Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Small airways disease in coal miners. A longitudinal study
Abstract:
Seventeen of an original cohort of 25 non-smoking working coal miners and 6 age-matched controls studied in 1969 were re-examined in 1973. Measurements included lung volumes, maximal expiratory flow-volume curves, and closing volumes. Miners, when compared with controls, showed a marked decline in maximal expiratory flow at mid-vital capacity (V 50%) over the 4-year period which took place without significant change in the 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Frequency dependence of dynamic compliance (Cdyn) in association with an increased upstream airways resistance (Rus), and also loss of lung elastic recoil (PL(St)) which were present at the time of the original study led to similar declines in V 50%. An abnormally elevated closing capacity expressed as a percentage of total lung capacity (CC/TLC)% was found in 9 miners (53%) and none of the controls. Closing volume as a percentage of vital capacity (CV/VC)% was abnormal in 4 miners (23.5)% and no controls. Measurement of closing volume did not relate well to the variety of mechanical abnormality present on the original study; namely, loss of recoil or small airways obstruction. The presence of an elevated (CC/TLC)% and (CV/VC)% correlated mainly with the presence of hyperinflation as indicated by an elevated residual volume.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

