Links
to Journal Articles Delivered Directly to Your Computer
The latest links to journal article abstracts on Respiratory, Pulmonary,
COPD, Mechanical Ventilation,
Ventilator Weaning, Respiratory Therapy, Asthma, Cardio-Vascular, Sleep
Apnea, CPAP, BiPAP, Decannulation and other related clinical topics. Add the Northeast Center for Special
Care Journal Watch
to your favorite RSS program.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially lethal condition that presents in patients with chest pain or shortness of breath. Although electrocardiograms (ECGs) typically demonstrate abnormalities associated with PE, ST-segment elevation, which can indicate anteroseptal acute myocardial infarction (AMI), has-on rare occasions-been noted on ECGs of patients with acute PE.
Clinical efficacy of aerosol therapy in premature newborns depends on the efficiency of delivery of aerosolized drug to the bronchial tree. To study the influence of various anatomical, physical, and physiological factors on aerosol delivery in preterm newborns, it is crucial to have appropriate in vitro models, which are currently not available.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):434-439, September 2008
Increased familial occurrences as well as different disease modes in different ethnic groups suggest a genetic influence in sarcoidosis. Also, genetic analyses have revealed a number of chromosomal regions and specific genes associated with sarcoidosis. This review brings up some recent discoveries on the genetic contribution to sarcoidosis.
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy), Volume 7, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 85-93(9)
Leukocyte migration into the tissues represents a key process in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Data obtained in clinical trials have convincingly shown that inhibition of leukocyte migration into the target organs represents an effective therapeutic approach for diseases in which inflammation has a noxious effect.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 101, Number 2, August 2008 , pp. 144-152(9)
Asthma guidelines recommend routine evaluation of asthma control, which includes measurements of impairment and risk. It is unclear whether rigorous asthma control changes risk of asthma morbidity.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L235-L237, 2008
Current emphasis on translational application of genetic models of lung disease has renewed interest in the measurement of the gravimetric filtration coefficient (Kf) as a means to assess vascular permeability changes in isolated perfused lungs.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L272-L284, 2008
Pulmonary hypoxia is a common complication of chronic lung diseases leading to the development of pulmonary hypertension. The underlying sustained increase in vascular resistance in hypoxia is a response unique to the lung.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L293-L302, 2008
As part of the innate immune defense, the polarized conducting lung epithelium acts as a barrier to keep particulates carried in respiration from underlying tissue. Arsenic is a metalloid toxicant that can affect the lung via inhalation or ingestion.
We describe an 11-year-old girl with severe obstruction of the main pulmonary arteries caused by invasive aspergillosis and managed with combined pulmonary endarterectomy and antimycotic treatment.
The Carney complex is a multiple neoplasia syndrome characterized by myxomas, schwannomas, mucocutaneous spotty pigmentations, and endocrine overactivity with or without endocrine tumors.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):389-396, September 2008
Venous thromboembolism is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after stroke. Its potential for prevention is substantial with the use of antithrombotic agents, but there is no agreement on the relative advantages and disadvantages of various available prophylactic drugs. There have been recent publications that clarify some of these issues.
There is increasing evidence that patients with low-risk community acquired pneumonia (CAP) can be effectively treated as outpatients. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of having pneumonia and seeking health care; their perceptions of the information provided by health professionals; how they self managed at home; their information and support needs; and their beliefs and preferences regarding site of care.
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy), Volume 7, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 119-128(10)
Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by airways hyperresponsiveness, airways inflammation, airways remodelling and reversible airways obstruction. Airway structural cells, recruited inflammatory cells and many mediators such as cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 21 Jul 2008
Obstruction, infection, and inflammation lead to progressive and irreversible lung destruction in cystic fibrosis (CF). Neutrophil-derived DNA contributes to thick, viscous secretions. Dornase alfa hydrolyzes DNA, reducing the viscosity of CF sputum.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):427-433, September 2008
To examine recent advancements in the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of diffuse parenchymal disease and pulmonary hypertension due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma and sarcoidosis.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):381-388, September 2008
To demonstrate that venous thromboembolism is an important and common problem in hospitalized medical patients; to outline anticoagulant prophylaxis management options and the evidence for efficacy and safety; and to identify medical patients in whom anticoagulant prophylaxis should be considered.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):414-421, September 2008
This paper reviews recently described prognostic prediction rules (the Geneva score, the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, the Spanish score, the Davies criteria, and the HOme Management Exclusion criteria) for patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism, and discusses their usefulness in decision-making regarding the appropriate initial therapy and treatment setting.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):422-426, September 2008
Acute pulmonary embolism is a common, life-threatening, cardiopulmonary disorder with a high mortality rate within the first 3 months of diagnosis. As prompt anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy in patients with pulmonary embolism, the clinical utility and cost effectiveness of systemic thrombolysis is debated.
We evaluated regional variation and trends in invasive pneumococcal infections (IPI) in Finland by using data from national, population-based laboratory surveillance and number of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures performed by all microbiology laboratories during 1995-2002.
A 31-day-old girl with right atrial isomerism, a single atrium, a single right ventricle, pulmonary atresia, patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the pulmonary artery, infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and a large hiatal hernia was referred to our institution.
Air leaks remain the most common pulmonary complication after elective pulmonary resection, yet their assessment, unlike other clinical bedside indicators, remains analogue and not digital.
Pulmonary surfactant protein-D (SP-D) is a multifunctional, pattern recognition molecule involved in resistance to allergen challenge and pulmonary inflammation.
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 23, No. 4, 219-235 (2008)
Despite the ever-present risk of mass-casualty incidents (MCIs) in all geographical regions, there is a limited body of literature detailing specifically how an intensive care unit (ICU) prepares for such an event.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 101, Number 2, August 2008 , pp. 137-143(7)
Concerns regarding potential harmful effect of medications on fetuses often result in inadequate treatment of asthma in pregnancy, whereas risks posed by poorly controlled maternal asthma are often underestimated.
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 101, Number 2, August 2008 , pp. 200-205(6)
Baker's asthma is a frequent IgE-mediated occupational disorder mainly provoked by inhalation of cereal flour. Allergy to kiwifruit has being increasingly reported in the past few years. No association between both allergic disorders has been described so far.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 32(4):576-582, July/August 2008
To prospectively evaluate the use of minimum-intensity projection (minIP) imaging, high-resolution (HR) computed tomography (CT), and pulmonary function tests for quantifying emphysema with histopathologic examination.
European Radiology 0938-7994 (Print) 10.1007/s00330-008-1105-8
Negative pressure ventilation via an external device (‘iron lung’) has the potential to provide better oxygenation with reduced barotrauma in patients with
ARDS.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 32(4):562-569, July/August 2008
To assess the feasibility of volumetric and densitometric software to localize and quantify signs of regional air trapping after methacholine bronchoprovocations in asthma.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 21 Jul 2008
Chronic airways infection is associated with the greatest morbidity and mortality of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The CF airways become infected early in life and once established, the infection is difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa becoming the predominant organism over time.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is successful in improving exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, training effects diminish over time.
Congenital Heart Disease, Volume 3, Number 4, July/August 2008 , pp. 284-287(4)
An infant was referred to us for persistent cough and recurrent wheezing. Chest X-ray showed an abnormal shadow in the right lower lobe. A volumetric contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed an abnormal blood vessel extending from the descending aorta to the right lower lobe and anomalous venous drainage from the right lower lobe into inferior vena cava.
he objective of our study was to investigate the difference of perceptible artifacts between the lungs and the chest wall and mediastinum in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000-compressed low-dose chest CT images and to show that a perceptual image quality metric-the High-Dynamic Range Visual Difference Predictor (HDR-VDP)-can reproduce this regional difference.
A cutoff standard uptake value (SUV) of 2.5 has been commonly adopted for 18F-FDG PET to evaluate pulmonary lesions, but false results can occur. Studies have shown the usefulness of delayed PET for improving accuracy.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 21 Jul 2008
Cystic fibrosis (CF) provides an extreme example of the consequences of failed host defense of the lung. Investigation into the nature of the CF defect has revealed that abnormal ion transport activities lead to dehydration of airway surfaces and defective mucus clearance.
Future Microbiology, Volume 3, Number 4, August 2008 , pp. 397-404(8)
Secondary bacterial pneumonia following influenza is an old problem, which is re-emerging. Despite rapid advances in our armamentarium of antimicrobials, the case-fatality rate for this frequent complication of influenza remains high.
The objective of our study was to evaluate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with a high b factor can be used to differentiate malignancies from benign pulmonary nodules.
The authors present the case of a 31-year-old woman with a massive anterior mediastinal tumor who presented with respiratory failure. A thoracic computed tomographic scan suggested a mediastinal lipomatous mass, and an operation was performed.
Occasionally pulmonary artery banding is necessary to reduce pulmonary arterial blood flow and pressure in patients who cannot be repaired in a single stage. Traditional extraluminal PAB can be associated with significant morbidity.
We describe a new technique for coronary transfer in the repair of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The left coronary artery is elongated with the native pulmonary artery wall to form a spiral-shaped coronary cuff to construct an unstretched new left coronary artery system from the ascending aorta.
Pneumothorax is a common clinical entity that may present to a wide variety of medical specialties. Primary pneumothorax (in the presence of no known underlying lung disease) and secondary pneumothorax (in known lung disease) are distinct entities with varied etiology, treatment, and prognosis.
Recent years have witnessed the refinement and significant growth of several new, minimally invasive approaches for the nonsurgical treatment of primary lung malignancies.
Cross-sectional imaging of the chest with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and at times, ultrasonography exquisitely delineates mediastinal, hilar, and pleural pathologies.
Epidemiological studies have shown increased prevalence of asthma over the last decades and a considerable variation in these rates between different countries, mainly developed.
Patients face increasing insurance restrictions on prescription drugs, including generic-only coverage. There are no generic inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are a mainstay of asthma therapy, and patients pay the full price for these drugs under generic-only policies.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):440-454, September 2008
Hypersensitity pneumonitis, caused by inhalation of various antigens, is characterized by interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration, nonnecrotizing granulomas, cellular bronchiolitis, and fibrosis.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):488-492, September 2008
Diffuse pulmonary ossification is a rare disease characterized by diffuse small bone fragments in the lung tissue. It can be idiopathic or associated with underlying chronic pulmonary or heart diseases.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L348-L355, 2008
Prolonged hyperoxic exposure contributes to neonatal lung injury, and airway hyperreactivity is characterized by enhanced contraction and impaired relaxation of airway smooth muscle.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L370-L377, 2008
Previously, we have reported that endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promoter activity is decreased in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs) in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L326-L335, 2008. First published May 23, 2008
Cytosolic phospholipase A2{alpha} (cPLA2{alpha}) activation is a regulatory step in the control of arachidonic acid (AA) liberation for eicosanoid formation. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid mediator involved in the regulation of many important proinflammatory processes and has been found in the airways of asthmatic subjects.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L363-L369, 2008
Activation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42 has been shown in endothelial cell monolayers to prevent disassembly of interendothelial junctions and the increase in endothelial permeability.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 295: L303-L313, 2008
The pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) inflammatory lung disease is not well understood. CF airway epithelial cells respond to inflammatory stimuli with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines as a result of increased NF-{kappa}B activation.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 21 Jul 2008
Aerosolized drugs are universally used for treatment of cystic fibrosis airway disease. Inhalation can increase topical efficacy and reduce systemic exposure and toxicity of many drugs.
Several surgical, medical, irradiative, and image-guided focal ablative therapies are available for patients with primary non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or pulmonary metastases.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):374-380, September 2008
Venous ultrasound is a major tool in both routine clinical care and clinical research. Since the last review, major attempts have been made to improve its methodological strength, and therefore, its value in assessing diagnostic criteria, risks, and outcomes in venous thromboembolism.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 14(5):462-469, September 2008
To examine recent advances in the understanding of the prevalence, pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease.
As the prevalence of obesity increases in both the developed and the developing world, the respiratory consequences are often underappreciated. This review discusses the presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of the obstructive sleep apnoea, overlap and obesity hypoventilation syndromes.
Admission blood pressure (BP) assessment is a central component of severity assessment for community acquired pneumonia. The aim of this study was to establish which readily available haemodynamic measure on admission is most useful for predicting severity in patients admitted with community acquired pneumonia.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disorder of unknown aetiology that leads to death in the majority of patients within 3-5 years of diagnosis.
The study by Aubin et al1 published in this issue is significant in that it is the first head-to-head comparison of the two smoking cessation pharmacotherapies: varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Frank et al have elegantly demonstrated in animal models of ventilator associated lung injury (VALI) that interleukin 1{beta} (IL1{beta}) may play a role in the development of alveolar barrier dysfunction.
I read with interest the article by Aaron et al.1 In this paper, data from the Optimal Trial2 were reanalysed for the purpose of examining the effect of differences in counting and analysing exacerbation rates on estimated treatment effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In early childhood, the ability to mount protective immune responses in the airways is impaired, with increased risk of allergic sensitisation to inhaled allergens. Antigen presenting cells (APC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) are important modifiers of T cell immunity but little is known about their distribution in bronchial mucosa at this age.
There is limited evidence for the role of air pollution in the development and triggering of wheezing symptoms in young children. A study was undertaken to examine the effect of exposure to air pollution on wheezing symptoms in children under the age of 3 years with genetic susceptibility to asthma.
The differential diagnosis for pulmonary infiltrates in the immunocompromised host includes opportunistic infections, drug toxicity, alveolar haemorrhage and progression of the primary disease.
Interleukin (IL)6 production by antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) is integral to the differentiation of T helper cells into T helper type Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets. However, molecular mechanisms that regulate IL6 production in DCs are yet to be elucidated.
Progressive lung disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The severity and progression of lung disease, which has a poor correlation with CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genotype, is thought to be modulated by secondary genetic factors known as CF modifiers.
This study investigated the clinical value of chest radiographs during the 4-week period after diagnosis of severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in immune competent hospitalised patients.
A 74-year-old man of Jamaican origin residing in the USA for 20 years presented to the hospital with progressively increasing shortness of breath and low-grade fever for 3 weeks. He had been diagnosed with
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 6 months prior to admission and started on chemotherapy with
cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone, with the last dose 12 days before presentation. In the hospital he was found to be hypoxic (82% saturation on room air) and required intubation and mechanical ventilation in the next 24 h.
A 42-year-old Caucasian woman presented with dyspnoea and expectoration of white stringy phlegm with a consistency between goat’s cheese and chewing gum.
In this issue of Thorax Aubin and colleagues1 report a further trial from the Varenicline Phase III Programme (see page 717). The trials supporting registration contrasted bupropion with varenicline in a double placebo design.
We probably all acknowledge that regular spontaneous physical activity plays a large role in maintaining health and physical fitness. In health, the promotion of regular physical activity has been a feature of active living since at least the time of Ancient Greece. In more modern times we have continued this tradition by encouraging our children to play sport and sustaining recreational physical activity through to old age.
According to a widespread consensus reflected in all authoritative guidelines, assessment of severity is the key step in the management of patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Lung transplantation is an important option to treat patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The outcomes of a large UK cohort of CF lung transplantation recipients is reported.
Infection with Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a life threatening complication of cystic fibrosis (CF), often seen as a contraindication for lung transplantation.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) walk less than healthy older people and their self-reported activity predicts exacerbation risk. The relationship between lower limb activity and total daily activity is not known, nor are there any data which relate objectively assessed daily activity to laboratory assessments made before and after rehabilitation.
Epidemiological studies first demonstrated the association between obesity and asthma and they have begun to provide additional evidence to support causality: a dose-effect relationship, consistency across studies (especially among women) and the correct temporal order (ie, obesity before asthma).
There has been some concern that leucotriene receptor antagonists might precipitate the onset of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). A study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the leucotriene receptor antagonist montelukast and the onset of CSS.
The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is recommended for persons aged 65 years or less with chronic medical conditions. We evaluated the risk and mortality from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among persons with and without the underlying medical conditions which are considered PPV23 indications.
Despite recent advances in the perinatal management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), controversies still exist. We report the recommendations of a European panel of expert neonatologists who developed consensus guidelines after critical examination of the most up-to-date evidence in 2007.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;198:553-560
Asthma, a serious health problem worldwide, is becoming more common. Colonization with Helicobacter pylori, a major human indigenous (commensal) microbe, during early life may be relevant to the risk of childhood asthma.
Pharmacotherapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Based on the recognition of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as a fibroproliferative disease with the usual interstitial pneumonia histology, pharmacotherapies should be reconsidered.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200805-670OC
Human rhinovirus infections cause colds and trigger exacerbations of lower airway diseases. Objectives: To define changes in gene expression profiles during in vivo rhinovirus infections.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, August 2008, p. 2831-2835, Vol. 52, No. 8
Tibotec Medicinal Compound 207 (TMC207) is a novel diarylquinoline with a unique mode of action that targets mycobacterial ATP synthase. TMC207 exhibits high in vitro activity against mycobacterial strains either susceptible or resistant to all first-line and many second-line drugs, including fluoroquinolones, and has shown exceptional in vivo activity against several mycobacterial species in different animal models.
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that 17[beta]-estradiol (E2) administration after trauma-hemorrhage reduces lung injury through a mechanism involving estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent activation of the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/protein kinase G (PKG)/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) pathway.
Respiratory Research 2008, 9:56doi:10.1186/1465-9921-9-56
CPAP titration may be completed by automatic apparatus. However, differences in pressure behaviour could interfere with the reliability of pressure recommendations. Our objective was to compare pressure behaviour and effective pressure recommendations between three Automatic CPAP machines.
Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus which results from lack of enervation of the lower sphincter muscles and leads to dilatation of the proximal esophagus.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200712-1822OC
We previously demonstrated pre-B cell colony enhancing factor (PBEF) as a biomarker in sepsis and sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) with genetic variants conferring ALI susceptibility.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200712-1894OC
High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a potent inflammatory mediator elevated in sepsis and rheumatoid arthritis, although its role in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is unknown.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200805-717OC
Moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness and hypertension. It is not known if minimally symptomatic OSA is also associated with impaired vascular function.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200804-606OC
Children with congenital or late-onset central hypoventilation syndrome (CHS) hypoventilate during sleep, although they generally breathe adequately during wakefulness.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200802-321OC
Rationale An association between neurocognitive deficits and pediatric sleep disordered breathing has been suggested; however, weak correlations between disease severity and functional outcomes underscore the lack of knowledge regarding factors modulating cognitive morbidity of sleep disordered breathing.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200712-1895OC
The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in protein expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients during the course of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Using two dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE), the expression of proteins in the BALF from patients on days 1 (n=7), 3 (n=8), and 7 (n=5) of ARDS were compared to findings in normal volunteers (n=9).
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200712-1804OC
The effectiveness and safety of aztreonam lysine for inhalation (AZLI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) on maintenance treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) airway infection was evaluated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2008, doi:10.1164/rccm.200711-1657OC
Human Metapneumovirus is a newly described virus isolated in 2001 from children with acute respiratory infection. It has subsequently been reported globally although there is limited data in lung transplant recipients.
Neurologists should be able to anticipate and recognise the onset of respiratory failure in patients with neuromuscular disorders. Symptoms will differ depending on the speed of onset of the respiratory muscle weakness.
Prior to the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), the rate of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) was 8-fold higher among White Mountain Apache persons of all ages than it was among the general US population.
The purpose of our study was to show the difference of Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000 compression artifacts in the lung between thin- and thick-section CT images.
European Radiology 0938-7994 (Print) 10.1007/s00330-008-1089-4
Quantitative assessment of airway-wall dimensions by computed tomography (CT) has proven to be a marker of airway-wall remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
Prevalence of asthma has increased considerably in recent decades throughout the world especially in developed countries. Airway inflammation is thought to be prime cause for repeated episodes of airway obstruction in asthmatics. Several studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in initiation as well as amplification of inflammation in asthmatic airways.
The modulation of gap junctional communication between tumor cells and between tumor and vascular endothelial cells during tumorigenesis and metastasis is complex. The notion of a role for loss of gap junctional intercellular communication in tumorigenesis and metastasis has been controversial.
Previous studies have shown associations between low mannose-binding lectin (MBL) level or variant MBL2 genotype and sepsis susceptibility. However, MBL deficiency has not been rigorously defined, and associations with sepsis outcomes have not been subjected to multivariable analysis.
Pediatric Pulmonology Published Online: 21 Jul 2008
Aggressive treatment of CF lung disease has markedly increased survival of CF patients and intense research efforts over the last decades have led to new treatment strategies, many of which target the lower airways directly via aerosol.
Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting {beta}2-agonist that is an effective bronchodilator for the maintenance management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction, in situ thrombosis, and vascular remodeling of small pulmonary arteries inducing increased pulmonary arterial resistance. Conventional treatment is based on life style modification and nonspecific treatment (warfarine, diuretics, oxygen).
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory tract infection in adults likely because components in the smoke might alter properties of the epithelial cell surface. In studies with smokers suffering from acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), the most common bacterial pathogens found were mainly Haemophilus influenzae, but also Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Chlorobenzene is a volatile organic compound that is used as a solvent in many industrial settings and has been shown to be related with irritations of the respiratory tract. Exposure to chlorobenzene induces the release of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) by lung epithelial cells, a chemokine involved in inflammatory reactions.
Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly recognized as being a significant pathogen associated with nosocomial outbreaks in both civilian and military treatment facilities. Current analyses of these outbreaks frequently describe patient-to-patient transmission.
Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Volume 21, Number 4, August 2008 , pp. 381-382(2)
Clinical trials have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the functional status and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (Lacasse, 2006) but there is no research examining the efficacy of group dietetic intervention during standard 8-week rehabilitation courses. Current input is usually limited to a 1-h nutrition education session.
The objective of our study was to illustrate the potential for phrenic nerve injury during percutaneous lung ablation, to discuss the importance of this complication, and to review the expected location of the phrenic nerve on chest CT.
Cigarettes with candy, fruit and alcohol flavors have been introduced in recent years as extensions to popular cigarette brands, raising concerns in the public health community that the enticing names, creative packaging, and intense flavorings of these products may be especially appealing to youth.
Compared to men, women may be at greater risk for smoking-related diseases and have greater difficulty quitting smoking. Sex differences in medication response could guide treatment for smoking cessation to improve women's quit rates.
In a general population sample from the Detroit site of the Collaborative Genetic Study of Nicotine Dependence (COGEND), we tested Black-White differences in nicotine dependence, measured by "how soon after wake-up the smokers smoked their first cigarette (time to first cigarette TTFC)", and its relationship with number of cigarettes per day (CPD).
Tobacco withdrawal symptoms have been shown to play a significant role in mediating relapse to smoking in adult smokers; however, few prospective studies have examined the course of tobacco withdrawal symptoms over time and their connection to lapse in adolescent smokers.
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) against alpha-ENaC (alpha-subunit of the epithelial Na channel) and CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) was used to explore ENaC and CTFR function in newborn rat lungs.
CPAP titration may be completed by automatic apparatus. However, differences in pressure behaviour could interfere with the reliability of pressure recommendations.
In computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the lung, accurate visualization of the natural contrast between the low attenuation of air and the relatively higher attenuation of vessels, airways, and interstitial structures requires cooperative and coordinated respiratory maneuvers by the patient.
European Journal of Pediatrics 0340-6199 (Print) 10.1007/s00431-008-0761-7
The aim of this paper is to quantitatively summarize the original articles on the relationship between environmental hazards and respiratory health in young children.
Diaphragmatic rupture due to trauma is both well recognised and uncommon. The difficulties in diagnosing traumatic diaphragmatic rupture at the first admission are the most common causes of latent morbidity and mortality. Herniation of the abdominal viscera is the most common sequel with strangulation and perforation the most serious complication.
What
is RSS?
