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Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L199-L206, 2007
Increased levels of IL-6 are documented in asthma, but its contribution to the pathology is unknown. Asthma is characterized by airway wall thickening due to increased extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, angiogenesis, and airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. IL-6 binds to a specific membrane-bound receptor, IL-6 receptor- (mIL-6R), and subsequently to the signaling protein gp130. Alternatively, IL-6 can bind to soluble IL-6 recpetor- (sIL-6R) to stimulate membrane receptor-deficient cells, a process called trans-signaling.
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 14(1):49, January 2007
Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have similar vasodilator responsiveness as patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, possibly indicating similar pathophysiologic derangements.
To retrospectively evaluate the amount of contrast medium required with 16- and 64-section computed tomography (CT) for a given patient weight to achieve desirable contrast enhancement during pulmonary CT angiography.
Interventional pulmonology (IP) provides comprehensive care to patients with structural airway disorders and pleural diseases. A growing armamentarium of diagnostic and therapeutic tools has expanded the interventional pulmonologist's ability to care for pulmonary patients with complex abnormalities, often in concert and close collaboration with physicians in other specialties, such as thoracic surgery.
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 14(1):45-48, January 2007
In the past, bronchoscopy has played a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary abscess. However, the fear of aspiration of abscess contents, the advancement of antimicrobial therapy, and the development of radiologic-guided percutaneous drainage of abscess cavities has challenged the endoscopist to define a role in the treatment of this disease.
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 14(1):17-22, January 2007
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is emerging as an important opportunistic pathogen in nonimmunocompromised hosts. It has been widely described that bacteremia and ventilator-associated pneumonia due to S. maltophilia cause significant mortality and morbidity. However, a recent study suggests that a positive respiratory isolate in the absence of consolidation does not require specific therapy.
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2006, pp. 195-199(5)
Because quality of life (QoL) and health status (HS) scales contain different kinds of items and are shown not to be equivalent, there is a recommendation to use both types of scales.
Chronic Respiratory Disease, Volume 3, Number 4, November 2006, pp. 217-222(6)
Persons utilizing long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) at home suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Adherence to LTOT ranges from 45% to 70% and utilization of 15 hours per day is widely accepted as efficacious. Although studies have reviewed the level of patient adherence with LTOT, few have introduced or evaluated interventions.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(2):131-136, March 2007
Over the past twenty years, work-related asthma has been increasingly recognized to focus on three entities; occupational asthma, work-aggravated asthma, and reactive airways disease syndrome. Of these three entities, work-aggravated asthma has been recently identified to be important in worker health, but little is known about its impact on worker health.
Bone marrow -derived cells (BMDCs) can either limit or contribute to the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling. Whether the difference in their effects depends on the mechanism of pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains unknown.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are members of the Pneumovirinae subfamily of Paramyxoviridae and can cause severe respiratory disease, especially in infants and young children. Some differences in the clinical course of these infections have been described, but there are few comparative data on pathogenesis in humans and animal models.
Low body mass index has been associated with increased mortality in severe COPD. The impact of body composition earlier in the disease remains unclear. We studied the impact of body composition on the risk of functional limitation in COPD.
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine. 14(1):38-44, January 2007
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep-disordered breathing affecting up to 15% of the population in North America. Patients with OSA may be at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmias.
Nosocomial infections are a major worldwide cause of death and disability, infection control programs are effective in limiting these infections, especially those acquired in the intensive care unit. The development of the world wide web has provided health care professionals with immediate access to continuously updated information in the field of infection control.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 353-355
The POEMS (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal immunoglobulin, Skin changes) syndrome is a rare disease that entails a specific risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
COPD is a major worldwide problem with a rising prevalence. Despite its importance, there is a lack of information regarding underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of COPD in different countries.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 308-316
Selection of heath-related quality of life (HRQL) instruments that are most responsive to changes in HRQL prevents investigators from drawing false-negative conclusions about the effectiveness of an intervention.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 345-348
Gastroesophageal disease, a common cause of chronic cough, is often poorly recognised. We reviewed the presenting history of 47 chronic cough patients who had been proven to have gastroesophageal disease by oesophageal function testing. Fourty-seven patients (26 female), were enroled.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(2):120-124, March 2007
Long-term oxygen treatment is one of the few interventions that improve survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and it is widely used even though published evidence supporting the use of this treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is scanty. In addition, some studies do not demonstrate a mortality benefit for long-term oxygen treatment in this disease.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 215-221(7)
To analyse the clinical features and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of solitary pulmonary granulomas caused by the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) complex.
Lung Cancer Volume 55, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 233-236
We report a case of a 43-year-old man who underwent an extended resection of the lower trachea for primary chondroma. Tracheal chondroma is a rare benign disease, arising from the cartilaginous rings, that grows intra-luminally or extends through the tracheal wall determining an obstructing syndrome.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 363-365
Subcutaneous emphysema is a common condition occurring after chest injury. It may also be observed in association with pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum as a result of pathological changes in the respiratory tract.
Systemic inflammation in patients with COPD may worsen during exacerbations, but there is limited information relating levels of systemic inflammatory markers with symptoms and physiologic changes during an exacerbation
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(2):98-106, March 2007
The mechanisms related to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects in populations exposed to particulate matter are under debate and different models have been used to further our understanding of the various aspects of those effects. In this review we present some studies that may give new insights into the cellular and systemic mechanisms related to particulate matter toxicity.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(2):90-97, March 2007
Inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting [beta]2 adrenergic agonists are commonly used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to attenuate symptoms and to prevent exacerbations. Whether these medications prolong survival is uncertain.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(2):125-130, March 2007
Despite optimal pharmacological treatment, many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain very disabled. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction involves the insertion of valves into the airways supplying emphysematous areas of lung with the intention of causing atelectasis and thus improving operating lung volumes. Bronchoscopic techniques are less hazardous than lung volume reduction surgery.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 211-221, (2007)
Recent research regarding the structure and function of Bacillus anthracis lethal (LeTx) and edema (ETx) toxins provides growing insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of shock with this lethal bacteria.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 256-262, (2007)
We tested two hypotheses in patients with ALI: (1) higher levels of urine NO would be associated with worse clinical outcomes, and (2) ventilation with lower VT would reduce urine NO as a result of less stretch injury.
The rapid desensitization of the human prostacyclin (IP) receptor in response to agonist binding has been shown in cell culture. Phosphorylation of the IP receptor by protein kinase C (PKC) has been suggested to be involved in this process.
Intranasal inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 serotype 2 causes fatal pneumonia in mice. The cytotoxic and inflammatory properties of pneumolysin (PLY) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal pneumonia.
Inflammatory mediators are involved in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation, but the role of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) remains obscure. This study was designed to investigate the role of PGI2 in cough reflex sensitivity of the asthmatic airway, which is characterized by chronic eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L278-L286, 2007
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a G protein-coupled receptor-activating peptide, is increased in airway epithelium, plasma, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic patients. We hypothesized that ET-1 may contribute to the increased airway smooth muscle mass found in severe asthma by inducing hypertrophy and inhibiting apoptosis of smooth muscle cells.
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 20(1):11-15, February 2007
To describe the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the burden of pneumococcal disease and advances in our understanding of the impact of HIV on this disease.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 277-285
To estimate how the level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in pregnancy, childhood and adulthood vary with personal characteristics in a general population.
The objective of the present study is to determine the feasibility of chest computed tomography (CT) in screening for lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 223-229
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) participates in the pathogenesis of exudative pleural effusions (PEs). In the present study, we determined the pleural fluid (PF) and serum VEGF levels in patients with post-coronary artery by-pass grafting (post-CABG) PEs.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 230-236
To assess the association between primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) recurrence and pulmonary CT scan findings, and other variables pertaining to clinical presentation and management.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 261-264
Our aim was to determine the reliability of estimating arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) using a recently introduced combined SaO2/PtcCO2 monitor ("TOSCA", Linde Medical Systems) in adult patients in routine clinical respiratory practice.
Infection and Immunity, February 2007, p. 592-603, Vol. 75, No. 2
The virulence of Legionella pneumophila is dependent on the Dot/Icm type IV protein secretion system, which translocates effectors into infected cells. A large number of such translocated proteins have been identified, but few of these proteins are necessary for intracellular replication of the pathogen, making it difficult to correlate these genes with specific cell-biological events associated with L. pneumophila infection.
Induction of primary B cell responses requires the presence of Ag and costimulatory signals by T cells. Innate signals further enhance B cell activation. The precise nature and kinetics of such innate immune signals and their functional effects are unknown. This study demonstrates that influenza virus-induced type I IFN is the main innate stimulus affecting local B cells within 48 h of infection.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 5-7
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder particularly among middle-aged obese men, although its existence in women and non-obese individuals is increasingly recognized.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 269-276, (2007)
To investigate interactions between breathing and swallowing in neuromuscular disorders and to evaluate the impact of mechanical ventilation (MV) on swallowing in tracheostomized patients.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 237-245
A new anticholinergic aerosol containing 0.5 mg ipratropium bromide dissolved in 1 mL of solution has been produced with the purpose of decreasing nebulization time for patients compared to the traditional formulation which is twice as voluminal (0.5 mg/2 mL, Boehringer-Ingelheim, France).
The single-breath N2 test (sbN2-test) is closely related to small airways pathology in resected lung specimens of smokers. We investigated whether uneven ventilation and airway closure are associated with specific markers of airway inflammation as obtained by bronchial biopsies, BAL, and induced sputum in patients with manifest COPD.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 2, February 2007, pp. 122-133(12)
Occupational asthma is the most common occupational lung disease in industrialised countries, and the second most common occupational lung disease reported after pneumoconioses in developing countries. The median proportion of adult cases of asthma attributable to occupational exposure is between 10% and 15%. The population attributable fraction appears to be similar in industrialised and developing countries characterised by rapid industrialisation (13-15%), but lower in less industrialised developing countries (6%).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 210-216
To assess the improvement of concurrent erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with overlap syndrome (obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bronchodilators.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 265-271
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important biological mediator with a variety of cellular and tissue functions. Fractional exhaled (FENO) and nasal NO (FNNO) are known to be altered in several respiratory tract disease and disorders. However, there are rather few studies into the reproducibility of FENO or FNNO measurements in healthy subjects.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L185-L198, 2007
The airway surface is covered by a fluid, the airway surface liquid, interposed between the mucous layer and the epithelium. The airway surface liquid contains proteins, secreted by different cell types, that may have pro-/anti-inflammatory or bactericidal functions or have a role in the mucociliary clearance.
COPD is projected to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease initiative was started to measure the prevalence of COPD in a standardized way and to provide estimates of the social and economic burden of disease.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 340-344
We aimed to examine the role of tumour necrosis factor gene complex polymorphisms in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that individuals possessing polymorphic variants associated with higher tumour necrosis factor (TNF) secretion would be more susceptible to and/or have more severe disease.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L99-L106, 2007
Airway smooth muscle hypertrophy appears to be present in severe asthma. However, the effect of corticosteroids on airway smooth muscle cell size or contractile protein expression has not been studied.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L92-L98, 2007
Despite the general importance of Ca2+ signaling in signal transduction, and of goblet cell mucin hypersecretion in inflammatory pulmonary diseases, measurement of airway goblet cell intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+) has not been reported.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a strategy designed to permit early detection of anxiety disorders in adolescent asthmatics. Adolescents with asthma (N = 53) were screened for anxiety disorders using the Trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children [STAI-C (Trait)] and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC). Adolescents and their parents were individually evaluated by a nurse trained in the administration of the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-IV: Parent and Child Versions (ADIS-IV: P&C).
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 65-72
The coupling dynamics of two time series can be assessed by pointwise transinformation (PTI). Due to its high temporal resolution, this algorithm is ideal for analysis of sleep microstructure. Different types of electroencephalographic (EEG) activation phases, like single K-complexes, K-complexes associated with spindle or alpha activity, K-complexes mixed with delta waves, and arousals, can be detected and changes in EEG coupling can be quantified.
To review the pleural fluid characteristics, pleural manometry, and radiographic data of patients who received a diagnosis of trapped lung in our pleural diseases service.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 84-89
Several methods of assessing disease severity in restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been suggested. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the suggested immobilization test (SIT), the International RLS Study Group rating scale (IRLS), sleep efficiency, and periodic leg movements of sleep index (PLMI).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 294-299
Hospitalization periods at the exacerbation stage of COPD place a major burden on the health services and entail substantial costs. Little is known, however, about the corresponding burden on hospitals as the disease advances.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 349-352
Red cell macrocytosis has been frequently described in hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, macrocytosis is not related to hyoxemia. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of macrocytosis (defined as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) higher than 94 fl) in stable COPD patients without respiratory insufficiency, and to analyze the possible relationship between its presence and clinical and functional parameters.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 203-209
Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection may cause extradigestive manifestations directly or indirectly, by potential mechanisms. HP infection triggers a marked local inflammatory response and a chronic systemic immune response. Some of the mediators that are thought to be possibly involved in the pathogenesis of extradigestive diseases caused by HP infection include IL-1, TNF-a, interferon (IFN)-a, leukotriene C4 and platelet-activating factor.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 286-293
To discuss the utility of Sit-to-Stand Test (STST) compared to the 6 min walking test (6MWT) for the evaluation of functional status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
To explore the prevalence of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to examine OSAS as a risk factor of NTG.
Treatments in Respiratory Medicine, Volume 5, Number 6, 2006, pp. 495-501(7)
Asthma and COPD are known to have significant health and economic consequences. Little is known about the costs of the latter in the UK. In this study we report the results of a comparison of the direct medical costs associated with COPD and asthma, where diagnoses are based on a robust prevalence study of a random sample of the Northern Ireland population.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol. 203, No. 13, 2895-2906
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive chronic disorder characterized by activation of fibroblasts and overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM). Caveolin-1 (cav-1), a principal component of caveolae, has been implicated in the regulation of numerous signaling pathways and biological processes.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 11, Number 1, January 2007, pp. 2-11(10)
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome is the commonest sleep-related breathing disorder worldwide. In Asia, the prevalence of symptomatic OSA in middle-aged men and women is 4.1-7.5% and 2.1-3.2%, respectively.
Clinical Microbiology & Infection, Volume 12, Number 12, December 2006, pp. 1221-1224(4)
This study compared the clinical, laboratory and radiological features of infections caused by human metapneumovirus (hMPV) with other respiratory viruses.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 228-234, (2007)
Long-acting B-agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroids administered together appear to be complementary in terms of effects on asthma control. The elements of asthma control achieved by LABAs (improved lung function) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs; protection against exacerbations) may be complementary as well.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 235-242, (2007)
Asthma treatment guidelines recommend addition of controller medications for patients with poorly controlled asthma. We compared the effectiveness of once-daily oral controller therapy with either an antileukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast) or low-dose theophylline added to existing medications in patients with poorly controlled asthma.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure leading to right-heart failure and death. Endothelin (ET)-1 has been shown to play a significant pathogenic role in PAH. ET-3 has not yet been investigated in PAH.
Therapy with antibiotics influences recovery only in selected cases of COPD exacerbations. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of procalcitonin guidance compared to standard therapy with antibiotic prescriptions in patients experiencing exacerbations of COPD.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 51-59
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has the potential to cause heart failure. We aimed to determine the effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on left ventricular structure and myocardial performance index (MPI) in severe OSA patients.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 18-30
Children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria, may also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it is unclear whether treating OSA has similar results as methylphenidate (MPH), a commonly used treatment for ADHD.
Sleep may be associated with significant respiratory compromise in patients with lung disease and can result in hypoxia. In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), nocturnal desaturation may not be reflected in daytime evaluations of oxygenation and can lead to worsening pulmonary hemodynamics. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and significance of nocturnal oxygen desaturation in patients with PAH.
European Radiology, Volume 16, Number 11, November 2006, pp. 2567-2574(8)
The purpose of this study was to develop a software tool for the insertion of virtual lung nodules into CT data. Forty software-generated nodules were inserted at random locations and sizes on 20 multi-detector row CT studies of the chest (4×1-2.5-mm slice collimation).
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 138-146, 2007
The airway epithelium provides a protective barrier against inhaled environmental toxins and microorganisms, and epithelial injury initiates a number of processes to restore its barrier integrity, including activation of matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP-9 (92-kD gelatinase B)
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 152-157, 2007
Tyrosine nitration is a nitric oxide derived post-translational modification of proteins. Elevated levels of specific plasma proteins modified by tyrosine nitration have been detected during acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, including acute lung injury (ALI).
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 158-165, 2007
Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible isoform of heme oxygenase, is a cytoprotective enzyme that plays a central role in the defense against oxidative and inflammatory insults in the lung. HO-1 catalyzes the degradation of heme, a potent oxidant, into biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide (CO).
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2006, 6:26
Considerable interest exists in the potential therapeutic value of dietary supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids. Given the interplay between pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, and the less pro-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, it has been thought that the latter could play a key role in treating or preventing asthma. The purpose was to systematically review the scientific-medical literature in order to identify, appraise, and synthesize the evidence for possible treatment effects of omega-3 fatty acids in asthma.
This multicenter study was undertaken to characterize the population of ventilator-dependent patients admitted to long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) for weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Pulmonary involvement is the leading cause of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related deaths. A simple test to evaluate exercise capacity is the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and the walk distance is used as a primary outcome in clinical trials. Hemoglobin desaturation during a 6MWT is predictive of mortality in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 1 , January 2007, Pages 31-36
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular disease. Preliminary studies suggested breathing improvement in patients with apnea and heart disease when atrial overdrive pacing was applied during sleep. However, more recent studies do not show significant beneficial effect for atrial overdrive pacing in OSA.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L304-L311, 2007
Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease arises from defective innate defenses, especially defective mucus clearance of microorganisms. Airway submucosal glands secrete most airway mucus, and CF airway glands do not secrete in response to VIP or forskolin. CFTR, the protein that is defective in CF, is expressed in glands, but immunocytochemistry finds the highest expression of CFTR in either the ciliated ducts or in the acini, depending on the antibodies used.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L294-L303, 2007
Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is associated with increased vascular resistance due to sustained contraction and enhanced proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC); the abnormal tone and remodeling in the pulmonary vasculature may relate, at least in part, to decreased cyclic nucleotide levels. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), of which 11 families have been identified, catalyze the hydrolysis of cAMP and cGMP.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to both coronary artery disease (CAD) and sudden death, but any causal role remains unclear. A family history of premature CAD and related mortality is an independent risk factor for the development of CAD. We hypothesized that OSA is associated with a family history of premature mortality from ischemic heart disease.
Lung resections determine a variable functional reduction depending on the extent of the resection and the time elapsed from the operation. The objectives of this study were to prospectively investigate the postoperative changes in FEV1, carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO), and exercise tolerance after major lung resection at repeated evaluation times.
Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is efficiently treated by noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Sleep respiratory disturbances, reduced ventilatory drive, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are commonly reported, but their relationships remain unclear.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 317-325
Treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies is often complicated by severe respiratory infections. Bronchoscopy is generally to be used as a diagnostic tool in order to find a causative pathogen.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 272-276
Patients with asthma have intermittent or persistent airflow obstruction, most often manifested spirometrically by reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/vital capacity (VC) ratio.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 326-332
These results showed that patients with COPD had benefited from PR regardless of disease severity. The effects included improvement in pulmonary function, arterial blood gas analysis, 6-min walk distance, respiratory muscle strength, and activities of daily living although there were some differences among the three stages.
The purpose of the study was to examine the responsiveness of a computerized system whereby the patient reports spontaneously any change in the intensity of breathlessness during exercise. The hypotheses were that hypercapnia would increase and hyperoxia would decrease the slope of power production-breathlessness ratings compared with a control condition during cycle ergometry.
The Journal of Pediatrics Volume 149, Issue 6 , December 2006, Pages 788-792.e2
To compare the prevalence of chronic illness and characteristics of children who underwent mechanical ventilation in a cohort of patients at large children’s hospitals between 1991 and 2001.
The Journal of Pediatrics Volume 149, Issue 6 , December 2006, Pages 803-808
To investigate the relative contribution of various risk factors to the surgical outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children.
To document the sleep of overweight adolescents and to explore the degree to which weight-related sleep pathology might account for diminished psychosocial outcome.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 194-202
A review of previous research suggests increased probability of the prevalence of anxiety disorders, and particularly panic disorder and panic attacks in patients with asthma, as compared to a normal population. Research also indicates significant levels of co-morbidity between asthma and anxiety as measured on dimensional scales of anxiety and panic.
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) preferentially affects young women. However, a subset of patients with IPAH is elderly. Our objective was to compare elderly (age 65 years) vs younger persons with unexplained pulmonary hypertension (PH) and a presumptive diagnosis of IPAH.
Transferring critically ill patients to other acute care hospitals may artificially impact benchmarking measures. We sought to quantify the effect of out-of-hospital transfers on the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), an outcome-based measure of ICU performance.
The ability to predict exacerbations in patients with COPD might permit more rational use of preventive interventions. Our objective was to develop risk indexes for exacerbations and hospitalizations due to exacerbations that might be applied to the individual patient.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 2 , February 2007, Pages 217-222
Nebulised iloprost is established therapy of severe pulmonary hypertension; however, the effects on the bronchoalveolar compartment have not been investigated so far.
PharmacoEconomics, Volume 25, Number 1, 2007, pp. 55-71(17)
To assess the cost effectiveness of palivizumab (a preventative treatment against severe respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] infection) in children at high risk of
hospitalisation, i.e. preterm infants at 35 weeks gestation, children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and children with congenital heart disease
(CHD).
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 100-105
To review the literature pertinent to the efficacy and safety of sitaxsentan, a selective endothelin (ET)-A receptor antagonist under evaluation for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
New England Journal of Medicine Volume 355:e27 December 21, 2006 Number 25
A 21-year-old woman with human immunodeficiency virus infection and a CD4 count of 400 cells per cubic millimeter who was not receiving antiretroviral therapy presented with a 1-week history of fever, chest pain, and hemoptysis.
To assess the effect of institution of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on clinical outcome and quality of life (QOL) in a cohort of children with severe neuromuscular disorders.
This multicenter study was undertaken to characterize the population of ventilator-dependent patients admitted to long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) with weaning programs, and to report treatments, complications, weaning outcome, discharge disposition, and survival in these patients.
Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is sensitive for detection of neoplastic solitary pulmonary nodules but may have decreased sensitivity for detection of carcinoid tumors. Our purpose was to determine the sensitivity of FDG-PET to detect pulmonary carcinoid tumors.
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a common fungal infection in immunocompromised patients and has a high mortality rate. Among patients with IA, Aspergillus terreus infections have become a growing concern in the past few years.
Cardiovascular comorbidities have a negative impact on the health status and prognosis of patients with COPD. We determined whether nocturnal noninvasive (positive) mechanical ventilation (NIMV) can improve heart rate variability (HRV), decrease circulating natriuretic peptide levels, and improve functional performance of patients with very advanced COPD.
With the increasing incidence of asthma, there is increasing concern over environmental exposures that may trigger asthma exacerbations. Blooms of the marine microalgae, Karenia brevis, cause red tides (or harmful algal blooms) annually throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
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