BACKGROUND: Orang Asli lifestyle and household setting may influence their health status especially respiratory system and lung functions. This cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the status of lung functions of Orang Asli community and the associated factors.
METHODS: Data collection was carried out from November 2017 until May 2018 among 211 Orang Asli respondents aged 18 years old and above, who lived in five villages in Tasik Chini, Pahang. All respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Interview-guided questionnaire was administered, and spirometry test that include Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. In the first stage, descriptive analysis was done to describe the characteristics of the respondents. In the second stage, bivariable analysis was carried out to compare proportions. Finally, multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the effects of various independent predictors on spirometry parameters.
RESULTS: The respondents\' age ranged from 18 to 71 years old in which 50.2% of them were female. The majority ethnicity in Tasik Chini was Jakun tribe (94.3%). More than half of the respondents (52.1%) were current smoker, 5.2% were ex-smoker and 41.7% were non-smoker. More than half of them (62.1%) used woodstove for cooking, compared to only 37.9% used cleaner fuel like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a fuel for everyday cooking activity. The lung function parameters (FEV1 and FVC) were lower than the predictive value, whereas the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second and Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (%) and PEFR were within the predictive value. The FEV1 levels were significantly associated with age group (18-39 years old) (p = 0.002) and presence of woodstove in the house (p = 0.004). FVC levels were significantly associated with presence of woodstove in the house (p = 0.004), whereas there were no significant associations between all factors and FEV1/FVC levels.
CONCLUSIONS: FEV1 levels were significantly associated with age group 18-39 years old, whereas FVC levels were significantly associated with the presence of woodstove in the house. Thus, environmental interventions such as replacing the use of woodstove with LPG, need to be carried out to prevent further worsening of respiratory health among Orang Asli who lived far from health facilities. Moreover, closer health monitoring is crucial especially among the younger and productive age group.

Since PCV4 was first described in 2019, the virus has been identified in several countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. Most studies have been limited to detecting PCV4 by PCR. Thus, PCV4 has an unclear association with clinical disease. This study utilized 512 porcine clinical lung, feces, spleen, serum, lymphoid tissue, and fetus samples submitted to the ISU-VDL from June-September 2023. PCV4 was detected in 8.6% of samples with an average Ct value of 33. While detection rates among sample types were variable, lymphoid tissue had the highest detection rate (18.7%). Two ORF2 sequences were obtained from lymphoid tissue samples and had 96.36-98.98% nucleotide identity with reference sequences. Direct detection of PCV4 by RNAscope revealed viral replication in B lymphocytes and macrophages in lymph node germinal centers and histiocytic and T lymphocyte infiltration in the lamina propria of the small intestine. PCV4 detection was most commonly observed in nursery to finishing aged pigs displaying respiratory and enteric disease. Coinfection with PCV2, PCV3, and other endemic pathogens was frequently observed, highlighting the complex interplay between different PCVs and their potential roles in disease pathogenesis. This study provides insights into the frequency of detection, tissue distribution, and genetic characteristics of PCV4 in the US.

Fully targeted mRNA therapeutics necessitate simultaneous organ-specific accumulation and effective translation. Despite some progress, delivery systems are still unable to fully achieve this. Here, we reformulate lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) through adjustments in lipid material structures and compositions to systematically achieve the pulmonary and hepatic (respectively) targeted mRNA distribution and expression. A combinatorial library of degradable-core based ionizable cationic lipids is designed, following by optimisation of LNP compositions. Contrary to current LNP paradigms, our findings demonstrate that cholesterol and phospholipid are dispensable for LNP functionality. Specifically, cholesterol-removal addresses the persistent challenge of preventing nanoparticle accumulation in hepatic tissues. By modulating and simplifying intrinsic LNP components, concurrent mRNA accumulation and translation is achieved in the lung and liver, respectively. This targeting strategy is applicable to existing LNP systems with potential to expand the progress of precise mRNA therapy for diverse diseases.

As the locus for air exchange, lung tissue is perpetually exposed to a significant quantity of foreign pathogens. Consequently, lung has developed a refined and intricate immune system. Beyond their physical and chemical barrier roles, lung epithelial cells can contribute to immune defence through the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and other pattern recognition receptors, along with the secretion of cytokines. Emerging evidence demonstrates that lung epithelial cells can generate and secrete immunoglobulins (Igs), including IgM, IgA, or IgG, thus performing antibody function. Moreover, malignantly transformed lung epithelial cells have been discovered to produce high levels of Ig, predominantly IgG, which do not fulfill the role of antibodies, but instead carries out tumour-promoting activity. Structural analysis has indicated that the biological activity of IgG produced by lung cancer cells differs from that of Igs produced by normal lung epithelial cells due to the unique glycosylation modification. Specifically, the sialylated IgG (SIA-IgG), characterised by a non-traditional N-glycosylation modification at the Asn162 site of Igγ CH1, is highly expressed in tumour stem cells. It has been demonstrated that SIA-IgG relies on this unique sialylation modification to promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Current results have proven that the Ig produced by lung epithelial cells has multifaceted biological activities, including immune defence functions under physiological conditions, while acquiring tumour-promoting activity during malignant transformation. These insights possess potential for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer as novel biomarkers and targets.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic those with underlying chronic lung conditions, including tuberculosis (TB), were hypothesized to be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. However, there is inconclusive clinical and preclinical data to confirm the specific risk SARS-CoV-2 poses for the millions of individuals infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). We and others have found that compared to singly infected mice, mice co-infected with M.tb and SARS-CoV-2 leads to reduced SARS-CoV-2 severity compared to mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 alone. Consequently, there is a large interest in identifying the molecular mechanisms responsible for the reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection severity observed in M.tb and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive characterization of a co-infection model and performed mechanistic in vitro modeling to dynamically assess how the innate immune response induced by M.tb restricts viral replication. Our study has successfully identified several cytokines that induce the upregulation of anti-viral genes in lung epithelial cells, thereby providing protection prior to challenge with SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, our study offers a comprehensive understanding of the key pathways induced by an existing bacterial infection that effectively restricts SARS-CoV-2 activity and identifies candidate therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The gut serves as a vital immunological organ orchestrating immune responses and influencing distant mucosal sites, notably the respiratory mucosa. It is increasingly recognized as a central driver of critical illnesses, with intestinal hyperpermeability facilitating bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation, and organ damage. The \"gut-lung\" axis emerges as a pivotal pathway, where gut-derived injurious factors trigger acute lung injury (ALI) through the systemic circulation. Direct and indirect effects of gut microbiota significantly impact immune responses. Dysbiosis, particularly intestinal dysbiosis, termed as an imbalance of microbial species and a reduction in microbial diversity within certain bodily microbiomes, influences adaptive immune responses, including differentiating T regulatory cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which are critical in various lung inflammatory conditions. Additionally, gut and bone marrow immune cells impact pulmonary immune activity, underscoring the complex gut-lung interplay. Moreover, lung microbiota alterations are implicated in diverse gut pathologies, affecting local and systemic immune landscapes. Notably, lung dysbiosis can reciprocally influence gut microbiota composition, indicating bidirectional gut-lung communication. In this review, we investigate the pathophysiology of ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), elucidating the role of immune cells in the gut-lung axis based on recent experimental and clinical research. This exploration aims to enhance understanding of ALI/ARDS pathogenesis and to underscore the significance of gut-lung interactions in respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: The canine influenza virus (CIV) outbreak has garnered considerable attention as it poses a significant threat to dog health. During the H3N2 CIV evolution in beagles, the virus formed a new clade after 2019 and gradually became more adaptable to other mammals. Therefore, successfully elucidating the biological characteristics and constructing a canine influenza infection model is required for CIV characterization.
METHODS: We performed genetic analyses to examine the biological characteristics and infection dynamics of CIV.
RESULTS: The genotype of our H3N2 CIV strain (from 2019 in Shanghai) belonged to the 5.1 clade, which is now prevalent in China. Using MDCK cells, we investigated viral cytopathic effects. Virus size and morphology were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Beagles were also infected with 104, 105, and 106 50% egg-infectious doses (EID50). When compared with the other groups, the 106 EID50 group showed the most obvious clinical symptoms, the highest virus titers, and typical lung pathological changes. Our results suggested that the other two treatments caused mild clinical manifestations and pathological changes. Subsequently, CIV distribution in the 106 EID50 group was detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, which indicated that CIV primarily infected the lungs.
CONCLUSIONS: The framework established in this study will guide further CIV prevention strategies.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) with one-way endobronchial valves (EBV) has better outcomes when the target lobe has poor collateral ventilation, resulting in complete lobe atelectasis. High-inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) promotes atelectasis through faster gas absorption after airway occlusion, but its application during BLVR with EBV has been poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the real-time effects of FIO2 on regional lung volumes and regional ventilation/perfusion by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) during BLVR with EBV.
METHODS: Six piglets were submitted to left lower lobe occlusion by a balloon-catheter and EBV valves with FIO2 0.5 and 1.0. Regional end-expiratory lung impedances (EELI) and regional ventilation/perfusion were monitored. Local pocket pressure measurements were obtained (balloon occlusion method). One animal underwent simultaneous acquisitions of computed tomography (CT) and EIT. Regions-of-interest (ROIs) were right and left hemithoraces.
RESULTS: Following balloon occlusion, a steep decrease in left ROI-EELI with FIO2 1.0 occurred, 3-fold greater than with 0.5 (p < 0.001). Higher FIO2 also enhanced the final volume reduction (ROI-EELI) achieved by each valve (p < 0.01). CT analysis confirmed the denser atelectasis and greater volume reduction achieved by higher FIO2 (1.0) during balloon occlusion or during valve placement. CT and pocket pressure data agreed well with EIT findings, indicating greater strain redistribution with higher FIO2.
CONCLUSIONS: EIT demonstrated in real-time a faster and more complete volume reduction in the occluded lung regions under high FIO2 (1.0), as compared to 0.5. Immediate changes in the ventilation and perfusion of ipsilateral non-target lung regions were also detected, providing better estimates of the full impact of each valve in place.
BACKGROUND: Not applicable.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing is a complex process that requires the coordination of muscles in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Dysphagia occurs when a person has difficulty swallowing. In the case of subjects with respiratory diseases, the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia potentially increases lung disease exacerbations, which can lead to a rapid decline in lung function. This study aimed to analyze the swallowing of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
METHODS: Patients with IPF were evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), tongue pressure, the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST), and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS). The findings were related to dyspnea severity assessed by the modified Medical Research Counsil (mMRC) score; the nutritional status screened with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool; and pulmonary function tests, specifically spirometry and measurement of the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), and the maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax).
RESULTS: The sample consisted of 34 individuals with IPF. Those who exhibited swallowing modifications scored lower on the MNA than those who did not (9.6 ± 0.76 vs. 11.64 ± 0.41 points; mean difference 1.98 ± 0.81 points; p = 0.02). They also showed poorer lung function when considering the predicted force vital capacity (FVC; 81.5% ± 4.61% vs. 61.87% ± 8.48%; mean difference 19.63% ± 9.02%; p = 0.03). The speed of liquid swallowing was altered in 31of 34 of the evaluated subjects (91.1%). The number of liquid swallows correlated significantly with the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC ratio (r = 0.3; p = 0.02). Solid eating and swallowing assessed with the TOMASS score correlated with lung function. The number of chewing cycles correlated negatively with PImax% predicted (r = -0.4; p = 0.0008) and PEmax% predicted (r = -0.3; p = 0.02). FVC% predicted correlated with increased solid swallowing time (r = -0.3; p = 0.02; power = 0.6). Swallowing solids was also impacted by dyspnea.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild-to-moderate IPF can present feeding adaptations, which can be related to the nutritional status, lung function, and the severity of dyspnea.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health concern associated with various health problems, including respiratory impairment. Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) is used in health screening to assess body fat. However, there is no consensus in healthcare on how body fat should be assessed in relation to lung function. In this study, we aimed to investigate how BIA in relation to waist circumference contribute, using data from a large Swedish population study.
METHODS: A total of 17,097 participants (aged 45-75 years) were included in the study. The relationships between fat mass, waist circumference, and lung function were analysed using weighted quantile sum regression.
RESULTS: Increased fat mass was significantly associated with decreased lung function (FEV1, FVC) in both sexes. Also, the influence of trunk fat and waist circumference on FVC and FEV1 differed by sex: in males, waist circumference and trunk fat had nearly equal importance for FVC (variable weights of 0.42 and 0.41), whereas in females, trunk fat was significantly more important (variable weights 0.84 and 0.14). For FEV1, waist circumference was more important in males, while trunk fat was more significant in females (variable weights male 0.68 and 0.28 and 0.23 and 0.77 in female).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that trunk fat should be considered when assessing the impact of adipose tissue on lung function and should potentially be included in the health controls.