The presence of the pilus locus is a clonal property among pneumococcal invasive isolates
BMC Microbiology 2008, 8:41
Pili were recently recognized in Streptococcus pneumoniae and implicated in the virulence of this bacterium, which led to the proposal of using these antigens in a future pneumococcal vaccine. However, pili were found to be encoded by the rlrA islet that was not universally distributed in the species.
02/29/2008
01:43 PM
Endothelin-1 precursor peptides correlate with severity of disease and outcome in patients with community acquired pneumonia
BMC Infectious Diseases 2008, 8:22
Circulating levels of endothelin-1 are increased in sepsis and correlate with severity of disease. A rapid and easy immunoassay has been developed to measure the more stable ET-1 precursor peptides proET-1. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of proET-1 in a prospective cohort of mainly septic patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
02/29/2008
01:42 PM
Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and the Risk of Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Early Childhood
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:676-680
To investigate associations of 2 vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI), we compared 56 young children hospitalized with ALRI and 64 children without a history of ALRI.
02/29/2008
01:41 PM
Effects of Adjuvants on the Safety and Immunogenicity of an Avian Influenza H5N1 Vaccine in Adults
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:667-675
Influenza A H5N1 viruses pose a significant threat to human health.
02/29/2008
01:40 PM
Optimizing Therapy for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28: 624-631
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in patients in intensive care units is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prompt clinical attention is essential to ensure good outcomes, including identification and management of the source of infection and any associated complications.
02/29/2008
01:39 PM
Effects of Particulate Matter on Cytokine Production In Vitro: A Comparative Analysis of Published Studies
Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 20, Issue 4 February 2008 , pages 399 - 414
In recent years evidence has accumulated indicating that airborne particles cause adverse health effects. To understand the underlying mechanisms, a multitude of in vitro studies have been performed focusing on inflammatory responses, especially cytokine production. However, the diversity of studies renders it difficult to determine which results are consistent and which exposures most effective.
02/29/2008
01:38 PM
A prospective study of decline in lung function in relation to welding emissions
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2008, 3:6
Numerous cross-sectional studies have reported reduced lung function among welders but limitations of exposure assessment and design preclude causal inference. The aim of this study was to investigate if long-term exposure to welding fume particulates accelerates the age-related decline in lung function.
02/29/2008
01:37 PM
Dietary Fiber, Lung Function, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
American Journal of Epidemiology 2008 167(5):570-578
Recent data suggest beneficial effects of fiber intake on chronic respiratory symptoms in adults that are independent of antioxidant vitamin intake, but little is known about fiber consumption in relation to lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
02/29/2008
01:34 PM
Simultaneous Characterization of Aerodynamic Size and Electrostatic Charge Distributions of Inhaled Dry Powder Inhaler Aerosols
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 2-5(4)
Respiratory drug particles aerosolized from Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) may charge electrostatically. Influence of electrostatic charge and aerodynamic size distributions on the regional deposition of inhaled aerosols in the lung has been acknowledged by the investigators of aerosol medicine research.
02/29/2008
01:33 PM
Noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure near the end of life
Critical Care Medicine. 36(3):789-794, March 2008
For patients with acute respiratory failure who have declined intubation and resuscitation or have chosen comfort measures only, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may help them achieve important health or personal goals, or merely prolong the dying process.
02/29/2008
01:33 PM
Bronchial mucosal dendritic cells in smokers and ex-smokers with COPD: an electron microscopic study
Thorax 2008;63:108-114
Bronchial mucosal dendritic cells (DCs) initiate and regulate immune responses to inhaled antigens, viruses and bacteria. Currently, little is known of their numbers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While reductions in their numbers have been reported recently in smokers with asthma, nothing is known of the effects of cigarette smoking on bronchial DCs in COPD. The present study compares DC numbers in smokers and ex-smokers with COPD.
02/29/2008
01:31 PM
Adult Presentation of Right Lung Agenesis and Left Pulmonary Artery Sling
Acta Radiologica, Volume 49, Issue 1 2008 , pages 41 - 44
The combination of right lung agenesis and left pulmonary artery (LPA) sling is a rare entity that has been described only in the pediatric population.
02/29/2008
01:30 PM
Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Sensitivity and Specificity of Ventilation-Perfusion Scintigraphy in PIOPED II Study
Radiology 2008;246:941-946
To use Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) II data to retrospectively determine sensitivity and specificity of ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphic studies categorized as pulmonary embolism (PE) present or PE absent and the proportion of patients for whom these categories applied.
02/29/2008
01:29 PM
Cytokine profile in quadriceps muscles of patients with severe COPD
Thorax 2008;63:100-107
Systemic proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress have been described in association with peripheral muscle wasting and weakness of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their expression in skeletal muscle is unknown. The objectives of the present study were to determine muscle protein levels of selected cytokines in patients with COPD and to study their relationships with protein carbonylation as a marker of oxidative stress, quadriceps function and exercise capacity.
02/29/2008
01:28 PM
Culture-Independent Bacterial Population Analysis - Clinical Implications for Respiratory and Other Infections
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 35-39(5)
Despite efforts to quell the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance, national trends show disturbing increases in the rate of resistance of clinically relevant microorganisms. The primary basis for this trend is inappropriate or insufficient antimicrobial treatment, which is often due to a lack of rapid diagnostic tools and dependence on time-consuming culturebased approaches for pathogen detection and resistance profiling.
02/29/2008
01:24 PM
Lung clearance index is a sensitive, repeatable and practical measure of airways disease in adults with cystic fibrosis
Thorax 2008;63:135-140
Lung clearance index (LCI) is a sensitive marker of early lung disease in children but has not been assessed in adults. Measurement is hindered by the complexity of the equipment required. The aims of this study were to assess performance of a novel gas analyser (Innocor) and to use it as a clinical tool for the measurement of LCI in cystic fibrosis (CF).
02/29/2008
01:22 PM
Factors Influencing Outcome of Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Failure
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 69-76(8)
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for severe neonatal and pediatric respiratory failure that fails to respond to maximal therapy, including but not limited to high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), surfactant replacement, inhaled nitric oxide (NO) and prone positioning of the patient.
02/29/2008
01:21 PM
Current Status of Lung Ventilation Imaging with Magnetic Resonance Ventilation Scanning Using Aerosolized Contrast Agents
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 19-22(4)
Chronic respiratory diseases are one of the leading causes of death and morbidity. Therefore the assessment of regional and global ventilation distribution together with pulmonary perfusion imaging becomes more and more important.
02/29/2008
01:20 PM
Changes in Lung Function and Airway Inflammation Among Asthmatic Children Residing in a Woodsmoke-Impacted Urban Area
Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 20, Issue 4 February 2008 , pages 423 - 433
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with respiratory effects, and asthmatic children are especially sensitive.
02/29/2008
01:19 PM
Towards Systems Biology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections:Seeing the Need and Preparing for Prime Time
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 29-34(6)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important pathogen affecting all age groups and has been implicated in the inception of asthma in a subpopulation of children.
02/29/2008
01:18 PM
New Insights into Acute and Chronic Lung Rejection
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 40-51(12)
Lung transplantation provides a successful therapy for end-stage lung disease. However, problems such as acute and chronic lung allograft rejection, the latter also known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), remain obstacles to achieving better long term outcomes.
02/29/2008
01:17 PM
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 23-28(6)
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) was initially used to describe a group of patients who were sleepy but did not meet the diagnostic criteria of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
02/29/2008
01:14 PM
Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease for the treatment of acute asthma in children
Thorax 2008;63:141-146
Airway obstruction in acute asthma is the result of airway smooth muscle contraction, inflammation and mucus plugging. Case reports suggest that mucolytic therapy might be beneficial in acute asthma. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the mucolytic drug recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) in addition to standard treatment at the emergency department in children with an asthma exacerbation.
02/28/2008
03:29 PM
Interaction between Smoking and Genetic Factors in the Development of Chronic Bronchitis
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 177. pp. 486-490, (2008)
Smoking is a primary risk factor for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but since not all smokers develop disease, it has been suggested that some individuals may be more susceptible to exogenous factors, such as smoking, and that this susceptibility could be genetically determined.
02/28/2008
03:28 PM
Pulmonary manifestations in a pediatric patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:59
Although respiratory involvement has been described in patients with IBD, well-defined interstitial lung disease has not been reported, especially among children with ulcerative colitis.
02/28/2008
03:27 PM
Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Otitis Media Complication in Young Children
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2008;46:815-823
The common cold or upper respiratory infection (URI) is highly prevalent among young children and often results in otitis media (OM). The incidence and characteristics of OM complicating URI due to specific viruses have not been well studied.
02/28/2008
03:26 PM
Two variants among Haemophilus influenzae serotype b strains with distinct bcs4, hcsA and hcsB genes display differences in expression of the polysaccharide capsule
BMC Microbiology 2008, 8:35
Despite nearly complete vaccine coverage, a small number of fully vaccinated children in the Netherlands have experienced invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib). This increase started in 2002, nine years after the introduction of nationwide vaccination in the Netherlands.
02/28/2008
03:25 PM
Acute airway failure secondary to thyroid metastasis from renal carcinoma
World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2008, 6:14
Secondary involvement of the thyroid gland by malignant metastases is uncommon. Acute respiratory crisis due to infiltration of the upper airways is a recognised complication of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma or thyroid lymphoma. Renal cell carcinoma is a tumour that metastasizes diffusely and in an unpredictable manner.
02/28/2008
03:24 PM
Protection from experimental ventilator-induced acute lung injury by IL-1 receptor blockade
Thorax 2008;63:147-153
Clinical studies have shown that injurious mechanical ventilation is associated with increased airspace and plasma levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta); however, the potential therapeutic value of IL-1 inhibition in acute lung injury has not been thoroughly investigated. A study was undertaken to determine if IL-1 signalling is a necessary early event in the pathogenesis of experimental ventilator-induced lung injury.
02/28/2008
03:23 PM
A hint of calcium
Thorax 2008;63:128
A 76-year-old male who was a previous smoker presented with symptoms suggestive of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. There was no associated anorexia, weight loss or breathlessness. During one of these episodes he had haemoptysis which prompted further investigations with a CT scan of the chest as well as a flexible bronchoscopy.
02/28/2008
03:22 PM
Rapid Decline of Influenza Vaccine-Induced Antibody in the Elderly: Is It Real, or Is It Relevant?
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:490-502
Advisory committees have cautioned that influenza vaccine-induced antibody declines more rapidly in the elderly, falling below seroprotective levels within 4 months. We conducted a literature review to assess this assertion.
02/28/2008
03:21 PM
Polymorphisms in Toll-Like Receptor Genes and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Aspergillosis
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:618-621
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important components of innate immunity. We investigated the association between polymorphisms in the TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 genes and susceptibility to noninvasive forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.
02/28/2008
03:20 PM
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Immunity to Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Individuals with Previous hMPV Infection and Respiratory Disease
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:584-592
Recently identified human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen in children and adults worldwide. Little is known about cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses that may control hMPV infection in humans.
02/28/2008
03:18 PM
Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Booster (Third) Dose of Inactivated Subvirion H5N1 Influenza Vaccine in Humans
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:580-583
Previously, we evaluated 2 doses of H5N1 influenza vaccine in persons 18-64 years of age separated by 28 days.
02/28/2008
03:18 PM
Patient Outcomes After Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(4):425-430
Despite advances in the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), relatively few contemporary data describe and compare outcomes in patients with these common conditions from a more generalizable community-based perspective.
02/28/2008
03:17 PM
Antibiotic Timing and Errors in Diagnosing Pneumonia
Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(4):351-356
The percentage of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) whose time to first antibiotic dose (TFAD) is less than 4 hours of presentation to the emergency department (ED) has been made a core quality measure, and public reporting has been instituted. We asked whether these time pressures might also have negative effects on the accuracy of diagnosis of pneumonia.
02/28/2008
03:16 PM
Acute renal failure in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock-a significant independent risk factor for mortality: results from the German Prevalence Study
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 2008 23(3):904-909
Sound data about the prevalence of acute renal failure (ARF) among patients with severe sepsis and septic shock are lacking. Further, it is not known whether ARF is an independent risk factor for mortality in septic patients or merely an indicator of disease severity.
02/28/2008
03:15 PM
Pulmonary levels of high-mobility group box 1 during mechanical ventilation and ventilator-associated pneumonia
Shock. POST ACCEPTANCE, 13 September 2007
High-mobility group box (HMGB) 1 is a recently discovered proinflammatory mediator that contributes to acute lung injury. We determined HMGB-1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients during mechanical ventilation (MV) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
02/28/2008
03:13 PM
Frequency and impact of allergic rhinitis in asthma patients in everyday general medical practice: a French observational cross-sectional study
Allergy, Volume 63, Number 3, March 2008 , pp. 292-298(7)
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are inflammatory conditions of the airways that often occur concomitantly. This observational, cross-sectional, national study was undertaken to describe the frequency and severity of AR in asthmatic patients. The impact of AR on the quality of life and the therapeutic management of patients in everyday general medical practice were also assessed.
02/28/2008
03:13 PM
Counting, analysing and reporting exacerbations of COPD in randomised controlled trials
Thorax 2008;63:122-128
Clinical trials measure exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) inconsistently. A study was undertaken to determine if different methods for ascertaining and analysing COPD exacerbations lead to biased estimates of treatment effects.
02/28/2008
03:07 PM
Smoking-induced emphysema is an autoimmune process
Thorax 2008;63:146
Emphysematous lung exhibits predominantly T helper type 1 (Th1) cells, but it remains unclear how tobacco induces Th1 immunity and the nature of relevant T cell antigens. This study explored the possibility that smoking induces an autoimmune response.
02/28/2008
03:06 PM
Quality of life measurements and bronchodilator responsiveness in prescribing nebulizer therapy in COPD
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 13-18 (2008)
Nebulized bronchodilators are widely regarded as the optimal treatment for maintenance therapy in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the study was to assess whether detailed physiological, functional and quality of life-related measurements can assist in determining the requirement for nebulized bronchodilator therapy in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
02/28/2008
03:05 PM
Assessing the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status in COPD
Thorax 2008;63:115-121
The optimal way of assessing the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently unknown. The minimal clinically important difference for the constant work rate cycling exercise test also needs to be investigated to facilitate its interpretation.
02/28/2008
03:04 PM
Chronic cough: Epidemiology
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 43-47 (2008)
Chronic cough is perhaps the commonest symptom of medical importance with some 12% of the general population having the symptom on a daily or weekly basis. Chronic cough causes a large degree of morbidity, with both the physical e.g. incontinence, and the psychological e.g. social isolation, domains.
02/28/2008
03:03 PM
Metabolic and inflammatory profile in obese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 35-41 (2008)
Overweight and obesity have been associated with better survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). On the other hand, excess body weight is associated with abnormal metabolic and inflammatory profiles that define the metabolic syndrome and predispose to cardiovascular diseases.
02/28/2008
03:02 PM
Implementing an oxygen programme in hospitals in Papua New Guinea
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 28, Number 1, March 2008 , pp. 71-78(8)
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the most common cause of death among children under 5 years of age is pneumonia. Children with severe pneumonia need antibiotics and oxygen but oxygen shortages are common owing to the cost and complex logistics of transporting it in cylinders. Detection of hypoxaemia using clinical signs can be difficult, especially in highly pigmented children in whom cyanosis is difficult to recognise.
02/28/2008
03:01 PM
Association of atopy, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and intestinal helminth infections in Cuban children
Tropical Medicine & International Health, Volume 13, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 180-186(7)
To examine the relationship of past and current intestinal helminth infections with asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and atopy.
02/28/2008
03:00 PM
Role for Major Vault Protein in the innate immunity of respiratory epithelium
Thorax 2008;63:107
Major Vault Protein (MVP) is thought to be important for innate immunity and is found in antigen-presenting cells and epithelia throughout the respiratory system. This study investigated the role of MVP in human respiratory epithelium, particularly in response to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
02/28/2008
02:59 PM
Anatomical and functional intrapulmonary shunt in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Critical Care Medicine. 36(3):669-675, March 2008
The lung-protective strategy employs positive end-expiratory pressure to keep open otherwise collapsed lung regions (anatomical recruitment). Improvement in venous admixture with positive end-expiratory pressure indicates functional recruitment to better gas exchange, which is not necessarily related to anatomical recruitment, because of possible global/regional perfusion modifications.
02/28/2008
02:58 PM
Viral Etiology of Acute Respiratory Infections With Cough in Infancy: A Community-Based Birth Cohort Study
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 27(2):100-105, February 2008
Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of morbidity in infancy worldwide, with cough and wheeze being alarming symptoms to parents. We aimed to analyze in detail the viral aetiology of ARI with such symptoms in otherwise healthy infants, including rhinoviruses and recently discovered viruses such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), coronavirus NL63 and HKU1, and human bocavirus (HBoV).
02/28/2008
02:57 PM
The Utility of Serum C-Reactive Protein in Differentiating Bacterial from Nonbacterial Pneumonia in Children: A Meta-Analysis of 1230 Children
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 27(2):95-99, February 2008
Differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial community-acquired pneumonia in children is difficult. Although several studies have evaluated serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of bacterial pneumonia in this patient population, the utility of this test remains unclear.
02/28/2008
02:56 PM
Low Dose Chest Computed Tomography, in Identifying Pulmonary Complications in Immunocompromised Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 13-18(6)
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been employed clinically for the therapy of a wide variety of acquired neoplastic and nonmalignant disorders. However, these immunocompromised patients remain at high risk of developing many serious and often life threatening complications.
02/28/2008
02:55 PM
Risk factors for increased need for intravenous antibiotics for pulmonary exacerbations in adult patients with cystic fibrosis
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 29-33 (2008)
Pulmonary exacerbations (P Exs) are important in cystic fibrosis (CF). They are very common, and are associated with poor quality of life. P Exs are regarded as an important end point in clinical trials. Risk factors associated with increase in P Exs have not been examined at a large scale.
02/28/2008
02:53 PM
Heightened bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the absence of heightened atopy in children with current wheezing and low income status
Thorax 2008;63:167-171
Although global studies such as the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) have provided valuable data on the prevalence of asthma in children in Latin America, there is little information on the relationship between asthma symptoms, pulmonary function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and atopy in the region.
02/28/2008
02:52 PM
Treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Patients with Systemic Blood Pressure Stability and Right Ventricular Dysfunction
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 52-56(5)
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) ranges from incidental, clinically unimportant thromboembolism to massive embolism with sudden death. Its treatment is well established in two groups of patients: heparin for those with normal systemic blood pressure without right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and thrombolysis for those with RVD and circulatory shock.
02/28/2008
02:51 PM
Quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the predictive validity of the BODE index
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 7-11 (2008)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth cause of mortality and morbility in the developed world. Patients with COPD experience a progressive deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A new model of severity classification, the body mass index, bronchial obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise (BODE) index, has recently been proposed.
02/28/2008
02:50 PM
Adrenaline Attenuates the Acute Lung Injury After Intratracheal Lipopolysaccharide Instillation: an Experimental Study
Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 20, Issue 4 February 2008 , pages 445 - 453
Endotoxin is a major cause of endotoxinemia, sepsis, and pneumonia due to gram-negative bacteria. Experimental endotoxin administration via the tracheal route has been extensively used to study the biological and pathophysiologic pathways of inflammation. In particular, experimental endotoxin instillation in the respiratory tree has allowed an extended research with regard to the local response of the lungs to the pathogenic stimulus.
02/28/2008
02:49 PM
Targeting Lung Inflammation: Novel Therapies for the Treatment of COPD
urrent Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 57-68(12)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health problem. COPD is associated with the progressive pulmonary inflammation and destruction of lung parenchyma (emphysema) that relate to disease severity.
02/28/2008
02:48 PM
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with COPD: a report of five cases and systematic review of the literature
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Vol. 5, No. 1, 19-27 (2008)
There are increasing reports describing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without the classic risk factors for this severe infection. The available literature on this association is based on case reports or small case series.
02/28/2008
02:45 PM
Exacerbations in cystic fibrosis: 3 {middle dot} Management
Exacerbations of pulmonary symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis must be recognised early and treated vigorously in order to maintain pulmonary function and relieve symptoms. The aetiology of these exacerbations is discussed, together with the options for treatment and the evidence to support treatment choices.
02/28/2008
02:44 PM
Exacerbations in cystic fibrosis: 4 {middle dot} Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Thorax 2008;63:269-276
Bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis (CF) is increasingly recognised as an important and major primary respiratory disease in developing countries. In affluent countries, bronchiectasis is also increasingly recognised in subsections of communities (such as indigenous peoples) as well as a co-existent disease/co-morbidity and disease modifier in respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
02/28/2008
02:43 PM
Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis: 7 {middle dot} Novel therapies and lung transplantation
Thorax 2008;63:277-284
The spectrum of diseases collectively known as pulmonary fibrosis does not have reliable therapeutic options. Many treatment protocols have been the subject of clinical trials, resulting in few significant improvements in outcome.
02/28/2008
02:42 PM
Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis: 8 {middle dot} The need for an international registry for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Thorax 2008;63:285-287
Improved survival from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is dependent on better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, its diagnostic spectrum in global terms and an analysis of outcomes from emerging therapies at a significant level.
02/28/2008
02:40 PM
Primary determinants of ischaemic stroke/brain abscess risks are independent of severity of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Thorax 2008;63:259-266
Brain abscesses and ischaemic strokes complicate pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). At risk individuals are poorly recognised. Stroke/abscess risk factors have not been defined.
02/28/2008
02:39 PM
IP-10 as a biomarker for rhinoviral infections in asthma
Thorax 2008;63:200
Asthma exacerbations are most commonly triggered by viruses, particularly rhinovirus. There is currently no biomarker that can be used to predict that a virus has triggered an exacerbation.
02/28/2008
02:38 PM
A role for squamous metaplasia in COPD airway obstruction
Thorax 2008;63:258
Airway wall thickening has been established as an important factor in airway obstruction in patients with COPD, and squamous metaplasia of columnar epithelium correlates with the severity of airway obstruction. Here, through a number of experiments, the authors provide evidence for a mechanistic link between these two processes.
02/28/2008
02:37 PM
Activation of somatostatin receptors attenuates pulmonary fibrosisA role for squamous metaplasia in COPD airway obstruction
Thorax 2008;63:251-258
Somatostatin analogues may have antifibrotic properties in the lung. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the five somatostatin receptors sst1 to sst5 in normal and fibrotic mouse lung and the action of SOM230 (pasireotide), a new somatostatin analogue with a long half-life, in bleomycin induced lung fibrosis and in human lung fibroblasts in vitro.
02/28/2008
02:36 PM
Spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery aneurysm during air flight
Thorax 2008;63:294
Pleural haematoma secondary to spontaneous rupture of an intercostal artery aneurysm is extremely rare but can be life-threatening. Most documented cases have been associated with coarctation of the aorta or neurofibromatosis type 1,1 or occur following trauma2 or thoracic surgery.
02/28/2008
02:35 PM
Predictive value of lung function below the normal range and respiratory symptoms for progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Thorax 2008;63:201-207
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an insidiously starting disease. Early detection has high priority because of the possibility of early implementation of smoking cessation interventions. An evidence based model for case finding of COPD is not yet available.
02/28/2008
02:33 PM
beta2 Adrenergic agonist therapy may enhance alveolar epithelial repair in patients with acute lung injury
Thorax 2008;63:189-190
Acute lung injury is a clinical syndrome of acute respiratory failure that is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
02/28/2008
02:31 PM
The relation between dietary intake of individual fatty acids, FEV1 and respiratory disease in Dutch adults
Thorax 2008;63:208-214
A reduced dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids, in association with increased n-6 fatty acid intake, has been proposed as a potential aetiological factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. However, the relative importance of individual fatty acids within the n-3 and n-6 categories on this effect has not been widely investigated.
02/28/2008
02:30 PM
A nurse led intermediate care package in patients who have been hospitalised with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseIP-10 as a biomarker for rhinoviral infections in asthma
Thorax 2008;63:194-200
To determine the effects of a nurse led intermediate care programme in patients who have been hospitalised with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).
02/28/2008
02:29 PM
"Popcorn worker's lung" in Britain in a man making potato crisp flavouring
Thorax 2008;63:267-268; doi:10.1136/thx.2007.089607
The case history is presented of a patient who developed "popcorn worker's lung" following exposure to 2,3-butanedione
(diacetyl). Other similar cases are reviewed, and it is concluded that "food flavourer's lung" may be a more suitable diagnostic label.
02/28/2008
02:28 PM
Standards of care for occupational asthma
Thorax 2008;63:240-250
Occupational asthma remains a common disease in the UK with up to 3000 new cases diagnosed each year. The Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) estimates the cost to our society to be over £1.1 billion for each 10-year period.1 In October 2001 the Health and Safety Commission agreed a package of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of asthma caused by exposure to substances in the workplace by 30% by 2010. Key to this aim are primary prevention by proper risk assessment and exposure control, together with secondary prevention to ensure reduction in the delay between the development of allergic symptoms at work (normally nasal or respiratory) and appropriate advice to the affected worker and workplace.
02/28/2008
02:27 PM
Associations between postnatal weight gain, change in postnatal pulmonary function, formula feeding and early asthma
Thorax 2008;63:234-239
A study was undertaken to examine factors that might influence lung function during infancy and to test the hypothesis that change in weight during infancy is negatively associated with change in lung function.
02/28/2008
02:26 PM
Airwaves
Thorax 2008;63:187
As pointed out in the introduction to this document, occupational asthma remains a common disease in the UK, with up to 3000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is also estimated that one in 10 cases of adult onset asthma relate to sensitisation in the workplace. This is an important document for all respiratory clinicians. I also recommend the editorial by Tarlo in which she discusses the significance of occupational asthma and also "work-related asthma" when asthma worsens at work but is not in fact occupational asthma caused by workplace sensitisers.
02/28/2008
02:25 PM
In vivo and in vitro effects of salbutamol on alveolar epithelial repair in acute lung injury
Thorax 2008;63:215-220
Acute lung injury is an important cause of respiratory failure in the critically ill patient. It is caused by damage to the alveolar barrier with subsequent alveolar flooding leading to the development of refractory hypoxaemia. - Agonists stimulate alveolar fluid clearance in animal models of lung injury. In a clinical trial (BALTI-1), intravenous beta agonists reduced extravascular lung water, an effect that took 72 h in contrast with what animal studies suggest. One possible explanation for the delay in change in extravascular lung water is the time required for salbutamol to stimulate alveolar epithelial repair.
02/28/2008
02:25 PM
Sex differences in the impact of ozone on survival and alveolar macrophage function of mice after Klebsiella pneumoniae infection
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:24
Sex differences have been described in a number of pulmonary diseases. However, the impact of ozone exposure followed by pneumonia infection on sex-related survival and macrophage function have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ozone exposure differentially affects: 1) survival of male and female mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 2) the phagocytic ability of macrophages from these mice.
02/28/2008
02:24 PM
Different effects of deep inspirations on central and peripheral airways in healthy and allergen-challenged mice
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:23
Deep inspirations (DI) have bronchodilatory and bronchoprotective effects in healthy human subjects, but these effects appear to be absent in asthmatic lungs. We have characterized the effects of DI on lung mechanics during mechanical ventilation in healthy mice and in a murine model of acute and chronic airway inflammation.
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