Introduction: Respiratory tract symptoms (RTS), common in athletes during heavy training and after events, result in impaired readiness for events and race times. Since the 1980’s exercise immunologists have investigated the aetiological factors surrounding the development of exercise induced RTS in order to develop effective preventative strategies. A number of theories have been put forward and explored, such as increased susceptibility to infection, ‘run-away’ inflammatory response and reactivation of prior viral infection. It has been suggested that the mechanisms producing exercise induced inflammation could potentiate allergic responses in sensitized individuals and recently allergic response has been proposed as a potential contributor to exercise induced RTS. Certainly allergic reactions can produce a range of respiratory symptoms; however the relationship between allergic sensitization, allergic reaction and the incidence of post-exercise RTS has not been well defined. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to document the incidence of RTS for two weeks before and two weeks after a three-day trail run and relate these to the general systemic and salivary immunological profile as well as atopic status of the participants. The secondary objective was to validate the use of the Phadiatop® assay as a predictor of allergy-associated post-race RTS in trail runners. Study Design and Methods: The study formed part of a larger, descriptive field study examining the physiological responses of trail runners during the Three Cranes Challenge, a multi-day 95 km event divided into three stages, in Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal. Outcome measures examined included self- reported RTS over a 31 day period (pre, during and post race), as well as pre-race Phadiatop® status, salivary IgA (sIgA) concentrations and changes in concentrations of serum IgE (sIgE), cortisol, high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and differential leukocyte counts. The haematological and salivary parameters were obtained at 8 time points before, during and after the event. A convenience sample of 22 individuals was used and two separate analyses were conducted on the data. The inclusion criteria of the first analysis were met by 14 participants. In this analysis, the incidence of RTS was related to each participant’s general immunological profile. Sixteen of the subjects met the inclusion criteria for the second analysis, in which their Phadiatop® status was related to their sIgE and blood eosinophil and basophil concentrations in order to establish the validity of the Phadiatop® assay in predicting the development of allergy–associated postexercise RTS in trail runners. Results: In the first analysis, 78.6 % (n=11) of subjects met the criteria for positive diagnosis of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) during the two week post-race period. In four subjects (36.4 %), URS appeared to be of inflammatory origin, but these were not linked to systemic markers of an allergic response. Of the URS positive subjects, six (54.5 %) presented with markers of infection, three (27.3 %) with markers of a de novo infection and three (27.3%) with a profile suggestive of reactivation of previous infection. Of those presenting with markers of infection 66.7 % (n=4) had concomitantly elevated levels of IgE suggestive of allergic response. There was, however, no evidence of isolated allergic reaction independent of other causes amongst the symptomatic subjects. In the second analysis, 75% (n=12) of runners presented with post-race RTS and seven of these were Phadiatop® positive. In four of the Phadiatop® positive RTS subjects, symptoms appeared to be of allergic origin. Although total IgE concentrations were significantly higher (p< 0.01) in Phadiatop® positive group, there was no significant difference between the eosinophil and basophil concentrations or post-race RTS of the positive and negative groups (p>0.05). Of the four subjects who did not develop RTS, three were Phadiatop® positive. Conclusion: Respiratory tract symptoms in trail runners have a multi-factorial aetiology. A link between concurrent markers of an allergic response and infection is common in symptomatic trail runners. The Phadiatop® assay does not accurately predict the incidence of allergic postexercise RTS in trail runners. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

In order to evaluate the respiratory health status of spray painters exposed to paints containing hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI) and to obtain more insight into the relationship between occupational exposures to isocyanates and chronic obstructive airway diseases, a follow up study on 33 of an original cohort of 40 randomly selected workers was undertaken. The original investigation was conducted by the author in 1989. The subjects were studied using a standardised American Thoracic Society (ATS) approved respiratory health questionnaire, baseline pre and post shift spirometry and ambulatory peak flow monitoring. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness tests using histamine (PC20) were performed. Immunological tests including IgE, RAST (HDI), and house dust mite evaluations were also made. The subjects were stratified into exposed (n=20), partially exposed (n=5) and no longer exposed (n=7) groups. One subject was excluded from the group analysis because of his indeterminate isocyanate exposure. Warehouse assistants (n=30) in a non-exposed occupation were used as controls. The worker's compliance with safety regulations and the employers provision of safety requirements was assessed by means of a questionnaire. The environmental conditions in the workplace were measured by the evaluation of the isocyanate concentrations at the worker's breathing zone. Spray booth efficiency was measured using measurements of airflow velocities and airflow patterns within the booth. Longitudinal changes in respiratory health status was assessed by comparison with baseline data studied in 1989. The exposed group showed the largest mean cross-shift declines of 297 ml (± 83.8) in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The decline in the partially exposed group was 282 ml (± 102.7) and 54 ml (± 140) in the no longer exposed group. The results of the first study, when compared with the second study, showed a mean cross-shift decline in FEV1 of 130.5 ml. (± 203) (p=0.0002) and 297ml. (± 323) (p=0.0001) respectively. Furthermore, of the spray painters examined, 10 (25%) showed clinically significant cross-shift declines in FEV1 viz. decreases >250 ml in the first study (n=40) compared with 9 (45%) in the second study (n=33). In contrast to the HDI exposed spray painters, a closely matched control group (n=30) showed a mean cross-shift increase in FEV1 of 17.4 ml ( ± 63.04). Only 2 subjects had a diagnosis of asthma which was made in childhood and not related to occupation. The mean annual baseline decline in FEV1 was greatest in the exposed group 41.25 ml (25% showed a decline greater than >90 ml per annum). These values exceeded the predicted annual declines for both smokers and non smokers due to age. The decline in the no longer exposed group was 7.85 ml per annum. Immunological tests showed no correlation with declines in FEV1 . This study demonstrates the difficulties in correlating immunological status with clinical and lung function findings in workers exposed to HDI, as a means of predicting occupational asthma. Although measurements in cross-shift declines in FEV1 appear to be a suitable predictor of occupational asthma, in some cases it was found that the forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75 %) was a more sensitive predictor of early changes in the small airways. The mean isocyanate concentration in the spray painter's breathing zone was 14.65 mg/m3 (±12.219), exceeding the current South African Occupational Exposure Limit - Control Limit (OEL-CL) of 0.07 mg/m3 for isocyanates. Fifty per cent of the subjects suffered from eye irritation and 40% had dermatitis of the hand. This was expected since none of the spray painters wore goggles or gloves. Whilst no subject had evidence of clinical asthma related to spray painting, a large proportion demonstrated significant cross- shift changes in lung function implying short- term adverse effects of exposure. In addition longitudinal declines in lung function which was worse in those who continued spray painting in the follow-up study, is of major concern. The lack of cases of clinical or occupational asthma may be due to the healthy worker effect. Recommendations include, routine spirometric lung function testing of all spray painters, the use of high volume-low pressure spray guns and the wearing of positive pressure airline masks complying with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) safety standard. In terms of current legislation it was further recommended that spray booths be regularly monitored, including the measurement of HDI concentrations, airflow velocities and airflow patterns within the booth and the implementation and enforcement of stricter control measures. Workers demonstrating excessive declines in both cross-shift and longitudinal spirometry, require special attention. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1997.

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of occupational exposures to the burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among a sample of hospital based patients. Methods Cases (n=110) with specialist physician diagnosed COPD from the three public sector specialist respiratory clinics in KZN and controls (n=102) from other nonrespiratory chronic ailment specialist clinics at the same institutions were selected. An interviewer administered questionnaire and exposure history was obtained for each participant. In addition, a valid lung function test was obtained for each case. Data was analysed using STATA version 10. Multivariate regression models were developed to examine the relationship between COPD and occupational exposures while adjusting for age, sex, smoking and previous history of tuberculosis. The relationship of FEV1 and occupational exposures, adjusted for age, height, previous history of tuberculosis and smoking history, was investigated among cases. Results Cases and controls were similar with respect to age and sex distribution. Cigarette smoking differed significantly between cases and controls with a larger proportion of cases having ceased to smoke compared to controls (72% vs 46%, p<0.01). A higher proportion of controls reported employment in administrative, managerial and quality control positions (21.3% vs 12.0%, 7.7% vs 2.6% and 5.4% vs 0.3% respectively). Employment in the construction and shoe manufacturing industries was reported more frequently by cases (10.3% vs 3.2% and 10.0% vs 4.9% respectively). Cases were more likely than controls to have been exposed to dust (72% vs 28%, p<0.001) or to chemicals, gas or fumes (74% vs 25.5%, p<0.001) and reported exposure durations 3-4 fold higher than that of controls (p<0.001). Dust and chemical, gas or fume exposure was associated with an increased odds of developing COPD. Exposure to dusts (OR 7.9, 95% CI 3.9-15.7, p<0.001), chemicals, gas or fumes (OR 6.4, 95% CI 3.2-12.8, p<0.001) were significantly associated with odds of developing COPD. In addition, previous history of tuberculosis, as well as smoking were associated with an increased odds of COPD (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.2-27.4 p<0.001 and OR 6.4, 95% CI 2.3-17.7, p<0.001). Discussion and Conclusion This is one of the first hospital based case-control studies looking at occupational contribution to COPD undertaken in South Africa. In this sample of participants, strong associations were observed between self-reported occupational exposures to dust, and chemicals, gas or fumes, and physician’s diagnosis of COPD. The study also demonstrated a strong association between smoking and previous history of tuberculosis, and risk of COPD. The findings suggest that persons with known occupational exposures to respiratory irritants should be monitored to detect the onset of respiratory ill-health and that preventive strategies should reduce exposure to these agents in the workplace. / Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Bibliography: leaves 193-224 / xvi, 224 leaves, [1] plate : ill. (1 col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Pathology, 1984

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Texas at El Paso, 2007. / Title from title screen. Vita. CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xiv, 155 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Rijksuniversiteit te Utrecht, 2003. / Errata slip inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alberta, 2010. / Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on July 17, 2010). A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, [Department of] Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta. Includes bibliographical references.

Orientador: Irma de Godoy / Banca: Hugo Hyung Bok Yoo / Banca: Fabio de Oliveira Pitta / Banca: Maria Christina L. O. Machado / Banca: Alberto Cukier / Resumo: Nos últimos anos, vários estudos avaliaram os marcadores da doença associados à freqüência de exacerbação, hospitalização, readmissão e mortalidade em pacientes portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Entretanto, estudos que avaliaram os marcadores associados à ocorrência de exacerbação em pacientes ambulatoriais são limitados. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores de predição da ocorrência de exacerbação no período de um ano em 120 pacientes com DPOC atendidos no Ambulatório de Pneumologia da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - Unesp. Os pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico de DPOC confirmado e foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: espirometria pré e pós-broncodilatador, composição do corpo (antropometria e bioimpedância), qualidade de vida por meio do Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), intensidade da dispnéia por meio da escala modificada Medical Research Council (MMRC) e do índice basal de dispnéia (BDI) e tolerância ao exercício (distância percorrida em 6 minutos – DP6). Em seguida foi calculado o índice BODE de acordo com os pontos de corte do volume expiratório no primeiro segundo (VEF1), do índice de massa do corpo, do MMRC e da DP6. Durante o período de acompanhamento de um ano, 60 pacientes (50%) apresentaram pelo menos um episódio de exacerbação da doença e, em conseqüência da agudização, 25 pacientes foram hospitalizados. Comorbidades extra-pulmonares foram causa de hospitalização em oito pacientes e de óbito em cinco pacientes. Na avaliação inicial, os pacientes que exacerbaram tinham maior comprometimento da função pulmonar e da troca gasosa, valores mais elevados do índice BODE e maior proporção de pacientes com DPOC III e IV. Além disso, apresentavam menores valores de DP6, maior sensação de dispnéi... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Markers of disease severity have been associated with mortality, occurrence and frequency of hospitalization and readmission due disease exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, information about predictor factors for the occurrence of exacerbation in ambulatory COPD patients is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify predictor factors for the occurrence of exacerbation in 120 patients with COPD followed during one year in the outpatient clinic at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP, Paulista State University) School of Medicine at Botucatu, located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients had the diagnosis of COPD confirmed and underwent to the following evaluations: pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry, body composition (anthropometry and bioimpedance), health-related quality of life (Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire -SGRQ), dyspnea scores (Medical Research Council –MMRC and basal dispnea index -BDI) and exercise tolerance (6MWD). Bode index was calculated taking in consideration the cutt off points for forced volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index, MMRC and 6MWD. During the followup period 60 patients (50%) presented at least one exacerbation episode and, as consequence, 25 patients were hospitalized. Eight patients were hospitalized and five died due to non-pulmonary comorbidities. At baseline, patients with exacerbations during the follow-up period presented lower values of airway obstruction indexes and of arterial blood gases and higher values of BODE score and proportion of COPD patients class III and IV. In addition, the values of 6MWD were lower, dyspnea sensation was higher and the health- related quality of life was more deteriorated in these patients. No significative associations were found between gender, corticosteroid use... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Introdução: Diversas são as maneiras de se avaliar o sistema respiratório, entre elas destacam-se a pletismografia por indutância e análises cinemáticas tridimensionais, métodos de custo elevado e difícil transportabilidade. O emprego de um método alternativo baseado em imagem fotográfica (fotogrametria) emerge em um contexto como instrumento de baixo custo e de fácil transporte para análises respiratórias. Objetivo: o objetivo geral deste estudo consistiu em correlacionar volumes respiratórios obtidos por equipamento padrão de espirometria com um modelo biomecânico de análise fotogramétrica em jovens sem obstruções ou restrições respiratórias. Metodologia: foram avaliados 40 indivíduos (19 meninos e 21 meninas) com idade entre 14 e 17 anos. Foram excluídos indivíduos que apresentaram algum tipo de obstrução ou restrição respiratória. Realizou-se, com a utilização de marcadores adesivos, um mapeamento de superfície em cinco pontos anatômicos: projeção da cicatriz umbilical ou onfálica (COd), ângulo inferior da 10ª costela (ACd), projeção do manúbrio do esterno (MEd), projeção da apófise xifóide do esterno (AXd) e espinha ilíaca ântero-superior direita (EId). Com cada avaliado na posição decúbito dorsal, solicitou-se o teste de Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) em um espirômetro modelo Care Fusion - Microloop. O teste foi repetido e filmado três vezes. Dos filmes foram extraídas imagens referentes ao momento de máxima expiração e inspiração para tratamento fotogramétrico da prova com melhores índices respiratórios. Com o uso de um programa disponível no mercado foram definidas áreas e volumes pulmonares para regiões do tórax superior e inferior e abdômen superior e inferior. Além do teste espirométrico realizaram-se coletas da massa corporal, estatura, gordura corporal e comprimento torácico. Resultados: a idade média do grupo foi de 15,40±0,98 anos. Para massa corporal, estatura, percentual de gordura e comprimento torácico encontraram-se valores médios de 61,29±12,27kg, 1,66±0,09m, 22,70±6,49% e 25,54±1,87 cm, respectivamente. Ao comparar meninos e meninas apenas para a idade, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa. A análise fotogramétrica encontrou valores correlacionado, com as medidas espirométricas da CVF, Volume Expiratório Forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), Pico de Fluxo Expiratório (PFE) além da Inspiração realizada pós teste (IP). Encontrou-se maior mobilidade ventilatória em meninos quando comparados às meninas para região de Tórax Inferior, Abdômen Superior e Abdômen Inferior. Foi possível chegar a uma regressão com R² = 0,866 para prova de CVF e R² = 0,776 para IP com uso da fotogrametria, apresentando um erro padrão de 0,353 e 0,451, respectivamente. Conclusão: A fotogrametria para estudos de movimentos toracoabdominais por meio da aplicação de análises bidimensionais e tridimensionais em imagens adquiridas com a utilização de câmera filmadora se mostrou uma ferramenta útil, aplicável e reprodutível. Foi possível verificar um tipo de comportamento respiratório em adolescentes e associar as medidas obtidas na imagem com os valores mensurados com o uso do espirômetro. Também foi possível estimar o valor da CVF e do volume de ar inspirado em manobra de inspiração profunda. / Introduction: There are several ways to evaluate the respiratory system, among them inductance plethysmography and three-dimensional kinematic analysis, methods of high cost and difficult transportability. The use of an alternative method based on the photographic image (photogrammetry) emerges as an instrument of low cost and easy transportation for respiratory analysis. Objective: The objective of this study was to correlate respiratory volumes obtained by spirometry standard equipment with a biomechanical model photogrammetric analysis of adolescents. Methods: 40 patients (19 boys and 21 girls) were evaluated, aged between 14 and 17 years. Individuals who showed some sort of respiratory obstruction or restriction were excluded. With the markers stickers, a mapping in five anatomical landmarks: projection of the umbilicus (Cod), inferior angle of 10th rib (ACd), projection of sternum manubriam (MEd), sternal xiphoid projection (AXd) and right spine iliac (EId). With each subject assessed in supine position, tests the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were requested, using a spirometer Care Fusion - Microloop. The test was repeated three times and filmed. Images of the films were extracted for the moment of maximum expiration and inspiration for photogrammetric processing of proof with better breathing. With the use a program commercially available, areas and lung volumes were defined for the region of upper and lower chest, as well as top and bottom abdomen. In addition to spirometric test body weight, height, body fat and thoracic length were measure. Results: the mean age was 15.40 ± 0.98 years. For body mass, height, fat percentage and thoracic length, average values of 61.29 ± 12.27 kg, 1.66 ± 0.09 m, 22.70 ± 6.49% and 25.54 ± 1.87 cm were found, respectively. When comparing boys and girls at the age difference was not found statistically significant. The photogrammetric analysis has found values strongly correlated with the spirometric measurements of FVC, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in addition to post test performed Inspiration (IP). There was a higher ventilatory mobility for boys than girls for Lower Chest and Lower and Upper Abdomen. It was possible to reach a regression R² = 0.866 for proof of FVC and R² = 0.776 for IP with the use of photogrammetry, presenting a standard error of 0.353 and 0.451, respectively. Conclusion: photogrammetry can be used to study thoracoabdominal movements by applying analytical two-dimensional and three-dimensional images acquired using a video camera being, applicable and reproducible. It was possible to verify respiratory behavior in adolescents including measurements on the image with the values measured using the spirometer. It was also possible to estimate the value of FVC and volume of air breathed in deep inspiration maneuver.