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Background Administration of drugs by inhalation is a common route for the treatment of chronic airway diseases. The ability of patients to use an inhaler device is a key factor in the effectiveness of treatment. Recently, a new type of quantitative assessment instrument for inhalation drugs has been developed in China, which can measure peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and inspiratory volume (VI) under conditions with various internal resistance of inhalers, thereby accurately assessing the ability of patients to use inhaler. However, there are no quality testing methods and adoption standards for this type of instrument at home and abroad. Objective To perform quality testing of the inhalation drug quantitative assessment instrument and evaluate its technical performance, in order to explore the application value of the method. Methods Various internal resistance of dry powder inhalers (DPI) was simulated by the inhalation drug quantitative assessment instrument (PF810) in 5 different gears (R1-R5 from low to high) . A standard flow/volume simulator was used to test the flow, volume and impedance performance of the PF810 for inhalation. The flow test was performed at a fixed volume (3.000 L) and different flow rates (in the range of 0-2.000 L/s, with 0.250 L/s as the interval stepwise) . The volume was carried out at three flow rates of low (0.500 L/s) , medium (1.000 L/s) and high (1.500 L/s) , and at different volumes (1.000 L as the interval stepwise in the range of 1.000-4.000 L) . The Bland-Altman analysis chart method of GraphPad prism 9.0 software was used to evaluate the consistency of PIF and VI measurements of the inhalation drug quantitative assessment instrument with the actual values output by the simulator at different resistance gears. Results The results of quality control evaluation of flow detection showed that the percentages of repeatability, accuracy and linearity of flow detection meeting the performance requirements were 100.00% (40/40) , 95.00% (38/40) and 94.29% (33/35) . The accuracy and linearity of PF810 at R5 gear 1.500L /s and above did not meet the performance testing requirements, while those of other gears and flow rates met the requirements. The Bland-Altman consistency test showed 95% limit of agreement (LOA) of (-0.271- 0.107) L/s, with 96.00% (192/200) data points within the 95%LOA range. The results of volume test quality control evaluation showed that the pass rates of volume test repeatability, accuracy and linearity were all 100.00% (60/60, 60/60, 45/45) . The Bland-Altman consistency test showed that 95%LOA was (-0.058-0.017) L, and 100.00% (180/180) data points were within the 95%LOA range. The impedance measurement quality control evaluation results showed that the relative errors between the impedance value of PF810 and the internal resistance of the corresponding inhaler were all

BackgroundThere are daytime variability in pulmonary function indexes such as peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in asthma patients. Studies evaluating the effects of drug therapy on lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma patients all required patients to perform spirometry and bronchial challenge test in the same time point of the days. However, whether there is a daily diurnal AHR variability is still not clear.ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics and diurnal variability of AHR in asthma patients.MethodsThe data of 202 patients with asthma who consulted in respiratory department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2018 to September 2020 were included for statistical analysis. All patients completed the methacholine bronchial provocation tests, they were divided into the morning detection group (morning group) with 81 cases and the afternoon detection group (afternoon group) with 121 cases; according to the disease course, 98 cases were divided into the initial diagnosis group if the disease course was ≤6 months, and 104 cases were divided into the follow-up group if the disease course was >6 months. The initial diagnosis group and the follow-up group were divided into the initial diagnosis morning group, the initial diagnosis afternoon group, the follow-up morning group, and the follow-up afternoon group according to the detection time; according to the AHR, the patients were divided into very mild, mild, moderate and severe groups. The characteristics of AHR and the main pulmonary function indexes including FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, PEF%pred, MMEF%pred, MEF50%pred, MEF25%pred, PD20-FEV1, PD20-PEF, PD20-MMEF, PD20-MEF25%, PD20-MEF50% of these groups were analyzed and compared.ResultsThere were no significant differences of the math pulmonary function indexes and PD20 between morning and afternoon groups (P0.05) . In follow-up group, MMEF%pred and MEF50%pred were higher in afternoon than in morning (P0.05) .ConclusionThe longer the duration of asthma, more serious impairment of lung function found in asthma, while the AHR had no significant difference between morning and afternoon.

BackgroundPulmonary examination is a measurement technique in medicine, and the quality of examination equipment is a key factor associated with the accuracy of examination results. Guidelines for mechanical lung function measurements have proposed that the spirometer should be calibrated each time it is used by the calibration cylinder for quality control, so the accuracy of the calibration cylinder will directly associate with that of the spirometer. However, there are no reports on the accuracy, and eligible standards, as well as calibration procedure regarding spirometer calibration cylinders measured by relevant research institutions (including calibration cylinder manufacturers) .ObjectiveTo develop a method, and use it to measure the performance of volume calibration cylinders commonly applied in China to assess its application value.MethodsAccording to the standards for 3 L calibration syringe proposed in the Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update issued by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) /European Respiratory Society (ERS) , the 1180 cylinder verifier (produced by Hans Rudolph, inc.) was used in the leak test and volume accuracy test for measuring the performance of five brands of imported/domestic calibration cylinders (Two were produced by Germany's CareFusion, and Vyaire, respectively, one by MGC Diagnostics, USA, and the other two by China's Zhejiang U-Breath, and Ningbo Wendi Medical Instrument CO, LTD, respectively) .ResultsOf the five brands of calibration cylinders, 4/5 had less than 1 ml/min in the pressure attenuation leakage test, 4/5 had a volume error of less than 0.5% of the target volume, with an error range of less than 0.05% of the target volume, 3/5 passed both tests.ConclusionIn this study, the method of directly measuring the change of gas volume of volume calibration cylinder is used for quality detection. The method is simple and feasible. It is recommended that the calibration cylinder should be regularly checked for assuring the accuracy.

To fully unleash the performance potential of the Wheel Drive Driverless Vehicle (WDDV) and enhance its handling stability across a wide range of extreme operating conditions, this paper proposes a novel approach for designing a multi-directional motion coupling control system. Firstly, an analysis of the unmanned driving modes of the WDDV is conducted, followed by the establishment of a method for defining the control target parameter set for handling stability. Subsequently, a coupled dynamic model that considers the wheel drive counter force is developed. Building this model, a method for estimating the handling stability state is introduced, focusing on improving both handling and stability aspects. Furthermore, by combining the sliding mode control algorithm with the coupled dynamic model, a design methodology for a multi-directional motion coupling control law that adapts to extreme operating conditions is proposed. Finally, through comprehensive simulation experiments and testbed, the effectiveness of the proposed multi-directional motion coupling control system is validated, demonstrating superior handling stability compared to the decoupled control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Shitou geese are the exclusive representative of a large-sized goose breed in China, typically exhibiting gray feathers but also possessing a recessive white plumage. However, the precise mechanism underlying the formation of this white plumage coloration in Shitou geese remains unclear. Here, a transcriptome sequencing analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) that may be associated with the white plumage color in Shitou geese. A number of pigmentation genes and miRNAs were identified as candidates that may regulate white plumage color formation in Shitou geese. This result may be important for understanding the genetic mechanism underlying the formation of white plumage color in Shitou geese. The Shitou goose, a highly recognized indigenous breed with gray plumage originating from Chaozhou Raoping in Guangdong Province, China, is renowned for being the largest goose species in the country. Notably, during the pure breeding process of Shitou geese, approximately 2% of the offspring in each generation unexpectedly exhibited white plumage. To better understand the mechanisms underlying white plumage color formation in Shitou geese, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between white and gray feather follicles, aiming to identify key genes and microRNAs that potentially regulate white plumage coloration in this unique goose breed. Our results revealed a number of pigmentation genes, encompassing TYR, TYRP1, EDNRB2, MLANA, SOX10, SLC45A2, GPR143, TRPM1, OCA2, ASIP, KIT, and SLC24A5, which were significantly down-regulated in the white feather follicles of Shitou geese. Among these genes, EDNRB2 and KIT emerged as the most promising candidate genes for white plumage coloration in Shitou geese. Additionally, our analysis also uncovered 46 differentially expressed miRNAs. Of these, miR-144-y may play crucial roles in the regulation of feather pigmentation. Furthermore, the expression of novel-m0086-5p, miR-489-y, miR-223-x, miR-7565-z, and miR-3535-z exhibits a significant negative correlation with the expression of pigmentation genes including TYRP1, EDNRB2, MLANA, SOX10, TRPM1, and KIT, suggesting these miRNAs may indirectly regulate the expression of these genes, thereby influencing feather color. Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying white plumage coloration in Shitou geese and contribute to the broader understanding of avian genetics and coloration research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research simultaneously examining building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort within urban environments remains limited. Few studies have delved into the sensitivity of design parameters based on building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations between urban morphological design parameters and performance indicators, focusing on building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort (UTCI), across different urban block layouts in hot-humid regions, like Guangzhou. By establishing six fundamental morphological models—three individual unit layouts and three group layouts—the research explores both control and descriptive parameters through extensive simulation studies. Scatter plot visualizations provide insights into the impacts of various design parameters on energy consumption and UTCI, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of trends and quantitative relationships. Additionally, the study conducts sensitivity analyses on design parameters under different layout conditions to highlight their influences on target performance indicators. The findings reveal common trends, such as the significant impacts of plan dimensions and the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on energy efficiency and outdoor comfort, as well as differential patterns, such as the varying sensitivities of the Shape Factor (S/V) and the Sky View Factor (SVF), across individual and collective layouts. Ultimately, this study offers a nuanced understanding of urban block morphology's role in creating sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient urban environments, providing valuable guidelines for urban form design in hot-humid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: At present, robust quality criteria and methods for the assessment of Peak inspiratory flow meter performance are lacking. OBJECTIVE: A standard flow-volume simulator for quality control analyses of an inhalation assessment device was utilized with different simulated resistance levels in order to propose a quality testing method and associated standard for this device type. METHODS: A standard flow-volume simulator was utilized to assess the performance of an In-Check DIAL ® (Device I) and an intelligent inhalation assessment device (Device P) at a fixed volume and flow rate. Indices used to evaluate these two instruments included repeatability, accuracy, linearity, and impedance. RESULTS: Both devices exhibited good repeatability ( < ± 3 L/min). The difference between test results and standard simulator values for Device P was less than ± 5 L/min at resistance level R1 but higher than ± 5 L/min at resistance levels R2–5, while Device I were greater than 5 L/min at all resistance levels. The relative error for Device P was < ± 10% at resistance levels R1, R2, and R4, but > 10% at resistance levels R3 and R5. The relative error values for Device I at all five resistance levels were > 10%. Device P passed the linearity test at the R2 resistance level, while Device I partially passed the linearity test at all five resistance levels. CONCLUSION: Standard monitoring methods and standards provide a valuable approach to the more reliable clinical assessment and application of these instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome‐wide SNP profiling has yielded insights into the genetic structure of China indigenous pigs, but has focused on a limited number of populations. Here, we present an analysis of population structure and signals of positive selection in 42 Chinese pig populations that represent the most extensive pig phenotypic diversity in China, using genotype data of 1.1 million SNPs on customized Beadchips. This unravels the fine‐scale genetic diversity, phylogenic relationships, and population structure of these populations, which shows remarkably concordance between genetic clusters and geography with few exceptions. We also reveal the genetic contribution to North Chinese pigs from European modern pigs. Furthermore, we identify possible targets of selection in the Tibetan pig, including the well‐characterized hypoxia gene (EPAS1) and several previously unrecognized candidates. Intriguingly, the selected haplotype in the EPAS1 gene is associated with higher hemoglobin contents in Tibetan pigs, which is different from the protective role of EPAS1 in the high‐altitude adaptation in Tibetan dogs and their owners. Additionally, we present evidence for the causality between EDNRB variants and the two‐end‐black (TEB) coat color phenotype in all Chinese pig populations except the Jinhua pig. We hypothesize that distinct targets have been independently selected for the formation of the TEB phenotype in Chinese pigs of different geographic origins. This highlights the importance of characterizing population‐specific genetic determinants for heritable phenotype in diverse pig populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]