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.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 654-660, 2007
Like other intronless G protein coupled receptor genes, the beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) has minimal genetic space for population variability, and has attained such via multiple coding and noncoding polymorphisms. Yet most clinical studies use the two nonsynonymous polymorphisms of the coding region for association analysis despite low levels of linkage disequilibrium with some promoter and 5'UTR polymorphisms.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 669-677, 2007
Fine particles may cause increased pulmonary morbidity and mortality. We demonstrate with a cell culture model of the human epithelial airway wall that dendritic cells extend processes between epithelial cells through the tight junctions to collect particles in the "luminal space" and to transport them through cytoplasmic processes between epithelial cells across the epithelium or to transmigrate through the epithelium to take up particles on the epithelial surface.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. Vol. 36, pp. 678-687, 2007
Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by thickened pulmonary arterial walls due to increased number of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Apoptosis of PASMC may play an important role in regulating the PASMC number and may be useful for reducing pulmonary vascular thickening.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology 2007 32(5):582-595
To determine whether a multi-dimensional cumulative risk index (CRI) is a stronger predictor of asthma morbidity in urban, school-aged children with asthma, than poverty or severity alone.
Canadian Respiratory Journal April 2007, Volume 14, Number 3 : 167-170
Two cases of erlotinib-associated acute pneumonitis are described. The first patient was started on erlotinib treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
To evaluate and compare the cost-effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators by estimating incremental costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1177-1182
To compare the effectiveness and efficiency of an initiation protocol for non-invasive home mechanical ventilation (NIHMV) carried out at a pulmonary outpatient clinic with the standard in-hospital model.
Peak forced expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV1 are spirometry measures used in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases. We tested the premise that within-test variability in PEF is associated with corresponding variability in FEV1 during a single test session.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1140-1146
Exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse health effects, with particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O3) both indicated to be of considerable importance. Diesel engine exhaust (DE) and O3 generate substantial inflammatory effects in the airways. However, as yet it has not been determined whether a subsequent O3 exposure would add to the diesel-induced airway inflammatory effects.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1079-1087
Corticosteroids are effective anti-inflammatory medications that are recommended for the control of persistent asthma. Little, however, is known about their influence on the perception of dyspnea, which, in turn, is important to the successful self-management of asthma.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1229-1235
Our objective was to study the long-term effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) on lung function and gas exchange in patients with the obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS).
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume 40, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 425-432
To evaluate the association between mental health indicators (including meeting criteria for one or more DSM-IV [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition] anxiety or depressive disorders) and susceptibility to smoking or current smoking among youth with asthma and to evaluate the impact of smoking on asthma symptoms and self-management.
Pulmonary sequestration is a pulmonary malformation in which a portion of nonfunctioning bronchopulmonary tissue is separated from the rest of the lung parenchyma.
Academic Radiology Volume 14, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 651-658
To evaluate the performance of a prototype computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tool using artificial intelligence techniques for the detection of pulmonary embolism (PE) and the possible benefit for general radiologists.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1258-1264
Little is known about the role of chemokines and their receptors interaction, which are essential for recruitment of selective lymphocyte subsets during inflammation, in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1132-1139
B2-Adrenoceptors are widely distributed and occur on airway epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to find out whether the two long-acting B2-agonists formoterol and salmeterol influence interleukin-6 (IL-6) and -8 (IL-8) release from airway epithelial cells in vitro.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1338-1343
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by chronic inflammation in pulmonary tissue and is also associated with systemic effects.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1321-1330
The transcription factor T-box-expressed-in-T-cells (T-bet) is required for TH1 lymphocyte differentiation, regulates the IL-12-induced expression of the TH1-specific cytokine IFNy and may be dysregulated in asthmatics.
The American Thoracic Society-European Respiratory Society classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), published in 2002, defines the morphologic patterns on which clinical-radiologic-pathologic diagnosis of IIPs is based.
Rapid prediction of the effect of volume expansion is crucial in unstable patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Both radial artery pulse pressure variation ({Delta}PP) and change of aortic blood flow peak velocity are accurate predictors but may be impractical point-of-care tools.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1277-1282
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by the repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to significant hypoxia. Noninvasive evaluation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) and myocardial vulnerability may help determination of OSAS patients who are under high risk of malignant cardiac arrhythmias.
Rhinitis and asthma represent the manifestation of one syndrome. Our hypothesis is that in patients with symptoms of persistent rhinitis, lower airway inflammation, lower respiratory symptoms, and lung function abnormalities compatible with asthma are more frequently associated with the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) than with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).
The most common pathologic form of pulmonary fibrosis usually occurs from excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen. The 47-kDa heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), for instance, is a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that has been shown to play a major role during the processing and/or secretion of procollagen.
Evidence suggests that eosinophilic airway inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. The present authors tested the hypothesis that a management strategy that aims to reduce sputum eosinophil counts is associated with a reduction in exacerbations of COPD.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Volume 8, Number 6, April 2007, pp. 777-785(9)
Bronchodilators (anticholinergic drugs and B2-agonist drugs) represent the mainstay of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment and can be combined with inhaled corticosteroids for greater efficacy.
Eosinophilic lung diseases are a diverse group of pulmonary disorders associated with peripheral or tissue eosinophilia. They are classified as eosinophilic lung diseases of unknown cause (simple pulmonary eosinophilia [SPE], acute eosinophilic pneumonia [AEP], chronic eosinophilic pneumonia [CEP], idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome [IHS]), eosinophilic lung diseases of known cause (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis [ABPA], bronchocentric granulomatosis [BG], parasitic infections, drug reactions), and eosinophilic vasculitis (allergic angiitis, granulomatosis [Churg-Strauss syndrome]).
Pulmonary blastomycosis is an uncommon pathologic condition that is endemic to Canada and the upper Midwest of the United States. Blastomycosis has a variety of radiologic manifestations, including airspace consolidation, focal masses, intermediate-sized nodules, interstitial disease, miliary disease, and cavitary lesions.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1039-L1049, 2007
Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a newly discovered acute phase protein produced at the sites of infection and inflammation by tissue cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells. PTX3 plays an important role in preventing infection of certain fungi, bacteria, and viruses in the lung. Recombinant PTX3 has been proposed as a potential antifungal molecule for therapy.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1147-L1154, 2007
Little is known concerning the possible contribution of T helper 2 (Th2)-type cytokines to the recruitment of neutrophils into the lung tissue. In the present study, endothelial cells from equine pulmonary arteries were cultured in the presence of recombinant equine (re) IL-4 and reIL-5, and the cytokine mRNA expression of molecules implicated in the chemotaxis and migration of neutrophils was studied using real-time RT-PCR.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1163-L1172, 2007
Caveolae are abundant plasma membrane invaginations in airway smooth muscle that may function as preorganized signalosomes by sequestering and regulating proteins that control cell proliferation, including receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their signaling effectors. We previously demonstrated, however, that p42/p44 MAP kinase, a critical effector for cell proliferation, does not colocalize with RTKs in caveolae of quiescent airway myocytes.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1182-L1192, 2007
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by proliferation of pulmonary vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells causing increased vascular resistance and right heart failure.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1211-L1218, 2007
Increased lung cell apoptosis and necrosis occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mitochondria are crucially involved in the regulation of these cell death processes. Cigarette smoke is the main risk factor for development of COPD.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1092-1098
The pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) involves the release of mediators from several airway cells in response to exercise challenge, but the mechanism leading to airflow obstruction during EIB is incompletely understood.
Surgical resection is the standard of care for patients with resectable non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) or limited pulmonary metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may offer an alternative option for high-risk patients who are not surgical candidates. We report our initial experience with SRS in the treatment of lung neoplasm.
n the traditional method of segmentectomy, the plane between segments where removal is to occur is demarcated by inflating the normal lung, while keeping the segment to be removed airless. Our method, the opposite of convention, involves inflating only the involved segment by instilling oxygen through a butterfly needle into the bronchus subtending the segment. This saves time and therefore benefits the patient.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1074-1078
Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is increasingly used as a therapeutic option to patients with symptomatic chronic hypoventilation. There is, however, a paucity of solid data on factors that could affect prognosis in patients on home ventilation. In the present study, our aim was to study several factors in these patients with potential influence on survival.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1171-1176
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major health problem associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Immediate recognition of submassive and massive cases is extremely important in order to commencement of early and appropriate therapy that could be life saving.
Journal of Pediatric Psychology 2007 32(5):542-551
To assess emotional triggering of pediatric asthma and ascertain its contribution to disease morbidity and functional status; to test whether negative family emotional climate (NFEQ) is associated with depressive and/or anxious symptoms and emotional triggering of asthma attacks in the child.
Southern Medical Journal. 100(5):519-521, May 2007
We report the case of a 64-year-old man who developed a rapid, right-sided pleural effusion. On initial presentation to the emergency room, the patient had fever and flank pain consistent with a ureteral obstruction (due to a bladder tumor) and associated hydronephrosis that had required previous placement of a pericutaneous nephrostomy tube.
Academic Radiology Volume 14, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 579-593
The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate a robust algorithm that automatically detects small solid pulmonary nodules in whole lung helical CT scans from a lung cancer screening study.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM) is a rare, diffuse progressive interstitial lung disease that affects females of childbearing age and is characterized by diffuse proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle fibers predominantly developing in the lung and leading to cystic destruction.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1065-1071
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex, heterogeneous collection of conditions characterized by irreversible expiratory airflow limitation. The disease involves a multifaceted progressive inflammatory process leading to the development of mucus hypersecretion, tissue destruction, and disruption to the normal repair and defense mechanisms.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 28, Number 2, March-April 2007, pp. 199-203(5)
The aim of this study was to evaluate respiratory function tests, total eosinophil counts, serum immune globulin E (IgE), and serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM) 1, and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) levels in the children with mild and/or moderate asthma before and 3 months after inhaled steroids and to determine whether adhesion molecule levels showed any difference between asthmatic and healthy children and whether these levels changed with disease activity.
Southern Medical Journal. 100(5):468-471, May 2007
Though asthma and bronchiectasis are two different diseases, their coexistence has been shown in many patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of asthmatics with bronchiectasis compared with pure asthmatics.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 1061-1065, (2007)
Bronchial epithelium exposed to cigarette smoke undergoes a series of histologic changes that may ultimately lead to invasive cancer. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce the number of lung tumors developing in rats exposed to cigarette smoke.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1350-1354
This survey describes the experiences of patients diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on the issues of patient education and resources. A survey of 52 defined-choice and open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis and management of pulmonary fibrosis was delivered.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1305-1312
To investigate whether there is a significant relationship between an increased frequency of exacerbations and the rate of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline in COPD patients.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1244-1250
School children (5-17 years) function as vectors in influenza epidemics. The objective of this study was to quantify the burden of influenza-like illness (ILI) on US healthy households with school-aged children.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1331-1337
Collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a simple and noninvasive method to obtain information on the respiratory system. Different mediators can be determined in EBC. However, determinants of variability are not well described.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1218-1228
We conducted a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluating the effects of halving inhaled steroid dosage plus salmeterol, or salmeterol and tiotropium.
Canadian Respiratory Journal April 2007, Volume 14, Number 3 : 159-163
Standard practice in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management requires that a positive diagnostic, overnight polysomnography (PSG) test be obtained before initiating treatment. However, long waiting times due to lack of access to PSG testing facilities may delay the initiation of definitive treatment for OSA.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1263-L1272, 2007
The human airway trypsin-like protease (HAT) is a respiratory epithelium-associated, type II transmembrane serine protease, which is also detected as an extracellular enzyme in lung fluids during airway inflammatory disorders.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1289-L1296, 2007
Airways function as an innate immune organ against airborne bacteria that are inhaled and deposited in airways. One of the mechanisms of host defense is to recruit neutrophils into airways to clear the invaders. Airway epithelial cells produce neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin (IL)-8 in response to invading bacteria.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1297-L1303, 2007
Cigarette smoking, a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, can cause airway inflammation, airway narrowing, and loss of elasticity, leading to chronic airflow limitation. In this report, we sought to define the signaling pathways activated by smoke and to identify molecules responsible for cigarette smoke-induced inflammation.
Our 2005 and 2006 Northeast Center for Special Care respiratory conferences were a resounding success and highly rated by attendees. The 2007 conference will be packed with sessions that can benefit you. Whether you are a respiratory therapist, case manager, social worker, nurse, physician or clinician - there is important information that you can use. Join us in historic Kingston, New York on August 9, 2007.
Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 292: L1248-L1256, 2007
Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture of more than 4,000 constituents. Its effects on cell biology are poorly understood, partly because whole smoke exposure in vitro is technically challenging. To investigate the effects of smoke on cell signaling and function, a three-dimensional air-liquid interface model of tracheobronchial epithelium, grown from primary human lung epithelial cells, was exposed to air or whole mainstream cigarette smoke for 1 h in a purpose-designed chamber.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 978-985, (2007)
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and emphysema are significant global health problems at the extreme stages of life. Both are characterized by arrested alveolar development or loss of alveoli, respectively. Both lack effective treatment strategies. Knowledge about the genetic control of branching morphogenesis in mammals derives from investigations of the respiratory system in Drosophila, but mechanisms that regulate alveolar development remain poorly understood.
Southern Medical Journal. 100(5):517-518, May 2007
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, such as infliximab, are highly effective in the management of rheumatoid arthritis; however, these agents are associated with an increased risk of infectious complications.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 1078-1085, (2007)
The relation between birth weight and respiratory symptoms and asthma in children remains unclear. Previous studies focused on a relation at separate ages. A longitudinal analysis may lead to a better understanding.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1088-1096
To assess the therapeutic effects of oral zileuton tablets combined with low-dose beclomethasone compared to doubling the dose of beclomethasone, in improving lung function and reducing asthma symptoms.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1097-1105
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be diagnosed when the FEV1/FVC ratio is below 70%, according to global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD). COPD is known as a disease which is frequently under-diagnosed. However, there is a risk of over diagnosis when this diagnostic threshold is applied among the elderly.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1113-1122
Due to the increasing importance of quality of life assessments in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and the increased use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) for comparative purposes it is essential to understand the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQL) instruments and the ICF.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1163-1170
Bronchiectasis has a number of causes. Their prevalence is not well documented. The aim of this study was to identify aetiology in a population of patients referred to a specialist clinic with symptoms suggestive of bronchiectasis, to determine the proportion of patients in whom knowing the aetiology altered management. In addition we wished to describe in detail those patients who remained idiopathic to facilitate future studies of this group; and establish the diagnosis in those without bronchiectasis.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 991-997, (2007)
Previous studies have raised concern that women with asthma have increased risks of adverse obstetric and pediatric complications, but these have generally been underpowered.
The latest links to journal article abstracts on Respiratory, Pulmonary, COPD, Mechanical Ventilation, Ventilator Weaning, Respiratory Therapy, Asthma, Cardio-Vascular, Sleep Apnea, CPAP, BiPAP, and other related clinical topics.
Updated regularly. Available as an RSS feed or on our web site.
Future Drugs May 2007, Vol. 5, No. 3, Pages 451-461
Hypertension is a high-prevalence disease that may affect several organs. In recent years, data have accumulated indicating that angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may have a supplementary effect beyond lowering blood pressure.
Future Drugs May 2007, Vol. 5, No. 3, Pages 519-529
Pulmonary embolism represents a major public healthcare problem and it also imposes frequent clinical diagnostic issues. Despite the availability of the D-dimer tests, imaging remains the mainstay for its diagnosis.
Heparin has been shown to modify fundamental biologic processes ranging from blood coagulation and cell proliferation to fibrogenesis and asthma. The goal of this study was to identify specific or broad biologic responses of the rat lung to intratracheal instillation of heparin by targeted proteomic analysis.
European Journal of Radiology Volume 62, Issue 2, May 2007, Pages 220-226
To evaluate the safety of withholding anticoagulation in patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism after negative multislice computed tomography (MSCT) pulmonary angiography and lower-limb venography.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1111-1118
Myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) is a multifunctional protein involved in regulation of airway hyperreactivity and other activities relevant to asthma.
Sleep Medicine Reviews Volume 11, Issue 2, April 2007, Pages 99-111
Daytime sleepiness and sleep disordered breathing are increased in older compared to middle-aged adults. The cognitive and cardiovascular sequelae associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have significant implications for the older adult who may already be suffering from chronic illness. Most of the evidence supporting the utilization of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of OSA has been generated from studies employing samples consisting predominately of middle-aged adults.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Identifying chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease as a cause of PH has major clinical implications as these patients could be potentially offered a surgical cure.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 1086-1093, (2007)
We sought to correlate the incidence of CAP due to atypical pathogens in different regions of the world with the proportion of patients treated with an atypical regimen in those same regions. In addition, we sought to compare clinical outcomes of patients with CAP treated with and without atypical coverage.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 2, May 2007, pp. 95-99(5)
Cell therapy is a new research approach being vigorously pursued for the treatment of patients who suffer from many respiratory diseases, ranging from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), emphysema to idiopathic pulmonary hypertension etc. In such studies, stem cells or progenitor cells are administered with the goal to regenerate damaged pulmonary tissues and to improve their functions.
Galectins-1 and -3 regulate epithelial proliferation/apoptosis and neutrophil activation, and are implicated in lung cancer and asthma. The role of galectins in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterised by epithelial changes and neutrophil infiltration, remains unknown.
Autoimmune diseases have been implicated as a cause of intrinsic asthma; however, there is little data on the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of asthma.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 175. pp. 986-990, (2007)
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis applied to exhaled breath condensate ("breathomics"). Information coming from NMR spectra was analyzed with a view to establish the NMR variables that best discriminate between children with asthma and healthy children.
An 86-year-old woman presented with progressive wheezing and dyspnea due to tracheal compression from a brachiocephalic artery aneurysm and severe cervical kyphoscoliosis. Her airway management included surgical and bronchoscopic techniques and highlights several important issues in the use of metallic stents in nonmalignant airway disease.
A 42-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed bilateral lower lobe consolidation and acute respiratory failure during the myelotoxicity phase of his first chemotherapeutic course. Flexible bronchoscopy after intubation revealed extensive invasive pseudo membranous tracheobronchitis.
Gynecologic leiomyosarcoma are uncommon malignancies. Although pulmonary metastases are frequent complications, endobronchial metastases are rare. We report 1 case of gynecologic leiomyosarcoma with endobronchial metastases, along with a review of the topic and bronchoscopic image of this uncommon phenomenon.
Prostaglandin (PG)E2 has been shown to inhibit mediator release from human alveolar macrophages (AMs), but the prostanoid receptor(s) mediating this response have not yet been documented. To investigate this, the present authors conducted a range of pharmacological and expression-based studies in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and AMs.
Bullae are common accompaniments of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease especially emphysema. They contribute to increased lung volume and worsen the mechanical disadvantage of the inspiratory muscles by increasing the residual volume (RV) and RV/total lung capacity ratio.
Airway remodelling is associated with chronic asthma but it remains unclear whether it results from airway inflammation in response to allergens or immune-mediated events such as viral infections.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Volume 43, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 353-358(6)
Because of a high childhood asthma burden in Singapore, assessment of disease control status is essential for formulating school-based strategy of childhood asthma control. The aim of the present study is to assess childhood asthma prevalence and control in Singapore and the socio-demographic and help-seeking correlates.
To assess the relationship among the sexual, hormonal, physical, and psychological status of women with bronchial asthma (BA) compared with that of healthy volunteers.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1099-1104
This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between self-reported symptoms and histories of allergic rhinitis or asthma and a marker of allergic sensitization, allergen-specific IgE.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1156-1163
To assess age-associated and gender-associated differences in children and adolescents in the observational study, The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens.
Degranulating mast cells are increased in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) of asthmatics, where they may influence ASM function. The aim of the present study was to determine whether histamine and tryptase modulate ASM cell granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) release and also to examine which receptors are involved in this release.
It was hypothesised that noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) applied during walking prevents exercise-induced hypoxaemia and improves exercise performance in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients already receiving long-term NPPV.
Pulmonary hypertension is characterised by a progressive increase in pulmonary arterial resistance due to endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation resulting in chronic obstruction of small pulmonary arteries. There is evidence that inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of human and experimental pulmonary hypertension.
Benign endobronchial lesions are an uncommon finding on bronchoscopic examination. We present the case of a man with a pedunculated endobronchial lesion in an area of bronchiectasis that was found to be a benign bronchial polyp on surgical resection.
Basosquamous carcinoma is a rare cutaneous tumor with a propensity for local recurrence and potential for distant metastatic spread. Pathology defining the lesion was disputed until recent literature included immunohistochemistry stains making the diagnosis more reliable.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 554-560(7)
Case series and case-control studies have shown high rates of psychosocial and behavioural risk factors amongst patients admitted to hospital with severe asthma. General population studies have shown associations between psychosocial factors and prevalent asthma but few have investigated incident asthma outcomes.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 4, April 2007, Pages 881-891
The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma document was first published in 2001. Since then, new data on specific immunotherapy have appeared. This review is intended as an update to the original document. MedLine (2001 to June 2006) was searched with appropriate key words, and panelists were asked to identify further relevant articles.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 28, Number 2, March-April 2007, pp. 204-209(6)
This study evaluated the superiority of combination therapy over steroid therapy alone by using clinical and laboratory data including interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon (IFN) y, which participate in the characteristic inflammation and have not been studied to evaluate the efficiency of asthma treatment sufficiently.
Canadian Respiratory Journal April 2007, Volume 14, Number 3 : 145-152
There is increasing interest in health care resource use (HRU) in Canada, particularly in resources associated with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1344-1349
Most of the complications associated to bronchoscopy are related to changes of the respiratory function during or after its performance. Prevention of complications should be achieved by understanding the effects of bronchoscopic procedures and their relation to the pulmonary function deterioration.
Respiratory Medicine Volume 101, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 1355-1362
Flow response after administration of a bronchodilator is widely used as an indicator of reversibility of airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We hypothesized that the association between flow and volume responses would reverse along with the progression of the disease.
Canadian Respiratory Journal April 2007, Volume 14, Number 3 : 153-158
The effectiveness of high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) in mucolysis and mucous clearance is thought to be dependant on oscillatory flow rate (Fosc). Therefore, increasing Fosc during HFCWO may have a clinical benefit.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 488-494(7)
Standardized experimental allergen challenges are usually adopted to investigate the effect of allergen exposure on the lower airways. Environmental (natural) allergen challenges are used less often, mainly because of difficulties in standardizing the method, safety reasons and costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between an experimental and an environmental bronchial challenge. For this reason a natural challenge model was developed.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 2, May 2007, pp. 147-158(12)
a1-antitrypsin, an acute phase protein, is the prototypic member of the serpin super family and a major inhibitor of serine proteases. As an acute phase protein, a1-antitrypsin is thought to play an important role in limiting host tissue injury at sites of inflammation.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2007, Pages 268-272
To estimate the prevalence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) among 250 personnel serving in a Hajj medical mission, Al-Hada and Taif Armed Forces Hospitals, during the 2005 season and to determine the effectiveness of protective measures, including influenza vaccination, for these infections.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2007, Pages 273-277
Population-based studies on childhood community-acquired pneumonia are scarce in Latin America. Pneumococcal epidemiology is poorly defined, hence the World Health Organization recommended standardized chest radiograph interpretation to improve the approach to bacterial pneumonia. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate the burden of pneumonia in hospitalized children.
We tested whether NICU teams trained in benchmarking and quality improvement would change practices and improve rates of survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia in inborn neonates with birth weights of <1250 g.
European Journal of Paediatric Neurology Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2007, Pages 153-159
Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants who had prolonged oxygen dependence due to chronic respiratory problems, typically neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD), are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. To assess the effect of CLD on neonatal auditory function we studied brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) in VLBW infants who suffered CLD but no other major perinatal complications or problems.
The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2007. Volume 12 Number 2
Patients with sleep apnea are susceptible to postoperative airway compromise and respiratory dysfunction, necessitating the restriction of opioids and sedatives during their perioperative care. Dexmedetomidine is a short-acting, potent, selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist with unique analgesic, sedative, and anesthesia-sparing properties; that is void of significant cardio-respiratory depressant activity at recommended clinical doses.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 788-793(6)
Several studies have provided evidence of a strong association between asthma and rhinitis, with consequences in terms of therapy and disease management. Objectives.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 495-503(9)
The mechanisms of late asthmatic reactions provoked in atopic asthmatics by allergen-derived T-cell peptide epitopes remain unclear. Previous studies showed no changes in airway eosinophils or mast cell products after peptide challenge.
Allergy, Volume 62, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 457-470(14)
Viral infections of the respiratory tract are the most common precipitants of acute asthma exacerbations. Exacerbations are only poorly responsive to current asthma therapies and new approaches to therapy are needed.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 20 (3): 289-298 (2007)
Women with severe or uncontrolled asthma are at higher risk for pregnancy complications and adverse fetal outcomes than women with well-controlled asthma. Recent evidence-based guidelines have concluded that it is safer for pregnant women with asthma to be treated pharmacologically than to continue to have asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
Current Opinion in Critical Care. 13(3):338-343, June 2007
Bedside assessment of lung recruitment is critical for setting mechanical ventilation during acute respiratory distress syndrome. We review recent findings on this topic and attempt to provide a clinical approach to estimating lung recruitment.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1079-1085
The prevalence of asthma and atopic disease has increased in recent decades, but precise reasons for this increase are unknown. BCG vaccination is thought to be among a group of vaccines capable of manipulating the immune system toward TH1 dominance and therefore reducing the likelihood of atopic disease.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2007, Pages 232-238
The true prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections involving the respiratory tracts of HIV-infected individuals is still unclear. This study examined the prevalence of M. pneumoniae in 100 HIV-infected individuals at an AIDS care center in Chennai, India, using conventional laboratory techniques and interpretation criteria.
Headscarf pin aspiration is a common and unique form of foreign body aspiration among young Moslem women. Rigid bronchoscopy (RB) is considered the standard procedure for retrieval. There are little data on the role of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in the retrieval of aspirated headscarf pins.
Few studies have addressed associations between traffic-related air pollution and respiratory disease in young children. The present authors assessed the development of asthmatic/allergic symptoms and respiratory infections during the first 4 yrs of life in a birth cohort study (n = 4,000).
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Volume 43, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 237-242(6)
We present a baby with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, an inherited disorder causing progressive weakness, leading to complete paralysis of respiratory, facial and limb muscles. Without intervention, death occurs in infancy due to respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilatory support can prolong life, but the child's quality of life is highly debatable.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research. 30(2):171-174, June 2007
The purpose of this study was to describe mechanical ventilation weaning outcomes for children with chronic respiratory failure discharged from one of six post-acute rehabilitation facilities. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected from the medical record.
Antidepressants are heavily prescribed drugs and have been shown to affect inflammatory signals. We examined whether these have anti-inflammatory properties in animal models of septic shock and allergic asthma. We also analysed whether antidepressants act directly on peripheral cell types that participate in the inflammatory response in these diseases.
Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) infrequently affects the lungs and usually causes damage to the parenchyma, while bronchial involvement appears to be very rare. The present authors report the case of a 64-yr-old female with LCDD characterised by asymptomatic airway involvement.
Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 26(5):432-440, May 2007
Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Appropriate management depends on accurate assessment of disease severity, and for the majority of children in developing countries the assessment is based on clinical signs alone. This article reviews recent evidence on clinical assessment and severity classification of pneumonia and reported results on the effectiveness of currently recommended treatments.
The purpose of this study was to compare teachers’ ratings of academic performance over 24 months between children with new-onset seizures (N = 121) and those with new-onset asthma (N = 54) aged 4 to 14. At each data collection point (baseline, 12 months, 24 months), children with seizures were placed into two groups according to their recurrent seizure status (yes/no) during that period. Longitudinal linear mixed models were used to explore differences between the asthma group and the two seizure groups and to determine if differences in teachers’ ratings of performance in children with seizures were associated with age, gender, or use of medication.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterized by airflow obstruction which ultimately kills many patients. It is common in both men and women and there is a 24-30% 5-year survival rate in the UK for those with severe disease. The annual death rate in the UK from COPD approaches that from lung cancer. Patients' symptoms can be improved by drug therapy, but stopping smoking is also an effective way of improving the outcome in patients at all stages of COPD.
Weaning covers the entire process of liberating the patient from mechanical support and from the endotracheal tube. Many controversial questions remain concerning the best methods for conducting this process.
The aim of the present article is to review the available clinical data on bronchiolitis obliterans following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Prognostic scores for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) have been mainly derived in a hospital setting. The current authors have developed and validated a prediction rule for the prognosis of acute LRTI in elderly primary-care patients.
Little is known about children undergoing critical care for malaria. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the outcome in African children requiring endotracheal intubation for life-threatening malaria.
Alveolar fluid clearance is impaired in the majority of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Experimental studies have shown that a reduction of tidal volume increases alveolar fluid clearance. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of the response to a recruitment maneuver (RM) on net alveolar fluid clearance.
There is no approved pharmacological treatment for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are not suitable for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA).
Coughing is increased during bronchoscopy and may last for several hours after the procedure. Also prior to the procedure patients show high levels of anxiety due to fear of the pain and breathing difficulties that they might experience during the procedure.
The aim of the present study was to analyse the role of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension (DC-HT) and sleep apnoea.
Haemoglobin (Hb) abnormalities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not well characterised. The present authors investigated the prevalence and association of abnormal Hb with clinical outcomes.
The optimal approach to initiate positive-pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is still debated. Current options are autotitrating positive airway pressure (APAP) or manual titration with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Procedures differ by parameters and by algorithms used for adapting pressure.
Variant hemoglobins can have altered oxygen affinity and can produce changes in oximeter readings. We present a case of hemoglobin Bassett, a possible cause of low pulse oximeter and co-oximeter readings in a 63-year-old woman.
Evidence indicates that foreign-born Latinos have a health advantage compared with US-born persons of the same socioeconomic status. An explanation for this paradox has remained elusive.
Academic Radiology Volume 14, Issue 4, April 2007, Pages 420-425
Although elevation of the diaphragm can be appreciated on conventional PA and lateral chest radiography, the modality is commonly viewed as inadequate to differentiate diaphragmatic paralysis from eventration. Our objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively measure the utility of chest radiography in determining the presence or absence of diaphragmatic paralysis in patients with an elevated diaphragm.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) may be associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). In the context that little attention has been given to long-term follow-up of such individuals, we report a patient with PH associated with HHT with special attention to clinical features and long-term response to therapy.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 4, April 2007, Pages 817-825
For children younger than 12 years old with asthma, there are several quality-of-life instruments, clinical diaries, and questionnaires assessing symptoms; however, a validated tool for assessing asthma control is currently lacking.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 5, May 2007, pp. 794-802(9)
National and international healthcare policy increasingly seeks technological solutions to the challenge of providing care for people with long-term conditions. Novel technologies, however, have the potential to change the dynamics of disease monitoring and self-management.
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography Volume 20, Issue 4, April 2007, Pages 366-372
We sought to evaluate aortic function and its relationship with left ventricular (LV) function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), with or without systemic hypertension.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 2, May 2007, pp. 141-146(6)
The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of critically ill patients has been the subject of controversy for decades. Information from recent clinical trials has helped to more clearly define their use in the acute setting.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 2, May 2007, pp. 129-134(6)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a feature of a spectrum of diseases that includes elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, induces right ventricular insufficiency and heart failure, and threatens the life.
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 3, Number 2, May 2007, pp. 107-115(9)
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cognitive dysfunction - mainly of secondary memory, executive, and constructional abilities - is a marker of disease severity with important clinical and prognostic implications. It correlates with poor compliance with pharmacological therapy, and poor compliance, in turn, increases the cost/effectiveness ratio of home care programs.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Volume 119, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1140-1147
In recent years, studies have shown a protective effect of being raised in a farm environment on the development of hay fever and atopic sensitization. Inconsistent data on the relation of farming to asthma and wheeze have raised some doubt about a true protective effect.
Clinical Immunology Volume 123, Issue 2, May 2007, Pages 166-175
Influenza infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to establish vaccines and immunization protocols that can prevent influenza infections.
Sleep Medicine Volume 8, Issue 3, April 2007, Pages 266-270
Sleep-related problems and detection of them remain largely an unidentified public health issue, especially among university students. This study aims to assess the validity of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among Nigerian university students.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 552-557(6)
Near-fatal asthma (NFA) is characterized by severe asthma attacks usually requiring intensive care unit admission. This phenotype of asthma has been studied mainly in acute conditions.
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 4, April 2007, pp. 558-563(6)
Allergic diseases have increased in industrialized countries and this increase is associated not only with genetic factors but also with lifestyle and environmental factors such as air pollution. Our hypothesis was that asthma in pollen-allergic patients from two towns with very different pollution levels in La Mancha (Spain) could be affected to a very different degree.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine. 32(4):330-332, April 2007
A 19-year-old man who was brought to the emergency department after a gunshot injury was referred to the radiology department to obtain computed tomography (CT). His CT findings revealed the appearance of a bullet in the truncus arteriosus, and he was urgently sent for operation.
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, Volume 27, Number 3, May 2007, pp. 180-184(5)
In critically ill patients, a decrease in whole body oxygen consumption under hyperoxia has been reported and this could be related to hyperoxia-induced arterial changes. We investigated changes in brachial artery circulation and tone during short-term hyperoxic ventilation in septic patients.
American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 31(5):752-759, May 2007
Aspiration of particulate matter is a well-recognized complication in debilitated patients at autopsy but is not widely recognized in surgical pathology material. We have encountered a surprising number of cases on biopsy or resection specimens, and most were unsuspected clinically and pathologically.
The American Journal of Medicine Volume 120, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 403-407
Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic granulomatous disease that may affect any organ. The varied manifestations of the disease may prompt patients with sarcoidosis to seek care from primary care physicians and subspecialists. This article outlines the approach to the evaluation and treatment of sarcoidosis by primary care physicians.
The American Journal of Medicine Volume 120, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 435-441
Patients using albuterol and ipratropium for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can use either nebulizers or metered dose inhalers. This study compared the 2 methods of delivering medication and the concomitant use of both nebulizer and inhaler, with respect to health-related quality of life, patient symptoms, and efficacy.
The present study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status, using measures of occupational class and education level, and the prevalence and incidence of asthma (with and without atopy) and chronic bronchitis using data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS).
With growing number of women in the Islamic world wearing the veil, there have been frequent encounters of aspiration of the special needles used to fix the scarves over the head. In this manuscript, the author presents his experience in managing such patients using flexible bronchoscopy (FB).
Subjects with occupational asthma (OA) are often left with permanent sequelae after removal from exposure, and assessing their impairment/disability should utilise various tools.
What
is RSS?
