scholarly journals Evaluation of Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) for the Absolute Quantification of Aspergillus species in the Human Airway

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuang Yeow Poh ◽  
Nur A’tikah Binte Mohamed Ali ◽  
Louisa L.Y. Chan ◽  
Pei Yee Tiew ◽  
Sanjay H. Chotirmall
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Digital Pcr ◽  
Absolute Quantification ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Aspergillus Species ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Pcr Inhibition ◽  
Human Airway ◽  
Molecular Approaches

Background: Prior studies illustrate the presence and clinical importance of detecting Aspergillus species in the airways of patients with chronic respiratory disease. Despite this, a low fungal biomass and the presence of PCR inhibitors limits the usefulness of quantitative PCR (qPCR) for accurate absolute quantification of Aspergillus in specimens from the human airway. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) however, presents an alternative methodology allowing higher sensitivity and accuracy of such quantification but remains to be evaluated in head-to-head fashion using specimens from the human airway. Here, we implement a standard duplex TaqMan PCR protocol, and assess if ddPCR is superior in quantifying airway Aspergillus when compared to standard qPCR. Methods: The molecular approaches of qPCR and ddPCR were applied to DNA fungal extracts in n = 20 sputum specimens obtained from non-diseased (n = 4), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 8) and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (n = 8) patients where Aspergillus status was known. DNA was extracted and qPCR and ddPCR performed on all specimens with appropriate controls and head-to-head comparisons performed. Results: Standard qPCR and ddPCR were both able to detect, even at low abundance, Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus - A. fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus - A. terreus) from specimens known to contain the respective fungi. Importantly, however, ddPCR was superior for the detection of A. terreus particularly when present at very low abundance and demonstrates greater resistance to PCR inhibition compared to qPCR. Conclusion: ddPCR has greater sensitivity for A. terreus detection from respiratory specimens, and is more resistant to PCR inhibition, important attributes considering the importance of A. terreus species in chronic respiratory disease states such as bronchiectasis.

scholarly journals The role of microRNAs in chronic respiratory disease: recent insights

2018 ◽  
Vol 399 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay R. Stolzenburg ◽  
Ann Harris
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
And Function ◽  
Mirna Abundance

AbstractChronic respiratory diseases encompass a group of diverse conditions affecting the airways, which all impair lung function over time. They include cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, which together affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional gene repression, are now recognized as major regulators in the development and progression of chronic lung disease. Alterations in miRNA abundance occur in lung tissue, inflammatory cells, and freely circulating in blood and are thought to function both as drivers and modifiers of disease. Their importance in lung pathology has prompted the development of miRNA-based therapies and biomarker tools. Here, we review the current literature on miRNA expression and function in chronic respiratory disease and highlight further research that is needed to propel miRNA treatments for lung disorders towards the clinic.

The Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2017 ◽  
Vol 203 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-Maree Courtney ◽  
Patricia L. Spafford
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Potential Benefits

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and there is currently no treatment that can halt the progression of the disease. Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in the idea that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be active in COPD. Here we review the evidence for EMT in COPD as well as the current progress being made on understanding the drivers and mechanisms involved. Finally, we discuss the potential benefits that understanding EMT may bring to the field of chronic respiratory disease.

scholarly journals Chronic respiratory disease disparity between American Indian/Alaska Native and white populations, 2011–2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly G. Laffey ◽  
Alfreda D. Nelson ◽  
Matthew J. Laffey ◽  
Quynh Nguyen ◽  
Lincoln R. Sheets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
American Indian ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Annual Household Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract Background American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have been disproportionately affected by chronic respiratory diseases for reasons incompletely understood. Past research into disease disparity using population-based surveys mostly focused on state-specific factors. The present study investigates the independent contributions of AI/AN racial status and other socioeconomic/demographic variables to chronic respiratory disease disparity in an 11-state region with historically high AI/AN representation. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) spanning years 2011–2018, this work provides an updated assessment of disease disparity and potential determinants of respiratory health in AI/AN populations. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the BRFSS survey, 2011–2018. The study population included AI/AN and non-Hispanic white individuals resident in 11 states with increased proportion of AI/AN individuals. The yearly number of respondents averaged 75,029 (62878–87,350) which included approximately 5% AI/AN respondents (4.5–6.3%). We compared the yearly adjusted prevalence for chronic respiratory disease, where disease status was defined by self-reported history of having asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if being AI/AN was independently associated with chronic respiratory disease. Covariates included demographic (age, sex), socioeconomic (marital status, education level, annual household income), and behavioral (smoking, weight morbidity) variables. Results The AI/AN population consistently displayed higher adjusted prevalence of chronic respiratory disease compared to the non-Hispanic white population. However, the AI/AN race/ethnicity characteristic was not independently associated with chronic respiratory disease (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79–1.10 in 2017). In contrast, indicators of low socioeconomic status such as annual household income of <$10,000 (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.64–2.49 in 2017) and having less than high school education (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16–1.63 in 2017) were positively associated with disease. These trends persisted for all years analyzed. Conclusions This study highlighted that AI/AN socioeconomic burdens are key determinants of chronic respiratory disease, in addition to well-established risk factors such as smoking and weight morbidity. Disease disparity experienced by the AI/AN population is therefore likely a symptom of disproportionate socioeconomic challenges they face. Further promotion of public health and social service efforts may be able to improve AI/AN health and decrease this disease disparity.

scholarly journals Agreement of the mMRC and NYHA scales for assessing the impact of self-rated breathlessness in cardiopulmonary disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 00460-2021
Author(s):  
Zainab Ahmadi ◽  
Helena Igelström ◽  
Jacob Sandberg ◽  
Josefin Sundh ◽  
Magnus Sköld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Kendall’S Tau ◽  
Kendall's Tau ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundFunctional impact of breathlessness is assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale in chronic respiratory disease and with the New York Heart Association Functional Classification (NYHA) scale in heart failure. We evaluated agreement between the scales and their concurrent validity with other clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes in cardiorespiratory disease.MethodsOutpatients with stable chronic respiratory disease or heart failure were recruited. Agreement between mMRC and NYHA was analysed using Cramer's V and Kendall's Tau B. Concurrent validity was evaluated using correlations with clinically relevant measures of breathlessness, anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life. Analyses were conducted in all participants and separately in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure.ResultsIn a total of 182 participants with cardiorespiratory disease, agreement between mMRC and NYHA was moderate (Cramer's V: 0.46; Kendall's Tau B: 0.57,) with similar results in COPD (Cramer's V: 0.46; Kendall's Tau B: 0.66) and in heart failure (Cramer's V: 0.46; Kendall's Tau B: 0.67). In the total population, the scales correlated in similar ways to the other patient-reported outcomes.ConclusionIn outpatients with cardiorespiratory disease, the mMRC and NYHA scales show moderate to strong correlations and similar associations with other patient-reported outcomes. This supports that the scales are comparable when assessing the impact of breathlessness on function and patient-reported outcomes.

scholarly journals Chronic respiratory disease in adult outpatients in three African countries: a cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-25
Author(s):  
A. B. Binegdie ◽  
H. Meme ◽  
A. El Sony ◽  
T. Haile ◽  
R. Osman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Bronchitis ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Outpatient

BACKGROUND: The greatest burden of chronic respiratory disease is in low- and middle-income countries, with recent population-based studies reporting substantial levels of obstructive and restrictive lung function.OBJECTIVE: To characterise the common chronic respiratory diseases encountered in hospital outpatient clinics in three African countries.METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive adult patients with chronic respiratory symptoms (>8 weeks) attending hospital outpatient departments in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan. Patients were assessed using a respiratory questionnaire, spirometry and chest radiography. The diagnoses of the reviewing clinicians were ascertained.RESULT: A total of 519 patients (209 Kenya, 170 Ethiopia, 140 Sudan) participated; the mean age was 45.2 years (SD 16.2); 53% were women, 83% had never smoked. Reviewing clinicians considered that 36% (95% CI 32–40) of patients had asthma, 25% (95% CI 21–29) had chronic bronchitis, 8% (95% CI 6–11) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 5% (95% CI 4–8) bronchiectasis and 4% (95% CI 3–6) post-TB lung disease. Spirometry consistent with COPD was present in 35% (95% CI 30–39). Restriction was evident in 38% (95% CI 33–43). There was evidence of sub-optimal diagnosis of asthma and COPD.CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan, asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis account for the majority of diagnoses in non-TB patients with chronic respiratory symptoms. The suboptimal diagnosis of these conditions will require the widespread use of spirometry.

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