This paper proposes a forced oscillation respiration resistance detector which has the characteristics of portable and friendly interface, with remote transmission function. STM32 is used to produce single frequency or complex frequency oscillation signal. In the experiments, the signal was magnified by the power amplifier to drive speaker to generate oscillates airflow into the subject's oral cavity. The analog to digital coverter of STM32 was used to measure the signals obtained by the pressure sensor and the flow sensor, and then the operation parameters were to be displayed on the TFT-LCD touch screen, and could also be transferred to the master computer. Simulated lung and volunteerism were used to verify the reliability of the detector. The test results showed that the system was reliable, and it achieved the significance in respiratory impedance detecting.
Objective To explore the clinical features and diagnostic procedure of atypical asthma characteristic of chest pain.Methods The patients with unexplained chest pain were screened by lung function test and bronchial provocation test.The diagnosis of asthma was established by therapeutic test and exclusive procedure.The clinical manifestations were analyzed.Results In 56 cases of unexplained chest pain 20 cases were diagnosed as asthma.While all patients referred to clinic with chest pain as chief complaint，a majority of patients (11 cases，85%) showed obscure chest tightness，breath shortness and cough..Some cases reported the same trigger factors as asthma.Chest pain was relieved in all cases after regular antiasthma treatments.Conclusions Chest pain could be a specific presentation of asthma which may be misdiagnosed as other diseases.Bronchial provocation tests and antiasthma therapy should be considered to screen and diagnose this atypical asthma.
Objective To observe the level of vitamin D in patients with steroid resistant (SR) asthma, and investigate the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on JNK/AP-1 and glucocorticoid receptor of T lymphocytes in SR asthmatics. Methods Sixty-two outpatients and inpatients with asthma with acute exacerbation between 2014 and 2015 were recruited in the study, including 26 cases of steroid sensitive (SS) asthmatics and 36 cases of SR asthmatics. Meanwhile 25 healthy volunteers were recruited as control. Clinical data were collected and peripheral venous blood was sampled for measuring the level of 25-(OH)D and separating the T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes were assigned to six groups, ie. a healthy control group (Group A), a SS asthmatics control group (Group B), a SR asthmatics control group (Group C), a SR asthmatics with JNK inhibitor (SP600125)+1,25-(OH)2D3 group (Group D), a SR asthmatics with JNK inhibitor (SP600125) group (Group E), and a SR asthmatics with 1,25-(OH)2D3 group (Group F). T lymphocytes were cultured for 48 hours. By the end of culture, the expression of phospho-JNK (p-JNK) and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) of T lymphocytes were detected by Western blot method, and the expression of c-Jun mRNA was detected by RT-PCR method. Results The level of 25-(OH) D was lower in Group B and Group C than Group A (P<0.05), and lower in Group C than Group B (P<0.05). The level of p-JNK was higher in Group B and Group C than Group A (P<0.05), higher in Group C than Group B (P<0.05), lower in Group E and Group F than Group C (P<0.05), lower in Group D than Group F (P<0.05). The level of p-GR was lower in Group C than Group A and Group B (P<0.05), higher in Group E and Group F than Group C (P<0.05), higher in Group D than Group F (P<0.05). The level of c-Jun mRNA was higher in Group B and Group C than Group A (P<0.05), higher in Group C than Group B (P<0.05), lower in Group E and Group F than Group C (P<0.05), and lower in Group D than Group F (P<0.05). The 25-(OH) D level was negatively correlated with the expression of p-JNK and c-Jun mRNA in Group C (r=–0.69, r=–0.65, P<0.05). However, there was a positive correlation between the 25-(OH) D level and p-GR (r=0.72, P<0.05). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or lack in SR asthmatics. 1,25-(OH)2D3 can promote the expression of p-GR by inhibiting the JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway of T lymphocytes in SR asthmatics, which may be one of the mechanisms of vitamin D to improve glucocorticoid resistance in SR asthmatics.
ObjectiveTo analyze misdiagnosis of other lung diseases as asthma to avoid medical error. MethodsSixty-nine cases who were misdiagnosed as asthma between February 2012 and February 2014 were recruited. Clinical data was collected and analyzed including characteristics of symptoms, induced sputum, pulmonary function and blood tests. ResultsThere were 13 diseases misdiagnosed as asthma, and eosinophilic bronchitis(21.74%), upper airway cough syndrome(20.29%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(13.04%), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis(7.25%) and hyperventilation syndrome (7.25%) were the top five diseases in these cases. Some rare diseases were also found such as idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome and vocal cord dysfunction. ConclusionsA variety of diseases have the similar clinical symptoms with asthma. The key to avoid and reduce misdiagnosis is to strengthen the understanding of asthma and similar diseases.
Objective To analyze the incidence and mortality of asthma in China from 1990 to 2019, and to explore the influence of age, period and cohort on the incidence and mortality of asthma. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database, the incidence and mortality of asthma in China from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed, and the time variation trend of age-standardized incidence and mortality was analyzed by using Joinpoint software, and the average annual variation percentage was calculated. The age-period-cohort model was constructed to analyze the influence of age, period and birth cohort on the incidence and mortality trend of asthma. Results In 2019, the incidence of asthma in China was 264.44/100 000, and the mortality rate was 1.74/100 000. The incidence rate of asthma in males (300.94/100 000) and mortality rate (1.99/100 000) were higher than those in females (226.51/100 000 and 1.49/100 000). From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence of asthma in China showed a downward trend, but the trend was not statistically significant (P>0. 05), and the age-standardized mortality showed a downward trend, with an average annual decrease of 4.90%, with a statistically significant trend (P<0.05). The results of age effect showed that the incidence of asthma in China showed a downward trend, and the death first showed a downward trend, and then increased in the age group of 55-59. The results of period effect show that the risk of asthma is decreasing, and then it is increasing from 2015 to 2019, and the risk of asthma mortality is decreasing. The results of cohort effect show that the later people are born, the lower the risk of asthma onset and death. The death of asthma is attributed to behavioral risk, high body mass index and tobacco, and the occupational risk tends to decrease. ConclusionsFrom 1990 to 2019, the incidence and mortality of asthma in China showed a decreasing trend, and the incidence and mortality of men were higher than that of women. The risk factors of behavioral risk, high body mass index and tobacco were still on the rise, so corresponding measures should be taken to carry out early screening, early detection, and early treatment for key populations.
Objective To reveal the differences in gene expression levels between Th2-driven classical asthma (CA) and Th2-driven cough variant asthma (CVA) in order to investigate the pathogenesis of asthma further. Methods Clinical data were collected from asthmatic patients in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from June 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. The healthy control (HC) group was healthy adults from the physical examination center. Gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the CA group, CVA group, and HC group was determined by full-length transcriptome sequencing. Differential genes were screened by GO, KEGG analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The results of interaction network analysis were visualized by Cytoscape. Finally, the candidate genes were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). ResultsA total of 31 patients with asthma were included in the study, including 20 patients in the CA group and 11 patients in the CVA group. According to serum total IgE > 60 IU/mL and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) > 40 ppb as the screening condition, 9 cases of Th2-driven CA and 5 cases of Th2-driven CVA were screened for analysis. Gene expression analysis showed 300 differentially expressed genes between the Th2-driven CA group and the Th2-driven CVA group, among which 155 genes were up-regulated, and 145 were down-regulated. GO enrichment analysis showed that differential genes were mainly enriched in drug response, nitrogen compound biosynthesis, cytoplasmic matrix, protein binding, ATP binding, etc. KEGG pathway analysis showed that differential genes were mainly concentrated in 2-oxy-carboxylic acid metabolism and cytotoxic signaling pathways mediated by natural killer cells. PPI analysis revealed extensive protein interactions between different genes. Ten candidate genes were screened for RT-PCR verification and finally found that CLU, GZMB, PPBP, PRF1, PTGS1, and TMSB4X were significantly differentially expressed between the Th2-driven CA group and the Th2-driven CVA group. Conclusions Asthma's occurrence results from the interaction of many genes and pathways. CLU, GZMB, PPBP, PRF1, PTGS1, and TMSB4X genes may be essential in developing Th2-driven CVA to Th2-driven CA.
Objective To explore the relationship between nasopharyngeal microecology and diseases in children with bronchial asthma. Methods A total of 41 children with asthma who were treated in Hainan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between November 2020 and March 2023 were retrospectively included in the study, and 26 healthy children undergoing adenoid examination in the same period were selected as the control group. Samples of nasal mucosa were collected from the anterior and medial side of inferior turbinate, and the expression of DEFB2, IL17A, TSLP, IL13, IL5 and T1R3 genes was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Nasal swabs were collected from the children, and the bacterial composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Results Compared with the control group, the rate of atopy cases in the asthma group increased significantly (53.7% vs. 19.2%, P<0.05). At the phylum level, compared with the control group, the phylum Chloroflexi, the phylum Patescibacteria, the phylum Tenericutes and the phylum Nitrospirae in the asthma group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the phylum Elusimicrobia decreased significantly (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with the control group, the members of Bacillus (Fimnicutes), Ruminococcus (Fimnicutes), Rhodococcus (Actinobacteria), Acinetobacter (Proteobacteria), Moraxella (Proteobacteria) and Asaia (Proteobacteria) in the asthma group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the members of Enterococcus (Fimnicutes), Alkanindiges (Proteobacteria), Rickettsia (Proteobacteria), and Rhizobium (Proteobacteria) in the asthma group decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the Shannon index of the asthma group decreased significantly (2.63±1.45 vs. 3.90±1.44; t=2.708, P=0.010). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut-off point of Shannon index was 3.10. In all study populations, compared with children whose Shannon index was higher than the cut-off point, children whose Shannon index was lower than the cut-off point were characterized by increased expression of IL17A and T1R3 (P<0.05) and decreased expression of TSLP (P<0.05). Conclusion The composition and abundance of nasopharyngeal microbiota are significantly different between children with asthma and healthy control children.
Objection To investigate the changes of insulin and insulin receptor in asthma patients.Methods Forty asthma patients were allocated into two groups：20 newly diagnosed treatment–naiuml;ve mild-moderate asthma patients，20 mild-moderate persistent asthma patients treated with inhaled corticosteroid. 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled as normal control.Blood samples were obtained from 40 asthma patients and 20 healthy volunteers.Total and differential leukocyte counts,blood glucose concentration and serum insulin concentration were measured.The level of lymphocyte insulin receptor in peripheral blood were assayed by flow cytomertry.Pulmonary function were performed at the same time.Results The numbers of eosinophil in the two asthma groups were significantly higher than those in the normal control group [(4.04±2.57)% and (4.24±2.34)% vs (0.90±1.38)%，Plt;0.05)，the levels of insulin and insulin receptor in the treatment-naiuml;ve group were significantly higher than those in the control group [insulin：(13.00±5.20)mIU/L vs (10.08±3.79)mIU/L，Plt;0.05；insulin receptor：(2.59±3.11)% vs (0.99±0.62)%，Plt;0.05).Conclusion Insulin secretion and insulin receptor expression in asthma patients are increased in the presence of inflammation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the fatigue of asthma patients, and to analyze its influencing factors, and provide a reference for clinical intervention.MethodsThe convenience sampling method was adopted to select asthma patients who were in clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from November 2018 to March 2019. The patients’ lung function were measured. And questionnaires were conducted, including general data questionnaire, Chinese version of Checklist Individual Strength-Fatigue, Asthma Control Test, Chinese version of Self-rating Depression Scale. Relevant data were collected for multiple stepwise linear regression analysis.ResultsFinally, 120 patients were enrolled. The results of multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that age, education level, place of residence, time period of frequent asthma symptoms, degree of small airway obstruction, Asthma Control Test score and degree of depression were the influencing factors of fatigue in asthma patients (P≤0.05). Multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis showed that degree of small airway obstruction, degree of depression and time period of frequent asthma symptoms were the main influencing factors of fatigue in asthma patients, which could explain 51.8% of the variance of fatigue (ΔR2=0.518).ConclusionsThe incidence of fatigue in asthma patients is at a relatively high level. Medical staff should pay attention to the symptoms of fatigue in asthma patients. For asthma patients, it is recommended to strengthen standardized diagnosis and treatment, reduce the onset of symptoms at night and eliminate small airway obstruction. Psychological intervention methods are needed to improve patients’ depression, reduce fatigue symptoms, and improve quality of life.
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of paucigranulocytic asthma and to find therapeutic target for paucigranulocytic asthma.MethodsGSE143303 data and platform information were downloaded from GEO. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed to construct positive and negative gene-gene interaction network correlation with paucigranulocytic asthma. Differential expression analysis, pathway commonality analysis were performed with R language.ResultsGSE143303 data set contained 47 endobronchial biopsies from adult (16 cases of paucigranulocytic asthma, 13 cases of healthy control). Compared with control group, the paucigranulocytic asthma group had 115 differential genes set (37 positive and 78 negative). The results of pathway commonality analysis showed that the crosslink existed within the negative gene-gene interaction network correlation with paucigranulocytic asthma. Among these, most of the genes belonged to the protein HLA gene family. Differential expression analysis show that HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB5 were differential genes and TNFRSF13B was significantly downregulated genes in the intersect genes.ConclusionTNFRSF13B, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB5 and regulatory networks associated with them are the crucial factors contributing to paucigranulocytic asthma.