摘This study aims to construct a virtual twin testing framework for the safety of the intended functionality of intelligent connected vehicles to address the safety requirements of intelligent driving and transportation systems.The research methods include the construction of a theoretical model of safety for intelligent connected vehicles based on the concept of virtual twins,the correlation study between key concepts and functional safety,and the application research of virtual twin technology in the safety testing of intelligent connected vehicles.The results reveal that the virtual twin testing framework can effectively enhance the functional safety of intelligent connected vehicles,reduce development costs,and shorten the product launch cycle.The conclusion suggests that this framework provides strong support for the healthy development of the intelligent connected vehicle industry and has a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of intelligent transportation systems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82302607)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Nos.2022A1515110555 and 2023A1515010932)+3 种基金the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease(No.SKLRD-Z-202410)the Precision Medicine Joint Foundation of Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2021B1515230008)the Independent Project of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Respiratory Infectious Diseases(No.GHMJLRID-Z-202102)the Guangdong Zhong Nanshan Medical Foundation(No.ZNSXS-20220015).
文摘The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine.Despite their reliability,traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis.Point-of-care testing(POCT)has emerged as a promising alternative,which is awaiting rigorous validation.We assessed 226 samples from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University using a Beckman Coulter AU5821 and a PUSHKANG POCT Biochemistry Analyzer MS100.Furthermore,350 samples were evaluated with a Stago coagulation analyzer STAR MAX and a PUSHKANG POCT Coagulation Analyzer MC100.Metrics included thirteen biochemical indexes,such as albumin,and five coagulation indices,such as prothrombin time.Comparisons were drawn against the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer.Bland-Altman plots(MS100:0.8206-0.9995;MC100:0.8318-0.9911)evinced significant consistency between methodologies.Spearman correlation pinpointed a potent linear association between conventional devices and the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer,further underscored by a robust correlation coefficient(MS100:0.713-0.949;MC100:0.593-0.950).The PUSHKANG POCT was validated as a dependable tool for serum and whole blood biochemical and coagulation diagnostics.This emphasizes its prospective clinical efficacy,offering clinicians a swift diagnostic tool and heralding a new era of enhanced patient care outcomes.
文摘BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia,characterized by a chronic and progressive course.The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023.These patients were divided into two groups:control group(n=53)and observation group(n=60).In the control group,patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets,while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone.After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups,we assessed several parameters,including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy,the occurrence of adverse reactions(e.g.,nausea,vomiting,and anorexia),symptom severity scores,pulmonary function index levels,inflammatory marker levels,and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy,with a clear distinction(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment,the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group,with a distinct difference(P<0.05).When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group,with a noticeable difference(P<0.05).Evaluating the inflammatory marker data(C-reactive protein,interleukin-2[IL-2],and IL-8)between the two groups of patients after therapy,the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group,with significant disparities(P<0.05).Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group,with a marked difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function,elevate inflammatory factor levels,and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test.This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2020YFC2004202(to DX).
文摘After stroke,even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity,leading to reduced functional independence.Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits.However,the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear,limiting the development of more targeted interventions.To address this gap,our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination.Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke(7 women,17 men;mean age 64.75±10.84 years)participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test,which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity.We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks,with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask.Importantly,patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks.Notably,the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask.In the unaffected hand task,the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere.In contrast,the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task,respectively.While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks,no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks.This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke,highlighting task-dependent neural responses.The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation.Therefore,incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes.The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
文摘This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on lung function in patients with IPF.The early and advanced stages of IPF are defined,highlighting the drug's benefits.While prior research indicates pirfenidone's effectiveness in advanced IPF,this study focuses on its advantages in early stages.The study emphasizes the importance of computed tomography imaging alongside biochemical data and lung function tests for a comprehensive analysis of symptom relief.Results show that early intervention with pirfenidone significantly reduces disease progression and preserves lung function,underscoring its potential as a critical treatment strategy in early IPF.
文摘Objective. To study the difference of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in high-resolution computerized tomography and pulmonary function test among different connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Methods. 209 patients with different CTDs were recruited and underwent lung HRCT and PFT. Eerythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin (SF), anti-SSA, and so on were tested. Based on HRCT, a patient was classified into ILD group (CTD+ILD) or non-ILD group (CTD-ILD). HRCT, PFT, and laboratory markers were compared according to CTDs and CTD-associated ILDs. Results. The incidences of ILD were 79.6%, 82.0%, 89.7%, and 97.1% respectively for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjogren’s symptom (pSS), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) groups. RA and pSS patients exhibited more nodules, patching, ground-glass opacity, and cord shadow foci in HRCT, DM/PM and SSc patients exhibited more reticular opacity and honeycombing foci. RA and pSS patients exhibited more obstructive ventilatory disorder, small airway dysfunction and emphysema in PFT, and DM/PM and SSc patients exhibited more restrictive ventilatory disorder, mixed ventilatory disorder. ESR, CRP and SF were significantly higher in total CTD+ILD group than in total CTD-ILD group (P = 0.047, 0.006, 0.004, respectively), and higher in different CTD+ ILD groups than in comparable CTD-ILD groups (P = 0.049, 0.048, and 0.023, pSS+ILD, SSc+ILD and RA+ILD compared to pSS-ILD, SSc-ILD and RA-ILD, respectively for ESR, CRP, SF). The positive rate of anti-SSA was significantly higher in DM/PM+ILD group than in DM/PM-ILD group (P = 0.025). Conclusions. The manifestations and incidences of ILDs differ among different CTDs in HRCT and PFT, and inflammation and anti-SSA are positively correlated with ILDs in different CTDs, which provide important evidences for judging disease condition and prognosis.
基金funded by Department of Medicine, University of Udine (Udine, Italy) in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3)
文摘AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively identified 52 consecutive adult patients with hPIDs who underwent 64-row HRCT and PFTs at the time of diagnosis. On a per-patient basis, an experienced radiologist recorded airway abnormalities(bronchiectasis,airway wall thickening, mucus plugging, tree-in-bud, and air-trapping) and parenchymal-interstitial abnormalities(consolidations, ground-glass opacities,linear and/or irregular opacities, nodules, and bullae/cysts) found on HRCT.The chi-square test was performed to compare the prevalence of each abnormality among patients with different subtypes of hPIDs. Overall logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether HRCT findings predicted obstructive and/or restrictive PFTs results(absent-to-mild vs moderate-tosevere).RESULTS Thirty-eight of the 52 patients with hPIDs showed common variable immunodeficiency disorders(CVID), while the remaining 14 had CVID-like conditions(i.e., 11 had isolated IgG subclass deficiencies and 3 had selective IgA deficiencies). The prevalence of most HRCT abnormalities was not significantly different between CVID and CVID-like patients(P > 0.05), except for linear and/or irregular opacities(prevalence of 31.6% in the CVID group and 0 in the CVID-like group; P = 0.0427). Airway wall thickening was the most frequent HRCT abnormality found in both CVID and CVID-like patients(71% of cases in both groups). The presence of tree-in-bud abnormalities was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe obstructive defects at PFTs(Odds Ratio, OR, of 18.75, P < 0.05), while the presence of linear and/or irregular opacities was an independent predictor of restrictive defects at PFTs(OR = 13.00; P < 0.05).CONCLUSION CVID and CVID-like patients showed similar HRCT findings. Tree-in-bud and linear and/or irregular opacities predicted higher risks of, respectively,obstructive and restrictive defects at PFTs.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with stroke frequently experience pulmonary dysfunction.AIM To explore the effects of information-motivation-behavioral(IMB)skills modelbased nursing care on pulmonary function,blood gas indices,complication rates,and quality of life(QoL)in stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.METHODS We conducted a controlled study involving 120 stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.The control group received routine care,whereas the intervention group received IMB-model-based nursing care.Various parameters including pulmonary function,blood gas indices,complication rates,and QoL were assessed before and after the intervention.RESULTS Baseline data of the control and intervention groups were comparable.Post-intervention,the IMB model-based care group showed significant improvements in pulmonary function indicators,forced expiratory volume in 1 sec,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow compared with the control group.Blood gas indices,such as arterial oxygen pressure and arterial oxygen saturation,increased significantly,and arterial carbon dioxide partial.pressure decreased significantly in the IMB model-based care group compared with the control group.The intervention group also had a lower complication rate(6.67%vs 23.33%)and higher QoL scores across all domains than the control group.CONCLUSION IMB model-based nursing care significantly enhanced pulmonary function,improved blood gas indices,reduced complication rates,and improved the QoL of stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.Further research is needed to validate these results and to assess the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of the model.
文摘AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with chronic HCV infection without diagnosis of any pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy cases were enrolled in the study,PFT and HRCT were performed in all cases. RESULTS:A decrease lower than 80% of the predicted value was detected in vital capacity in 9/34 patients,in forced expiratory volume in one second in 8/34 patients,and in forced expiratory flow 25-75 in 15/34 patients,respectively.Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased in 26/34 patients.Findings of interstitial pulmonary involvement were detected in the HRCT of 16/34 patients.Significant difference was found between controls and patients with HCV infection in findings of HRCT (X^2=4.7,P=0.003).Knodell histological activity index (KHAI) of 28/34 patients in whom liver biopsy was applied was 9.0±4.7.HRCT findings,PFT values and DLCO were not affected by KHAI in patients with HCV infection.In these patients,all the parameters were related with age. CONCLUSION:We suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus infection may cause pulmonary interstitial involvement without evident respiratory symptoms.
文摘Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise testing (ET) for predicting postoperative complications in patients with impaired pulmonary function. Methods: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled. The enrollment criteria were FEV1.0% 8 by the Goddard classification or interstitial pneumonia on chest computed tomography. Patients underwent testing for pulmonary function, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and stair-climbing test (SCT). Postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCPCs) were recorded. Results: Four patients developed PCPCs. There were no significant differences between the patients with PCPCs (n = 4) and those without PCPCs (n = 9) for background data and PFT. The distances achieved in the 6MWT were 503 ± 72.7 m for patients without PCPCs and 369 ± 50.7 m for patients with PCPCs (p = 0.011). The SCT climbing heights were 20.4 ± 5.3 m for patients without PCPCs and 14.9 ± 4.0 m for patients with PCPCs (P = 0.187). Cut-off points, including a 6MFT distance of less than 400 m, SCT height lower than 15 m, and SCT climbing speed less than 8.5 m/min, were predictive of CPCP. Conclusions: Exercise testing is more feasible for predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications than stationary pulmonary function testing.
文摘We retrospectively assessed long-term pulmonary function in adults surviving for ≥5 years after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and identified risk factors for late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications. Among 174 patients undergoing transplantation for hematologic malignancies between May 1994 and December 2004, 81 long-term survivors were evaluated. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed before conditioning, 3 months and 1 year after transplantation, and then annually. Eight patients (10%) had abnormal pulmonary function before transplantation, but this was not associated with late changes in PFTs. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) showed a significant decline of lung function after 3 years when compared with patients without chronic GVHD. Abnormal pretransplantation lung function was associated with pulmonary chronic GVHD according to National Institutes of Health criteria (score 0, n = 58;score 1, n = 14;score 2, n = 6;score 3, n = 3). Five patients with late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications showed a decline of lung function at 1 year after transplantation. Only chronic GVHD was significantly related to late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications. In conclusion, abnormal lung function before transplantation may be associated with a decline in pulmonary function within 1 year after transplantation, but late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications could not be predicted from pretransplantation lung function.
文摘Workers involved in hydraulic fracking processes are exposed to various types of chemicals and dusts in their workplaces, such as proppants, which hold open the fissures created in the fracking process. Recently, ceramic proppants have been developed that may be less hazardous to workers than traditional proppants. Pulmonary function testing of workers producing ceramic proppant was used to assess the potential inhalation hazards of ceramic proppant. 100 male workers from a producer of ceramic proppant were evaluated with pulmonary function test data collected and evaluated using The American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability criteria. A comparison group was selected from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) spirometry laboratory subset. No pulmonary function deficits were found in the worker group in comparison to the NHANES III population. Mean FEV1 and FVC values in workers were 3.8 and 4.8 liters respectively, and were greater as compared to the NHANES III population of similar demographics. An FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.8, when compared to the NHANES III group, produced an odds ratio of 0.44 in worker group, indicating less risk of preclinical pulmonary dysfunction. Overall, exposure to ceramic proppant was not found to produce an adverse impact on pulmonary function in workers engaged in the manufacture of ceramic proppant.
文摘NOx sensors, as a core component of diesel engine exhaust treatment system, play an important role in exhaust emission control, which can accurately and quickly detect the NOx and O2 concentration. It has become a necessary option for the detection of existing exhaust emission standards. At present, there is limited and scattered information on knowledge and test methods of NOx sensors, the research of NOx sensors has become a challenging research topic at home and abroad. Based on these requirements, the article systematically integrates the knowledge of principle and testing methods. First of all, through introducing functional description of NOx sensors and the basic principle of NOx sensors, the relevant scholars can have an overall understanding of the product and master the operation mode of products. Secondly, the current status of performance test bench and methods of NOx sensors were described, which can contribute to having a clear understanding of the development process. After that, a new structure of NOx sensors test bench was purposed, which contains six major units including standard gas source, gas mixing unit, analyzer measurement unit, sensor measurement unit, data processing and display unit, exhaust gas treatment unit. And the test bench was validated. The experimental results show that the test bench has the advantages of high-repeatability, high reliability and low cost. And it can realize automatic detection of multiple target values, which is worthy further promotion. Thereby, the article can contribute to the development of its technology indirectly.
基金supported by General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(No.H2024110033,China).
文摘Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)is a pathophysiological state characterized by diverse clinical symptoms resulting from structural and functional changes in pulmonary vessels induced by hypoxic stimuli,leading to increased pulmonary artery pressure.
基金Supported by Hunan Provincial Scientific Research Plan Project of Traditional Chinese MedicineNational Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82371521Special Tasks for the Construction of Hunan Innovative Province,No.2023SK4002.
文摘BACKGROUND Many patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)may experience emotional issues and cognitive impairment.However,it remains unclear whether the brain mediates the impact of COVID-19 on the emergence of psychopathological symptoms.It remains unclear whether anxiety and depression are caused by stressors or viral infection.AIM To use functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)to detect cortical hemodynamic changes in patients with COVID-19 and their relationship with mental symptoms(mainly depression and anxiety),to investigate whether COVID-19 causes these changes by affecting brain function.METHODS A total of 58 subjects,comprising 29 patients with first acute COVID-19 infection and 29 healthy controls without COVID-19 infection and without anxiety or depression were recruited.Then cortical activation during the performance of the verbal fluency test(VFT)and brain connectivity during the resting state(rs)were evaluated by 53-channel fNIRS.For the COVID-19-infected group,Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)and General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7)were used to assess the emotional state before fNIRS measures.RESULTS For the rs,compared to the uninfected group,the infected group exhibited lower rs functional connectivity(FC)in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC),which was correlated with both the PHQ score and GAD score.During the VFT,the infected group exhibited significantly lower cortical activation than the uninfected group in both Broca-left and Broca-right.Besides,the integral value in the DLPFC-L showed a significant negative correlation with the PHQ-9 score during the VFT in the infected group.CONCLUSION There were significant differences in the bilateral Broca area and DLPFC between the COVID-19-infected and uninfected groups,which may be the reason why COVID-19 infection impairs cognitive function and language function and leads to psychiatric symptoms.In addition,the rsFC in patients with COVID-19 was positively correlated with the severity of depression and anxiety,which may be related to the fact that the mental symptoms of patients with COVID-19 are characterized by depression and anxiety,rather than depression or anxiety alone.Our study provides evidence that the psychological and emotional issues caused by COVID-19 are not only due to external social factors but also involve more direct brain neural mechanisms and abnormal neural circuits,which also provide insights into the future treatment and prognosis of individuals with COVID-19.
基金Supported by Shenzhen Fund for Guangdong Provincial High-Level Clinical Key Specialties,No.SZGSP012Shenzhen Key Medical Discipline Construction Fund,No.SZXK032。
文摘BACKGROUND Cryptococcus is a systemic opportunistic pathogenic fungus that can cause infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts,with diverse clinical manifestations,ranging from asymptomatic pulmonary lesions to disseminated central nervous system infections.The incidence of pulmonary cryptococcosis(PC)has rapidly increased in recent years,with an increasing proportion of non-human immunodeficiency virus-infected and immunocompetent patients making its diagnosis challenging.If not properly recognized,PC can lead to systemic dissemination and high mortality rates.Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.This study summarizes the clinical features of three immunocompetent children with PC who presented with chest pain to raise clinicians'awareness of the disease and reduce mortality.CASE SUMMARY Three male pediatric patients in good health were hospitalized because of chest pain without cough or fever.Chest computed tomography(CT)revealed pleuralbased nodules and consolidation with cavitation.A lung biopsy was performed in one case,and Cryptococcus was cultured from the pathological tissues.Cryptococcus was detected in the alveolar lavage fluid,and serum Cryptococcus capsular(C.capsular)polysaccharide antigen was positive in one case,and the other case was positive for serum C.capsular polysaccharide.All patients received oral fluconazole treatment.Follow-up chest CT scans after six months showed significant resolution of the lesions.CONCLUSION PC can also occur in immunocompetent children.When encountering children with chest pain only in the clinic,one should be vigilant about PC,promptly complete the relevant examinations,and avoid misdiagnosis.
