Referral pattern of neonates with severe respiratory failure for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 2008;93:F104-F107
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the mainstay of management in neonates with severe but potentially reversible respiratory failure. In the UK, ECMO is available only as a supraregional service at four centres.
04/26/2008
11:29 AM
Bronchial response pattern of antigen presenting cells and regulatory T cells in children below two years of age
Thorax. Published Online First: 4 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.082974
In early childhood, the ability to mount protective immune responses in the airways is impaired, with increased risk of allergic sensitisation to inhaled allergens. Antigen-presenting cells (APC) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important modifiers of T-cell immunity, but little is known about their distribution in bronchial mucosa at this age.
04/26/2008
11:28 AM
Bronchoalveolar Immunologic Profile of Acute Human Lung Transplant Allograft Rejection
Transplantation. 85(7):1056-1059, April 15, 2008
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) offers a potential means to diagnose acute rejection and could provide insight into the immune mechanisms responsible for lung allograft rejection.
04/26/2008
11:27 AM
Chaotic nature of sepsis and multiple organ failure cannot be explained by linear statistical methods
Critical Care 2008, 12:417
Severe sepsis and septic shock represent a major cause of mortality in critical care. Even in patients who survived, a clinical course complicated with multiple organ dysfunction leads to significant morbidity, costs, and use of already limited resources. That's why treatment of these patients requires timely mobilization of a logical and scientifically up-to-date plan.
04/26/2008
11:26 AM
Cost-effectiveness of using continuous positive airways pressure in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome in the uk
Thorax. Published Online First: 11 April 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.086454
To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the management of patients suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), compared to no treatment, from the perspective of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
04/26/2008
11:26 AM
The Role Of A Soluble
Tnf-Á Receptor Fusion Protein (Etanercept) In Corticosteroid-Refractory Asthma: A Double Blind, Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial
Thorax. Published Online First: 1 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.086314
TNF-{alpha} is a cytokine recognized as a therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases.
04/26/2008
11:25 AM
Association of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) with Asthma Severity, Total Serum IgE and Blood Eosinophil Levels
Thorax. Published Online First: 23 August 2006. doi:10.1136/thx.2005.057935
Nitric oxide is released by immune, epithelial and endothelial cells, and plays important role in asthma pathophysiology. We sought to investigate the association of inducible NOS (NOS2A) gene repeat polymorphisms with asthma.
04/26/2008
11:24 AM
Familial risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among siblings based on hospitalisations in Swede
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2008;62:398-401
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disabling condition, for which tobacco smoking, environmental pollution, inherited {alpha}-antitrypsin deficiency and their interactions are predisposing factors. We carried out a family study on COPD in order to address the role of heritable and environmental risk factors at a population level.
04/26/2008
11:23 AM
The minimum clinically important improvement for the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test
Thorax. Published Online First: 4 April 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.081208
The Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT) is used to assess exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is employed as an outcome measure for pulmonary rehabilitation. This study was designed to establish the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the ISWT.
04/26/2008
11:22 AM
Influenza-like illness in residential care homes: A study of the incidence, aetiological agents, natural history, and health resource utilization
Thorax. Published Online First: 4 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.090951
Influenza-like illness (ILI) among elderly living in residential care homes (RCHE) is a common cause for hospitalization. We examined the incidence, underlying aetiology, natural history and associated healthcare resource utilization related to ILI in the RCHE population.
04/26/2008
11:21 AM
Regression to the Mean: A Limited Issue in Disease Management Programs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Disease Management. April 1, 2008, 11(2): 103-110
Our objective was to test for evidence of regression to the mean in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related health care utilization in a Colorado Medicaid population that met the criteria for, but were not participating in, a COPD disease management (DM) program.
04/26/2008
11:20 AM
Markers Of Treatment Failure In Hospitalized Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Thorax. Published Online First: 1 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.086785
Lack of response to treatment in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) worsens outcome. We evaluated the systemic cytokine profile -TNF{alpha}, IL1, IL6, IL8 and IL10- C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with CAP who had treatment failure.
04/26/2008
11:19 AM
Inhibition of reactive nitrogen species production in copd airways: comparison between inhaled corticosteroid and oral theophylline
Thorax. Published Online First: 31 May 2006. doi:10.1136/thx.2005.058156
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are thought to be one of the important factors in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we examined the effects of theophylline and fluticasone propionate (FP) on RNS production in COPD subjects.
04/26/2008
11:19 AM
Mechanisms of dyspnoea relief and improved exercise endurance after furosemide inhalation in COPD
Thorax. Published Online First: 4 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.085993
This study examined the effects of inhaled furosemide on the ventilatory and perceptual response to high intensity, constant-load cycle exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
04/26/2008
11:18 AM
Management of Primary Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma: Experience of a Single Center
Angiology 2008, doi:10.1177/0003319707305981
Primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery (PSPA) is extremely rare. Many cases are misdiagnosed as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) because of chronic thromboembolic disease (CTD). Four cases of PSPA with the initial misdiagnosis are reported. The presence of a unique mass in the main pulmonary artery or proximal branches, rapidly progressive dyspnea, and constitutional symptoms should raise the suspicion of PSPA. The pathological diagnosis is usually confirmed during surgery, which is done along with adjuvant chemotherapy, the treatment of choice.
04/26/2008
11:17 AM
Anticholinergics in the treatment of children and adults with acute asthma: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Thorax. Published Online First: 17 June 2005. doi:10.1136/thx.2005.047803
Current guidelines recommend the use of a combination of inhaled beta2-agonists and anticholinergics, particularly for patients with acute severe or life threatening asthma in the emergency setting. However, this statement is based on a relatively small number of randomised controlled trials and related systematic reviews.
04/26/2008
11:16 AM
Overexpression of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: clinico-pathological correlations
Thorax. Published Online First: 14 March 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.088583
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disorder with a poor prognosis. Epithelial instability is a crucial step in the development and progression of the disease including neoplastic transformation. Few tissue markers regarding epithelial instability have been reported in IPF. Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) is a serine protease inhibitor typically expressed by dysplastic and neoplastic cells of epithelial origin, more often in squamous cell tumours. At present no information is available on its expression in IPF.
04/26/2008
11:16 AM
Can lay people deliver asthma self management education as effectively as primary care-based practice nurses?
Thorax. Published Online First: 15 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.084251
To determine whether well-trained lay people could deliver asthma self-management education with comparable outcomes to that achieved by primary care-based practice nurses.
04/26/2008
11:13 AM
Ambient Air Pollution Triggers Wheezing Symptoms in Infants
Thorax. Published Online First: 11 February 2008. doi:10.1136/thx.2007.085480
There is limited evidence for the role of air pollution in development of wheezing symptoms in young children.
04/26/2008
11:12 AM
UK Resuscitation Council guidelines on emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions: a primary care perspective
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
04/26/2008
11:11 AM
The use of omalizumab in asthma
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
Asthma causes a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality, affecting 300 million people worldwide - a figure predicted to increase to 400 million by 2025. Despite the availability of a variety of treatment options and detailed treatment guidelines, many patients with asthma, and in particular those with severe persistent asthma, remain inadequately controlled.
04/26/2008
11:10 AM
Systems for the management of respiratory disease in primary care - an international series: Canada
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
Canada has a universal health care system funded by the government. All people are supposed to have unrestricted access to all essential health care in a timely fashion.
04/26/2008
11:09 AM
Supporting the diagnosis of non-specific respiratory symptoms in primary care: the role of exhaled nitric oxide measurement and spirometry
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
To assess whether exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurements improve management and clinician confidence in patients presenting with non-specific respiratory symptoms.
04/26/2008
11:09 AM
Subglottic stenosis as a complication of Wegener’s granulomatosis
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a relatively uncommon collagen vascular disease that can lead to both upper and lower airway disease.
04/26/2008
11:08 AM
Implementation of an asthma guideline for the management of childhood asthma in general practice: a randomised controlled trial
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
The aim of the study was to assess, in a randomised, controlled design, the efficacy of different strategies to improve childhood asthma management.
04/26/2008
11:07 AM
EPOS Primary Care Guidelines: European Position Paper on the Primary Care Diagnosis and Management of Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2007
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
This paper is a summary of the 2007 European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EP3OS)1 which was published in Rhinology in 2007.
04/26/2008
11:06 AM
Comparison of tiotropium bromide and combined ipratropium/salbutamol for the treatment of COPD: a UK General Practice Research Database 12-month follow-up study
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
To compare the effectiveness of the long-acting anticholinergic, tiotropium with ipratropium/salbutamol in reducing the risk of exacerbations and COPD-related referrals in patients with COPD.
04/26/2008
11:05 AM
Alcohol-based pressurised metered-dose inhalers for use in asthma: a descriptive study
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have historically served as the propellants of choice in pressurised metered-dose asthma inhalers, but concern has been raised in recent decades regarding their damaging effect on the ozone layer.
04/26/2008
11:04 AM
A selection of abstracts reviewed and accepted by the Scientific Committee for presentation at the 4th International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) World Conference in Seville, May 28-31st 2008
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Volume 17 Issue 2 June 2008
04/26/2008
11:03 AM
Superoxide dismutase A antigens derived from molecular analysis of sarcoidosis granulomas elicit systemic Th-1 immune responses
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:36
Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic granulomatous disease with pathologic and immunologic features similar to tuberculosis. Routine histologic staining and culture fail to identify infectious agents.
04/26/2008
11:03 AM
Circulating alpha1-antitrypsin in the general population: Determinants and association with lung function
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:35
Severe alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency associated with low AAT blood concentrations is an established genetic COPD risk factor. Less is known about the respiratory health impact of variation in AAT serum concentrations in the general population.
04/26/2008
11:02 AM
Effects of long-term low-dose oxygen supplementation on the epithelial function, collagen metabolism and interstitial fibrogenesis in the guinea pig lung
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:37
The patient population receiving long-term oxygen therapy has increased with the rising morbidity of COPD. Although high-dose oxygen induces pulmonary edema and interstitial fibrosis, potential lung injury caused by long-term exposure to low-dose oxygen has not been fully analyzed.
04/24/2008
03:09 PM
A follow-up study of children hospitalised with community acquired pneumonia
Arch Dis Child. Published Online First: 1 April 2008
To investigate the outcome for children hospitalised with radiologically confirmed community acquired pneumonia (CAP).
04/24/2008
03:08 PM
Endothelial function in children with a history of premature prolonged rupture of membranes and bronchopulmonary dysplasia - a pilot study
Acta Paediatrica doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00802.x
To investigate vascular function in children with a neonatal history of generalised inflammation indicated by premature prolonged rupture of membranes (PPROM) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
04/24/2008
03:07 PM
Considerations in Culturally Directed Asthma Disease Management Programs
Disease Management & Health Outcomes, Volume 16, Number 2, 2008 , pp. 95-105(11)
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of adults and children in industrialized countries, and has had a marked increase in prevalence over the past 25 years. Asthma disproportionately affects under-represented minority populations, with African Americans and (some) Hispanics having higher rates than other groups. Racial and ethnic disparities in asthma prevalence and severity exist and are partially explained by environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors.
04/24/2008
03:06 PM
The Etiology of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Australia: Why Penicillin plus Doxycycline or a Macrolide Is the Most Appropriate Therapy
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2008;46:1513-1521
Available data on the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Australia are very limited. Local treatment guidelines promote the use of combination therapy with agents such as penicillin or amoxycillin combined with either doxycycline or a
macrolide.
04/24/2008
03:05 PM
Moxifloxacin Monotherapy Is Effective in Hospitalized Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: The MOTIV Study-A Randomized Clinical Trial
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2008;46:1499–1509
The aim of this study was to show that sequential intravenous and oral moxifloxacin monotherapy (400 mg once per day) is as efficacious and safe as a combination regimen (intravenous
ceftriaxone, 2 g once per day, plus sequential intravenous and oral
levofloxacin, 500 mg twice per day) in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.
04/24/2008
03:03 PM
Effect of mechanical ventilation in the prone position on clinical outcomes in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
CMAJ April 22, 2008; 178 (9)
Mechanical ventilation in the prone position is used to improve oxygenation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. We sought to determine the effect of mechanical ventilation in the prone position on mortality, oxygenation, duration of ventilation and adverse events in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
04/24/2008
03:02 PM
Identification of Pendrin as a Common Mediator for Mucus Production in Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 180: 6262-6269
Excessive production of airway mucus is a cardinal feature of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to morbidity and mortality in these diseases. IL-13, a Th2-type cytokine, is a central mediator in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, including mucus overproduction.
04/24/2008
03:01 PM
Extent of uncontrolled disease and associated medical costs in severe asthma - a PHARMO study
Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 24, Number 4, April 2008 , pp. 975-983(9)
Asthma is a major public health problem with considerable economic impact. The highest costs being observed in patients with severe asthma. Furthermore, despite the use of recommended therapies, asthma control can still be poor. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the extent of uncontrolled disease and associated medical costs in severe asthma.
04/24/2008
03:00 PM
Advances in the biology, pathogenesis and identification of Pneumocystis pneumonia
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):228-234, May 2008
Pneumocystis pneumonia remains the most prevalent opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS. It is also a common devastating infection in patients with other causes of altered immunity. Though scientific study of this fungal pathogen is challenging given the inability to propagate the organism outside of the host lung, studies utilizing advanced molecular techniques and genomic analysis have broadened our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Pneumocystis and will be described herein.
04/24/2008
02:59 PM
DNAI1 Mutations Explain Only 2% of Primary Ciliary Dykinesia
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000128567)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare recessive hereditary disorder characterized by dysmotility to immotility of ciliated and flagellated structures. Its main symptoms are respiratory, caused by defective ciliary beating in the epithelium of the upper airways (nose, bronchi and paranasal sinuses). Impairing the drainage of inhaled microorganisms and particles leads to recurrent infections and pulmonary complications.
04/24/2008
02:58 PM
Surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):254-259, May 2008
The role of thoracic surgery in pulmonary tuberculosis, in either a diagnostic or a therapeutic role, is well established. This review aims to underline the current indications for lung resection, surgical strategy and outcomes associated with surgery.
04/24/2008
02:57 PM
Respiratory syncytial virus infection in adults
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):235-240, May 2008
Respiratory syncytial virus has increasingly been recognized as a clinically significant cause of respiratory tract infections in adults, especially among the elderly and the immunocompromised.
04/24/2008
02:56 PM
Recent antiviral strategies against human coronavirus-related respiratory illnesses
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):248-253, May 2008
The main purpose of this review is to summarize the current research (2006-2007) concerning the development of novel anticoronaviral strategies and compounds.
04/24/2008
02:55 PM
Pulmonary nocardiosis: risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):219-227, May 2008
Pulmonary infection by Nocardia spp. has been recognized for the past 100 years. The number of cases of pulmonary nocardiosis reported in the literature is increasing, and in some cases, a diagnosis is reached even postmortem.
04/24/2008
02:54 PM
Pulmonary defense mechanisms against pneumonia and sepsis
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):260-265, May 2008
Pneumonia and sepsis are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Lung defense against pathogens involves innate and acquired immune responses. In this review, we focus on lung pathogens associated with sepsis and the innate immune response to them. In addition to discussing typical lung pathogens, the structural defenses, antimicrobial particles, complement, and cellular components of the immune response against these pathogens are also explored.
04/24/2008
02:53 PM
The impact of home cleaning on quality of life for homes with asthmatic children
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 197-204(8)
Treatment with common household bleach containing hypochlorite destroys dust mites and denatures protein allergens. The purpose of this study was to determine if home use of hypochlorite products results in lowered exposure to bacteria, fungi, and protein allergens and improved quality of life (QOL) for asthmatic persons in the home.
04/24/2008
02:51 PM
The future of the long-acting beta-adrenergic bronchodilators in the treatment of asthma
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 103-108(6)
The combination of long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) bronchodilators with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) has been shown to be an extremely effective treatment for asthma. Use of LABA as monotherapy for asthma is associated with increased adverse events including exacerbations and asthma deaths.
04/24/2008
02:50 PM
Role of regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroid or leukotriene receptor antagonist in mild intermittent asthma
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 189-196(8)
Current guidelines for asthma treatment do not recommend daily maintenance therapy in patients with mild intermittent (step 1) asthma. However, because there is increasing evidence that airway inflammation is present even in this patient group, maintenance anti-inflammatory therapy may be considered.
04/24/2008
02:50 PM
Risk factors associated with transient wheezing in young children
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 161-165(5)
Transient wheezing in young children has been reported to be independent of atopy. Although persistence of early wheezing has been associated with factors related to allergy in multiple studies, transient wheezing has not been similarly studied.
04/24/2008
02:48 PM
Prevalence of atopy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B virus carriers, and healthy children: Role of T helper 1 (Th1)-type immune response
llergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 166-170(5)
The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis has increased over the past few decades, especially in developed countries. They are characterized by a chronic inflammatory reaction mediated by T helper 2 (Th2) cells. Two common chronic diseases of childhood-an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), and a chronic viral infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers-are associated with a Th1-dominant and Th1-insufficient cytokine profile, respectively.
04/24/2008
02:46 PM
Pharmacoeconomic review of medical management of persistent asthma
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 109-122(14)
Asthma affects 20 million Americans and causes a substantial loss of productivity. Medications help to increase symptom-free days and improve quality of life. Examining the cost-effectiveness of different treatments, in addition to their clinical efficacy, allows us to choose the optimal strategy in managing patients.
04/24/2008
02:45 PM
Health care utilization and costs of adult asthma in Taiwan
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 177-181(5)
The burden of asthma is sufficient to warrant its recognition as a high-priority disorder in governmental health strategies in many countries. However, the components of the total health care costs for patients with asthma have not been well studied, and an overall understanding of health care utilization patterns in this population is lacking in Taiwan. We evaluated 95,110 patients aged 18-55 years who were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1 to December 31, 2002.
04/24/2008
02:44 PM
Harmonia axyridis ladybug invasion and allergy
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 123-129(7)
Beginning in 1916 Harmonia axyridis, an orange/red lady beetle with variable black spotting, was imported into the United States from Asia. This agricultural pest-control predator established independent feral populations in North America by 1988. Subsequently, Harmonia axyridis has become a pest to homeowners and various horticultural enterprises. Seeking winter hibernation sites, ladybug swarms invade human homes/habitats primarily in the fall.
04/24/2008
02:43 PM
Exhaled nitric oxide levels during treatment in patients hospitalized with asthma
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 171-176(6)
The time required for fractional excretion of nitric oxide (FENO) measurements to acutely change after systemic corticosteroids is unknown, limiting the usefulness of this biomarker in hospital treatment and discharge decisions. The purpose of this study was to follow FENO measurements of hospitalized adult patients with asthma receiving therapy and to correlate FENO with forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (FEV1%). Ten acute asthmatic patients who required hospitalization were recruited and treated with standard therapy.
04/24/2008
02:42 PM
Tracheal Compression by the Innominate Artery and a Megaesophagus
Journal of Bronchology. 15(2):100-101, April 2008
Although vascular anomalies have been reported to cause extrinsic compression of the trachea leading to respiratory distress, achalasia has been less frequently associated with airway compromise. Here, we report the case of a 56-year-old woman with symptomatic tracheal compression between a megaesophagus and a normal innominate artery. Diagnosis of tracheal obstruction was made by direct visualization with flexible bronchoscopy and confirmed by computed tomography scan imaging.
04/24/2008
02:41 PM
Malignancy in Lung Transplantation: Biomarkers, Gender Differences, and Consideration of a Systems Biology Approach
Transplantation. Workshop on Cancer Risk After Solid Organ Transplantation. 85(8S) Supplement:S69-S71, April 27, 2008
We present here new molecular tools such as gene expression microarrays as promising biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in lung cancer as well as for an early diagnosis of malignancy after lung transplantation.
04/24/2008
02:39 PM
Evaluation of Adapted Whole-Blood Interferon- Release Assays for the Diagnosis of Pleural Tuberculosis
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000128575)
Pleural tuberculosis (TB) remains difficult to diagnose despite numerous diagnostic tools. Recently, in vitro interferon (IFN)-gamma-based assays have been introduced in the diagnosis of latent TB, but these techniques have not been established in the diagnosis of active TB disease, including pleural TB.
04/24/2008
02:39 PM
Nuclear Factor-{kappa}B Activation in Airway Epithelium Induces Inflammation and Hyperresponsiveness
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 959-969, (2008)
: Nuclear factor (NF)-{kappa}B is a prominent proinflammatory transcription factor that plays a critical role in allergic airway disease. Previous studies demonstrated that inhibition of NF-{kappa}B in airway epithelium causes attenuation of allergic inflammation.
04/24/2008
02:38 PM
Modulation of Lymphocyte Proliferation by Antioxidants in Chronic Beryllium Disease
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1002-1011, (2008)
Occupational exposure to beryllium (Be) can result in chronic granulomatous inflammation characterized by the presence of Be-specific CD4+ T cells. Studies show that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders.
04/24/2008
02:37 PM
Inflammasome mRNA Expression in Human Monocytes during Early Septic Shock
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 983-988, (2008)
Monocytes are central to the initiation of the inflammatory response in sepsis, with caspase-1 activation playing a key role. Monocyte deactivation during sepsis has been linked to poor outcomes.
04/24/2008
02:36 PM
Antisense Therapy against CCR3 and the Common Beta Chain Attenuates Allergen-induced Eosinophilic Responses
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 952-958, (2008)
The drug product TPI ASM8 contains two modified phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides designed to inhibit allergic inflammation by down-regulating human CCR3 and the common beta chain ({beta}c) of IL-3, IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptors.
04/24/2008
02:35 PM
Case Report: Identification of a Pulmonary Venous Aneurysm Using Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound and Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy
Journal of Bronchology. 15(2):116-117, April 2008
Pulmonary venous aneurysms are uncommon. They usually present as mediastinal mass, and little is known about their etiology and pathogenesis. Association with mitral regurgitation has been described. Pulmonary venous aneurysm presenting as a peripheral pulmonary nodule is rare.
04/24/2008
02:34 PM
Pulmonary Nocardiosis Owing to Nocardia otitidiscaviarum
Journal of Bronchology. 15(2):113-115, April 2008
Among the nocardial species, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (formerly Nocardia caviae) as causative agent of pulmonary disease is rarely reported even in immunocompromised individuals. We report 2 renal transplant recipients presenting with pleural effusion and acute respiratory distress syndrome owing to N. otitidiscaviarum. Culture of bronchial washings led to the diagnosis in both the cases and established importance of early bronchoscopy in diagnosing opportunistic pulmonary infections in immunocompromised individuals.
04/24/2008
02:33 PM
The Unpleasantness of Perceived Dyspnea Is Processed in the Anterior Insula and Amygdala
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1026-1032, (2008)
The subjective perception of dyspnea, which is an impairing symptom in various cardiopulmonary diseases, consists of sensory (intensity) and affective aspects (unpleasantness). However, little is known about the cortical processing of the perception of dyspnea.
04/24/2008
02:32 PM
Severity of Lymphocytic Bronchiolitis Predicts Long-Term Outcome after Lung Transplantation
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1033-1040, (2008)
Severe and recurrent acute vascular rejection of the pulmonary allograft is an accepted major risk factor for obliterative bronchiolitis.
04/24/2008
02:31 PM
Clopidogrel Airway
Journal of Bronchology. 15(2):102-103, April 2008
A patient was referred for a focal wheeze on his right chest and blood-tinged sputum for 7 days. After the discontinuation of clopidogrel, flexible bronchoscopy was performed and it showed petechias throughout the airway. We have observed similar changes in other patients on clopidogrel. The "clopidogrel airway" should be recognized by clinicians evaluating patients with cardiovascular disease to better determine the need of additional testing and therapies.
04/24/2008
02:31 PM
Physician's Case Volume of Intensive Care Unit Pneumonia Admissions and In-Hospital Mortality
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 989-994, (2008)
Although several studies have investigated volume-outcome relationships for surgical procedures, there has been no such study of intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted for pneumonia.
04/24/2008
02:30 PM
Is asthma in childhood different from asthma in adults? Why do we need special approaches to asthma in children?
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 2, March/April 2008 , pp. 99-102(4)
Childhood asthma poses a number of challenges. In many asthmatic patients, the disease begins in infancy or early childhood and aeroallergen sensitization in the first 3 years of life appears to dictate later outcomes. The airway manifestations of asthma in childhood differ from those in adults and require different therapeutic approaches. Importantly, corticosteroid treatment of childhood asthma appears to have little impact on the progressive loss of lung function in a subset of patients.
04/24/2008
02:29 PM
Children's Factual and Delusional Memories of Intensive Care
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 976-982, (2008)
Delusional memories are significantly associated with post-traumatic stress in adult patients after intensive care.
04/24/2008
02:28 PM
Recent Chronic Beryllium Disease in Residents Surrounding a Beryllium Facility
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1012-1017, (2008)
Between 1948 and 1969, cases of community-acquired chronic beryllium disease (CA-CBD) were reported in neighborhoods surrounding beryllium facilities. Further surveillance was not performed in these communities, and additional cases have not been reported.
04/24/2008
02:27 PM
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 for Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 1018-1025, (2008)
Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a cytokine induced in the heart after ischemia or pressure overload. Circulating levels of GDF-15 provide independent prognostic information in patients with acute coronary syndromes or heart failure.
04/24/2008
02:27 PM
Dynamic Hyperinflation with Bronchoconstriction - Differences between Obese and Nonobese Women with Asthma
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 970-975, (2008)
Symptoms and respiratory function tests may be difficult to assess and interpret in obese patients with asthma, particularly if the asthma is severe. It is unclear whether the dynamic changes that occur during bronchoconstriction differ between obese versus nonobese patients with asthma.
04/24/2008
02:26 PM
Detection of Anaerobic Bacteria in High Numbers in Sputum from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 995-1001, (2008)
Pulmonary infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) is polymicrobial and it is possible that anaerobic bacteria, not detected by routine aerobic culture methods, reside within infected anaerobic airway mucus.
04/24/2008
02:25 PM
Probiotics for the prevention of nosocomial pneumonia: current evidence and opinions
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):168-175, May 2008
Nosocomial infections are common and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The continuing evolution of multidrug resistant pathogens and ineffective therapy for the infections they cause has stimulated interest in the potential of probiotic products to prevent nosocomial infections. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that colonize the host and exert antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects.
04/24/2008
02:24 PM
Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):203-210, May 2008
Pulmonary disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria is occurring with greater frequency, and previously unrecognized manifestations of nontuberculous mycobacteria are being identified. Paralleling this increase, improvements in laboratory techniques now allow for more precise identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria and recognition of new species.
04/24/2008
02:24 PM
Early diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections (point-of-care tests)
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):176-182, May 2008
Respiratory tract infections are a common reason for prescribing antibiotics, although not all of these infections require such therapy. Rapid diagnosis of etiology using point-of-care tests is a potentially useful way of reducing prescriptions of both unnecessary and unnecessarily broad-spectrum antibiotics. This can also lead to the facilitation of appropriate infection control measures to prevent spread of respiratory viruses within institutions.
04/24/2008
02:23 PM
Atypical pneumonias: current clinical concepts focusing on Legionnaires' disease
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):183-194, May 2008
This review provides clinicians with an overview of the clinical features of the atypical pneumonias. Atypical community-acquired pneumonia pathogens cause systemic infections with pneumonia. The key to the clinical diagnosis of atypical pneumonias depends on recognizing the characteristic pattern of extrapulmonary organ involvement different for each pathogen.
04/24/2008
02:22 PM
Aetiology, diagnosis and management of infective causes of severe haemoptysis in intensive care units
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(3):195-202, May 2008
Infective causes of severe haemoptysis have progressively shifted to causes related to chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Physicians should, however, recognize the most common of them, for example necrotizing parenchymal infections, tuberculosis and mycetoma.
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