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The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. ahead of print. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0379
Acupuncture is currently the most popular of all forms of complementary and alternative medicine, and acupuncture is not dangerous in the hands of a trained practitioner.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 39, Number 3, March 2009 , pp. 379-386(8)
Enhanced oxidative stress has been described in adults who suffer from symptoms of asthma and poor lung function. This study assessed the relation between markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status and lung function, symptoms of asthma, atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness
(BHR) in young adults.
To better understand the incidence of thromboembolic disease in postoperative spinal patients, and to establish a starting point for defining appropriate postoperative prophylaxis protocols.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise:Volume 41(2)February 2009pp 270-278
To determine substrate utilization and energy expenditure during maximal and submaximal exercise and recovery in adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy age-matched controls (C).
The main objective of this study is to investigate the long-term effects, 3 years after the end of a 2-year pulmonary rehabilitation program with three weekly 1-h exercise sessions and 32 h of education in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic rejection remains a major source of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation. The clinical characteristics of chronic rejection involves bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
(BOS), which leads to progressive airway obstruction.
Primary fetal pleural effusion can be associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially when it is associated with the presence of fetal
hydrops.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement in cystic fibrosis (CF) allows the inclusion of the patient’s perspective in research and clinical practice. HRQoL scales have been used for many purposes and this review focuses on how HRQoL measurement has been implemented in CF research and care.
Paragangliomas of the mediastinum are rare neoplasms, representing less than 0.3% of mediastinal tumours and less than 2% of all
paragangliomas. To date, no definitive morphologic criteria exist that correlate with the clinical outcome of these
tumours.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 36-43
In intubated patients, mechanical ventilation offers essential ventilatory support, while the respiratory system recovers from acute respiratory failure. Yet, invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with risks and complications that prolong the duration of mechanical ventilation and increase the risk for death. Therefore, safely weaning the patient from the ventilator as soon as possible is paramount. Recent randomized trials have addressed a number of key areas of interest.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 67-70
Acute cor pulmonale is a form of acute right heart failure produced by a sudden increase in resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary circulation, which is now rapidly recognized by bedside echocardiography.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 52-58
We report on recent advances and achievements on the use of extracorporeal gas exchange for long-term application in the therapy of critically ill patients with various forms of respiratory failure.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 59-66
The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS) and acute lung injury remains controversial, although frequent. This review analyzes the effects of NMBAs on thoracopulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, patient outcome and their potential adverse effects.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 30-35
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the main nosocomial infection in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Despite numerous advances in the understanding of this disorder, the incidence rate continues in an unacceptable range. In this review, we discuss some important findings of recently published studies on diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Excellent palliative care is available for patients with advanced lung cancer. Whether the same services are available for those with nonmalignant respiratory disease is less clear.
Current Opinion in Critical Care:Volume 15(1)February 2009p 10-17
Pleural effusions (PLEF) occur frequently in mechanically ventilated patients (MVP). There have been improvements in bedside diagnosis, quantification, and drainage techniques. Nevertheless, information on the impact of PLEF on heart-lung performance and pathophysiologic considerations for drainage in MVP is limited.
BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2009, 9:7doi:10.1186/1471-2466-9-7
The aim of this paper is to highlight emerging data on occupational attributable risk in asthma. Despite well documented outbreaks of disease and the recognition of numerous specific causal agents, occupational exposures previously had been relegated a fairly minor role relative to other causes of adult onset asthma.
Asthmatic children may have airway dysfunction even when asymptomatic, indicating that their long-term treatment is less than optimal. Although airway dysfunction can be identified on lung function testing, performing these tests can be difficult in infants. We studied whether breath sounds reflect subtle airway dysfunction in asthmatic children.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology:Volume 4(2)February 2009pp 185-192
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare, rapidly progressive, small- round cell tumors with a poor prognosis despite multimodal therapy, including surgery and
chemoradiotherapy.
Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) used as an aid to the diagnosis and management of lung disease is receiving attention from pulmonary researchers and clinicians alike because it offers a noninvasive means to directly monitor airway inflammation.
Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) has variable clinical, pathologic, and radiologic manifestations. Cellular and fibrotic NSIP are the two main histologic subtypes and differ from one another in the degree of inflammation and fibrosis.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 72-80(9)
Successful management of childhood asthma requires a thorough idea of the economic impact of asthma and its determinants, as policy makers and physicians inevitably influence the outcome.
In order to obtain information on the clinical application of bronchoscopy in Japan, the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy
(JSRE) conducted a postal survey.
Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyomatosis (BML) is a rare smooth-muscle cell disorder of the lung. Most BML lesions stay constant in size for a long time.
Anatomical variations of the pulmonary vessels present a potential risk of intraoperative bleeding and damage to pulmonary circulation during pulmonary resection.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 123 No. 2 February 2009, pp. 714-722
We recently reported that 60% of children newly diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who had pancreatic insufficiency responded to treatment initiation and achieved catch-up weight gain to a level comparable with their birth weight z score within 2 years of diagnosis ("responders"), whereas the remaining 40% failed to do so
("nonresponders").
Journal of Infection Prevention, Vol. 10, No. 1, 14-20 (2009)
Placebo respiratory devices, such as inhalers, large volume spacers and peak flow meters provide reli able methods of teaching patients effective drug able methods of teaching patients effective drug delivery techniques and monitoring compliance and treatment progress.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Online 27 January 2009
Progress to democracy in South Africa in 1994 was followed by the adoption of a primary health care approach with free access for all. State health facilities serve 80% of the population, and a private sector comprising general practitioners, specialists and private hospitals, serves the remainder.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Published Online: 23 Jan 2009
To report an outbreak of respiratory synctyial virus (RSV) in a long-term care facility
(LTCF) during ongoing routine respiratory illness surveillance.
A forkhead/winged-helix family transcriptional repressor, Foxp3, is highly expressed on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells. The role of Foxp3+CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in asthma remains to be elucidated.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are considered important in anticancer
immunosurveillance, although their role has not been clearly established yet. We examined prevalence, correlations, and prognostic significance of TIL among our patient population of resected lung
neoplasms.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has received high interest in the treatment of primary and secondary lung
neoplasms. Clinical experience continues to accumulate; however, the biologic effects after ablation remain poorly understood.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 89-96(8)
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and increases vascular permeability participating in narrowing of the airway lumen that follows lung injury.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection Published Online: 22 Jan 2009
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are thought to cause the majority of lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, other bacterial pathogens may contribute to the pathophysiology of lung disease.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, February 2009, p. 818-820, Vol. 53, No. 2
A highly epidemic carbapenem-resistant clone of KPC-3-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae emerged in Israel in 2006, causing a nationwide outbreak. This clone was genetically related to outbreak strains from the United States isolated in 2000 but differed in
KPC-carrying plasmids.
In the presence of maternal asthma, we have previously reported reduced placental blood flow, decreased cortisol metabolism, and reductions in fetal growth in response to maternal asthma and asthma exacerbations.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases First Published on: 28 January 2009
We determined the serovar distribution and genetic variability of the omp1 gene of C. trachomatis in nasopharyngeal aspirates from consecutive infants with pneumonia. C. trachomatis was detected by PCR in 17/94 (18.1%) specimens.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 6, 11/12 2008 , pp. 580-589(10)
The efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for allergic asthma is often debated despite multiple controlled trails and three meta-analyses that have established a significant effect on subjective and objective outcomes.
Impaired surfactant activity may contribute to primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. We assessed the role of surfactant treatment in lung transplant recipients with severe life threatening primary lung graft dysfunction.
Emerging Infectious Diseases Volume 15, Number 2-February 2009
Contrary to other species in the Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex, we reidentified M. bolletii strains isolated from 4 respiratory patients and found these strains to be uniformly resistant to
clarithromycin.
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cause vibration and stretch of the upper airway tissues that may result in neuromuscular damage and changes in the microcirculation.
Anastomotic complications following lung transplantation (LuTx) have been described in up to 15% of patients. Challenging to treat, they are associated with high morbidity and a mortality rate of 2-5%.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, February 2009, p. 703-707, Vol. 53, No. 2
We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of posaconazole (POS) in a prospective, open-label study. Twenty-five healthy adults received 14 doses of POS oral suspension (400 mg twice daily) with a high-fat meal over 8 days.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, February 2009, p. 552-556, Vol. 53, No. 2
Increasing pneumococcal resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins warrants the search for novel agents with activity against such resistant strains.
Ceftaroline, a parenteral cephalosporin currently in phase 3 clinical development, has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against resistant gram-positive organisms, including penicillin-resistant Streptococcus
pneumoniae.
The prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high (~7.4-18%) in the general population, but less than half are diagnosed. Several studies have shown FEV6 as a good surrogate marker for forced vital capacity
(FVC) to detect airflow limitations.
Stable asthma is characterized by the production of Th2 cytokines, although Th1 cytokines may play a key role in aspects such as airway hyper-responsiveness. This study explored cytokine profiles associated with asthma exacerbation.
Although lung cancer is frequently accompanied by COPD and interstitial lung disease
(ILD), the precise coincidence of these diseases with lung cancer is not well understood.
Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are considered to be at risk for complications associated with flexible bronchoscopy
(FB). Although previous reports suggest that transbronchial biopsies increase the risk for hemorrhage in this population, data are limited to survey analyses and isolated reports.
Craniofacial abnormalities and increased pharyngeal collapsibility due to abnormal connective tissue suggest the possibility of an increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea
(OSA) in patients with Marfan's syndrome but the actual prevalence is uncertain.
Superior vena cava syndrome management has been traditionally radiation therapy, chemotherapy or
chemoradiation, depending on the underlying malignancy involved and individual clinicopathological features of the case.
Nine out of 10 people with GOLD stage 1 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) do not have lung disease and are not at substantially increased risk of developing lung disease during the next decade.
There are continuing advances in severity assessment and antibiotic therapy for community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The British Thoracic Society (BTS) updated its national guidelines on adult CAP management in 2004.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common clinical problem with described investigation pathways. While thoracic ultrasound
(TUS) has been shown to be accurate in pleural fluid detection, its use in the diagnosis of malignant pleural disease has not been assessed.
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency has been associated with infections of the respiratory tract and with increased disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The mechanism is uncertain, and could relate either to systemic or local effects.
Viruses have been shown to be important causes of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Evidence suggests that innate immune responses play a key role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation in cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed individuals.
A 41-year-old heterosexual man with a recently diagnosed HIV infection was admitted to our department complaining of a 5-month history of malaise, non-productive cough and a weight loss of 8 kg. He was a non-intravenous drug user.
Worldwide, approximately 10% of patients with cystic fibrosis have premature stop codons in the mRNA for the CFTR gene. These result in phenotypically severe variants of cystic fibrosis.
Aberrant angiogenesis and defective epithelial repair are key features of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
(IPF). Endostatin is an antiangiogenic peptide with known effects on endothelial cells.
A 47-year-old man with a negative Mantoux test received infliximab 800 mg fortnightly in August 2005 for treatment of ankylosing
spondylitis. He developed haemoptysis after receiving the third dose in September 2005 and therefore infliximab was stopped.
In recent years, air pollution has increasingly become recognised as a major contributor to adverse health effects. Numerous studies have shown that poor air quality can adversely affect those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and, more recently, cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial infarctions and stroke.
Acute lung injury or its more severe form-acute respiratory distress syndrome
(ARDS)-are common and important intensive care syndromes affecting many patients.
Asthma is probably the most common potentially serious medical problem to complicate pregnancy. In recent national surveys in the USA, 8.4-8.8% of pregnant women reported current asthma.
Non-invasive ventilation is first-line treatment for patients with acutely decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), but endotracheal intubation, involving admission to an intensive care unit, may sometimes be required.
The clinical impact of nocturnal desaturation on health related quality of life
(HRQL) and sleep in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) has been little studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical impact of nocturnal desaturation in a typical outpatient population with
COPD.
The molecular pathology of mutant F508del CFTR is partially corrected in vitro by the secondary amino acid substitution R553Q in the ABC signature motif. An individual with the CFTR genotype R553X/F508del-R553Q showed the typical symptoms and electrophysiological anomalies of cystic fibrosis in the airways and intestine.
Thirteen studies investigating the association between asthma during pregnancy and perinatal mortality reported generally no increased risk. Most of these studies should be interpreted with caution because they were limited in terms of statistical power.
Smoking increases the susceptibility to pulmonary infection and is a risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). It is postulated that cigarette smoke suppresses the activation of the innate immune system in response to bacterial infection.
Activated protein C (APC) significantly decreases mortality in severe sepsis, but its role in acute lung injury from non-infectious aetiologies is unclear. The role of APC in hyperoxic acute lung injury was tested by studying the physiology of lung injury development, measurement of key coagulation proteins and treatment with murine APC
(mAPC).
While acute lung injury (ALI) is among the most serious postoperative pulmonary complications, its incidence, risk factors and outcome have not been prospectively studied.
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:6doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-6
Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of various forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recent studies in patients with idiopathic PH or PH associated with underlying diseases suggest a role for interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:7doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-7
Systemic effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly contribute to severity and mortality of the disease. We aimed to develop a
COPD/emphysema model exhibiting systemic manifestations of the disease.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 81-88(8)
There is growing evidence for an association between obesity and asthma, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that high plasma leptin and low plasma adiponectin concentrations might be related to asthma and allergies in children.
International Journal of COPD Published: December 2008
Assessment of airway inflammation in the clinical course of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(AECOPD) may advance our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment.
International Journal of COPD Published: December 2008
The Visual Simplified Respiratory Questionnaire (VSRQ) was designed to assess health-related quality of life
(HRQoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
European Journal of Echocardiography,
doi:10.1093/ejechocard/jen331
A 40-year-old man was admitted with a massive pericarditis constrictiva
calcarea. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a double-layered pericardial calcification with interspacial effusion, a massive compression of the right ventricle, and a thrombus formation in the ventricle.
European Journal of Pediatrics 0340-6199 (Print) 10.1007/s00431-008-0921-9
Infections play an important role in childhood. For Germany, few data are available on the epidemiology of infectious diseases such as otitis media and pneumonia in children.
The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 13, Number 2, February 2009 , pp. 181-189(9)
Although the St George's Respiratory Questionnaires in Mandarin-Chinese
(SGRQ-MC) have been used in China, few data are available on the translation and adaptation process, psychometric properties and clinical meaning. It is therefore difficult to adequately evaluate the equivalence of this instrument in Chinese populations.
Bronchoscopy, generally a safe procedure, carries the risk of compromising airway mucosal integrity. This may result in bacteremia and subsequent infective endocarditis in patients, especially those at high risk of adverse events. Antibiotic prophylaxis is widely used for such patients undergoing dental procedures, but data for usage in bronchoscopy is lacking.
The objective of this study was to investigate the results of handmade polytetrafluoroethylene trileaflet conduits implanted in the pulmonary position since 1997.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, Volume 53, Number 2, February 2009 , pp. 176-182(7)
It has been suggested that propofol with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) can modulate the systemic inflammatory response. Prolonged higher levels of pulmonary inflammation are associated with poor outcome of patients with acute lung injury. In the present study, we hypothesized that pulmonary inflammation could be modulated by propofol with EDTA compared with propofol with sulfite.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:128-136 (2009)
Lung transplantation offers the hope of prolonged survival and significant improvement in quality of life to patients that have advanced lung diseases.
Smoke inhalation injury can be considered as a systemic disease. Early mortality and systemic involvement are due to the severity of thermal injury of the upper airway and to CO poisoning associated with other combustion materials. Prompt administration of 100% oxygen therapy is crucial. Laryngoscopy is useful because it may show pharyngeal or laryngeal mucosal injury despite the absence of respiratory symptoms and consequently the need for endotracheal intubation.
Prevention of nosocomial infections constitutes a strategy to improve patient safety and quality of care in intensive care unit (ICU). Infection prevention measures, specifically targeting ventilator-associated pneumonia
(VAP), have been purposed as quality of care indicators for ICU patients.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) are two diseases that often coexist within an individual. This coexistence is known as overlap syndrome and is the result of chance rather than a pathophysiological link.
To determine the effectiveness of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
(NIPPV), and the factors predicting failure of NIPPV in acute respiratory failure
(ARF) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) versus other causes of
ARF.
Acta Radiologica First Published on: 23 January 2009
In diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in azotemic patients, scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently inconclusive or not available in many hospitals. Computed tomography is readily available, but relatively high doses (30-50 g I) of potentially nephrotoxic iodine contrast media (CM) are used.
Infection and Immunity, February 2009, p. 676-684, Vol. 77, No. 2
The polysaccharide capsule is a major virulence mechanism of Streptococcus
pneumoniae, shielding the bacterium from phagocytes. Capsule types may differ in their abilities to resist immune defense. Antibody-mediated complement activation and opsonophagocytosis are crucial in protection against
pneumococcus.
Sleep and Breathing 1520-9512 (Print) 10.1007/s11325-008-0243-1
Sleep and sleep disorders are different in several important ways between men and women. We aimed to investigate gender differences in initial symptoms and associating medical diseases of patients admitting to our sleep clinic.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating disease characterized by inflammation-induced airflow limitation and parenchymal destruction.
Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism is mainly a consequence of incomplete resolution of pulmonary
thromboembolism. Increased vascular resistance due to obstruction of the vascular bed leads to pulmonary hypertension.
European Journal of Pediatrics 0340-6199 (Print) 10.1007/s00431-009-0924-1
In order to establish the reference value of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum level in children and to investigate the correlation between the polymorphisms of MBL2 gene and serum MBL level in healthy Chinese of Han ethnic group and in children of Chinese Han ethnic group with recurrent respiratory tract infections
(RRTI), the concentration of oligomerized MBL was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and MBL2 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer.
Transplant Infectious Disease, Volume 11, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 57-63(7)
We present a case of progressive Mycobacterium chelonae ssp. chelonae necrotizing pneumonia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
(HSCT) in the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 296: L145-L155, 2009
Multiple K+ channels are expressed in the respiratory epithelium lining airways and alveoli. Of the three main classes [1) voltage-dependent or Ca2+-activated, 6-transmembrane domains
(TMD), 2) 2-pores 4-TMD, and 3) inward-rectified 2-TMD K+ channels], almost 40 different transcripts have already been detected in the lung.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200811-1691OC
Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography is recommended for screening for the presence of pulmonary hypertension. However, some recent studies have suggested that Doppler echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure estimates may frequently be inaccurate.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 296: L229-L235, 2009
The contribution of CD4 T cells and other CD4+ cells to lung inflammation and airway remodeling remains unclear during bouts of chronic exposure to airborne allergen. Previously, murine models have shown that CD4 T cells are required for initiation of acute inflammation and the remodeling process.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:101-107 (2009)
As short- and long-term survival rates for lung transplantation continue to improve, and as more lung transplantations are occurring with each year, a multitude of medical complications are encountered by the clinician.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 6, 11/12 2008 , pp. 557-564(8)
Treatment of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma involves securing accurate diagnoses, avoidance measures, pharmacotherapy, and in some patients allergen immunotherapy, with consideration of immunomodulator therapy.
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology January 2009, Vol. 5, No. 1, Pages 77-95
This comprehensive review of the recent literature was undertaken to determine the current state of knowledge of the risk factors involved in the development of asthma in order to focus investigations in a proposed new longitudinal birth cohort study.
Can Fam Physician Vol. 55, No. 1, January 2009, pp.58 - 59
A cute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common cause of medical visits, hospital admissions, and death among patients with
COPD.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 296: L257-L266, 2009
The innate immune functions of human airways include mucociliary clearance and antimicrobial peptide activity. Both functions may be affected by changes in epithelial ion transport. Interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which has a receptor at the basolateral membrane of airway epithelia, is a T cell cytokine that has been shown to increase mucus secretion and antimicrobial peptide production by human bronchial epithelial
(HBE) cells.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 753-765
Apoptosis and apoptotic clearance are matched processes that are centered in the maintenance of homeostasis. Similar to apoptosis, apoptotic cell clearance is a conserved mechanism that is highly efficient and redundant, highlighting its overall functional importance in homeostasis.
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:5doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-5
Airway narrowing associated with chronic asthma results in the transmission of injurious compressive forces to the bronchial epithelium and promotes the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and the denudation of the bronchial epithelium.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Published: January 2009
RLS is a common sleep disorder with distinctive clinical features. The prevalence of RLS in Caucasians and North Americans ranges from 5% to 10%. However, only some of these subjects (almost the 3% of the general population) report being affected by a frequent and severe form of the sleep disorder.
Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia Year : 2009 Volume : 12 Issue : 1 Page : 40-48
Atrial septal defect is usually closed in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory using atrial septal occluder
(ASO) device. One of the complications associated with the procedure is embolisation of the device into the pulmonary artery.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 6, 11/12 2008 , pp. 609-613(5)
The monitoring of airway inflammation is mandatory for the improved control of bronchial asthma. We previously reported that intracellular EG2 levels of
eosinophils, a marker of bronchial asthma increased in asthma patients.
Early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied by face mask benefits patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
(ACPE). The simple disposable Boussignac CPAP (BCPAP) has been used in ambulances by physicians.
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 24, No. 1, 26-34 (2009)
The most common infectious complication in critically ill patients is ventilator-associated pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia has significant morbidity and mortality, prolongs mechanical ventilation, and extends length of hospitalization.
Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis, affecting medium to small vessels in the respiratory and renal vasculature. Patients with WG may present with clinical and radiographic features similar to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which may delay life-saving immunosuppressive therapy.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
Barium swallow is the simple, common routine procedure for the examination of the oropharynx and
oesophagus. Aspiration of barium sulphate is a well known complication, occurs accidentally during contrast enhanced examinations of the upper gastrointestinal system.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
Pneumomediastinum is defined as air within the mediastinal cavity, and is usually accompanied by subcutaneous emphysema. It is a relatively uncommon and infrequently reported entity, specifically in patients with AIDS. Reported is a 39-year-old male with chest pain and radiologic findings of tension
pneumomediastinum, prompting emergent surgical consultation for decompression.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
We report a case of a 54 year old man with history of hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, esophageal
varices, polysubstance abuse who was treated with interferon therapy for several months.
Journal of Perinatology advance online publication 22 January 2009;
doi: 10.1038/jp.2008.241
The goals in studying this group of neonates were to better estimate the magnitude of abnormal outcomes and to determine the proportion of these infants exposed to specific therapeutic interventions.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis in young children. Microbial agents such as endotoxin and RSV are implicated in airway inflammation during the development of reactive airway disease
(RAD) later in childhood.
Sarcoidosis is characterized by a disproportionate Th1 granulomatous immune response in involved organs. It is also associated with both peripheral and intratissular regulatory T cell
(Treg) expansion.
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 24, No. 1, 54-62 (2009)
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a simple low-cost oral care protocol on ventilator-associated pneumonia rates in a surgical intensive care unit.
Although virus-induced wheezing is common in preschool-age children, optimal management remains elusive. We examined the efficacy and safety of preemptive treatment with high-dose fluticasone in reducing the severity of recurrent virus-induced wheezing in children.
International Journal of COPD Published: December 2008
The objective of this study was to measure health-related quality of life (HRQL) in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and to assess differences in HRQL according to age, gender, and severity of
COPD.
Attacks of wheezing induced by upper respiratory viral infections are common in preschool children between the ages of 10 months and 6 years. A short course of oral prednisolone is widely used to treat preschool children with wheezing who present to a hospital, but there is conflicting evidence regarding its efficacy in this age group.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 689-702
Pulmonary hypertension is a clinically relevant, life-threatening disease. Based pathophysiologically on a dysbalance of vasoactive mechanisms, the therapeutic use of vasodilative agents is one of the major treatment options.
The discovery that the vitamin D endocrine system regulates a very large number of genes and their associated biological processes improved our insight into the fundamental role of vitamin D and sun-exposure for human health.
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:4doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-4
Asthma can be difficult to diagnose, but bronchial provocation with
methacholine, exercise or mannitol is helpful when used to identify bronchial hyperresponsiveness
(BHR), a key feature of the disease.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Published Online: 20 Jan 2009
To explore how physicians treating nursing home residents with dementia and pneumonia in the Netherlands consider prognosis in their treatment decision.
Magnesium and calcium physiologic functions are closely related. Magnesium is primarily an intracellular
cation, the action of which also involves maintenance of cellular ionic balance, while influencing calcium homeostasis by blocking calcium channels.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 159-167, 2009
Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is one of the central mediators for development of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. However, its effect on bronchial smooth muscle
(BSM) is not well known.
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease. Nutritional intervention is an important tool to decrease the severity of many chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn in children with moderately persistent asthma.
Pediatric and Developmental Pathology Volume 11, Issue 6 (November-December 2008) Article: pp. 465-468
Pulmonary infantile hemangiomas are extremely rare in infancy and childhood. We describe a case of a 22-month-old infant who presented with repeated chest infections
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
Inhalations of smoke and toxic fumes from chemicals like chlorine are known to cause mild mucosal irritation with
lacrimation, nasal congestion, nasopharyngeal edema, transient reversible reactive airways and sometimes acute respiratory failure in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to
bronchospasm, pulmonary consolidation presenting with rapid onset symptoms of cough, wheeze and shortness of breath. Inhalations of these fumes have also been known to cause on rare occasions diffuse bronchiolitis and chronic respiratory sequelae including decreased lung function and persistence of asthma.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:28-38 (2009)
Lung transplantation is still limited by the shortage of suitable donor organs. This results in long waiting times for listed patients with a substantial risk (10-15%) of dying before transplantation.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200806-975OC
Noisy ventilation with variable tidal volumes may improve respiratory function in acute lung injury. Objectives: To determine the impact of noisy ventilation on respiratory function and its biological effects on lung parenchyma compared to conventional protective mechanical ventilation strategies.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 713-719
Asthma continues to be a major burden for the health and healthcare of people worldwide. The recent updates of the Global Initiative for Asthma and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute asthma guidelines stress the need for achieving and monitoring asthma ‘control’, emphasizing the importance of identifying, assessing and treating comorbid conditions.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is emitted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in vitro. We hypothesized that exhaled HCN could be measured using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and that concentrations would be higher in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and PA infection than in children with asthma.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 779-789
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response to noxious particles or gases.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 791-809
Childhood obstructive sleep disordered breathing (OSDB), a sleep-related upper airway obstruction that degrades sleep quality, ventilation and/or oxygenation, in turn leads to a variety of daytime symptoms and morbidity.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200810-1534OC
The clinical management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains a major challenge due to lack of effective drug therapy or accurate indicators for disease progression.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
The role of viral infections in the exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) remains controversial. The rates of recent viral infections vary from 23 to 62%; moreover pathogens as Chlamydophila pneumoniae are often detected in patients with COPD during an exacerbation.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease stage 1 without respiratory symptoms have outcomes that are no worse than individuals without.
Despite encouraging reports suggesting that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) appear to improve outcome in hypoxemic term and near term infants by improving oxygenation and reducing need for
ECMO, the long-term benefits of iNO remain unclear.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 739-752
The generation of an innate immune response is essential for rapid clearance of microbes from the respiratory tract, whereas acquired immunity is required for the generation of cellular immunity neccessary for the killing of certain intracellular pathogens and the development of immunological memory.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Volume 20, Number 1, February 2009 , pp. 67-71(5)
The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was the first worldwide study carried out with standardized questionnaires in order to create a reliable global map of childhood allergy.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200809-1384OC
The glutathione-s transferases are important detoxification enzymes. Objective: To investigate effects of variants in GST mu genes on lung function and assess their interactions with tobacco smoke exposure.
Tracheostomy is commonly required as part of the management of patients with severe brain damage. Percutaneous dilation tracheostomy is increasingly used in intensive care unit as an alternative to standard surgical
tracheostomy.
The respiratory and cardiovascular physiological changes experienced by women during pregnancy affect their ability to tolerate pulmonary disease and require significant adjustments in their evaluation and management. Most respiratory disorders needing mechanical ventilation are obstetric diseases, such as
pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, or peripartum
cardiomyopathy, whereas others are medical conditions brought on by the altered physiology of pregnancy, such as thromboembolic disease, pulmonary edema, or aspiration pneumonia.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 102, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 16-21(6)
To present a historic perspective and an up-to-date understanding of the involvement of cysteinyl-leukotrienes
(cys-LTs) in asthmatic airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell hyperplasia.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 102, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 41-46(6)
Asthma among professional cleaners is recognized as a common cause of new-onset and aggravated occupational asthma. Women are usually the primary persons responsible for cleaning their homes, but little information is available regarding the health impact of cleaning in the nonoccupational setting.
Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Research on CF infection has highlighted differences from other respiratory infections-both in the range and the nature of the organisms-especially in chronic infection.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200805-794OC
Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in lung development and perinatal lung function, and pulmonary NO synthases
(NOS) are decreased in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) following preterm birth.
The Laryngoscope Volume 119 Issue 1, Pages 193 - 196
To investigate the effect of multilevel upper airway surgery (USA) on subsequent continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep
apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:20-27 (2009)
The selection of candidates for lung transplantation requires an appreciation of the natural history of lung disease to determine when the disease has entered an advanced and imminently life-threatening stage.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 102, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 69-75(7)
Few studies have compared the effects of immunotherapy and inhaled steroids. The main limitation of such studies is the long duration required to fully appreciate the effects of immunotherapy.
Air-space consolidation is a commonly encountered abnormality on chest radiography and can be secondary to multiple causes. It is helpful to know if the consolidation is acute (ranging from days to weeks) or chronic (present for greater than one month), viewed in conjunction with the clinical scenario.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200807-1139OC
During deglutition, a strongly preferred exhale-swallow-exhale pattern has been shown in healthy adults. Disruption of this pattern can provoke prandial aspiration. Impaired coordination of breathing and swallowing has been measured in COPD patients during the exacerbated state, but no reports describe the coordination of breathing and swallowing in stable COPD patients during oral intake.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 201-208 (February 2009)
In the last years an increasing number of subjects experienced respiratory failure and underwent
tracheostomy. The aim of the present study was to analyze tracheal aspirates from the inflammatory point of view.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 296-300 (February 2009)
Inhaled corticosteroid therapy suppresses nitric oxide levels (NO) of airway origin but not necessarily NO of alveolar or small airway origin. Systemic therapy with an oral
anti-leukotriene agent may suppress NO production in distal airways and alveoli not reached by inhaled therapy.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 230-236 (February 2009)
Chronic oxidative stress and systemic inflammation contribute to the pathology of several chronic diseases, one among which is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 301-308 (February 2009)
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder, which frequently affects the lungs, with manifestations of interstitial lung disease
(ILD) with lung fibrosis and of pulmonary hypertension. The pathogenesis remains largely
unrecognised.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 244-250 (February 2009)
Limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of home intravenous antibiotic (IV-AB) therapy for pulmonary infection specifically in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 187-193 (February 2009)
Nitrite in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been shown to be elevated in cystic fibrosis (CF), while exhaled nitric oxide
(FENO) is paradoxically low. This has been argued to reflect increased metabolism of NO while its diffusion is obstructed by mucus.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 251-257 (February 2009)
Pulmonary dynamic hyperinflation (DH) is an important factor limiting the physical capacity of patients with
COPD. Inhaled bronchodilator should be able to reduce DH.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 268-273 (February 2009)
Central nervous system involvement is a severe manifestation of sarcoidosis that often requires aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. The most efficacious approach for refractory disease is unknown.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 317-324 (February 2009)
Pulmonary hypertension is a relevant interceding morbidity in patients with pulmonary fibrosis that has significant impact on exercise tolerance and outcome.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 194-200 (February 2009)
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been increasingly used as an outcome measure in asthma, but less is known about the prognostic implication of low health-related quality of life.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 274-283 (February 2009)
To evaluate the effects of weight change on asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, number of steroid bursts, and exacerbation of asthma symptoms in a population of adult patients with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma who participated in The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens (TENOR) study.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 180-186 (February 2009)
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with poor prognosis. Recently echocardiography and brain natriuretic peptide
(BNP) have been used as non-invasive markers for PH suggesting that they may also be used as markers for survival.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 216-223 (February 2009)
The perception of fatigue in COPD has been associated with reduced health status. We have shown that exacerbations are associated with reduced activity and health status. However, the relationship between fatigue and exacerbation is unknown.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 289-295 (February 2009)
Several studies have outlined a possible relationship between an increased body mass index (BMI) and respiratory allergic diseases, such as asthma and rhinitis.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 173-179 (February 2009)
Air leaks often result in alveolar hypoventilation in mechanically ventilated patients with neuromuscular disease. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and tolerance of a ventilator equipped with an automated air-leak compensation system in a clinical situation.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 237-243 (February 2009)
The combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting inhaled {beta}2-adrenergic-agonists has become the standard therapy for many patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma. Whether the differences between
budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol translate into differences in treatment outcomes in a real life setting is unknown.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 258-267 (February 2009)
Hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) techniques have not previously been adequately validated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 103, Issue 2, Pages 209-215 (February 2009)
The difficulty of implementing guidelines for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been recognized. We performed this analysis to evaluate the impact of a national quality assurance register on the quality of LTOT and to suggest indicators with levels for excellent quality
LTOT.
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials 2009, 8:3doi:10.1186/1476-0711-8-3
We report a case of an infant who experienced exogenous re-infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14 as a cause of recurrent meningitis after apparently successful antibiotic treatment with
ceftriaxone. eBURST analysis revealed that isolates from the two episodes of meningitis belonged to hypervirulent ST 63 and ST3321 clonal complexes respectively.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 143-146 (January 2009)
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is frequently seen in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. It can also be seen in brainstem lesions involving the
pons. However, RBD in patients with a pure pontine infarction has been rarely reported.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 134-138 (January 2009)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder often associated with significant chronic sleep loss. Previous studies looking at the effects of sleep loss on daytime function in RLS individuals, using subjective reporting techniques have yielded mixed results.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 129-133 (January 2009)
The symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a circadian pattern and central nervous system dopamine has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 123-128 (January 2009)
Abnormally high CSF 3-OMD occurs frequently for RLS patients indicating either increased
l-dopa synthesis, limitations in l-dopa decarboxylation or increased
MAT/COMT activity, or some combination of these. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity was found on both the RLS autopsy and the rodent iron-deprivation model of
RLS, suggesting increased DA synthesis in RLS.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 118-122 (January 2009)
Due to the cost and waiting times for traditional sleep studies, there is great interest in finding alternatives for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Several alternatives exist, including ambulatory devices. Our laboratory utilized one such device, a form-fitting vest called the
Lifeshirt, and compared its accuracy to that of polysomnography
(PSG).
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 112-117 (January 2009)
Gender differences in the relationship of snoring and diabetes mellitus are mainly unknown. We aimed to analyze the relationship between snoring, witnessed sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus and to analyze possible gender related differences in an unselected population.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 104-111 (January 2009)
To analyze the impact of the number of respiratory sleep disorders or clinically related conditions (especially excessive daytime sleepiness [EDS]), on health related quality of life
(HRQoL) in subjects over 65 years of age, as compared to younger subjects and the general population.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 95-103 (January 2009)
Relationships between exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum cytokines and
apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring were evaluated for their potential to predict the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
(OSAS).
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 75-86 (January 2009)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multi-factorial and highly prevalent disorder in which both genetic and environmental factors may be involved. If left untreated, OSA may lead to significant cardiovascular and neurocognitive and behavioral morbidities. We hypothesized that pediatric OSA would lead to altered gene expression in circulating leukocytes.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 47-54 (January 2009)
Sleep apnea occurs in up to 50% of patients with end-stage renal disease and is improved by nocturnal
hemodialysis. We hypothesized that its pathogenesis is related to changes in chemoreflex responsiveness.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 35-46 (January 2009)
Sleep and vigilance disorders are among the most commonly reported symptoms following a concussion. The aim of the study was thus to investigate the effects of sport-related concussions on subjective and objective sleep quality.
Sleep Medicine Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 19-25 (January 2009)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Because of the chronic nature of the disease, optimal care for patients includes successful treatment of comorbidities that accompany
COPD, including insomnia. Insomnia symptoms and associated disruption of sleep are prevalent in COPD patients but treatment with traditional benzodiazepines may compromise respiratory function.
Future Lipidology December 2008, Vol. 3, No. 6, Pages 697-704
Counter-regulatory lipid mediators are generated during airway inflammation to promote resolution. Defects in the production of these lipid mediators have now been associated with several diseases of persistent airway inflammation.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
The association of pleural effusion and ascitis, secondary to ovarian tumor, are considered to be uncommon clinical condition. Hereby we reported a case of 43 years old female presented as right sided pleural effusion and ascitis secondary to ovarian fibroma and after removal of ovarian tumor resulted into disappearance of the pleural effusion and
ascitis.
The Internet Journal of Pulmonary Medicine. 2009. Volume 10 Number 2
Extramedullary plasmacytoma accounts for 3% of all plasma cell neoplasms. These tumors have been documented in the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, salivary glands, lungs, lymphnode and skin. However, multiple plasmacytoma involving the diaphragm and chest wall is rare.
Sleep and Breathing 1520-9512 (Print) 10.1007/s11325-008-0242-2
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been described to have increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (particularly
TNF-{alpha}) and have severely disturbed sleep architecture. Serum inflammatory markers, even in normal individuals, have been associated with abnormal sleep architecture.
Alteplase is standard therapy for patients with acute, massive pulmonary embolism. The novel plasminogen activator desmoteplase displays high fibrin specificity and selectivity for fibrinbound
plasminogen. In a preclinical model desmoteplase was twice as potent with a shorter lysis time and lower reocclusion rate.
A 7-year-old boy presented with an undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver
(UESL), which is a rare pediatric neoplasm that originates from the
mesenchyme. F-18 FDG PET/CT associated with a separately acquired contrast-enhanced CT was performed to evaluate the status of the tumor during postoperative chemotherapy, which followed the initial neoadjuvant chemotherapy
(vincristine, cisplatin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and
actinomycin-D) and radical tumor resection.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disease characterized by an accumulation of periodic acid-Schiff positive lipoproteinaceous material in the alveolar space. A 67-year-old smoking man was diagnosed with PAP in December 2003.
Bronchial atresia is a rare congenital disorder usually discovered as an incidental radiographic finding in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. It is more of a radiographic rather than a clinical diagnosis. It is characterized by localized area of air-trapping and oligemia which sometimes could be mistaken for pulmonary embolism.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 102, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 35-40(6)
Efforts to enroll inner-city asthmatic children into continuity care after a pediatric emergency department
(PED) visit are frequently unsuccessful. Providing parents with documentation of their child's allergic status and how this can be used to tailor an asthma management plan may improve adherence to scheduled continuity appointments.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 211-216, 2009
Na+ absorption and Cl- secretion are in equilibrium to maintain an appropriate airway surface fluid volume and ensure appropriate mucociliary clearance. In cystic fibrosis, this equilibrium is disrupted by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
(CFTR) gene resulting in the absence of functional CFTR protein, which in turn results in deficient
cAMP-dependent Cl- secretion and predominant Na+ absorption.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 189-199, 2009
Human conducting airways contain two anatomically distinct epithelial cell compartments: surface epithelium and submucosal glands (SMG). Surface epithelial cells interface directly with the environment and function in pathogen detection, fluid and electrolyte transport, and mucus elevation.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 200-210, 2009
Direct interaction between bacteria and epithelial cells may initiate or amplify the airway response through induction of epithelial defense gene expression by nuclear
factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B).
The epidemic of childhood obesity has prompted remarkable changes in the relative proportions of symptomatic overweight or obese children being referred for evaluation of habitual snoring. However, it remains unclear whether obesity modifies the relative frequency of daytime symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 123 No. 1 January 2009, pp. 1-5 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0200)
Acute mountain sickness is a frequent and debilitating complication of high-altitude exposure, but there is little information on the prevalence and time course of acute mountain sickness in children and adolescents after rapid ascent by mechanical transportation to 3500 m, an altitude at which major tourist destinations are located throughout the world.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200803-388OC
Reductions in mortality following improvements in air quality were documented by several studies and our group has found decreasing particulate levels to attenuate lung function decline in adults.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:39-46 (2009)
Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a severe form of ischemia/reperfusion acute lung injury that is a major cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation.
BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2009, 9:4doi:10.1186/1471-2466-9-4
Legionella species cause severe forms of pneumonia with high mortality and complication rates. Accurate clinical predictors to assess the likelihood of Legionella community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients presenting to the emergency department are lacking.
Some endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) are associated with liver function test
(LFT) result abnormalities. However, ambrisentan has an incidence of serum aminotransferase levels more than three times the upper limit of normal
(ULN), similar to that observed in PAH patients who are not receiving
ERAs.
Major chest trauma in a child is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is most frequently encountered within the context of multisystem injury following high-energy trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. The anatomic-physiologic make-up of children is such that the pattern of ensuing injuries differs from that in their adult counterparts.
Patients with COPD are believed to have a high risk for the development of depression. However, it remains unclear whether or not there is a temporal relation between COPD and depression, and if the higher risk for depression is a result of having a chronic disease, or is specific for
COPD.
High resolution computed tomography performed during acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can reveal specific patterns that have prognostic significance.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2009, doi:10.1164/rccm.200806-851OC
Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generally considered to be proinflammatory and to contribute to cellular and organ dysfunction when present in excessive amounts, there is evidence that specific
ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide, may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Despite the availability of effective medication, studies suggest that asthma control is inadequate in at least 55% of affected individuals. However, the recently revised Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention guidelines, developed by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), suggest that effective asthma control is possible in most patients, through appropriate pharmacological management involving both the physician and patient.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine December 2008, Vol. 2, No. 6, Pages 767-777
The advent of computed tomography (CT) screening with or without the help of computer-aided detection systems has increased the detection rate of solitary pulmonary nodules
(SPNs), including that of early peripheral lung cancer.
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:3doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-3
Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease characterized by an imbalance in both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) is elevated in asthma, and is a potentially useful non-invasive marker of lung inflammation. However, the origin and underlying mechanisms of exhaled NO are not yet fully understood.
CHEST January 2009 vol. 135 no. 1 74-80Pharmacotherapy for restless legs syndrome
(RLS) may be ineffective or complicated by side effects. Uncontrolled series using pneumatic compression devices
(PCDs) have been shown to reduce symptoms of RLS.
Southern Medical Journal:Volume 102(1)January 2009pp 89-90
It is postulated that gas-forming organisms ferment glucose within the wall of the urinary bladder leading to air collection; emphysematous cystitis occurs due to the fermentation of glucose by these organisms.
Dementia patients frequently die after a pneumonia or prolonged intake problems. Maintaining comfort is a goal of palliative care in end-stage dementia. To compare discomfort in dementia patients dying after a pneumonia with patients dying after intake problems, and to assess associations with treatment, we combined 2 Dutch prospective studies.
Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (cotrimoxazole, CTX) is used frequently as part of standard medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. The mechanisms of resistance to sulfonamides and trimethoprim in commensal streptococci from Uganda were determined and compared to S. pneumoniae.
Despite a large body of resuscitation research, the optimal timing and approach to prognosticating futility after nontraumatic cardiac arrest remains controversial. Postresuscitation anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy may leave patients cognitively disabled and dependent, minimally conscious, or in a persistent vegetative state.
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of short-{tau} inversion-recovery (STIR) MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of metastasis in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection Published Online: 12 Jan 2009
Information about the epidemiology of resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae within southern and eastern countries of the Mediterranean region is incomplete, as reports have been sporadic and difficult to compare.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection Published Online: 12 Jan 2009
The goal of this study was to compare outcomes and costs of two management strategies for non-ventilator-associated nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in a medical ward. In this single-centre study, NP patients (n = 68) were randomized to receive non-invasive management (NIM) with immediate empirical antibiotic treatment (n = 34), or invasive management (IM) based on protected brush sampling of specimens (n = 34).
Annals of Biomedical Engineering 0090-6964 (Print) 10.1007/s10439-008-9603-z
Computational models of the human lung have been developed to study lung physiology and have been used to identify the airways responsible for mechanical dysfunction in asthmatics.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering 0090-6964 (Print) 10.1007/s10439-008-9620-y
Quantitative data on aerosol deposition in the human respiratory tract are useful for understanding the causes of certain lung diseases and for designing efficient drug delivery systems via inhalation.
BMC Medical Education 2009, 9:3doi:10.1186/1472-6920-9-3 Published: 12 January 2009
Given the diagnostic benefits of thoracic ultrasound (TUS), we sought to evaluate image recognition skills for two important TUS applications; the identification of B-lines (used in the US diagnosis of pulmonary edema) and the identification of lung sliding (used in the US diagnosis of pneumothorax).
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 9 Jan 2009
We report the association and surgical management of gastrointestinal dysmotility and malrotation with Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD), an autosomal recessive condition that often results in respiratory failure due to a small rib cage. A 4-month-old male with JATD presented with vomiting and aspiration pneumonitis compounding already severe respiratory morbidity.
Although crackles are frequently heard on auscultation of the chest of patients with common cardiopulmonary disorders, the mechanism of production of these sounds is inadequately understood.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 39, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 12-19(8)
In allergic asthmatics, airway inflammation is triggered by specific (inhalation of allergen such as house dust mite allergen and pollen spores) or non-specific triggers (such as air pollutants and viral infection). Most of these inhaled particles are immunologically inert.
No guidelines exist to help physicians determine whether functional and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes observed following treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) represent important benefits.
There is increasing evidence for a close relationship between aging and chronic inflammatory diseases. COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, which progresses very slowly and the majority of patients are therefore elderly.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:66-78 (2009)
Patients with end-stage emphysema can be offered lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), lung transplantation, or unilateral lung transplantation combined with contralateral LVRS if necessary, depending on multiple factors including age, lung function parameters, lobar predominance, and whether the disease is uni- or bilateral. Lung transplant is a complex and well-established therapeutic modality for patients with end-stage lung disease.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:54-65 (2009)
Despite the recent introduction of many improved immunosuppressive agents for use in transplantation, acute rejection affects up to 55% of lung transplant recipients within the first year after transplant.
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology:Volume 16(1)January 2009pp 18-21
Mediastinal lesions represent a diagnostic challenge and often require invasive approaches. We evaluated the role of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-directed transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the evaluation of mediastinal lesions. Between March 2005 to February 2006, 30 consecutive patients with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes from unknown etiologies or suspicious for metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma and mediastinal masses underwent EBUS-TBNA and were clinically followed up.
Sleepiness in medical residents has crucial implications for the safety of both patients and residents. Measures to improve this have primarily included an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-mandated reduction in work hours in residency programs.
A cohort of 1,154 employees, mainly women, who had worked 1940-1945 on the manufacture of military gas masks using filter pads containing 20% crocidolite, was traced through 2003, by which time 65 were known to have died from mesothelioma.
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology:Volume 16(1)January 2009pp 15-17
As granulation tissue formation frequently complicates the insertion of metallic tracheobronchial stents in patients with longer life expectancy, the inert silicone tracheobronchial stent remains the treatment of choice for inoperable benign tracheal stenosis.
To determine whether nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) cytokine response is different according to the causative viruses in children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
Asthma is a widespread disease with a prevalence of approximately 7 to 10% in adults. Exacerbations are common in the emergency department (ED) setting.
Primary Care Respiratory Journal Received 30 June 2008 Accepted 19 October 2008 Online 14 January 2009
To assess the long-term effectiveness of an integrated disease management (IDM) program (consisting of optimal medication, reactivation, education, and exacerbation management) in primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The incidence of infections caused by multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP) is increasing, especially in critically ill patients. The relevance of MDRP in the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) acute exacerbation in patients admitted to the hospital’s general ward is not well known.
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Published Online: 14 Jan 2009
Pneumorrhachis, or epidural pneumatosis, is a rare entity that is usually traumatic or iatrogenic. Usually, the epidural emphysema is limited to a few vertebral spaces. Less commonly, it is secondary to mediastinal air that tracks into the epidural space. Mediastinal air is usually associated with subcutaneous emphysema, but rarely is it associated with pneumopericardium or pneumoperitoneum. The cause of pneumomediastinum is usually identifiable on history or radiology.
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Published Online: 13 Jan 2009
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as a method of sampling cells is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, CD4/CD8 ratio in BAL fluid (BALF) is highly variable and it generates continuous discussions about its diagnostic role.
Vascular Health and Risk Management Issue: ON-LINE EARLY
To assess for the first time the vasodilatory effect of testosterone in the human pulmonary circulation utilizing both isolated human pulmonary arteries and isolated perfused human lungs.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 223-230, 2009
Corticosteroids are the most common therapeutic approach for control of tissue inflammation. Combination IL-2/IL-4 is known to induce T-cell steroid resistance.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 217-222, 2009
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from asthma-like symptoms and gastrointestinal cramps, attributed to a mutation in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene present in a variety of cells.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 40, pp. 231-238, 2009
We have previously demonstrated that myofibroblasts from lungs with bleomycin-induced fibrosis overexpress FasL molecules. Two subpopulations of fibroblasts, distinguished by their expression of Thy1 molecules, have been shown in the lungs of both mice and humans.
Bronchial epithelial cells exposed to allergens typically secrete chemokines to recruit eosinophils. Persistent inflammation and repair responses result in airway remodeling and irreversible airflow limitation.
For pathologists, pneumologists, and occupational and environmental physicians it is relevant to know silica levels in lung tissue to better define limits of exposure. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) has been employed to detect silica particles and to compare silica levels in subjects with and without Lung Cancer (LC).
Conventional in vitro exposure methods for cultured human lung cells rely on prior suspension of particles in a liquid medium; these have limitations for exposure intensity and may modify the particle composition. Here electrostatic precipitation was used as an effective method for such in vitro exposures.
We present a technically challenging case of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) after complete left-sided pneumonectomy, resulting in uncommon cardiac rotation.
Southern Medical Journal:Volume 102(1)January 2009pp 30-35
To determine the predominant pulmonary function abnormality in overweight and moderately obese subjects and to evaluate the correlation between the severity of lung function impairment and the degree of obesity.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 13 Jan 2009
Asthma morbidity in adolescents often results from inadequate asthma self-management. This study was to explore barriers to self-management perceived by adolescents and to examine the associations between barriers and psychosocial factors including knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 13 Jan 2009
Spirometry testing should include both expiratory and inspiratory measurements. Inspiratory forced maneuvers can demonstrate extrathoracic airway abnormalities, of which various symptoms may suggest asthma.
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is able to detect variations in regional lung electrical impedance associated with changes in both air and blood content and potentially capable of assessing regional ventilation-perfusion relationships.
The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 6:1-10 (2009)
The Division of Lung Diseases of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recently held a workshop to identify gaps in our understanding and treatment of childhood lung diseases and to define strategies to enhance translational research in this field.
Invasive pneumococcal disease declined among children and adults after the introduction of the pediatric heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in 2000, but its effect on pneumococcal meningitis is unclear.
The Lancet, Volume 373, Issue 9659, Page 270, 17 January 2009
On January 11, 2008, a 23-year-old Estonian woman, who had been working in the UK for over 2 years, was admitted to our emergency department. For 2 days, she had had a flu-like illness, with breathlessness, haemoptysis, and pleuritic chest pain. She was now finding it difficult to breathe. She was 32 weeks' pregnant with her first child. She had had no recent contacts with health care, other than routine antenatal assessments.
Respiratory Research 2009, 10:2doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-2
Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo) originate from the bone marrow, circulate in the blood and emigrate into various organs where they differentiate into tissue resident cellular phenotypes of the mononuclear phagocyte system, including macrophages (Mf) and dendritic cells (DC).
Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 66(1):63-75, January 2009
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability after trauma. Coagulopathy is common in this patient population and requires rapid reversal to allow for safe neurosurgical intervention and prevent worsening of the primary injury.
Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 66(1):166-173, January 2009
From 1994, we have used therapeutic hypothermia in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 5 or less). In 2000, we altered the target temperature to 35[degrees]C from the former 33[degrees]C, as our findings suggested that cooling to 35[degrees]C is sufficient to control intracranial hypertension, and that hypothermia below 35[degrees]C may predispose patients to persistent cumulative oxygen debt.
Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 66(1):184-190, January 2009
We aim to assess the long-term trend of and identify risk factors for traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) mortality from 1981 through 1998 in the state of South Carolina (SC).
The diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) is based on clinical criteria but misdiagnosis is as high as 25% of cases as confirmed by anatomic-pathologic studies. Since the introduction of in vivo molecular imaging techniques using Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography, the diagnosis of PD became more reliable by assessing dopaminergic and even nondopaminergic systems
The aim of the study was to describe the effects of aripiprazole, a new atypical antipsychotic drug that acts as a partial dopamine agonist on motor, behavioral and cognitive functions in patients with genetically confirmed
Huntington's disease (HD).
European Eating Disorders Review Published Online: 13 Jan 2009
The aim of the study was to explore the nature and extent of the association between night eating, other forms of disordered eating and obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS).
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