Daily functioning of dyspnea self-esteem and physical self in patients with moderate COPD before during and after a first inpatient rehabilitation program
Disability & Rehabilitation, Volume 29, Issue 22 2007 , pages 1671 - 1678
Inpatient rehabilitation improves dyspnea and increases self-esteem between admission and discharge in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some researchers nevertheless argue that the changes may be due to nursing effects and thus that scores will decrease quickly at home after discharge. This study assessed the change in dyspnea, self-esteem and physical self mean scores and stability in patients with moderate COPD during three consecutive four-week periods: at home, during an inpatient rehabilitation program, and again at home post-discharge.
10/05/2007
02:49 PM
Comparison of Indian reference equations for spirometry interpretation
Respirology Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 763-768, September 2007
It would be desirable in a large country such as India that a single set of reference equations be used to interpret lung function tests performed across the entire country. This study compared north, west and south reference equations in interpreting spirometry results in north Indian patients.
10/05/2007
02:48 PM
Influence of Gender and Age on Upper Airway Length During Development
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. e1028-e1034
Obstructive sleep apnea has a strong male predominance in adults but not in children. The collapsible portion of the upper airway is longer in adult men than in women (a property that may increase vulnerability to collapse during sleep). We sought to test the hypothesis that in prepubertal children, pharyngeal airway length is equal between genders, but after puberty boys have a longer upper airway than girls, thus potentially contributing to this change in apnea propensity.
10/05/2007
02:47 PM
Propylthiouracil-Associated Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion A Case Report
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000098870)
We describe an unusual case of a patient with eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) associated with long-term propylthiouracil (PTU) administration. A 43-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital after complaining of chest pain.
10/05/2007
02:46 PM
Dry Powder Inhalers Which Factors Determine the Frequency of Handling Errors
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000109374)
Dry powder inhalers are often used ineffectively, resulting in a poor level of disease control.
10/05/2007
02:45 PM
Infections in Child Day Care Centers and Later Development of Asthma Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161:972-977
To evaluate the effect of successful prevention of common infections in child day care centers on the later development of allergic diseases.
10/05/2007
02:44 PM
Recruitment manoeuvres for adults receiving mechanical ventilation with acute lung injury
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
The primary objective is to determine the effects of recruitment manoeuvre for adults with acute lung injury receiving mechanical ventilation on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of hospitalization.
10/05/2007
02:43 PM
Lung Transplantation for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Ann Thorac Surg 2007;84:1121-1128
Outcomes of lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are thought to be worse than those for other indications, although the reasons are unknown. In addition, the choice of single versus double lung transplantation is unclear. To guide decision-making, we (1) compared survival of patients receiving transplantation for IPF with survival of patients receiving transplantation for non-IPF diagnoses, (2) identified risk factors for mortality after transplantation for IPF, and (3) ascertained whether double lung transplantation for IPF confers a survival advantage.
10/05/2007
02:41 PM
Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in neonates
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
Persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonates (PPHN) is associated with high mortality. Currently, the therapeutic mainstay for PPHN is assisted ventilation and administration of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). However, nitric oxide is costly and may not be appropriate in resource-poor settings. Approximately 30% of patients fail to respond to iNO. High concentrations of phosphodiesterases in the pulmonary vasculature has led to the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as sildenafil or milrinone.
10/04/2007
03:13 PM
Ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema after drainage of a spontaneous pneumothorax: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports 2007, 1:107 1752-1947
We report a case of ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema occurring after the insertion of a chest tube in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. The patient received supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather face mask to compensate for hypoxemia. 24 hours after the acute event, the patient recovered completely without residual hypoxemia. Reexpansion pulmonary edema after the insertion of a thoracic drainage for pneumothorax or pleural effusion is a rare complication with a high mortality rate up to 20%. It should be considered in case of hypoxemia following the insertion of a chest tube. The exact pathophysiology leading to this complication is not known. Risk factors for reexpansion pulmonary edema should be evaluated and considered prior to the insertion of chest tubes. Treatment is supportive.
10/04/2007
03:11 PM
Pneumonia Caused By Sewage Aspiration
The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2007. Volume 14 Number 1
Aspiration is defined as entry of a foreign substance, solid or liquid, into the respiratory tract or inhalation of fumes and vapors. Aspiration pneumonia is caused by a direct chemical insult due to the aspirated material or by a primary or secondary bacterial infection. A three-year-old, 15 kg male patient fell into sewage accidentally and was brought to our hospital. His body was all covered with sewage. Sewage was aspirated and tracheal intubation was performed. 250 ml of fluid was aspirated at nasogastric and intubation tube. Respiratory and cardiopulmonary support and antibiotics were immediately started. After 15 days, he was sent to service with stable vital signs. This is a report on a pediatric patient ICU therapy for aspiration pneumonia.
10/04/2007
03:10 PM
Lung function and bronchial hyper responsiveness 11 years after hospitalization for bronchiolitis
Acta Paediatrica Volume 96 Issue 10 Page 1464-1469, October 2007
Atopic infants hospitalized for wheezing not caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) carry the highest risk for later asthma. In the present paper, early risk factors for later lung function abnormalities and for bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) were evaluated in 81 children, hospitalized for bronchiolitis in infancy, at the median age of 12.3 years.
10/04/2007
03:07 PM
Allergic Rhinitis and Onset of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 659-666, (2007)
Patients with allergic rhinitis have more frequent bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in cross-sectional studies.
10/04/2007
03:06 PM
Use of Heparinized versus Non Heparinized Syringes for Measurements of the Pleural Fluid pH
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000106844)
Pleural fluid (PF) pH measurement is important for establishing a diagnosis and for guiding clinical management. The current standard practice is to collect PF samples for pH measurement in heparinized syringes at room temperature and to instantaneously process these samples.
10/04/2007
03:05 PM
Functional central nervous system imaging in the investigation of obstructive sleep apnea
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(6):479-483, November 2007
This review summarizes recent neuroimaging research into cerebral alterations observed in obstructive sleep apnea. Studies applying neuroimaging techniques over the past 10 years have made important contributions to our understanding of the neurocognitive changes associated with this disorder.
10/04/2007
03:03 PM
Bronchoalveolar lavage sputum and exhaled clinically relevant inflammatory markers values in healthy adults
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:769-781
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), induced sputum and exhaled breath markers (exhaled nitric oxide and exhaled breath condensate) can each provide biological insights into the pathogenesis of respiratory disorders. Some of their biomarkers are also employed in the clinical management of patients with various respiratory diseases. In the clinical context, however, defining normal values and cut-off points is crucial. The aim of the present review is to investigate to what extent the issue of defining normal values in healthy adults has been pursued for the biomarkers with clinical value.
10/04/2007
03:02 PM
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:782-800
Aspergillus spp. cultured in specimens from the airways of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are frequently considered as a contaminant. However, growing evidence suggests that severe COPD patients are at higher risk of developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), although IPA incidence in this population is poorly documented. Some data report that COPD is the underlying disease in 1% of patients with IPA.
10/04/2007
03:01 PM
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with pulmonary fibrosis awaiting lung transplant
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:715-721
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) may complicate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) but the prevalence of PH in IPF remains undefined. The present authors sought to describe the prevalence of PH in IPF.
10/04/2007
03:00 PM
Sudden infant death syndrome another year of new hope but no cure
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(6):497-504, November 2007
Sudden infant death syndrome has inspired increasingly sophisticated studies at a time when rates are declining because of the Back-to-Sleep campaign, but ethnic disparities are widening. This review evaluates and discusses original, recent research in this area.
10/04/2007
02:59 PM
Clinical analysis of sarcoidosis presenting with heterochronic cardiac involvement
Respirology Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 744-748, September 2007
A variety of markers, such as serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) and CXR have been used to evaluate the disease activity and progression of sarcoidosis. There are patients who have developed cardiac involvement several years after the initial diagnosis despite stable or decreased disease activity. This study clarified the clinical characteristics of those patients.
10/04/2007
02:57 PM
B3 Adrenergic receptor Trp64Arg polymorphism and increased body mass index in sleep apnoea
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:743-747
Obesity is an important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The substitution of tryptophan 64 with arginine (Trp64Arg) polymorphism
(Arg variant) of the ß3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) has been associated with obesity. In this study, the prevalence of the Trp64Arg ADRB3 polymorphism in a large group of patients with OSAS and its association with body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and hypertension were evaluated.
10/04/2007
02:56 PM
Minimally Invasive Single Stage Multilevel Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome
Laryngoscope. 117(10):1859-1863, October 2007
To assess subjective and objective improvement after single-stage multilevel minimally invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).
10/04/2007
02:55 PM
Polymorphisms and functional activity in superoxide dismutase and catalase genes in smokers with COPD
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:684-690
Increased oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study investigated the risk of COPD and the substitution of alanine 16 with valine (Ala16Val) polymorphism of manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and the cytosine to thymidine transition of nucleotide -262 (-262C>T) polymorphism of the catalase gene, and the activity of erythrocyte SOD and catalase.
10/04/2007
02:53 PM
Health Care Associated Pneumonia and Community Acquired Pneumonia a Single Center Experience
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, October 2007, p. 3568-3573, Vol. 51, No. 10
Pneumonia occurring outside of the hospital setting has traditionally been categorized as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, when pneumonia is associated with health care risk factors (prior hospitalization, dialysis, residing in a nursing home, immunocompromised state), it is now more appropriately classified as a health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP).
10/04/2007
02:52 PM
Community Epidemiology of Human Metapneumovirus Human Coronavirus NL63 and Other Respiratory Viruses in Healthy Preschool Aged Children Using Parent Collected Specimens
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. e929-e937
The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of recently described human metapneumovirus and human coronavirus NL63 compared with other respiratory viruses by using sensitive molecular techniques in a cohort of healthy preschool-aged children. We also aimed to assess the use of parent collection to obtain an adequate respiratory specimen from acutely unwell children in the community.
10/04/2007
02:51 PM
Early discharge of patients with pulmonary embolism a two phase observational study
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:708-714
The aim of the present study was to assess whether patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) could be managed as outpatients after early discharge from hospital using low molecular weight heparin instead of remaining as in-patients until effective oral anticoagulation was achieved.
10/04/2007
02:50 PM
Nebulized epinephrine for croup in children
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
To assess in children with croup evaluated in an emergency department or hospital setting, the effectiveness (measured by croup scores, rate of intubation, and health care utilization such as rate of hospitalizations) and safety (frequency and severity of side effects) of nebulized epinephrine versus placebo.
10/04/2007
02:48 PM
Magnesium sulfate for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) occurs in approximately 1.9 per 1000 newborns and may be more frequent in developing countries. There is strong evidence for the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the treatment of PPHN. However, many developing countries do not have access or the technical expertise required for these expensive therapies. Magnesium sulfate is a potent vasodilator and hence has the potential to reduce the high pulmonary arterial pressures associated with PPHN. If magnesium sulfate were found to be effective in the treatment of PPHN, this could be a cost effective and potentially life-saving therapy.
10/04/2007
02:47 PM
Overweight Race and Psychological Distress in Children in the Childhood Asthma Management Program
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. 805-813
The purpose of this work was to determine whether overweight in youth with mild-to-moderate asthma occurs with increased frequency and is accompanied by impaired psychological functioning.
10/04/2007
02:44 PM
Pseudo asthma When Cough Wheezing and Dyspnea Are Not Asthma
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. 855-864
Although asthma is the most common cause of cough, wheeze, and dyspnea in children and adults, asthma is often attributed inappropriately to symptoms from other causes. Cough that is misdiagnosed as asthma can occur with pertussis, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, airway abnormalities such as tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia, chronic purulent or suppurative bronchitis in young children, and habit-cough syndrome.
10/04/2007
02:43 PM
Oxygen therapy for pneumonia in adults
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
To assess the effect and safety of oxygen therapy in the treatment of pneumonia.
10/04/2007
02:42 PM
Monoclonal antibodies for preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
To assess the effectiveness and safety of RSV monoclonal antibodies prophylaxis, compared with placebo or no prophylaxis, in reducing the risk of hospital admission, need for intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and mortality in high-risk infants and young children.
10/04/2007
02:39 PM
Forced expiratory volume in one second: not just a lung function test but a marker of premature death from all causes
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:616-622
The clinical utility of spirometric screening of asymptomatic smokers for early signs of air flow limitation has recently come under review. The current authors propose that reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is more than a measure of airflow limitation, but a marker of premature death with broad utility in assessing baseline risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke, collectively accounting for 70-80% of premature death in smokers.
10/04/2007
02:38 PM
Neurocognitive and behavioral morbidity in children with sleep disorders
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(6):505-509, November 2007
This review examines in detail progress made regarding our understanding of the presence and pathophysiology of cognitive and behavioral morbidities among children with sleep disorders in general. Particular focus is given to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.
10/04/2007
02:37 PM
Endobronchial Ultrasonography Current Status and Future Directions
Journal of Thoracic Oncology. 2(10):970-979, October 2007
Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) has emerged as a new diagnostic tool that allows the bronchoscopist to see beyond the airway. The radial probe EBUS was first introduced to evaluate the airway structure, which has been shown to be useful for identifying the extent of tumor invasion in the central airway.
10/04/2007
02:34 PM
Differentiating COPD From Asthma in Clinical Practice
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 22, No. 5, 300-309 (2007)
It has been recognized that features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma overlap, often rendering a firm diagnosis difficult to achieve for the clinical practitioner. There are hypotheses suggesting that both asthma and COPD may indeed share common origins with differences in phenotypic presentation being related to disease evolution or interaction between endogenous and exogenous factors.
10/04/2007
02:33 PM
Simplified Pharmacoeconomics of Critical Care and Severe Sepsis
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 22, No. 5, 283-293 (2007)
Understanding pharmacoeconomic evaluation can empower clinicians to be stronger decision makers. However, cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) in critical care are sometimes not easy to understand and often not placed in context with other interventions. The purpose of this article is to clarify and simplify the CEA process using examples from critical care and severe sepsis.
10/04/2007
02:29 PM
Effects of Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor on Progression of Acute Lung Injury Following Esophagectomy
World Journal of Surgery Volume 31, Number 10 / October, 2007 1996-2001
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sivelestat sodium hydrate, a selective inhibitor of neutrophil elastase in the systemic inflammatory response, pulmonary function, and the postoperative clinical course following esophagectomy. Patients with hypoxia associated with surgical stress in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after an esophagectomy were eligible for this study.
10/04/2007
02:29 PM
Upregulation of pro inflammatory cytokines in the intercostal muscles of COPD patients
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:701-707
Muscle dysfunction is a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies suggest that cytokines may operate as local regulators of both muscle function and regeneration. The aim of the present study was to characterise the expression of different cytokines in the external intercostal muscle of COPD.
10/04/2007
02:26 PM
Leisure time activity and new onset of wheezing during adolescence
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:672-676
Asthma prevalence is increasing in adult and paediatric patients. In the present study, the association between different leisure time activities and new onset of wheezing was analysed in adolescents aged 16-18 yrs taking part in a questionnaire-based follow-up of the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood in Munich and Dresden, Germany.
10/04/2007
02:25 PM
Association between candidate genes and lung function growth in Chinese asthmatic children
Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Volume 37, Number 10, October 2007 , pp. 1480-1486(7)
Asthma is caused by a complex interaction between multiple candidate genes and environmental factors. The Childhood Asthma Management Program reported lung function decline in a significant proportion of Caucasian asthmatic children, but such a relation has not been studied in other populations. Our group recently reported that interleukin-13 (IL13), interleukin-4 receptor-α and thymus and the activation-regulated chemokine interacted to influence asthma and raised plasma total
IgE. However, there has not been any study that has addressed the genetic influences for longitudinal lung function growth.
10/04/2007
02:24 PM
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation presenting as in flight systemic air embolisation
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:801-804
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAMs) are rarely diagnosed in adulthood. The present case study reports a case of a CCAM presenting as a cerebral air embolus during an international flight.
10/04/2007
02:23 PM
Endothelin 1 level in epithelial lining fluid of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Respirology Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 740-743, September 2007
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, has been implicated in the dysfunction of various organs. To determine the role of ET-1 in acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS, ET-1 levels were measured in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and plasma obtained from patients with ALI/ARDS.
10/04/2007
02:22 PM
Radiological Progression and Mortality among Silica Flour Packers A Longitudinal Study
Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 19, Issue 12 September 2007 , pages 1011 - 1017
There are few longitudinal studies that investigated the radiological progression of silicosis among different occupational groups. Inhalation exposure to very high levels of crystalline silica can lead to acute silicosis. This longitudinal study was designed to determine association between mortality and radiological progression among individuals with rapidly progressive silicosis. Twenty-three subjects with silicosis had previously worked in the same stone-grinding factories, where they had been exposed to high airborne concentrations of silica powder dust. The diagnosis of rapidly progressive form of silicosis was made according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health definition.
10/04/2007
02:20 PM
Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children Outcome Evaluated by Pre and Postoperative Polysomnography
Laryngoscope. 117(10):1844-1854, October 2007
To evaluate the outcome of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children using objective data from polysomnography supplemented by subjective proxy reports from the OSA-18 quality of life instrument.
10/04/2007
02:20 PM
Area under the Maximum Expiratory Flow Volume Curve A Sensitive Parameter in the Evaluation of Airway Patency
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000099615)
The most frequently used parameters for assessing bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation are forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF).
10/04/2007
02:19 PM
Use of tunnelled catheters for malignant pleural effusions in patients fit for pleurodesis
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:759-762
The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of tunnelled pleural catheters (TPC) in patients with malignant pleural effusions who would otherwise be candidates for pleurodesis.
10/04/2007
02:18 PM
Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia PCP in non HIV immunocompromised patients
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 3
To assess the effectiveness of PCP prophylaxis among non-HIV immunocompromised patients. To define the type of immunocompromised patients for whom evidence suggests a benefit for PCP prophylaxis.
10/04/2007
02:17 PM
Childhood Overweight Increases Hospital Admission Rates for Asthma
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. 734-740
Although childhood overweight has been associated with increased hospital lengths of stay for patients with asthma, the possible relationship between overweight and hospital admission for asthma has not been well studied. We hypothesized that overweight children who presented to the emergency department with asthma exacerbations were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than
non-overweight children.
10/04/2007
02:14 PM
An update on obstructive sleep apnea and the metabolic syndrome
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(6):484-489, November 2007
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are often overweight or obese, and they frequently exhibit metabolic aberrations, collectively known as the metabolic syndrome, an established cardiovascular risk factor. We review recent data on the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome or its components, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
10/04/2007
02:12 PM
Thirty count breathlessness score Reliability sensitivity specificity and validity
Respirology Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 724-731, September 2007
The fifteen-count breathlessness score (15CBS) has been reported to quantify breathlessness; however, a ceiling effect limits its ability to discriminate between subjects with varying degrees of breathlessness. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, sensitivity, specificity and validity of the thirty-count breathlessness score (30CBS) in adults with COPD.
10/04/2007
02:11 PM
Effect of genioglossus contraction on pharyngeal lumen and airflow in sleep apnoea patients
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:748-758
The purpose of the present study was to quantify the mechanical effect of genioglossus stimulation on flow mechanics and pharyngeal cross-sectional area in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, and to identify variables that determine the magnitude of the respiratory effect of tongue protrusion.
10/04/2007
02:10 PM
Extraction of Pins from the Airway with Flexible Bronchoscopy
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000102302)
Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a worldwide health problem which often results in life threatening complications. Standard flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is used increasingly in the treatment of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in adults and older children, especially in the removal of aspirated foreign bodies which have entered into the peripheral bronchi.
10/04/2007
02:08 PM
Clinical utility of vascular endothelial growth factor in diagnosing malignant pleural effusions
Acta Oncologica, Volume 46, Issue 7 2007 , pages 1004 - 1011
While the early diagnosis of cancer has been fully respected, it is still however often difficult for clinicians to confirm malignant pleural effusions (PE), which essentially indicate the end-stage cancer. It has now been demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a pivotal angiogenesis factor and associated with tumor growth and metastasis. The aim of this study was then to assess the diagnostic performance of VEGF in malignant PE.
10/04/2007
02:07 PM
Risk Factors Leading to Hospital Admission in Iranian Asthmatic Children
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology 2008;145:244-248
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, leading to an increased rate of hospitalization. We performed this study to better understand the factors leading to admission among asthmatic children.
10/04/2007
02:05 PM
Improving Asthma Related Health Outcomes Among Low Income Multiethnic School aged Children Results of a Demonstration Project That Combined Continuous Quality Improvement and Community Health Worker Strategies
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. e902-e911
The purpose of this work was to improve asthma-related health outcomes in an ethnically and geographically disparate population of economically disadvantaged school-aged children by using a team-based approach using continuous quality improvement and community health workers.
10/04/2007
02:02 PM
Comprehensive cardiovascular ECG gated MDCT as a standard diagnostic tool in patients with acute chest pain
European Journal of Radiology, Volume 64, Issue 1, Pages 41-47
Acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and aortic dissection are diseases associated with acute chest pain and may lead to severe morbidity and mortality. These diseases may not be trivial to diagnose in the settings of emergency room.
10/04/2007
02:00 PM
Transforming growth factor B as a differentiating factor for cultured smooth muscle cells
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:643-652
The aim of the present study was to determine whether the development of supercontractile smooth muscle cells, contributing to the nonspecific hyperreactivity of airways in asthmatic patients, is due to transforming growth factor (TGF)-B.
10/04/2007
02:00 PM
Effects of antioxidant enzyme polymorphisms on ozone induced lung function changes
Eur Respir J 2007; 30:677-683
Chronic exposure to ozone (O3) can cause changes in lung function that may reflect remodelling of small airways. It is likely that antioxidant enzyme function affects susceptibility to O3. The aim of the present study was to determine whether polymorphisms in antioxidant enzyme (GSTM1, GSTP1 and NQO1) genes affect the risk of lung function changes related to chronic exposure to O3.
10/04/2007
01:59 PM
The Use of Household Cleaning Sprays and Adult Asthma
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Vol 176. pp. 735-741, (2007)
To investigate the risk of new-onset asthma in relation to the use of common household cleaners.
10/04/2007
01:56 PM
MDCT of acute thrombotic and nonthrombotic pulmonary emboli
European Journal of Radiology, Volume 64, Issue 1, Pages 54-64
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a common clinical challenge. MDCT pulmonary angiography has become the first line imaging study in the diagnosis of PE because of its speed, accuracy, low-interobserver variability, and ability to provide alternative diagnoses. This review article highlights the role of MDCT in the evaluation of acute thrombotic PE in the era of PIOPED 2. MDCT findings of acute PE and some potential pitfalls are covered as well as some of the controversies in imaging young and pregnant patients.
10/04/2007
01:55 PM
The Impact of Biodiesel on Pollutant Emissions and Public Health
Inhalation Toxicology, Volume 19, Issue 12 September 2007 , pages 1033 - 1039
An overview of recent studies of the impact of biodiesel and biodiesel blends on air pollutant emissions and health effects is provided. Biodiesel blends of 20% produce reductions of 15% or higher (depending upon engine model and test cycle) in emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, total hydrocarbons, and a group of toxic compounds including vapor-phase hydrocarbons from C1 to C12, aldehydes and ketones up to C8, and selected semivolatile and particle-phase PAH and NPAH.
10/04/2007
01:54 PM
Exhaled Nitric Oxide in a Population Sample of Adults
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000104852)
The relationship between exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and the diagnosis of asthma in the general adult population is not completely clear.
10/04/2007
01:51 PM
Family History of Asthma and Atopy In depth Analyses of the Impact on Asthma and Wheeze in 7 to 8 Year Old Children
PEDIATRICS Vol. 120 No. 4 October 2007, pp. 741-748
Development of asthma in children is influenced by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. It is unclear whether paternal or maternal histories of disease confer different risks. Previous population-based studies have not stratified analyses by child gender and sensitization status. Our aim was to study in detail the hereditary component of childhood asthma.
10/04/2007
01:50 PM
Current perspectives on the obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine. 13(6):490-496, November 2007
Identifying and treating obesity hypoventilation syndrome is an important therapeutic goal, especially given the high morbidity and mortality associated with untreated disease. Significant weight loss or effective treatment of upper airway obstruction will reverse daytime hypoventilation, suggesting that these two mechanisms play key roles in the development and progression of this disorder. Only a subset of morbidly obese patients will develop awake hypercapnia, however, even in the presence of sleep disordered breathing. This implies that complex interplay between a number of known and unknown mechanisms is needed to produce daytime respiratory failure in this patient population.
10/04/2007
01:48 PM
Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome
Respiration (DOI: 10.1159/000105102
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity and is usually confined to the pelvis. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of functioning endometrial tissue in the pleura, the lung parenchyma and the airways.
10/04/2007
01:45 PM
Traffic exposure and lung function in adults the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Thorax 2007;62:873-879
Traffic exposure is a major contributor to ambient air pollution for people living close to busy roads. The relationship between traffic exposure and lung function remains inconclusive in adults.
10/04/2007
01:44 PM
Weekly versus basic smoking cessation support in primary care a randomised controlled trial
Thorax 2007;62:898-903
There is insufficient and conflicting evidence about whether more intensive behavioural support is more effective than basic behavioural support for smoking cessation and whether primary care nurses can deliver effective behavioural support.
10/04/2007
01:43 PM
Mechanisms used to restore ventilation after partial upper airway collapse during sleep in humans
Thorax 2007;62:861-867
Most patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can restore airflow after an obstructive respiratory event without arousal at least some of the time. The mechanisms that enable this ventilatory recovery are unclear but probably include increased upper airway dilator muscle activity and/or changes in respiratory timing. The aims of this study were to compare the ability to recover ventilation and the mechanisms of compensation following a sudden reduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in subjects with and without OSA.
10/04/2007
01:42 PM
Alterations in upper airway cross sectional area in response to lower body positive pressure in healthy subjects
Thorax 2007;62:868-872
Fluid accumulation in the neck during recumbency might narrow the upper airway (UA) and thereby contribute to its collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It is hypothesised that acute fluid shifts from the legs to the upper body in healthy subjects would increase neck circumference and reduce the cross-sectional area of the UA (UA-XSA).
10/04/2007
01:39 PM
Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis 4 Smoking induced diffuse interstitial lung diseases
Thorax 2007;62:904-910
Smoking-induced diffuse interstitial lung processes include respiratory
bronchiolitis, respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease
(RBILD), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) and Langerhans’ cell
histiocytosis. The histological, radiological and clinical features of respiratory
bronchiolitis, RBILD and DIP are reviewed, with particular reference to management issues; Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis is covered elsewhere in this series of articles. Possible relationships between smoking and other diffuse lung diseases are explored briefly.
10/04/2007
01:38 PM
Sepsis is increasing in the general population and ITU care may be underutilised
Thorax 2007;62:910
One in five intensive care unit (ITU) admissions is due to severe sepsis and according to several studies the incidence of sepsis in the general population is increasing. However, the limitations of these studies include variations in the definition of sepsis and the possible inaccuracy of discharge diagnosis codes.
10/04/2007
01:37 PM
Pleurodesis with large particle talc poudrage is safe in malignant pleural effusion
Thorax 2007;62:897
Talc has been widely used for over 75 years as a sclerosing agent in patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion. It is probably more effective than other agents, widely available and cheap with minimal side effects. However, recent concerns about patients developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have led to misgivings about its use. Talc, instilled either by slurry or by thoracoscopy, has been shown to produce more than 90% success in the control of recurrent malignant pleural effusion.
10/04/2007
01:36 PM
Ambulatory continuous positive airway pressure without polysomnography in patients with a high probability of obstructive sleep apnoea
Thorax 2007;62:860
This randomised, controlled study compared the use of polysomnography for the diagnosis of OSA with the use of ambulatory continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration as treatment initiation in a group of patients with a high probability of moderate to severe OSA. Sixty-eight patients with a high probability of OSA were randomised to either polysomnography or ambulatory CPAP.
10/04/2007
01:35 PM
Biomass fuels are the probable risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural South China
Thorax 2007;62:889-897
There is increasing evidence for a possible association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating in developing countries. Data on the prevalence of COPD and objective measurements of indoor pollution from biomass fuel have not been widely available from China. A study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of COPD in two study communities in Guangdong province in China and to measure the association between COPD and indoor biomass fuel air pollution.
10/04/2007
01:31 PM
Central hypoventilation with PHOX2B expansion mutation presenting in adulthood
Thorax 2007;62:919-920
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome most commonly presents in neonates with sleep related hypoventilation; late onset cases have occurred up to the age of 10 years. It is associated with mutations in the PHOX2B gene, encoding a transcription factor involved in autonomic nervous system development. The case history is described of an adult who presented with chronic respiratory failure due to PHOX2B mutation-associated central hypoventilation and an impaired response to hypercapnia.
10/04/2007
01:29 PM
Risk factors for accident and emergency attendance for asthma in inner city children
Thorax 2007;62:855-860
Inner city children make heavy use of accident and emergency (A&E) services for asthma. Developing strategies to reduce this requires a better understanding of the risk factors.
10/04/2007
01:29 PM
Improved outcomes from acute severe asthma in Australian intensive care units 1996-2003
Thorax 2007;62:842-847
There is limited information on changes in the epidemiology and outcome of patients with asthma admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the last decade. A database sampling intensive care activity in hospitals throughout Australia offers the opportunity to examine these changes.
10/04/2007
01:26 PM
Comparison of gel contraction mediated by airway smooth muscle cells from patients with and without asthma
Thorax 2007;62:848-854
Exaggerated bronchial constriction is the most significant and life threatening response of patients with asthma to inhaled stimuli. However, few studies have investigated the contractility of airway smooth muscle (ASM) from these patients. The purpose of this study was to establish a method to measure contraction of ASM cells by embedding them into a collagen gel, and to compare the contraction between subjects with and without asthma.
10/04/2007
01:25 PM
Raised protein levels and altered cellular expression of factor VII activating protease FSAP in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS
Thorax 2007;62:880-888
The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterised by inflammation of the lung parenchyma and changes in alveolar haemostasis with extravascular fibrin deposition. Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is a recently described serine protease in plasma and tissues known to be involved in haemostasis, cell proliferation and migration.
10/04/2007
01:23 PM
LPS induces IL 10 production by human alveolar macrophages via MAPKinases and Sp1 dependent mechanisms
Respiratory Research 2007, 8:71 1465-9921
IL-10 is a cytokine mainly produced by macrophages that plays key roles in tolerance to inhaled antigens and in lung homeostasis. Its regulation in alveolar macrophages (HAM), the resident lung phagocytes, remains however unknown.
10/04/2007
01:21 PM
Truncated recombinant human SP D attenuates emphysema and type II cell changes in SP D deficient mice
Respiratory Research 2007, 8:70 1465-9921
Surfactant protein D (SP-D) deficient mice develop emphysema-like pathology associated with focal accumulations of foamy alveolar macrophages, an excess of surfactant phospholipids in the alveolar space and both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of alveolar type II cells. Theses findings are associated with a chronic inflammatory state. Treatment of SP-D deficient mice with a truncated recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) has been shown to decrease the lipidosis and alveolar macrophage accumulation as well as production of proinflammatory chemokines. The aim of this study was to investigate if rfhSP-D treatment reduces the structural abnormalities in parenchymal architecture and type II cells characteristic of SP-D deficiency
10/04/2007
01:20 PM
Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 DMBT1 is present in hyaline membranes and modulates surface tension of surfactant
Respiratory Research 2007, 8:69 1465-9921
Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1) is a secreted scavenger receptor cysteine-rich protein that binds various bacteria and is thought to participate in innate pulmonary host defense. We hypothesized that pulmonary DMBT1 could contribute to respiratory distress syndrome in neonates by modulating surfactant function.
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