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Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Volume 13, Number 2, March 2007, pp. 69-73(5)
We evaluated the use of home telehealth for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients diagnosed with COPD and/or CHF who were prescribed home health-care services were randomly assigned to an experimental group where they received home health care through a combination of traditional face-to-face and telemedicine visits (n = 83), and a control group where only conventional home care was employed (n = 78).
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 293-300(8)
Epidemiological studies have documented large international variations in the prevalence of asthma, and `westernization' seems to play an important role in the development of the disease. The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in migrant and nonmigrant children resident in Italy, and to examine the effect of length of time living in Italy.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 3 , March 2007, Pages 654-661
To examine the relationship between sensitization (defined as a positive IgE) to Ascaris lumbricoides and measures of asthma morbidity and severity in a Costa Rican population with low prevalence of parasitic infection but high prevalence of parasitic exposure.
Urology Volume 69, Issue 3 , March 2007, Pages 421-425
To assess the relationship among the sexual, hormonal, physical, and psychological status of women with bronchial asthma (BA) compared with that of healthy volunteers.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 265-271(7)
A total of 2630 completed questionnaires were obtained from students aged 13-14 years, and 2383 from schoolchildren aged 6-7-years. The prevalence of current asthma was 13.3% in the two groups, the prevalence of rhinoconjuctivitis and eczema was 23% and 10% in teenagers and 8.8% and 8.5% respectively in children 6-7-years old.
Implementation of the chronic care model (CCM) has been shown to be an effective preventative strategy to improve outcomes in diabetes mellitus, depression, and congestive heart failure, but data are lacking regarding the effectiveness of this model in preventing complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cough is a troublesome condition which affects many visitors to high altitude. Traditionally it has been attributed to the inspiration of the cold, dry air which characterizes the high altitude environment. This aetiology was brought into question by observations and experiments in long duration hypobaric chamber studies in which cough still occurred despite controlled temperature and humidity.
We review cough from premature birth, mature neonatal life, in childhood and adult life, and in old age. There is a regrettable lack of definitive studies, but many clues in the literature.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 515-521(7)
To study a large population with respect to previous preliminary data, using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a prognostic method for evaluation of cerebral cortical functions during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD).
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 18, Number 3, May 2007, pp. 196-200(5)
The prevalence of asthma in children has increased in the last decades, and gender-specific differences in asthma development have recently been suggested. The present study investigates whether gender differences are present in a population of young children (0-2-yr) with a high risk for the development of asthma on the basis of the presence of asthma in first-degree relative(s).
Journal of Critical Care Volume 22, Issue 1 , March 2007, Pages 18-26
The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by Acinetobacter spp (VAPA) is increasing and has high morbidity and mortality. It is imperative to identify risk factors to be able to use prevention policies.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 3 , March 2007, Pages 597-603
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is associated with systemic and upper airway inflammation. Pharyngeal inflammation has a potential role in upper airway collapse, whereas systemic inflammation relates to cardiovascular morbidity. However, the presence of an inflammatory involvement of lower airway has been poorly investigated.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an emerging infectious viral disease characterized by severe clinical manifestations of the lower respiratory tract. The pathogenesis of SARS is highly complex, with multiple factors leading to severe injury in the lungs and dissemination of the virus to several other organs. The SARS coronavirus targets the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, resulting in diffuse alveolar damage.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 423-428(6)
Eosinophilic inflammation is considered to play an important role in the development as well as in the perpetuation of asthma. As eosinophil production and survival is under genetic control we investigated whether polymorphisms in eosinophil regulation pathway genes (IL-3, IL-5, GM-CSF and their respective enhancers and receptors) may influence the development of atopic diseases.
Pediatrics International, Volume 49, Number 2, April 2007, pp. 190-195(6)
Recent studies have stressed the influence of other viruses than respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the development of asthma in later childhood after bronchiolitis in infancy. However, the virus-specific prognosis until adulthood has remained obscure, due to lack of sufficiently long follow-up studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate adult respiratory morbidity after bronchiolitis in infancy, focused on cases not caused by RSV.
Medical Hypotheses Volume 68, Issue 5 , 2007, Pages 998-1000
In addition to its symptomatic impact, asthma may be associated with structural lung damage, which is reflected in impairment of lung function. An important and to some extent neglected aspect of the adverse effects of asthma on lung function has been their course: when do they first occur, and how do they progress?
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 882-887
Most patients with asthma and many patients with COPD show bronchial hyperresponsiveness to adenosine (BHRAMP). BHRAMP may be caused by release of mast cell histamine, which induces smooth muscle contraction.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 875-881
In this review, we aim to lead the readers through the historical highlights of pathophysiological concepts and treatment of pneumonia. Understanding the aetiology, the risk factors and the pathophysiology influenced our management approaches to pneumonia.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 977-982
Information on the occurrence and frequency of pulmonary involvement in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is inconsistent. Some authors reported pulmonary impairment with UC by standard pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and documented a reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) especially in patients with active disease, whereas others could not detect differences in routine PFTs between UC patients and controls.
The diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is difficult because it requires microscopic examination to identify pneumocystis from induced sputum or BAL fluid.
To elucidate whether a simple walking aid may improve physical performance in COPD patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency who usually carry their own heavy oxygen canister.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 938-943
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the airways, parenchyma and vessels, which can cause a structural remodeling with increased fibrosis that narrows and fixes the airway lumen.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1023-L1029, 2007
Recent studies into the pathogenesis of airway disorders such as asthma have revealed a dynamic role for airway smooth muscle cells in the perpetuation of airway inflammation via secretion of cytokines and chemokines.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1030-L1038, 2007
Increased proinflammatory mediators and ECM deposition are key features of the airways in asthma. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are produced by airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and have multiple roles in inflammation and tissue remodeling
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 247-258(12)
Phase I of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood has provided valuable information regarding international prevalence patterns and potential risk factors in the development of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema.
Clinical & Experimental Immunology, Volume 147, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 440-448(9)
Interleukin (IL)-5 and eotaxin families regulate the development of eosinophilic inflammation of asthma in a co-operative manner. The exposure to airborne lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces varying degrees of airflow obstruction and neutrophilic airway inflammation.
Medical Dosimetry Volume 32, Issue 1 , Spring 2007, Pages 16-22
We wanted to describe a technique for the implementation of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a real-time position monitor (RPM) respiratory gating system for the treatment of pleural space with intact lung.
Oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR)-ventilation imaging of the lung is based on the inhalation of a high concentration of oxygen (hyperoxia). However, the effect of hyperoxia on the pulmonary circulation is not yet fully understood. In this study the impact of hyperoxia on the pulmonary circulation was evaluated.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 715-721
Defensins are endogenous antibiotics and regulators of inflammation, immunity and wound repair. Their concentrations are substantially increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with infectious lung diseases.
We have shown previously in normal subjects that a sensory measure, the Urge-to-Cough rating, increases at concentrations of inhaled capsaicin that are lower than those necessary to elicit reflex cough. This finding suggests that the Urge-to-Cough may represent an index of the cough response.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 888-895
There is increasing evidence of systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there is very little information on the development of systemic inflammation in smokers without severe airway symptoms.
Cough is usually defined as a three-phase event, although for convenience clinicians may prefer to define it as only the expiratory expulsive efforts. Cough may occur as a single event or as a cough ‘epoch’ (or ‘bout’ or ‘attack’) that includes several or many expiratory efforts in a single episode.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common illness, with the majority of patients treated out of the hospital, yet the greatest burden of the cost of care comes from inpatient management. In the past several years, the management of these patients has advanced, with new information about the natural history and prognosis of illness, the utility of serum markers to guide management, the use of appropriate clinical tools to guide the site-of-care decision, and the finding that guidelines can be developed in a way that improves patient outcome.
Indwelling pleural catheters are increasingly being used for ambulatory treatment of malignant pleural effusion, particularly for patients unsuitable for
pleurodesis. These catheters are often left in situ for the rest of the patient's life. Tumor metastasis along the tract between pleura and skin surface is a potential complication in patients with chronic indwelling pleural catheters that has seldom been reported.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 216-223(8)
Hundreds of millions of people of all ages suffer from chronic respiratory diseases which include asthma and respiratory allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occupational lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 120-125(6)
We developed an instrument for quantifying asthma control, the Asthma Control Scoring System (ACSS), based on the criteria proposed by the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines.
To evaluate the interobserver agreement of readers in evaluating pulmonary venous anatomy and in measuring pulmonary vein ostial diameters and distance to first bifurcation.
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 356:1410-1422 April 5, 2007 Number 14
The number of type 2 helper CD4+ T cells is increased in the airways of persons with asthma. Whether the majority of these cells are class II major-histocompatibility-complex-restricted cells or are among the recently identified CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer T cells is a matter of controversy.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 476-484(9)
Obesity and asthma are public health priorities in developed countries. Genes which may contribute to the control of both conditions include those encoding for the b2-adrenergic receptor, tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Prospective studies consistently supported a link between obesity and reported wheezing or asthma diagnosis in children.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 518-525(8)
There is growing evidence that n-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may modulate immune response. Dietary intake of these nutrients during pregnancy could play a role in the risk of asthma and atopy in the offspring.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 1037-1040
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are responsible for a high utilisation of the health care resources, and the cost is expected to increase. Physiological measures of lung function often fail to describe the impact the symptoms have on exacerbations, days of hospitalisation, and on a patient's health.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 1001-1006
Posturally induced changes in minute ventilation in patients may be autonomically driven. This study aimed to test whether changes in autonomic tone with posture differed between normal and asthmatic subjects and whether this related to changes in indices of ventilation.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 969-976
Acid gastro-esophageal reflux has been shown associated with chronic pulmonary diseases. The role of non-acid refluxes in these children is still unknown. Therefore we investigated the prevalence of acid and non-acid refluxes, and their association with desaturations, in children with chronic pulmonary symptoms.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 910-918
Acute-phase markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), have been studied in inflammatory and malignant disorders. We examined the diagnostic value of these markers for the differentiation among parapneumonic, tuberculous and malignant effusions.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 896-902
Childhood asthma and wheeze is more common among boys than girls, while the opposite is found in adults. The main objective was to study the incidence and the course of wheeze and asthma during adolescence with focus on gender differences. In addition, we explored associations between lifestyle factors at baseline and wheeze at follow-up.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 845-849
Salbutamol, the most widely used short-acting b2-agonist, consists of a racemic mixture of equal amounts of two enantiomers, (R)-salbutamol and (S)-salbutamol. The bronchodilator effects of salbutamol are attributed entirely to (R)-salbutamol (levosalbutamol), while (S)-salbutamol has been shown to possess bronchospastic and pro-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 995-1000
To address the utility of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) in assessing bronchodilator responsiveness compared with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 863-864
Histoplasmosis, a dimorphic fungus, and sarcoidosis, a disease of unknown etiology, share many clinical features, including typical manifestations of granulomatous inflammation involving the lungs and mediastinal lymphatics in association with constitutional symptoms.
We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for wheezing and asthma in young Amazonian children. A population-based cross-sectional survey of 606 children aged 6-59 months was performed in two small towns in Acre State, Northwestern Brazil. Information on outcome variables (recent wheezing and medical diagnosis of asthma) and demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, maternal and nutritional variables was obtained by interviewing children's mothers or guardians.
The assessment of cough severity solely through consultation with the patient is limited by its subjective nature and variability of physician judgement.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 826-832
Leukotriene E4 (LTE4) is implicated in asthma pathophysiology and possibly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as one of the causes of persistent bronchoconstriction and mucus hypersecretion. Cigarette smoking stimulates cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) production.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 3 , March 2007, Pages 563-566
This Advances article updates our understanding of risk factors for asthma and its course and management. Studies relevant to clinical practice are discussed, with special attention to their clinical research methods.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 134-141(8)
Asthma has a major impact on patients' lives, and severe asthma is a serious health problem. The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA) commissioned a telephonic survey to capture the views of people who are living with severe asthma in Europe.
Anaesthesia, Volume 62, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 374-380(7)
In the United Kingdom over 5% of critical care beds are occupied by stable patients weaning from mechanical ventilation. In North America, diagnosis related groups (DRGs) were introduced over a decade ago.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 989-994
The diffusing capacity of the lung is usually reported as both the diffusing capacity (DLCO) and the diffusing capacity divided by the alveolar volume (DLCO/VA). However, it is unclear which measure to use when interpreting pulmonary gas exchange.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 983-988
Respiratory symptoms in adulthood have been found to be associated with childhood respiratory infection, but few studies have analyzed adult bronchial responsiveness (BHR) with adequate adjustment for known risk factors.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 933-937
In adults performing forceful expiratory maneuvers, the length of post-inspiratory pause prior to forced expiration may influence the subsequently measured peak expiratory flow (PEF) and increase its variability.
The airway defensive response to tussive agents, such as capsaicin, is frequently assessed by counting the number of cough sounds, or expulsive events. This method does not identify or differentiate important respiratory events that occur in the respiratory muscles and lungs, which are critical in assessing airway defensive responses.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 925-932
Respiratory symptom perception research has focused mainly on respiratory sensations. Because dyspnea is multidimensional, affective aspects should be investigated.
Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to air pollution is associated with respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function. This paper reviews recent literature showing that exposure to particulate matter, irritant gases, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), mixed pollutants, and molds is associated with an increase in cough and wheeze.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 951-956
We have previously reported that the magnitude of deep inspiration (DI)-induced bronchodilation is only slightly reduced in mild asthmatics, compared to healthy subjects.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 5 , May 2007, Pages 957-962
We explored the additive effect of titrated oral theophylline in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who received both tiotropium, 18 ug od, and formoterol, 12 ug bid.
Alveolar epithelial cell injury and recovery are important in the pathogenesis of oxidant-induced lung damage. The alveolar cell line A549 was used to study responses of proliferating and quiescent cells in culture to time- and dose-dependent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) challenges.
While asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways usually associated with atopy, an important additional component is involvement of the epithelium and underlying mesenchyme acting as a trophic unit (EMTU).
PEDIATRICS Vol. 119 No. 4 April 2007, pp. e860-e865
In a previous multicenter, randomized trial, elective use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was compared with the use of conventional ventilation in the management of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants <30 weeks.
Noninvasive positive ventilation has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past decades and is assuming an important role in the management of both acute and chronic respiratory failure.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 775-782, (2007)
We tested the association of CD40 polymorphisms with the risk of asthma and the level of serum IgE and investigated the functional effect of associated polymorphisms on the expression of CD40.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show abnormal adaptations of skeletal muscle redox status after exercise training. Increased skeletal muscle oxidative stress in COPD patients may prompt mitochondrial dysfunction.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 26(4):311-315, April 2007
There continues to be controversy on the most appropriate way to manage infants and young children with fever and documented RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of an abnormal white blood cell (WBC) count for predicting a concurrent serious bacterial infection in patients admitted with RSV LRTI.
To retrospectively identify pulmonary arterial (PA) flow parameters measured with phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging that allow noninvasive diagnosis of chronic PA hypertension (PAH).
Right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD) at baseline (pre-treatment) predicts early death in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, RVSD can only be detected reliably by prohibitively invasive or expensive techniques. N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide concentration ([NT-proBNP]) correlates with RV function in PH; however, an [NT-proBNP] threshold that indicates RVSD in individual patients has not previously been determined.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with increased blood pressure and other features of the metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to determine the relative effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in modifying these outcomes.
Serum precipitins have a controversial diagnostic value in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The present authors’ objective was to assess their diagnostic value by developing scores from a panel of specific antigens tested by two techniques
(electrosyneresis and double diffusion) to discriminate active HP from other interstitial lung diseases.
Traffic-related air pollution is associated with adverse respiratory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether exposure to air pollution in a road tunnel causes airway inflammatory and blood coagulation responses.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 19(2):120-125, April 2007
Recently there has been an increased concern over viral respiratory infections and their potential for a pandemic. This concern makes it important to review the most current guidelines for the management of viral respiratory diseases in pregnancy.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused a large outbreak of pneumonia in Beijing, China, in 2003. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect and quantify SARS-CoV in 934 sera and self-collected throat washes and fecal samples from 271 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS managed at a single institution.
Journal of Infection Volume 54, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 393-398
Monocytes become susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection when pretreated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The molecular mechanism underlying this observation is poorly understood, but may be related to inhibition of type I interferon (IFN) signaling by RSV in epithelial cells.
Journal of Infection Volume 54, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages e211-e213
We present a case of drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia resulting from intravenous daptomycin being used as therapy for recurrent methicillin-sensitive Staphlococcus aureus endocarditis. The patient developed hypoxic respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Journal of Infection Volume 54, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages e219-e221
We report the case of a 37-year-old male patient with prolonged pneumonia and achalasia. Culture and molecular genetic typing identified Mycobacterium abscessus as causative agent. Treatment with clarithromycin and minocycline over 8 months gradually resolved the infection.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 230-236(7)
Asthma is a worldwide public health problem affecting about 300-million people. The majority of persons living with asthma are in the developing world where there is limited access to essential drugs.
The Journal of Pediatrics Volume 150, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 345-350
To determine whether postnatal dexamethasone (DEX) exposure affects pulmonary outcomes at school age in children born with very low birth weight (VLBW).
The Journal of Pediatrics Volume 150, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 446-449.e1
Asthma-related hospitalizations are sentinel events in pediatric asthma surveillance. Little is known about hospitalizations that are assigned a secondary discharge diagnosis of asthma (SDDA). The National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) was analyzed to compare hospitalizations with primary versus secondary discharge diagnoses of asthma.
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether preoperative 16-MDCT at 0.7-mm collimation can be used to predict the presence of an endarterectomy plane by depicting abnormal thickening of the walls of central pulmonary arteries in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. MDCT scans of 40 patients were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists who were blinded to surgical findings.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in old age. Patients with advanced stage COPD are most likely to be admitted three to four times per year with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) which are costly to manage.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 762-767
Latin America exhibits a wide range of differences, compared to developed nations, in genetic background, health services, and clinical research development. It is valid to hypothesize that the incidence and risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in our setting may be substantially different of those reported elsewhere.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 846-850, (2007)
Prostacyclin therapy improves patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but whether this is attributable to an improved inotropic state of the right ventricle in addition to a decreased pulmonary arterial pulmonary vascular resistance remains unclear.
Nitric oxide models give different results, although airway conductance of nitric oxide is relatively model independent. Nonlinear modelling has the least error, suggesting it is the best method. The number of flow rates should be standardised.
Increased mucosal vascularity is a hallmark of airway inflammation in asthma. It was hypothesised that this would lead to a detectable increase in respiratory heat and moisture loss (RHML), which would reflect the degree of airway inflammation present.
The association between swimming pool characteristics and activities of employees and respiratory symptoms in employees was studied. Trichloramine levels were measured to evaluate relationships with pool characteristics and to estimate long-term exposure levels.
Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a useful marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma patients. There is no study to show the relationship between the eNO measured by using an off-line method and the degree of reversibility of airflow limitation in Japanese asthma patients.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 55, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 518-525(8)
To test the hypothesis that increased long-term mortality after hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is independent of comorbid conditions.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 162-169(8)
Allergic asthma and rhinitis are described as associated with a Th2 activation. However, recent works indicate that a Th1 activation can also be associated with these diseases, concomitantly to a defect in regulatory T (Treg) cell activation.
Guidelines and literature debate the importance of testing for bronchial reversibility and its total significance is unclear. Clinically, patients with greater reversibility have higher fluctuations in respiratory symptoms, and hence may have a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 16, 617-619, March 1, 2007
This study investigated the predictors of participation in a smoking cessation trial for young adults ages 18 to 30 years old. Eligible smokers (n = 164) completed a telephone survey that measured demographic, smoking history, and psychosocial variables before the initiation of smoking cessation treatment.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 16, 584-592, March 1, 2007
Toxicant deliveries (by machine smoking) are compiled and associated cancer risks are calculated for 13 carcinogens from 26 brands of conventional cigarettes categorized as "regular" (R), "light" (Lt), or "ultralight" (ULt), and for a reference cigarette.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 798-804, (2007)
To test the hypothesis that frequent consumption of cured meats is associated with lower lung function and increased odds of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The pathophysiology of high-altitude illnesses has been well studied in normal individuals, but little is known about the risks of high-altitude travel in patients with pre-existing lung disease.
For decades, there is an unresolved debate about adequate prescription of antibiotics for patients suffering from exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this systematic review was to analyse randomised controlled trials investigating the clinical benefit of antibiotics for COPD exacerbations.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 850-853
Chronic severe heart failure is frequently associated with disturbances in the central control of breathing. During wakefulness, central breathing disorders could be ameliorated with beta-blocker treatment, but nothing is known about the effects of beta-blockers on the control of breathing during sleep.
Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 19(2):155-162, April 2007
To present existing data on the potential use of aerosolized surfactants for treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in the era of noninvasive ventilatory support.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 3, March 2007, pp. 224-229(6)
Efforts to improve the care of patients with asthma and allergic conditions is in some developing countries being overwhelmed by the burden of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Innovative approaches are required to ensure that these diseases are not neglected.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 149-153(5)
The health, economic and societal burden of asthma is considerable, and is greatest in patients with severe asthma, particularly when inadequately controlled. Real-life studies that assess the effectiveness of treatment are of particular interest.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 95-101(7)
In the first National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, the level of symptoms and airflow limitation and its variability allowed asthma to be subdivided by severity into four subcategories (intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 746-753
Both oxygen therapy and bronchodilators reduce exertional breathlessness and improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However their relative effectiveness and the value of their combined use on exercise performance has not been assessed.
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