Lung function in Gypsies in Greece

The relationship between lung function and smoking and dietary habits was examined in 121 Gypsies (62 males, 59 females) who were 14-70 y of age and who lived in Greece. All were examined clinically, after which they all participated in spirometry tests. Half of the study group had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced vital capacity, 36.4% had abnormal (< 80% of predicted) forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, and 5% had serious lung function disturbances (forced vital capacity < 50% of predicted). Approximately 70% of subjects were smokers, and their diets were rich in alcohol and meat; they ate very few salads and oranges. Consequently, decreased lung function might be a major health problem in Gypsies in Greece. Organization of preventive health strategies should improve the overall health of this study group.     

Ventilatory Lung Function in Cement Workers

In four samples of cement workers and adequate controls and in a group of their wives, forced vital capacity (FVC) and one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) were measured. In all four samples FEV₁/FVC ratio was significantly lower in cement workers (P < .05). A significant difference in this ratio was also found when cement workers who were nonsmokers were compared with control nonsmokers (P < .01). The FVC was within normal limits in all four samples. An inverse relationship between duration of work experience in cement plants and values of both FVC and FEV₁/FVC ratio was found. There was no significant difference in the values of these two tests between two groups of examined wives. The results suggest that the exposure to occupational factors in cement plants may lead to a predominantly obstructive ventilatory impairment     

两种肺功能仪测定值的对比分析

对41例被测试者（一组为通气功能正常，另一组为通气功能异常）的通气、残气和弥散功能在两种肺功能仪进行随机测试分析。两种肺功能仪测定值之间差异均不显著（P〉0．05，通气功能正常组DLCO、FEF25、FEF75．通气功能异常组FVC除外）。两组的相关系数r≥0．9（通气功能正常组MMF的r=0．7725．RV的r=0.808，通气功能异常组FEF75的r=0．58除外）．p〈0．001．非常相关。两种不同测定原理的仪器大多数测定值差异不显著．具有很好的相关性。     

Lung Function in Woodworking Teachers in Sweden

Abstract

Work-related airways symptoms are common in woodworkers. To study possible work-related effects on lung function, 40 exposed woodworking teachers and 31 controls were examined by spirometry, diffusion-capacity and nitrogen-washout determinations, and methacholine challenge. Measured levels of total and respirable dust and terpene concentrations in the shops were below the Swedish threshold-limit values. Lungfunction values on Monday morning were similar in the two groups. Slight obstructive impairments during the working week were found in both groups. In the woodworking teachers, small changes in lung function were related to measured total dust, use of process ventilation, and use of a broom to clean the benches. Their methacholine reactivity was slightly more pronounced compared with that of the controls, but the numbers of hyper reactive individuals (PC₂₀ < 8 mg/m³) were equal in the two groups. These facts might indicate small workrelated effects on lung function, but some contradictory findings disturb this interpretation. The results are therefore inconclusive.     

Excess Longitudinal Decline in Lung Function in Grain Farmers

ABSTRACT

Workers in intensive agricultural operations are exposed to dust and endotoxin that are associated with respiratory effects. The authors investigated the longitudinal changes in lung function in male grain farmers. In this study, male grain farmers (n = 263) and male nonfarming control subjects (n = 261) studies initially in 1990/91 were followed-up in 1994/95 and 2003/04. After controlling for potential confounders, grain farmers had an excess annual decline of 9.2 ml/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7, 15.8, p = .006) in forced vital capacity (FVC) in comparison to control. Long-term exposure to grain dust and other substances in lifetime grain farmers results in progressive loss in lung function.     

Health and use of health services: a comparison between Gypsies and Travellers and other ethnic groups

Objectives. To examine the health status of adults from black and minority ethnic groups and from a socio-economically mixed White population, all resident in England.

Design. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey using validated standardised health measures of a sample of Gypsies and Travellers, Pakistani Muslims, African Caribbean, and White adults living in five geographical locations. Health outcomes included general health, health in the past year, limiting long-term illness, anxiety, depression, respiratory symptoms and angina.

Results. Of the 520 recruited age–sex matched sample (260 Gypsies and Travellers matched with 260 Pakistani Muslims, African Caribbean, and White residents), 516 were included in this analysis (173 men, 343 women). There were no differences by age between the four groups but men were approximately four years older than women. There were significant statistical differences in smoking status and educational attendance with more Gypsies and Travellers being current smokers (58% (95% confidence interval (CI) 52, 64) versus 25% (14, 38) or lower in the other groups) and having poorer regular educational attendance (61% (54, 68) versus 89% (77, 96) or higher in the other groups). For all health outcomes examined, Gypsies and Travellers had significantly poorer outcomes (after adjustment for age, sex and smoking status) compared with the White population. The health status of the Pakistani Muslims and African Caribbeans was similar to that of the Gypsies and Travellers for health in the past year, asthma, and depression, but other outcomes (cough, sputum) were significantly less prevalent. There were also significant differences in specific outcomes between African Caribbean and Pakistani Muslim populations. Consultations with various health professionals and use of health services varied between the groups.

Conclusion. Being a Gypsy or Traveller is associated with even poorer health outcomes than those seen in two other ethnic minority groups resident in England, Pakistani Muslim and African Caribbean, and they in turn have poorer health outcomes than the White residents. More remains to be done to address the health and health service needs of such black and minority ethnic groups.     

Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms in Male Palestinian Farmers

ABSTRACT

In a cross-sectional study of 250 farmers aged 22 to 77 years, of whom 36.4% are smokers, the authors aimed at describing lung function and respiratory symptoms and to estimate associations with exposures to pesticides and dust. Lung function was measured using a spirometer. Respiratory symptoms and exposure levels were self-reported based on a modified standardized questionnaire. Mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 4.20 L (SD = 0.93 L), 95.51% of predicted as compared to European standards. Mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was 3.28 L (SD = 0.80 L), 91.05% of predicted. The authors found high symptom prevalences: 14.0% for chronic cough; 26.4% for wheeze; and 55.2% for breathlessness. There was no clear association between exposure to pesticides or dust and lung function or between such exposures and respiratory symptoms. However, a significant association was found between smoking and respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough, cough with phlegm, and wheezes. The lack of farm exposure associations could be due to improvement in farmers’ awareness to pesticides hazards as well as regulations of pesticide import, or because of inherent problems with the experimental design. Farmers who kept animals and poultry seem to have less respiratory symptoms and better lung function.     

离尘矿工肺通气功能和呼吸系统症状的配对研究

对１５６名离尘矿工进行了肺通气功能和呼吸系统症状的配对研究，结果表明：无论是ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ１．０、ＦＥＦ２５％～７５％、Ｖ７５、Ｖ５０等肺通气功能指标的实测值，还是肺通气功能异常率均显示离尘矿工肺通气功能损害较对照工人严重，除ＦＶＣ外，均有统计学意义；呼吸系统症状阳性人数和慢性支气管炎患病人数离尘矿工也均显著高于对照工人。     

地铁变电器材失火烟雾对肺功能的近期影响

本文对18例接触变电器材失火烟雾者进行了肺功能测定及血气分析。接触组除RV、RV/TLC及DI_(CO)外,VC、FVC、FEV_1/FVC、MMEF、PEFR/H、V_(75)/H、V_(50)/H、V_(25)/H及K_(CO)均明显降低,与对照组相比,差别有显著性。提示烟雾接触可损害肺通气功能、小气道功能及弥散功能,尤以小气道功能改变为明显。烟雾对远期肺功能的影响尚需进行随访。     

铸钢和铸铁接尘工人肺功能损害的配对分析

本文按配对设计的原则，严格控制年龄、身高、吸烟量、接尘量等因素，分别对５２名铸钢和铸铁接尘工人进行了肺功能的比较分析，结果表明铸钢接尘工人的ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ_（１．０）、ＦＥＦ_（２５～７５）、Ｖ_（７５）、Ｖ_（５０）、Ｖ_（２５）等肺功能指标均低于铸铁接尘工人，ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ_（１．０）有显著意义的差别（Ｐ＜０．０５）；相同接尘工龄、相同累计接尘量的配对结果，尘龄小于２０年或累计接尘量小于５００毫克·年时，两组肺功能损害未见差别（Ｐ＞０．０５），当尘龄大于２０年或累计接尘量大于５００毫克·年时，铸钢接尘工人肺功能各项指标明显低于铸铁接尘工人（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１）。     

One-Year Occupational Exposure to a Cold Environment Alters Lung Function

Numerous observations have shown that breathing cold air causes bronchospasm and increases respiratory tract secretions in asthmatic patients and normal individuals. However, few studies have been conducted on the respiratory effects of protracted daily exposures to a cold environment. In this 1-yr study, the authors examined individuals who spent 6 hr a day in cold stores (+3 [ddot]C to + 10 [ddot]C) and spent approximately 25% of that time at +3 [ddot]C. The protocol included a questionnaire about clinical symptoms, with measurements of baseline pulmonary function and airway responses to carbachol and to nasal inhalation of cold air (-5 [ddot]C). Eleven subjects were examined prior to their first occupational exposure to cold, and again following 6 mo and 12 mo of work in the cold environment. Compared with a control group of 6 subjects engaged at the same time but who did not work in cold stores, 6 of 11 individuals who worked 12 mo in a cold environment experienced increased symptoms of rhinitis, sore throat, and cough. Physiological measurements at 6 mo and 12 mo showed a progressive decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and a progressive increase in the baseline value of central airway resistance. Forced expiratory flow measured between 25% and 75% of vital capacity had decreased at 6 mo, but showed no further change at 12 mo. A progressive enhancement of bronchial reactivity to carbachol was noted at 6 mo and again at 12 mo, but airway response to nasal breathing of cold air did not vary. The authors concluded that 1 yr of daily exposure to a cold occupational environment elicits a modest–but significant–airflow limitation, accompanied by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, with the effects beginning within 6 mo of exposure.     

Impact of Body Composition Parameters on Lung Function in Athletes

Background: Given the potential risk of unhealthy weight management, the monitoring of body composition in athletes is advised. However, limited data reveal how body composition measurements can benefit athlete health and, in particular, respiratory function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of body composition on pulmonary function in a population of adult athletes. Methods: Data from 435 competitive adult athletes regarding body compositions parameters and spirometry are retrospectively analyzed. Results: Our study population consists of 335 males and 100 female athletes. Muscle mass and fat-free mass are significantly and positively associated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the male and female population, while waist-to-height ratio is negatively associated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC in the male population. In multivariable analysis, muscle mass and fat-free mass show significant association with FEV1 and FVC in both males and females (p < 0.05), and waist-to-height ratio is significantly and inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fat-free mass and muscle mass are positively and independently associated with FEV1 and FVC in athletes of both genders, and waist-to-height ratio is inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC only among male athletes. These findings suggest that body composition in athletes may be helpful in monitoring respiratory function.     

铸钢接尘与离尘工人肺功能及呼吸系统症状的配对研究

本文对沈阳某重型机器厂铸钢车间２５９名接尘工人与７４名调离铸钢粉尘作业工人进行了肺功能与呼吸系统症状的配对分析。结果表明：无论是接尘人工，还是调离粉尘作业工人，其ＦＶＣ、ＦＥＶ、ＦＥＦ２５－７５％、Ｖ７５、Ｖ５０等肺功能指标的实测值均较对照组明显降低，肺功能异常人数以及呼吸系统症状阳性人数与慢性支气管炎的患病人数则较对照组显著升高。     

The Effects of Fruit-Derived Polyphenols on Cognition and Lung Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Polyphenols are plant derived nutrients that influence oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may have positive benefits on cognition and lung function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit derived polyphenol intakes on cognition and lung capacity in healthy adults. In August 2020 and October 2021, Medline and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies examining the effects of fruit derived polyphenol intakes on cognition and/or lung function in healthy adults (<70 years old). Fourteen studies related to cognition (409 healthy subjects) and seven lung/respiratory studies (20,788 subjects) were used for the systematic review using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The meta-analysis (using six cognition and three lung function studies) indicated a protective effect on lung function from dietary intakes of fruit-derived polyphenols. Neither a benefit nor decrement from fruit-derived polyphenol intakes were detected for cognition. Human intervention trials examining the effects of polyphenol supplementation on lung function in healthy adults are scarce and intervention studies are warranted. More conclusive results are needed to provide recommendations for polyphenol supplementation to support aspects of cognition.     

Abstracts from Current Literature

Families engaged in Agricultural Aviation (314) and cooperating sibling families, not occupationally exposed to pesticides (178) provided information, in response to a questionnaire, on their general health status and pregnancy outcomes. These two groups were comparable in age, height, weight, and years of education. Statistical evaluation confirmed the null hypothesis with respect to total pregnancies, number of male or female chldren, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects.     

Obesity-Related Indices Are Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Lung Function: A Large Taiwanese Population Follow-Up Study

The global pandemic of obesity and the increasing incidence of chronic respiratory diseases are growing health concerns. The association between obesity and pulmonary function is uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to explore associations between changes in lung function and obesity-related indices in a large longitudinal study. A total of 9059 participants with no personal histories of asthma, smoking, bronchitis, or emphysema were enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank and followed for 4 years. Lung function was assessed using spirometry measurements including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Changes in FEV1/FVC (∆FEV1/FVC) between baseline and follow-up were calculated. The following obesity-related indices were studied: lipid accumulation product (LAP), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). In multivariable analysis, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.002), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.005), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a high baseline FEV1/FVC. After 4 years of follow-up, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.001), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.002), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low △FEV1/FVC. High obesity-related index values were associated with better baseline lung function and a rapid decrease in lung function at follow-up.     

Pulmonary Function of Workers Exposed to Ammonia: A Study in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To determine the effect of chronic exposure to ammonia on pulmonary function among ammonia workers, 77 workers were randomly selected from an ammonia factory in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and 355 were selected as controls from the administrative staffs of four industrial groups in Eastern Province. Spirometry was carried out and FEV₁ FVC, and FEV₁/FVC% were calculated. The ammonia level in the working environment was determined spectrophotometrically. 30% of the air samples had ammonia concentrations that exceeded the threshold limit value. Significant reductions in FEV₁% predicted and FVC % predicted were observed in ammonia workers exposed to higher cumulative ammonia levels (above 50 mg/m³-years). FEV₁% predicted and FEV₁/FVC% were significantly lower in symptomatic than in asymptomatic workers in the exposed group. These findings may raise the possibility that exposure to a high cumulative ammonia level produces a combined restrictive/obstructive ventilatory defect.     

药剂联合呼吸机改善尘肺阻塞性肺疾病肺功能

目的观察内科常规治疗基础上加用沙美特罗氟替卡松吸入型药剂联合双水平气道正压通气（Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure,BiPAP）呼吸机改善尘肺慢性阻塞性肺疾病（chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,COPD）肺功能的疗效。方法选择2009/2012广西工人医院住院治疗尘肺COPD患者,分为试验组和对照组各20例,2组均给予内科常规治疗,在此基础上,试验组加用沙美特罗替卡松吸入剂联合无创BiPAP呼吸机进行正压通气治疗。8周后比较试验组和对照组病例肺功能各项指标的改变,以评价该治疗方法的效果。治疗前后肺功能检查指标为：一秒钟用力呼气容积（FEV1）、一秒钟用力呼气容积与用力肺活量之比（FEV1/FVC）、一秒钟用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV1%）。结果同组患者肺功能各指标治疗后比治疗前均有所改善,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。治疗后试验组FEV1、FEV1/FVC、FEV1%较对照组均明显改善,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论沙美特罗替卡松吸入剂联合BiPAP呼吸机治疗尘肺COPD疗效优于单纯常规内科治疗,明显改善患者临床症状及肺功能。     

Household Food Insecurity,Lung Function,and COPD in US Adults

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests that optimal diet quality helps to improve preservation of lung function and to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, but no study has investigated the association of food insecurity (FI) and lung health in the general population. Using data from a representative sample of US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 cycles, we investigated the association between FI with lung function and spirometrically defined COPD in 12,469 individuals aged ≥ 18 years of age. FI (high vs. low) was defined using the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Security Scale). Population-weighted adjusted regression models were used to investigate associations between FI, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), their ratio, and spirometrically defined restriction (FVC below the lower limit of normal) and airflow obstruction (COPD). The prevalence of household FI was 13.2%. High household FI was associated with lower FVC (adjusted β-coefficient −70.9 mL, 95% CI −116.6, −25.3), and with higher odds (OR) of spirometric restriction (1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03). Stratified analyses showed similar effect sizes within specific ethnic groups. High FI was associated with worse lung health in a nationally representative sample of adults in the US.