Phenotype to Treatable Traits-Based Management in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a heterogeneous respiratory disease driven by various genetic and environmental factors, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and management. Traditional approaches focused on phenotypic classification, but recent paradigms emphasize identifying and addressing treatable traits to personalize treatment strategies. Treatable traits facilitate personalized interventions, optimizing symptom control, and reducing exacerbation risk. Dyspnea and exacerbations, recognized as key traits, guide treatment decisions and follow-up management. Various interventions, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and lifestyle modifications, target specific traits like airway inflammation, mucus overproduction, and emphysema. Strategies for assessing and addressing treatable traits during initial encounters and follow-up visits enhance disease monitoring and treatment efficacy. Comprehensive trait assessment demands resources and specialized monitoring, posing barriers to widespread implementation. The lack of standardized protocols and evolving evidence further complicates decision-making and clinical practice. Despite these challenges, the shift toward treatable traits-based management signifies a pivotal advancement in COPD care, emphasizing holistic approaches tailored to individual patient needs. Recognizing and addressing treatable traits offers personalized interventions, enhancing symptom control and disease management. Embracing treatable traits-based approaches holds promise for improving clinical outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with COPD.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of inhaled ambroxol in hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty.

Background: Ambroxol is a widely used mucoactive drug in sputum clearance of respiratory diseases taken orally and by injection. However, there is a paucity of evidence for inhaled ambroxol in sputum clearance. Methods: This study performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial at 19 centers in China. Hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty were recruited. Patients were randomized by 1:1 to receive inhalation of either ambroxol hydrochloride solution 3 mL (22.5 mg) + 0.9% sodium chloride 3 mL or 0.9% sodium chloride 6 mL twice daily for 5 days, with an interval of more than 6 h. The primary efficacy endpoint was the absolute change in the sputum property score after treatment compared to the baseline in the intention-to-treat population. Results: Between 10 April 2018 and 23 November 2020, 316 patients were recruited and assessed for eligibility, of whom 138 who received inhaled ambroxol and 134 who received a placebo were included. Patients who received inhaled ambroxol had a significantly greater decrease in the sputum property score compared with patients who received inhalation of placebo (difference: -0.29; 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.05; p = 0.0215). Compared with the placebo, inhaled ambroxol also significantly reduced more expectoration volume in 24 h (difference: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.03; p = 0.0166). There was no significant difference in the proportion of adverse events between the two groups, and no deaths were reported. Discussion: In hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty, inhaled ambroxol was safe and effective for sputum clearance compared with a placebo. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=184677], Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR2200066348].

Efectividad del suero salino hipertónico nebulizado en pacientes con hipersecreción bronquial / Effectiveness of nebulized hypertonic saline in patients with bronchial hypersecretion

Introducción: El suero salino hipertónico (SSH) nebulizado mejora la calidad de vida y reduce las exacerbaciones en pacientes con fibrosis quística. Se desconoce si ofrecería los mismos beneficios en otras patologías hipersecretoras.MétodosEstudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes que superaron la prueba de tolerancia e iniciaron SSH al 5,8% con un año de seguimiento. Se cuantificaron parámetros clínicos y asistenciales en los años previo y posterior al inicio del tratamiento.ResultadosUn total de 101 pacientes, 60,4% mujeres, media de edad 65años (IC95%: 62,4-67,9): 82 (81,2%) bronquiectasias, 6 (5,9%) EPOC, 2 (2%) asma, 1 (1%) EPID y 10 (9,9%) otros. Se evidenció una reducción de la broncorrea (91,1% vs 75,2%), de las infecciones de repetición (57,4% vs 22,8%) y de los ciclos de antibioterapia (1,54 vs 0,55), así como un aumento del FEV1 (1.881ml vs 1.942ml) y una disminución de las asistencias a atención primaria (2,94 vs 1,1), de urgencias (0,36 vs 0,17) y de hospitalizaciones (0,17 vs 0,06). Setenta y tres pacientes (72,3%) presentaron una adecuada tolerancia.ConclusiónLa nebulización de SSH al 5,8% en pacientes con hipersecreción bronquial es segura y tiene un destacable impacto clínico y asistencial. (AU)

Introduction: Nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis. It is unknown if it would offer the same benefits in other hypersecretory pathologies.MethodsRetrospective observational study. Patients who passed the tolerance test and started HS 5.8% with one year of follow-up were included. Clinical and healthcare parameters were quantified in the year before and after the start of treatment.Results101 patients, 60.4% women, 65years (95%CI: 62.4-67.9): 82 (81.2%) bronchiectasis, 6 (5.9%) COPD, 2 (2%) asthma, 1 (1%) ILD, and 10 (9.9%) other causes. There was a reduction in bronchorrhea (91.1% vs 75.2%), recurrent infections (57.4% vs 22.8%) and cycles of antibiotic therapy (1.54 vs 0.55), as well as an increase in FEV1 (1881ml vs. 1942ml) and a decrease in visits to primary care (2.94 vs. 1.1), emergencies (0.36 vs. 0.17) and hospitalizations (0.17 vs. 0.17). 06). 73 patients (72.3%) presented an adequate tolerance.ConclusionNebulization of HS 5.8% in patients with bronchial hypersecretion is safe and has a remarkable clinical and healthcare impact. (AU)

[Effectiveness of nebulized hypertonic saline in patients with bronchial hypersecretion]. / Efectividad del suero salino hipertónico nebulizado en pacientes con hipersecreción bronquial.

INTRODUCTION: Nebulized hypertonic saline (HS) improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis. It is unknown if it would offer the same benefits in other hypersecretory pathologies. METHODS: Retrospective observational study. Patients who passed the tolerance test and started HS 5.8% with one year of follow-up were included. Clinical and healthcare parameters were quantified in the year before and after the start of treatment. RESULTS: 101 patients, 60.4% women, 65years (95%CI: 62.4-67.9): 82 (81.2%) bronchiectasis, 6 (5.9%) COPD, 2 (2%) asthma, 1 (1%) ILD, and 10 (9.9%) other causes. There was a reduction in bronchorrhea (91.1% vs 75.2%), recurrent infections (57.4% vs 22.8%) and cycles of antibiotic therapy (1.54 vs 0.55), as well as an increase in FEV1 (1881ml vs. 1942ml) and a decrease in visits to primary care (2.94 vs. 1.1), emergencies (0.36 vs. 0.17) and hospitalizations (0.17 vs. 0.17). 06). 73 patients (72.3%) presented an adequate tolerance. CONCLUSION: Nebulization of HS 5.8% in patients with bronchial hypersecretion is safe and has a remarkable clinical and healthcare impact.

Preliminary study on the material basis for expectorant and cough relief effects of the fruits of Phellodendron chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the material basis and mechanism of expectorant and cough relief effects of the fruits of Phellodendron chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid. METHODS The expectorant and cough relief effects of volatile oil and water decoction of the fruits of P. chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid. were studied by ammonia water cough induction and drug expectorant model mice experiments； GC-MS and UPLC-MS technologies were used to identify its volatile oils and non-volatile components of the fruits of P. chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid. The active ingredients， core targets and pathways of expectoration and cough relief were analyzed by network pharmacology. RESULTS The volatile oil （0.8， 0.2 g/kg， calculated by volatile oil） and water decoction （12， 3 g/kg， calculated by crude drug） of the fruits of P. chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid. both had obvious expectorant and cough relief effects， and showed obvious dose-dependent relationship. A total of 38 volatile oil components were identified from the medicinal herbs， and the relative percentage contents of 8 components were greater than 1%， such as α -pinene， myrcene， β -caryophyllene， germanene D， isospathulenol； a total of 69 non-volatile oil components were identified， mainly including phenolic compounds， alkaloids， and flavonoids. The active ingredients screened from the identified components included 13 compounds such as α-pinene， myrcene， chlorogenic acid， luteolin， berberine. There were a total of 55 intersection targets with diseases， and the core targets were tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， serine/threonine kinase proteins （AKT1） and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）. The molecular docking results showed that the active ingredients and the core targets had good binding ability. GO functional analysis found that the targets were significantly enriched in biological processes such as the reaction affecting lipopolysaccharides， the positive regulation of peptidyl serine phosphorylation， and the positive regulation of the biosynthesis process of nitric oxide. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis found that the targets were significantly enriched in the signaling pathways such as cancer， non-small cell lung cancer， proteoglycans in cancer. CONCLUSIONS Fruits of P. chinense var. glabriusulum Schneid. have obvious expectorant and cough relief effects， and its material basis may be α-pinene， myrcene， chlorogenic acid， luteolin， berberine， etc.， and mainly act on TNF， EGFR， VEGFA， AKT1， TLR4 and its significantly enriched signaling pathway.

Effects of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation on Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-frequency chest wall oscillation for sputum expectoration and hospital length of stay in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The improvements in pulmonary function and oxygenation were also investigated. Patients and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Automated literature database searches were conducted from the earliest records to March 31, 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0), and meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.4) was used to analyze the data. Results: From 5439 identified articles, 13 studies (with 756 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to other airway clearance techniques, HFCWO significantly increased expectorated sputum volume by 6.18 mL (95% CI: 1.71 to 10.64; I2 = 87%), shortened hospital stay by 4.37 days (95% CI: -7.70 to -1.05; I2 = 84%). However, FEV1 (%), PaO2, and PaCO2 did not improve significantly. Conclusion: AECOPD patients may benefit from HFCWO therapy. HFCWO enables AECOPD patients to excrete more sputum and shorten their hospital stays. However, due to heterogeneity among the included research, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Adaptation and acceptability testing of the Expector® vibration vest in horses / Adaptação e teste de aceitabilidade do colete de vibração Expector® em equinos

The project is based on a test of a thoracic vibration vest prototype, adapted to equines by the Expector® vest's company, on healthy animals. Ten (10) equines were used in the project, male or female, adults, healthy, belonging to FMVZ-USP or private owners. Each animal went through two phases: A and B. Phase A consisted of the placement of the vest without turning on the vibrators, evaluating the animal's acceptability, facility, adaptation to the animal's body, and discomfort due to the vest's use. Phase B included the placement of the vest and turning on the vibrators, evaluating the animal's acceptability, reaction to the vibrators, and, if present, to which velocity/type of vibration, and the presence of adverse effects. Both phases were done three times on separate days. The behavioral parameters: "placement facility" and "adaptation to the animal's body" were observed. In phase B, the response to the vibration was classified from 0 to 5. The answer was evaluated on low and high intensities for the four vibration types. The heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were also evaluated at the beginning and end of each repetition. The animals' HR was kept on normal, except for one animal on one day of the test. Concerning the RR, most animals presented moments of tachypnea. On the experiment's first day, 100% of grade Great to "facility of placement" and "adaptation to the animal's body" was obtained, but on days 2 and 3 this value dropped to 90% due to alterations in one animal's responses. Regarding vibration's responses, 77.3% were evaluated as no discomfort (grade 0), 17.1% little discomfort (grade 1), 3.3% medium discomfort (grade 2), 0.4% great discomfort (grade 3), 0.21% extreme discomfort (grade 4), and 1.6% non-acceptance of the vest (grade 5). Some possible changes on the prototype were also verified to be suggested to the manufacturer, such as the change of the buckle and the use of wireless control. Vest use appears promising for equine respiratory physiotherapy, considering the acceptability was good, and its efficiency on the expectoration of diseased animals must be tested.

O projeto consistiu no teste de um protótipo de colete de vibração torácica, adaptado aos equinos pela empresa do colete Expector®, em animais saudáveis. Foram utilizados 10 equinos, machos ou fêmeas, adultos, saudáveis, pertencentes à FMVZ-USP e a proprietários particulares. Cada animal passou por duas fases: A e B. A Fase A consistiu na colocação do colete sem ligar os vibradores, avaliando-se a aceitabilidade do animal; facilidade; adaptação ao corpo do animal e incômodo do mesmo à sua presença. Já a Fase B contava com a colocação do colete e funcionamento dos vibradores, avaliando-se a aceitabilidade do animal; reação aos vibradores e, se presente, a qual velocidade/tipo de vibração; presença de reações ou efeitos adversos. As duas fases foram realizadas em triplicata em dias separados. Foram observados os parâmetros comportamentais "facilidade de colocação" e "adaptação ao corpo do animal". Na fase B, a resposta à vibração foi classificada de 0 a 5. A resposta foi avaliada nas intensidades baixa e alta para os quatro diferentes tipos de vibração. Foram avaliadas também as frequências cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR) no início e final de cada repetição. A FC dos animais se manteve dentro do intervalo de normalidade, com exceção de um animal em um dia de avaliação. Em relação à FR, a maioria apresentou momentos de taquipneia. No primeiro dia de experimento obteve-se 100% de avaliação Ótima para "facilidade de colocação" e "adaptação ao corpo do animal", mas nos dias 2 e 3 esse valor caiu para 90% devido à alteração na resposta de um animal. Em relação à resposta à vibração, 77,3% das respostas foram avaliadas como nenhum incômodo (nota 0), 17,1% pouco incômodo (nota 1), 3,3% médio incômodo (nota 2), 0,4% muito incômodo (nota 3), 0,21% incômodo extremo (nota 4) e 1,6% não aceitação do colete (nota 5). Foram também verificadas algumas possíveis mudanças no protótipo a serem sugeridas ao fabricante, como mudança do tipo de fivela e uso de controle sem fio. A utilização do colete parece ser muito promissora para a fisioterapia respiratória em equinos, visto que a aceitabilidade foi muito boa, devendo-se agora realizar a avaliação de sua eficácia na expectoração de animais enfermos.(AU)

Comprehensive expectoration nursing in elderly patients with pulmonary infection and its influence on respiratory function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of comprehensive expectoration nursing in elderly patients with pulmonary infection and its influence on respiratory function. METHODS: Clinical data of 88 elderly patients with pulmonary infection treated in our hospital from March 2018 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. During treatment, 40 patients receiving conventional nursing mode were included in the control group (CG), and 48 with comprehensive expectoration nursing were included in the observation group (OG). The number of patients with spontaneous expectoration, assisted expectoration and sputum aspiration one week after nursing, the related indices of blood oxygen and lung function before and after nursing, and the sputum excretion volume, respiratory rate and neutrophils one week after nursing, were compared between the two groups. The hospitalization time, expenses, patients' quality of life after nursing and nursing satisfaction were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the CG, the hospitalization time and expenses of patients in OG were obviously lower, while the effective rate of sputum excretion was obviously higher after nursing. The blood oxygen, lung function, sputum excretion volume, respiratory rate and neutrophil recovery in OG were obviously better than those in CG. Meanwhile, compared with the CG, the quality of life and nursing satisfaction of patients in OG were obviously higher after nursing. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive expectoration nursing in elderly patients with pulmonary infection has better effect and is able to effectively improve their respiratory function, quality of life and nursing satisfaction.

Value of refined care in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Under physiological conditions, sputum produced during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) can move passively with the cilia in the airway; the sputum is gradually excreted from the depth of the airways through the stimulation of the coughing reflex on the sensory nerve on the surface of the airway. However, when the sputum is thick, the cough is weak, or the tracheal cilia are abnormal, sputum accumulation may occur and affect the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung. Furthermore, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in sputum may cause or aggravate the symptoms of pulmonary infection in patients, which is the main factor leading to AECOPD. Therefore, promoting effective drainage of sputum and maintaining airway opening are key points requiring clinical attention. AIM: To explore the effect of refined nursing strategies in patients with AECOPD and dysphagia. METHODS: We selected 126 patients with AECOPD and difficulty of expectoration at our hospital, and divided them into a refined care group and a routine care group, with 63 cases each, using a random number table. The two groups of patients were treated with expectorant, anti-infection, oxygen inhalation, and other basic treatment measures; patients in the refined care group were given refined nursing intervention during hospitalization, and the routine care group received conventional nursing intervention. The differences in sputum expectoration, negative pressure suction rate, blood gas parameters, dyspnea score measured through the tool developed by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and quality of life were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After 7 d of intervention, the sputum expectoration effect of the refined care group was 62.30%, the effective rate was 31.15%, and the inefficiency rate was 6.56%. The sputum expectoration effect of the routine care group was 44.07%, the effective rate was 42.37%, and the inefficiency rate was 13.56%. The refined care group had better sputum expectoration than the routine care group (P < 0.05). The negative pressure suction rate in the refined care group was significantly lower than that of the routine care group during the treatment (22.95% vs 44.07%, P < 0.05). Before the intervention, the arterial oxygen saturation (PaO2) and arterial carbon dioxide saturation (PaCO2) values were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05); the PaO2 and PaCO2 values in the refined care group were comparable to those in the routine care group after 7 d of intervention (P > 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the MRC score between the two groups (P > 0.05); the MRC score of the refined care group was lower than that of the routine care group after 7 d of intervention, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the symptoms, activities, disease impact, or St. George's Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) total scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 7 days of intervention, the symptoms, activities, and total score of SGRQ of the refined care group were higher than those of the routine care group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AECOPD with thick sputum, weak coughing reflex, and abnormal tracheal cilia function will lead to sputum accumulation and affect the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lung. Patients with AECOPD who have difficulty expectorating sputum may undergo refined nursing strategies that will promote expectoration, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve the quality of life.

Spontaneous expectoration of tumor tissue in primary adenocarcinoma lung.

Spontaneous expectoration of the tissue fragments in primary lung carcinoma is an extremely unusual event. Expectoration of tumor fragments is a significant event that should not be ignored as it serves itself as a noninvasive tool to diagnose underlying malignancy if such samples are immediately preserved and subjected to histopathological examination. More so, expectoration of a large-sized fragment may provide substantial relief from the breathlessness. Reported here is the case of a middle-aged male patient with adenocarcinoma in the right lung, and mass extended up to trachea, who spontaneously coughed out pieces of tumor tissue.

Fructus mume Protects Against Cigarette Smoke Induced Chronic Cough Guinea Pig.

Fructus mume was recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and traditional Chinese medical books for chronic cough, but the effect and related constituents are still unknown. Thus, we investigated the protect effects and the relevant constituents of F. mume in a guinea pig model with chronic cough induced by cigarette smoke (CS). The organic acids and polysaccharides in F. mume were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The guinea pigs were orally administrated with vehicle or the water extract of Fructus mume (FW) during the 14 days of CS exposure. Citric acid induced coughs were automatically measured by Buxco system. The differential cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathological changes in lung tissue were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in lung tissue were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mucus productions in tracheas were determined with Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining. The results suggested relatively high concentration of citric acid, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid in F. mume, and high proportion of galactose and glucose and lower molecular weight of polysaccharides. Administration of FW significantly reduced the cough frequency, decreased inflammatory cells in BALF and lung tissue, and attenuated the thickening of airway epithelium and submucosa compared with CS-exposure group. Moreover, the overproduction of TNF-α and IL-8 in lung tissues, and mucus in central airways of CS-induced guinea pigs was markedly inhibited by FW. The extract could also protect against CS exposure-induced chronic cough in guinea pigs by reducing coughs, airways inflammation, and mucus overproduction.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of respiratory symptoms among people aged 40 years and above in China].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors on respiratory disease related symptoms (coughing, expectoration, persistent coughing and persistent expectoration) in Chinese people ≥40 years old. Methods: Data was collected from 162 surveillance points in the China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Project in 2010. A total number of 56 066 people, aged ≥40 years, were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method in this study. The prevalence rates of coughing, expectoration, persistent coughing and persistent expectoration were calculated according to gender by χ(2) test. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related influencing factors. Results: The prevalence rates of coughing, persistent coughing, expectoration and persistent expectoration in men were significantly higher than that in women (P<0.01). The prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms was positively correlated with age and duration and amount of cigarette smoking (P<0.01), while negatively correlated with participants'education level (P<0.01). Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, education level, smoking-related parameters, areas of residency (in urban or rural areas), etc. were appeared as influencing factors on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: The symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases appeared prevalent in Chinese population aged ≥40 years. Factors as older age, living in the central/western regions and smoking-related parameters were identified as of higher risks.

Impact of Hypertonic Saline Solutions on Sputum Expectoration and Their Safety Profile in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of hyaluronic acid plus hypertonic saline (HA+HS) as a mucoactive treatment in patients with bronchiectasis is still unknown. This study evaluated whether HA+HS solution enhances similar sputum quantity with better safety profile than HS alone in patients with bronchiectasis. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized crossover trial, three solutions (7% HS; 0.1% HA +7%HS; and 0.9% isotonic saline, IS) were compared in outpatients with bronchiectasis and chronic sputum expectoration. Participants inhaled each solution across four consecutive sessions. All sessions, except on session 3, also included 30 minutes of airway clearance technique. A 7-day washout period was applied. Sputum weight was collected during the sessions (primary outcome) as well as during a 24-hour follow-up. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and lung function were measured before/after each treatment arm. Safety was assessed by the monitoring of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with bronchiectasis (mean age of 64.0 (17.9) and FEV1% 60.9 (24.6) of predicted) were recruited. HS and HA+HS promoted similar expectoration during sessions, both being greater than IS [median difference HS vs. IS 3.7 g (95% CI 0.5-6.9); HA+HS vs. IS 3.2 g (95%CI 0.5-5.9)]. Sputum expectorated exclusively during the ACT period was similar across all treatment arms [HS vs. IS -0.3 g (95% CI -1.7 to 0.9); HA+HS vs. IS 0.0 g (95% CI -1.3 to 1.4); HS vs. HA+HS 0.0 g (95% CI -1.2 to 0.4)]. Sputum collected over the 24-hour follow-up tended to be lower for HS and HA+HS compared with IS [HS vs. IS -1.7 g (95% CI -4.2 to 0.0); HA+HS vs. IS -1.1 g (95%CI -3.6 to 0.7)]. No differences in LCQ or lung function were observed. Most severe AEs were reported using HS. CONCLUSION: HS and HA+HS were more effective on sputum expectoration than IS in patients with bronchiectasis, reporting HA+HS better safety profile than HS.

Influence of the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor on pulmonary function and sputum expectoration in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The Vibralung Acoustical Percussor is a new airway clearance therapy (ACT) utilizing intrapulmonary sound waves in addition to positive expiratory pressure (PEP). We evaluated the safety of the Vibralung and collected preliminary data on its ability to mediate sputum expectoration in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: Over two separate studies, 10 and 11 mild to moderate CF patients were recruited for study I and II, respectively. Study I: Vibralung was used for 20 min with either no sound (NS: PEP only) or sound (S: PEP and sound) on randomized visits. Pulmonary function, diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide (DLCO/DLNO), symptoms, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured at baseline and at 1 and 4 h post treatment. Expectorated sputum was collected over 4 h post treatment. Study II: over 5 days of in-hospital therapy, the Vibralung or vibratory vest therapy (Vest) were used for two therapy sessions per day, with sputum collected for 20 min following each therapy and pulmonary function accessed pre and post each 5-day period (days 1-5 or 7-11) in a randomized crossover design. RESULTS: Vibralung usage resulted in no change from baseline to 4 h post in pulmonary function, SpO2 or symptoms ( p > 0.05). At 4 h post therapy, the DLCO- and DLNO-derived measure of alveolar-capillary unit function (DM/ VC) showed improvement (DM/ VC = 12.5 ± 5.5 versus 7.3 ± 18.8% change, S versus NS) with no difference between S and NS ( p = 0.74). Sputum expectoration was similar between S and NS conditions (wet sputum = 10.5 ± 4.6 versus 9.9 ± 3.2 g, S versus NS, p = 0.25). There were no differences in the improvement in pulmonary function between Vibralung and Vest during either 5-day period during the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Vibralung was well tolerated and caused no detrimental changes in pulmonary function metrics. The Vibralung appears to be a safe ACT in individuals with CF.

[Bronchiectasis]. / Bronquiectasias.

Bronchiectasis is defined as irreversible dilatation of the bronchial lumen. Bronchiectasis not due to cystic fibrosis is the third most common chronic inflammatory disease of the airway, after asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD). The pathogenesis of the disease is characterised by chronic dilatation, with irreversible and usually progressive destruction of the bronchial wall as a consequence of the vicious pathogenic circle described by E. Cole, of infection, inflammation, injury to the mucociliary system, and cyclical repair of the airway. The disease can have different causes, and usually presents with cough and chronic expectoration, and repeated, acute, infectious exacerbations. Suspected diagnosis is clinical, and must be confirmed by high resolution computerised tomography. The treatment comprises diverse regimens aimed at controlling infection and bronchial inflammation. Nutritional aspects should be considered as part of treatment, as well as the management of secretions, muscle training and the management of complications and comorbidities.

Application of cluster nursing on expectoration in mechanical ventilation patients after craniocerebral injury / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To explore the effect of using cluster nursing measures on expectoration in mechanical ventilation patients after craniocerebral operation. Methods Convenient sampling and controlled trials at not the same period were used. Sixty-seven mechanical ventilation patients after craniocerebral operation were selected as the research objects in Department of Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the First Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical College. Thirty-two patients treated from June 2015 to June 2016 were assigned in the control group, and they were given routine respiratory nursing care; 35 patients admitted and treated from July 2006 to July 2017 were included in the intervention group, and they were given evidence-based cluster nursing intervention measures on the basis of routine care. The differences in expectoration effect, arterial blood gas analysis index, incidence of pulmonary infection and prognosis of patients in two groups were compared. Results Compared with control group, the amount of expectoration in the intervention group was significantly increased (mL/d: 49.69±9.45 vs. 33.72±10.63, P < 0.05), while the daily number of sputum suction (times: 21.57±2.31 vs. 28.76±22.66), the time needed for each sputum suction(s: 6.81±1.74 vs. 9.28±2.52), respiratory frequency (bpm: 26.26±1.83 vs. 28.58±1.36), incidence of pulmonary infection [0 vs. 12.5% (4/32)], time of mechanical ventilation (days: 6.37±2.51 vs. 8.92±3.32), time of ICU stay (days: 7.49±3.87 vs. 10.33±2.12), time of hospital stay (days: 10.31±1.99 vs. 14.56±3.57), fatality rate [8.6% (3/35) vs. 21.9% (7/32)] in the intervention group were significantly decreased (all P < 0.05); after treatment the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and pulse oxygen saturation degree (SpO2) were significantly increased than those before treatment, and the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was significantly decreased than that before treatment, and the degrees of improvement in the intervention group on 5 days were significantly better than those in the control group [PaO2(mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 60.89±3.44 vs. 57.34±2.49, PaCO2(mmHg): 41.06±4.32 vs. 45.22±4.78, SpO2: 0.986±0.030 vs. 0.963±0.023, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion The cluster nursing measures can effectively improve the expectoration effect for mechanical ventilation patients after craniocerebral surgery, reduce the mortality and incidence of pulmonary infection, shorten the stay in ICU and improve the prognosis, suggesting that the measures be worthy to be applied widely in clinics.

Effect of Massage at Tiantu (CV22) in Promoting Cough and Expectoration in Craniocerebral Trauma Patients / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of massage at Tiantu (CV22) in promoting expectoration in craniocerebral trauma patients, and to lessen complications. Method Fifty craniocerebral trauma patients after extubation were randomized into a control group and a treatment group, 25 cases each. The control group was intervened by nebulization plus tapping back to promote cough and expectoration, while the treatment group was additionally given massage at Tiantu. For successive 3 days, the oxygen saturation, atelectasis and arrhythmias were observed and recorded before and after treatment in the morning, at midday and night, as well as the re-intubation rate, cough and expectoration induced by the treatment in the morning, at midday and night during the 3 days. Result The total effective rate in causing cough and expectoration and the increase of oxygen saturation in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the occurrence of complications including atelectasis and arrhythmias and re-intubation rate in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Massage at Tiantu is helpful to enhance the oxygen saturation and promote cough and expectoration in craniocerebral trauma patients, and it can lessen the occurrence of complications, thus worth applying in clinic.

Prevalence and influencing factors of respiratory symptoms among people aged 40 years and above in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors on respiratory disease related symptoms (coughing,expectoration,persistent coughing and persistent expectoration) in Chinese people ≥40 years old.Methods Data was collected from 162 surveillance points in the China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Project in 2010.A total number of 56 066 people,aged ≥40 years,were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method in this study.The prevalence rates of coughing,expectoration,persistent coughing and persistent expectoration were calculated according to gender by x2 test.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related influencing factors.Results The prevalence rates of coughing,persistent coughing,expectoration and persistent expectoration in men were significantly higher than that in women (P＜ 0.01).The prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms was positively correlated with age and duration and amount of cigarette smoking (P＜0.01),while negatively correlated with participants' education level (P＜0.01).Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender,age,education level,smoking-related parameters,areas of residency (in urban or rural areas),etc.were appeared as influencing factors on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms.Conclusion The symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases appeared prevalent in Chinese population aged ≥40 years.Factors as older age,living in the central/western regions and smoking-related parameters were identified as of higher risks.

Prevalence and influencing factors of respiratory symptoms among people aged 40 years and above in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors on respiratory disease related symptoms (coughing,expectoration,persistent coughing and persistent expectoration) in Chinese people ≥40 years old.Methods Data was collected from 162 surveillance points in the China Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Project in 2010.A total number of 56 066 people,aged ≥40 years,were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method in this study.The prevalence rates of coughing,expectoration,persistent coughing and persistent expectoration were calculated according to gender by x2 test.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related influencing factors.Results The prevalence rates of coughing,persistent coughing,expectoration and persistent expectoration in men were significantly higher than that in women (P＜ 0.01).The prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms was positively correlated with age and duration and amount of cigarette smoking (P＜0.01),while negatively correlated with participants' education level (P＜0.01).Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender,age,education level,smoking-related parameters,areas of residency (in urban or rural areas),etc.were appeared as influencing factors on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms.Conclusion The symptoms of chronic respiratory diseases appeared prevalent in Chinese population aged ≥40 years.Factors as older age,living in the central/western regions and smoking-related parameters were identified as of higher risks.

Sip and spit or sip and swallow: Choice of method differentially alters taste intensity estimates across stimuli.

While the myth of the tongue map has been consistently and repeatedly debunked in controlled studies, evidence for regional differences in suprathreshold intensity has been noted by multiple research groups. Given differences in physiology between the anterior and posterior tongue (fungiform versus foliate and circumvallate papillae) and differences in total area stimulated (anterior only versus whole tongue, pharynx, and epiglottis), small methodological changes (sip and spit versus sip and swallow) have the potential to substantially influence data. We hypothesized instructing participants to swallow solutions would result in greater intensity ratings for taste versus expectorating the solutions, particularly for umami and bitter, as these qualities were previously found to elicit regional differences in perceived intensity. Two experiments were conducted: one with model taste solutions [sucrose (sweet), a monosodium glutamate/inosine monophosphate (MSG/IMP) mixture (savory/umami), isolone (a bitter hop extract), and quinine HCl (bitter)], and a second with actual food products (grapefruit juice, salty vegetable stock, savory vegetable stock, iced coffee, and a green tea sweetened with acesulfame-potassium and sucralose). In a counterbalanced crossover design, participants (n=66 in experiment 1 and 64 in experiment 2) rated the stimuli for taste intensities both when swallowing and when spitting out the stimuli. Results suggest swallowing may lead to greater reported bitterness versus spitting out the stimulus, but that this effect was not consistent across all samples. Thus, explicit instructions to spit out or swallow samples should be given to participants in studies investigating differences in taste intensities, as greater intensity may sometimes, but not always, be observed when swallowing various taste stimuli.