Respiratory care
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Optimal aerosol delivery methods for spontaneously breathing patients with a tracheostomy remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of nebulizer placement, flow settings, and interfaces on aerosol delivery by using a vibrating mesh nebulizer and a jet nebulizer in line with unheated humidification. ⋯ Aerosol delivery with an in-line vibrating mesh nebulizer and jet nebulizer with unheated humidification was affected by nebulizer placement, interface, and gas flow settings.
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Exhaled breath contains an extensive reservoir of biomolecules. The collection of exhaled breath is noninvasive and low risk. ⋯ An overview of breath collection methods in both individuals who are spontaneously breathing and those receiving mechanical ventilation is outlined. We also highlight the challenges in exhaled breath testing and areas for future research.
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This study assessed the clinical effects of a ventilatory assist (VA) device in addition to supplemental O2 (VA+O2) on exercise endurance in subjects with severe to very severe COPD managed with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). ⋯ In symptomatic subjects with severe to very severe COPD, VA+O2 significantly increased exercise time and improved dyspnea, SpO2 , breathing frequency, and leg fatigue versus O2 alone.
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Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models are cost-effective and can be customized by trainers. This study designed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator for use by respiratory therapy (RT) students. The objective was to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and application of 3D-printed models in respiratory care training, aiming to enhance the educational experience for RT students. ⋯ This study demonstrated that 3D printing can be used to create a safe and cost-effective airway suction simulator for use by RT students, with potential to enhance training methods. Further research is necessary.
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Little is known about the rates, causes, or risk factors for hospital readmission among patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). We investigated the prevalence, features, and comorbidities of subjects hospitalized with ILD and their subsequent re-hospitalizations in this retrospective study. ⋯ We demonstrated that hospital readmission from any cause was a common occurrence in subjects with ILD. Further efforts to improve quality of life among these subjects could focus on risk scores for readmission, mitigating racial health disparities, and treatment of comorbidities.