Excess longitudinal decline in lung function in grain farmers.

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.

Effects of MMP-9 inhibition by doxycycline on proteome of lungs in high tidal volume mechanical ventilation-induced acute lung injury.

Background: Although mechanical ventilation (MV) is a major supportive therapy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, it may result in side effects including lung injury. In this study we hypothesize that MMP-9 inhibition by doxycycline might reduce MV-related lung damage. Using a proteomic approach we identified the pulmonary proteins altered in high volume ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI).

Lung function and farm size predict healthy worker effect in swine farmers.

Background: Swine farmers are exposed to a number of airborne contaminants associated with respiratory ill health.

Objectives: To examine the factors associated with healthy worker effect in the swine industry from a longitudinal follow-up of farmers at 4 years and 13 years.

Design: A prospective study of swine farmers and nonexposed rural residents was conducted using similar questionnaires and same spirometer at each time point.

The American Thoracic Society's spirometric criteria alone is inadequate in asthma diagnosis.

Background: The diagnosis of asthma is based on clinical symptoms, physical examination and pulmonary function tests, and can be very challenging. Most patients with asthma have a significant postbronchodilator response on spirometry indicating airway hyperresponsiveness. However, having a significant bronchodilator response by itself is not diagnostic of asthma.

A comparison of 2 methods of continuous aerosol administration during methacholine challenge testing.

Background: Exposure to the bronchoconstricting agent methacholine is a potential hazard to technical staff during methacholine challenge testing, which remains a useful and frequently performed test. There are several methods of performing the test. One of the 2 methods listed in the American Thoracic Society's guidelines is the 2-min tidal-breathing method.

Difference between dosimeter and tidal breathing methacholine challenge: contributions of dose and deep inspiration bronchoprotection.

Background: Two bronchoprovocation methods are widely used. Compared to the tidal breathing method, the dosimeter method delivers approximately half the dose and involves five deep inhalations. Both the lower dose and the bronchoprotective deep inhalations contribute to the lesser airway response of the dosimeter.

Dosimeter methacholine challenge: comparison of maximal versus submaximal inhalations.

Background: Deep inhalation has bronchodilating and bronchoprotective effects, particularly in subjects who are normal or have mild airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We have anecdotally observed that the 5 breath to total lung capacity (TLC) dosimeter method reduced the response to methacholine in some subjects with mild AHR.

Objective: To compare prospectively submaximal inhalations with TLC inhalations during the dosimeter methacholine challenge.

Respiratory symptoms and lung function in poultry confinement workers in Western Canada.

Objective: To determine whether poultry production methods impact respiratory health, and whether poultry farmers have more respiratory symptoms and lower lung function than comparison control groups.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba during the winters of 1997 to 1999.